Nassau Herald 02-29-2024

Please explain divorce, Laurie Page 2

All the news of the Five Towns

New justice in Cedarhurst Page 5

At the Chabad of the Five Towns Hebrew School on Feb. 18, Gennadiy Shnayderman, of Woodmere, left, and Ilan Levy, a visiting Israel Defense Forces soldier, reconnected 20 years after they served together in the IDF.

IDF soldiers reunite at 5T Chabad Hebrew school parent hears a familiar voice

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

Hadassah Geisinsky, assistant director of the Chabad of the Five Towns Hebrew School, in Cedarhurst, believes there are no coincidences — not even the unlikely reunion of two Israel Defense Forces soldiers who served together 20 years ago, at a Hebrew school event.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Geisinsky said after watching the two men — one a visiting IDF member, the other a former soldier and the father of two Hebrew school students — embrace.

Ilan Levy visited the school’s Sunday session on Feb. 18 to tell the 4- to 11-year-old children about what it’s like to serve on the front

lines in Gaza in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“We had an opportunity to thank them and supply what they needed for their units,” Geisinsky said of several IDF members who visited the Five Towns in mid February. “We didn’t know who we were being assigned for a soldier — we met them when they walked in the door.”

Levy was brought to the Five Towns by the IDF Chesed Center, an Israeli support organization in Hewlett, along with other soldiers, for the center’s IDF Unity Shabbat program, a five-day event at which soldiers spoke, and community members gathered to donate and collect combat resources for Israel.

Hatzalah Without Borders, a volunteer Israeli rescue organization of medics, paramedics and doctors, worked with the center to

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Woodmere Club development at a standstill

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

The proposed development of the Woodmere Club remains at a standstill after a Lawrence village Board of Appeals ruling — or lack of one — at its Feb. 21 meeting. The board reserved a decision on the developers’ plan to circumvent the restrictions of the Coastal Conservation District that was created in 2020 by asking for a variance to build 15 homes outside the district, in addition to the 18 homes whose construction will be permitted on part of the club property.

Uproperty, along with Lawrence and the Hamlet of Woodmere, in the Town of Hempstead. The application called for 15 additional homes to be built in a so-called “open space” subdistrict, outside the Costal Conservation District.

“From the board’s perspective, we do not see the necessity for further discussion, unless counsel for petitioner seeks to amplify or augment the previous record,” Lawrence Board of Appeals Chairman Lloyd Keilson said last week, referring to the board’s July 2023 meeting.

nless there was some compelling need for a public discussion, we will at this time want to close the public discussion and actually reserve decision.

Last July, roughly 90 people attended a Board of Appeals hearing at which Christian Browne, who represents the developers Efrem Gerszberg and Robert Weiss, sought a variance to build single-family homes outside the perimeter of the Costal Conservation District. Attendees appeared unanimous in their opposition to the plan.

LLOYD KEILSON Chairman, Board of Appeals

In September, Browne presented a use variance application at a Board of Appeals meeting for the Village of Woodsburgh, one of three municipalities that claim a portion of the Woodmere Club

Browne said his clients had nothing to add.

Gerszberg and Weiss purchased the Woodmere Club property in 2017. Two years later, they proposed the construction of 284 single-family homes — 247 in Woodmere, 24 in Woodsburgh and 13 in Lawrence. This prompted the creation of the Costal Conservation District by the Town of Hempstead, Lawrence and Woodsburgh, which divided the 118-acre property into open-space, residential and clubhouse/hospitality subdistricts and reduced the proposed development to 59

Courtesy Hadassah Geisinsky

Please explain why Dr. Laurie Zelinger writes books

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Since she was around 8-years-old, Dr. Laurie Zelinger kept a diary writing short stories and poems, and in the fourth grade she wrote a play her class performed.

Zelinger, 71, became a board certified psychologist who worked in schools for 40-plus years, including 10 in the Oceanside school district, and has had a private practice in Cedarhurst for more than 20 years, counseling children.

The writing gene has never left her and since 2009, Zelinger who shares her practice with her husband, Fred, has written books geared for children to ease their concerns about such topics as Alzheimer’s disease, terrorism and vaccines.

TThat book was “Please Explain Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy to Me.” The son, Jordan, one of four, is now a neuropsychologist.

The books’ topics are generated from a combination of a real life incident and her practice. Grandson Seth hurt his finger and Zelinger spontaneously made up a story related to the bandage and that became “Baby Bandage & His First Aid Family.”

hey are all researched and evidencebased so they are a trustworthy source for parents.

DR. LauRiE ZELiNgER Certified psychologist

Her latest book, “Please Explain Divorce to me, Because My Parents are Breaking up,” with illustrations by Lynbrook resident Elisa Sabella, explains the breakup of a mother and father with three kids.

“Actually I love to write,” said Zelinger, who lives in Cedarhurst. “My son had his tonsils out when he was 6 and I kept notes. They got tattered. Someone said why don’t you turn them into a book.”

“They are all researched and evidencebased so they are a trustworthy source for parents,” Zelinger said, about her books.

That is what drew Victor Volkman, the publisher of Michigan-based Living Healing Press, to publish Zelinger’s books.

“Her credential as a board certified psychologist is impeccable,” he said. “I knew she was an expert and she has a deft touch knowing a child’s development and understanding what practical things make themselves understand the situation.”

Reading “Please Explain Divorce to me,” as an adult, it is a breezy 25-page read that provides simple but coherent insight into how children most likely will view the break up of their parents’ marriage.

Volkman noted that Zelinger writes from a personal perspective such as her

book, “Please Explain Alzheimer’s to Me,” which came from her father having the disease.

“It speaks to the empathy with the subject she is dealing with and her desire to help provide practical solutions,” Volkman said. She researches her subjects in depth, has detailed, fully referenced theoretical approaches. She’s just a gem.”

Lynbrook resident Elisa Sabella has illustrated three of Zelinger’s books.

“I generally start designing the characters from a rough bunch of designs, then Laurie picks hair from one, the face of one, kind of Laurie’s rough ideas on the pages,” Sabella said, who added that sometimes she starts in pencil, but mostly works in Photoshop. “We try thumbnail sketches and narrow it down.”

For Sabella, “It’s fun, I love it.”

What Zelinger appears to love is helping her youthful patients and alleviate their anxiety.

“Children are really more afraid of divorce than death,” she said, recalling one time when working at a school there was a fire drill and of course everyone had to leave the building quickly.

“A girl had a lost a family member and she was afraid that all these people (who had died) fell out of the sky,” said Zelinger, noting that the feedback from kids before the books are published is genuinely positive.

All of Zelinger’s books are available on Amazon.

Dr. Laurie Zelinger, a Cedarhurst-based psychologist, has written another Please Explain book, this one ‘Please Explain Divorce to me, Because My Parents are Breaking up.’

Courtesy Barbara Alster

Popack declares for village mayor, voting June 18

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Lawrence village Trustee Paris Popack announced that she is running for mayor as current municipal leader, Alex Edelman, cannot seek office again due to term limits.

Mayors serve four terms of two years in Lawrence.

A trustee since 2020, Popack, 59, was instrumental overhauling the Zion Park playground, a village facility on Central Avenue, immediately across the street from Village Hall.

“I love Lawrence and want it to prosper and grow,” she wrote in an email.

If elected, Popack said that her primary focus would a safe and secure village and toward that goal lighting improvements are being worked on now.

“Home and dock addresses need to be visible day and night for the first responders,” she said.

A member of the village owned and operated Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, Popack has also been at the forefront of helping to ensure that the country club remains a viable part of Lawrence’s recreational landscape. The facility opened in 1924 and includes an 18-hole golf course, nine tennis courts and a 135-slip

marina.

After Trustee Jeff Landy, who was serving as deputy mayor, stepped down from the board last year, Popack was elevated to the appointed post.

“I have no doubt in my mind that she’ll make a great mayor,” Edelman said. “She is very devoted to the Village of Lawrence and I have no doubts of her capabilities and talents, and her love for the village staff.”

In 2018, Popack came forward to help revive the Lawrence Association. The organization that bills itself as the “watchdog” of the village had gone dormant for about a year.

“I’ve been blessed with the ability to have full-time work volunteering in the community,” she said.

With the help of current association president, Jacqueline Handel, the group began hosting issue-oriented meetings, which has continued, including this Thursday’s meeting on overdevelopment at the country club, 101 Causeway, Lawrence, at 7:30 p.m.

“We are saturated with traffic problems,” Popack said. “We need infrastructure and an operating evacuation route in place. We are suburban not urban.”

Involved with Play for P.I.N.K. (prevention, immediate diagnosis, new technolo-

gy, knowledge) summer fundraiser held at the country club, Popack, as a past women’s tennis club president, and a few other women, have raised thousands of dollars for the Bread Cancer Research Foundation.

“Paris has been a devoted, hard working force in the community and especially

dedicated for the betterment of the incorporated Village of Lawrence,” Handel wrote in an email, adding that the Lawrence Association is “delighted” to have a previous president as the village leader. “She is the most qualified person to be our next mayor.”

Popack also served on the village’s Parks Commission before being a board trustee. As a board member, Popack also helped to reestablish the Memorial Day Parade as a community event in Lawrence.

“I have a strong background in serving the community and would like to continue to help the village the best I can,” she said, adding that improving communication with residents through an updated website and social media is also on her agenda.

Originally from Oregon, she came east after entering a modeling contest held by the Famous Ford Models agency. Popack, who has lived in Lawrence for 29 years, met her husband, Joseph, and remained in New York. The couple has four adult daughters.

The village election is June 18. All candidate petition forms are due to be submitted by May 14.

As of press time, no other candidates have announced their candidacy.

Miller, Solages are Inwood Citizens of the Year

Association dinner to honor the elected officials at country club on March 10

By Melissa Billie Clark Correspondent

The Inwood Civic Association acknowledges those who go above and beyond for its community each year. This year, two respected elected officials will accept this award on March 10 at the Inwood Country Club.

The association’s board members have named Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Melissa “Missy” Miller and Nassau County Legislator Carriè Solages its honorees for 2024.

ISince 1963, the presentation of the first award has been a constant inspiration, motivating individuals to achieve their goals. So, what does it take to earn a Citizens of the Year honor? Board members select a pool of potential candidates they think make a difference.

Appointed to the Hempstead town board two years ago, representing the Third Councilmanic District, Miller, who was previously the area’s assemblywoman, has advocated for the caring of the chronically ill and being the voice for the voiceless.

t’s great when the community has a good relationship with our elected officials.

DavID HaNCE President Inwood Civic Association

“Both individuals responded to the community’s needs,” said David Hance, the civic association’s president. “It’s great when the community has a good relationship with our elected officials. It provides an open line of communication; they can either expedite, cut to the chase, or steer us in the right direction.”

Hance said that the goal of the organization is to build a bridge for residents and those who can help.

Miller has proven herself to be not only an influential leader but also a friend and a mother. Her son, Oliver, who is going through a lifetime of medical challenges, assists Miller’s fight in her life’s work.

“My son Oliver has brought so much awareness to issues by showing up and allowing people and legislators to actually see the need for change,” Miller said.

“Whenever I speak with a resident who is affected by a chronic illness, I see their eyes light up because I am also living their life.”

Whether a state legislator or a town representative Miller’s knowledge and longtime relationships with the residents provided her the understanding and the changes needed to help the community, she said.

After redistricting, Solages no longer represents Inwood the work he representing the community cannot be understated as well as advocating ensuring that his constituents have a voice.

“I am all about encouraging participation, and sometimes you have to do

that in a fun way, which is why we started the tradition of Inwood Day, back in 2014 and every year that we did it, it grew,” he said. “It is a community event that brought everyone together.”

Solages fought for improvements at Inwood Park, a county facility, that included an overhaul of the boat launch, renovation of the restrooms, the sports areas, including the Nancy Lieberman “Dream Court” and enhancing a portion of the Nassau Expressway, both projects also shepherded by former State Sen. Todd Kaminksy.

To keep the community of Inwood substantial, the Civic Association is committed to providing resources to the residents. Hance concluded.

“If something needs to be talked about, talk about it; let’s fix it and keep improving,” Hance said. “This includes law and order regarding migrants and managing the neighborhood to ensure a good quality of life.”

To attend the event, email inwoodcivic@gmail.com or call (516) 662-1418.

The Inwood Country Club is at 50 Peppe Drive in Inwood.

Courtesy Paris Popack Lawrence village Trustee Paris Popack, who serves as deputy mayor, announced she is running for mayor.

Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Melissa ‘Missy’ Miller and Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages are the Inwood Civic Association’s Citizens of the Year.

Estate Planning for Pets

In the event of their death, many people wish to provide for the adequate care and feeding of their beloved dog, cat, bird or other pet. Here is an abridged version of New York’s statute authorizing a trust for your pet:

a. The intended use of the principal or income, of a trust for the care of a designated domestic or pet animal, may be enforced by an individual designated for that purpose in the trust instrument. Such trust shall terminate when no living animal is covered by the trust.

b. No portion of the principal or income may be converted to the use of the trustee or to any use other than for the benefit of a covered animal.

c. Upon termination, the trustee shall transfer the unexpended trust property as directed in the trust instrument or, if there are no such directions in the trust

instrument, the property shall pass to the estate of the grantor.

d. A court may reduce the amount of property transferred if it determines that amount substantially exceeds the amount required for the intended use. The amount of the reduction, if any, passes as unexpended trust property pursuant to paragraph (c), above.

e. If no trustee is designated or no designated trustee is willing or able to serve, a court shall appoint a trustee and may make such other orders and determinations as are advisable to carry out the intent of the grantor and the purpose of this section.

If you are interested in setting up a trust for your beloved pet, please make an appointment to see us for a free consultation. Should you have no one to take care of your pet, try PetEstates.com, who will perform this service for you.

Engaging events for students and guests alike

After a relaxing winter break, students returned to Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School eager to see friends and teachers, ready for a fresh start to the new semester.

The past month has been filled with engaging events, ranging from the intense competition at the girls’ varsity basketball tournament to the exciting HAFTR Experience, culminating in a week focused on promoting health and wellness.

Students from schools across the country gathered at HAFTR High School for the third annual HAFTR Invitational girls’ varsity basketball tournament, which took place from Feb. 1 through Feb. 4, where the games culminated with an intense championship game. Day and night, HAFTR students filled the stands to support their school in the vigorous series of competitions. All of HAFTR’s players worked extremely hard to make it to the championship, and we are extremely proud of our Lady Hawks!

sense of the courses they will be able to take next year and an idea of the welcoming community of teachers and peers who will be there to guide them along the way.

HaFtR Highlights

HAFTR’s commitment to promoting health and wellness was evident during our annual Health Week. Students engaged in programs educating them about both physical and mental health, such as learning about healthy eating and lifestyle choices. To kick off the week, students were treated to a delicious breakfast of acai bowls with various toppings, and later in the day had time to chop up fruit and create their unique fruit salad as a snack. These meals showed students that nutrition does not have to be boring, and can feel like an indulgence instead.

LiLLy Rotman

Later in the month, students and faculty welcomed eighth-grade students interested in joining the incoming freshman Class of 2028 with a day of exciting activities during its annual HAFTR Experience. This program gave students a sneak peek into their exciting high school journey ahead. Throughout the morning, students had the opportunity to hear from current high school students, meet with faculty, and get a glimpse of what HAFTR has to offer.

The students listened to insightful speeches, participated in tours of the building and classes, engaged in interactive projects, and enjoyed delicious food and treats. The eighthgraders left the high school with a

Feb. 14, the school marked Pink Day, a day to raise awareness about breast cancer. Students dressed up in pink and participated in raffles raising money for Sharsheret, a nonprofit organization that supports women facing breast cancer and their families.

Shoshana Polakoff, a breast cancer survivor, spoke to students on behalf of Sharsharet. Polakoff described her own experiences dealing with breast cancer, and expanded on the many ways that Sharsheret helps families. HAFTR’s Health Week not only educated students about the importance of health, but did so in an interactive and memorable way.

The past month at HAFTR was filled with engaging events. From intense sports competitions to valuable orientation activities for incoming students and a focus on overall health and wellness, each event made a lasting impact on students.

Lawrence village stands with Israel

Unwavering support for Israel was on display at the Feb. 8 Lawrence village board meeting as the trustees read aloud its proclamation.

Mayor Alex Edelman read the proclamation aloud for the village residents in attendance to hear and shared the proclamation with the village via email on Feb. 9.

“The State of Israel represents democracy, religious principles, morality, freedom and an unbreakable commitment to the United States,” Edelman said, reading the document. “The Village of Lawrence and its residents share those ideals, ethics and standards with the people of Israel.”

The proclamation recalls the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on the Jewish state “by barbarous terrorists,” resulting in tragic loss, the proclamation read.

“The Village of Lawrence unequivocally condemns that heinous act of treachery, aggression and cowardice,” the mayor wrote. “I, Alex H. Edelman, Mayor of the Village of Lawrence, on behalf of the Board of trustees, do hereby express our unshakeable support for the State of Israel, and its right to exist and defend itself; and further denounce Hamas terrorists and demand the immediate safe return of all hostages held by Hamas.”

— Parker Schug

Christina Sardo named associate village justice

Cedarhurst village appointed Christina Sardo as the associate village justice. Sardo first joined Cedarhurst government as a prosecutor in 2021.

She has a Long Beach law office since 2008 and worked as an associate attorney for Hirsch & Hirsch from 2006 to 2008 and was an assistant Nassau County district attorney from 2002 to 2006.

Sardo was swore in on Jan. 29. Village officials said that she “boasts a proven track record of dedication to the principles of fairness, integrity and justice.” It is thought that her legal experience, “makes her an invaluable addition to the village family.”

— Jeffrey Bessen

Parker Schug/Herald

Lawrence village officials showed their support for Israel with a proclamation read at the Feb. 8 board meeting.

Courtesy Cedarhurst village New Cedarhurst associate village justice, Christina Sardo, second from left is with Village Administrator Sal Evola, far left, Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and Trustee Daniel Plaut after her Jan. 29 swearing in.

Blakeman defends banning trans athletes

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says he’s protecting athletes in his executive order last week banning some transgender participants in female-centric sports in county facilities. But the action also has raised concerns — and legal questions. Some of which were brought before the Nassau County Legislature on Monday.

We’re confident that as soon as this executive order comes before court, it will be shut down

BoBBy HodGSon director New York Civil Liberties Union

“An individual’s gender is defined as the individual’s biological sex at birth,” Blakeman wrote in his executive order, which demands any sport entities interested in using county facilities to first designate themselves based on male, female or co-ed categories, and then only accept athletes who meet that criteria according to the gender that was originally listed on their birth certificate.

There are nearly 100 facilities in the county that will be impacted, Blakeman told reporters last week.

But Bobby Hodgson — director of LGBTQ rights litigation at New York Civil Liberties Union — says those impacts may not be felt long.

“Were confident that as soon as this executive order comes before court, it will be shut down,” Hodgson said.

The executive order primarily targets athletes born biologically male, but who now identify as female, from participating in teams intended only for girls or women. Blakeman’s order does not require facilities to ban athletes born female and now identifying as male from joining male-centric teams.

Blakeman, however, was quick to add last week, that trans athletes identifying as females aren’t completely banned — they will still be able to participate in co-ed leagues as well as male competitive leagues.

Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz backed Blakeman’s directive, citing safety and integrity.

“This is about protecting our female athletes,” said Goetz, whose district primarily represents Oyster Bay. “This is about making sure they’re not denied opportunities for scholarships, or any type of opportunity that comes with playing sports, recognition and things like that.”

Eva Nordman, an 8-year-old who plays basketball, softball and soccer, said it was also about keeping sports equitable.

“Boys have different chromosomes than girls and that makes them stronger,” Nordman said. “It’s not fair if they

college, whether it’s high school, whether it’s just a community league — and it is an unfair advantage for someone who’s a biological male to compete against a biological female.”

Dawn Foster — a former deputy county attorney and an Oceanside resident — stopped by Mineola on Monday to speak out against Blakeman’s executive order in front of the county legislature on behalf of her family.

“In 2021, when I finally stopped fighting against myself and accepted that I was a woman and needed transition, we felt fortunate to live in Nassau County,” Foster said, calling the executive order unlawful, and condemning what she described as efforts to demonize trans women. “That feeling was shattered last week.

“Blakeman and Goetz press conference was a total of repudiation of the humanity of trans people, implying that we are cheaters, liars and bullies.”

compete against us.”

Protesters gathered outside of Blakeman’s news conference last week led by Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York, chanting, “Trans kids are our kids.” They will get some support from the NYCLU — a notfor=profit legal right group — say they will consider taking Nassau County to court over what Hodgson described as a disregard of state human rights and civil rights laws.

An amendment to the state’s human rights law in 2019 outlawed gender identity and expression discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, and non-religious schools, according to state officials.

Hodgson is not alone. State attorney general Letitia James condemned Blakeman’s order, calling it “transphobic and

deeply dangerous.”

“In New York, we have laws that protect our beautifully diverse communities from hate and discrimination of any and every kind,” James said, in a statement. “My office is charged with enforcing and upholding those laws, and we stand up to those who violate them and trespass on the rights of marginalized communities. We are reviewing our legal options.”

But Blakeman told reporters last week he knew of no state policy that could threaten his executive order

“This is not precluding anybody from participating in sports,” Blakeman wrote in his executive order. “What it is, is identifying that there are women and girls who spent a tremendous amount of time and effort to excel and compete in their sports that are women’s sports whether it’s the WNBA, whether it’s

Foster already had support from some county legislators like Carrié Solages and Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.

“I have never, in my many years of government service, had a constituent or parent complain to me about this issue,” Solages said, “making it clear that this embarrassing and illegal order is just another attempt by County Executive Blakeman to distract from the many issues that plague Nassau County.”

But Blakeman is not going to let those efforts dissuade him.

“We are finding out, in the last few months, there was a movement for biological males to bully their way into competing in sports or leagues or teams that identify themselves — or advertise themselves — as girls, or female or women’s teams or leagues,” the county executive said last week. “We find that unacceptable. It’s a form of bullying.”

Parker Schug/Herald photos

Victoria Argueta, from left, Sophia Argueta, Eva Nordman, Julia Nordman and Jenna Nordman join Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at a news conference, telling reporters he’s banning some transgender athletes from participating in female-centric sports in county facilities.

Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York, front, protests outside a Mineola news conference last week where Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced he was banning some transgender athletes from participating in female-centric sports in county facilities.

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For more information about adolescent and pediatric behavioral health services at EHS, on to find a behavioral health specialist, please call (718) 869-8822 or scan the QR code

For more information about adolescent and pediatric behavioral health services at EHS, or to find a behavioral health specialist, please call (718) 869-8822 or scan the QR code.

LWA beats Stony Brook for PSAA title

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

The Lawrence-Woodmere Academy boys’ basketball team is once again the Private Schools Athletic Association champions.

Freshman Hank Williams Jr. drilled six 3-pointers en route to a game-high 25 points and senior Chris Clark hit some key shots and finished with 15 as the Tigers captured its ninth PSAA crown and first in seven years with a 66-54 win over Stony Brook School at Stony Brook University on Feb. 16.

Sylvanus Tabe added nine points and Josh Smith added eight for Lawrence, which went 21-5 this season after going just 8-8 last year while being eliminated by Stony Brook in the playoffs.

“It’s definitely a great feeling,” LWA head coach Hank Williams Sr. said. “We worked extremely hard. We put a lot of time in, sustained and kept them focused and fundamentally sound. It’s been a challenge for us.”

Portledge had won the previous three PSAA titles but were eliminated by Knox in the first round. After destroy-

ing Kew Forest 110-16 in the opening round on Feb. 12, the Tigers beat Knox 57-74 in the semifinals two days later with Williams Jr. and Clark combining for 32 points.

Williams Jr. set the tone early with a pair of 3-pointers in the title game’s opening two minutes and the Tigers took a 10-6 lead on Caleb Ourigou’s dunk with just over four minutes left. Stony Brook came back to take an 11-10 lead with just under two minutes left, but Lawrence put together a 14-3 run that bridged the first and second quarters, ignited by Clark’s basket late in the opening stanza.

“That run basically was attributed to the defense,” Williams Sr. said. “We played such good defense. I told them to make sure we don’t take any plays off [and] everybody boxes out and then the second part of it was to make sure offensively we moved the ball very well.”

The Tigers carried a 35-22 advantage into halftime and outscored Stony Brook 17-6 in the third quarter to take a 52-28 lead. The Bears scored the first 11 points of the fourth quarter, but Clarks’ put-back and drive baskets and Tabe’s

conversion of a Williams Jr. pass with less than four minutes left thwarted the comeback.

Lawrence took two of the three meetings between the schools after Stony Brook won the most recent contest 50-43 on Feb. 1. It turned out to be the Tigers’ last defeat.

“Because I had six healthy players for that game, I didn’t want guys getting in foul trouble and I didn’t want guys getting worn down and getting tired,” Williams Sr. recalled from that game. “We tried to stay in a zone [defense] and I think that’s what really cost us because we needed to put a little more pressure on them and not let them get comfortable.”

Lawrence’s last championship was in 2017, when it defended its title from the previous season. The other six came consecutively from 2007-13.

Williams Jr., sophomore Smith (12 ppg), and giant sophomores Ourigou and Tabe, who stand 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-8, respectively, are expected to be back next year.

Eric Dunetz/Herald Freshman Hank Williams Jr. sank six threepointers as part of a 25-point effort to lead the Tigers to the PSAA championship.

WHAT’S UP NEXT DOOR AND AROUND THE

Budo the Mouse crushes book signing

From the special martial arts class to the video presentation to the book signing, Dan Segarra’s character Budo the Mouse event at Warrior Scholar Martial Arts Academy in Lawrence on Feb. 24 was popular.

“The kids loved the event and it was a great success,” Segarra wrote in an email.

The owner of the martial arts school self-published a book,

Segarra, a 9th degree black belt, posted on Facebook, “Wow, what a great book signing!” Budo crushed it!”

To buy the book, go to BudoTheMouse.com.

— Jeffrey Bessen

“Budo the Mouse and the Quest for Courage,” a journey of self-discovery for Budo, who like the young students Segarra teaches learns life lesson through karate.

Jason Thomas/Herald Photos

To kickoff the ‘Budo the Mouse’ book signing Dan Segarra begins a special martial arts class at Warrior Scholar Martial Arts Academy in Lawrence on Feb. 24.

Under the watchful eye of instructor Joann Segarra, the karate students practice their technique.

Karate instructor Joann Segarra helps Warrior Scholar student Kristian Jones be prepared for the class.

Warrior Scholar Martial Arts Academy students with their ‘Budo the Mouse’ books and the Segarra family from left Joann, Dan, Nicole and Ashley.

Dan Segarra provides students Kole Falloon, left and Hayden Garcia with focused instruction at the Saturday event.

“The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

psegliny.com/EcoDev

Woodmere Club remains embroiled in litigation

homes — 41 in the Town of Hempstead and 18 in Lawrence and Woodsburgh.

In 2020 Gerszberg and Weiss filed a $200 million lawsuit against the Costal Conservation District, claiming that the homes prevented from being built were “illegally taken” from them. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed.

Three years later, the developers filed another federal lawsuit, for $65 million they claim they have lost because of the limitations the Coastal Conservation District imposed on their plan to develop the club land.

At last week’s meeting, Keilson recounted the hearing last July, at which the Board of Appeals proposed a joint meeting with the three municipalities involved, but Woodsburgh and the town were reluctant.

“Unless there was some compelling need for a public discussion, we will at this time want to close the public discussion and actually reserve decision,” Keilson said.

Jason Lieber and Michael Donovan, two Lawrence residents who attended last week’s session, highlighted concerns about flooding if the developers moved forward with their plan, as well as their disappointment that there was no clear communication about those plans.

“There are a lot of issues, between traffic, the birds — a whole host of

things — as well as the fact that nobody could even sell a house here as it is,” Lieber said. “I don’t know why they think they’re going to sell 50 or 90 or 180 houses, when the houses that are for sale here are stuck and not even moving.”

Enrico Nardone, the director of Seatuck Environmental Association in Islip, noted the value of the Woodmere Club property in its current state as a

wildlife resource.

“The potential there is not just to let it be, but to do some restoration there, grow some forest, restore some native grasslands,” Nardone said.

The Lawrence Board of Appeals’ next meeting is scheduled for March 20, at 7:30 p.m., at Village Hall, at 196 Central Ave. in Lawrence.

Along with the Woodmere Club, the Five Towns has a few more proposed

developments that are raising residents’ ire. They were likely to be addressed at the Lawrence Association’s monthly meeting on Thursday at 7:30, after the Herald went to press, at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, 101 Causeway in Lawrence.

Have an opinion on the proposed Woodmere Club development? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

Parker Schug Herald

Lawrence Board of Appeals Chairman Lloyd Keilson, far left, with board members Danny Hiller and Philip Kerstein, said at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting that it would reserve a decision on the Woodmere Club development. Kevin Walsh, a project engineer, was at far right.

Chabad, Chesed Center support Israeli soldiers

send soldiers and organize the event, Miriam Spitz, Levy’s neighbor and an Israelbased Hatzalah Without Borders volunteer, explained.

Levy had just returned to his home in Israel from Gaza when Spitz asked him to come to the United States, and he was happy to do so to thank the Chesed Center volunteers who helped keep him alive with the supplies they sent overseas. A flashlight, in particular, kept Levy from entering a building in which there were explosives, Spitz said.

Hebrew school students made a patchwork blanket when they learned they would be meeting a soldier who was serving in cold weather, Geisinsky said. Each student decorated a patch with words of love, prayers and comfort.

“It was incredible to see how involved the kids were,” Geisinsky said.

When Levy arrived, Gennadiy Shnayderman, a Woodmere resident and the father of two students at the school, recognized his voice. Shnayderman said that parents wouldn’t typically come into the school to pick up their children, but he was pulling his kids out early so they could make it to a soccer practice.

Shnayderman asked if the speaker was named Ilan, and when he was told yes, he called out “Bobo!” a nickname the men had called each other 20 years ago, when they served in the IDF together. They embraced as the students watched.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Levy said more than once when recounting the reunion.

“It hit me a bit later,” Shnayderman said. “I never expected to see him in Long Island, New York.”

Afterward, the men met again outside the school, their wives met and they caught up on their lives since their last time they had seen each other, when they served from Gaza to Mexico to Italy.

“The brotherhood you have in an army is something you cannot break,” Shnayderman said. “Someone that has never been in combat could never understand.”

Levy returned to Israel later that week, and is still in service, with the possibility of getting called up back to the conflict in Gaza at any time.

“He’ll get pulled up again, because he’s

a skilled soldier,” Spitz said, adding that she was grateful that Levy could visit the United States. “It was a very beautiful closing of a circle.”

For more about the IDF Chesed Center, go to IDFChesedCenter.com. For more about Hatzalah Without Borders, visit Hatzalah.org.il/en.

Courtesy Hadassah Geisinsky

Ilan Levy, bottom right, and Gennadiy Shnayderman, top row, second from right, reconnected at the Chabad of the Five Towns Hebrew School on Feb. 18, 20 years after they served together in the IDF.

Courtesy Gennadiy Shnayderman Hebrew school students made a patchwork blanket for Levy, a visiting IDF soldier who has been serving in Gaza.

Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom donates to Hannah’s Project

The Western Nassau chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom collected items for Hannah’s Project and donated the feminine hygiene products to other charitable organizations.

The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is overall a global group that aims to forge trust, respect and relationships between Muslims and Jewish women of all ages. Members are dedicated to advocating for each other, educate one another on faith and culture, engage in social justice action work to end hate between people.

Hannah’s Project is an initiative developed by Cedarhurst-based Rock and Wrap It Up! whose mission is to serves as a poverty think tank and reduce the world’s carbon footprint.

For the fifth straight year, the sisterhood collected the items through members’ mosques, synagogues, friends and other organization. Items such as soap, shampoo, tampons and pads, the cost of which is not covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (formerly the food

The foundation was created nearly growing South Asian, Middle Eastern To learn more about the Sisterhood

Courtesy Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom

Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom donated feminine hygiene items for Hannah’s Project. At the Gural JCC’s SHOP were Lisa KaplanMiller, left, Rivkah Halpern, Karen Weinberg, Rabbi Susan Elkodsi, Lima Islam and Ellen Tolle.

STEPPING OUT

Her theatre life

Tony Award nominee Sheryl Kaller directs Off-Broadway’s ‘The White Chip,’ a play about alcoholism and recovery

By Iris Wiener

When Valley Stream native Sheryl Kaller was 12, she knew she wanted to be a director. It was 1973. She went to a Sunday matinee of “Pippin,” and Ben Vereen sang “Magic to Do,” immediately clinching her dream.

“I always knew theatre was the only place where we can authentically use our imaginations,” she says. “I had the Spidey sense of knowing that it was a collaborative art.”

It was the start to a journey that would lead her to a Tony nomination as she directed Broadway (“Next Fall,” “Mothers and Sons”) and Off-Broadway plays, including “The White Chip,” which follows a theatre director who finds himself spinning out of control with an addiction to alcohol. The play, exploring his journey to recovery, runs through March 9, at MCC Theater.

“Broadway and Off-Broadway always felt like my community,” Kaller says. “My parents were very vigilant about getting me in to see theatre all the time. It informed my exposure to the art and my love of New York City.”

As Kaller grew up in the Green Acres community of Valley Stream, she performed in community theatre with her mother, while her father — who repaired car seat covers for a living — would use his knowledge of sewing to design costumes for the shows. (“They were horrible actually,” Kaller says, laughing at the fond memories.)

In her senior year at Valley Stream South High School, Kaller got her first taste of directing. After landing the role of Rosie in “Bye Bye Birdie,” she realized a big number — “The Telephone Hour” — could use some major help.

“I said to the director, who was great, ‘With all due respect, may I redo (the number)?’ So I redid the whole ‘Telephone Hour.’ That’s when I knew I was much better at directing than acting, and it led me to go to Emerson College — as a director, not as an actor.”

In 2019, Kaller directed “The White Chip” at OffBroadway’s 59E59 with the support of acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally, who, much like the play’s narrator, was

• Now through March 9

• Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, 511 W. 52nd St., Manhattan

• Tickets available at WhiteChipPlay.com

a recovered alcoholic. When McNally died during the pandemic, Kaller knew she had to bring the play back to the New York theatre community.

“In the world of Covid and in the world of losing community, we felt it was really important to bring it back because ‘The White Chip’ is a hopeful sobriety story, and a serio-comedy. There’s a lot of fun things in it,” she says of the play, which found its new home at the MCC Theater. “We are building community and doing service with this show, while entertaining at the same time.”

According to Kaller, after the pandemic, alcoholism in women doubled, while in men it was up a third.

“AA and addiction meetings were all on Zoom, and everybody kind of fractured,” she says. “This is a story that makes you laugh and cry. It also talks about how there’s no shame in being an addict. Shame touches everybody’s lives in one way or another.”

In deciding to take the piece on again, it didn’t hurt that Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford was at the show’s helm as producer.

“She’s very magical,” says Kaller of Ashford, who recently starred in Broadway’s “Sweeney Todd” opposite Josh Groban.

“The White Chip” has such an important message that it also boasts celebrity supporters and producers Jason Biggs, John Larroquette, Edie Falco and Hank Azaria. The pandemic even inspired playwright Sean Daniels to create The Recovery Project, an initiative working to heal the stigma of addiction and recovery through the development of new plays, theatre education programs, and outreach.

“All of our fancy producers are sober people,” says Kaller, of the importance of the play and the initiative. “Every producer who came on board financially was incredibly gracious. They don’t have the best deal in the world because a lot of the money is going into The Recovery Project. If you’re an actor, a designer, in the PR department, if you’re cleaning the toilets, you need resources. At all of our performances so far, at least one person has asked us for help. We have a QR code that gives them resources whether or not they have health insurance.”

The play continues to remind Kaller of the importance of community, a lesson that harkens back to her roots on Long Island.

“One thousand Long Islanders showed up to my dad’s funeral,” she recalls. “I grew up in such a beautiful community there. My heart will always be on the ‘Guyland.’ I got the wonderful suburban, great education at Valley Stream South, and yet I got to go into the city all the time. But I will always remember all of these people who showed up for my family.

“I wish Long Islanders would start coming back to New York theatre because we really do build a lot of beautiful community in the city and it’s worth it. It is apparent with ‘The White Chip’ and with so much more.”

Tusk

Tusk goes their own way, with their dynamic tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Since forming in 2008, Tusk has prided themselves on being the ultimate tribute to the ‘70s supergroup. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note-fornote renditions. Seasoned musicians who go back some 25 years, their attention to detail, talent and reverence of their subjects has been critically acclaimed, resulting in their accolades as the premiere purveyors of ‘Mac. Time, trust, and close friendship have cultivated an intimate familiarity with each other’s musical nuances, shaping every performance with precision. More than a band, they are a family. Made up of Kathy Phillips (as Stevie Nicks on vocals), Scott McDonald (as Lindsey Buckingham, guitar and vocals), Kim Williams (as Christine McVie, keys and vocals), Randy Artiglere (as John McVie, bass) and Tom Nelson (as Mick Fleetwood on drums) the five-piece band transports you back to the group’s glory days.

Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. $63, $53, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

The Irish Tenors

These gents will warm your soul with the beauty of Irish music. The Irish Tenors have been the acknowledged Celtic music kings since bursting upon the scene during a 1998 television special. With 10 bestselling albums to their credit, they share company with the likes of The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli as the biggest money makers PBS has presented. They’ve since become a part of the Irish movement in America, with plenty of talented Irish acts coming after them. They have stood the test of time — audiences of all ages love the Irish Tenors. Now comprised of classically trained tenor Anthony Kearns, doctor-turned-vocalist Ronan Tynan, and tenor Declan Kelly, their repertoire is wide-ranging and they also introduce — or reintroduce — their audiences to Ireland’s exquisite jigs, reels and ballads.

Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com,TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Crystal Dickinson, Joe Tapper, and Jason Tam star in playwright Sean Daniels’ autobiographical comedy, a wry theatrical journey of recovery.

Photos by Jenny Anderson

Sheryl Kaller in rehearsal.

THE Your Neighborhood

March 8

Janeane Garofalo

The comedianactress, who reigns as the queen of the alt-comedy scene, is eager to speak her mind on her current stand-up tour, when she visits the Landmark stage, Friday, March 8, 8 p.m.

Considered by many as an American institution since she first burst on the scene in 1992, the outspoken activist has plenty to say, in her own inimitable comedic style. Known for her incisive, cynical sense of humor, the SNL alum has branched out into many memorable film and TV roles, including “The Truth About Cats and Dogs,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Ratatouille,” “Steal This Movie,” “Reality Bites,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” “Mystery Men,” “The Ten” and “The Cable Guy,” along with including the final season of NBC’s “The West Wing.”

Garofalo’s informed opinions and unflinching honesty on topics ranging from everyday life to pop culture inspire laughs and strikes a chord with audiences everywhere. Often a lightening rod for controversy, Garofalo finds a way to get her point across with her trademark sense of humor. Known and respected worldwide, Garofalo was also instrumental in the successful launching of the first liberal radio network, Air America Radio, where she hosted her own talk show, “The Majority Report.” A lightning rod for controversy, her opinions and candor have inspired laughs, as well as striking a chord with the left, right and everyone in between. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Family theater

Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s stories, this clever adaptation puts the audience front and center, literally, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, March 1, 10:15 a.m. and noon, Saturday, March 2, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, March 5-7, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Kids become cast members, singing dancing, and acting onstage alongside the professional cast.

One of our most interactive shows at LICM Theater, this production received rave reviews in its prior run. Going beyond the traditional telling of the Oz stories, “Journey to Oz” uses personal journal entries and historic newspaper headlines to bring the history of author L. Frank Baum and illustrator W.W. Denslow to life. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion take the audience with them on this lively, playful trip down the yellow brick road. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Our Gilded Age,” examines the appearances and the realities of an era that mirrors our own in many ways.

Like the nation’s economy, American art and literature flourished during the Gilded Age. The art of John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Louis Comfort Tiffany and others adorned palatial residences designed by Stanford White and Ogden Codman Jr., architect of the museum’s own quintessential Gilded Age mansion.

Drawing heavily upon the local literary history of Long Island, including William Cullen Bryant, Mark Twain (who named the Gilded Age), Walt Whitman, Edith Wharton and others, the exhibition will include paintings, fashion, decorative arts including period silver and china, photographs, manuscripts, first editions and other historic memorabilia.

The “Upstairs, Downstairs” approach to the life of a country house brings to life not only the storied conspicuous consumption for which the Gilded Age was infamous, but also the real lives of these many individuals who maintained the palatial estates where that lifestyle was enjoyed.

On view through March 10 Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Weekly Parsha

Chabad of the Five Towns welcomes all to its weekly Parsha class for men and women, Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m. Join R’Yanky Feder for discussion at the Levi Yitzchak Library. 564 Central Ave., in Cedarhurst.

Acoustic Retro

Swing by Hewlett Bagel Boss for an evening of classic rock of the 1960s and ‘70s, performed by Acoustic Retro, as part of the concert series, Saturday, March 2, 8-11 p.m. 1352 Peninsula Blvd. in Hewlett. RSVP to AllanSpielman.Wixsite.com/ Hewlett-Bagel-Boss-C.

Nellie McKay performs

The effervescent multiinstrumentalist singer-songwriter returns to My Father’s Place with music from her recently released album, “Hey Guys, Watch This,”

Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Recorded in Charleston, West Virginia with The Carpenter Ants and a roving retinue of musical compadres, her album traces the haunted sounds of Appalachia to a renaissance of revelry.

Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/information, visit MFPProductions.com or call (516) 580-0887.

Meet Ruby Bridges

Hear author and civil rights activist Ruby Bridges speak, Sunday, March 3, at 10 a.m., at Trinity-St. John’s. A book signing and reception follows. 1142 Broadway, in Hewlett. Contact Reverend Chris Ballard at rector@trinitystjohns.org for more information.

Games & Crafts

Relax with friends playing a game or work on your ongoing craft project as part of Peninsula Public Library’s in-person Cozy Games & Crafts program, Monday, March 4, 2-4:30 p.m. Bring your own knitting, crocheting or other projects and material. Some games will be provided. No instructors. 280 Central Ave., Lawrence.

Movie time

Enjoy a movie on Peninsula Public Library’s big screen. See “Barbie,” Tuesday, March 5, 1-3 p.m., and again 5-7 p.m. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken. No registration is needed, first come first seated. 280 Central Ave., in Lawrence.

Having an event?

Wednesdays at the movies

R rated, “The Equalizer 3”, an hour and 49 minute film, will play at Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, Wednesday, March 6, 2 and 7 p.m. This Antoine Fuqua directed film stars Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, in this thriller about taking on the mafia. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Author visit

Hewlett resident Kenneth Karcinell will be in the Boehm Room at Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, Thursday, March 14, at 7 p.m., to speak about his book, “Characters” which outlines the people that he has met through all walks of life. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Discussion group

The popular informal discussion group moderated by Jay Gold is comprised of thought-provoking conversation and congenial company, on Fridays, at 10:30 a.m., at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

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.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Sunday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 2 and 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.

County Parks

Beginning on March 4, reservations for the picnic areas in Nassau County’s parks can be made in person with a valid county leisure pass and fee, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Grant Park, 1652 Broadway, Hewlett, (516) 571-7821; Inwood Park, 600 Bayview Ave., Inwood, (516) 571-7894; and North Woodmere Park, 750 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, (516) 571-7801.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY.

NAME: 12

CLANCY PROPERTIES,

LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 04/25/2023.

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:

Russell McRory c/o ArentFox Schiff LLP, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10119.

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity 144829

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

CHRISTIANA TRUST AS

CUSTODIAN FOR GSRANZ

LLC, Plaintiff against 88 DUTCHESS, LLC, et al

Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 15, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 26, 2024 at 3:30

PM, all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York, the premises known as 88 Dutchess St., Atlantic Beach, NY 11509. Sec 58

Block 056 Lot 1 Group Lot 1-2. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $7,938.57 plus interest, fees, and costs and attorneys fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 603293/2022.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee File # 18-4794 145022

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE

LEGAL NOTICE

SEALED BIDS will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New

York 11559 up to 10:00 A.M., on Monday, March 11, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened for the following:

Proposal for construction of pickleball courts, for use at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club within the Village of Lawrence. Sealed bids must be returned to this office by 10 a.m., March 11th, at which time they will be publicly opened.

All bid specifications may be obtained at the Lawrence Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559 (516-239-4600

x1015) Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning Thursday, February 29, 2024, or by sending an email to gcastro@villageoflawrenc e.org. Proposals must be in writing, signed by the party making the bid, contained in a securely sealed, post paid wrapper, addressed to the Village Administrator, Inc. Village of Lawrence, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, marked with the applicable bid name. Bids are to actually be received at the said place on or before the day and hour stated. Proposals will be publicly opened and read at the time stated by the Village Administrator and the contract awarded by the Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days thereafter.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids and subject to the foregoing will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

By: Ronald Goldman Village Administrator

Dated: February 22, 2024 145138

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT, INWOOD, NEW YORK, 11096.

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, March 14, 2024

Place: DISTRICT OFFICE

Melissa Rivelli

Melissa Rivelli, District Secretary

Sincerely,

Dennis Verriello District Manager

Inwood Fire District 145142

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

ATLANTIC BEACH FIRE DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF NOTICE OF PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM

By resolution dated the 5th day of February, 2024, the Atlantic Beach Fire District has approved a resolution subject to permissive referendum to withdraw up to $65,000

from the Capital Reserve Fund to be put towards the purchase of two (2) 2023 Chevy Tahoes to be used as front line first response vehicles. Petitions for a referendum must be submitted to the Secretary of the Atlantic Beach Fire District no later than thirty days after the date of publication of this notice.

Dated: Atlantic Beach, New York

Date: February 29,

2024

By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners

Arnold M. Geller, Commissioner-District Secretary 145143

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 public hearing on 03/07/2024 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following: Petition of 454 PROPCO

LLC Premises: 454

ARLINGTON RD

Sec/Blk/Lot 39/310/108

Case # 2024-001

PROPOSED NEW 2 STORY

WOOD FRAME RES. 1

FAM. DWELLING

Variance from:

265-38 C. Building area. The total building area, including all accessory buildings, shall not exceed 30% of the lot area.

265-42.1 A. Character of roofs.

All buildings permitted by this chapter shall be erected with roofs other than those of the character and description known as “flat roofs.”

Such flat roofs are permitted for one-story extensions and appurtenances only, and are not to exceed 240 square feet in the aggregate.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

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

Dated: February 28, 2024

Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor

Salvatore Evola Village Clerk-Treasurer

By Order of the Board Of Zoning Appeals 145137

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230,

Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 3/6/2024 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

155/24. INWOOD - Tzvi & Goldie Katz, Variances, lot area occupied, rear yard, front yard setback on Soloff Blvd., construct 2 story addition, 2nd story addition & covered porch all attached to dwelling., N/E cor. Soloff Blvd. & Finger Island Ave., a/k/a 108 Soloff Blvd.

156/24. INWOOD - Melik Tariq, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on Cedar Rd., rear yard, construct 2-story addition attached to dwelling (demolish existing porch)., N/E cor. Bayswater Blvd. & Cedar Rd., a/k/a 24 Bayswater Blvd.

157/24. WOODMERELee & Lillian Richards, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on Cedar La., construct dwelling (rehearing case 553/19)., S/E cor. Park St. & Cedar La.

158/24. WOODMERELee & Lillian Richards, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on Milton Pl., construct dwelling (rehearing case 554/19)., N/E cor. Park St. & Milton Pl.

159/24. - 160/24.

WOODMERE - Lee & Lillian Richards, Variance, side yard, maintain dwelling on a lesser lot (re-hearing case 555/19); Variance, side yard, maintain addition to existing detached garage on a lesser lot (re-hearing case 556/19)., N/s Milton Pl., 100’ E/o Park St. running thru to Cedar La., a/k/a 834 Milton Pl. 162/24. NR LAWRENCEMill Stream Realty LLC, Special exception to park in the front yard setback, variance in off-street parking with insufficient stall size & maneuvering aisle., S/s Mill St., 331.66’ E/o Lawrence Ave., a/k/a 235 Mill St.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Inwood, Woodmere & Lawrence within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board

North Woodmere Bristal

staffer wins an award

Wendella Blackman, the director of Reflections at Bristal Assisted Living in North Woodmere was named a 2024 Pinnacle Awards honoree.

The award recognizes industry veterans who are setting standards, diving change and providing guidance to their co-workers and colleagues across the senior care industry.

“I look forward to coming to work each day, it is a joy,” Blackman said in a news release. “I take great pride in what I do. At the end of the day, when I go home, I leave here satisfied knowing that I have made a difference in the lives of our Reflection residents and also in the lives of family members who

will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 145110

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, March 14, 2024, 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.gov for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York

February 23, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NICOLE GIACOPELLI VILLAGE CLERK 145140

love them so dearly.”

A Hempstead resident Blackman first began working at the Bristal in 2000 as a resident service aide. She was promoted to the director position five years later.

“Wendella exemplifies the dedication that all at the Bristal provide to our residents each and every day,” the Bristal’s Chief Operating Officer Amy Silva-Magalhaes said in the release.”

“Her compassion for those in our Reflection communities ensures that our residents are receiving the best care possible,” Silva-Magalhaes added. “Her efforts set the standard that he colleagues strive to meet.”

— Jeffrey Bessen

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALBERT D. SUROWIECKI A/K/A ALBERT SUROWIECKI, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 966 Singleton Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 28, Lots 105 and 823. Approximate amount of judgment is $530,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609151/2021. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper

social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 145080

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

RBS CITIZENS, NA F/K/A CHARTER ONE BANK, Plaintiff -against- LAVERN BECKFORD AND NEVILLE

LEWIS, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated September 26, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on April 2, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the Southerly side of Cedarhurst Street, distant 537.35 feet Westerly and Southwesterly as measured along the southerly and Southeasterly side of Duston Road from the extreme Westerly end of the arc of a curve which connects the Southerly side of Duston Road with the Westerly side of

Oakleigh Road; being a plot 129.43 feet by 10.89 feet by 121.28 feet by 112.71 feet by 37.82 feet.

Section: 39 Block: 549

Lot: 41.

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 1069 DUSTON ROAD, NORTH WOODMERE, NY 11581

Approximate amount of lien $717,014.19 plus interest & costs.

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

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor,

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Our floor is expanding

Q. Last fall we had the walls removed between our living room, dining room and kitchen. We had a new kitchen installed with an island plus a wall of cabinets. Now the new flooring is rising at the seams, everywhere. We have a heated floor, and the flooring was specially chosen because it clicks together and “floats.” We were told that with the floor being able to move, it would be better with the heated floor. What caused this, and what can we do?

A. Your floor is expanding, and the ridges at the seams are rising, because the floor has nowhere else to expand to. This problem is common, and was caused by the floor being limited from expanding because the cabinets and island, along with heavy furniture placed over the finished floor, keep the floor from expanding when the heat is on. Wetting the floor to clean it also causes expansion, and should be limited or not done with water at all.

Solving this problem is easier said than done. Basically, anywhere the floor is unable to move defeats the purpose, and only by freeing up the floor will the problem work itself out. There’s a simple wall molding that our ancestors used that seems to be generally forgotten. Even though I include this detail in most of the drawings I prepare, I rarely see this last little strip of molding being installed. What the molding does is act like a gap cover, since properly installed flooring has a quarter- to halfinch gap at the edges of the floor, including around a fixed island and around the room’s perimeter. The whole perimeter will need to be cut so the trim molding will need to be added, unless the vertical trim board has been installed with a space, in which case the flooring has to be able to float (slide back and forth) under the vertical wallboard trim.

Our ancestors were very observant of nature, and skilled finish carpenters passed along their knowledge of the way materials behave. I worked for a finish carpenter while in high school, and learned that molding and trim weren’t just a finishing touch, but also a necessity to hide the places where materials needed room to expand and contract, at ceilings, floors, stairs and doors. Miracle materials have come along since then that were supposed to change the industry, like plastic moldings that are more temperature stable, but nature never disappoints. Natural or not, materials all have to work together, whether it’s the way they react to moisture, sunlight, heat or cold.

You’re going to need to get the contractor to organize the flooring installer and the finish carpenter to coordinate cutting the floor, and either install the shoe molding or space the vertical trim baseboard so the floor moves and adjusts underneath, even at the island and kitchen cabinet bases. Hopefully, the flooring was installed over a moisture-proof expansion membrane. Then enjoy your floor.

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Reflections on the special election

It isn’t often that a congressional race becomes the center of national attention. But that was the case in the campaign between Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip to succeed the disgraced George Santos in the 3rd Congressional District.

In less than 12 months in office, Santos became a joke — a very sick joke. After the House of Representatives voted to expel him in December, Gov. Kathy Hochul set a special election for Feb. 13.

pETER KInG

Under state election law, candidates in a special election are selected by party leaders. Not surprisingly, Democrats selected Tom Suozzi, a seasoned veteran of the political wars who had represented the district in Congress for three terms before giving up his seat to make an unsuccessful gubernatorial primary run against Hochul in 2022.

Nassau GOP Chairman Joe Cairo set up a selection committee (that I was part of) that interviewed 22 potential candidates, and overwhelmingly recommended Pilip. Not wanting to repeat the Santos calamity, Cairo had Pilip vetted by several firms, and she passed with flying colors.

Ordinarily it would be a gamble for a relative newcomer who had served barely one term in the County Legislature to run against a veteran like Suozzi, but Pilip personified the American dream. She’d escaped from Ethiopia to Israel with her family when she was 12, and served in an elite parachute unit in the Israel Defense Forces. She was highly educated, married a Ukrainian cardiologist, moved to the United States and raised seven children in Great Neck. She was the first Republican ever re-elected in the 10th Legislative District.

IPilip was the new running against the old. She was coming off a solid victory against the odds in a Democratic district, while Suozzi had lost badly to Hochul in the primary. Pilip was the legal immigrant who supported strong border security, challenging the candidate of the party that had allowed more than 8 million illegal migrants into the country, many of whom were overwhelming New York City and the parts of Queens that fall in the 3rd District. She was the candidate who was endorsed by the Border Patrol Agents’ union, while Suozzi had recently boasted of throwing Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of Nassau County when he was county executive. Pilip, a

trained soldier, supported strong defense at a time when Israel was at war with Hamas, Russia had invaded Ukraine and China was threatening Taiwan.

Though the Democrats had a significant registration edge over Republicans, 39 percent to 28 percent, President Biden’s popularity was at record lows, and Suozzi was on record saying he supported Biden “100 percent.”

heard there was real concern in the Suozzi camp right up to Election Day.

Pilip campaigned tirelessly, and was making strong inroads. Suozzi countered by separating himself from prevailing Democratic positions on immigration, border security and support for police and didn’t seek Biden’s endorsement.

In the campaign’s closing days, every published poll had the race within the margin of error. A Republican poll had Pilip up by 5 points. Suozzi never got above 50 percent in any poll, a bad sign for a virtual incumbent. Democratic sources and some friendly reporters told me there was real concern in the Suozzi camp right up to Election Day. When the numbers were in, though, Suozzi won, 54 percent to 46 percent.

It’s still early, but my preliminary thoughts are that:

■ The snowstorm on Election Day hurt Republicans, but not enough to make the

A journey of the heart

February is American Heart Month, and this is a story about my heart — literally and figuratively. It’s the reason I am where I am today.

I was born with a significant heart defect called dextrocardia, as well as a ventricular septal defect. Basically, my heart was on the wrong side of my chest cavity and inverted — and it had a hole in it.

sETH I. KosLoW

When I was 3 months old, my doctors told my parents that I needed openheart surgery to close the hole. At the time, however, my mother was pregnant with my sister. My parents decided to wait until my sister was born before I underwent surgery. But somehow, for some reason, my heart decided that it had to be whole, and the hole I was born with began to close. My heart could stay as it was — imperfect and misplaced, but untouched.

Growing up, I found that I was doing a lot of things half-heartedly, so to speak. Schoolwork wasn’t heartening, and there were few things that excited me. I dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but I couldn’t muster up the resolve to pursue that dream — LSATs, law school, internships, thousands of dollars in loans, six more semesters of school, and years of building a professional profile.

Deterred by these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I remained listless through my early 20s. For a few years after college, I worked in sales. I was good at it, but my heart was definitely in a different place.

That is, until it wasn’t.

went more than a dozen cardioversions to restore the heart’s regular rhythm, and tried various cocktails of medications, all to no avail.

A fter openheart surgery, I decided there was nothing I couldn’t make it through.

In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, also known as an irregular heartbeat. It’s fairly common among senior citizens, but as a 20-something in college, I was now a member of a not-so-enviable exclusive club. Over the next several years, I battled my irregular heartbeats, under-

Eventually I met a cardiologist who specialized in adults with congenital heart defects — adults like me. He informed my family and me that the hole in my heart had reopened, and that it was substantially larger than it was when I was a child. This was causing my irregular heartbeat, and it would at last need to be closed. At age 25, because of the placement of my heart, I was about to undergo a potentially first-of-its-kind open-heart surgery.

On March 15, 2007, after five hours of surgery, I awoke with a heart that was beating normally for the first time in almost five years. Making it through that operation sparked something in my soul. Instead of whining about what I had to do to get to where I wanted to be, I decided to ball my fists up, dig in and do it. After all, I had just made it through open-heart surgery. Was there

difference.

■ Suozzi effectively managed to separate himself in the eyes of the voters from the sins of his party on immigration and support for the police.

■ Democratic congressional campaign committees provided extensive financial support to Suozzi early on.

■ Though Pilip actually garnered a higher percentage of votes against Suozzi than former President Donald Trump did against Biden in 2020, she couldn’t overcome the built-in Democratic registration edge.

■ Cairo and the Nassau Republican organization worked hard and effectively, but Pilip didn’t receive financial support from national Republicans comparable to what Suozzi received from Democrats.

■ Pilip was handicapped by having to campaign against the backdrop of the antics of congressional Republicans like Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Green, who come across as a gang that can’t shoot straight.

Suozzi won. No complaints. No excuses. But Pilip ran an excellent and courageous campaign, and has an excellent political future.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

anything I couldn’t make it through? I finally sat for the LSAT and got myself into law school.

That’s the attitude that’s gotten me to where I am today. When I was burning the candle at both ends, cramming for law school exams and eventually the bar exams, I would remind myself that I was getting stronger. When I was struggling to build my own law practice while juggling my responsibilities as a husband and father, I would remind myself of all that my heart could handle.

Naturally, when I saw an opportunity to run for office, a chance to represent and fight for all the communities our local government has left behind, I knew that I could take the heartburn of an arduous campaign, and that I could win over hearts and minds. That’s the mentality that I bring to my law practice, and to my work with my fellow legislators.

The arc of my life’s journey is proof that we are all stronger than we know — that we are all more capable than we can comprehend.

Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

Web:

HeraLd editoriaL

Let’s be sure we don’t relive some of our history

Black History Month is a chance for us to celebrate the many contributions African-Americans have made to the country. They’ve done this despite discrimination and oppression — something even Long Island, in the past, was not immune to.

For example, when we think of slavery, we think of the Deep South before the Civil War. In fact, slavery existed in New York until 1827, and the state had more enslaved people than all the New England states combined, many of them on Long Island.

At the start of the American revolution, there were roughly 10,000 enslaved Black Americans living on Long Island — nearly half of the state’s total enslaved population. While they were allowed more mobility and financial opportunities than their counterparts in the South, the claim that slavery wasn’t as bad in the North is largely inaccurate.

Throughout the 1700s, New York lawmakers created the Black Codes, which historian and author richard Moss — in his book, “Slavery on Long Island” — claimed were “the harshest criminal laws and penalties enacted by northern colonists.” Punishments for striking a white person included two weeks’ imprisonment and corporal punish-

Letters

Leave trans kids alone

To the Editor:

ment.

Enslaved people were forbidden from gathering in groups of more than three, and prevented from owning property. Children born to enslaved mothers were automatically enslaved at birth. And testimony by enslaved people was inadmissible in court.

One common practice at the time on Long Island and New York was shipping unruly African-Americans to the Caribbean slave colonies. Conditions on islands such as Barbados and Jamaica were particularly brutal, with less than a third of slaves surviving on some plantations.

Even after slavery ended in New York, discrimination did not. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the number of AfricanAmericans in the Town of Oyster Bay dwindled from roughly 17 percent to less than a half-percent as racist real estate practices and federal policies prioritized homeownership for whites while driving Black Americans — and other minorities — from the area through a mix of intimidation, legislation, and rising property rates.

When Levittown — long touted as the model of the modern American suburb — was created in 1947, non-whites were expressly forbidden from owning any of the 17,400 new homes, with the deeds

Bruce Blakeman couldn’t care less about girls’ sports.

By signing an executive order to ban teams that allow transgender girls and women from playing in Nassau County athletic facilities last week, Blakeman continued to distract from his shirking of responsibilities as Nassau County Executive.

Since his marginal win over Laura Curran in 2021, after campaigning on the promise of $128 million in tax cuts, Blakeman has rejected every cut in annual budget proposals.

In 2022, amid the highest rates of new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county, he issued a series of orders against mask mandates in schools.

What has he been doing instead in his capacity as executive? Attacking the participation of the county’s small percentage of transgender girls and women in athletics, a right that is supported by experts in the field, including the National Women’s Law Center. Blakeman’s order does not mention transgender boys and men — instead he hides his under-researched and dangerous order behind a thin veil of Victorian-era patriarchal values and personal opinion.

“Part of good government is listening to your constituents,” Blakeman said in a recent interview. Listen to this constituent, Bruce: Do your job, and leave trans kids alone.

CArTEr ALLEN Garden City

themselves preventing ownership by “any person other than members of the Caucasian race,” according to a 2011 research paper by Baruch College Sociology professor robert Courtney Smith. robert Moses, the urban planner and public official who is best known today for creating Jones Beach State Park and the state parkway system, designed Long Island parkways to make them impassable for buses, frequently the only mode of transportation for non-white and lowincome families. While some latter-day historians question the validity of this claim, Moses was also known to have fought against integrating public swimming pools in the 1920s.

African-Americans have continuously defied the odds and obstacles set against them — whether it be Jackie robinson playing Major League Baseball, or mathematicians Creola Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson helping NASA put men on the moon. recognizing those contributions — and learning from our mistakes of the past can open the door for even greater accomplishments in the future, as we look to remove more barriers.

The late Maya Angelou once said that “history, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived. But if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

last week, “It’s Library Lovers Month — borrow a book.” Libraries are the greatest thing. They open the world to anyone willing to look. Not everyone bothers to look, but those who want to have the opportunity.

It’s time we find common ground on ‘Raise the Age’

Long Island has become the center of New York’s — and the nation’s — political conversation. In recent elections, state and local policies have had an enormous influence on Nassau and Suffolk County campaigns that ultimately played a decisive role in determining control of Congress.

But while politicians and party operatives struggle to find a political advantage in laws passed by Albany or our County Legislature, real people affected by these policies are waiting for those of us in office to find common ground on issues that should bring us together, not divide us.

Look at the raise the Age law, for example. In 2017, I was proud to join both my Democratic and republican colleagues in support of ending New York’s shameful status as one of the last two states to prosecute all 16- and 17-year-olds as adults. Today, thanks to the law, a large majority of young people’s cases move through family court, where the goal is rehabilitation through effective intervention rather than criminalization.

raise the Age is a crucial component in building a healthy, sustainable future. It allows young people to get the services they need to get their lives on track. It also allows them to access quality jobs and fully contribute to our society without convictions from when they were teenagers holding them back.

sContrary to false claims labeling family court a “slap on the wrist,” young people may face mandatory programs, supervision by law enforcement, pretrial detention, and placement in residential facilities. But when the system is working well, they are connected with a range of community-based services and resources, which aim to address the underlying factors that led them to commit crimes. And they can use of those services — and the opportunities they provide — without the burden of an adult criminal record.

reduction in shootings with injuries from 2021 to 2023.

As a former public defender, I know firsthand how crucial services like SNUG are to the health and safety of our young people and their communities. By targeting the crux of the issue, they reduce recidivism and help struggling youth become wellfunctioning, productive members of their communities.

etting young offenders straight without burdening them with adult criminal records.

Since raise the Age took effect, thousands of young people who would otherwise have spent months or even years of their childhood in adult jails and prisons have had access to services designed to help them improve their lives and avoid future interactions with the criminal legal system. For some, this is the first time they have had trusted adults whom they can rely on and turn to for guidance.

vices, serious crimes perpetrated by those under 18 decreased by 12 percent in Nassau County and a stunning 57 percent in Suffolk. These statistics demonstrate the efficacy of, and critical need for, community-based programming to make our neighborhoods safer.

Despite raise the Age’s success, its implementation has received a mere fraction of the funding state leaders promised. It’s been reported that as of 2022, only $270 million of the $800 million that was appropriated for it had been invested in community-based programs and services for young people around the state. Think of how much more successful raise the Age could be if the state adequately funded it, and community-based organizations and service providers could apply for and receive that funding directly.

one such service is the SNUG Street outreach program, which uses a public health model to reduce gun violence throughout the state by mediating conflict, mentoring youth, and working with local partners to make our streets safer. The 13 communities that are home to the program — including hempstead — reported a 36 percent

Letters

We need to keep that going, and not be controlled by closed-minded people.

You may not know that about one-third of Nassau County libraries allow adult patrons to borrow a telescope just like a book. I have been promoting the Library Telescope Program for almost eight years now, and I work with 17 Nassau County libraries so far.

Everything I do is free to the library. It just needs to buy the telescope and various accessories directly from vendors, totaling about $450. I help by modifying the telescope to make it easy to use and transport, and provide maintenance as needed. I also provide staff and patron training on how to handle and use the telescope, as well as periodic astronomy-related presentations. In March I will be doing eclipse presentations at eight libraries, and occasionally I do Moon Parties as well. All at no cost.

There are now over 1,000 libraries running the Library Telescope Program, mostly in the U.S. and Canada, but also in other countries.

ToM LYNCh Lynbrook

A neighborly winter surprise

To the Editor:

Looking out my bedroom window, noticing the snowfall had just about stopped, I decided to gear up and start the removal process. As I was clearing off the car, readying to start the shoveling, I noticed that part of my front walk has been cleared. Looking even closer, I saw a body working on the front entranceway. My neighbor has often started snow removal for me as I have done for him, so I thought for sure it was either him or one of his sons helping out.

As I got closer to the sidewalk, I realized for sure that this helper, a young man, was unknown to me. I asked why he was helping, and he said, “I got up early, noticed the snowfall and decided to do some shoveling.” he was finishing up the last section of sidewalk, so I went inside to grab some cash to give him, but when I came back outside, he was gone. off to job No. 2, I suppose. Whoever you are, thank you!

PhIL GrELLA Rockville Centre

In recent years, I’ve been disappointed by how many of my misinformed colleagues have attempted to blame raise the Age for an increase in crime on Long Island, especially when the data say otherwise. This should be a law that unites us.

From the law’s implementation in 2018 through 2022, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Ser-

It’s high time that we rise to the occasion and demand more for the most vulnerable members of our communities, and that starts by calling on Albany to invest in our youth by fully funding raise the Age and supporting evidence-based strategies that create pathways for our young people’s rehabilitation, growth and opportunity. Let’s not let fear-mongering and political mudslinging talk us out of public policy that is proven to work — and that lifts all of us up.

Framework by Tim Baker

At Ogden Elementary School’s Father-Daughter and Special Person Dance — Valley Stream

Charles Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District.

CHarLes LaVINe