Nassau Herald 06-01-2023

The need for civic services remains strong

FTCC pantry continues to help

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Sasha Young, of Inwood, the founder of Gammy’s Pantry in the Five Towns Community Center, worked as an aide at the Lawrence school district for over a decade until she was furloughed in April 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic unfolded.

Honoring the fallen

In one of three Five Towns Memorial Day parades, Inwood Grand Marshal Jerry Killane, left, took part with fellow VFW Post 1582 member Ron Sorrentino. Stories, more photos, Pages 4, 10, 11.

Hewlett Unified Basketball: ‘Smiles and a great atmosphere’

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

It was the battle of the Five Towns. But the contest between the Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence school districts on May 24 was more about uniting than competing, as students at all levels gathered for a Unified Basketball game at Hewlett High School.

Formed by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics New York, Unified Basketball’s goal is to

promote social inclusion in sports.

Hewlett High special education teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach Bill Dubin, leads the school’s unified team.

“It’s a combination of students with disabilities and students without disabilities,” Dubin explained. “There have to be at least three students on the floor that have an IEP,” he added, referring to an Individualized Education Program, “and the other two could be general education students.”

Continued on page 13

She received a call to return to the district that September, and chose not to. The Community Center had become more of a priority for her.

equipment.

In the beginning, Young said, she served roughly 100 families. But as the pandemic deepened, the need for food grew as many people lost their jobs and the pantry would become the one place they could come for any resources, with lines that went around the Community Center.

Covid

“I was able to directly impact and help families and provide the services that I knew they were lacking,” Young said. “No regrets at all.”

The pantry was created in 2019, inspired by Young’s grandmother Betty Young, whom she called “Gammy.” It occupied a small space in the Community Center, and offered food to those in need. Its services would expand to include clothes and medical

“It was a little scary at first,” Young recalled. “But we found out quickly that people depended on us, and looked forward to seeing us, with everyone being confined to their house. Really, the only people they saw for a year were me and the volunteers.”

Those volunteers included community members, students in the Lawrence school district and Young’s twin daughters, Alexandra and Alexis Acosta. Many were dedicated to helping those in need.

County Legislator Carrié Solages, who represents the neighborhood, worked closely

Continued on page 8

Keith Rossein/Herald photos

Living in a world after the Covid-19 pandemic

By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@liherald.com

The country officially returned to normal on May 11 with the end of the federal public health emergency surrounding Covid-19 — but for many, it’s been pretty close to normalcy for months.

Virtually no one asks for proof of vaccination. Masks, while occasionally seen, have found themselves primarily back on the faces of medical professionals. And the floor markings intended to help people put six feet of distance from their neighbors have almost faded into time.

Yet, the federal end to the emergency is far from ceremonial. Washington has stopped buying vaccines and treatment, although plenty of supplies already purchased remain on-hand. It once again became more difficult to qualify for Medicaid — something that has loosened significantly at the height of the pandemic. However, states like New York isn’t expected to address eligibility at the more local level until later this summer.

And, of course, many of the financial assistance programs that had almost become commonplace are long gone, but free vaccines for children remain thanks to efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer and Moderna — the two major pharmaceutical companies that supplied most of the country’s vaccine doses — vow they’ll continue providing free vaccines to those who can’t afford it, or don’t have the insurance to cover it.

Much closer to home, government officials with Nassau County as well as the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay, had nothing to say about the pandemic. County Executive Bruce Blakeman went after mask mandates — especially in schools — within minutes of being sworn in more than a year ago.

“The governor should adhere to the law, follow the science, and allow local officials to decide what is best for their hometown communities,” Blakeman said at the time. “Nassau is not in crisis, and shouldn’t be painted with the same broad brush as the rest of New York state.”

This week — and in the coming weeks — the Herald is exploring local life in a post-pandemic world. We’re following up on the heroes and the stories that filled these pages from the very beginning of the pandemic lockdown, to the height of the virus invasion, to the aftermath. All with the hope we never have to experience such troubled times ever again.

And more local programs, like the Household Assistance Program that offered a $375 per household grant from federal funds, as well as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program — ended last fall, with a lot of the money unclaimed.

In the end, nearly 6.7 million positive cases were reported statewide, with New York City accounting for nearly half of that with 3.1 million cases. Long Island reported 1.1 million cases, while 5,346 people in Nassau County died.

Nearly 85 percent of people in Nassau received at least one vaccine shot, representing more than 1.1 million people — the best overall percentage in the state, behind the 88 percent from Queens and Manhattan.

One woman the coronavirus would not defeat was Nancy Casale of Wantagh. Last year, the then-95-year-old walked out of the Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation on her own power, after months of fighting Covid-19 and its aftermath.

“Nancy is a wonderful soul, said Lynda Torel from the Glen Cove center. “At 95, she’s energetic, eager and willing — all the qualities that make her a fighter. She’s been on a fantastic journey. She never said ‘no.’”

Laura Lane/Herald file

NANCy CAsALE stops to thank pulmonary rehabilitation director Lynda Torel outside the Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation last July, after battling Covid-19 and its aftermath for months. Nancy never let her age — 95 — stand in the way.

Temple Hillel bounces back from the pandemic

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

When the Covid outbreak halted public gatherings it led to some odd scenes but since the pandemic has waned places of worship like Temple Hillel have adjusted.

On May 11, the federal declaration of a public health emergency was lifted. Rabbi Steven Graber who leads the Conservative Jewish synagogue in Valley Stream recalls when the lockdown took place in March 2020. The temple immediately began conducting weekday evening and Shabbat services through Facebook.

“In the beginning, it was me in an empty building and no one was allowed in,” he said. “I would unlock the building and turn on the lights, go into the chapel, and perform the service and there was no one else there. It was a scary time.”

By April 2020, the temple moved to Zoom. Once in-person attendance was permitted, like many places, the temple instituted new rules adhering to the state protocol.

“At one point, nothing touched anything,” Graber said. “We had Plexiglas in front of the rabbis so that our breath wouldn't hit anybody. We had seating where you couldn't sit next to somebody who you didn't enter with.”

He said the precautions led to installing a better air filtration system and upgraded cleaning protocols.

“I don't know of anybody who ever got Covid from being at a service at my synagogue,” Graber said. “All of that is a result of what we learned from Covid and none of that's going to change.”

Procedures adopted during the pandemic remain and masks are still available in the temple hallways. Masks are still required when attendees are called up to

Covid

“Some people have gotten used to a new reality where they're not as social,” he said. “People are coming back, the problem is there's less of them,” he said. “We're trying to continually and successfully adjust to the new realities. Some people are still afraid to come to community functions.”

the altar or as the Torah is passed around and attendees stand up to go near it. Since the height of the pandemic, Temple Hillel has kept a hybrid model. The temple has several senior members who watch services remotely. Graber said some people are not mobile enough to leave their homes and others have gotten used to watching from home.

The congregation has suffered a slight loss of membership but still attracts a nice crowd at services and functions. While some places of worship struggled financially during the pandemic Graber said the synagogue is financially solid.

“We still have our service and afterward, we have a Kiddush luncheon where everybody goes in and eats nice food together and then hangs around for an hour,” Graber said. “Everybody's quite relaxed in the building. No one's thinking about Covid.”

Sign up by June 5 for Lawrence tennis lessons

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

A tennis pro that has taught multiple generations of players is teaching weekly lessons for children ages 8 to 14 through a four-week program beginning June 5 at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club.

Participants can register at the tennis clubhouse and pay in advance, as spots are limited. The program is held annually at the club and is exclusive to residents in Lawrence village.

The head pro leading the program is Lynbrook resident Shabir ‘Mo’ Mohammed. Mohammed, 67, has been teaching tennis for more than 45 years and has taught in the Five Towns for 30 years. This year is Mohammed’s second year as a tennis director at the country club. When club general manager Cory Menking needed a pro for the program, Shabir was highly recommended.

“This is our second year with Mo at the helm overseeing the tennis operations and we’re definitely pleased with how everything’s going so far, and the courts are in incredibly good shape,” Menking said.

Mohammed used to own the Long Beach Tennis Center in Long Beach and worked at the Atlantic Beach Tennis Center for 30 years during the summers and was a leaseholder at the center for 15 years. He also coached tennis to Lynbrook youth during the winter for 15 years and has coached nationally ranked junior tennis players.

The one-month program at the Lawrence club introduces the fundamentals to young kids from forehand and backhand tennis strokes to

serves, volleys, and sportsmanship.

“We made it so affordable that all the parents can have the kids try out for the sport and see if they like it or not,” Mohammed said. In the wintertime, it’s very expensive to go indoors to start learning the game. My job is to take them to the next level, make it fun for them while they’re learning and make it more enjoyable.”

The idea of the community tennis program is to introduce newcomers to the game and Mohammed said the feedback from kids and parents is always positive.

“Lawrence is a very big tennis community,” he said. “The parents know the game, and the kids know about the game. A lot of kids these days are on the computer or playing video games and parents want the kids to go out to exercise, have some fun, make new friends, learn the game and have something to do on the weekends or after school.”

Traditionally the tennis season goes from May to mid-October and the program makes the most of the time. As of press time, 15 kids have signed up, but space is limited. For Mohammed who has taught the sport for decades, the best part is having been able to become a staple in the community through teaching the sport.

“I’ve been doing this for three generations in this community,” Mohammed said. “I’ve taught parents and their kids. Now grandkids are coming back to me at five and six years old. It’s a great feeling when you get somebody new coming into tennis and you’re their first teacher. The key is to get the right technique down with the kids. How to hold the racket properly, how to swing and follow through. It’s a great feeling and there’s nothing like that.”

Courtesy Steven Graber

Zoom sEssIoNs BEcAmE the new normal for Temple Hillel during the height of the Covid pandemic, but now more of a pre-virus situation prevails.

Courtesy Cory Menking

LAwRENcE tENNIs PRo Shabir ‘Mo’ Mohammed received the Arthur Ashe Multi-Cultural Award from the USTA Long Island Region. The award is given to the tennis professional who embraces diversity, serve as an ambassador for the game of tennis and exhibits unmatched sportsmanship.

Hewlett-Woodmere parade guided by principal

First-year Hewlett High School Principal Alexandra Greenberg has made such an impression on her new school community that she served as the grand marshal of this year’s Hewlett-Woodmere Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

Starting from the Woodmere firehouse and proceeding along Broadway to Hewlett High, the parade included the Hewlett and Woodmere fire departments, the Hewlett High marching band and cheerleaders, Cub Scout Pack 20 and boy scouts, a color-

ful float featuring an inflated Uncle Sam on a motorcycle, and the Hewlett-Woodmere Little League.

Local businesses were involved with the post-parade celebration as Friendlier donated red, white and blue ices; Patano’s donated hamburgers and hot dogs and Bagel Boss donated bagels, coffee and Danish.

HOW TO REACH US

Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30

— Jeffrey Bessen

Daniel Tommasino/Herald photos Hewlett HigH ScHool Principal Alexandra Greenberg led the parade and several grass-roots organization as the grand marshal on May 29.

Scout troopS from the cubs to the Boy Scouts helped to commemorate Memorial Day as they moved along Broadway.

SHowing tHeir Support for the community, members of the volunteer Hewlett Fire Department marched in the parade.

Ella Schwartz takes a deep dive into Holocaust history

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Blending one of the 20th century’s most horrific events with a project that aims to honor the memories of victims, North Woodmere resident Ella Schwartz wrote her upcoming book “Violin of Hope,” recounting the story of a violin that travels through time from the Holocaust to the present.

Schwartz, 48, based her tale on the Violins of Hope collection, A Tell Aviv-based collection owned by the father and son team of Amon and Avshalom Weinstein, who are both violin makers and find Holocaust-era string instruments, restore them and then they are played by musicians in concerts around the world.

“I’m the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and for a very long time, I wanted to write a story to honor their memory,” Schwartz said. “People talk about the Holocaust as an awful experience but I want students to know that there is hope beyond the tragic story. The story is a story about family and legacy.”

The book will be published by Lerner Publishing and is scheduled for release next year.

It will be the sixth book published by Schwartz, who has been writing professionally for the past eight years. She writes nonfiction books for children, books focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and historically themed books.

Schwartz works in cyber security for the federal government, which is what inspired her to write her first book “Can You Crack the Code?” She started working in the field in 2000 and the book tells the story of cyber security, cryptography, secret agents, spies and cracking codes.

“I’ve been writing as a hobby for a very long time, and someone said to me, ‘Why don’t you write about what you do for your job?” Schwartz said. “I said, ‘no one

would ever want to read what I do for my job’, but it turns out people did, and it’s done well.”

Schwartz said writing about STEM to inspire the next generation of thinkers and scientists, especially young girls is dear to her heart. Her most recent book which was released in February “Is It Okay to Pee in the Ocean?” was the second book in a series of books published by Bloomsbury Publishing and details the human impact on the oceans, protecting the ecosystem, and what kids can do to be planet protectors.

“I wrote that book so that students and readers can appreciate that they can be agents of change,” she said. “It’s not up to just the grown-ups, kids can do it as well.”

Schwartz said her favorite project is the book “Her Name Was Mary Katherine” which was published this past January and tells the true story of Mary Katherine Goddard, the only woman whose name is on the Declaration of Independence.

“When I learned of her existence, I thought there was no woman’s name on the Declaration of Independence and it turns out it’s been there all this time,” Schwartz said. “No one’s ever talked about her and that angered me. I think her story deserved to be told.”

Schwartz was recently made aware that the book won the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in American History Book Award.

“What I want people to know is that history isn’t always what we’re taught in school and what we remember in history is very selective and oftentimes, not fair,” she said. “Somebody decided that she wasn’t worth remembering, and worth writing in the history books. I hope children always learn to question and dig deep and find the story.”

Schwartz’s books can be found on Amazon, Goodreads and anywhere books are sold.

Courtesy Ella Schwartz

WooDmERE REsIDENt Ella Schwartz has been writing books for the past eight years.

Voted Long Island’s Best Sports Camp two years in a row.

Hofstra’s Sports Academy Camps offer boys and girls in grades 2-12 the opportunity to learn from Hofstra’s Division I coaching staff while playing in state-of-the-art stadiums, fields, and practice facilities. In any of our 13 sports camps, players improve on the fundamentals in their chosen sport through a variety of instructional clinics, drills, and competitive gameplay. Camps are run in one-week sessions so you can customize the summer around your schedule.

Learn more about our award winning Sports Academy Camps by visiting the website at hofstra.edu/licamp or by calling (516)-463-CAMP

Three-Peat for Hewlett’s Gershfeld

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

Stephan Gershfeld is putting some exclamation points on his high school tennis career by three-peating as the Nassau County champion last Friday afternoon. But the latest one may have been the toughest to achieve.

The Hewlett senior and defending New York State singles champion willed his way to victory at Eisenhower Park, overcoming five opponents and injuries late in the tournament to continue his county supremacy. The final against Jericho’s Ajer Sher proved more to be a battle of wills before Gershfeld escaped with a 6-0, 6-3 win and the title.

“I’m feeling very confident [and] motivated to move on to states and see what damage I can do at the state tournament,” he said.

Gershfeld missed four matches this spring because of various ailments, but still went 10-0 to push his undefeated streak to three high school seasons. And mentally, he felt more pressure to defend his county title a second time.

“You have more pressure because everyone’s coming for you now,” he explained. “You have the biggest target on your back. Not even because I was the one seed, but because I have the title already twice and defended it once.”

The first three rounds of the county tournament took place on May 21 and Gershfeld easily got by those with sweeps in both 10-game pro sets and a 6-1, 6-2 triumph in the quarters. Only Ansh Chadha stood in the way of another trip to the finals and the Syosset

star only managed to win just four games against Gershfeld during their history.

But Chadha was determined to knock off the champ – he told Gershfeld before that match that he was “ready for him” – and used several backhand winners, strong serves and aggressive play to take a 4-1 lead in the first set and send Gershfeld reeling.

“He was struggling,” Hewlett coach Joyce Raikos said. “Ansh came out on fire and he was playing great. Stephan has never really had a challenging match prior to that.”

Gershfeld was able to turn the pressure back on Chadha and rallied to win 7-5 before posting a 6-4 win in the second.

“[I felt] relief to get through it and proud of myself that I was able to really break someone down when they’re playing their best tennis and understand how to get out of hard situations,” he said.

Gershfeld won the first set of the final 6-0 and had a comfortable 4-0 lead in the second when cramps and a wrist injury that had plagued him during the season took over. But Sher began dealing with his cramps and Gershfeld took advantage to seal the victory.

Gershfeld is already preparing for the state tournament and said his wrist was “doing OK.” But regardless of what happens, Raikos said Gershfeld has already left a lasting legacy with the program.

“It’s been a great run,” Raikos said. “I know I’m never going to have another player like him as long as I coach. Three years winning counties is a huge accomplishment and hopefully we can make another run at states again.”

Elder Law Misconceptions

One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved.

There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.

Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The five-year look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for expensive nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.

Despite the five-year look-back, New York law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw.com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.

The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.

Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and the family home in some cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald Hewlett seNIoR stepHAN Gershfeld overcame adversity and five opponents to win a third straight Nassau County boys’ tennis singles title.

Moriches Field Brewing Company received $18,750 to revitalize an empty downtown space.

(Cheers to that.)

Revitalization grants are just one of the ways we help businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways. For Moriches Field Brewing Company, a grant from our economic development program was a perfect fit to help them renovate a previously vacant property. A discount through our Vacant Space Revival Program saved them more than $4,000 on their electric bills, and rebates for upgrading to LED lighting are keeping them saving month after month.

Helping revitalize our Island, one business at a time, is something we’re proud to be part of and something definitely worth celebrating.

Grants | Rebates | Incentives | Assessments | Community Support

For more information, visit PSEGLINY.com/EcoDev

Lawrence-Cedarhurst parade kicks off holiday celebration

Stepping off from Frost Lane and proceeding along Central Avenue through Cedarhurst, the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Memorial Day Parade on Sunday was the first of three in the Five Towns. Veterans from the Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339, the Lawrence High School Color Guard, marching band and cheerleaders, Girl Scout Troop 720, Hatzalah of the Rockaways and Nassau, antique and exotic cars and Aviation

High School’s Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps and a mariachi band were among the participants.

All marched to Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park for a memorial service.

Memorial Day honors all the United States military personnel who died in service to the country.

— Jeffrey Bessen

The INwoodLawreNCe PaL and Gammy’s Pantry at the Five Towns Community showed their respect for fallen soldiers.

Keith Rossein/Herald photos

The Nassau CouNTy Firefighters Pipes and Drums led the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Memorial Day Parade on May 28.

The KaPLaN famILy, from left, Tzippy, 5, Shimon, Atara, 6, Shula 3, and Sari

uNCLe sam (Lou Jonson) with from left Justin Martinez-Gomez, 13, Joel MartinezGomez, 10, and Jaileen Martinez-Gomez, 17, at Cedarhurst Park.

Honoring the fallen soldiers at the Inwood parade

As marchers collected at the Inwood Long Island Rail Road station and then moved along Doughty Boulevard in the second Memorial Day Parade on Sunday in the Five Towns, their thoughts were with all the U.S. military personnel who died serving the nation.

The parade included the John J. Olivieri Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1582, the Inwood Fire Department, Lawrence High School’s marching band and the Our

Lady of Good Counsel Mazza bans, along with groups representing the Five Towns Community Center and the girl scouts. At the intersection of Mott Avenue and Doughty Boulevard, Post 1582 held a ceremony at the veteran’s monument. Military veteran Jerry Killane served as the parade’s grand marshal.

KeepIng cool

whIle showing their respect for Memorial Day was Estela Perez, left, Maya Perez, 3, Desiree Perez, 6, and Cristian Perez.

our lady oF Good Counsel Mazza band members marched and performed during the Inwood Memorial Day Parade on May 28.

Keith Rossein/Herald photos

The Inwood FIre Department moved along Doughty Boulevard as part of the Memorial Day Parade on Sunday.

— Jeffrey Bessen

waTchIng The Inwood Memorial Parade were Sylvia Harden, left, Kathy Blackman Bowers and Larry Bowers Sr.

Promoting social inclusion through basketball

According to SpecialOlympics.org, 1.2 million people participate in unified sports leagues globally, which help break down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities.

The teams are also gender-neutral, with boys and girls competing together.

There are five other unified teams in the county: East Rockaway, Freeport, Garden City, New Hyde Park and Plainedge — and they play a seven-game season each spring.

Last week’s game was the second between Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence this season — Hewlett won the first contest, 50-47, on May 9 — and the energy was high among the players on both teams, as they played for Five Towns bragging rights. The Lawrence squad came out on top, 65-49.

When the final buzzer sounded, it also marked the end of Hewlett senior Eden Shi’s Unified Basketball career. He has been a member of the school’s team for three years, and said that the experience gave him the chance to spend time with his classmates with intellectual disabilities.

“I think it’s a great thing to help the students with disabilities and give them

a chance to play basketball,” Shi said. “Without this program, they wouldn’t be able to compete and play basketball as much as they do now, so I think this was a great cause to join.”

The team practiced last summer, Shi said, and students learned how to shoot and pass the ball, along with other skills. Basketball involves close physical contact, and many parents of children with disabilities initially fear for their safety.

“I had to speak to a set of parents last year for almost two hours to convince them to allow their son to play,” Dubin recalled. “They were concerned for his safety because he also had physical issues as well. I had to convince them that everything would be fine, and that he would be safe and cared for.”

Those parents, Dubin said, eventually allowing their son to play, and at the end of the season, he received a letter from them, thanking him for encouraging them to allow him to play.

“I love these kids,” he said. I’ll do anything to protect them.”

Hewlett junior Moshe Cohen, who played his third season, said he felt safe with Dubin and enjoyed playing for him. “He has a great sense of humor, and he

makes it all positive,” Cohen said.

“It’s all smiles and a great atmosphere.”

As Shi prepares to graduate and say goodbye to the team, he said he hoped

his teammates, whom he considers as friends, would continue to play and have fun. “I just hope they continue to play basketball like they do and compete,” he said.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Hewlett HigH ScHool Unified Basketball coach Bill Dubin, right, talks strategy with forward Jared Bostoff during a timeout in the May 24 game against Lawrence.

ilove these kids . . . I’ll do anything to protect them.

Bill DuBin boys basketball coach, Hewlett High School

STEPPING OUT

Mamma Mia

Celebrated South Shore

Some final notes: music director bids farewell

By Karen Bloom

t’s the end of era. The South Shore Symphony’s distinguished music director and conductor Scott Jackson Wiley will pass on his baton after the orchestra’s performance at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Sunday.

Broadway comes to Long Island with Plaza Theatrical’s staging of ‘Mamma Mia,’ based on ABBA’s timeless songs. Journey to the Greek Isles in this jukebox musical. ABBA’s greatest hits are woven into the sunny tale, an ultimate feel-good show. On the eve of her wedding, a bride’s quest to discover her father’s identity brings three men from her mother’s past back to the place they last visited 20 years ago. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs — from ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Take A Chance On Me,’ to ‘Super Trouper’ and ‘Thank you For the Music’ — an enchanting story of family and friendship unfolds. Relive those ‘70s melodies in a joyous show that’ll have everyone humming along.

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

The annual concert at the majestic church is a fitting finale to Wiley’s 25-year tenure. The full orchestra — all 80 musicians — demonstrate the breadth and depth of their musicianship performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” The Diocesan Choir with guest soloists — along with organist Michael Bauer, director of music at St. Agnes — also participate. The vast work, lasting nearly 90 minutes, commands a complete orchestra, with extra brass, choir, soprano and contralto soloists.

“This is the third time in 25 years that we’ve played it,” says principal cellist Wayne Lipton, who is delighted the orchestra has another opportunity to perform Mahler’s masterpiece with Wiley at the podium.

“It’s an overwhelming experience with the sound of so many musicians. The music is just incredible,” he says. “It’s a very dramatic piece. Each time we do it, the audience jumps to their feet at the end.”

He expects a similar reaction yet again.

“The organ in the last movement is very powerful. Plus, we have a huge amount of brass, five trumpets and 11 or 12 French horns. So that’s a lot of firepower, plus two harps and the organ. You add it all together and it’s a powerful statement. If I were going out as a conductor, this is the piece I’d want to conduct. We’re so pleased to play it as his swan song.”

By Karen Bloom

WHERE WHEN

• June 4, 7 p.m.

From their roots in the Five Towns back in 1983, the South Shore Symphony has grown and flourished as a regional orchestra of note. For much of that time, Lipton — as the orchestra’s president since 1991 — and Wiley, who came on board in 1997, have been a forceful presence in guiding the orchestra through its many phases of growth.

Thursday, June 1, 2 p.m.; Friday, June 2, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 2:30 p.m., $49, $45 seniors. Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For tickets, visit PlazaTheatrical.com, or call (516) 599-6870.

Pat McGann

• Free admission; $20 per person suggested donation

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

• St. Agnes Cathedral, 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre

“When Scott arrived, we were playing at South Shore Middle School. Since then, we’ve grown exponentially,” Lipton says. “For me, I’ve learned the orchestral repertoire as principal cellist. He took his time with us and challenged us. One of his greatest attributes is as a teacher.” (Wiley taught at Mannes College and as a diction coach in Italian, French, Spanish and Catalan, among his other roles).

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

“I’m proud to have been the music director of the South Shore Symphony for these past 25 years and to be named its Conductor Laureate,” Wiley says. “It’s been immensely rewarding to have worked in close collaboration with Wayne Lipton, an important leader in the community. Through the orchestra’s residency at the Madison Theatre and under its director Angelo Fraboni, we have established an enduring bond with Molloy University, and have forged extraordinary musical partnerships.

• Visit SSSymphony.org for information

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

“I am also proud as well to have founded and directed Long Island Lyric Opera, under the sponsorship of Marty Bevilaqua, and to have brought operatic masterpieces by Mozart, Bizet and Puccini to the Madison Theatre. A home for all serious orchestral musicians, I am particularly pleased that the South Shore Symphony continues to draw an ever-increasing number of its players from the ranks of the gifted and dedicated music teachers of Long Island, who are the true stewards of music in the community.

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

The orchestra’s move to the then-newly opened Madison Theatre on the Molloy University campus in 2012 brought Wiley and his orchestra to greater prominence. New collaborations included a yearly performance of “The Nutcracker” with local dance company, Leggz Ltd. Dance. There was also opera and musical productions with University’s CAP21 theatre arts students, and special guests.

“I’m honored to pass the baton to maestro Adam Glaser, of Hofstra University and the Juilliard School, and I look forward greatly to following the orchestra under his leadership.”

“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 of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”

“It’s been a long and successful trip with Scott,” Lipton adds. “I’m thrilled to have been a part of his life all these years.”

As for Wiley, an accomplished French hornist who also plays the violin, the piano, and the flamenco guitar, it’s a time of transition. But not certainly not “retirement,” in the traditional sense.

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

Wiley will remain active as music director of the Centre Symphony Orchestra in Manhattan and as a guest conductor. He will also continue as a conducting teacher and coach, and with his own studies.

His musical journey continues, as it surely does for the South Shore Symphony. “It’s been a wonderful year,” Lipton adds. “This the best orchestra we’ve ever had and a nice way to end our run with Scott. We’re a wonderful family of people creating together and there’s much more to come.”

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to

Jessie’s Girl

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

It’s time to drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back— as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that ‘Back to the Eighties’ vibe with a 10th anniversary edition of their popular concert experience. It features a lineup that includes four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, backed by a dynamic band. Throw on top of that dynamic choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Jessie’s Girl has mastered over-the-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theatre meets live music, covered in ‘80s glitz.

Friday, June 2, 8 p.m. $45, $35, $30, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com.

Photos courtesy South Shore Symphony

Maestro Scott Jackson Wiley (top right) will pick up his baton one more time as conductor of the South Shore Symphony Orchestra for its annual concert at St. Agnes Cathedral.

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.

THE SCENE

Iris Dement

June 1

Breastfeeding Support Group

June 9

The Americana singersongwriter visits the Landmark stage, Friday, June 9, 8 p.m., with her timeless songs that blend traditional folk, country, and gospel influences. Iris DeMent is considered one of the finest singer-songwriters in America today, with an inimitable voice as John Prine described, “like you’ve heard, but not really.” Her unforgettable melodies are rooted in hymns, gospel and old country music. Praised for her storytelling and songwriting abilities, her career has spanned over three decades, seven studio albums and collaborations with John Prine, Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, among others. On her transcendent new record, “Workin’ On A World,” DeMent faces the modern world — as it is right now — with its climate catastrophe, pandemic and epidemic of violence and social injustice — and not only asks us how we can keep working towards a better world, but implores us to love each other, despite our very different ways of seeing. Her songs are her way of healing our broken inner and outer spaces. $43, $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

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 9. 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.

June 4

Alexander Wu

Pianist and arranger Alexander Wu and his trio will perform the music of Aaron Copeland, Leonard Bernstein, Frederic Chopin, Mahalia Jackson and others as part of the Friends of the Library spring concert in memory of Stephen Sklar, Sunday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m., at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Lawrence village

Lawrence Village Board will hold its last meeting before the June 20 election on Thursday, June 8, at 8 p.m., at Village Hall. 196 Central Ave., Lawrence.

Broadway on Long Island

Plaza Theatrical goes to the Greek Isles with this enchanting tale, based on ABBA’s timeless songs, Friday, June 2, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 3, 2:30 p.m. The show features “Dancing Queen” “Super Trooper,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” and more. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.

Having an event?

June 1

On stage

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, Thursday and Friday, June 1-2, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, June 3, 2 p.m. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. 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.

Whale of a Drink fundraiser

Support The Whaling Museum by participating in Sandbar restaurant’s Whale of a Drink, Whale of a Cause fundraising effort, now through June 21. Enjoy the Sandbar’s iconic cocktail, the Whalebone, and a portion of the purchase will be donated to the museum. A “mocktail” version is also available. To help promote the fundraiser, mixologist Dan Leopold will offer a mixology demonstration and Whalebone tasting at the Museum’s Whales & Ales event on June 3, 2:30-3 p.m. Funds will support the Whaling Museum’s community education programs during its 2023 summer season. 55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor. For information, visit SandbarColdSpringHarbor.com.

Student Artwork

Artwork from kindergarten to high school students of the HewlettWoodmere school district will be in display at Hewlett-Woodmere library, through June 11. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett View the library’s virtual art shows at Hwpl.org.

Psychic Night

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

In-person Game Time

Play canasta, mah jongg and Scrabble in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, Monday, June 5, 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.

‘The Beautiful and Damned’

The Five Towns Kiwanis Club will hold its first-ever Psychic Night at Frank’s Steaks, 54 Lincoln Ave., Rockville Centre, on Thursday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. $75 per person includes dinner and psychic experience. Reservations required. Email tduinc@gmail.com. Venmo @ Kiwanis Five Towns.

Enjoy a musical interpretation of the classic novel at Westbury House, Friday, June 9, 7-10 p.m. Before there was Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote “The Beautiful and Damned”: a story that delves into the psychological tribulations of, at first, having everything you’ve ever wanted. What first presents itself as a beautiful love story quickly turns harrowing as the characters struggle to keep themselves afloat. As New York City tumbles into the Jazz Age, Fitzgerald’s characters tumble down a financial and psychological spiral they may never recover from. This adaptation by Long Island native Brooke Di Spirito combines Fitzgerald’s meticulously detailed novel with the elements of a stage musical: a brand new script, score, choreography. Reservations required. $40. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

New Alzheimer’s respite care park offers some peace

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

A new space dedicated exclusively to those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families has been added to Eisenhower Park.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Nassau County opened a new respite care relief park to help those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as their caregivers. The Eisenhower Park location is the second one of its sort in the country — the only other one is in the Town of Babylon.

More than 50,000 people on Long Island — or 3 percent — live with Alzheimer’s disease. Across the country, that number jumps to 6.2 million people — or one in every 53 — said Chuck Fuschillo, president and chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. There are more than 100,000 caregivers.

We created “a respite relief park to give them a place to get out in the open,” Fuschillo said. “Obviously in the beautiful park that’s here in Eisenhower Park, but also for the caregivers to come to a safe setting to avoid caregiver burnout. The caregivers in this county — and throughout the island — really are our heroes.”

The park was created both to serve those living with the disease, and to recognize the caregivers. It includes educational information about dementia and Alzheimer’s, along with benches, a brick walkway, a gazebo, and greenery. Its purpose is to enable a caregiver to have much-needed relief, and learn more about what resources are available for them.

It’s also a place for a caregiver and their individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia to come and chat in a peaceful, outdoor area.

“This is an integral part of what this park is about,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “It’s not just about sporting events, it’s not just about cultural

events, it’s not just about entertainment — it’s about a place where people can go to be with nature, in a peaceful setting. And it’s incredibly important to those who have been afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Blakeman heard from many who have family members with Alzheimer’s or dementia about how disrupting it is for those families.

“They need places to go. They need programs. And that’s what the American Alzheimer’s Foundation does,” the county executive said.

“They create these programs. They create an environment to help not only people who are afflicted, but also those people who are living with it each and every day — the families and the caregivers.”

Private donors funded the park’s creation. Other money came from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, a charitable organization that gives money for health care and health-related initiatives in New York. The foundation helped fund the Town of Babylon location, and a new one that will be built in Yonkers this fall.

Fuschillo thanked county legislator Tom McKevitt for taking the lead on the project after the legislature approved the park.

“Alzheimer’s is not only so tough for the person who’s going through it, but especially to the family and caregivers — it’s completely consuming to their life,” McKevitt said. “They want to have a place where they can go with their relative, with their loved one, and have a few moments of peace.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America was founded in 2002 by Bert Brodsky, whose mother lived with Alzheimer’s disease between 1980 and 1992. At the time that he was caring for her, Brodsky found there was not a lot of information out there regarding the disease, and he struggled with how to find support.

Now, the foundation helps hundreds of thousands of people annually.

“I never thought I could affect anybody’s life but my own, but I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to start the foundation and help those families that are dealing with this terrible, terrible disease,” Brodsky said.

“The respite park is a perfect example of what could happen when you put your mind to something, and you try and make the world just a little bit better.”

Mallory Wilson/Herald BeRt BROdSkY, the founder and board chair of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, shares his experience of taking care of his mother, who had Alzheimer’s, during the unveiling of a respite care relief park at Eisenhower Park’s Field 6.

One of the best. Once again. Right here in Oceanside.

High Performing in Nine Areas of Care

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting the Town of Hempstead (TOH) and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, Long Island youth are better prepared for careers of the future.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

Career Exploration: Hone your research skills and uncover exciting new career possibilities.

Structured Work-based Opportunities: If you're a TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20, you can get paid to learn about different careers and make a positive impact in your community through work-based activities.

Work Experiences: TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 can develop job readiness skills and explore diverse career pathways through paid summer jobs in various industries throughout Nassau County.

Earn Money: Don't miss out on the chance to earn money while gaining valuable experience and exploring your career options!

WORKSITE PARTNERS

Partner with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at HempsteadWorks and provide valuable work experience to youth while expanding your business's staff at no cost. The program pays participant wages in full, so there's no financial burden on the hosting employer. As a SYEP worksite, you can play a vital role in the region's economic development and access a pool of talented, hyperlocal youth who are the future workforce.

Please review the important information below for details on this summer's program.

SYEP 2023:

Participants can work up to 30 hours per week

Rate of pay is $16 per hour, paid by the TOH Participants go through physical clearance and drug screening

Worksite Responsibilities:

Ensuring youth time and attendance procedures are followed, and the timesheets are complete and accurate Supervision of participants, along with guidance and training as appropriate Monitoring youth attendance, punctuality, and job performance

Don Clavin Supervisor

State parks prepare for busy summer of sharks

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

Excited about summer, but nervous about sharks? There are a few things to know.

Above all, state officials have a comprehensive plan they say will ensure swimmers and boaters will be safe from sharks this summer. Joining forces to make that happen are the state’s parks, recreation, and historic preservation office, along with the environmental conservation department and the state police. All will increase surveillance along every state park beach.

“With New Yorkers and visitors alike preparing to enjoy our beautiful Long Island beaches all summer long, their safety is our top priority,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said, in a release. “I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities, follow guidance, and take precautions to ensure a safe and responsible beach trip this summer.”

How state officials will patrol parks deserves a big thanks from technology. Some 18 drones will monitor beaches for sharks — up from eight last year, Nearly three-dozen state staffers — from police to lifeguards — have or will be trained, all by Fourth of July weekend.

Two new Yamaha WaveRunners — what many might know as jetskis — have been assigned to lifeguards to patrol both Jones Beach and Robert Moses state parks.

To keep swimmers away from high levels of fish activity — where sharks are more likely to prowl — buffer zones will be created between swimming areas and surf fishing areas.

“The action being taken along the South Shore of Long Island will give us eyes in the sky and along the coastline,” state parks commissioner Eric Kulleseid said. “Over the past two seasons, we’ve learned that drones are the most effective mecha-

nism to detect environmental conditions that could attribute to shark activity.”

Those environmental conditions include areas with seals, schools of fish, diving birds, and murky water. Shark activity also can be higher at dusk, night and dawn, according to experts.

Should a shark be sighted at any beach, swimming will be suspended for at least one hour. That sighting then will be referred to the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group,

an environmental organization which consists of more than 200 people from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators from Queens and Long Island.

There was higher-than-usual amount of shark activity off of Long Island last summer, including one documented shark attack on Jones Beach. Other places on the island with confirmed shark attacks included two on Smith Point Beach, and one each on Ocean Beach, Seaview Beach, and Fire Island.

The Ocean Beach attack was identified as a sand tiger shark, which is native to Long Island’s waters. Typically docile, these are the sharks one might see on a trip to the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.

One of the attacks at Smith Point Beach was confirmed to be a tiger shark — most likely a juvenile.

None of the attacks were fatal, but the increased activity prompted the environmental conservation department to ease fears. State biologists Jim Gilmore and Chris Scott made two things clear to reporters last year — shark activity is not as dangerous as “Jaws” might lead you to believe. And shark activity means the environment of Long Island waters is doing well.

According to Gilmore and Scott, Long Island beachgoers may have let their guard down in recent years because the environment had not been thriving enough to support normal levels of shark activity.

“Many of our coastal shark species are protected now because they had declined,” Gilmore said, at the time. “And they were an important predator in the marine environment. So overall, this is good news for the marine environment and our ecosystems.”

Scott emphasized that seeing these ocean predators at Long Island beaches is completely normal.

“If you went to the woods in Alaska, you might see a bear,” he said. “If you go to the ocean here on Long Island, you might interact with a shark.”

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald file

THErE CouLd BE sharks lurking in this choppy water off of Jones Beach’s West End. But if there are, there’s a few things to know — like the state is putting resources into protecting swimmers from sharks, and that shark activity is a sign of a healthy environment.

*Discount is applied to the regular price of select styles of carpet, hardwood, tile,

Can you make yourself change?

We know what we are, but know not what we might become.” Those are Shakespeare’s words. Yes, many people are pleased with themselves, yet recognize they’ve got a way to go to become the person they want to be. Not aiming for perfection, just making changes that will enhance your life, career, health or relationships.

Of course, you can initiate change but soon enough revert back to your old ways. If that has been your pattern, you may feel discouraged, giving up on the idea that you can make yourself change. Scratch that negative thinking! I’m here to tell you that you can change - without threats, self-blame or harsh criticism. The key to a lasting transformation is motivating yourself to want to change. Then you automatically gravitate toward your goal like a flower turning to the sun for nourishment.

If you’re looking for ways to inspire yourself to stay on track, (even if a part of you feels like giving up), read on!

Remind Yourself Why You Want to Change

The beginning of change is relatively easy. You’re upset; you want to do better, so you decide to make a change. In contrast, the middle of the change process is harder. You’re no longer revved up. It just feels arduous, burdensome. Who needs this?

Person to Person

Now is the time to have a sit-down talk with yourself. Remind yourself why you initiated this change. Do you have goals that won’t be actualized unless you alter your behavior? Do you want to feel better about yourself? Do you wish to avoid negative consequences that are sure to occur if you fall off track?

Make Your Mantra “I Won’t Give Up!”

Though you want to change, a part of you doesn’t want to (i.e. it’s too hard, it takes too much effort.) If your mantra is “I Won’t Give Up,” you keep challenging yourself to move ahead despite any resistance or fear.

An example: you want to ask a VIP for career advice but hesitate to do so

because she’s an intimidating character. Instead of letting your fear triumph, remember your mantra. You will not give up. You feel the fear AND do it anyway. You build up your self-muscle. You become courageous and competent. If it turns out that she won’t talk or is nasty to you, cross her off your list. But remember your mantra - I won’t give up! I’ll find someone else who can help me accomplish my goal.

Accept Criticism and Learn From It!

If you’ve been told you’re lazy, stupid, crazy or will never amount to anything, I understand that you’re wary of people’s feedback. You don’t want to hear one more bit of criticism - ever.

Yet, constructive criticism is often invaluable. You discover what’s working and what’s not; what advances you and what causes confusion. So see if you can accept good advice non-defensively. Ignore negative reflections on your

character, such as “What’s wrong with you?” Instead focus on critiques that will help you perform better.

Reward Yourself for Progress

Is it easier for you to criticize or praise yourself? I hope your answer is praise! I hope you’re monitoring your progress, celebrating your successes and patting yourself on the back for staying on track. So how about creating an ongoing reward system for yourself, much like some businesses do? Stay on track for two months, reward yourself with a massage. Keep your anger in check for three months, treat yourself to a mini-vacation.

Get the idea? I hope so! Once you’re moving toward achieving your goal, I hope you beam with pride.

©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.

Linda Sapadin

Elevated Fears

Despite the urgings of F.D.R., growing up I neither feared fear nor most of the things that gen erate fear. I loved both my par ents and G-d, and while I feared disap pointing them, I certainly wasn’t scared of them.

Neither was I afraid of heights nor spi ders nor public speaking nor barking dogs. True, I was careful of certain dangerous neighborhoods, but not too frightened to enter them or even engage in an occasional fistfight (albeit unsuccessfully).

I was not scare if the dark or ghosts or strangers or the dentists or needles or girls. Nor did I panic at the thought of being alone or getting sick or getting lost. I never even heard of a “phobia” until I read of claustrophobia which I definitely did not gave, since my big mouth often got me into “tight spots” which I neither avoided nor, as it were, feared.

Sure, over the years, knowledge and experience may have caused me to react to certain situations with caution, or to be wary or prudent, but of nothing and no one was I truly “scared” as in “terrified, cowed and intimidated” except for one thing: the passenger elevator in the apart ment where I grew up.

For more than two decades (and probably even today if I were so inclined, which I’m not, to return for a ride) that seven-byeight-foot compartment tormented me without mercy.

The fact is, that damn thing hated me!

Between us, it was personal. I was OK when in the company of others, but when alone and it was just me and the elevator, it would suddenly (and quite deliberately) make strange noises, skip floors, speed up, slow down, bounce about or stop between floors and open its door to reveal a solid brick wall. It was as if it knew I had places to go and, out of jealousy, it didn’t want to let me.

In those days before cell phones and

intercoms, all I had was a red alarm but-

named Otis in a West Side building.

My late mother, who rode the same elevator fearlessly, thankful that she didn’t have to, after a hard day’s work, walk up any stairs, noted that it was OK to be scared of the elevator (and a whole lot of other stuff) as long as you weren’t scared of the truth, of change, of a new idea, of taking a stand, of shedding a tear, or confronting yourself in a mirror.

Nor should you be scared of trying, or being wrong or of growing old or scared of being scared or saying (or writing about) what you’re scared of.

So there! I wrote about it! (Just please, don’t tell the elevator).

© Copyright 2023

Ron Goldman

Five Towners excel in the classroom and on the field

Hewlett High seniors, Ryan Goodman and Jadon Margulies, signed national letters of intent to further their athletic careers at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and Washington University in St. Louis, respectively. Goodman will play lacrosse for the Bobcats and Margulies will play football for the Bears.

Tzvi Burke, from Cedarhurst, Kameline Pavez and Kaityn Snyder, of Hewlett, and Inwood resident Catherine Melgar were named to New York Institute of Technology’s fall Presidential Honor List.

Max May, from Hewlett, a senior at Muhlenberg College, was featured in the Pennsylvania’s school Top 22 Plays for 2022. May plays goalie for the lacrosse team.

Woodmere native Jacob Steinmetz was

promoted to Single-A in April and made his official minor league debut as a Visalia Rawhide, a Diamondbacks’ affiliate. He allowed one run on three hits and struck out four in three innings.

Lauren Golubtchik, of Woodmere, a Fordham University student, was inducted in to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa, the nation’s oldest and considered most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. The top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Shiri Spinner of Cedarhurst was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at University of Maryland Global Campus.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a public hearing via ZOOM on May 31, 2023 at 7:00pm. All residents and professionals wishing to attend are directed to contact Village Hall at 516-374-3806 for further ZOOM information/instruction or visit our website at www.hewlettharbor.org.

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

Ben & Zvi Ben-Yosef 1304 Harbor Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557. Is requesting to install a front yard pervious driveway. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning code Ordinances 145-19. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 30%. Applicant is requesting a 45% lot coverage. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: the maximum permitted front yard surface coverage shall not exceed 23%.

Applicant is requesting a 35.3% front yard surface coverage.

Mr. Igor Kanfer 1298

Auerbach Avenue Hewlett harbor, NY 11557, is requesting to maintain a garage conversion to livable space. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Code 145-18.2.B. Village zoning Code 145-18.2.B states: Existing dwellings with enclosed garage space on-premises hereafter altered or enlarged shall maintain not less than one enclosed garage space with interior dimensions of not less than 10 feet by 20 feet. Applicant is requesting to maintain zero enclosed garage space.

Barry Beshkin 231 Everit Avenue Hewlett harbor, NY 11557, is requesting a rear yard accessory structure with pavers. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Code 145-19. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted building lot coverage in a residential “A” district is 25%. Applicant is requesting a 37% lot coverage.

Dominic Calandrella 265 Bayberry Drive Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557, is requesting a driveway carport. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Code 145-19 and 145-25.A.

Village Zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 30% in a residential “B” district. Applicant is requesting to maintain a 38.8% lot coverage.

Village Zoning Code

145-25.A states: Accessory buildings shall not be nearer to any property line less than 15’ in the residential “B” district. Applicant is requesting 6” side yard setback.

Mr. Nir Maman 1342 Boxwood Drive West Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 is requesting 2nd floor addition, 1 story rear addition, rear yard deck, rear yard gazebo, rear yard cabana and circular driveway. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Code 145-19 and 145-25.A. Village Zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 30% in a residential “B” district. Applicant is requesting to maintain a 46.8% lot coverage.

Applicant additionally requests relief from Village Zoning Code 145-19. Village Zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted front yard surface coverage shall not exceed 23%.

Applicant is requesting a 40% front yard surface coverage. Village Zoning Code 145-25.A states: Accessory buildings shall be located only in the rear or side yards in the residential “B” district.

Applicant is requesting the gazebo and cabana to be erected in the front yard.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

STEVEN GOLD, CHAIRMAN ZONING BOARD

MICHAEL RYDER Village Clerk

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York May 11, 2023 139572

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU AJM CAPITAL II, LLC, Plaintiff -against- FRED SAVOY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 22, 2023 and entered on March 23, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 20th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, known and designated as Section 40 Block 57 Lot 196 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as it presently exists.

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

Said premises known as 13 EGGERT PLACE, “VACANT LOT”, INWOOD, NY

Approximate amount of lien $16,083.17 plus interest & costs.

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

Index Number 615214/2019. LAWRENCE M. SCHAFFER, ESQ., Referee Braunstein Turkish LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 7600 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 402, Woodbury, NY 11797 {* NASSAU HER*} 139528

LEGAL NOTICE

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

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting. An agenda for the meeting will be made available to the public on the Village Website. All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.org for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York May 19, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

NICOLE GIACOPELLI VILLAGE CLERK 139606

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU RBS CITIZENS, NA F/K/A CHARTER ONE BANK, Plaintiff -against- LAVERN BECKFORD AND NEVILLE LEWIS, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated September 26, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on June 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows:

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

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

Section: 39 Block: 549

Lot: 41.

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

Said premises known as 1069 DUSTON ROAD, NORTH WOODMERE, NY Approximate amount of lien $717,014.19 plus interest & costs.

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

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

Index Number 011136/2014.

RALPH MADALENA, ESQ.,

Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030

File# 5025.2735

{* NASSAU HER, NEWSDAY NA*}

139710

LEGAL NOTICE

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

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

Time:7:00 P.M.

Date: Thursday, June 8, 2023

Place: DISTRICT OFFICE

Melissa Rivelli District Secretary 139831

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF ATLANTIC BEACH

NOTICE OF ELECTION

RESOLVED, that the General Village Election shall take place on June 20, 2023 at the Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM and the names and addresses of candidates and offices for which nominated are as follows: Atlantic Beach Integrity Party

Trustee-2-Year Term

Patricia Beaumont, 174 Coronado Street

Trustee-2-Year TermNathan Etrog, 83 Cayuga Avenue

DATED: May 26, 2023

EMILY SINISCALCHI, VILLAGE CLERK 139834

LEGAL NOTICE Aviso Legal

Pueblo de Atlantic Beach

Aviso de Elección

Se resuelve que las Elecciones Generales del Pueblo se llevarán a cabo el 20 de Junio del 2023 en el Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, Nueva York entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. Los nombres,direcciones y cargo de los candidatos nominados son los siguientes:

Fiesta de la integridad de Atlantic Beach

Fideicomisaria

Termino de 2 años

Patricia Beaumont, 174 Coronado Street

Fideicomisaria Termino de 2 años

Nathan Etrog, 83 Cayuga Avenue

Fecha: 26 de Mayo del 2023

Emily Siniscalchi, Empleada del Pueblo 139835

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 06/01/2023 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following:

Petition of YAAKOV GOODMAN

Premises: 571 LINCOLN ST Sec/Blk/Lot 39/273/21

Case # 2023-009

TWO STORY REAR

ADDITION

Variance from:

265-49 C. Building area. The total building area, including all accessory buildings, shall not exceed 30% of the lot area.

265-52 A. Side yards. A side yard is required along each side of a building.

A. The side yards along the sides of a building used exclusively as a oneor two-family 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: May 31, 2023 Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor Salvatore Evola Village Clerk-Treasurer

By Order of the Board Of Zoning Appeals

139830

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 6/07/23 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

371/23. WOODMEREBais Haknesses Mishkan

Yisroel, Special exception for proposed synagogue (proposed temporary trailers), special exception for accessory to religious use (existing dwelling), variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on North Central Ave., side yard, rear yard, construct four temporary trailers, Waive off-street parking, variance, no screening between adjacent residential properties., N/W cor. Franklin Pl. & N. Central Ave., a/k/a 223 Franklin Pl.

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.

139788

LEGAL NOTICE

HEWLETT-WOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL

DISTRICT NOTICE OF SCHOOL

DISTRICT PUBLIC

HEARING, PROPOSED REPAIR RESERVE FUND EXPENDITURE

JUNE 7, 2023

7:20 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 6-d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, a Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7:20 p.m. prevailing time at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, at which time and place the Board of Education of the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District will propose to appropriate monies, not to exceed $1,834,600 from the athletic repair reserve fund for the purpose of repairs to the turf field and track at Woodmere Middle School.

By order of:

District Clerk Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District

Date: June 1, 2023

139751

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 06/01/2023 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following:

Petition of GARELL ELISSA

Premises: 575 GRANT PL

Sec/Blk/Lot 39/269/110

Case # 2023-010

2 STORY REAR ADDITION

Variance from:

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

A. The side yards along the sides of a building used exclusively as a single-family dwelling shall have an aggregate width of no less than 16 feet. Neither side shall be less than six feet in wid th, 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: May 31, 2023

Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock Mayor

Salvatore Evola

Village Clerk-Treasurer

By Order of the Board Of Zoning Appeals 139829

LEGAL NOTICE

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

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting.

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

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York May 26, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NICOLE GIACOPELLI VILLAGE CLERK 139832

Employment HERALD

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School High School Principal

H ebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:

Lev Chana Early Childhood: Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

HALB Elementary School: Assistant Teachers

Part Time Morah

Middle School Morah

Full Time Rebbe

Middle School Math Teacher

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

English Teacher

Science Teacher

Learning Center Teacher

Assistant College Guidance Counselor

SKA High School for Girls:

Graphic Design Teacher

Ivrit Teacher

Halacha Teacher

AP Computer Science Teacher

To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org

The Monticello CSD is seeking forward thinking and dynamic School Building Principal who can lead MCSD’s highly engaged faculty, staff, parents, students, and community. The successful candidate will have a vision of educational excellence, be highly motivated, and demonstrates an ability to impact student learning.

Starting Salary: $150,000

NYS SDA/SAS/SBL Certification Required plus 2 yrs. of previous administrative leadership and 3 yrs. exp as a classroom teacher preferred.

Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE 1134561216569

Administrative Opening

Assistant Elementary Principal

The successful candidate should possess: Knowledge of research-based instructional programs & practices; exp. w/ teacher supervision & evaluation; a record of successfully improving learning experiences and enhancing school to home communication; and can provide a supportive environment with knowledge of social-emotional competencies, restorative practices, and promote a culturally responsive educational climate.

Salary Range: $95,000 to $105,000

NYS SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus 3 yrs. exp as a classroom teacher preferred.

Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE

Assistant Secondary Principal

The successful candidate should possess: Knowledge of research-based instructional programs & practices; exp. w/ teacher supervision & evaluation; a record of successfully improving learning experiences and enhancing school to home communication; and can provide a supportive environment with knowledge of social-emotional competencies, restorative practices, and promote a culturally responsive educational climate.

Salary Range: $95,000 to $105,000

SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus

yrs. exp. as a classroom teacher preferred.

choose

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Stunning One Of A Kind

Enjoy the summer breeze from your inviting porch, then step inside and be greeted by a stunning formal living room, spacious formal dining room, and eat-in kitchen which features an island and room for a full dining table with a convenient laundry room beyond. Continue on to the oversized den with a cathedral ceiling, skylights, and cozy woodburning stove you can enjoy on a chilly night. Swinging French doors open to an inviting paver patio overlooking the expansive, fully fenced-in yard, large enough for you to add an inground pool, sport court, and more. The second floor boasts a king-sized primary bedroom (once two separate bedrooms) with a jacuzzi-tub en suite plus two additional bedrooms. Hall stairs lead to the thirdfloor attic which is perfect for storage. With a detached 2-car garage, this property has it all. $1,149,000.

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Lisc. R. E. Salesperson

Cell: 516-835.8468

Office: 516.669.3700

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 304 Merrick Road Rockville Centre, NY 11571

The finer points of roofing

Q. We finally found a home and have fixing-up to do. The first thing is new roofing. We interviewed roofers. One told us he “cuts” in the valleys where the roof meets, and another said he would not recommend that. What do you recommend, and are there other things we should know? The gutters are old and sagging, and not really draining, either.

A. A roof is one of the first things any home buyer should look at before a purchase. The slope of the land and the roof condition are very important.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Roof shingles are chosen depending on the slope of the roof. For example, a steeper slope will get greater wear due to the velocity of the running water, so a heavier architectural shingle is my first choice. Thinner shingles can be used on less sloped roofs, although I recommend the longerlasting, more heavily constructed shingles for steep and low slopes anyway, because they tend to last longer.

If the slope of the roof is less than 3 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally, called a 3-in12 pitch, then you should pay more attention to the underlayment. You should pay more, and get the self-adhering, flexible membrane, often referred to as “ice and water shield,” although that is actually a trade name of W.R. Grace. The code refers to the membrane as “ice barrier underlayment.”

The current building code allows for roofing shingles on a 2-inch to 12-inch pitch, but be mindful that building codes establish the minimum requirement, and failure can easily occur on a lower sloping roof when ice forms and water pools and backs up under the shingles and through the hundreds of nail holes that were made when the shingles were nailed into place. Flexible membrane underneath has performed very well over the life of roofing, and grips the nails to limit leaking, but be safe and have the membrane installed across the entire roof. The code requires only that the membrane be installed around the perimeter edges of the roof and on either side of the roof ridge.

As for cutting the valleys — the troughs where the roofs join — I understand that many roofers like the look and believe that seeing the clean metal valley is better because the water runs faster, but the tradeoff is that any time you cut a material and create a joint, the possibility for water penetration is increased. Ice and snow buildup in the valley can cause water to dam and get into the roof.

I recommend weaving the valleys by alternating the shingles and not exposing the valley trough, which should still be installed underneath the woven shingles, over membrane, because, as I have often written, redundancy is the most important thing in construction to prevent leaks. Have the gutters installed so that the downspouts are attached at corners, on trim. It’s a cleaner look. Good luck in your new home!

© 2023 Monte Leeper

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

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Long Islanders have all kinds of non-romantic love affairs. They love their school boards, their teachers and their garbage collectors, and they even show some love for their utility companies. But when things go wrong, the love affair is over. That applies especially to the companies that provide electricity, gas or cable service. The shortest of the love affairs is when the lights go out for a long period of time.

The problems with lighting companies date back to the early 1960s, when the Long Island Lighting Company was Public Enemy No. 1. Those of you who were living on Long Island at the time should remember that just uttering the word LILCO would get somebody mad. It was a powerful organization that had many friends in high places, but it made mistake after mistake, and its ratepayers wanted heads to roll. The company’s biggest calamity was when power was knocked out for weeks while its chair-

OpINIONS

The PSEG love affair is over

man was in Italy. He didn’t come home until it was too late, and that was the moment of truth.

For the following 20 years, ratepayers demonstrated, howled, screamed and went to war against LILCO, demanding that the state take it over. In 1988, Gov. Mario Cuomo signed a bill establishing the Long Island Power Authority, whose sole purpose was to take over LILCO and keep the lights on forever. LIPA bought out LILCO, and took over its workforce and operations. LIPA did a decent job, but it was always understood that someday the Long Island operation would be contracted out to a larger utility company.

Around 2010, LIPA decided to publicly ask the utility industry to consider operating on the island. Two companies, Con Edison and Public Service Electric and Gas, offered to become the power provider. Con Ed was well known, but many new arrivals from New York City had a bad taste in their mouths from its service, and PSEG began to get serious consideration. It had a lot of friends in high places, and in a short time won the con-

tract to provide electrical power to Long Island’s 1.3 million residents. The utility got a bad break when, two days after its contract took effect, the Island was hit with a major snowstorm, but we Islanders can be very forgiving, and PSEG was spared any criticism.

The romance with PSEG continued for quite some time, until we had three 100year storms in one year. Thousands of ratepayers were without power for weeks, and the company’s response was slow and inefficient. Part of the reason it was unable to get its customers post-storm relief was the aged power system. Its communication operation, as well, was antiquated, and the grid had to be made stronger and more efficient. That took money, and that meant rate increases. PSEG began taking long-overdue steps such as massive tree trimming, but the bonds of love had already broken.

Over the past few years, there has been a new effort to get the state to consider letting the power system be managed locally again, but with a whole new approach: municipalization, which means that LIPA would be overseen by a

whole new bunch of local citizens who would be responsible for its operation. The state created a commission and gave it $2 million for hearings and consultants. To date, the process has fallen flat, and it will be some time before it gets moving ahead again.

There are two things wrong with the drive to let John Q. Citizen run the power system. First of all, why not sit down with other power companies and see if they are willing to be the operators? It’s possible that we can find a company with the credentials to keep the lights on without jumping into some untested, citizenrun operation.

Second, even if we can’t immediately find a suitor, giving a group of local neighbors the power to dictate to professionals is a very dangerous move. Long Islanders don’t ask for much in the course of the average day. They need their lights to stay on, and the best way to accomplish that is to have people running our system who know what they’re doing.

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.

Summer reading: To escape or go deep?

Of course, we must have a summer to take up the subject of summer reading. Which reminds me of a great book about Krakatoa, which was blown to oblivion in 1883 when a volcano erupted, creating what became known as the year without a summer. The book “Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded,” by Simon Winchester, explains that the massive volume of debris thrown into the atmosphere darkened the world for months, not just in Indonesia, but around the globe.

of those people who eventually combusts from the pressure of awful news in the world and starts screaming at the TV or running down the street with my hair on fire. When I was a kid, my escape from stress was reading, and it still is. Still, it’s so hard to concentrate when I see with my own eyes glaciers the size of Rhode Island breaking off the Antarctic continent.

Possibility of Life,” by Jaime Green, on the search for other life in the universe. Think of it as the ultimate escape: Who’s out there, and how can we make contact? Spoiler alert: They won’t come in human form.

nonfiction account of an American soldier who goes back to Afghanistan after the war. His mission is to find the man who worked with him in country and help him escape.

RANDI KREISS

Anyway, what I was saying is that we’ve had plenty of chill winds this spring, but the days ahead look promising. If you’re still in indoor mode, you might pick up Winchester’s book and commiserate with the millions of people in the 19th century who lived in the shade of Krakatoa. I would put that book in the category of “escape,” and I would add a few to the list for those reading to run away. Heaven knows, many of us have our traveling pants on. I feel as if I could become one

But we must persist. Add to the escape literature a blockbuster by a prince of a guy, Harry, the Duke of Sussex. He narrates “Spare,” the audible version of his memoir, in a warm and ironic voice. His tone is intimate and his affect is humble. The royals are an endless source of skullduggery and palace intrigue. This book is infused with tasty morsels of delicious gossip.

Also, pick up “Priestdaddy,” by Patricia Lockwood, the comic memoir of her childhood in a rectory as the daughter of a priest. She uses her own life as copy, and she gets why it would be an entertaining subject even for those of us whose fathers aren’t priests but just fathers.

One more on that list would be “The

If distraction and escape aren’t possible, if you’re too consumed by the political and cultural moment, then just give in and read deeply and widely so you can broaden your base of information and at least understand why the world is going to hell.

I’m leaning toward nonfiction and short stories these days. Try “The Great Leveler,” by Walter Scheidel. In this wellreviewed nonfiction book, he argues that only catastrophes like pandemics and great, violent upheavals like world wars can ever address economic inequality. Hey, you’re depressed anyway — might as well be educated as to why.

“The Soul of America,” by the great Jon Meacham, is a glorious history that basically asks, over many illuminating pages: How do we save our democracy?

“The Naked Don’t Fear the Water,” by Matthieu Aikins, is a timely and telling

“Tenth of December,” on the other hand, is both escapist and deep. The short stories by George Saunders — author of the popular and weird “Lincoln in the Bardo” — are challenging, but you can do it. They require concentration and focus, and that’s a good thing, because it means you may be able to tune out the news. I can’t begin to explain the stories; they defy summarizing. But I urge you to read them and absorb what Saunders has to say about our American culture.

Finally, you can read any number of books about the rise of Donald Trump, the end of civility in America, the undermining of our democracy and the threat of totalitarianism. But if you truly want to examine the real possibilities of the past serving as prologue to the present, try a nonfiction masterpiece, “Hitler,” by Ian Kershaw. One critic called it “mesmerizing,” and said that what was most amazing was the number of opportunities when Hitler might have been stopped in his mad rise to power. Nuf said.

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

Broaden your base of info, and understand why the world is going to hell.

B ut giving neighbors the power to dictate to professionals is dangerous.

JERRY KREMER

Nassau

Established 1924

jeffrey bessen

Deputy

Learn about dementia, for your sake and others’

Memory loss is common as we get older. Going to the grocery store and forgetting what you went there for. Trying to remember the name of an actor from your favorite movie. Even panicking because you have no idea where you left your keys.

HERALD

These are experiences many people can relate to, especially once you reach your 50s.

But memory loss may be more than just a sign of aging. It can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. More than 55 million people worldwide live with the disease or another type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Now is a great time to get checked, because early detection could make a major difference in how the disease progresses.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but doctors recommend medications like galantamine, rivastigmine and donepezil. They’re helpful, according to the National Institute on Aging, because they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning.

Put simply, the drugs help nerve cells communicate.

There are opportunities for everyone to observe Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Spreading the word about the

letters

D’Esposito punted on Santos

To the Editor:

importance of being tested for the disease as well as learning about the different types of dementia is something everyone should do.

And knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s can help you help others. The most obvious, of course, is memory loss — specifically about recent events. Difficulty completing tasks that were once part of your routine is another. And sometimes people’s personalities change, and they may become more aggressive, angry or hopeless.

Not being able to find the right word to express oneself is often another sign, as is an inability to do tasks that were once routine.

And while it might not seem related, it really is important to prevent and address hearing loss, even if it involves buying hearing aids. According to Johns Hopkins, hearing loss is estimated to account for 8 percent of dementia cases. Scientists believe hearing loss may actually be a cause of dementia. When you can’t hear, your brain works overtime as it strains to hear and fill in the gaps, which comes at the expense of other thinking and memory systems.

Researchers are also finding that hearing loss causes people to be less engaged. We can all think of a relative who sits in a corner and doesn’t participate at family functions, complaining they can’t hear

The Herald seemed intent on misleading its readers as to the actions of U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in last week’s story “D’Esposito wants George Santos out of Congress.”

The article stated that D’Esposito “spoke out in support of a resolution to expel his fellow Long Island Republican representative,” leaving the impression that he did all he could to remove Santos from Congress.

What the article left out, however, is that D’Esposito did not vote to expel Santos. Instead, he introduced the resolution that resulted in the matter of expulsion being referred to the House Ethics Committee, which has been investigating Santos since March.

D’Esposito disingenuously defended this vote by claiming that it would be the “quickest way” to rid Congress of Santos. Of course, that is false. The quickest way would have been for the majority of House Republicans — including all those who have called for Santos’ removal — to vote for his expulsion.

Instead, a direct vote on expulsion was blocked by the D’Esposito resolution. While D’Esposito’s rhetoric on Santos is welcome, actions speak louder than words. The people of Long Island and the nation deserved better.

JAy K. GOLDBERG Woodmere

This Floridian agrees with Kremer about DeSantis

To the Editor: Re Jerry Kremer’s column “Something’s going wrong in Florida” (May 18-24): I totally agree with his observations. Back in the 1970s, I was a Nassau County

what’s being said.

Don’t ignore them. It’s important for them to be socially engaged, because they need to remain intellectually stimulated in order to avoid dementia. A little patience and encouragement from those around them can go a long way.

If you do find out you have early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, don’t give up. Find ways to train your brain to fight the disease. Do crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku. Play chess, or even video games. Challenge yourself to learn new information or skills, like how to knit. Enroll in a class.

And for those who can still find their keys, reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia by getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing your blood sugar.

Looking for a way to make a difference? Help people with Alzheimer’s by volunteering. The Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center, in Westbury, often has volunteers helping at its day program. They act as companions, and help people with memory loss be creative in arts and crafts. It can be a very rewarding experience.

Until there is a cure for Alzheimer’s, it’s important to take care of yourself by being tested and helping those around you who may need that little push. And it’s important to take care of yourself, too.

Democrat. I spent many days at headquarters in Mineola. Today I’m living in St. Augustine, Florida. When we moved to this area, Ron DeSantis was our congressman. Then, amazingly, Trump propelled him to the governor’s mansion.

I agree totally with Kremer’s assessment of the person I call “DeMentis” because he’s so crazy. With a compliant and willing legis-

Why Nassau needs a strong inspector general’s office

as a legislator who served during the height of corruption in Nassau County and witnessed the indictment of former County Executive Ed Mangano, I know firsthand how important it is to have mechanisms in place to protect taxpayer money from the pitfalls of waste and fraud.

Over the past few years, I have worked closely with my colleagues in the County Legislature’s Democratic minority caucus to strengthen the integrity of Nassau’s procurement system and make the process of awarding contracts as fair and secure as possible. We did so by increasing the rigor of our contract reviews; requiring vendors to submit the names of all principals and any political contributions they have made; and mandating the disclosure of any violations an applicant may have been issued.

Soon afterward, we created the Office of the Inspector General and appointed the county’s first inspector general, Jodi Franzese, with unanimous bipartisan

support following an extensive search. After the fights and scandals of the previous years, this was a truly proud moment in my legislative career, and represented real progress in our ongoing efforts to root out corruption in the county.

Operating as an independent official, the inspector general and their team promote transparency and increase the accountability of county operations by reviewing each contract to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and the abuse of taxpayer money in county procurement. Continued support for the office is critical to ensure the integrity of our procurement system — one that encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

At a time when the county has received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and tens of millions more in settlements from the opioid manufacturers and distributors who flooded our communities with dangerous, addictive prescription drugs, I believe this function is especially vital. And with the Legislature’s vote on May 22, the county is also likely to face an array of substantial contracts in the not-too-distant future relat-

Letters

lature, he is turning Florida into our country’s leading autocracy. This state is a stark contrast to what it was when we first moved here in 1992. At that time it was affordable, safe and sane. Today it is expensive, dangerous and crazy.

Kremer is correct in his commentary on the sad social and political conditions in Florida in 2023 under the misguidance of Ron DeMentis. I do not believe he can or will win the 2024 Republican nomination, but I am fearful that he can persuade the state legislature to change the twoterm governorship limit. That would be devastating to a state his policies have already crippled.

RICHARD CORTELL St. Augustine, Florida

Post-pandemic, we need a new way forward

To the Editor:

During the coronavirus pandemic, New York froze. In particular, health care services froze in their tracks under the strain and demand, and shifted to responding to the new threat to the population’s health.

Unfortunately, health care services and interventions not related to Covid-19 were put on the back burner. As a result, nonCovid health issues were not prioritized, resulting in people getting sicker for a variety of reasons.

Although the pandemic was a prioritizing focus for health departments and the government, other issues did not need to be pushed to the side.

One issue that was left behind was the focus on reducing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, with an increase in infections reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020. Due to the pandemic restrictions imposed to make people safer, many sexual health clinics and health care providers reduced service or close entirely.

Additionally, government resources previously dedicated to reducing STD rates were redirected to address the pandemic.

This allowed rates of STDs such as syphilis and gonorrhea to increase. This scenario is most harmful to adolescents and young adults, who are at disproportionately greater risk of testing positive for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as the CDC recommends routine testing for this age group. But the pandemic disrupted this routine for many.

In addition, disparities for marginalized communities, such as people of color and men who have sex with men, were exacerbated, with men of color who had sex with men disproportionately testing positive for STDs during the pandemic.

Although the government was required to redirect national health initiatives to address the crisis, a new way forward is needed, because these disparities persist, and there are proven methods of

ed to the redevelopment of the Nassau Hub in Uniondale, the outcome of which will profoundly shape our county for a generation.

However, it appears that there are efforts being made to weaken this crucial government watchdog at a time when I believe it is needed the most.

After her four-year term expired at the end of 2022, Franzese worked for months without being reappointed by the Legislature, putting herself and the entire office in an uncertain position. Without the protection of being formally appointed by a bipartisan, 13-vote supermajority, her ability to accomplish her mission of serving as an independent watchdog was inherently weakened. Our minority caucus introduced legislation in April to extend her contract through 2026. Unfortunately, the majority rejected our proposal.

I can’t help but wonder whether political considerations were a factor in the decision to stall Franzese’s reappointment. Consider this fact: If Republicans capture just one more seat in November, they will establish a 13-vote supermajority in the Legislature. With that, they

would have full control of every arm of county government, and could feasibly install an inspector general who would rubber-stamp whatever contracts come before the Legislature, undermining its ability to provide checks and balances as a truly coequal branch of government.

Such an atmosphere would be a tremendous disservice to county taxpayers.

I fear it would also create a fertile breeding ground for a return to the troubles of our recent past at a time when those taxpayers simply can’t afford to go backward.

For all these reasons, I am passionate about preserving and enhancing ethics safeguards like the inspector general’s office. Not only do such entities protect taxpayer money from waste, fraud and abuse, but they also deter future bad actors and help to ensure that elected officials have all the information they need to reach informed decisions. The minority caucus will continue to fight tirelessly to improve the procurement process to make it more open, inclusive and cost-effective, because it is essential for Nassau County to continue down the path of good government and transparency.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

Framework by Tim Baker

addressing them. Targeted interventions are required to eliminate these disparities, making better use of our local communities to keeping us healthier going forward.

Redirecting funding back to local organizations and health care providers that are addressing these issues is an impor-

tant start. Go get tested, and stay safe!

DANIEL MORALES

The author is studying for his master’s degree in public health and management at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.

Illuminated art, projected onto a wall of the high school — Baldwin

It appears there are efforts to weaken this crucial government watchdog.

DeLIa

DerIGGI-wHItton