Nassau Herald 04-20-2023

Long Island Choice Awards Winners

Bridge users: Rescind the toll increases

By HERNESTo GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Atlantic Beach Bridge users haven’t been hesitant to voice their opposition to the toll increases announced by the Nassau County Bridge Authority last year and implemented in January. Many are still seeking answers to their questions about the fare hikes.

Beth Garnett, of Atlantic Beach, created two petitions calling on the bridge authority to rescind the increases and to release the financial proof of its contention that they were necessary.

“I have taken steps to make my activism more productive,” Garnett said. “I saw the opportunity to rally everyone and give them the loud voice to

Continued on page 14

Questionnaire may move some in H-W district to vote ‘no’

By HERNESTo GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A questionnaire distributed to students in two Woodmere Middle School seventh-grade classrooms has outraged many parents in the district, leading them to threaten to cast “no” votes in next month’s vote on the school budget.

“For the past 10 years that we’ve been in this district, we have always supported our schools and libraries and always voted ‘yes’ for the budgets,” said Hewlett resident Kelly Joyce-Shapiro, who has three children in district schools. “This

year is different, and it’s not about the money.”

The questionnaire was part of an online quiz on the PBS NewsHour Classroom website at PBS.org. The survey included questions such as “In general, how much do White people benefit from advantages in society that Black people do not have?” and “Do you think greater social acceptance of people who are transgender . . . is very good for society or very bad for society?” Other questions asked respondents about their views of the Democratic and Republican parties, and about the profits of corporations.

Joyce-Shapiro explained that the questionnaire was brought to her attention by a member of a chat group comprising over 1,000 parents in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District. The quiz has moved her to take action not only for herself, but also, she said, for those who are afraid to speak up.

After reading the survey, she emailed district Superintendent Ralph Marino and asked about the purpose of the questionnaire and whether the district planned to distribute it more widely.

In an email, district officials told the Herald that a letter had been sent to par-

ents of students in two classes about the questionnaire.

“Per NYS standards, 7th grade students are taught a unit which includes a study of the birth of political parties,” the letter read. “Naturally, many students became curious about the platforms/ issues of modern-day parties.”

According to the district, filling out the questionnaire was optional. “Students were not asked to stand on different sides of the room based on party affiliation,” the letter stated. “The survey link was provided to students in two classes and

Continued on page 12

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

call on the Nassau County Bridge Authority to rescind the toll increases on the Atlantic Beach Bridge and make the agency’s financial statements transparent. Above, a December bridge authority meeting.

Brown water issues remain in the Five Towns

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

You expect a straightforward answer when you ask questions such as what color is the sky or water. However, if you were to ask Woodmere resident Barrie Brownstein Cota what color her water is at home, she’d say clear on a good day but on any other, she’d tell you it’s brownish.

Brownstein Cota filled a pot with water on March 30 only to see that water wasn’t coming out clear but a color that resembled the color of beer.

Brownstein Cota let the water run for 15 minutes. It remained brown.

She addressed her issue on a local Facebook group page, which highlighted other members having similar experiences.

“It was so bad that day,” she said. “That I had to post it on Facebook.”

She said her water provider, Liberty Water, informs neighbors when working in the area and when not to use the water. Brownstein Cota said the last time the water color was off, they had not informed her.

“It is always an issue here,” she said. “There are times when the water is off-color and it’s usually when they flush out the main pipes in the town. Normally we are told when that is done, but no phone call, no message when I was cleaning the dishes.”

Hewlett resident Amanda Leanna, has battled the same issue for the past six years.

“When this issue occurs, we have had no choice but to shower in this water,” she said. “(We) only drink bottled water.”

Leanna’s water provider is also Liberty Water.

“I contacted Liberty several times because the water is consistently brown or yellowish,” she said. “(We) tell them know how bad it is staining our sinks and bathtubs.”

Neighbors of Brownstein Cota have said they plan to install a house filtration system to help with the issue. But she thinks otherwise.

“I just feel like where we live and the taxes we pay it really shouldn’t be necessary,” she said. “I shower with it, I wash my dishes with it and my laundry is washed with it. I have no clue if I turn my machine on if it’s clear or not.”

Liberty Water spokeswoman Pamela Bellings noted what the water provider is doing to make improvements.

“Customers may notice occasional discolored water in the spring as water use increases,” she wrote in an email. “Our spring flushing program, which is currently in progress, is designed to remedy this issue. Additionally, each year, we invest in upgrading water mains and iron removal technology, which also decreases discolored water. We replaced over 26,000 feet of water main in the Lynbrook territory, which serves Woodmere, in 2022 and we plan to replace another 18,000 feet in 2023.”

Bellings added that discolored water is not harmful and comes from iron sediment in the water mains.

“We recognize that this aesthetic is not pleasing to customers,” she said. “And is exactly why we have our extensive flushing program and main replacement projects.”

Having issues with your water? Send letter to jbessen@ liherald.com.

Courtesy Barrie Brownstein Cota

AfTER SEEiNG HER water come out of the faucet not the color it should be, Woodmere resident Barrie Brownstein Cota let her water run for 15 minutes. It remained brown.

When this issue occurs, we have had no choice but to shower in this water.

AMANDA LEANNA Hewlett

Staying positive to avoid life’s dark holes

By JAY GREENBAUM Special to the Herald

It was Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. I was in my office in Rockville Centre, and I received a call from my family who were at home in Hewlett, hanging out during winter vacation.

They were all excited because the weekly edition of the Nassau Herald always arrives in the mail on Thursdays, and they said I was in the paper. I had a feeling I would be mentioned in that issue because I had been interviewed a few weeks prior by a reporter, Ann Friedman, who said she was writing an article on volunteerism in our community, and I had been selected among others for the story.

What I didn’t know and was shocked to hear from my family was that I was the only one in the article. I had been selected as the 2011 Herald Person of the Year 2011. I was the entire front page! The article was extremely flattering, and I was touched by comments made by my family, business partner, my rabbi, as well as others in the not-for-profit world I volunteered in.

Dark times

The reason I am writing about this now, over 11 years later, is because I feel it is important for people to know, people who may be struggling behind the scenes now, what was happening in my life at that exact moment. If I can reach and help just one person who feels they are alone and there’s only one way out, this article was worth putting this very personal information out there.

A few months earlier, starting in October of 2011, my business hit some rough patches and catapulted me into a mental tailspin. I had fought hard most of my life through bouts of depression and suicidal ideations, but all those negative thoughts and feelings came rushing back in like a tidal wave because I feared my career was over and I wasn’t going to be able to support my family. In my tormented mind, the life insurance proceeds they would receive would solve that problem.

My nights were a disaster, as I could not sleep. My days were spent intermittently crying and writhing in pain and then pushing it all below the surface to be the man pictured and written about in the Nassau Herald.

How ironic that I was President of the Board of Directors of a mental health counseling agency at the same time I was having suicidal ideations.

In today’s world of social media, we see each other mostly with happy pictures and comments about our lives that seem perfect in all ways. We present ourselves in business and in social settings as having it all together, needing the world to see us in the most positive reflections. And that makes a lot of sense.

We need to portray ourselves in successful ways to be successful, whatever that means. No one wants to see and hear and interact with someone who is a downer, complaining about his or her life, warranted or not. However, that puts a lot of pressure on us to pretend much of the

time, especially during those times when things are anything but perfect.

Battling the dark holes

Eleven years later, the struggle to stay positive and not go into the dark holes continues. The hard work never ends. Keeping perspective is so important and I focus on gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness.

I volunteer as much as I can to make a difference in others’ lives, many which are much less fortunate and need tremendous help, sometimes just to find enough food in a day to feed themselves and their families. Helping others feels great and moves us away from the sometimes-bad narratives in our own heads.

I read as much as I can about ways to maintain positive energy and live a fulfilling life, learning from amazing speakers who are easily found on TED talks and other podcasts.

I minimize my time on social media and the internet in general. And

although I am aware of local and world news, I try to turn down the volume on the noise as most of it is confusing and does not serve my own agenda of being a source of positive influence on others.

Exercise is the best drug in my opinion. Since the article came out 11 years ago, I have completed more than 60 swimming, cycling, and running events which have included swimming around the Statue of Liberty, a 6.5-mile swim from midtown Manhattan to the Bronx under the George Washington Bridge and a dozen full 26.2mile marathons in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

I’ve cycled 350 miles all over Israel and I have completed six full 140.6-mile Ironman triathlons including one in Australia. I became an indoor cycle “spin” instructor, and the combination of exercise and music is magical and can be the most amazing escape tune out for 45 minutes. I think it’s great when people tell me that they have a

Peloton at home, and they don’t need to go to a gym. Whatever works is great. Although home gym equipment can be great, I will suggest that for some, those things isolate us even more and can be harmful to our mental health. What got me through that difficult time 11 years ago and every day since is my connection to and support from some wonderful people, new friends, and acquaintances I have met. Aside from family, it could be the gym, a church or synagogue, the places you volunteer at or any club or social connection where you interact with others on a regular basis.

We need each other. We need to let the people closest to us know if we are struggling and stop pretending that everything is fine if it’s not. Be kind to one another because you may not know what is happening at that moment to someone you’re talking to and your kind words may have a huge impact at the exact right time needed. We need to know we are never alone.

Greenbaum is involved with and raised money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, go to Afsp.orf. For the New York chapter call (646) 284-5790.

Courtesy Jay Greenbaum

VolUNtEERiNG with Rock and Wrap It Up! at the Five Towns Community Center last Thanksgiving, Jay Greenbaum cut the turkey.

w e need to let the people closest to us know if we are struggling and stop pretending that everything is fine if it’s not.

Inwood man charged with assault

An initial call about a possible domestic disturbance near Hollywood Avenue turned into much more after a woman accused Christian Leiva-Aguilar of assaulting her in Lawrence on April 17.

Police found Leiva-Aguilar, 19, of Pearl Street, Inwood, driving on Lawrence Avenue and stopped him and arrested him at 4 a.m.

The subsequent investigation found that Leiva-Aguilar had picked up the woman earlier in the morning and they argued. It escalated and he allegedly punched the woman in the face several times and did not allow her to get of the vehicle.

Four

Four arrested in alleged burglary of the Seawane Club in Hewlett

A trio of 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old, all young men, have been arrested and charged in the alleged burglary of the Seawane Country Club in Hewlett Harbor on Aug. 30 of last year.

Roughly $750 of merchandise was allegedly stolen. Nassau police said that the four got into the club’s tennis

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center through an open window.

All four are charged with burglary and petit larceny.

Two of the teenagers were arraigned on April 3 and the two others on April 5, all at First District Court in Hempstead.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Leiva-Aguilar allegedly smashed the woman’s phone with a pipe, hit her with a pipe and stole $300 from the woman. After getting away she called 911.

He is charged with kidnapping, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Leiva-Aguilar was issued a summons on April 17. As of press time, no further information was available.

—

Three arrested for house altercation

A multiple-person altercation at a house on Loretta Street in Inwood resulted in the arrest of two women and one man at 11 p.m., on April 12.

The squabble erupted after Ashanti Eskarge, 21, allegedly punched a woman, 19, in the face and cut her lower lip, police said. The punch ignited an argument between three other women, 37, 19 and 16, and Destiny Rodriquez, 19, who also lives on Loretta Street, according to police.

The three women were inside their house when Rodriquez and an unidentified man allegedly showered pepper spray through the home’s open windows, which injured all three women, police said. A large group of people gathered around the house and began to yell as the unidentified man fled on foot, according to police.

Destiny Rodriquez was sitting in

the back of a police car when Fahyim Rodriquez directed the words “knock them out,” to the officers, police said. He was arrested. Shawanda Eskarge allegedly jumped on the officer’s back trying to intervene in Fayhim’s arrest. She was then arrested.

Destiny Rodriquez is charged with three counts of assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Fahyim Rodriquez, 30, of Langdon Boulevard, Lakeview, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Both were issued summonses. As of press time, no further information was available.

Shawanda Eskarge, 36, of 2nd Avenue, Garden City Park, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and was issued an appearance ticket. Her next court date is April 27. — Jeffrey Bessen

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other

Courtesy NCPD

teenagers were charged in the alleged robbery of items valued at roughly $750 from the Seawane Country Club in Hewlett Harbor last August.

Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy NCPD Inwood resIdent ChrIstIan LeivaAguilar is accused of assaulting and stealing money from a woman in Lawrence on April 17.

YEsHIvA

UNIvERsItY

mEN’s basketball head coach Elliot Steinmetz will receive the firstever the Jewish Sports Heritage Association’s Marty Riger Outstanding Jewish Coach of the Year Award. At right, Steinmetz watched Lawrence native Gabriel Leifer cut the net after winning the 2021-22 Skyline Conference title.

Y.U. basketball coach to be honored Sunday

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Woodmere resident Elliot Steinmetz, the men’s varsity basketball coach at Yeshiva University, will be the inaugural recipient of the Jewish Sports Heritage Association’s Marty Riger Outstanding Jewish Coach of the Year Award.

Steinmetz, a former Y.U. basketball player, transformed the Maccabees into a Division III hoops power that from Nov. 10, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2021, had a 50-game win streak, was ranked No. 1 in the country for five weeks in 2021 and has led the team to appearances in the Skyline Conference championship since 2014, when he first became head coach.

He guided the squad to the program’s first Skyline title and an NCAA tournament berth in the 2017-18 season. Steinmetz has never finished with a losing record.

Along with his coaching prowess, the team’s success was ignited by talented players such as Ryan Terrell and Gabriel Leifer, a Lawrence native, who was honored by the Jewish Sports Heritage Association with the Jay Fiedler Outstanding Jewish College Athlete of the Year Award.

When asked about the significance of the award, Steinmetz credited much of his success to the tremendous talent he has had around him.

“It means I have the privilege and honor of working with outstanding Jewish student-athletes,” he said. “Nothing more, nothing less.”

The award will be presented to Steinmetz at the association’s fifth annual induction ceremony at Temple Israel of Lawrence on April 23. The association started almost 30 years ago. Director Alan Freedman said the idea was to help change the perception of Jews in sports.

“We wanted to do something that was going to educate the public,” Freedman said. “It’s to help educate the public and maybe at the same time, break down some stereotypes, break down some barriers.”

The organization was going to be a small-scale educational program but took off to be much larger. The induction ceremony is the association’s most publicized event, but Freedman speaks to Jewish groups, and JCCs youth groups, about Jews in sports.

“It struck a nerve with me, both as an educator and a sports person,” he said.

“We work with Temple Israel, and we have monthly movies, we have speakers, we do clinics, and all kinds of things. To me, it’s just fascinating.”

The goal has always been to break down barriers and the stigma of Jews in sports. One of the association’s awards is named after former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler, an Oceanside native, who also played basketball in high school. Steinmetz’s award is named for Riger who was the coach of the 1998 Maccabi Games basketball team that Fiedler played on.

Steinmetz, an attorney with his own law firm, credits those around him for being able to juggle the dual workload.

“It’s very little sleep,” Steinmetz said. “A lot of care and passion for both, great assistant coaches, and a terrific partner who is both supportive and encouraging of both ventures. It’s time-consuming for sure. When you care about something, you are invested in it. It’s the same for my law practice. Both get 100 percent from me constantly.”

The fifth annual Induction ceremony for the Jewish Sports Heritage association takes place at Temple Israel, 140 Central Ave., Lawrence, Saturday April 23 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, go to JewishSportsHeritage.org.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

sPOTLIGhT AThLeTe

Notable start for Lawrence

By DAVID PATALANO sports@liherald.com

Lawrence softball is off to an absolutely blazing start to season with a 6-2 record.

The Golden Tornadoes have beaten their opponents by an average of 14 runs and scored 32 in a victory over Westbury on April 13.

PeTer ThOMANN

Calhoun Senior Lacrosse

A LONG sTIck midfielder who helped the Colts reach the Nassau Class B championship game last spring, Thomann leads Calhoun’s defensive effort and was Honorable Mention AllAmerican in 2022. The two-time AllCounty selection is headed to play at the University of North Carolina. “Peter is the heart and soul of the squad,” coach Jim Femminella said. “He has size, skill, speed and strength, and plays with an edge.”

GAMes TO wATch

Thursday, April 20

Baseball: Island Trees at Wantagh 4:45 p.m.

Baseball: Oceanside at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Senior Gabriela Guevara is the team’s ace in the circle, recording over 50 strikeouts in eight games this spring. She’s been a pitcher for Lawrence since the eighth grade and has come into her own as a varsity starter.

“She throws mostly fastballs,” said first-year coach Jessie Ford. “She works in some offspeed as a strikeout pitch. She’s got a lot of speed and when she’s on, she’s a real force to be reckoned with.”

Lawrence is a team with a lot of experience, comprised of seven juniors, six seniors and a sophomore. It is led by captains Cynthia Saravia Reyes, a five-year starting shortstop; center fielder Brianna Vargas, who hit a grand slam against Malverne; second baseman Taylor Brancaccio; and Guevara. The lineup is rounded out with third baseman Ariana Vargas, junior Jayleen Aquilino, who has three home runs, first baseman Kimora Austin, defensive star Josselyn Alvarado, and sophomore Krissy Cribbs.

“The last two seasons this team has had 10-plus wins,” Ford said. “In 2021, they actually had a playoff win against Great Neck North, which was a big thing for Lawrence softball to start inching their way back towards the top of our conference.”

While Ford is in her first year at the helm, she’s been working with all of these girls since they first started playing softball.

“I was the middle school coach to start and they all started with me when they were in seventh grade. It’s kind of like a full circle moment for all of us, which is great,” Ford said. “Cynthia Saravia Reyes is just a natural athlete and a natural softball player. I remember her putting a glove on in middle school when none of these girls have ever played

Donovan Berthoud/Herald photo PITcher GABrIeLA GueVArA has been a big reason the Golden Tornadoes captured six of their first seven games this spring.

before and she was on varsity before I knew it. It just came so naturally to her.”

Lucy Torres is one of the most improved players on the squad. She starts in the outfield, but her best position is actually at second base.

“[Torres] is so smart. She’s my leadoff hitter, she’s quick, she’s savvy. She really knows the game really well,” Ford noted. “She remembers defensively where opposing girls are putting the ball, which is amazing.”

The goal for the Golden Tornadoes is to

keep riding their hot streak and hopefully to turn it into a conference championship.

“We want to win the conference… That’s been a goal since I started coaching here,” Ford said. “We have some great competitors and athletes that want to learn the game. They’ve been the underdogs for so long and these girls are really coming into their own right and at the right time too.”

This week Lawrence hopes to pile on more wins in games against Uniondale, Hempstead, and Friends Academy.

D’Esposito introduces cops ‘bill of rights’

By KARINA KOVAC kkovac@liherald.com

He’s calling it the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights, a direct jab at what he calls the “defund the police” movement. And as a former cop himself, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito says his new legislation introduced on Capitol Hill last week is exactly what police departments need to move forward in a new world.

The Republican lawmaker surrounded himself with officials from the local Police Benevolent Association union at their Mineola headquarters to share details of H.R. 285, which has already attracted a dozen GOP cosponsors — including U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino.

The bill, if passed, is intended to give privileges and securities to officers not offered before, D’Esposito says, such as the right to self-defense against physical threats and legal recourse if a civilian attempts to assault them. The congressman hopes other lawmakers will follow suit on the state level to create similar bills.

“It condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle or abolish any police agency,” D’Esposito said. “It encourages dialogue between law enforcement and their communities to improve public safety, and engage all of the society’s stakeholders. And lastly, it respects the rights of police officers to carry out their duties, to protect our communities with integrity, and have essential protections during investigations.”

D’Esposito quoted a statistic from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund that found 224 law enforcement officers died in 2022. He also claimed many more are at risk of being hurt because of the “defund the police movement” in minority communities, where officers keep seeing “body bag after body bag removed.”

The most recent significant calls for police reform emerged following the death of George Floyd while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers in May

2020. One of the police officers was later found guilty of murder and manslaughter, and sentenced to more than 22 years in prison.

The number of officer fatalities in 2022 has remained slightly above levels in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s save the early 2020s, which included a large number of deaths related to Covid-19.

Thomas Shevlin, president of the Nassau County PBA, said it’s time to “get back to common sense.” He also called on politicians from both sides of the political aisle to support the bill.

Brian Sullivan, the president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, said that for years he and other law enforcement and court officers have been sounding the alarm about the harm of bail reform, discovery reform, and the implications of the reforms endangering not only officers, but society. He said the issue shouldn’t be seen as law enforcement against liberals, and that what matters is helping the general public

who is suffering because of previous litigation.

“We have a very low headcount,” Sullivan told the crowd that gathered for the news conference about the population behind bars. “What does that tell you? You see it in that the proof is in the pudding, the criminals are in the streets. We need to mobilize the base of the citizenry to support their law enforcement and realize what’s going on behind the scenes here.”

Sullivan cited the “insanity” of bail reform by offering an example he saw in the news recently where a Bronx judge, Naita Semaj, let the accused killer of a teenaged boy go free on his own recognizance without bail.

“The judge in the Bronx, because of what’s going on in this state, disregarded the cries and the pleas of not only the prosecutors,” Sullivan said, “but of the boy’s mother to hold this guy in jail.”

The bill was officially introduced April 10, and was immediately referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Karina Kovac/Herald

U.S. Rep. ANthONy D’Esposito introduces his Law Enforcement Bill of Rights legislation alongside local police and correction officer benevolent associations at the Police Benevolent Association headquarters in Mineola last week.

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School daze

Keep kids focused during the summer months — and all year round

There’s nothing kids look forward to more than vacation, especially summer vacation. But summer can also be a prime time for the “summer slide” when students forget the reading and math skills they learned during the school year, according to the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL).

Kids not exposed to ongoing summer learning, such as reading and solving math problems, can lose anywhere from one to three months of what they learned in the previous grade. When that happens, children start the next year playing catch up. If they suffer the slide continually in the early years, it creates a potentially life-long problem. We already know that children who are not reading proficiently by third grade tend to stay behind in future grades, and that they are four times less likely to graduate from high school.

The summer slide is especially devastating to children from low-income families. Summers without academic practice contribute to the big achievement gap that exists between disadvantaged kids (who qualify for free or reduced lunch) and their more advantaged peers.

That learning gap forces teachers to play catch-up when school starts again in the fall.

“Parents can play critical roles in ensuring children maintain their academic skills in reading and other subjects over the summer,” the NCFL emphasizes .”The key is to associate learning with fun activities.”

The good news is, there are many rewarding, enriching educational experiences for families to halt the summer slide. Reading is the single most impactful activity for children in the summer. A summer reading program helps maintain and advance reading and language comprehension from one grade to the next grade. Make it a family effort with siblings, parents and relatives devoting regular time to reading and reading aloud to young children.

Encourage Bright Spots

Parents and students often associate the summer with remedial classes. But encouraging your children’s interests and strengths is a great way to associate fun with learning. Try enrolling them in classes or camps that focus on their strengths and let them develop lifelong hobbies that are fun and good for them.

Be creative: A quick search online should yield a lot of great suggestions for creative, fun learning activities both online and off. For example, the nonprofit website Wonderopolis. org encourages children and parents to explore the things they wonder about with daily content, like “Why Do You Get Ice Cream Headaches?” or “How Can You Be a Human Compass?”

You and your children can also nominate your own “Wonder of the Day” on Wonderopolis. org by submitting your own curious question. You can even create your own video and include the link to it in your submission.

Let them run wild — in the library: Make a big deal out of frequent trips to the library where kids can pick out anything they want to read that is age-appropriate. Experts say reading four or five books over a summer will maintain reading skills, so long as the selections are challenging enough.

Plan learning adventures: Take excursions to museums, national parks, zoos or aquariums. Or try a hike that focuses on birds, plants or any special theme. Tie a book or educational program to the adventure (either before or after), so your child will connect real life to learning. Alternatively, you can expose a child to a new piece of music before a concert the whole family can enjoy.

Embrace Family Time

Enjoy excursions to museums, parks, local historical sites, the beach, etc. as a family. Challenge your child to think about what they learned from the experience by describing interesting details of what they learned or what they still want to know. Ask them questions

that stretch their thinking, such as “Why do you think that?” or “What would happen if…?”

Cook together and have the children reference the recipes and make shopping lists using their creativity and emerging writing skills, even if they are only able to draw pictures and “scribble”. Each one of these early steps prepares them for writing in school.

While at the grocery store, challenge your children to find items on the shelves by looking for the first letter in the title or a picture of the item. Ask children to guess how many pasta shells are in a box or ask them questions about what they notice – like the cold and warms parts of stores.

Whatever you do, make it fun and interactive. Your child will enjoy new adventures, especially if they are with the people they love most in this world their parents and families.

Photo: That break from the school year routine is great time to relax and let loose, but it’s still essential to keep kids’ minds working during when school’s not in session — and throughout the year.

naled the ingly the lar projects admissions. events over best so lenge.

be focused Consider strategies success. home by assignments, for that study haphazard ners books up don’t space a set tines. regular breaks). play, and what’s end-of-school be ners

Spring Open House

Saturday, April 29th OR Thursday, May

10am-12pm 6pm-8pm

Academically Rigorous: College

Preparatory

All-Girls: A Lifetime of Sisterhood

Catholic High School Matters

360-Degree Support: In and Out of the Classroom

Leadership and Confidence Grow Here

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Girls and their parents choose from 15-minute workshops on topics such as:

Why Catholic HS Makes a Difference College Prep Starts Now

5 Reasons All-Girls Schools Lead Choosing an Academically-Rigorous Path

School district officials say questionnaire was optional

was not a part of the planned lesson or curricula.”

But questions about racial differences and transgender people clearly left many parents confused — and angry.

Not satisfied with the district’s letter, Joyce-Shapiro, accompanied by her husband, Lawrence Shapiro, voiced her concerns at a Board of Education meeting on April 4.

“We never expected to be activist parents,” she said.

Board President Debra Sheinin responded only that the issue had been handled, which, Joyce-Shapiro said, left her wondering what Sheinin was talking about.

Sheinin did not respond to the Herald’s request for a comment.

Joyce-Shapiro also told the Herald that she was concerned about the showing of “Love Simon,” a movie about a boy coming out as gay, in one of the district’s 11thgrade classrooms. In one scene, two boys kiss.

“I don’t care what people want to do with their lives,” Joyce-Shapiro emphasized. “It doesn’t bother me or my husband, and we respect everyone, but please leave the children out of this. This has nothing to do with the kids.”

One of the Shapiros’ children is a couple of years away from moving up to the middle school, and both parents have expressed concern for the future of their children and the younger generation.

“Stop indoctrinating our kids,” JoyceShapiro said. “Let them be children, and let them have the same freedoms we had to think.”

The questionnaire has led parents in a Hewlett-Woodmere Facebook group page to threaten to vote “no” on the school district budget.

“This incident was not part of the curriculum and should have never been given to the class,” Jeanine Cav posted. “There’s power in our votes. Our words obviously don’t matter.”

Bina Kr also commented, expressing her desire to vote “no.”

The vote on the $135.17 million spending plan for 2023-24 is set for May 16.

Christina Daly/Herald District 14 Parents expressed concerns about a questionnaire given to seventh-graders in Woodmere Middle School. Voting ‘no’ on the school budget is an option, they say.

Courtesy Kelly Joyce-Shapiro in resPonse to the board meeting, Kelly Joyce-Shapiro has created a yard sign encouraging neighbors to reject the school district’s budget next month.

It was enough fentanyl to kill 2 million people

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Three kilograms of pure fentanyl might not seem like a lot. But as a powerful synthetic opioid that is at least 50 times more potent than morphine — that much fentanyl can kill. A lot.

That’s likely why the Nassau County Police Department and county officials are calling the arrest of Juan Cruz, who they say was holding all three kilos, a “historic seizure of pure fentanyl.”

“This is a story about triumph and tragedy,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. Tragedy that young people are unwitting victims to peddled pills. Triumph in the form of stopping those pills from hitting the street.

The 50-year-old Cruz lives in the Bronx, but is said to be a citizen of the Dominican Republic. Police reportedly stopped him after Second Squad detectives received a tip that he was bringing the drug into the county last week, police commissioner Patrick Ryder said.

A single kilo of fentanyl has the potential to kill up to 500,000 people, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Three times that could kill the entire population of Nassau County, with

enough fentanyl left over to kill 100,000 more.

“Fentanyl is cheap,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “It’s plentiful. And it’s coming into the county in droves.”

Cruz pleaded not guilty to felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a narcotic drug, as well as a traffic infraction for operating an unregistered vehicle. He is being held behind bars without bail.

Cruz was not known to Nassau detectives before his arrest Wednesday, Ryder said, but they now believe he is a “major dealer” operating in the county.

The drugs reportedly come from Mexico and South America — something Blakeman says supports his position of stopping immigration.

“It’s going to be a continuing problem unless we close our borders,” Blakeman said. “We have crime rings that are operating here from south of the border. They’re stealing cars. They are stealing catalytic converters. They’re doing organized burglaries. And of course, they are dealing in very, very, very dangerous drugs.”

Cruz reportedly made it harder for

Roksana Amid/Herald NASSAu COuNty ExECutIvE Bruce Blakeman, far left, joined Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt, Nassau County Police Department commissioner Patrick Ryder,

police to identify him because he had burned his fingertips, they said, mutilating his fingerprints. Doing that was a way Cruz had hoped not to be deported again something officials last did in 2012. Because it’s an active investigation,

Donnelly said she was “extremely limited” on what she could comment on.

“What I will tell you is this,” she said. “Defendants like Juan Cruz are peddling this poison in our neighborhoods to our children.”

and county legislator Rose Walker to share news of what they described as a historic seizure of fentanyl.

Juan Cruz

Bridge authority mum as commuters grow vocal

be heard.”

The first petition, “Call for the Nassau County Bridge Authority to Rescind The Excessive Toll Hike,” lists bridge users’ struggles with inflation, the burden of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment and other reasons to repeal the toll increases. As of press time, more than 850 people had signed it.

The second petition, “Call for the Nassau County Bridge Authority To Make All Their Financials Transparent,” requests that the bridge authority detail how it will spend the additional toll-generated funds. At press time, it had over 1,200 signatures.

“For the toll increase, it seemed like everyone had it,” Garnett said. “It seemed like it was the last straw and everyone got angry.”

Signees added their reasons for signing to the petitions. Deborah Coles wrote, “This increase is absurd! It’s way too much at one time. This is a huge increase and it is very hard to handle.”

Angela Tancredi commented, “Where is the money going?”

Rosemarie Evola, NCBA’s assistant director, declined to comment.

The bridge authority, which oversees the Atlantic Beach Bridge’s operations, announced late last year that tolls for pas

money would be used to upgrade the 70-year-old bridge and to implement the E-ZPass electronic tolling system.

Cleaning, painting and roadwork is expected to cost $6 million; $5 million is targeted for the installation of E-ZPass and for toll plaza refurbishment; and another $5 million will be used for bulkhead replacement.

Earlier this month, authority board

Nassau County Bridge authority finances

2019: Operating loss of $766,691

2020: Operating loss of $2,215,778

2021: Operating loss of $1,008,104

Ringelheim said. “A meeting at a village hall where you can hold 100 people, and not a room (that) the Board of Health or the Fire Department would consider a fire hazard.”

E-ZPass.

Last year, in response to the negative feedback from bridge users that followed the announcement of the increases, the authority hosted a meeting in December, at its headquarters on the bridge, to address their questions. More than 40 people attended.

Atlantic Beach resident Barry Ringelheim wanted to take part, but left before

Given the response to the petitions, Ringelheim added that he hoped the bridge authority would be more transparent. “If they can prove that it was necessary, then I’m all for it,” he said of the toll increases. “Show us in black and white who is paying for the E-ZPass equipment, how much they collect from each E-ZPass toll and prove to the citizens of Atlantic Beach that it was necessary to have the increase.”

Herald file photo

Nassau CouNty Bridge Authority officials have said that the money generated from the toll increase will pay for upgrades to the 70-year-old bridge, including the installation of the E-ZPass toll system.

STEPPING OUT

Asbury Short Film Concert

The latest edition of the short film showcase has made its way back to Long Island. With a lineup of classic shorts from Asbury’s past combined with film festival winners currently on the circuit — and in many cases, featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — audiences can get a peek at these “smaller” films that don’t often get a big-screen showing. The eclectic mix of films offers a look at the best in short film comedy, drama and animation, highlighting emerging filmmakers along with seasoned directors. The fast-paced evening includes such stand-outs as ‘The Waiting Room,’ produced, directed and written by former Nassau County film commissioner Debra Markowitz. The multiple festival award-winning 12- minute dramatic comedy reunites a woman and her exhusband in heaven.

home of

As seen through the artists’ eyes

By Karen Bloom

Our spaces have taken on a new importance in recent years. “Home,” in all its variations, has inspired us — and renewed us. Heckscher Museum of Art explores the spaces we inhabit in its latest offering, “Raise the Roof: The Home in Art,” on view through March 2024.

Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. $15. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

STEPPING OUT

Home.

personalities and the values of the people who lived there.

Creative advocacy

“It’s a life-size piece that takes up an entire wall,” Bennett says. “It makes you feel immediately at home. “Everyone responds to it. They recognize the scenes and tell us it reminds them of their own house.”

The exhibit — featuring more than 50 works — reflects the many meanings of home, as it delves into how artists creatively define life at home.

“This exhibit came out of the pandemic,” says Justyce Bennett, the museum’s curatorial assistant. “The idea of home really shifted. It became our office space, our leisure place, our everything. The same thing happened with artists, it became their studios. Over the past four years, we’ve deepened our understanding of what home looks like.”

From that shift in how we live, an exhibit evolved.

“The majority of the artworks on view were created before the pandemic, demonstrating the central role that our homes have always played in our lives and in art,” says curator Karli Wurzelbacher. “In light of the recent pandemic, home continues to evolve. And we connect to this artwork with new eyes.”

The exhibit includes what Bennett describes as “old favorites” with never-before-seen works. “This show combines the tried-and-true with new art — the classics and recent additions to our collections”

Raise the Roof debuts significant works by contemporary artists such as Courtney M. Leonard, Kenji Nakahashi and Stella Waitzkin. Never-beforeexhibited photographs by Larry Fink, prints by Robert Dash, along with works by Romare Bearden, Salvador Dali, Olafur Eliasson, Miriam Schapiro, and Esphyr Slobodkina are also featured.

“She also remembered the artwork her grandparents had in that house, so it represents art in art — in a really cool way.”

Englishtown Project

By Karen Bloom

Centerport-based Pat Ralph, an artist with a longtime connection to the museum as a trustee collections committee member, is represented with “The Visit Home.” Bennett describes the piece, which shows a man reclining in his childhood home, as”bright and dreamy.”

Also of note is Robert Carter’s mixed media painting “Mama Taught Me Piano and Much More.” It’s a powerful maternal work that pays tribute to the role of mothers.

Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.

“Robert also has a long history with the museum and this is only the second time it’s been on view,” Bennett says.

“We’re so happy to show his piece. It’s my personal favorite in the show.”

WHERE WHEN

• Now through March 2024

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum

• $5 suggested admission non-members; members and children under 13 free

• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington (631) 380-3230, or Heckscher.org

“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.

Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

Visitors are immediately drawn to the exhibit’s anchor, Becky Suss’s large-scale painting “Living Room,” a recent acquisition (actually six paintings) that is based on Suss’s memories of her grandparents’ house in Great Neck. The array of artwork and objects she depicts captures the

Englishtown Project visits the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to a classic unforgettable concert. This all-star jam band commemorates one special concert. The group — featuring members of New Riders of the Purple Sage, Zen Tricksters, and Max Creek, recreates the legendary Sept. 3, 1977, show in Englishtown, New Jersey, which was headlined by the Grateful Dead, who had just completed its legendary Spring/Summer 1977 tour featuring a batch of new material from ‘Terrapin Station.’ They were joined by the Dead family’s New Riders of the Purple Sage, and the good-time, southern rock Marshall Tucker Band. This tribute extravaganza includes healthy ‘doses’ of selections from each band’s sets that day in a relaxed, festival-style program.

•

•

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making

Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m. $35, $30. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444, or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

• Top left: Becky Suss, Living Room from the Collection of Ninah and Michael Lynne.

Top right: Pat Ralph, The Visit Home, 1983.

Bottom right: Robert Carter, Mama Taught Me Piano and Much More, 2007.

It’s where the heart is, where our lives unfold — and where imagination takes flight.

THE SCENE

May

Itzhak Perlman

The reigning virtuoso of the violin makes his long-awaited return, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. Sunday, May 7, 4 p.m. Experience his impeccable musicianship as never before. The intimate performance gives Perlman fans a deeply personal glimpse into his boyhood in Tel Aviv and New York, and the earliest years of his long and celebrated career. Enjoy an afternoon of music and storytelling as Perlman presents rarely seen archival photos and videos and shares memories, stories, and musical selections that you won’t hear anywhere else. On stage and performing with Perlman for this unforgettable afternoon is his longtime collaborator, pianist Rohan DeSilva, who’s been a constant presence by his side over the years. Tickets are $150, $100, $75: available at TillesCenter. org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville.

April 20

Breastfeeding Support Group

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July . Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

April 23

Take Back Day

Clean out the medicine cabinet of old prescription drugs at the Saving Lives Five Towns Drug and Alcohol Coalition Drug Take Back Day at Hatzalah of the Rockaways & Nassau County, Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date is April 30. , 724West Broadway, Woodmere. Saving Lives is associated with the Gural JCC.

of

Lawrence village meets

The Lawrence village board will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 20, at 8 p.m., in Village Hall, 196 Central Ave., Lawrence.

Model Seder

Celebrate at the end of Passover at the Five Towns Kiwanis 33rd annual Model Seder, Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m., at Woodro Kosher Restaurant & Caterers, 1441 Broadway, Hewlett.

Squeaky Clean

April 21

On stage

April 22

Cheer Camp

Learn how to cheerlead like a champion at the Inwood/Lawrence P.A.L. spring cheer camp, a sixweek program, Saturdays, April 22 to May 27, at the Five Towns Community Center. 270 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence. $60 per person includes cheer pom poms. Register online at InwoodLawrencePal.org. Call Sasha Young at (516) 239-6244 ext. 265 or email Bobby.Varela@ nassaucountypal.org for more information.

April 20

Listen to the swinging sounds of the 1960s, from Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind” to the Turtles “Happy Together,” when Squeaky Clean performs, Thursday, April 20, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Hillel. 1000 Rosedale Road, Valley Stream. $8 members, $10 non-members. With refreshments. Call (516) 791-6344 for information.

Having an event?

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, April 21, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, April 26-27, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Cautious Gerald and playful Piggie share a day where anything is possible in an imaginative exploration of of friendship. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

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.

James Monroe

Hewlett

Explore the artistic genius of Rock Hall’s own James Monroe Hewlett (1868 to 1941) as the work of this architect, designer and muralist is on exhibit at Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence through Dec. 3. Free admission.

Induction Ceremony

The fifth annual Jewish Sports Heritage Association induction ceremony will be held Sunday, April 23, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Israel of Lawrence. Nine Jewish sports greats are honored, including Woodmere resident and Yeshiva University men’s basketball coach Elliot Steinmetz. 140 Central Ave. (516) 404-1414 or JewishSports.org.

In-person Game Time

Play canasta, mah jongg and Scrabble in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, Monday, April 24, 2-4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated. Masks recommended.

Passion for Pride

Support PFY, a division of Long Island Crisis Center, at a 30th Anniversary Benefit celebration, Tuesday, June 13, 6-10 p.m. With drag bingo and performances by Ivy Stalls and Syn; also special guest honoree actor-author-activist Maulik Pancholy. The event, honoring PFY’s 30 years serving Long Island/Queens’ LGBTQ+ communities, is at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury. For more information and tickets, go to tinyurl.com/pfyevent2023.

Dancing into spring

Adelphi Department of Dance students present their semi-annual dance showcase on the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage, Wednesday through Friday, April 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 29, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 30, 2 p.m. Dancers are working with guest artist Alberto “Tito” del Saz, artistic director of The Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance, to present “Four Brubeck Pieces,” featuring music from Dave Brubeck’s classic album “Time Out.” The performance also features choreography by dance faculty members Frank Augustyn, Orion Duckstein, Adelheid B. Strelick, and adjunct faculty Bivi Kimura. The show will be also livestreamed during the Saturday matinee and evening performances. Tickets are $30, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Livestream access is $20. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

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Lunch & Dinner Menu, Sushi and Brunch with Weekly Specials!

Trivia Tuesday Nights & Taco Tuesday Specials. Happy Hour ½ off Apps 4-6pm Weekdays. Inquire for Your Next Private Event on our Website. Tasting Room & Dining Room with dock & dine access. Visit Us on Open Table to make a reservation.

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Disability rights activist, Chava Willig Levy dies at 71

By KEPHERD DANiEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Author, editor, advocate and Woodmere resident Chava Willig Levy, died on April 6, at the age of 71.

“God made miracles so that she arrived home from the hospital 20 minutes before the first Passover Seder,” her husband, Michael, said. “She remained alert until the last beloved folk song, ‘Chad Gadya’. God took her home on the feast of freedom, welcoming her to His Palace.”

Levy was born in Brooklyn to Ella and Rabbi Jerome Willig and raised in the Kew Gardens Hills section of Queens, the third of four children. At 3 she contracted polio in 1955, four months after a polio vaccine was discovered, but before the vaccine became widely available.

After being hospitalized for months and attached to an iron lung, she survived the disease but suffered permanent paralysis from the neck down. She spent much of her childhood away from family, who at the time lived in Brooklyn, and spent much of her time in the hospital for treatment.

She became an award-winning author and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Levy earned her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Yeshiva University in French literature and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Columbia University. She became a writer, a lecturer and a podcast host, sharing both her incredible story and her philosophy of disability with synagogues and groups near and far.

Throughout her life, Levy experienced discrimination and segregation due to her disabilities. Confined to a motorized wheelchair, she aspired to dispel stereotypes about people with disabilities.

“People who should have known better doubted that she would ever walk, get a good education, spend a year in Israel, marry, have children, or have a success-

ful career,” Michael said. “She disproved them all.” Michael and Chavi were introduced to each other in 1982 by Sandee Brawarsky a journalist and author. The

couple struggled to have children and even considered adoption.

“She bore the burden of tests, injections, and disappointments again and again, being told that she had a ten percent chance until we fell into the loving care of Dr. Yvonne Thornton,” Michael said.

A daughter Tehilah Sarah was born in 1989, followed by Aharon Elchanan two years later.

Levy published a memoir, “A Life Not with Standing” in 2013. An internationally known motivational speaker famous, she captivated audiences ranging. Levy founded her own communications-consulting firm, and became an advocate for disability rights, giving numerous lectures and writing many articles for numerous publications.

She also has a communications-consulting firm — Lucidity Unlimited — that offers such services as writing brochures, resumes, speeches, marketing materials and editing books.

Levy hosted a podcast, “Breathtaking,” in which she focused on music, lyrics, poetry, humor, children, womanhood, spirituality, and living a life with disabilities.

As occurs with many post-polio survivors, her muscles began to deteriorate but as part of her advocacy, she called on people to take the polio vaccine and for parents to ensure that their children receive it, noting that the vaccine is effective and safe and has nearly eradicated the disease.

“Even as the end drew near, she begged mothers to vaccinate their children against the recent polio outbreak,” Michael said.

Chavi is survived by her husband, her brothers Rabbi Mordechai and Rabbi David Willig and sister Tamar Bannett, and her children Tehilah and Tuvia Negreann, Aharon and Nissa Levy.

The funeral was held at the Eretz Hachaim cemetery in Beit Shemesh, Israel on April 10.

Father, bus driver, firefighter, Danny Berrios was 48

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Working as a sanitation worker for Sanitary District 1 in the morning and bus driver for Independent Coach in the afternoon sounds tiring, but longtime Cedarhurst resident Danny Berrios performed both jobs with a smile always on his face.

Berrios died on April 8, his 48th birthday, one week after being involved in a motorcycle accident when a Honda Civic on Mill Road in Valley Stream hit him.

Born on April 8, 1975 in Queens, he was a 1993 Lawrence High School graduate. Berrios met his wife, Valerie Cervone Berrios, through a mutual friend in 2014. The two married in 2017.

Cervone Berrios recalled how her husband loved the local community newspaper.

“My husband and I would get the Herald in the mail, among other things,” Cervone Berrios said. “It was the only local paper he would read and I remember one time he said, ‘Is that the Herald? Make sure you leave it for me!’ “

He was employed with S.D. 1 for over 30 years and parttime as a bus driver, since 2009. He always had a love of being with children, especially his three kids: Brianna Berrios, Ethan Berrios and Spencer Berrios. He also served as a father figure to many of the children on the buses he drove.

“Danny was a friend to everyone,” Cervone Berrios said. “He had friends of all ages and he was just a loving, kind human being.”

He drove children to their athletic games and was often seen cheering the kids on in the stands as they

played.

“He was full of light,” Michael Sperber, claim supervisor for Independent Coach said. “Always had a smile on his face and a lot of fun to be with.”

Cervone Berrios said she was overwhelmed by how much her husband meant to others, especially the chil-

dren he knew from his bus runs.

“One of the kids he drove posted on Facebook and wrote ‘D.B’ and taped it on his lacrosse helmet and dedicated the game to him,” Cervone Berrios said. “He also wrote, ‘He wasn’t just a bus driver that would drive us, but he would go in and cheer us on with the parents and coaches.’”

Along with working two jobs, Berrios found time to volunteer serving with the Inwood Fire Department for three years and the Hewlett Fire Department for 13 years. And his 30-year passion for riding motorcycles and hanging out with the Nassau County Fire Riders motorcycle club.

“He loved riding his motorcycle,” Cervone Berrios said. “It was a huge part of his life.”

On Facebook, many expressed their love for Berrios. Rikki Quaas Krieg posted, “The void is immense. You were so full of life. Such a presence. I can’t even explain how badly you’re missed. We love you Danny. So Much.”

Chuck Brady, a member of the Fire Riders, posted, “Always sad saying goodbye to a brother. Funeral turnout was amazing great to see the love for his family. Rest easy Danny Berrios.”

Berrios is survived by his wife, Valerie Cervone Berrios, children Brianna, Ethan and Spencer. Sisters Dawn Zuefle (Larry), Vanessa Plattner (Steve) and brother AJ Berrios (Melissa) and granddaughters Luna and Camilla Frigand, several nieces and nephews and the many members of Cervone Berrios’ family.

Visitation and a firematic service was held at Perry Funeral Home in Lynbrook on April 12 and 13.

He was buried at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Pinelawn on April 14.

Courtesy Valerie Cervone Berrios

FivE TOwNS NATivE Danny Berrios’ impact on his community went beyond his jobs, his family and his volunteer service.

Herald file photo

CHAvA wiLLiG LEvy was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.

Reneé Weil dies at 91 Devoted to family, Mets

The family of Reneé Weil is sad to announce that the Forest Hills resident died on April 12. She was 91.

Weil, who was born on Nov. 1931, was a “heroically devoted” mother to three daughters: Mallory Brenner (Leonard), Alison Eisenstein and Jamie Haberstumpf (Marty). Her son, Bradford Weil (Korinne), preceded her in death.

Family members said Weil was especially proud of her grandchildren: Ross Brenner (Taylor), Amara and Harrison Brenner (Brooke); Jaclyn and Josh Weil (Keri); Stephanie and Daniel Eisenstein: and Madisyn, Devin, Dustin and Morgan Haberstumpf.

The family also noted she was “further blessed with two incredible great-grandchildren:” Kenzie Jaclyn Weil and Arden Grey Brenner.

“She had a commitment to higher education and a passion for reading,” Mallory wrote, adding that Weil typically read a book a week. “She was a superb Scrabble player and enjoyed

playing War and Go Fish with her grandchildren.”

It was said that Weil was always on time and a person everyone could rely on. Usually the first to arrive at her grandchildren’s baseball and soccer practices, she also enjoyed watching their games.

Weil was the grandmother that always had the snacks and refreshing cold drinks. She also cheered for the major league Mets; the team Weil enjoyed watching with her children and extended family.

And it was family that was most important to Weil; spending time with the people she loved. Weil was considered an “amazing friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her,” Mallory wrote.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being made in Weil’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society New York chapter. Go to Bit. ly/3GJPRm6 or call (212) 463-7787.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Protecting Your Future with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

If You Don’t Understand the Plan, You Don’t Have a Plan

So many people who come in to see us do not understand the estate plan they have or do not know what is in their current plan. Some of the reasons for this are (1) time has inevitably blurred their memories, (2) the plan may be written in legalese and was never properly explained to them, (3) they may have misconceptions and misunderstandings of what their plan is; and (4) their lawyer may have lacked the knowledge required to find the right solution for their family in the event of death and disability. To this we say, “if you don’t understand the plan, you don’t have a plan.”

Ettinger Law Firm developed a process, in use for over thirty years, to avoid these problems. First, we offer a free initial consultation to go over the pros and cons of having a will or a trust and the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts. So many people have misconceptions about trusts based on what friends have said or what they have read on the internet. For example, many clients are afraid to create an irrevocable trust because they think they will lose control. We explain why that is incorrect and how you can still

change the trustee, change who you leave it to, take money out and even how you can revoke an irrevocable trust!

After the overview provided in the initial consultation, we give you a copy of our plain English book, “Elder Law Estate Planning”, and advise which chapters apply to your situation -maybe an hour or so of reading. We also invite you to watch the thirty minute estate planning video at trustlaw.com.

We arrange for you to come in about two weeks later for a second free consultation to have any remaining questions answered, draft an estate plan together with the new “knowledgeable” you and give you a written proposal. Once you accept, we arrange for the signing and completion of your estate plan two or three weeks later. From start to finish the process usually takes about eight weeks. Finally, we call you in for a free review every three years to review your plan, refresh your recollection and update where necessary so your estate plan works when you need it.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com

A case of ‘wyicant’

For the past few weeks, I’ve been tormented by a project I just can’t seem to complete.

Oddly enough, it’s a task that’s important, interesting, even doable, yet nevertheless somehow I’ve been unable to do it.

I’ve talked about it, complained about it, prepared for it, worried about it and, now have even written about it, thus having done just about everything but do it.

When asked by others (and myself) why that which really must be done hasn’t been done, the best answer I’ve come up with is that I can’t do it along with a million reasons why.

Yup, it’s not that I don’t want to or that I’m a slacker or that I don’t care … it’s just that I can’t and I’m ready to tell you why I can’t.

And that, according to my elderly Aunt Zoey, is my problem: I’m too busy pondering why I can’t. Concludes Zoey, it’s the “why I can’t” that’s the real reason for why I can’t.

It appears, as per my Aunty Z, that I’ve contracted a bad case of the “wyicants.”

“Wyicant” is apparently a rather contagious condition found among politicians, bureaucrats, students, all-too-many workers and (on occasion) lawyers with a project to complete.

“Wyicant” begins with delay, a touch of indifference and then blossoms (once total paralysis sets in) into a full-blown stream of articulated reasons (actually excuses) for “wy-i-cant.”

At that stage pouring uncontrollably from the infected patient will be torrents of “wy-i-cant,” including:

I’ve got too much other stuff going on … No one else is helping me … My plate is full … I’m too tired ... I’m not in the mood … I haven’t the time … It’s too much for one person … I have to be left alone … It’s not a priority item … I don’t have everything I need to start (or continue or to finish) … So and so will resent my doing it ... It’s been tried before … I don’t know enough about it … If I can’t do it right, I don’t want to do it at all …

PRESENTS

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Help protect yourself from fraud and scams! This FREE webinar series will cover identity theft, elder fraud abuse and how to recognize the warning signs. Representatives from AARP Long Island and United States Postal Inspectors will also provide information about scams targeting people age 50-plus and their families, tactics fraudsters use, and resources available to help prevent fraud.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

12-1PM

IDENTITY THEFT:

Each year thousands of Americans fall victim to Identity (ID) Theft. Consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 Billion to scams in 2022. This webinar will focus on:

• Understanding Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

12-1PM

ELDER FRAUD ABUSE:

Con artists don’t really care about your age or your needs. Their only goal is to separate you from your hard-earned money. Learn how to recognize scams. We’ll cover:

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FREE AARP LONG ISLAND IN-PERSON SHREDDING EVENTS

Shred your personal and financial documents at a location near you. Register and reserve your spot for a FREE drive-through contactless shredding event. (Limit 3 bags per car)

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10AM-1PM • IN-PERSON

LOCATION:

Nassau Community College

One Education Drive • Garden City, NY

(Entrance to parking lot at Miller Place)

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredGardenCity

SATURDAY MAY 6, 2023 9AM-12PM • IN-PERSON

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REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredFarmingdale

For more information regarding this program, contact Rachel Leoutsakos at rleoutsakos@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x242

Too much is missing … I misunderstood the scope of the project … I’m not in the right frame of mind … The computer is down … It’s too noisy to concentrate … I underestimated how complex it would be … I’ve still got too many questions … I’m too distracted … You’re pressuring me … I didn’t know there was a deadline … I can’t work with a deadline … I can’t work without a deadline … The environment isn’t right …There isn’t enough back up … I’m not really sure I want to … It’s too cold … It’s to warm … It’s too much.

Truth is “wyicant” is an insidious virus that has stuffed up my head, frozen my muscles and so tightened my throat that all I can say is why I can’t.

Thank goodness, however, Zoey has provided not only the diagnosis but also the treatment: Apparently the cure for “wyicant” is a double dose of … “whyimust” and “wyiwill.”

It’s a prescription to spread around.

©2023 Ron Goldman

College students excel academically

Inwood resident Chiara Mingolla qualified for the Quinnipiac University fall semester dean’s list.

To earn this honor, students must attain a GPA of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than a C. Full-time students must complete at least 14 credits per semester, with 12 credits graded on a letter grade basis. Part-time students must complete at least six credits.

Kameline Pavez, of Hewlett, was among the 580 New York Institute of Technology students who received degrees as fall graduates.

Pavez earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in the Advertising, Public Relations and Technology program.

On the Purchase College fall dean’s list was Sofia Barone and Esther Heller, both from Hewlett. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and take a minimum of 12 credits.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Ron Goldman

HOST

Michael Hinman Executive Editor Herald Community Newspapers SPEAKERS

Michael V. Del Giudice Postal Inspector Team Leader New York Division

Bernard Macias Associate State DirectorLong Island AARP New York

Donna Harris Public Information Representative United States Postal Inspection Service Headquarters

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME:CAMP CLEARWATER, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 01/08/23. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:1875 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NY 11509

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

137968

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA

PÚBLICA, VOTO DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE HEWLETT-WOODMERE UNION CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Audiencia

Pública de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar HewlettWoodmere Union Fee, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en el Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York. York, en dicho distrito el 3 de mayo de 2023 a las 6:00 p. m., hora vigente, para la transacción de negocios autorizada por la Ley de Educación, incluidos los siguientes artículos:

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2023-2024.

2. Discutir todos los artículos que se establecen a continuación para ser votados por máquina de votación en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo el martes 16 de mayo de 2023.

3. Tramitar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse adecuadamente ante la reunión de conformidad con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y las leyes que la modifican.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE

DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que cualquier residente del Distrito puede obtener una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar para 2023-2024, sin incluir los fondos públicos, a partir del 26 de abril de 2023, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., horario vigente, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y en la Biblioteca Pública de HewlettWoodmere , 1125 Broadway, Hewlett y en el sitio web de Internet del Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA

ADICIONALMENTE que dicha Votación y Elección del Presupuesto se llevarán a cabo el martes 16 de mayo de 2023, en el Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 10:00 a.m. 00 PM hora prevaleciente, en cuyo momento se abrirán las urnas para votar por máquina de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2023-2024 y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.

2. Elegir dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres (3) años a partir del 1 de julio de 2023 y que finaliza el 30 de junio de 2026.

3. Elegir un (1) Síndico de la Biblioteca Pública de Hewlett-Woodmere por un período de cinco (5) años a partir del 1 de julio de 2023 y que finaliza el 30 de junio de 2028.

4. Que se apruebe el presupuesto bibliotecario 2023-2024 propuesto por la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Hewlett-Woodmere y la imposición de un impuesto de acuerdo con la Sección 259 de la Ley de Educación.

5. ¿Se debe autorizar a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Hewlett-Woodmere Union a gastar, para renovaciones y/o actualizaciones, una cantidad total que no exceda $17,209,455 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital existente del Distrito conocido como Reserva de Capital para Mejoras de Edificios a Largo Plazo, incluyendo (i) una cantidad que no exceda $1,955,765 para el Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Escuela Secundaria Woodmere; (ii) una cantidad que no exceda los $3,747,000 para varios lugares deportivos en la Escuela Secundaria George W. Hewlett, incluyendo la pista, el campo de césped y las canchas de tenis; (iii) una cantidad que no exceda los $6,199,190 para el Auditorio de la Escuela Secundaria George W. Hewlett; y (iv) una cantidad que no exceda los $5,307,500 para el Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Escuela Secundaria George W. Hewlett con el propósito de renovar y/o reconstruir mejoras de capital.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que, de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmueble, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe

de exención, que también pasará a formar parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor catastral total de la cédula de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de tributación, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad estatutaria y mostrará las impacto acumulado de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, dicho informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación se presentarán ante el Secretario de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, a más tardar el 17 de abril de 2023, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente. Cada petición se dirigirá al Secretario del Distrito; debe estar firmado por al menos setenta y tres (73) votantes calificados del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos corren en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato. Para nominar a un candidato para el cargo de Síndico de la Junta de la Biblioteca, cada petición debe estar firmada por al menos setenta y tres (73) votantes del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta de Síndicos no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos corren en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que se requiere el registro personal de votantes ya sea conforme a la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación o conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión distrital anual o especial dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, es elegible para votar en esta elección. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar según el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, él o ella

también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse.

La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el fin de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación el lunes 8 de mayo de 2023 de 7:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m., horario vigente, para agregar cualquier nombres al Registro para ser utilizados en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea colocado en dicho Registro siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que en ese momento o posteriormente tiene derecho a votar en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro así preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y estará abierto para su inspección por parte de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves , mayo 11 de enero de 2023, cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente en cada día de la semana anterior al día fijado para la elección, y el sábado , 13 de mayo de 2023 con cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y las 1:30 p. m., y en el(los) lugar(es) de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, los votantes pueden registrarse con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., cuando la escuela esté en sesión en cualquier día anterior al 11 de mayo de 2023 para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se usará en la elección mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro siempre que en dicha reunión con el Secretario de dicho Distrito Escolar, se sabe o se prueba a satisfacción del Secretario de dicho Distrito Escolar que en ese momento o posteriormente tiene derecho a votar en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro así preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, en su oficina

en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier persona calificada. votante del Distrito a partir del jueves 11 de mayo de 2023, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y en el lugar de votación (s) el día de la votación, y el sábado 13 de mayo de 2023 con cita previa entre las 10:00 y las 13:30 horas, y en el (los) colegio(s) de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no están actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Se puede solicitar una solicitud de registro como votante militar al Secretario del Distrito en el Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York y se debe devolver a dicha oficina a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 20 de abril de 2023. En la solicitud de una solicitud de registro, el votante militar puede designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, transmisión por facsímil o correo electrónico.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar de la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York. La solicitud de boleta militar original debe devolverse por correo o en persona al Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, durante el horario escolar, a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 20 de abril de 2023. En la solicitud de una boleta militar, el votante militar puede designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de una boleta militar, y la boleta militar, por correo, transmisión por facsímil o correo electrónico. Todas las solicitudes de papeletas de votantes militares calificados y las papeletas militares deben devolverse por correo o en persona. Las boletas para votantes militares se distribuirán a los votantes militares calificados a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2023. El secretario del distrito (1) debe recibir las boletas militares antes del cierre de las urnas, el martes 16 de mayo de 2023, y deben mostrar un marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o debe

mostrar un endoso de recibo fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección y estar firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección. Una lista de las personas a las que se emiten las boletas militares estará disponible para inspección de los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 11 de mayo de 2023, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m . PM, hora prevaleciente, cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección anual, excepto el domingo, y el 16 de mayo de 2023, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado que esté presente en el lugar de votación puede oponerse a la votación de la boleta por motivos apropiados, dando a conocer su impugnación y las razones por las cuales el Inspector de Elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia se podrán obtener durante el horario escolar del Secretario del Distrito a partir del 17 de abril de 2023; las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas por el secretario del distrito no antes del 17 de abril de 2023 y al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, el 9 de mayo de 2023, si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección , 15 de mayo de 2023, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante. El secretario del distrito debe recibir las papeletas de voto en ausencia a más tardar a las 5:00 p . Secretario del Distrito a partir del 17 de abril de 2023, de la manera descrita anteriormente. Una lista de las personas a las que se emiten boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para inspección de los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 11 de mayo de 2023, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. PM, hora prevaleciente, cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección anual, excepto el domingo, y el 16 de mayo de 2023, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado que esté presente en el lugar de votación puede oponerse a la votación de la boleta por motivos apropiados, dando a conocer su impugnación y las razones por las cuales el Inspector de Elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA

ADICIONALMENTE que, de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación de conformidad con la Sección 2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referéndum o proposición para enmendar el presupuesto, o que de otro modo se someta a votación en dicha elección, debe ser presentada ante el Secretario de la Junta de Educación en la Oficina del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, con tiempo suficiente para permitir que el aviso de la proposición se incluya con el Aviso de Audiencia Pública, Votación del Presupuesto y Elección requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación o en o antes del 17 de abril de 2023, a las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente; debe escribirse a máquina o imprimirse en inglés idioma; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos ciento ochenta y dos (182) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante.

Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna petición para presentar a los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal, o cualquier propuesta que no incluya una asignación específica donde el gasto de la proposición requiere dinero, o cuando existe otra razón válida para excluir la proposición de la boleta.

Con fecha de: Woodmere, Nueva York, 15 de marzo de 2023

Por Orden del JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DE LA DISTRITO ESCOLAR GRATUITO DE HEWLETTWOODMERE UNION

Ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York

Barbara Randazzo, secretaria de distrito 138353

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE HEWLETT-WOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL

DISTRICT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the HewlettWoodmere Union Fee School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will be held in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, in said district on May 3, 2023 at 6:00 PM,

prevailing time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement of the amount of money which will be required for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machine at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for 2023-2024, exclusive of public moneys, may be obtained by any resident of the District beginning April 26, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays at the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and at the HewlettWoodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, and on the District’s internet website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To elect two (2) member(s) of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2023, and expiring on June 30, 2026.

3. To elect one (1)Trustee of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2023 and expiring on June 30, 2028.

4. That the 2023 – 2024 library budget proposed by the Board of Trustees of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, and the levy of a tax therefore in accordance with Section 259 of the Education law shall be approved.

5. Shall the Board of Education of the HewlettWoodmere Union Free School District be authorized to expend, for renovations and/or upgrades, a total amount

Public Notices

not to exceed $17,209,455 from the District’s existing Capital Reserve Fund known as the Long Range Building Improvements Capital Reserve, including (i) an amount not to exceed $1,955,765 for the Woodmere Middle School Science Lab; (ii) an amount not to exceed $3,747,000 for various athletic locations at the George W. Hewlett High School, including the track, turf field, and tennis courts; (iii) an amount not to exceed $6,199,190 for the George W. Hewlett High School Auditorium; and (iv) an amount not to exceed $5,307,500 for the George W. Hewlett High School Science Lab for the purpose of renovating and/or reconstructing capital improvements.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by the statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, not later than April 17, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least seventy-three (73) qualified voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated. To nominate a candidate for the office of Trustee of the Library Board, each petition must be signed by at least seventy-three (73) voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees are not considered separate

specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to voter under Article 5 of the Election law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 11, 2023, on each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time on each weekday prior to the day set for the election, and on Saturday, May 13, 2023 by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the voters may register with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the District Administration Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when school is in session at any day prior to May 11, 2023 to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on

such Register provided that at such meeting with the Clerk of said School District he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Clerk of said School District to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the District Administration Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 11, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote, and on Saturday, May 13, 2023 by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District. An application for registration as a military voter can be requested from the District Clerk in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York and must be returned to said office no later than 5:00 PM, April 20, 2023. In the request for an application for registration, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot from the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York. The original military ballot application must be returned by mail or in person to the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, during school business hours, no later than 5:00 PM on April 20, 2023. In the request for an application for a military ballot, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for a military ballot, and the military ballot, by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. All qualified military voters’ ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. Ballots for military voters shall be distributed to qualified military voters no later

than April 21, 2023. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, and must show a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or must show a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 pm on the day of the election and be signed and dated by the military voter and one witness, with a date ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

A list of persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 11, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, and on May 16, 2023, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning April 17, 2023; completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 17, 2023 and at least seven (7) days before the election, May 9, 2023, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, May 15, 2023, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Applications for absentee ballots may be printed from the District website www.hewlettwoodmere.net and delivered to the District Clerk beginning April 17, 2023, in the manner described above.

A list of persons to whom absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 11, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, and on May 16, 2023, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the

voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with Section 2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the Clerk of the Board of Education at the District Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election required by Section 2004 of the Education Law or on or before April 17, 2023, at 5:00 PM, prevailing time; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least one hundred eighty two (182) qualified voters of the District (representing 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful, or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

Dated: Woodmere, New York, March 15, 2023

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE HEWLETTWOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York Barbara Randazzo, District Clerk 138350

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST LESLIE ROTHBART, MICHAEL “DOE”, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 7, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 2, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 676 VANDAM STREET, NORTH

WOODMERE, NY 11581.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 39, Block 610, Lot 49. Approximate amount of judgment $742,444.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014154/2013. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Mark Lewis Lieberman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006340 75380

138266

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. ELM LIMITED, LLC., Pltf. vs. ITZHAK HERSHKO, et al, Defts. Index #608671/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 23, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 39, Block 344, Lot 222. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale.

JEFFREY W. HALBREICH, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100210

138540

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST MARIE DURANTE-BOLIVARD, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 5, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau

County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 11, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1106 ROSEDALE RD, NORTH WOODMERE (TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD), NY 11581.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 511, Lot 33. Approximate amount of judgment $963,932.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006017/2014. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. John J. O’Grady, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-005649 75384 138681

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee for the holders of The Banc of America Funding Corporation, 2008-FT1 Trust, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2008-FT1, Plaintiff AGAINST Marina Shulman; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 11, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1310 Waverly Street, Hewlett, NY 11557. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Unincorporated Village of Hewlett, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 39, BLOCK: 446-01, LOT: 6.

Approximate amount of judgment $388,041.76 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011367/2014. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the

NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Karl C. Seman, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-089309-F00 75496 138679

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:

Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: April 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case # 22-04-5948, Simon and Sara Shemia, 1810 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Applicant proposes to construct a 15’ X 30’ inground swimming pool with a 7’ X 7’ hot tub in the front yard setback. The applicant is seeking relief from the following section of the Zoning Code: 250-84 Conditions for Installation and maintenance (A) No outdoor swimming pool shall be installed or maintained unless: (1) Such pool is installed wholly in the rear yard of the premises. Proposed location of pool is in the front yard setback of Ocean Boulevard and Kings Avenue.

Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 49, Lots 39-42 & 68 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: April 11, 2023hh BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 138930

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:

Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals

Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: April 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case # 23-02-6187, AB

Coronado LLC, 188 Coronado Street, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Applicant proposes to construct a 13’ X 12’ raised deck in the rear yard and is seeking relief from the following sections of the Zoning Code: 250-21 Lot Coverage. Permitted 30%, existing 29.45%, with proposed deck 32.5%. 250-24 Rear yards. There shall be a rear yard, the depth of which shall be at least 20 feet, proposed rear yard setback for the 15-8’ feet.

Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 6 and Lots 8, 109 & 110 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: April 11, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 138929

1. The Fire District shall be permitted to utilize funds from its Apparatus Reserve Fund for the purchase of a Utility Truck, for the maximum estimated cost of the purchase of $ $30,500_____________.

2. Up to $10,500 may be withdrawn from the Apparatus Reserve Fund to be applied towards the total cost of the above purchase. The withdrawal may be taken in one or more amounts;

3. No funds may be withdrawn until the passage of thirty days from the date of publication of the abstract of this resolution;

4. The Secretary is hereby directed to place an abstract of the resolution upon the town’s sign board and website immediately, which must remain there for at least 15 days;

5. The Secretary is hereby directed to place an abstract of the resolution upon the fire district’s website, if any, immediately, which must remain there for at least 15 days;

6. The Secretary is hereby directed to place such abstract in the newspaper having general circulation in this district. This resolution was approved by a majority of the Commissioners, on the 13 day of April, 2023.

ABSTRACT

state the name and residence of the candidate and the specific vacancy on the Board of Commissioners for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ballots to be prepared for the election of District officers shall specify the names of the candidates duly filed and, in addition, to provide proper blank spaces for each office to be filled at the election of May 22, 2023.

Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 51 and Lots 66-68 & 165 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: April 11, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF HEWLETT NECK

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Inc.

until the day of the election, and such list will also be posted at the polling place during the election.

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE

RESOLUTION OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT

Whereas, the Inwood Fire District (“Fire District”) has a need to replace a Pick Up Truck;

Whereas, the Fire District has resolved to purchase the Truck utilizing insurance reimbursements and reserve funds as well as cash on hand if needed;

Whereas, the commissioners of the fire district have determined that some of the cost of the purchases should be paid out of a capital reserve fund for this purpose;

Whereas, reserve funds have been saved for these general purposes in an apparatus reserve fund;

Whereas, spending reserve funds requires that the resolution to be subject to permissive referendum;

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion made, seconded and discussion held, and subject to permissive referendum, the fire commissioners of the fire district RESOLVE as follows:

By resolution dated the 13 day of April, 2023, the Inwood Fire District has approved a resolution subject to permissive referendum to withdraw up to $10,500 from its Apparatus Reserve Fund to be put towards the purchase of a Utility Truck. Petitions for a referendum must be submitted to the secretary of the Inwood Fire District no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

138928

LEGAL NOTICE

SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 14

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD RESOLUTION AS TO ANNUAL ELECTION FOR OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER(S)

RESOLVED, that candidates for the office of Commissioner shall file their names with the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners of Sanitary District No. 14, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, at 2150 Bay Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York, at least thirty (30) days prior to May 22, 2023, and that such nominations must be submitted in petition form in conformance with the applicable provisions of the Election Law of the State of New York, subscribed by twenty-five (25) registered voters of the District. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall

FURTHER RESOLVED, that in compliance with Section 213-a of the Town Law, preparation of the voter register for the May 22, 2023 election to the office of Commissioner(s) of this District shall be conducted on May 4 2023, on which date the inspectors of election shall meet to commence the preparation of the register between the hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Administration Building, foot of Troy Avenue and Ocean Front, East Atlantic Beach Park District, East Atlantic Beach, New York. The register shall include all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration and voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau on or before the 23rd day immediately preceding said election of May 22, 2023.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 14 TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK

SECRETARY

Dated: April 17, 2023

138933

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:

Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: April 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case # 23-02-6166, Steven and Mary Watkins, 90 Ithaca Avenue, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Applicant proposes to maintain an 8’X 10’ X10 high shed in the side yard and is seeking relief from the following section of the Zoning Code: 250-16.2 Accessory structures.

(BJ Storage sheds, not exceeding 80 square feet of ground area and eight feet in height maximum and two feet from the side and rear property line and located in the rear yard.

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 138932

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:

Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: April 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case # 23-01-6154, Neil, Felice, Robert and Ilene Isler, 99 Genesee Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Applicant proposes to construct (2) one-story additions to the existing dwelling and is seeking relief from the following sections of the Zoning Code: 250-21 Lot Coverage. Permitted 30%, existing 21.91%, proposed additions 33.2%. 250-22 Front yard (B) In case of a corner lot, a front yard shall be required on each street, and, notwithstanding the foregoing, each front yard shall be not less than 25 feet. Proposed front yard setback on Park Street 19.9 feet and proposed front yard setback on Genesee Boulevard 13.3 æ feet. 250-24 Rear yards. There shall be a rear yard, the depth of which shall be at least 20 feet, proposed rear yard setback for the 19.2 3/8 feet.

Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 54, and Lots 6-9 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: April 11, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING

APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 138931

Village of Hewlett Neck will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in relation to the Village’s Storm Water Management Program. At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. Any person who may have a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the meeting should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the meeting, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation. All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michelle Blandino, VILLAGE CLERK

DATED: April 20, 2023 138925

LEGAL NOTICE

SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 14

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that pursuant to Town Law, the Nassau County Civil Divisions Act and a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Sanitary District No. 14, Town of Hempstead, New York, an election will be held by the qualified voters of Sanitary District No. 14, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on May 22, 2023, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Administration Building located at foot of Troy Avenue and Ocean Front, East Atlantic Beach Park District, East Atlantic Beach, New York, for the purpose of electing one resident of Sanitary District No. 14 as a member of the Board of Commissioners for a term of five (5) years. A copy of the aforesaid Resolution is on file with and may be inspected during normal business hours, at the premises of Sanitary District No. 14, 2150 Bay Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that applications for absentee ballots for the annual District election may be applied for at the office of the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available at the office of the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners during regular office hours and

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SANITARY DISTRICT NO.

14 TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK

Secretary

Dated: April 17, 2023 138935

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:

Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: April 27, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case # 23-04-6215, Clearwater Holdings Corporation, 1875 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Applicant proposes to operate a seasonal day camp. The applicant is seeking relief from the following section of the Zoning Code: 250-72

Permitted uses. A building or structure may be erected, altered, or used and a lot or premises may be used for the following purposes and no other: (A) Private or commercial beach clubs, excluding day camps, no part of which shall be designed or used for lodging or sleeping. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 29, Lots 1-30/ Section 58, Block 147, Lots 34-43 & 233 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: April 14, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 138908

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 4/26/23 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

256/23. WOODMEREGeoffrey & Jordana Miller, Variance, lot area occupied, construct 1-story & 2-story additions & wood deck with stairs all attached to dwelling., E/s Magnolia Pl., 222’ S/o Westwood Rd., a/k/a 1045 Magnolia Pl.

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

260/23. WOODMERE134 Ocean Ave., LLC, Variance, subdivision of lot, maintain dwelling with garage on a lesser lot., N/s Ocean Ave., 248.58’ E/o Clark Pl., a/k/a 134 Ocean Ave. 261/23. - 262/23. WOODMERE - 134 Ocean Ave., LLC, Variance, subdivision of lot, lot area, front width from & on street line to front setback line, front yard average setback, side yards aggregate, construct dwelling; Variance, side yard, install A/c units attached to dwelling., S/s Willis Ct., 352’ W/o Nestor St. 263/23. WOODMEREEastwood Residence, LLC, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setbacks on Eastwood Rd. & West Broadway, rear yard, construct dwelling., N/E cor. Eastwood Rd. & West Broadway, a/k/a 302 Eastwood Rd. 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 Woodmere within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

138892

LEGAL

NOTICE

VILLAGE OF ATLANTIC BEACH

Public Hearing on the Annual Storm Water Management ReportMS4

Notice is hereby given that on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:45 PM in the Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, NY the Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing.

A copy of the text will be on file in the office of the Village Clerk. At such public hearing interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Emily Siniscalchi,

Clerk

Village

Dated: April 10, 2023

138924

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 04/27/2023 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following:

Petition of BRIGITTE & HAIM LALLOUZ

Premises: 367 SUMMIT AVE Sec/Blk/Lot 39/424/31

Case # 2023-008

PROPOSED 2 STORY

ADDITION & INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

Variance from:

265-42 Rear yards

A rear yard of not less than 25 feet shall be required on every plot.

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

265-40 A. Front yards. A front yard of 25 feet shall be required.

265-41 A. Side yards. A side yard is required along each side of a building.

The side yards along the sides of a building used exclusively as a singlefamily dwelling shall have an aggregate width of no less than 16 feet. Neither side shall be less than six feet in width, except on corner plots, the side yard shall be six feet.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

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

Dated: April 19, 2023

Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock Mayor Salvatore Evola Village Clerk-Treasurer

By Order of the Board Of Zoning Appeals 138923

LEGAL NOTICE

SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 14

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that pursuant to Town Law, the Nassau County Civil Divisions Act and a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Sanitary District No. 14, Town of Hempstead, New York, an election will be held by the qualified voters of Sanitary District No. 14, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on May 22, 2023 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Administration Building located at foot of Troy Avenue and Ocean Front,

Public Notices

East Atlantic Beach Park District, East Atlantic Beach, New York, for the purpose of electing one resident of Sanitary District No. 14 as a member of the Board of Commissioners for a term of five (5) years. A copy of the aforesaid Resolution is on file with and may be inspected during normal business hours, at the premises of Sanitary District No. 14, 2150 Bay Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE, that nominations for the office of Commissioner shall be made by petition subscribed by at least twenty-five (25) registered voters of the Sanitary District, addressed to and filed with the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners at least thirty (30) days prior to May 22, 2023. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the specific vacancy of the Board of Commissioners for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE, that the inspectors of election of this Sanitary District shall meet on Thursday, May 4, 2023 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Administration Building located at foot of Troy Avenue and Ocean Front, East Atlantic Beach Park District, East Atlantic Beach, New York, for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of this District for the said annual District election, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed on such register provided that at such meeting of the inspectors of elections, he/she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the inspectors of election to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the annual District election for which such register is prepared.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE, that the register shall include all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration and voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of

Nassau on or before the 23rd day immediately preceding said election of May 22, 2023.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that applications for absentee ballots for the annual District election may be applied for at the office of the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available at the office of the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners during regular office hours and until the day of the election, and such list will also be posted at the polling place during the election.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 14 TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK

Secretary

Dated: April 17, 2023 138934

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS-SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU- US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST., Plaintiff, -against- THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT NECHAMA N. TOUTI, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; ASSI TOUTI; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); JOHN HOPPI, Defendants - Index No. 609645/2022 Plaintiff

Designates Nassau County as the Place of

Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants-YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated January 25, 2023.

NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME - If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P. Sullivan.J.S.C.

Dated January 25, 2023

Filed: January 25, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 55 Johnson Place, Woodmere, NY 11598.

Dated: January 27, 2023

Filed: January 27, 2023

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP., Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Richard F. Komosinski, Esq., 565 Taxter Road Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523

Phone: (914) 345-3020

138921

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK

N.A.M AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-NC1 ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES

Plaintiff, Against FREDERICK NEIL KLEIN

A/K/A FREDERICK KLEIN

A/K/A FRED KLEIN, JODI GLEIN, DEBBIE G. KLEIN, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 8/27/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 5/23/2023 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 58 Brower Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere (formerly Woodsburgh) in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York

Section 41 Block 24 Lot 326

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,162,718.94 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 0003350/2012 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

Rita Solomon , Esq., Referee.

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated:

Legal Notices are everyone’s business READ THEM

Losing the pep in your step?

Are there times that everything feels like a burden? You work too hard, worry too much, and have too much to do. You yearn for the kid you used to be. The kid who loved to run around, laughed easily, and who knew how to have fun.

When did you begin to view life as a “have-to” burden, requiring you to put one foot in front of the other to get moving? Has it been a long time or something relatively new? Sure, you can still paste a smile on your face and have a good laugh. Hence, your heaviness may be invisible to others but you know it’s there.

If you’re yearning to reconnect with the person you used to be, I’ve got some ideas for you!

■ Stop Thinking!

Are you kidding? What’s the matter with thinking? Nothing! The problem is that too often your thoughts turn into a tirade of self-reproach. “Why didn’t I?” “I should have,” “What’s the matter with me?” and more. So cut back on thinking unless there’s a decision or action you need to focus on right now.

■ Relax and Do Nothing

What??? There’s so much to do. Do you want me to fall behind and make everything worse? No, I don’t! So tend to what you truly need to do. Then make time to relax and do nothing except take a few deep breaths, listen to music, nap, or watch a great program – not the news!

■ Spend Time with the “Right” People

Who are the “right” people? It’s whoever makes your heart feel lighter. It could be a baby’s smile, a friend’s hug, or a psychologist’s reassurance. It’s not those who criticize you or nibble away at your good feelings.

■ No More “Never” Talk

When you’ve lost the pep in your step, it’s easy to fall into an absolutist position.

“I never do anything right,” “He never understands,” “I’ll never get over this.” This kind of talk is neither constructive nor true. So, replace “never” with something more accurate such as, “at times or “right now.”

■ Be Patient with Yourself

It’s easy to find fault and criticize yourself for who you are, what you’ve done, and how you look. Enough! The clock has run out on your cruel, callous self-assessment. From now on, be patient with yourself. You’re a work in progress. So begin by saying something kind to yourself. Right now, do it! And make sure you didn’t include a “yes, but” phrase, such as, “I like that I’m a caring person, but still I’m hard on myself.” See how a compliment can easily morph into a reproach. So stick to short, kind compliments, such as, “I like that I’m tech smart.” “I enjoy my sense of humor.” “I take pride in my cooking skills.”

Five good ideas

Put them into practice and watch the pep in your step return. As you develop a less extravagant menu of have-tos and an increasing menu of want-tos, you’ll begin to feel like the kid you used to be. The kid who knew how to have fun, who laughed a lot, and who had an infectious smile. Let that kid live on forever!

But what if you began life as a worried kid? Don’t worry; it’s not too late. You can still develop new skills and a talent for optimism, even at this late stage of the game!

©2023

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

Levi students learned their lessons

Team Titans from Warren Levi Martial Arts in Cedarhurst had 21 competitors take part in the America Cup championship in Queens on March 26 and came away with a half dozen gold medals, two silver and four bronze.

Johnathan Joachim, from Valley Stream, captured gold in sparring.

“The tournament was amazing,” he stated in a news release. “With the support and encouragement of my parents, teammates and Sensei Johnny, I was able to focus, reach the finals and win.”

The dojo’s demonstration team per-

formed at UBA Arena before the Islanders game on March 27. Team Intensity was said to have brought a fierce Karate spirit to the nearly two-year-old venue that had never before hosted a Karate demonstration.

Thunderous applause and joyous shouts were heard after the demo.

Levi’s star participant Adelynn Torres said she, “was nervous, excited, happy and relieved to get it off my chest. Karate is nice and gives you challenges for your body.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Linda Sapadin

Person to Person

Help Wanted

RECEPTIONIST - FULL TIME

Receptionist (full-time) needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CON-

SISTENT schedule:

Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm

Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 5pm

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay, plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Job Type: Full-time.

Salary: $15.00 /hour Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

Eldercare Offered

LOVING PERSON TO Care For Your Loved One. Own Car. Live-out. References. Novelette 347-285-5053 Or Antoinette 347-653-3980

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant

Various Office Duties

Must Be Proficient In Word And Outlook

Monday, Wednesday 12-6

Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 9:30-3:30

Will Train Right Candidate

Email Resume To: jwpersonal@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com

No Phone Calls Or In-Person Inquiries

AUTO TECHNICIAN FT

4 Day Work Week

Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus. Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

LIBRARY CIRCULATION CLERK P/T,

Up to 17 hours per week at the Baldwin Public Library, depending on Library’s needs. May include mornings, afternoons; includes at least 1 evening per week, rotating Saturdays. This is a non-competitive Civil Service position. $15.50 / hour.

Please send resume to: dkelly@baldwinpl.org, by August 5.

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

OUTSIDE SALES

REAL ESTATE

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team!

This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com

Call 516-569-4000 X286

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Will Consider Part Time.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

Open Houses

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Open Houses

HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr, NEW! 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Tree Lined St in SD#14. Spacious LR, DR & Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship...$829,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA 257 WILLARD Spacious 5 BR, 3, 4/2, Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!!

SD#20(Lynbrook)No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,025,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETTE 1608 RIDGEWAY Dr, BA, Drastic Reduction! Motivated Seller!Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Radiant Htd Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!!

SD#20...$1,399,000 ALSO AVAILABLE FOR RENT $6,500 per month Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

LYNBROOK 4/23, 12-1:30, 125 Sherman St, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Immaculate, Well Maintained 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Cape in the Heart of Lynbrook.Spacious Entry Foyer Leads to LR w/ Fpl, Formal DR & Updtd Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. 2 Main Flr BR & Upper Level Primary Ste/Full Bth/WIC.Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Det Gar. Manicured Yard w/ Brick Patio.

SD#20 (Lynbrook)...$629,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-429

ROCKVILLE CENTRE 4/23, 2-3:30, 55 Lenox Rd, # 2J, FIRST SHOW! Spacious 2 Bedroom Coop in Prestigious Bldg in the Heart of RVC. Corner Unit Features Large Entry Foyer, Living Rm/Dining Rm & EIK. Loads of Closet Space. HW Flrs. Assigned Pkg. New Elevator.. Close to Shops, Restaurants, LIRR.RVC School District. Won't Last!...$359,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-

House For Sale

POINT LOOKOUT: WATERFRONTLargest Selection of Beach Homes, Sale/ Rent. Our Home Listings Sell FA$T! VIDEOS. HUG R.E. 516-431-8000 www.hugrealestate.com

Houses For Rent

FRANKLIN SQUARE COMPLETLY RENOVATED Cape 4bds, 1.5bths,

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

Hewlett Bay Park

New Modern Colonial

New and fully renovated 8,919 square foot home, including basement, beautiful amenities, and convenience. This home is located on a large .78 acre lot. You couldn’t ask for more! A stunning seven bedroom, seven and a half bath modern Colonial that features many upgrades and luxury finishes; creating the perfect combination of opulence and livability. Top-quality porcelain radiant flooring flows from one impressive room to another, highlighted by the abundance of natural light pouring in through the high end windows. The quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood is located minutes from top-performing schools and shopping, The Seawane Club, Atlantic Beach clubs, and area businesses allow entertainment and work to be convenient but far enough away to enjoy your privacy.

Sara Abikzer

Signature Premier Properties

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Cell-516-984-6798

Office-516-741-4333 info@saraabikzer.com @SaraSellsLI

Are windowstriple-pane worth it?

Q. We’re planning to replace our old windows, and are doing research online to make sure we make the right decision. I saw that there’s an option for “triple pane” windows instead of double panes. It appears to be much more money, but the writer of one article says it’s well worth it. Are you familiar with triple panes, do we need permits to change our windows and is it worth the expense? We’ve lived in our current home for five years and plan to be here for the rest of our lives, hopefully a long time, while we raise our family. What do you think?

A. I could simply say that you get what you pay for, but I’m certain you need more of an explanation, since you’ve taken the time to investigate and educate yourself. In your investigation, I’m sure you saw engineering data, lots of comparative numbers and U-values, the rating acronym for glass unit values. The lower the U-value, the better the insulating value of the glass.

Because the majority of heat or cool transmission or loss of energy is through the windows, while the walls, floor and roof are more insulated, it’s most important to do something to prevent losing all that energy you’re paying to create. Whether it’s your air conditioning or your heat, the outside of your house, referred to simply as the “envelope,” is of critical importance to insulate, especially with ever-rising energy prices. While most building departments don’t require a permit for changing out the windows “in kind,” meaning in the same size and location, some will require a permit for any little thing, like sanding your floors or adding closets, and I’m not kidding, so it’s best to check their rules online, or call your local building department directly.

Another thing to be aware of is that changing windows can trigger fire safety escape rules, referred to as egress windows, and most up-anddown, or double-hung colonial windows don’t meet the requirement if you don’t have at least one window in every habitable room with a size of 5.7 square feet. The window must have a clear escape opening of 20 inches in width and a minimum height of clear opening of 24 inches. Remember that a large fire rescuer must be able to save you.

Triple pane is a great value, because you’re always losing costly energy, so the return on investment, especially if this is your long-term home, makes it well worth it. Windows lose the most energy at the edges, so the type of gasket joining the windows to the frame is critical. The most effective frames have insulation blocking, not just a thermal break in the frame. A thermal break is usually a thin gasket between the outside and inside frames. Adding insulation, instead of leaving open air spaces in the frame, saves more energy, so it’s important to look for.

with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Monte Leeper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Garage Sales

MERRICK APRIL 29th, APRIL 30th 1548 Little Whaleneck Road. 10am-4pm. PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT CHILDHOOD CANCER.

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds $100-$350

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

JB MASONRY : Driveways, Patios, Stoops, Sidewalks, Retaining Walls, Pool Areas, Stucco, Cultured Stone, Brick Work, All Types Pavers, All Concrete Slabs Restorations. FREE Estimates. 516-428-6388

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates

516-354-5578

Decks

DECKS DECKS Our Only Business COMPOSITES/WOOD Excellent References & Many Photos Lic./Ins. Free Estimates C & S DECKS 516-729-5859

Electricians

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

Handyman

HANDYMAN: All Kinds OF Interior Repairs. Baths, Kitchens, Tiles, Plumbing, Sheetrock, Painting, Carpentry. Licensed And Insured. Emergency Work. 516-810-0067 l handynyman.com

HANDYMAN

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

E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

Home Improvement

HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

LITO CONSTRUCTION

Home Improvement/ Construction 10% OFF ANY JOB OVER $2,000 Masonry, Brick Work, Stone Decor, Pointing, Tile, Driveways, Sidewalks, Steps, Framing, Foundations, Remodel Interiors, Extensions, Bathrooms, Basements.

Licensed/ Insured. Free Estimates. 516-564-8315, 516-376-9365

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale

ACURA

Home Improvement

ROOFING GREAT PRICES ! NEW ROOF SPECIALS SIDING- Best Prices

RENOVATIONS & ALL REPAIRS

SUPER COMPETITIVE PRICES!

Licensed / Insured. Free Estimates

Nassau License. # H-0102710000 Call John - 516-852-9830

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE

*Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

‘The Things They Carried,’ and the lessons they taught

I’m known as a surly crank. I’m blunt but honest, satirical yet sympathetic. I can be both acerbic and considerate.

In my 20s, I was called “curt and condescending” in an employee evaluation. My parents laughed. I wore it like a medal.

Time hasn’t tempered my temper.

So when Vietnam War veteran Carl Johnson of West Hempstead told me that an Army lieutenant — a “real schmuck” — was the reason why it has been hard for him, as a civilian, to go along to get along, I knew I had met a fellow crank.

Johnson said the lieutenant’s ineptitude resulted in the deaths of Johnson’s three best friends in combat one day in 1970. “That lieutenant really screwed me up mentally,” Johnson recalled, “with the ability to tell the difference immediately whether somebody was really sharp, and someone I wanted to work for, or not.”

On April 27, 1970, while Johnson was on jungle patrol, one of the soldiers near him was shot. Johnson was the

radio operator, and he asked the lieutenant for orders to radio the captain. “He’s frozen,” Johnson said of the lieutenant. “We’re laying on the ground and he can’t talk because he’s so shaken.”

When Johnson had time to reflect on the battle, he realized his platoon shouldn’t have been on point that day. But because the lieutenant was what the soldiers called “shake ’n bake” — a noncommissioned officer who wore his lieutenant bar visibly despite the danger of being identified by snipers — he put the platoon in danger.

“He was a jerk, to put it mildly,” Johnson said. “He’s the reason my three buddies got killed.”

When he came home, there were no parades or bands greeting him at the airport. Johnson earned a degree from Adelphi University, and shifted jobs over the years. “Sometimes I would get in trouble,” he said. “My wife says it’s hard for me to take orders.”

Johnson got married, raised children, and learned how to cope with his grief. He became active in veterans organizations, and continues to help his fellow veterans — even those he meets by chance. He has spent decades volunteering with veterans groups. He initiat-

ed and researched a Vietnam War Memorial at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, his alma mater, to honor nine of its graduates who were killed in Vietnam.

He talks about his war experience as a cathartic and therapeutic way of coping.

A few years ago, Johnson was asked by a Sewanhaka student to speak to her AP literature class. The class was reading the Vietnam War novel “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien — a book about the possessions soldiers kept with them and the emotions they grappled with.

Johnson agreed, of course, to help teach the students about the meaning of service to country.

Johnson prayed in Vietnam, and carried a Bible he passed on to his grandson, who is now enrolled in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He said the war made him a flag-waver. He tears up when he sees the flag.

As I sat in the dining room of the Johnsons’ home, I heard earnest concern in Carl’s voice as he talked about the country he defended with literal blood, sweat and tears. He spoke of fractured friendships because of his political beliefs. One friend got up and walked

away after Johnson made a political comment.

Carl and I talked about how the Pledge of Allegiance isn’t required in school, and how kids don’t salute the flag. We agreed on the meaning of the quote often attributed to Voltaire — “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” — even though we realized we aren’t cut from the same political cloth.

We agreed that the pervasive divisiveness in the country is dangerous, though we likely disagree on the causes of that divisiveness.

Carl and I share an inability to suffer fools and a love of country. We agreed that if there is a way to repair the deep divide between Americans, it begins with being able to find things that we have in common.

At a time when every comment is scrutinized through a political prism, it was refreshing to be able to have an honest and respectful conversation with someone with different views.

Carl defended my right to disagree with him. I do so with profound respect, and an inability to ever repay his debt of service.

Mark Nolan, the editor of the Lynbrook/ East Rockaway Herald and Malverne/ West Hempstead Heralds. He taught high school English for 11 years. Comments? mnolan@liherald.com.

Living the life between alone and lonely

Last week, a woman described as an “extreme athlete” emerged from a cave in Spain after 500 days in total isolation. A human being — in this case, Beatriz Flamini, a 50-year-old woman — had voluntarily descended into a 70-meter-deep cave when she was 48 and popped out a year and a half later.

RANDI KREISS

She had spoken to no one, had no showers, heard no other human voices (aside from auditory hallucinations), and spent her time reading, knitting and exercising. She said she lost track of time after two months. That was 16 months ago!

According to the BBC, she was monitored by researchers, but no one made contact.

What if everyone on earth had been wiped out by a virus or an asteroid while she was underground? But that’s a different movie, I guess.

Was this purely an endurance challenge, pushing the boundaries of experience to an extreme? Or did it also suit her on some level to disappear and be alone,

buried away from the world?

We’ve heard cave survival stories before. In 2010, 33 miners spent 69 days trapped underground before being rescued from a copper and gold mine in Chile. In 2018 the whole world witnessed the rescue of an entire team of teenage Thai soccer players trapped in a flooded mine. The thing is: These people all wanted to get out. Their entrapment was horrific. The Spanish spelunker shut the door on the world.

Some of us want to turn down the noise and enjoy being alone. But 500 days in a cave?

What would make a person choose this challenge? I can only recall the time my kids were 6 and 4, and they were both heaving with a nasty stomach virus and my husband was on a business trip and it was snowing and the dog came back from the groomer with fleas. No question, I would have dived into the cave thing. In a heartbeat I would have been underground, knitting sweet little nothings and reading books.

Sometimes I want to escape a large gathering where there’s just too much noise and chatter signifying nothing. But a cave? For 500 days? One hopes this extraordinary feat may yield good data. When it comes to isolation, I see people

divided into camps, determined most probably by genetics. My husband, for example, does not like being alone. As soon as he finds himself in a room with no possibility of immediate plans, he turns on the TV, cranks up the iPhone and flips open the computer, preferably all at once. Lots of noise. Chatter to the level of chaos.

My hunch is that people who need people all the time and in big numbers often partner up with people who get easily overwhelmed by too much talk and socializing. I don’t know why. But caves are a unique challenge.

Fifteen years ago, we were on a driving trip in the Lascaux area of France. I persuaded my husband, who is awfully good-natured about these things, to join me on a tour of one of the caves that have prehistoric drawings. One problem was that the tour was in German, but I thought, how difficult can that be? Lots of German words are similar to English. I told my husband I thought I could translate.

We were a group of about 20 (18 Germans, two Americans). We descended 40 steps into a dark, narrow passage. I heard

the sound of the massive wooden doors slamming shut at the top of the stairs.

“I’m out of here,” I said to my husband.

“You can’t leave,” he said. “I can’t speak German.”

But I was on automatic pilot, in the grip of a panic attack. I ran up the stairs and banged on the door until someone opened the vault. My husband was stuck on the tour, and got to see the petroglyphs, but the spiel? Nein!

The cave woman in Spain said her experience was “excellent” as she stepped into the light. I want to hear more of her story, to know what it was like without having to do it myself.

Apparently, some of us just want to mix it up, go out to a bar, invite 20 people for dinner, and some of us want to turn down the noise and enjoy being alone.

But a cave for 500 days? Nein.

Much has been written about loneliness and isolation, and its effects on teenagers and older people locked down by the pandemic. Perhaps the significant factor is choice. What feels like loneliness to many is the peace of aloneness to others.

Thoreau had his cabin in the woods, and he said that nothing was as companionable as solitude.

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

Carl Johnson prayed in Vietnam, and carried a Bible he passed on to his grandson.

Nassau

HERALD

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Deputy Editor

Kepherd

Lithium-ion batteries pose a real threat

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HERALD

Buyer beware. Many of today’s most popular electronics — including Tesla cars, e-scooters and smartphones — are powered by lithium-ion batteries, due to their ability to store large quantities of energy in a small space.

If used correctly, these products are harmless. Many are laboratory tested to be safe, and have functions that can detect when they have received enough juice to hold a charge.

It’s a modern marvel to use the internet from almost anywhere in the world using a portable device and the push of a button, or travel to work without the impact of harmful carbon emissions. But no product is without its faults. As more and more of us come to rely on these batteries for energy, the potential for fires — and in some instances, even explosions — increases.

The growing popularity of micromobility products like electric scooters and bikes has created some concern, particularly in New York City, where, in the past year, more than 200 fires were started by lithium-ion batteries, killing six people and injuring nearly 150 others. But the trend extends beyond the boroughs.

Last September, a woman died in Hempstead in a fire caused by a lithiumion battery. Another home burst into flames in Rockville Centre in January.

“It has absolutely been a problem here on Long Island,” James Hickman, Nassau County’s assistant chief fire marshal, said. “With lithium-ion batteries,

letters

Fairness for Lawrence students and teachers

To the Editor:

Lawrence teachers are taking to the streets this weekend in protest. Amid all the noise, waving signs and snarled traffic, we won’t blame community members for wondering: What’s this all about?

Simply put, this dispute is about basic fairness.

Lawrence teachers and their union are looking to protect their students by maintaining a cap on class sizes. Teachers want to protect their families, too, with a new labor agreement that respects the challenges and demands of teaching in an increasingly stressful environment.

For 12 years, the more than 200 teachers, social workers, speech teachers and others who make up the Lawrence Teachers’ Association have been working under the terms of an expired labor agreement — about the only thing that has prevented the Board of Education from gutting caps on class sizes that protect students.

In Lawrence, more than 80 percent of our dis-

when they fail, they burn very quickly, and very hot . . . and will ignite nearby combustibles.”

The biggest concern about the batteries, according to fire officials, is the use of after-market batteries and chargers. They are typically not manufactured to the same safety standards as name-brand products.

In order to prevent such fires from occurring, Nassau County firefighters recommend purchasing batteries and chargers from reputable companies, and always following their safety instructions. If they need to be repaired, make sure they are returned to the manufacturer, and only use the battery designed for the device.

It is important not to store electronics near anything that could catch fire or help a fire spread. This includes leaving laptops or other electronic devices on a bed. Even under the best circumstances, these products will get warmer, because the heat from the battery doesn’t have a chance to dissipate. That’s why, in the event that something goes wrong, it’s safer to keep them away from household items that are easily combustible.

And with summer approaching, it is highly recommended not to store any electronics in direct sunlight. Not only can this damage a device and cause it to fail, but it can trigger a chemical reaction known as a “thermal runway,” where the temperature of the battery increases faster and faster until it catches fire.

Another safety tip is to make sure not to charge electronics near your front

door. This could cut off an entrance and exit in the event of an emergency.

Damaged lithium batteries are extremely volatile. They emit harmful gases that can speed up the spread of a fire, and in some cases even reignite one, making it challenging to extinguish.

“Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies,” Hickman said. “We have to charge everything these days.”

While the batteries themselves can be a fire hazard, plugging in too many devices at once — overloading the power supply — can exacerbate the danger. Surge protectors can be helpful in keeping this from happening, but they, too, can be ineffective if they’re off-brand or counterfeit. Plugging in certain electronics — particularly portable space heaters — is a leading cause of fires nationwide.

The National Fire Prevention Association recommends that you stop using a battery at the first sign of odor, change in color, overheating, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.

To properly dispose of a lithium battery, do not put it in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling location, or contact community officials for proper e-waste disposal instructions. A number of retailers also accept these batteries for disposal, like select Home Depot, Walmart and Macy’s stores, according to state officials. Visit Call2Recycle.org/locator for more.

For more safety tips on lithium ion batteries, visit NFPA.org, or contact your local fire department.

Time to give the Five Towns some respect

Long Island is made up of hundreds of communities that proudly proclaim their famous past and any special historical facts that would attract new homeowners. The Five Towns has always stood out as an affluent and well-respected region in southwestern Nassau County. But its political status has been overlooked.

According to Wikipedia, the informal grouping of Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence and Woodmere has been called the Five Towns since 1931. The name was born when Community Chest groups, organized for charitable giving, banded together to form the Five Towns Community Chest. Over the years, all manner of organizations have embraced the Five Towns designation. Many other local communities have, too, including Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck and Woodsburgh. Ask any residents of North Woodmere what geographic conglomerate they’re part of, and they’ll

claim the name Five Towns as well. There is lots of fascinating history associated with the area. Many buildings there date their origins to the early 1920s, when developers built summer homes in Hewlett. Alexander Cartwright, a Woodsburgh resident, published the first rules of baseball in 1845 for the New York Knickerbockers. Mobster Arnold Rothstein opened a casino in Hewlett Harbor in 1916. Between 1937 and 1941, the Five Towns hosted the professional Negro league baseball teams the Black Yankees and the Brooklyn Royal Giants.

Some real estate brokers eager to associate themselves with the Five Towns named their enclave West Lawrence, as distinct from Far Rockaway. Over the past 20-plus years, a large number of Orthodox families have been attracted to the Five Towns, which has caused a major jump in real estate values. Anyone who has followed the history of the area can attest to the fact that “Back Lawrence,” as it was once called, has been home to many wealthy bankers and developers.

Every decade, based on the latest U.S.

Letters

trict’s 2,300 students are students of color. A vast majority are economically disadvantaged, and qualify for free- or reduced-price lunches. And roughly one-fifth of the student body is made up of English language learners or students with special needs. Smaller class sizes mean teachers can provide every student with more focused, individualized learning. Study after study has shown this.

Eliminating the agreed-upon class size cap, as the school board has proposed, will hurt Lawrence students. It will severely impact their ability to go on to college, get jobs and succeed in life. We won’t allow it.

Similarly, we will not allow our members’ families to continue to be hurt because the board refuses to treat its teachers fairly.

Since the last labor agreement expired in 2011, Lawrence teachers have seen their pay plummet to among the lowest in Nassau County. We’ve been willing to forgo pay increases to protect students’ learning conditions, but our patience ran out long ago. Enough is enough.

It’s time to protect the students of Lawrence. It’s time to treat Lawrence teachers with the respect they deserve as professionals. And it’s time for the Board of Education and district administration to collaborate on a fair agreement for all and negotiate in good faith. After 12 years, to do anything less is an abdication of duty and the oath they swore upon being elected.

RACHEL KREISS President, Lawrence Teachers’ Association

Every vehicular mistake, caught on camera

To the Editor:

I thought now would be a good time to update you on the latest and greatest in regard to Nassau County’s ongoing venture into dystopia. A few years back, I was advocating against red-light and speed cameras. Let’s repeat upfront: Nobody is advocating for lawlessness. That’s why we have police officers. I said good luck regaining a right you’ve given up, so let’s fight for it.

The silence was deafening.

So what do you say we update where our local surveillance state is today? I do so hope you’re enjoying those $150 redlight tickets. The actual fine is $50, but ya gotta love those added fees. It seems that in 2015 and 2016 (the only years I could find numbers for; I didn’t do a deep dive), Nassau pulled in, get ready for it, $82.2 million of our money. Were you then surprised to see that that time you didn’t make a complete stop on red before turning at 3 a.m. on a completely empty road got you another $150 bill? Fun stuff.

We’re getting our pockets picked for millions. But did you really think that was going to be the end of it once the powers that be saw the money they were raking in? You’re better off trying to take blood away from a vampire.

So, to update, have you checked out a school bus lately? That’s right, they now

census figures, the legislative district lines of the Five Towns have been redrawn, and elections for the Assembly, State Senate and Nassau County Legislature have been dramatically impacted. Once upon a time, the Five Towns was treated with the greatest respect by government mapmakers. Sadly, however, it has been carved into many pieces, and it no longer has the political clout that it once claimed.

I recall many political names that were connected to the Five Towns. Presiding Supervisor Palmer D. Farrington, along with U.S. Rep. Herbert Tenzer, Town Councilman Eugene Weisbein, State Sen. Karen Burstein and Assemblyman Eli Wager were among its prominent elected officials. In the mid-1960s, Barbara Boxer deserted the Five Towns for California and eventually became a U.S. senator.

From 1972 to 1989, I had the honor of representing the Five Towns in the State Assembly. I knocked on hundreds of doors as a candidate, and attended dozens of events sponsored by the Community Chest and other worthy charities. I viewed the Five Towns as an important

power base. The Herald Community Newspapers, now read across Nassau County and beyond, were born in the Five Towns.

The reason for this walk down memory lane is to lodge an informal protest that no current local elected official has ever aggressively fought to keep the Five Towns as one political unit. The Assembly and Senate district lines, as well as the County Legislature, have been crafted with no respect for the historical identity of these very closely knit communities. This isn’t some form of snobbism; just a commentary on why people who want your vote don’t speak out at the time when new voting districts are created.

We should hope that in 2030, when the next federal census takes place, some dynamic local official will take up the cause of once again making the Five Towns into one united political region. Its great history deserves some extra respect.

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

Framework by Tim Baker

have cameras on the sides, and should you pass one with its stop signs deployed, wait by your mailbox for the $288 bill.

But wait, there’s more. Now there are proposals for not only speed cameras, but license plate-reading cameras on the Southern State Parkway as well. And you wonder why our children can’t move away from here fast enough?

Heck, the absolute least they could do

would be to install countdowns clocks underneath every traffic light where there’s a camera, to give us half a chance of avoiding a ticket — and getting rearended!

I don’t want to be an I-told-you-so, but who are we kidding? I told you so.

FRED GEFEN Woodmere

A momentary pose in Arthur J. Hendrickson Park — Valley Stream

County and state district lines have divided these closely knit communities.

JerrY kremer