Nassau Herald 02-02-2023

Five Towns

Funny man wins an award

With its lease ending, 5TCC ponders what happens next

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Five Towns Community Center employees, volunteers and neighbors gathered for a meeting on Jan. 25 in the center’s gymnasium with one question on their minds: What’s next?

“The purpose of tonight is very clear,” the Rev. Gregory Stanislau, of St. John Baptist Church in Inwood, said. “We are here to find out what is going on with our community center.”

The building and property at 270 Lawrence Ave., in Lawrence, are owned by Nassau County, which has leased the site to the center since 1974. After 50 years, the lease is set to expire in July 2024, and there has been no offer from the county to renew it. A request for proposals sent out by the county Jan. 2 seeks people or entities to provide youth-oriented activities and

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Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s future is up in the air

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

As they learned two weeks ago that Lawrence Woodmere Academy could be closing, and that its summer camp had already been shut down for the year, alumni of the school took to Facebook to share their memories.

“I attended Woodmere Academy for 12 years and also worked for their summer camp for another several years,” Jennifer Weisel-Lillo, a 2003 LWA graduate, posted. “Woodmere Academy was my second home, where I was always treated like family. I will never forget all the tears I

shed at my last drama show, last concert and most of all my high school graduation. I would do anything I can to keep them open.”

She and many other are being asked for their ideas on ways to keep the private school open, after it announced that the current school year could be its last. In a Jan. 20 email to LWA alumni, the board of trustees wrote that the school may not reopen in September.

“A proposed sale and leaseback of the remaining LWA property may no longer be feasible,” the email stated, adding, “Fortunately we have secured funding to complete the current

Academy.

Over the past two decades, the school has had a difficult time sustaining its enrollment, relying on students from beyond the Five Towns — some from as far away as China and South Korea. Before the pandemic, it was planning to establish a sister school, the LWA Asia International School, in Shenzhen,

academic year in good order.”

The school enrolls students from preschool through 12th grade. Its origins date to 1891, when Lawrence Country Day School was founded. The Woodmere Academy opened in 1923, and the schools merged in 1990 to form Lawrence Woodmere

China, a city that borders Hong Kong and is in an area known as China’s Silicon Valley.

In recent years, LWA has sold portions of its 10-acre property in Woodmere. In 2018, the Friedman Group purchased 1.33 acres of the land for $2.5 million, and planned to build a 33-unit residential development, but the

Continued on page 8

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

A STRoNG coNTiNGENT of community members attended a Jan. 25 meeting to discuss the Five Towns Community Center’s lease with Nassau County.

i hope they are able to figure a way to stay open.

DAViD FRiEDMAN Five Towns

Enhancing Holocaust education for the next generation

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a continued effort to promote Holocaust education within schools the National Council of Jewish Women-Peninsula Section hosted a virtual showing of viewing of the documentary ”The Barn.”

The film was produced by Rachel Kastner, Matthew Hiltzik and Phil Berger. It recounts the tale of Holocaust survivor, Karl Schapiro, and his granddaughter, Kastner reunite with the woman who saved his life during the Holocaust.

NCJW-Peninsula Section, reached out to middle schools and high schools, across the country, to offer students and faculty the opportunity to view the documentary through its webinar on Jan. 26.

Seven school districts and more than 2,600 students registered to watch the film. Students from Lawrence High School and Lawrence Middle School, , Lynbrook South and North Middle school and Lynbrook High School, Freeport Middle School, Deer Park High School, the Ella Baker school in Manhattan, and Kettle Moraine High School in Wales, Wisconsin. More than 100 individuals from a dozen different states also registered for the viewing.

Pnina Knopf is the NCJW-Peninsula Section’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program chair and past president of the Lawrence-based organization. She said that because the number of Holocaust survi-

vors continues to dwindle, it will become more difficult to preserve the history of the Holocaust and educational presentations like the showing of ”The Barn” will become even more important.

“If students leave and tell one friend about what they heard, our job will have been done,” Knopf said.

Kastner made an appearance on Zoom from Israel during the showing and spoke to students about her path to becoming a documentary film producer. Kastner, 26, is a North Woodmere native who lives in Tel Aviv and began work on ”The Barn” when

she was 18. The film premiered in 2019 at the International Miami Jewish Film Festival and has been shown in classrooms and to audiences around the world.

“My grandfather spoke to many hundreds of schools over the last few decades,” Kastner said. “I consider this work to be my continuation of his legacy and my own personal commitment to creating a more empathetic and compassionate world. So long as I have the privilege to do so, I will continue creating content to inspire empathy and resilience.”

In an effort to educate young genera-

tions on the Holocaust, Kastner teamed with TikTok influencer Montana Tucker, who has over 8.7 million followers, , to produce 10 micro episodes, one to two minutes in length retracing Tucker’s grandparents’ experience during the Holocaust.

The series, ”How To: Never Forget” was produced by Kastner and Israel Shachter with SoulShop Studios. Through the series, Tucker, 30, shares her experience with her generation — Gen Z —giving them a unique opportunity to learn about the Holocaust. Generation Z people were born in the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s.

“I personally am very passionate about bringing the stories to the younger generations where they are - on social media,” Kastner said. “I’ve been working on several projects to bring Holocaust history and survivor stories to the younger generations on TikTok and Instagram.”

The NCJW and Kastner are seeking to combat the escalation in antisemitism and Holocaust misinformation by educating all generations on what occurred in Nazi Germany and other countries in the 1930s and 1940s, while attacking the amount of Holocaust denial circulating around the world.

“These are the last few years that we will be able to listen to first hand, witness testimony,” Kastner said. I think that there should be an increased effort in the next few years for as many people to meet and hear from Holocaust survivors as possible.”

Courtesy Pnina Knopf

StuDENtS fRom ScHooLS across the country gathered to watch the Holocaust documentary presented by NCJW-Peninsula section.

Comic writer honored for lifetime of laughs

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Hewlett High School alumnus Alan Zweibel has come a long way since writing jokes for $7 apiece for the Catskill comics.

Zweibel, 72, a Five Towns native who also lived in Wantagh, recently was awarded a lifetime achievement award from Stand Up NY, which opened in 1986 and is one of New York City’s premiere comedy clubs. The honor is Zweibel’s fifth such award.

“When I was told about this particular award, it touched my heart,” he said. “I have a great affection for comedy clubs because it was very good for me to showcase my material.”

Zweibel grew up on Long Island, moving to Woodmere at age 15. His family first lived in Brooklyn. He graduated from Hewlett High School in 1968.

He started in small clubs, initially writing jokes for Catskill comics and other clubs before screenwriter Lorne Michaels eventually noticed his work and gave him a job as an original writer on “Saturday Night Live” in 1974. There he formed connections with many comedy writers, including two that would remain Zweibel’s best friends to this day, Billy Crystal and Larry David.

Zweibel’s television credits include “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, “Monk” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” a show created by David. He also wrote for the Tony Award-winning play “700 Sundays,” on which he worked alongside Crystal, and six off-Broadway plays, including “Bunny Bunny–Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy,” which he adapted from his bestselling book.

Zweibel also has written 11 books including “The Other Shulman: A Novel,” a 2006 Thurber Prize for American Humor-winning novel, the popular children’s book, “Our Tree Named Steve,” and a parody of the Hag-

gadah, titled “For This We Left Egypt?” which he cowrote with Dave Barry and Adam Mansbach. His last book was “Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier.” The Haggadah is the book used to guide Passover seders.

He is working on several other projects, including adapting director Barry Sonnenfeld’s memoir, “Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother,” as a feature film for Castle Rock Entertainment, and “Here Today,” a film he cowrote with Crystal.

Zweibel, who now lives in New Jersey, frequently visits Long Island, of which he has always held fond memories.

“What I remember was a simpler time,” Zweibel said. “I had a lot of fun at Hewlett High School. I get together with the three guys who I've known since I was 8 years old, from when I lived in Wantagh before we moved to Woodmere. We're all 72 now, but there's a fondness that we all have for old times. I remember people not taking things too seriously and almost everybody I knew was friendly and had a sense of humor.”

Zweibel has been married to his wife, Robin, for 43 years, and they have three children and five grandchildren.

He worked on “SNL” for the first five years of the show and regards that time as one of his favorites during his professional career.

“I can't discount ‘SNL,’” he said. “I was 24, my first job in television. It was this brand-new show that was going to air and the excitement of helping. Being a part of the creation of it is really up there for me.”

He also singled out working on “700 Sundays” as one of his favorite accomplishments because he collaborated on it with Crystal. “I was honored when (he) asked me to do that with him,” Zweibel said.

Refusing to listen to those who doubted his abilities was an important lesson that Zweibel learned early on, and he has carried that lesson with him throughout his career.

“The naysayers, don't let them into your life, you don't need that kind of energy,” he said. “Listen to people who egg you on. Something that I learned when I became a parent is whatever your passion or your children's passions are, support it. Don't look at what the odds are. If I can make it — for me to have five Emmy Awards —that should be a lesson for everyone.”

Five Towns Orthodox Feminists expresses love of Judaism

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Orly Farenblum said that the Five Towns has lacked a presence for women to express their love of the Judaism religion. To change that, she and four of her friends created a group aimed to bring women together to do just that and more.

“Our goal was to promote opportunities for women,” Farenblum said. “Both within our community and outside the community.”

Farenblum is joined by Meira Statman, Marcy Farrell, Sami Groff and Sharon Gabon. The women created the Five Towns Orthodox Feminists group, launched in spring 2018, with the intention of creating opportunities for women who feel left out of their Judaism heritage and want to increase their connection to Jewish traditions.

One example the women point to is celebrating the holiday of Simchat Torah, a celebration of the Torah by dancing and singing to express the joy Jews feel in the words of the Torah. Farenblum said that the holiday in the community often sees the men doing more than women.

“People will dance with the Torah, hold-

ing it and showing their love to it,” she said. “In this neighborhood, it just happens to be that just men are doing it.

Groff said that the group allows women to do what the men do. At the 2018 Simchat Torah celebration 10 women attended. At the most recent celebration in October, it was triple the number. The group has a following of more than 200 members on Facebook.

“It’s growing,” Farenblum said. “People are definitely interested.”

At the beginning of the year, the founders come together to discuss a plan of what will be touched throughout the year. One day in particular is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“The last two years we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Farenblum said. “We use that time to volunteer.”

Last year, they volunteered at the Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry at Marion & Aaron Gural JCC in Cedarhurst. This past MLK Day, the women volunteered with Hewlett-based Hindi’s Libraries, a nonprofit that helps ship new to gently used books to nonprofit organizations worldwide. The nonprofit honors the legacy of Hebrew Academy of

the Five Towns and Rockaway teacher, Hindi Krinsky, who died at 32 in 2018.

“Many have learned about Hindi through her legacy,” Farenblum said. “Because of what we stand for, we thought that Hindi’s Libraries was a perfect fit for us.”

Besides volunteer work and holiday celebrations, the group hosts prayer groups, women’s lectures, book clubs and movie nights.

The group welcomes all, regardless of age, from college students to older women as well as residents of neighboring communities as women from Oceanside and West Hempstead have joined the Five Towns Orthodox Feminists looking for a group that welcomes them.

“It’s been great for all of us,” Groff said. “It has enriched our social and community lives now that it is expanding and it’s exciting to see how it goes.”

Courtesy Alan Zweibel

Courtesy Hindi’s Libraries

THE FIvE TOwNS Orthodox Feminists Group on MLK Day volunteering with Hindi’s Libraries, from left were co-founder Dovid Kanarfogel, Five Towns Orthodox Feminists members Orly Farenblum, Tamar Rzdzinsku and Meira Statman.

I

t has enriched our social and community lives now that it is expanding and it’s exciting to see how it goes.

SAMI GROFF

Five Towns Orthodox Feminists member

Lego and Vex teams aim for competition success

Since the start of the school year, Lawrence Woodmere Academy students in both the middle and upper schools have been working tirelessly to build, code and research robots from both the Lego and Vex organizations, led by STEM teacher Berni Lally. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

The Lego League team, which consists of seven middle school students, had their tournament at Mineola High School on Jan 21. The team competed with 28 other teams across Nassau County in a series of robotic challenges oriented around the topic of energy.

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Special Needs Children and Grandchildren

Parents or grandparents of a disabled child should leave assets in a Special Needs Trust, to avoid the child being disqualified from government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid. The reasoning behind these Special Needs Trusts is simple — prior to the protection now afforded by these trusts, parents would simply disinherit their disabled children rather than see them lose their benefits. Since the state wasn’t getting the inheritance monies anyway, why not allow it to go to the disabled child for his or her extra needs, above and beyond what the state supplies.

These trusts, however, offer traps for the unwary. Since payments to the child will generally reduce their SSI payments dollar for dollar, trustees of such trusts should be advised to make payments directly to the providers of goods and services. Preserving SSI benefits is crucial since eligibility for SSI determines eligibility for Medicaid.

In other words, if SSI is lost the recipient also loses their Medicaid benefits. In addition, any benefits previously paid by Medicaid may be recovered. As such, one also has to be mindful of bequests from well-meaning grandparents. Similarly, if a sibling dies without a will, a

share of their estate may go to the special needs brother or sister by law. The Special Needs Trust must be carefully drafted so that it only allows payments for any benefits over and above what the government provides.

There are two kinds of Special Needs Trusts – first party and third party. The first party trust is set up by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court using the child’s own money, either through earnings, an inheritance that was left directly to them or, perhaps, a personal injury award. Recent changes in the law allow the special needs child to establish their own first party Special Needs Trust if they are legally competent to engage in contractual matters. These first party trusts require a “payback” provision, meaning that on the death of the child beneficiary, the trust must pay back the state for any government benefits received.

A third party trust is usually set up by a parent or grandparent, using their own money. Here, no “payback” provision is required because it was not the child’s own money that funded the trust and the parent or grandparent had no obligation to leave any assets to the child. On the death of the child beneficiary, the balance of the trust is paid out to named beneficiaries.

worth it!” The LWA team placed 15th. We congratulate the team on their hard work and success!

LWA Antics

The middle school and high school Vex teams also faced their first competition on Jan. 28. The middle school team consists of eighth-grader Arvind Gajraj and seventh-graders Dallas Franklin, Joshua Meydid, Mekhi Jordan, Andrew Reitler, Keven Orellana and Nicolas Herrarte.

AshA GAjrAj

Each team must code a robot and customize Lego attachments in order to complete different tasks around a map. Along with this, they must complete an innovative project; this year’s theme was to design an environmentally friendly solution to augment current energy sources. The LWA team formulated the idea of a drone emitting ultraviolet light in order to better the function of dams and purify the water.

For many weeks before the competition, team members Nicolas Herrarte, Isaiah Macena, Avantika Sud, Amberley Gajraj, Arvind Gajraj, Andrew Joseph and Cataleya Martínez worked tirelessly to prepare.

Amberley Gajraj, a sixth-grader, said, “It was a great experience working on the Lego team and to make an impact. I admit, it was tiring, but in the end, it was definitely

The high school squad includes sophomores Asha Gajraj, Ellen Zwerling, Jaden Abramov, Liel Fankhauser and Rene Florville, along with freshman Ava Abramov. Both Vex teams have constructed their own robots and have meticulously researched and revised the engineering process. This year’s theme was Spin Up, and the main aspect of it includes getting discs into baskets above the ground. The LWA team researched several methods such as flywheels and catapults, and has coded the robot’s driving and autonomous functions.

Zwerling said the team “has put in tremendous time and effort in building, programming, and testing out robots in preparation for the upcoming Vex Spin Up tournament. I’ve learned so much about programming and robotics through this club and the tournament experience is super exciting.”

The teams are both thrilled for their first competition, and hopeful for a chance to make it to the state finals. We wish them all the best!

Hewlett fifth-graders develop skills in 3D

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Hewlett Elementary School held its first, STEM Showcase where fifth-grade students put their engineering and design skills to work to develop a 3D-printed community with a hospital, bank, apartment building, grocery store, library, and schools.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) class is the only class that offers 3D printing at Hewlett elementary and students in the class built their community by working in groups. Each group had a lead designer, lead mathematician and project manager.

The school’s STEM teacher, Kristina Gallagher, and math teacher, Carole Kreisberg planned the 3D printing project together and worked on different aspects with the students. In designing the project Gallagher and Kreisberg remained conscious about choosing buildings that could be built in a real community.

A total of 30 buildings were made which included everything from town halls, hotels, businesses, parking lots and seafood markets. Students had total creative control to create their projects and went through different sets of trial and error in design and integrated multiple subjects including engineering, design and mathematics concepts such as volume and fractions. With the free range of creativity, many students spoke highly of the class and talked about how they worked as a team to complete their 3D project.

“I was the mathematician but we all got together and helped when the math got hard,” Mikayla Field said. “The best part was the design and putting in all the flowers.”

The STEM class places an emphasis on students being able to apply creativity, collaborate to find solutions to problems, develop critical thinking and excited to be in school.

“Students who may not meet success in writing or science, their strengths lie here and project-based type learning and they’re successful here,” Kreisberg said. “It motivates all of the students and all of their strengths are brought to the surface in a project like this.”

Throughout the project, the students learned how to solve real-world problems and utilize innovative technology that they will carry with them for later grades.

“This is truly project-based learning and what learning should look like and they’re going to remember these math concepts because it was hands-on and brought to life,” Kreisberg said, adding that both teachers “wanted to do a project where math would be highlighted. “We had been studying volume and fraction concepts and we brought them into this project.

To design the projects, students had to construct land out of fractional parts and adhere to specific design constraints and allocate one-half of the land to green space. The other half was divided between parking space and the building structure. Students used the program Tin kercad, a free online 3D modeling pro gram to create their computer-aided design.

The month-and-a-half-long project offered students an opportunity to take what they learned in math class and apply it in another classroom project and incorporate creativity and teamwork. Gal lagher and Kreisberg showed the students that 3D printing could go further than in an educational setting and can lead to opportunities outside the classroom.

“The skills we’re teaching them are for jobs that probably do not exist right now,” said Barbara Giese, the Hewlett-Wood mere school district’s executive director of communications. “We’re getting them ready for the world after they leave us and we don’t even know what that’s going to look like, but this is certainly taking them in the right direction.”

Kepherd Daniel/Herald

OgBE UgBEvA, KAyLEE Glatt, and Natanel Vaynshtey with their 3D development.

D’Esposito gets to work on Capitol Hill

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It’s certainly been an interesting process getting acclimated to Washington, and his new role as a congressman. But U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is happy to finally get to settle down and tackle his new role on Capitol Hill.

From police officer to detective in the New York Police Department. An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter to fire chief. And now Hempstead town councilman to congressman, the 40-year-old Island Park native describes looking back at his journey as a surreal experience.

Orientation for incoming congressional members like D’Esposito began the Sunday after Election Day — a point where some candidates were still waiting for their races to be called. Still, freshmen members of the House undergo a two-week icebreaker period where they get to know one another and learn how everything we see on C-SPAN operates.

“In politics in general — but specifically in Washington — you look at where people sit on the (House) floor, and it’s literally divided by an aisle,” D’Esposito said. “When we went to orientation, you walked into the hotel or you walked into different events, everyone just had a nametag on.”

It said who they were and where they were from, but there was no “D” or “R” labelling them as Democrats or Republicans.

“I think it gave (us) the opportunity to really meet people with an open mind,” he said.

D’Esposito is now almost a month into office, serving

WITH THE HELP of his 3-year-old niece Sailor, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito takes the oath of office from former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato. The congressman finds himself on three House committees, including one for homeland security that requires him to get top-secret clearance.

place at the U.S.-Mexico border. There have been a large number of migrants coming to the United States seeking asylum, or at least a better life. While D’Esposito believes everyone should have the opportunity to come to Ameri ca, it still must be “done correctly.”

the process of transferring to the department’s joint terrorist task force.

“In addition to my 20 or so years as a first responder, I think having someone from Long Island and New York on Homeland Security is super important,” D’Esposito said. “We need to carry that mantle of Peter King, who was the chair of Homeland Security following 9/11. And we need to make sure we are able to provide the resources that we need to our local law enforcement agencies — not only here, but throughout the country.”

D’Esposito’s responsibilities with the Committee of House Administration include overseeing management of House operations, federal elections, key congressional offices, and Capitol Complex security — which extends to supervising the U.S. Capitol Police and its management.

The former police officer expressed his excitement in the opportunity to utilize his law enforcement experience when collaborating with officers sworn to protect one of the nation’s three branches of government.

But even with all that work on his plate, D’Esposito still finds himself talking about one of his fellow freshman colleagues from a neighboring congressional district — U.S. Rep. George Santos, and the ongoing reports and investigations into his past and how he raised money for his campaign.

D’Esposito won’t back down on his calls for Santos to-

Premier Pest Control for Over 60 Years

That means more funding for border patrol agents and the resources they need to keep the country’s bor

Getting onto the Homeland Security Community meant earning a top-secret security clearance. Before leaving the NYPD in his previous life, D’Esposito was in

“People voted for a George Santos that they don’t even know — they voted for the George Santos that George created,” D’Esposito said. “You call, you’re looking for help, regardless of where you live, regardless of where you’re from, what you look like or what party you’re

Tim Baker/Herald

5TCC officials believe obligations have been met

services at the facility.

The lease between the county and the center, signed on July 3, 1974, stated that the center would provide health and social services “for the health and welfare of the people in the Five Towns Community.”

Chris Boyle, a spokesman for County Executive Bruce Blakeman, told the Herald on Jan. 20 that the center “has failed to live up to their obligations. Which is problematic.”

K. Brent Hill, the center’s executive director, said the services it provides are approved by the county, and he believes it has met those obligations.

“The county is well aware of everything we’re doing,” Hill said. “As far as I’m concerned, we’ve met our obligations.”

The community center’s offerings include a Head Start educational program for low-income families, aid to the foreign-born, a food pantry and a youth community action center where students in high school can do their homework. There is also a substance-abuse program, a summer camp and an assortment of free classes. In accordance with the lease, the county must approve the center’s services.

It remains unclear what Boyle meant by failed obligations, because he did not respond to follow-up questions.

In its request for proposals, the county says it is seeking an operator to make an initial minimum investment of $5 million to upgrade the building.

Gwynn Campbell, president of the community center board, said that the county never allowed the facility to be self-sustaining. “Our hands were tied,” Campbell said at the Jan. 25 meeting. “We were not able to become sustainable and build capital so that we can take care of ourselves.”

Hill clarified her remarks by adding, “Part of the

lease agreement of the Five Towns Community Center is not to charge for any type of services. If an organization wanted to come in and partner with us or rent some space, we are not able to rent some space.”

Other than the summer camp, Hill said, the majority

of services the center offers are not fee-based.

According to the lease, the county pays the utility bills, as it has since the agreement was first signed. The RFP states that the county will not do so for the next tenant.

Community member Lakita Steel asked how the county could expect the center to raise $5 million. “If they don’t want us to raise money in here, where else do they want us to get the money?” she said at the Jan. 25 meeting.

County Legislator Carri Solages, who represents the neighborhood, appealed to Blakeman for more openness.

“During the last several months, numerous residents have reached out to express profound concerns about the future of the Five Towns Community Center,” Solages said in a statement. “It is unfortunate that there has been a lack of adequate community outreach in the initial stages of the decision-making process. Moving forward, I urge County Executive Blakeman and his administration to openly communicate with the community and keep their interests and concerns at the heart of their plans.”

Solages has supported the center’s push for a new lease. In 2021, he sent a letter to then County Executive Laura Curran, expressing his concerns about the expiring lease. Last April he sent a similar letter to Blakeman.

Listening to suggestions from the community, and discussions with the county, will continue, Hill said. “The community has some ideas that they would like done,” he said. “They are entitled to that.” He added: “The board of directors is still negotiating with the county, and hoping for a possible resolution. Talks are still ongoing.”

Have an opinion on the Five Towns Community Center situation? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

K. Brent Hill, the community center’s executive director, answered questions at the Jan. 25 meeting.

Administrators seek ideas on ways to remain open

Town of Hempstead has blocked the project from moving forward.

Last year, LWA sold a three-acre, horseshoe-shaped parcel of land to Campus Estates LLC. The Nassau County Planning Commission approved a plan to divide it into 17 single-family residential lots last July.

Before the trustees sent out the email, the academy announced that its camp would not reopen this summer.

It once averaged 400 campers per summer, but in 2020 it was forced to close amid the pandemic. When it reopened in 2021, enrollment dropped to 300. LWA has since sold part of the camp property, including the tennis courts and pools, which were valued recreational facilities.

Posting on Facebook, Sarit Kritzman said his children had lasting memories of the day camp. Lifelong Five Towns resident David Friedman commented, “I hope they are able to figure a way to stay open.”

Patricia Vacchio, of Inwood, worked as an administrative assistant at LWA for 26 years, and two of her children attended the school. “This is a real shame!!!,” she posted.

Among the school’s graduates are sportscaster Bob Wolff; Neil Levin, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jer-

sey, who died in the Sept. 11 attacks; former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Aaron Kessler; professional basketball player Tyrone Nash; and Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney.

LWA is known not only for its academics, but also for its athletics — especially the boys’ basketball team, which has consistently been one of the top teams in the metropolitan area’s Private Schools Athletic Association. Jeff Weiss, a former athletic director and coach of the squad, was inducted into the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.

Weiss, whose name is honored on the LWA court, which is named after him, holds the school record for

coaching wins, with 620, led the team to 19 league championships and eight State Association of Independent Schools titles, and was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

“Due to ongoing discussions, we have no comment at this time,” the trustees stated when pressed on the status of the school.

They have asked people to contact them with ideas or feedback on how the school can remain open, at LWAtrustees@LawrenceWoodmere. org, or by calling (516) 374-9000.

Have an opinion on the potential closure of Lawrence Woodmere Academy? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald. com.

Their memories of LWA

Harold Kwalwasser, class of 1964

“The school provided lots of extracurricular activities and sports. Since it was a small place, there were infinite numbers of opportunities, and some of my happiest memories are the things like school plays, where I was able to be really involved in ways I likely would not have been in a big high school.”

James macguire, class of 1966

“I am grateful for the enormous amount of work that has been done by so many on the board and in the school community, but especially by Dennis Carroll, his school directors and the entire faculty and administration, to turn hard times and even the potential for complete failure into re-commitment, resurgence and even more impressive new strength.”

Sharon Siegel, class of 1990

“Woodmere Academy and Lawrence Woodmere Academy provided an exceptional and unique learning atmosphere which provided room for individual growth and instilled confidence in all students who entered its doors. I will not forget is when Miss Astle planted a tree in front of the school and presented me with the first Sylvia Astle English Award. To all, past and present staff, I can not thank each of you enough!”

Courtesy Luke Davis

When The Covid pandemic hit in 2020, LWA was one of the first schools to go remote, and as students returned to classrooms, it incorporated a hybrid model.

Gang member pleads guilty to his role in 2018 murders

Carlos Guerra, of Far Rockaway, a MS-13 street gang member, pleaded guilty during jury selection on Jan. 23 for his role in two 2018 killings in Far Rockaway and Lawrence.

“Carlos Guerra and his co-defendants murdered two young men – within three days of each other – to move up the ranks of MS-13,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly stated in a news release. “The victims in this case made the mistake of allegedly disrespecting MS-13 and were marked for death.”

Guerra, 22, pleaded to manslaughter and conspiracy. He will be sentenced on March 7. Guerra could receive at least a 28-year prison term.

Guerra will join Yonathan Sanchez and Elmer Gutierrez to be sentenced for their role in the murders of 23-year-old Ian Cruz of Far Rockaway and Herold Sermeno, 17, of Far Rockaway, a Lawrence High School student.

Sanchez was sentenced to 34 years to life in prison in July 2020 and Gutierrez, of Valley Stream, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in Aug. 2021. One member, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty to murder and cases against two juveniles, a male and female, are pending.

Members of the NYPD arrested Sanchez, Guerra, Gutierrez and two juveniles were arrested on Dec. 19, 2018, in Far Rockaway. The sixth juvenile, was arrest-

ed on Dec. 28, 2018 by both the NYPD and NCPD.

On Dec. 15, 2018, Cruz a perceived enemy of MS-13, was lured to Bayswater Point State Park in Far Rockaway with the promise of sex and drugs.

Cruz met a young woman, then 13 , and then walked to the park with Sanchez and Guerra, and boy, then 15, allegedly hid in the park armed with knives. Sanchez emerged from the bushes and shot Cruz four times in the heads with .22 caliber revolver.

They took Cruz’s belongings and went to an apartment on Nameoke Street in Far Rockaway. Cruz was found by a parkgoer the following day, in his underwear on top of a blanket.

Two days later, Sermeno was lured to the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence. He and the same girl were at the park on the property and began to drink and smoke at a picnic table.

The rest of the group armed with a gun and knives awaited around the park. Sanchez then shot Sermeno four times in the lead and once in the chest with a .22 revolver. Guiterrez cut Sermeno’s neck. He was found the following morning by a person walking their dog.

At the time of his death, Sermeno had been suspended from school. He was being home-schooled at the Community Center.

New Jersey men arrested for gun, drugs in Hewlett

A loaded gun and drugs were allegedly found after Nassau police stopped a car at 4:09 a.m., in Hewlett on Jan. 20.

Police saw a 2014 black Honda headed north on Mill Road that had a cracked windshield and tinted windows. The officers stopped the car at the intersection of Mill Road and Westervelt Place.

After the driver, Jamil Holcomb, 27, of Georgia King Village, Newark, and the front seat passenger, Terron Mingo, 24, of South 16th Street, East Orange, could not provide the required identification relating to the vehicle infractions, according to police, all four people in the car, which included two young men considered juveniles, were taken to the 4th Precinct, also in Hewlett.

A loaded Ruger 9mm handgun and a substance believed to Ecstasy were both found inside the vehicle, police said. Another substance, considered to be Oxycodone, was found in Terron’s possession, police said.

Holcomb, Mingo and the two juveniles are all charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon. Mingo is also charged with criminal possession of a

controlled substance.

Holcomb and Mingo are due back in court on Feb. 17. Both were released without bail.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy NCPD

The RugeR 9mm handgun allegedly found with four New Jersey residents in Hewlett on Jan. 20.

spotlight athlete

VSS cruises past Lawrence

By toNY BellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com

Valley Stream South still has major work to do to earn a spot in the Nassau Class A boys’ basketball postseason tournament, but the Falcons sure looked like a playoff team Friday night at Lawrence.

BeNJaMiN VelasQUeZ

MacArthur Senior Wrestling

a CoUNtY seMiFiNalist last winter and eventual third-place finisher in the 189-pound weight class, Velasquez is looking to cap his high school career with a Nassau wrestling crown. Heading into this Saturday’s county qualifier tournament at Bellmore-JFK, he is ranked No. 1 in the county at 215 pounds. After winning 21 of 30 matches last winter, his record this season stands at 36-3.

gaMes to WatCh

thursday, Feb. 2

Girls Basketball: Carey at Roosevelt 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Mineola at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Freeport 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: West Hemp at East Rockaway 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3

Boys Basketball: South Side at Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Rockaway at West Hemp 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Port Washington at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Locust Valley at Seaford 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: North Shore at Clarke 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Mepham 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Westbury at Baldwin 7 p.m.

saturday, Feb. 4

Wrestling: Nassau County Division 1 Qualifying Tournaments hosted by Long Beach, Hewlett, Bellmore-JFK, Plainedge and Uniondale 9:30 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynbrook at Mineola 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Clarke at North Shore 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Long Beach at MacArthur 12 p.m.

Sophomore Brady DelValle (22) and senior Gavin Benavides combined for 37 points and shot the lights out from behind the arc as South snapped a four-game skid with a runaway 67-45 victory over the Golden Tornadoes to keep its faint playoff hopes alive in Conference A-V. Benavides nailed five treys and DelValle added four to lead what head coach Mike O’Brien said was by far the team’s best performance of the season.

“The kids know we have to run the table to make the playoffs and they just did everything right tonight,” O’Brien said. “It was the most balanced and complete game we’ve played.

It’s highly unlikely we’ll get in the playoffs, but it’s not impossible,” he added. “If we can bottle up this game and take it with us, it’ll help our chances.”

Despite a roster consisting of 10 seniors, the Falcons (5-11 overall, 2-6 in A-V) have struggled to put it all together much of the season, O’Brien said. They still need to win each of the last four conference games to make the playoffs as a record of .500 or better is required.

Lawrence, which defeated South in the first meeting by 13, would have clinched a playoff berth with a win but was unable to match the Falcons’ intensity level and trailed almost the entire game. Senior Dexter Robinson’s 18 points paced the Golden Tornadoes, who fell to 9-7 overall and 5-4 in A-V.

“I was concerned about this game because testing week is really difficult on kids,” Lawrence head coach Lou Robinson said. “We lose our composure very quickly and to their credit, they did everything better than us. Shooting, rebounding, passing, you name it.”

Seniors Robert Jones (10 points) and Andy Dorant (8) were additional factors for the Falcons, who built a 33-21 halftime lead.

“Jones missed the first Lawrence game

and he’s improved exponentially throughout the season,” O’Brien said. “He’s our energy guy. He never stops moving.”

Dorant (11.5 ppg) is the team’s secondleading scorer behind DelValle, who scored 10 straight points spanning late in the second quarter and early in the third.

“Brady’s the guy,” O’Brien said of DelValle, who averages 13 points. “I think he’s gaining more confidence with each game. He’s a captain as a sophomore and he’s Mr. Consistent with effort.”

South poured it on with a 19-point third quarter, closing on a 15-3 run to put the game out of reach. Senior Tyler Bowers and junior Avery Folawiyo chipped in 8 and 6 points, respectfully, for Lawrence, which travels to conference-leading Friends Academy next.

“We haven’t been shooting well from the outside and need to attack the basket more,” coach Robinson said. “We’ve got a tough schedule in front of us and we need to practice better and play better.”

Origin

Town redistricting falls short of new map

Recommendation not enough, civic groups say

By ANA BORRUTO & JUAN LASSO of the Herald

After several rounds of blistering public hearings and politically pressurized back-and-forths, a temporary redistricting commission’s efforts to explore how new political lines should be drawn for the Town of Hempstead ended last month with its final recommendation. Their choice? Nothing.

After weighing the options between a preliminary map pitched by Hempstead town officials, or alternatives by local civic and law groups, the three-member commission officially urged town lawmakers to produce a final map that keeps communities of interest intact. Still, it stopped short of putting forward an actual map for the town to consider.

“We really sat, each one of us, and it truly was a hearing,” commission chair Gary Hudes told the audience. “We listened.

“I think, in both cases, there is a common thread we are seeing, and that is the idea of keeping communities whole and making them more compact.”

The move was met with a sharp uproar from the small crowd, dashing expectations for a final green light for a town council map.

Mimi Pierre-Johnson, the founder of the Elmont Cultural Center, felt the commission had turned a corner by formally acknowledging the faults of the town’s proposal. But they fell short when they did not deliver on a solid recommendation.

“Our hopes (were) snatched by the fact that they refused to stand behind one of the proposed alternative maps and tweak it as needed,” Pierre-Johnson said. “The resolution is not enough to satisfy everything the public raised a concern to.”

Since the first day of the redistricting process, concerns raised by voters and community activist groups circle back to a single theme: District lines should be redrawn to have a more balanced demographic representation of up to three “minority-majority” districts, and compact historically and culturally whole communities. This is something the Elmont Cultural Center and Legal Defense Fund said they ensured with their five alternative maps.

Commission members admitted that not a single proposed map addressed all the issues people have put forth at various meetings, but claimed the recommendation was enough to communicate the gist of everyone’s concerns.

As it stands, the current map produced

by the town-hired Skyline Demographic Consultants ensures the town’s 22 villages — with the exception of the Village of Hempstead — remain whole in accordance with the municipal “home rule” law. And communities such as East Meadow, Franklin Square, North Valley Stream, Baldwin, Uniondale and Woodmere each contain portions of two council districts, while West Hempstead contains portions of three.

Critics, however, raised doubts about the map’s compliance with federal and state voting rights protections — specifically the Voting Rights Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York,

signed last summer by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Michael Pernick of the Legal Defense Fund, civil rights attorney Frederick Brewington, Randolph McLaughlin and LatinoJustice PRLDEF argued splitting the Black and Latino communities in Elmont and Valley Stream into two separate majority-white districts dilutes minority voting power.

“Over 38 percent of the population in the Town of Hempstead is Black or Latino,” the law professionals wrote in a letter to the commission. “But this demographic can only elect the candidate of their choice in one out of the six districts.”

Pernick and Brewington warned that

Ana Borruto/Herald photos

THE PROPOSED MAP from Hempstead town officials showing where town council districts will be placed was created by Skyline Consulting. It has drawn criticism from civic groups and law experts for what they claim violate federal and state voting rights protections, saying the map fails to keep communities whole, and continues to crack minority neighborhoods into multiple districts.

THE ELMONT CULTURAL Center’s ‘Blue Bird Plan’ keeps Elmont and Valley Stream in one minoritymajority district when it comes to representation on the Hempstead town council, while maps proposed by Hempstead town officials do not.

if Hempstead finalizes the current map as it stands, it could expose the town to costly litigation — all at taxpayers’ expense.

A statement released by the commission acknowledged the Skyline proposal was “problematic in that it splits Hempstead and Uniondale, Baldwin, East Meadow, Franklin Square, West Hempstead and North Valley Stream. It fails to keep the communities of North Valley Stream and Elmont together, and fails to put the communities of Merrick and North Merrick into a single district.

“It is not sufficiently compact, and compactness is an important redistricting criteria under the ‘home rule’ message.”

The resolution is not enough to satisfy everything the public raised a concern to.

MIMI PIERREJOHNSON founder, Elmont Cultural Center

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Peter King debuts new opinion column

Former congressman has no intention of slowing down in retirement

By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@liherald.com

Not even retirement can slow down Peter King. After 28 years in the U.S. House — including a two-year stint as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee — as well as more than two decades serving on both the Hempstead town council and as Nassau County comptroller, King finds himself busier than ever.

He’s working with a Washington law firm, and does consulting work for Northwell Health. He makes regular appearances on the Newsmax cable channel, as well as John Catsimatidis’s 77WABC radio station.

But now King is adding one more job to that list as a new regular columnist for Herald Community Newspapers. The former congressman’s first official piece appears in this week’s Opinions pages.

“It’s not like I have to catch a plane to get to Washington, or I’m at the whim of what’s the last vote going to be on Thursday night or Friday night,” King said. “I pretty much plan my own schedule. And the best feeling I had — and it took me about a month to get used to — is waking up in the morning and knowing I can go back to sleep if I want to.”

These days, King finds himself solely

Jack Healy/Herald file

FORMER U.S. REP. Peter King has kept himself busy since retiring from Congress in 2021, from his regular appearance on 77WABC radio, to now becoming a regular opinion columnist for Herald Community Newspapers. His first official piece — singing the praises of freshman U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito — can be found in this week’s Opinions section.

focused on life here at home. But for nearly three decades, the congressman was caught between the two worlds of Washington and his district back in New York.

The trick in the beginning was making

sure he never lost sight of why he was on the House floor in the first place.

“When you’re in Washington, you’re still responsible for a lot of local issues, because the local mayors and supervisors

and town boards — they’re going to be calling you and reaching out for help,” King said. “I think with a number of members of Congress, they’re so concerned with the international and national aspects of it, they forget the guy living down the block.

“The guy that lives in Highland Park. The guy that lives in Seaford. That’s where you base comes from. So, really, the challenge is to keep all of those things in your mind, and be able to sort through them all.”

King has made no secret about his support of U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, whose congressional district covers much of what King’s did back in the day. In fact, his first column focuses on the high hopes King has of his protégé, and how the sky’s the limit for the former town councilman.

“I mean, Anthony, we talk several times a week,” King said. “I don’t want to sound like I am telling him what to do, or giving him some great advice. But maybe one thing I can be most helpful on is telling him early on which members of Congress you can pay attention to, and which others to just ignore.

“Some of them you try to take seriously, but then you realize after a month or two that these guys are cranks, and nobody else is listening to them, except you.”

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THE TOP 3 FINALISTS

KIDS & EDUCATION

ADULT EDUCATION - CONTINUING ED:

Hempstead Adult & Community Education Program

Hofstra University

Molloy University

ART SCHOOL:

Hue Studio

Long Island High School for the Arts

The Art Studio

BEAUTY SCHOOL:

Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute

Long Island Beauty School

Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center

CHARTER/PAROCHIAL/PRIVATE:

Bellmore United Methodist Nursery School

Kellenberg Memorial High School

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

COLLEGE PREP SERVICES/ADVISORS:

College Connection

Lockwood College Prep

Pinnacle College Consultants

COLLEGE PRESIDENT:

Dr. Susan Poser - Hofstra University

James Lentini - Molloy University

Maria P. Conzatti - Nassau Community College

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:

Hofstra University

Molloy University

Nassau Community College

DANCE SCHOOL:

Dance Workshop

Hart & Soul Performing Arts and Dance School

Long Island Academy of Dance

DAY CAMP:

Big Chief Day School & Camp

Coleman Country Day Camp

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

Rolling River Day Camp

DAY CARE:

Big Chief Day School & Camp

Five Towns Early Learning Center

Our Kids Place

DRIVING SCHOOL:

Bell Auto Driving School

East Meadow Driving School

Prosperity Auto Driving School, Inc

GYMNASTICS CENTER:

All Stars Gymnastics Inc

Gold Medal Gymnastics Center

Platinum Athletic

B&B/INN:

Hampton Inn Jericho-Westbury

Holiday Inn Westbury

Ram’s Head Inn

Southampton Inn

EVENT VENUE:

Barnum Ballroom

Bayview Catering on the Water Venue

Epic Escape Rooms LI

HOTEL:

Allegria Hotel

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL:

Alexandra Greenberg - George W. Hewlett H.S.

Jennifer Lagnado-Papp - Lawrence H.S.

Richard Schaffer - East Rockaway H.S.

KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES:

Epic Escape Rooms LI

Long Island Children’s Museum

Royal Princess Prep Party Company

LEARNING CENTER/TUTOR:

Cornerstone Behavioral Services

Mathnasium

The Coder School

MARTIAL ARTS:

Champions Martial Arts

Uly Karate & Fitness

Warren Levi Martial Arts & Fitness

MUSIC SCHOOLS/CLASSES:

Our Kids Place Hewlett

School of Rock

The Children’s Orchestra Society

NURSERY SCHOOL:

Bellmore United Methodist Nursery School

Our Kids Place Hewlett

United Church Nursery School

SPORTS CAMP:

Hofstra University

Sportime Lynbrook

The Sports Arena

PEOPLE & PLACES

LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION:

Jones Beach State Park

Montauk Point Lighthouse

Nunley’s Carousel

MUSEUM:

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Long Island Children’s Museum

Raynham Hall Museum

PLACE TO HAVE A PARTY:

The Bayview

PLACE TO WORSHIP:

Temple Avodah

Temple B’nai Torah

Temple Beth El

WEDDING VENUE:

The Bayview

Swan Club On The Harbor

Westbury Manor

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

The Garden City Hotel

Epic Escape Rooms LI

Kombert Caterers

CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE TOP IN SERVICES AND SHOPPING!

Congrats to all the Top 3 Finalists in the 2022 Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island! Check back each week for the Top 3 Reveal in each category leading up to the Oscar-style awards ceremony in April 2023. Did your favorites make it to the top? Visit www.LiChoiceAwards.com! *Finalists are listed alphabetically, not in order of placement.

NCC union rallies after health care costs rise

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Demanding fair contracts with affordable health care costs, dozens of Nassau Community College faculty members rallied outside of the county legislature last week.

They were part of a broader protest from the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, an educators union representing NCC’s full-time faculty, speaking out against higher health care insurance premium costs. They gathered on the steps of the county legislature carrying signs like “We’d rather be teaching right now,” demanding better wages and fair contracts, targeting both the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees and the county itself.

They weren’t out on the steps long before some of the union members were ushered inside the Mineola building with a chance to state their case with county legislators.

The educators union and trustees board have been negotiating full-time faculty contracts since last July, hoping to work out a deal before their contracts expired in August. The union has rallied multiple times since then, expressing frustration with the negotiation process.

As recently as Dec. 13, Siminioff and the union asked the trustees to include salary increases to keep up with rising inflation, as well as include paid sabbaticals. But then, last week, health insurance premium costs jumped for full-time faculty at NCC.

The increase came about thanks to the trustees enacting an old clause in their contracts — written decades ago — allow-

ing the board to charge faculty members working under an expired contract with increased health insurance premiums. The insurance increases, Siminioff said, could cost faculty members between $2,500 and $5,000 — effectively acting like a pay cut.

“So, we’re not getting we’re not getting a wage increase. Our promotions have all been frozen. We’re not getting our sabbaticals. We’re not getting anything. But they’re imposing this on us,” Siminioff said. “I think this provision has been there for 30 years and they have never invoked it. They want to punish the faculty and force us through economic strongarming.”

John Gross, an Ingerman Smith attorney representing Nassau Community College, said the New York State Health Insurance Plan — which provides insurance to all college employees — raised premiums on Jan. 1 by 15 percent for family coverage. That’s about $5,000 each year. Individual coverage rose more than 12 percent, which could cost upward of $4,000 over the next 12 months.

A provision in NCC’s full-time faculty labor contract states if the cost of health insurance premiums increases after a contract expires, Gross said, it’s up to the individual employees to shoulder those costs through payroll deductions.

“The union knew it was in the labor contract because one of the proposals in our current negotiations is to remove the clause,” Gross said. “The board didn’t wake up one day and said, ‘You know what? We’re going to impose these increases on the union.’”

Siminioff said many faculty members

feel the college has strained them to their limits, and has not properly supported them financially. Aside from the imposed health insurance premiums, NCC’s faculty has experienced an average wage increase just over 1 percent in the past decade.

“The starting salary for an instructional faculty member is approximately $60,800, and the starting salary for a noninstructional faculty member is $55,900,” Siminioff said. “According to the MIT wage calculator, a middle-class family of three needs about $96,000 to be middle class in Nassau County.”

Faculty members are teaching more students in larger classes over the past few years, Siminioff said. When she first

started teaching at NCC some 25 years ago, she taught an average of 110 students each semester. Now, professors are being asked to educate an average of 160 students each semester — which Siminioff feels is unfair.

Aside from low starting wages, it typically takes 15 to 18 years for someone on the faculty to start earning $100,000, Siminioff said. Anyone hired now would earn $55,000, taking 15 years to climb to $100,000.

“By the time you get 15 years of employment, it’s still not enough to live middle class in Nassau County,” Siminioff said. “So, they’re condemning college faculty to never being middle class. That’s the bottom line.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

MEMBERS OF THE Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, an educators union supporting the school’s full-time faculty, gathered at the Nassau County Legislature to demand fair contracts after learning their health care insurance premiums were going up.

FAREN SIMINIOFF, PRESIDENT of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers union, gathered protesters outside the Nassau County Legislature, demanding better wages and fair contracts from the Nassau Community College board and the county.

T hey want to punish the faculty and force us through economic strong-arming.

FAREN SIMINIOFF president, Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers

Sweet Dreams are Made of Cream at Dolce Bella

By ALEXA ANDERWKAVICH aanderwkavich@liherald.com

Dolce Bella Luxury Italian Ices & Cannoleria has become the (cannoli) cream of the crop, with unique treats that not only look Instagramready but taste divine too, has found its home in Roosevelt Field Mall.

Brandyn Williams, owner of Dolce Bella, has become the Willy Wonka of the classic cannoli, turning creams only dreamed of into a reality.

After nine years of school earning his Masters of Public Administration (MPA) degree and three years in the corporate world, Williams had a calling beckoning him to venture into the unknown. He left his career to pursue something new and in only a handful of years turned an idea into a cannoli craze, but it didn’t start out that way.

His first mission was a deli called Cherry Valley in Long Beach which opened during the pandemic and closed its doors after a year, “it was an epic fail,” Williams said.

Having left his career behind, there was room for worry and potential regret for uprooting his life for a creative endeavor, but not for Williams — who takes each failure as motivational fuel.

“Every door that closed on me, I came back and bought the building,” he said,

“One taste is all it takes,” Big Red said as he handed a sample after sample of some of the freshest and tastiest unique creams I’ve had the pleasure of consuming which included flavors like rainbow cookie, reese pieces, pistachio, M&M, dulce de leche and so much more! Williams deconstructs and reconstructs the cream to make each level new, exciting and exactly what he was looking for.

“One night after going out, I had a craving for a reese’s cannoli cream,” Williams said. “But I didn’t want just pieces of candy in regular cannoli cream, that’s not a true reese's cream. So I reinvented it.”

and he absolutely followed through.

After the deli train reached its last station, Williams started delivering pastries in a van when the never-beforedone idea of an Italian ice cart came to fruition. Williams worked diligently, creating a stunning cart and giving people an experience they’ve never had before by bringing a good attitude, tasty treats and sometimes making it a boozy adventure for the adults.

“There isn’t an Italian ice cart, let alone one that feels lux and offers an overall experience,” he explained. “It started with one cart, now I have 13 carts and this prime location outside the JCPenny first floor entrance of the mall is a dream.”

He also grew from a one-man show to a staff of 30 people the “old fashioned” way, by word of mouth (or keyboard), including Big Red, who mans the kiosk in the mall and is their very own cannoli cream connoisseur and taste expert.

Williams finds joy in seeing his brand bring smiles to faces, from customers to his very own staff. Big Red even gets recognized by customers from his TikTok videos, where he dives into new creations and Dolce Bella classics.

“I love looking at the expression on someone’s face as they take their first bite,” Williams said. “Their eyes say it all, watching them light up solidifies that all the work I put into this company is worth it. It’s not just about looking unique, it’s about tasting just as good and having fun in the process.”

He doesn’t limit himself to what he can or cannot do when it comes to serving, flavors or anything else that comes to mind. Their latest invention, the Dolce Boom, is an ice served with an edible smoke-filled bubble that makes for a quirky surprise. And like everything that Williams does, he goes above and beyond, striving not only to be the best but the greatest in the industry. “Every ingredient, down to the milk, comes from Italy and is made

onsite at our warehouse by our very own gelato-professional,” Williams said.

He takes pride in every aspect of his business, making it an entire experience from taste to presentation to grabbing a snap in front of their aesthetic wall, complete with a neon sign. That’s why you’ll also find cute little pink trash bins to throw away your sample spoons, but these small cans are backed by a huge message.

Cans 4 Cancer is a non profit organization where each can, bottle and donation supports and unites young women with breast cancer, and is one of the ways he gives back. Additionally Williams gives free ices and gelato to children in the hospital and strives to choose one charity a month to donate to.

“Part of being successful is giving back,” said Williams. “And after being blessed with the growth of my company, there is no better way to say thanks.”

Dolce Bella is available to cater parties, corporate events, making their mark at the Hamptons Classic and Herald Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards Gala last year. You can also place an order ahead, book the experience and bring it right to your event or simply visit the kiosk to satisfy those sweet cravings.

“The goal is to be in malls all over and spread the word,” the owner said. “I really love what I do, I have fun with it and I would love to share it with the world.”

Visit www.dolcebellany.com or @dolcebella_ny to see what they'll think up next. Or better yet, take a trip to

Field and taste the craze.

Roosevelt

OWNERS BIG RED and Brandyn Williams striking a pose with one of their colorful creations at their Roosevelt Field Mall location.

Photos by Alexa Anderwkavich

DOLCE BELLA LUXURY Italian ices are open year-round so you can get a chill treat whenever the cravings strike. Order a Dolce Boom for a blast.

HOLY CANNOLI! DOLCE Bella has the classics (below), like chocolate chip, but crank it up a notch to flavors like nutella, pistachio, M&M and more! Snazz it up with some toppings or mix and match flavors, there is no cap to creativity.

“Every door that closed on me, I came back and bought the building”

- Brandyn Williams

All aboard for Grand Central Madison Limited — and temporary —Long Island Rail Road shuttle service from Jamaica opens

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

To the casual observer, it was just any other day at Jamaica’s Long Island Rail Road station.

But just after 10 a.m., commuters rushed aboard a shuttle train destined for Manhattan, the familiar busy choreography of squeezing through, wedging past, running in to nab a seat.

Families holding their kids in tow. Couples and solo riders clutching their baggage. All of them packed into train cars, filling the aisle seats within minutes. Other late arrivals stood standing. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

But the air — even for a late-morning train ride — was unusually abuzz with chatter. Some kept conversation below a whisper. Others, not so much. But everyone was alive with a quiet knowing that this was no ordinary train ride. Instead, taking place, was a moment in history.

A history that was finally connecting Long island with Manhattan’s East Side.

For the better part of a century, for as long as anyone can remember, LIRR commuters relied on Penn Station to get them into the heart of New York City. So long in fact, it seemed the day for an alternative would never come.

But within the span of 22 minutes, that would all become history.

As the train came to its final stop 150 feet below ground in the bedrock of Midtown Manhattan, the low rattling of the train cars stopped, followed by silence. No one dared to move. Breaking the stillness was the sound of the cheery conductor’s voice coming over the loudspeaker whose five words said it all:

“Welcome to Grand Central Madison”

Applause erupted from the train cars. It was a watershed moment for the MTA as passengers set foot for the very first time on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Manhattan East Side station. A moment that encapsulated six decades of planning, nearly 20 years of construction, and roughly $11.6 billion.

The opening came after a month of delays caused by a faulty ventilation fan. Yet, despite the acknowledged roadblocks, delays and missteps along the way, Grand Central Madison is finally here.

“Grand Central will dramatically change the transportation of the region,” said Janno Lieber, the MTA’s chair and chief executive. “It’s going to benefit Long Islanders with shorter commutes, 40 percent more service, and help Long Island business recruit people from the city with reverse commuting.”

And for Niurka Maldonado of Queens —riding with daughters Nora and Paulina — the prospect of having faster access to Manhattan’s East Side is nothing short of exciting.

“We have several friends that work in that area, and I love some of the restaurants in there,” she said. “So, we’re going to definitely be doing more trips to Grand Central and everything around there.”

Grand Central Madison direct LIRR schedule

For roughly three weeks, shuttle service trains between Jamaica and Grand Central Madison are running every 30 minutes during off-peak hours and on weekends, and once per hour during peak times.

Service runs between 6:15 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, and between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Long Island Rail Road riders looking to Grand Central Madison can use their Penn Station tickets, which are the same price.

It will likely be a month before full service comes online, replacing the simple commuter trains. For now, riders looking for a fast way between Jamaica and Manhattan’s East Side can find trains every 30 minutes during off-peak hours, and every 60 during peak times.

“I just want to see if it saves me time going to my office on the East Side,” said Francesco Giovannetti of Glen Head. “I’m hoping to save about 20 to 30 minutes being two blocks away from Grand Central. I want to get acclimated to the station.”

Then there was Ruthanne Terrero of Malverne, sitting placidly with her tote bag in hand, taking in the significance of the moment of new train service to Manhattan.

“It’s just really glorious to see that we have something really beautiful,” Terrero said. “I think a lot of people work on the East Side, and I think it’s also really important that people see that New York is progressing.”

And more progress is still to come. Whether this project was worth its price tag, worth the commuting disruption, and worth the extended wait will be up to the riders themselves. Some have already taken to social media to point out certain mishaps like escalators shutting down midway, and some finding trouble making their way into the LIRR concourse at Grand Central.

It is no doubt looking to be a work in progress.

But Mitchell Schwartz and brother Steven — two young MTA train enthusiasts from Roslyn — wouldn’t have wanted this once-in-a-lifetime moment any other way.

Phyllis Levine, pounced on the chance to hop on the shuttle train to Grand Central if it meant saving time getting to her pharmacology appointment.

“I’m not a subway person, and I gen-

erally like to drive everywhere,” the Queens resident said. “But the easiest way to get to Manhattan from Queens is the express bus or the Long Island Rail Road. So, I figured I should try the ride to Grand Central. See how it goes.”

“Just try wrapping your head around the fact that we are the first of millions to ride a train toward something that has been proposed for over half a century,” Mitchell said. “It’s just an amazing occasion.”

Additional reporting by Andre Silva.

Juan Lasso/Herald photos

COMMUTERS, ENVELOPED UNDER a glass ceiling, take the roughly 3,000-foot escalator between the Long Island Rail Road concourse and the mezzanine at Grand Central Madison station on opening day of service that will eventually create a direct link between Manhattan’s East Side and Long Island.

COMMUTERS FROM JAMAICA station boarded the first passenger Long Island Rail Road train to Grand Central Madison inaugurating the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s long-awaited East Side access that will soon provide LIRR service out of Grand Central Terminal.

STEPPING OUT

Score big on Super Sunday on Get your

By Karen Bloom

It’s the biggest sports day of the year. Classic commercials, historic plays and friends are all quintessential elements of the perfect game-day get-together. Whether your gang includes football fanatics or just a few fans, the big game — on Feb. 12 — is a great excuse for casual winter entertaining.

And while there may be a game on the big screen, a lot of the action takes place around the table — keeping everyone well-fed is a sport in itself!

• 1/4 tsp. onion powder

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1 cup hummus

Whisk first seven ingredients together (vinegar through paprika). Add hummus and combine thoroughly. Be creative with your dipping options. Potato and tortilla chips go hand-in-hand with tailgating festivities, but beyond these standards is a whole world of other dipping options. For a Mediterranean touch, go with flatbread, pita bread or pita chips. Or opt for more texture with multi-grain crackers that include raw flax, chia or sesame seeds. Or go for double the Buffalo wing flavor by dipping your wing, instead of the traditional blue cheese.

Cajun Buffalo Chicken Wings

Here’s a zesty take on the football-watching favorite.

• 2-1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces

• 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tsp. Cajun seasoned spice blend

Bake wings in foil-lined pan at 500° F on lowest oven rack for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, turning once.

Mix buffalo wings sauce, ketchup and spice blend. Toss wings in sauce to coat.

Tip: You may substitute 1/2 cup red hot sauce mixed with 1/3 cup melted butter for the Wings Sauce.

Alternate cooking directions: Deep-fry at 375° F for 10 minutes, or broil 6 inches from heat 15 to 20 minutes turning once.

Darlene Love

Darlene Love is always a welcome stage presence. For more than 50 years, she’s been making rock and roll’s world go ‘round. Since the early ‘60s, as part of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound hit factory, this songstress has done it all — from movies like the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series to Broadway hits like ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Grease.’ She even starred as herself in ‘Leader of the Pack,’ credited as Broadway’s first ‘jukebox musical.’ Love’s career and legacy reached new heights, as a result of being featured in 2013’s acclaimed documentary ‘20 Feet from Stardom,’ when she became the best known ‘unknown”’ in rock history. She continues to captivate audiences with her warm, gracious persona and dynamic performances. Her timeless, soaring voice remains as powerful as ever. Rolling Stone magazine has proclaimed Love to be ‘one of the greatest singers of all time,’ and that certainly rings true, but perhaps Paul Shaffer says it even more concisely: ‘Darlene Love is rock and roll!”

Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. $88, $78, $68. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip

A warm batch of Buffalo wings pairs well with this smoky and spicy dip.

• 1 tsp. red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• 1 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Touchdown Italian Sausage Chili

• 1 package (19.76 ounces) Italian sausage links

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 tbsp. garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 large yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian recipe stewed tomatoes

• 1 can (16 ounces) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

• 3/4 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)

• 1 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

• 1 1/2 tsp. baking cocoa

• 1/2 to 1 tsp. pepper

Cook sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside.

In soup kettle, saute onion, celery, sweet pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

Sprinkle chili with grated asiago, romano, parmesan cheese — or any cheese of your choice — before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Lviv National Philharmonic

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was established in Lviv in1902, a city known as one of the great cultural centers of eastern Europe, The orchestra has evolved over the years to become one of that nation’s largest and most internationally known ensembles, now under the baton of principal guest conductor Theodore Kuchar. It reminds us of how music can bridge cultures and bring people together. Their 2023 American tour is a testament to the power of music to overcome adversity. Their program for this powerful concert includes: Ukrainian composer Yevhen Stankovych’s Chamber Symphony No. 3 for Flute and String Orchestra; Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92. Pianist Oksana Rapita is the featured soloist.

Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.; with 6:45 p.m. Arts Insider preperformance preview. $79, $59, $44. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter. org..

THE SCENE

Feb. 23

Art talk

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.

‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’

Zoë Keating

Feb. 17

Cellist and composer Zoë Keating visits the Landmark stage, Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. Considered a “one woman orchestra,” she uses a cello and a foot-controlled laptop to loop layer upon layer of cello, creating intricate, haunting, and compelling music; Keating has spent the last 20 years exploring the landscape of sounds a string instrument can make. She coaxes sounds out of the very edges of her cello, adeptly layering them into “swoon inducing” (San Francisco Weekly) music that is unclassifiable yet “a distinctive mix of old and new” (National Public Radio). She is known for her use of technology — which she uses to record and sample her cello onstage and in the studio – and for her DIY approach — composing, recording and producing her works on her own terms, without the help of a record label. $41, $35, $27. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

A lonely scholar, on a trip to Istanbul, discovers a Djinn who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom in the movie “Three Thousand Years of Longing” being shown in Gold Hall at HewlettWoodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 2 and 7 p.m. Rated R, 1 hour, 48 minutes. Directed by George Miller, it stars Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba.

Platanos Y Collard Greens

See the romantic comedy about what happens when an African American and a Latina college student fall in love, presented by Nassau Community College Theater and Dance Department and the Africana Studies Department, Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 7-11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m. Also Feb. 16-19, with talkback session with playwright David Lamb, immediately following final performance. Threaded by the culture of hip-hop, the lovers defend their relationship, as friends and family learn that this “food fight” calls for fusion instead of feud. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $10; NCC students free with valid ID; $8 veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC. edu or call (516) 572-7676.

‘Beast’

A father and his teenage daughters are hunted by a rogue lion in “Beast,” being shown in Gold Hall at at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett,Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. It stars Idris Elba and Sharlto Copley.

Lawrence village

Lawrence village board of trustees holds its monthly meeting, Thursday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m., in Village Hall, 196 Central Ave., Lawrence.

Afterschool

Register now for Five Towns Community Center afterschool program, 270 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence. Homework help, enrichment activities and more/ Call Sasha Young at (516) 2396244 ext. 265.

Having an event?

In perfect harmony

The SingStrong A Cappella Festival returns to the New York area, hosted by Adelphi University, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 3-5. Professional a cappella groups perform along with collegiate and high school ensembles. A variety of musical genres are represented, including re-imaginings of barbershop, pop, R&B, jazz, and more. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Grievance Seminar

Nassau County Assessment Review Commission representatives answer questions online, Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. To log in, go to NassauCountyNygov/ld7 on County Legislator Howard Kopel’s website. For more information, contact Kopel’s office at (516) 571-6207 or hkopel@nassaucountyny.gov.

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.

In-person Game Time

Play canasta, mah jongg and Scrabble in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, Monday, Feb. 6, 2-4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated. Masks recommended.

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.

Wine Tasting

Get your tickets until Jan. 31 for Kulanu Academy’s gala wine tasting on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m., at the school’s building, 620 Central Ave., Cedarhurst. $15 per person, $230 per couple. Go to EvenShesiya. com/ WineTasting to buy tickets.

GUT- BUSTING HIT!

Pat McGann

Pat McGann, quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene, appears at The Paramount, Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing stand-up at age 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, his appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

On stage

Mo Willems’ popular character The Pigeon comes alive on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb.12, 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 15-17, noon. Pigeon is eager to try anything, with the audience part of the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

RichnerLIVE is “Fealing” Good

(From left to right) Jodi Turk, event, marketing and brand strategist, and Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events, visited the Barasch & McGarry office to deliver a check to John Feal, founder and president of the FealGood Foundation, and Sara Director, partner at Barasch & McGarry who handles 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) claims and a Top Lawyer Honoree. RichnerLIVE donated a portion of ticket proceeds from the Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island Awards Gala to the foundation. The FealGood Foundation protects and assists all emergency personnel injured on the job or in their personal lives through offering financial aid, basic home utilities, medicine and more. On Sept. 12, 2001, Feal was called to assist in the cleanup of ground zero when his foot was crushed and forced to be amputated. After dealing with the hurdles that came with the accident, he decided that no one should struggle after helping with ground zero. Visit www.FealGoodFoundation.com for more information on the organization and how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of Barasch & McGarry

”

Public Notices

Salvatore Evola

LEGAL NOTICE

HEWLETT WOODMERE

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

1 JOHNSON PLACE

WOODMERE, NY

11598-1312

The Board of Education of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, Woodmere, NY 11598-1312 hereby invites the submission of sealed offers for the Sale of a District Steinway Grand Model B Piano.

Offers will be received up to February 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Art & Music Office, HewlettWoodmere Public Schools, 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere, NY 11598-1312. Please call 516-792-4808 to request bid forms for the Steinway Grand Model B Piano.

Debra Sheinin, President

Board of Education

Published:

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Herald 137058

LEGAL NOTICE

INC VILLAGE OF HEWLETT BAY PARK

NOTICE OF ANNUAL

ELECTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that at the general village election to be held in the Village of HEWLETT BAY PARK on June 20, 2023, the following offices are to be filled for the terms indicated:

Two (2) Trustees, for terms of two (2) years each

One (1) Trustee, for a term of one (1) year

Eligible persons wishing to vote in the said election must be registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections at least ten days prior to the said election.

Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk

January 27, 2023 137051

LEGAL NOTICE

INC PUEBLO DE HEWLETT

BAY PARK AVISO DE ELECCIÓN

ANUAL

TENGA EN CUENTA que en la elección general de la aldea que se celebrará en la Villa de HEWLETT BAY PARK el 20 de junio de 2023, se llenarán los siguientes cargos en los términos indicados:

Dos (2) fideicomisarios, por períodos de dos (2) años cada uno

Un (1) Fideicomisario, por un término de un (1) año

Las personas elegibles que deseen votar en dicha elección deben registrarse en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau al menos diez días antes de dicha elección.

Michelle Blandino

Village Clerk

January 27 2023

137052

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lawrence at Lawrence Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, on the 9th day of February 2023, at 8:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time. The Public Hearing is to consider the enactment of the proposed local law described as follows:

Proposed Local Law #2 of 2023

A Local Law to amend §212 of the Village Code concerning the Zoning Ordinance

Copies of the proposed Local Laws described above are on file in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Lawrence, NY, where the same is available for public inspection during regular office hours.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on said proposed Local Laws at the place and time aforesaid. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the public hearing.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lawrence will convene in public meeting at the place and time aforesaid for the purpose of conducting a regular meeting where general business will be conducted, and for the purpose of conducting Public Hearings on the proposed Local Laws described above and, as deemed advisable by said Board, taking action on the enactment of said Local Laws.

Dated: January 30, 2023

By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Lawrence, NY

Ronald Goldman Village Clerk/Treasurer 137035

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public meeting on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 8:00 pm in Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York and will consider adopting a resolution to waive the thirty day advance notification period for a liquor license application submitted by an applicant at 550 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst.

January 27, 2023

Village Administrator

By Order of Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and Board of Trustees

137036

LEGAL NOTICE INC VILLAGE OF HEWLETT NECK

NOTICE OF ANNUAL

ELECTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at the general village election to be held in the Village of HEWLETT NECK on June 20, 2023, the following offices are to be filled for the terms indicated:

Two (2) Trustees, for terms of two (2) years each

Eligible persons wishing to vote in the said election must be registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections at least ten days prior to the said election.

Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk

January 27,2023

137053

LEGAL NOTICE

INC. VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a continuation of a public hearing on 02/14/2023 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following:

Petition of MAXIMILIAN HOLDINGS, LLC

Premises: 68 WASHINGTON AVE

Sec/Blk/Lot 39/419/133

Case # 2022-018

CONSTRUCT 3 STORY NEW MULTI FAMILY BUILDING (17 UNITS) WITH PARKING. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES.

Variance from: 265-33

Permitted uses.

(Amended 3-6-1967

4-7-1980 by L.L. No. 2-1980; 9-14-1981 by L.L. No. 10-1981) No building or premises shall be used and no building shall be erected or altered for other than one or more of the following specified uses:

chiropractor, podiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, registered nurse providing counseling services only, attorney, accountant, architect or professional engineer, may contain the following and shall not exceed the same: a waiting room, consultation room, two treatment and/or examining rooms and one bathroom with a total floor area not to exceed 600 square feet. The office space shall be entirely on the first floor of the premises and shall have a direct access by means of one entrance door to the interior of the residential portion.

(Amended 7-7-2014 by L.L. No. 8-2015; 11-7-2016 by L.L. No. 10-2018)

B. Places of worship.

(Amended 3-6-1967; 10-6-1997 by L.L. No. 9-1997)

C. Libraries, public museums and also schools as herein defined.

(Amended 3-6-1967)

D. Clubs maintained or conducted by any religious, philanthropic or patriotic organization.

(Amended 3-6-1967)

There will be a General Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Inwood Fire District as follows:

Time: 7:00 P.M.

Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023

Place: DISTRICT OFFICE

Melissa Rivelli

District Secretary

Sincerely, Dennis Verriello

District Manager Inwood Fire District 137057

LEGAL NOTICE INC PUEBLO DE HEWLETT NECK

AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL

TENGA EN CUENTA que en las elecciones generales de la aldea que se celebrarán en la aldea de HEWLETT NECK el 20 de junio de 2023, se llenarán los siguientes cargos en los términos indicados: Dos (2) fideicomisarios, por períodos de dos (2) años cada uno Las personas elegibles que deseen votar en dicha elección deben registrarse en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau al menos diez días antes de dicha elección.

Village Clerk

Michelle Blandino

Kirschner, 155 Burton Place- Section 212-48.A of the Village Code states that no swimming pool or part thereof shall be constructed in the front yard.

Finestone, 123

Winchester Place- Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 13,200 SF in area is 3,133

SF. Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states that the minimum side yard setback for a lot size of 13,200 SF in area is 15 ft. Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states that the minimum aggregate setback for a lot size of 13,200 SF in area is 35 ft. Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states that the maximum side yard height setback ratio for a lot size of 13,200 SF in area is 1.5.

Singer, 63 CausewaySection 212.12.1

surface coverage for a lot size of 15,030 sq. ft. in area is 925 sq. ft. Section 212-48.B of the Village Code states, the minimum rear yard setback for a pool is 20 ft.

Section 212-48.C of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum side yard setback for pool is 15 ft. The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting.

The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing. All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard

By Order of the Board of Appeals

Lloyd Keilson

Chairman

Dated: January 26, 2023

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that on all such taxes remaining unpaid after April 1st, 2023 five per centum (5%) will be added for the first month. Thereafter, the rate will be that percentage determined by the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance of the State of New York and will be added for each month or fraction thereof thereafter until paid.

MICHELLE BLANDINO VILLAGE CLERK Inc. Village of Woodsburgh

Dated: February 3, 2023 137047

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF HEWLETT BAY PARK

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF COLLECTION OF TAXES

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE

PROPOSED

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: Cedarhurst, New York

A. One-family dwellings which may include, in addition to the dwelling, the office of a professional (limited to a physician, dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, registered nurse providing counseling services only, attorney, accountant, architect or professional engineer), when actually used as the private dwelling of the aforesaid professional person, and the same individual who occupies the office shall reside within said premises and shall be the owner of record. No other professional shall use said office, regardless of his/her relationship to the owner-professional. The office space for said physician, dentist,

E. Accessory uses, customarily incident to the above uses, but not including a business or building or use not located on the same lots with the building or use to which it is accessory. A garage or a group of garages for more than two motor vehicles shall not be permitted as an accessory use. Each and every garage shall be at least 25 feet from any street line except on plots having a width of less than 50 feet located on a corner in which case such garage shall be placed on said property at a point as far distant as possible from any street line. Garages comprising a portion of the main dwelling shall be deemed a portion of that building and the front, side and rear yard restrictions shall be applicable thereto.

(Amended 3-6-1967)

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: February 1, 2023

Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor

Salvatore Evola

Village Clerk-Treasurer

By Order of the Board Of Zoning Appeals 137056

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

OF GENERAL

OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT, INWOOD, NEW YORK, 11096.

January 27, 2023 137054

Schedule dimensional Regulations states, the maximum surface coverage for a lot size of 9,600 sq. ft. in an area is 4,022 sq. ft. Section 212.48.c of the code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a residence B District, the minimum rear yard setback for a pool is 20 ft.

137055

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Lawrence

Legal Notice

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:45 P.M. followed by a public meeting on February 15, 2023 at the Lawrence Village Hall 196 Central Ave Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:30 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board:

Grossman, 8 Sealy DriveSection 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum surface coverage for a lot size of 6,727 sq. ft. in area is 3,216 sq. ft. Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states the maximum front yard surface coverage for a lot size of 6,727sq. ft. in an area is 556 sq. ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village code states, in a Residence District C-1, the minimum north side yard setback is 10 ft.

Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village code states, in a Residence District C-1, the minimum aggregate yard setback is 25 ft. Section 212-16.D (2)(c) of the Village code states, in a Residence District C-1, the maximum side yard height/setback ratio is 2.2.

Badian, 145 Harborview S -Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 9,061 sq. ft. in area is 2,643 sq. ft. Section 212-16.D(1) of the Village Code states, in Residence B District the minimum front yard setback for a lot size of 9,061 ft. is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D(1) of the Village Code states, in Residence B District the minimum side yard setback for a lot size of 9,061 ft. is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D(1) of the Village Code states, the minimum aggregate yard setback for a lot size of 9,061 ft. is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D(2)(a) of the Village Code states, the maximum front yard height setback ratio for a building on a lot sized of 9,061 ft. is 0.74. Section 212-16.D(2)(c) of the Village Code states, the maximum side yard height setback ratio for a building on a lot sized of 9,061 ft. is 1.5.Section 212-39.C of the Village Code states, the maximum exterior wall height from the base plane to the underside of the eave is 23 ft. Section 212-16.B of the Village Code states, in a Residence B District no single family dwelling shall be erected or altered to have more than 2 Ω stories.

Rubin, 116 Harborview ESection 212-12.1 of Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum front yard

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: PGC Systems, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 01/30/23. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 66 Lindenbergh Street, Locust Valley, NY 11560

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

137061

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF WOODSBURGH

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF COLLECTION OF TAXES

TAKE NOTICE that I the undersigned Clerk of the Village of Woodsburgh have received the tax roll and Warrant for the collection of taxes for the forthcoming fiscal year, March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, and that I will attend to my office from March 1st to April 1st, from 8 o’clock in the morning until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, excepting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for the purpose of receiving such taxes; during which period taxes may be paid to me without additional charge.

Checks for the payment of taxes will be received at the Village Office, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York 11557.

TAKE NOTICE that I the undersigned Clerk of the Village of Hewlett Bay Park have received the tax roll and Warrant for the collection of taxes for the forthcoming fiscal year, March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, and that I will attend to my office from March 1st to April 1st, from 8 o’clock in the morning until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, excepting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for the purpose of receiving such taxes; during which period taxes may be paid to me without additional charge.

Checks for the payment of taxes will be received at the Village Office, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York 11557.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that on all such taxes remaining unpaid after April 1st, 2023, five per centum (5%) will be added for the first month. Thereafter, the rate will be that percentage determined by the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance of the State of New York and will be added for each month or fraction thereof thereafter until paid.

MICHELLE BLANDINO VILLAGE CLERK Inc. Village of Hewlett Bay Park

Dated: February 3, 2022 137049

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC.,

ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-OC3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OC3, Plaintiff - against - BIBI SHERIFFA ALI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on July 21, 2017. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court

Public Notices

located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 2nd day of March, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 517 11th Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516.

(Section: 39, Block: 290, Lot: 57) Approximate amount of lien $1,001,229.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 010427/2012. Richard T. Kerins, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: December 27, 2022

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

136982

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not in its Individual Capacity but solely in its Capacity as Owner Trustee of Matawin Ventures Trust Series 2017-4, Plaintiffagainst- VETA GLENN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 19, 2022 and entered on December 20, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 2, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Inwood, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of St. George Place, distant 378.28 feet southerly from the corner

formed by the intersection of the easterly side of St. George Place with the southerly side of Bayview Avenue; being a plot 60 feet by 119 feet by 60 feet by 119 feet. Section: 40

Block: 57 Lot: 47

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 40 ST. GEORGE PLACE, INWOOD, NY

Approximate amount of lien $616,116.31 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 18592/2007.

GEORGE ESERNIO, ESQ., Referee McGovern & Amodio, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 2 William Street, Suite 306, White Plains, NY 10601

{* NASSAU HER*}

136992

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting.

An agenda for the meeting will be made available to the public on the Village Website. All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.org for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York

January 20, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

MICHAEL RYDER VILLAGE CLERK 136894

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURTNASSAU COUNTY SUPPLEMENTAL PROBATE CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

By the Grace of God Free and Independent File No. 2022-2225

TO: Robert Michael Shapiro Jr. and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law and next-ofkin of the said Robert

Shapiro, deceased, and if any of the said above distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.

GREETINGS

A petition having been duly filed by Kimberly Weinberger, residing at 3170 Keystone Road Northbrook, IL 60062

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED

TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on March 1, 2023, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Robert Shapiro, lately domiciled at 386 Mulry Lane, Lawrence , NY 11559 admitting to probate a Will dated September 27, 2013 a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Robert Shapiro, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that

[ X ] Letters Testamentary issue to Kimberly Weinberger

[ ] Letters of Trusteeship issue

to__________________

[ ] Letters of Administration c.t.a. issue

to__________________

[ ] Further relief sought(if any):________________

Dated, Attested, and Sealed, 01/13/23

(Seal)

HON. MARGARET C. REILLY Surrogate

Debra Keller Leimbach, Chief Clerk

This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.

Name of Attorney: Timothy W. Lewis Esq.

Address: T.W. Lewis &Co., LLC. 260 Madison Avenue 17 FL, New York, NY 10016

Phone No. 212-785-7600

A TRUE COPY OF THE WILL OFFERED FOR PROBATE MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS CITATION

A TRUE COPY OF THE WILL OFFERED FOR PROBATE MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS CITATION

Note: 22 N.Y.C.R.R. 207.7

(c): Proof of Service shall be filed on or before the second day preceding the return date.

In computing such period of two days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall not be taken into account.

136821

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

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

V.

MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 28, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 53 BERWICK ROAD, HEWLETT, NY 11557: Section 39, Block 440, Lot 40:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT HEWLETT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 617153/2018. Maria Sideris, 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 ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

136920

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. ELM LIMITED, LLC., Pltf. vs. ITZHAK HERSHKO, et al, Defts. Index #608671/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 23, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 39, Block 344, Lot 222. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale.

JEFFREY W. HALBREICH, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #99999

136916

JEAN LEONETTI, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 14, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. is the Plaintiff and JEAN LEONETTI, 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,

assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale

Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale.

Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 21st day of February 2023 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale

Mineola, NewYork

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY

TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 21st, 2023, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 16th, 2023 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 08th, 2023. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.

The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

Public Notices

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

136839

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

may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk via email at MBharaj@Lawrence.org.

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:

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

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

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.

Ms. Mohinder Bharaj

District Clerk of the Board of Education

Lawrence Union Free School District 136367

LEGAL 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.

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 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

Hewlett High’s Mangeri named AP of the year

The School Administrators Association of New York named Richard Mangeri Assistant Principal of the Year.

Mangeri first came to Hewlett High School in 2001 and taught social studies. A Dozen years later, he was promoted to assistant principal, a position where he supported five school building principals.

The administrators association presents its award to an assistant principal who “sets the pace, character and quality of education for the children in the school, who is committed to excellence, who has made a commitment to parents and the community, and has shown evidence of outstanding contributions to the community and educational process.”

Mangeri’s resume in the HewlettWoodmere school district also includes serving as an attendance coordinator and varsity football coach at Hewlett High and an assistant football coach, head track coach and assistant track coach at Woodmere Middle School. Before coming to the district, he was a social studies teacher and then dean of students at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Public Notices

MBharaj@Lawrence.org. 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 de la Votación de Referéndum Especial con el fin de examinar y tabular dichos informes del resultado de la papeleta y declarando el resultado de la misma.

Sra. Mohinder Bharaj Secretaria del Distrito de la Junta de Educación Distrito Escolar Libre de Lawrence Unión 136369

LEGAL NOTICE

RESOLUTION #1 - 2023

CREDIT CARD ACCEPTANCE

WHEREAS, the Village of Hewlett Harbor would like to provide its customers with convenient options for making payments; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Hewlett Harbor, believes many customers would take advantage of the ability to make payments via credit card; and

WHEREAS, this matter is authorized by the New York State Comptroller Office, and

WHEREAS, State Statute requires that the decision to accept credit card payments for any particular type of

obligation be made by the governing body of the local government; and

WHEREAS, State Statute allows that the amount of service fee be limited to the amount of the costs incurred by the Village in connection with the credit card acceptance, such fees shall be paid by the payor to the processor for all moneys owed to the Village of Hewlett Harbor; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village of Hewlett Harbor hereby authorizes the acceptance of credit cards for the payment of all money owed to the Village of Hewlett Harbor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village of Hewlett Harbor hereby authorizes the acceptance of credit cards for the payment of all money owed to the Village of Hewlett Harbor such as permit fees, rents, taxes, interest or other charges through its website. MARK WEISS, Mayor Motion By: Seconded By:

Courtesy Hewlett-Woodmere schools Hewlett HigH ScHool Assistant Principal Richard Mangeri was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York.

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My pickup truck has damaged the garage floor

Q. Can you solve a debate I have been having with my contractor about replacing the cracked floor in my garage? The problem is that I want to have steel bars in the slab and make it extra thick, since the existing slab is cracked and damaged from my heavy pickup truck, sometimes filled with heavy construction items. The concrete guy keeps telling me it’s overkill and that just the concrete, 5 inches thick, with a rollout wire mesh, is enough. Can you explain which one I need, and why he keeps telling me that the driveway is concrete, not cement? I want to do this job as soon as it warms up.

A. The first problem to solve is who should be designing the correct slab. Yes, we all know it’s just a slab, but you’ve already seen what happens when someone unfamiliar with the engineering design of even the simplest concrete slab doesn’t apply the correct preventive details.

Concrete is very strong in compression, meaning you can press on it to extremes before it even shows small signs of failure.

The Architect Monte Leeper

Unfortunately, concrete has no tensile strength. Zero. Zip. This means you can easily pull it apart, or bend it to the point of cracking without much force.

Structural engineers and architects, to a lesser extent, are trained to apply specific formulas that predict the success (and failure) of even a slab of formed concrete. Knowing how a slab fails allows professionals to apply the right reinforcement in the right places. Otherwise you’re just guessing.

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There’s a difference in the description of the slab, which is made up of several materials, such as sand, lime, and something called “Portland cement.” Portland Cement is a mixture of mined calcium silicates and a lesser amount of calcium aluminates that form a chemical reaction in the presence of water. The chemical reaction causes the mixture to harden and give off heat, called the heat of hydration. It was patented in England in 1824 by bricklayer Joseph Aspdin, and got the name Portland because when it hardened, it appeared to look very similar to the white Portland stone quarried along the Portland Isle coast of Dorset in southern England. Sorry, Oregon, you get no credit here.

When other silicates, such as sand or different sizes of stone, are added, the characteristics change, and the setting times and strength change as well. Ash has been added in some mixes, and glass fibers, another form of silica, have made our latest bridge and roadway construction projects extremely long-lasting and stronger.

Portland cement can be a part of concrete. To determine the reinforcing, the loads need to be applied to formulas, along with the amount of time and other forces, such as expansion and contraction (due to temperature changes), support material strength, shrinkage and internal stress — in other words, it would be irresponsible to throw some guess at you without knowing more. Keep in mind, more concrete is not better. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper

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

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The era of ‘Marcus Welby, M.D.’ is over

I’ll bet very few readers remember television shows like “Dr. Kildare” and “Marcus Welby.” Those popular shows featured physicians who made house calls and performed miracles of all kinds. There may be a few of these doctors left, but it’s only a matter of time until such dedicated physicians are no longer in existence. Like it or not, the business of medicine is changing rapidly, and not for the benefit of the average patient.

I recently experienced this sea change in medicine, when two of my doctors announced their retirement. One was my internal medicine doctor, who served me faithfully for 32 years, and the other was a neurologist who had monitored me for about five years. It was obvious from our parting conversations that they were exhausted and tired of the day-to-day stresses of serving patients.

If you visit almost any doctor’s office, you’ll notice that there are walls and

walls of files on display. They may signify how many patients your doctor serves, but they are also evidence of the amount of paperwork the average doctor must do to get paid by an insurance company. Once upon a time, insurance companies gave doctors an appropriate amount of money for the services they performed, but not anymore.

If you’re a doctor in New York City, you may get $1,000 for a medical procedure. But if you practice in, say, Smithtown, you may get paid $180, if you’re lucky. Geography makes a difference in reimbursement, and no rational observer of medicine will defend such an abominable system. These days, doctors need experienced staff members who have to deal with endless piles of documents, many of which are for small reimbursements. The daily practice of medicine isn’t a 9-to-5 operation. Many doctors take their charts home, to review medical histories and also to protect themselves from malpractice litigation. The business of suing doctors is a major enterprise, and the volume of litigation forces doctors to pay

outrageous fees for malpractice coverage. I’ve heard quite a few stories about doctors who quit the practice because they simply couldn’t afford the high premiums.

One way that a doctor can avoid some of these headaches is to become an employee of a hospital. That spares you the high insurance premiums, but life isn’t a bowl of cherries for the employed doctor, either. Large hospitals have rules upon rules, and they can mean plenty of paperwork, and having to handle a much larger caseload of patients then you ever had when you were on your own. One of my longtime, highly respected doctors has taken a leave of absence, because he’s now in his 80s and just can’t handle the caseload he’s been given. But hospitals are businesses, and they have every right to demand a high level of activity of their doctors.

There are many dedicated, newly minted doctors graduating from medical schools, but quite a few of them approach medicine much differently today than their forebears. Many young

doctors would prefer to work five days a week, with no weekend duty. They are willing to take less compensation and have more time for family, golf and vacations. They may be brilliant practitioners, but they don’t want to be so many Marcus Welbys.

And when we talk about medicine, we can’t forget about nurses. The recent strike at some major city hospitals was no surprise. I was in an ER recently, and found out that my nurse had 15 patients assigned to her. She was on the verge of a physical breakdown, but soldiered on, handling all of them with grace and patience. No doubt, she will get a large pay increase and a smaller patient workload, but it’s only fair to give her those benefits.

Like it or not, medicine is changing dramatically. In the next 10 years, we will see changes that we never dreamt of. Some will be good, and others bad. Let’s hope there are more good than bad.

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.

Folks scramble as the price of eggs soars nationwide

You can believe the hype. Last week, a boutique grocery on Manhattan’s Upper East Side was selling eggs for $17.99 a dozen. They weren’t Faberge eggs, dripping in diamonds and gilt. They were ordinary chicken-hatched, single-yolk, large “organic” eggs.

This news flash is courtesy of The Guardian newspaper in England, which loves to point out the crass and the crazy in American culture. It is given to gloating through stiff upper lips. Still, it has a point.

RANDI KREISS

Egg prices are heating up due to inflation, a surging avian flu epidemic and, some say, price gouging.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one year ago you could buy a dozen eggs for $1.72. Now, nationwide, the price averages $3.59. In some states like California, the average price is more than $7. Apparently in Manhattan, consumers have jumped from the frying pan into the fire. No more cheap, go-to weekday omelet dinners.

The current epidemic of avian flu is

the worst in history, according to NBC News. More than 53 million birds have died of the virus or been put to death. As so-far survivors of the coronavirus pandemic, we must wonder how vulnerable we humans are to this flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we’re probably safe. That’s not totally reassuring, but the avian flu has jumped to humans in only rare instances, and has passed from an infected person to other people in only extremely rare cases. Those who’ve contracted the flu after working around infected birds generally experienced mild symptoms, but the disease has been serious in a few people.

of Mexico to the U.S. I don’t know if it’s a Sinaloa cartel operation, but really? Smugglers in competition with the Easter Bunny?

I take my eggs very seriously. Omelets are a regular dinner in my home. I eat an egg every single day, over well, yolk broken. Lillybee the dog gets half a yolk.

Price gouging?

No more cheap, go-to weekday omelet dinners.

Somehow, I want to believe human beings should be OK, but after the waves of half-information and misinformation informing our health decisions in the midst of Covid, I want to keep an eye on this H5N1 virus. Even though it might seem cost-effective now to start raising chickens in our backyards, nah, it’s probably not a good idea.

Last week it was widely reported that dealers have been running eggs out

I had to give up eggs recently and temporarily (for a month) after my friend cracked an egg and discovered a tiny, blackened mini-chicken inside. So gross! I didn’t actually see the monstrosity, but I can’t get the image out of my head. She was so traumatized by the visitation that she gave up eggs forever.

We move on. The most expensive egg product I ever purchased was a painted $25 ostrich eggshell I brought back from South Africa to present to my granddaughter on her 13th birthday. I was feeling quite high-minded about the symbolism of feminism and new beginnings and eternal life. But she sat on it, and that was that.

Two weeks ago, I cracked an egg and discovered it was a double yolker. According to Cackle Hatchery, double yolks are quite rare. They hardly ever

result in two chickens being born, because the eggshell can’t accommodate twins. Still, they are prized for eating. Some boutique chicken farmers specialize in double yolkers, the source of which is a genetic mutation. You can hold a candle to an egg and see what’s inside if you really need to know. If you really want to know.

Hardboiled eggs are worth a book of their own. I always have a few hardcooked eggs in my fridge, you know, in case of nuclear attack or tornado strike. I read about an 83-year-old hiker years ago who hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, eating hardboiled eggs he cooked on a tiny camping stove.

In the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke,” an outrageously defiant prisoner played by Paul Newman choked down 50 hardboiled eggs on a dare. A few people in real life tried to imitate the feat, and one died. But Joey Chestnut, the renowned competitive eater, consumed 141 eggs in eight minutes in a contest. Miki Sudo broke the women’s world record, eating 104 eggs.

Chestnut, who, remarkably, is still alive — I checked — took home a $1,500 grand prize, which seems not nearly enough.

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

It was obvious from chats with my retiring doctors that they were exhausted.

JERRY KREMER

Copyright © 2023 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD

Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018

When doing good should be good enough

impassioned pleas, stories from lifelong residents, and even questions on what could be done to help. All of this was heard last week at the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence in the effort to save this 116-year-old community resource.

A place that originally helped immigrants assimilate, taught many the skills to find jobs, and then — over the most recent half-century —offered needed programs and services, should not have to burnish its resume like a recent college graduate entering the workforce.

No matter the name — the Settlement House, the Trade School, the Inwood Community Center, the Five Towns Community Center — the institution and its staff, paid or volunteer, has exceeded its obligations. Whether to the neighbors it serves, or through the legal obligations demanded in the center’s lease with Nassau County.

That 50-year-old lease is set to expire next year, yet the county doesn’t realize how disrespectful and insulting it is to seek a new community center operator when the one that’s there now is doing just fine.

A new lease should have been hammered out by the Laura Curran administration, and if not hers, then definitely by the current one. Bruce Blakeman certainly understand the community center’s value having previously served in the county legislature, and most recently as a town councilman for the area.

Blakeman, along with fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, have many

letters

Offner was on the mark

To the Editor:

Re Daniel Offner’s column last week, “We must remember — and teach — the Holocaust”: Offner’s description of his grandmother, “When she was liberated by American troops from Dachau in May 1945, she weighed 45 pounds,” brought back an old memory to me. I remember my dad speaking of two cousins, who somehow made it to America after surviving one of those Nazi killing centers in Poland. He described them as two young guys, each over six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds — combined.

They didn’t last much longer than a year here. The Nazis killed them; they just didn’t die immediately.

And now we have Holocaust deniers, in spite of the films, photos and documents that exist, in addition to the survivors, and the living veterans who aided in their liberation and survival. We also have politicians in both parties telling us lies daily. Now we even have to be aware of a “journalist’s” political affilia-

times visited the community center’s building and campus on Lawrence Avenue for meetings and events, as well as when they campaigned for votes.

They have seen the good the community center does with its after-school programs, fighting substance abuse through the Committee on Drug Abuse, and helping the recent wave of immigrants with its Aid to the Foreign-Born program.

As the Covid-19 pandemic impacted lives for more than two years, the center — through its Gammy’s Pantry — literally swung open its doors to neighbors and residents living in surrounding communities providing food and household items. Last May, the center joined forces with Long Island Cares as the community center became a donation site for the Freeport-based nonprofit food bank.

When Covid forced Cedarhurst-based Rock and Wrap It Up! to find another venue for its annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway, the community center opened its kitchen to prepare and pack roughly 800 meals. Last year, the center served as a drive-thru pick up for a turkey giveaway helping 400 families.

When the weather is bad, the centers hosts Rock and Wrap It Up’s free Veterans Farmers Market, where older military veterans can “shop” for food and assorted items.

In addition to the after-school programs, the community center offers a game room, a summer camp, and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and events for children and young adults, providing everything from basketball to the

Easter Eggstravaganza.

When the annual Inwood Day celebration needed to find a new location, once again the community center opened its grounds. The outdoor athletic field is home to the Guatemalan Fútbol League, and more than a few youth programs.

The county invested in the community center as one of the locations to revitalize what has become known now as the Police Activity League, which offers a variety of programs for children and teenagers.

All these programs and services are free. Based on the agreement with the county, the community center is prohibited from charging fees, and therefore cannot generate revenue to become self-sustaining. All supporting money comes from the county, or in the form of grants it seeks out on its own.

On a recent Saturday — along with the usual hours for the food pantry and basketball — there was a three-hour career day and employment seminar. There is no other one-stop venue in the Five Towns where so many programs and services are offered for free.

If the county has the time to prepare and put out a request for proposal seeking a new operator, it has the time to negotiate a new lease with the Five Towns Community Center. Should the county have ideas on how the community center could service its neighbors better, by all means let’s hear them.

What the community center has done for its neighbors was good for the past 50 years. It should be good enough for another half-century.

D’Esposito will get the job done in Washington e

arlier this month I had the privilege of speaking at the ceremonial swearing-in of newly elected U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. Sitting on the stage that evening, I thought back to when I was first sworn in 30 years ago, and how different this night was from that one, and how different the world had become. This ceremonial event was held at the Nassau County police training center, in East Garden City, instead of in Washington, D.C., and the oath was administered by former Senator Al D’Amato instead of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

D’Esposito had been officially sworn in by McCarthy the week before, but that was at 2 a.m. on Jan. 7, following over four days and 15 ballots of voting in the most acrimonious contest for speaker since the 1850s, the decade preceding the Civil War. During my 28 years in Congress, I cast 14 ballots for speaker — one every two years. D’Esposito exceeded that total in his very first week in Congress!

This rancor and chaos is a sign of what Congress has become, and what D’Esposito must work through. Don’t get me wrong — Congress wasn’t all peace, love and harmony when I was elected. Soon-to-be House Speaker Newt Gingrich and President Bill Clinton were firing political rockets at each other, and fiery cable news shows were emerging. But there wasn’t this level of intra-party disunity.

Nonetheless, D’Esposito’s situation isn’t entirely different from what I faced. We have several things in common. We both won close, hard-fought races. I won by 8,000 votes, a margin of 3 percent; D’Esposito by 10,000, or 3.9 percent. The bulk of my district was in the Town of Hempstead and Long Beach. D’Esposito’s district is entirely within those boundaries. And the challenges he will confront are similar to what I faced during my latter 20 years in Congress: preventing another Sept. 11, and fighting to get New York and Long Island their fair share of revenue. Fortunately, D’Esposito’s committee assignments — Homeland Security and Transportation & Infrastructure — position him well for the struggles

Letters

tions, agenda and beliefs. Sadly, as Offner pointed out, the same goes for our educational institutions.

I was lucky. The U.S. Navy took me to dozens of foreign nations. If you were born here, count your blessings. There are many tougher places to grow up in. Our most precious resource is America’s children. If we give them our honest best, freedom will reign.

JOHN SCHULTz Oceanside

It’s Santos, for better or worse

To the Editor:

At a news event on Jan. 11, a parade of Nassau County Republicans took the extraordinarily courageous step of calling on their colleague, U.S. Rep. George Santos, to resign. They suggested that he was not welcome at either their headquarters or their events. They indicated that their other congressional representatives would take it upon themselves to provide representation to the people of the 3rd District — the people Santos was elected to represent.

On Jan. 18, I received an email from my old friend Rep. Andrew Garbarino, who represents the 2nd District, in Suffolk County, advising me that I was one of his “new constituents” and assuring

me that I could rely on his office’s resources. Along with everyone else in northern Nassau and Queens, I live in Santos’s district. I am not officially a constituent of Garbarino’s.

In response, I emailed Andy Garbarino, “While I appreciate you reaching out, you are not my Congressional representative and I am not your ‘new constituent.’ George Santos, with whom and for whom you campaigned, is my Congressional representative. That fact is truly shameful. Thanks again and wishing you well.”

So, to Congressman Garbarino, with whom I worked in the Assembly before he was elected to the House of Representatives, I simply say, “Thanks but no thanks.” For better or worse, Santos is our congressman, and I expect him, perhaps unrealistically, to make some effort to try to live up to his responsibilities.

I am not inclined to reach out to the same Republican politicians who offer assistance but are simply attempting to shield themselves from criticism. As the old saying goes, once bitten, twice shy.

Should Santos be unresponsive to any requests I may have for assistance to the people I represent, I will reach out to Senators Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand, or to any number of Democratic congressional representatives.

CHARLES LAvINE Assemblyman, 13th District

ahead.

The Homeland Security Committee was created in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 to coordinate federal, state and local counterterrorism efforts, and to provide necessary funding to areas at highest risk. Every threat analysis showed the New York City-Long Island region as the highestranked terrorist target in the country. Yet we had to fight off other states, which had zero threat levels, for every penny. As a former New York City police detective and Island Park fire chief, D’Esposito has the credentials and the gravitas to win those funding fights, and also to ensure that the committee’s legitimate concern about border control and illegal immigration doesn’t distract attention from the still very serious terrorist threat.

He will have similar struggles on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, to get fair and necessary funding for Long Island’s roads, highways, beaches and waterways.

Over the years, New York has been consistently shortchanged in federal funding, sending far more money to Washington than we get back. My short-

hand political analysis for this inequity was that Democrats took New York for granted and Republicans felt they couldn’t win it, so our hard-earned tax dollars were disbursed elsewhere — most notably, and disproportionately, to southern states. This shortfall in turn increased our state and local tax burden, which was exacerbated when a Republican Congress voted to dramatically reduce our SALT income tax deduction. D’Esposito has pledged to fight hard to restore that deduction.

Besides Homeland Security, infrastructure funding and restoring the SALT deduction, he will have to deal with countless other issues, including senior citizen and veterans benefits, 9/11 health care, tax relief for hardworking middle-income families and supporting law enforcement.

Being a member of Congress, and representing the people of Long Island and addressing their needs and challenges, was the experience of a lifetime for me. No one is more connected to his constituents than Anthony D’Esposito, and I know he will take their thoughts and concerns to the halls of Congress and get the job done. Good luck, Congressman.

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

Framework by Tim Baker

a newcomer to Congress has two solid committee assignments.