HERALD Nassau
Melissa Berman/Herald Children and staff of the Five Towns Community Center Head Start child care program with board Vice President Byron Alvarado and County Legislator Carrie Solages, left and right center, advocating for the facility to be kept open.
Five Towns Community Center left in limbo as county takes over
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Five Towns Community Center is no longer an entity, as of a meeting of its board of directors on July 3.
The center’s lease with Nassau County expired that day, and the county has assumed control of the property, as stated in a June 17 letter to the center’s board.
Community members never received any official notification of the decision, nor did the staff, the volunteers or the participants in the center’s Head Start child care program.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman granted permission for the building to stay open until July 8, but on Tuesday, as the Herald went to press, the Head Start program had ended and the summer camp
needed a new home.
“Since we don’t have a home, we have to think about how we are going to maintain,”
Gwynn Campbell, the center’s board president, said. “We definitely want to maintain.”
The board, Campbell added, was considering the scope of the center’s activities, and the programs that could still function.
“It seems like it’s going away,” she said of the center, which has existed in one form or another for over 100 years, “because anyone else who goes into the building hasn’t discussed if the name will stay. There was nothing said to us.”
Last year, the county requested proposals from organizations to operate the 5.7acre site on Lawrence Avenue in Lawrence, and two were submitted: one from the Marion & Aaron Gural Jewish Community Cen-
Town tables zoning decision
Ttransit-oriented development plan open to public comment until Aug. 1
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
After listening to 40 people over the course of a nearly three-hour-long public hearing on July 2, the Hempstead Town Board voted to approve a 30-day comment period on whether a transitoriented development plan for Inwood and North Lawrence should be rescinded.
The motion came from Councilwoman Melissa Miller, whose district includes Inwood and Lawrence. Supervisor Donald Clavin seconded it.
Wban was in place until June 18 of this year. And at last week’s hearing, residents voiced their support for, or opposition to, higher-density housing adjacent to mass transit, with a threeminute time limit so everyone would have a chance to speak.
Clavin said he was “delighted” to see the large turnout.
The town approved zoning changes five years ago, persuaded by then Councilman Bruce Blakeman’s advocacy for a transit-oriented development district, with apartment buildings to be constructed near the Lawrence Long Island Rail Road Station.
PARIS PoPAck
Former Lawrence deputy mayor
The town instituted a moratorium on the plan in 2022. The
Paris Popack, a leading member of the Lawrence Civic Association and a former deputy mayor of Lawrence, spoke first. She had also created a change.org petition for those who, like her, opposed the rezoning plan but were unable to attend the hearing, and it had garnered over 500 signatures.
“I am not against development,” Popack said. “I am for development done in the right areas, with appropriate studies, and studies that are sensitive to
ConTinued on PAge 5
Woodmere native sells sweets in Israel
By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com
From Le Chocolat on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst to Cacao Hagalil in Northern Israel, Chanie Koenig has shared sweets and positivity globally.
“I really enjoy what I do,” Koenig said. “I love working with chocolate and I enjoy the people that I encounter. People who come into a candy store, generally, are happy people, unless you’re coming in because you need chocolate because you’re in a bad mood, but I’m happy to make people smile.”
Koenig grew up in Woodmere and lived there for 26 years. She worked at Le Chocolat and later Jacques Torres Chocolates in New York City. Koenig attended culinary school then made the move to Israel at 29, following a dream of hers, “to return to her roots,” she said.
“I decided that it was the right time for me to move and I thought if I didn’t do it then I was never going to,” Koenig said. She grew up religious, her grandfather was from Israel and she had always hoped to find a home there.
Despite her culinary background, Koenig had no intention of starting a business. However, she took the initiative to start her chocolate company, so her nephew with lactose intolerance could eat sweets.
The solution was goat’s milk.
“He and a lot of people who are sensitive to lactose can tolerate goat milk,” Koenig said. “It’s easier to digest. It’s got smaller lactose molecules.”
Cacao Hagalil started out of Koenig’s home in 2021. She had worked at another chocolate company in Israel for a year, and then Covid sent her home, so she took to trying her own recipes and distributing chocolates on her own.
“I wanted to make sure that it was really a business that would grow and something that was worthwhile to pursue, I really wanted to see that there was a market for it,” Koenig said.
She then moved into a storefront in 2023. Some of her greatest challenges were understanding legal regulations in Hebrew, Koenig said. Since Oct. 7, Koenig’s business has seen fewer customers she said, due to Northern Israelis being evacuated, but her location on a kubutz and partnership with the local country club has maintained some consistent visitors.
“There’s no tourism, for obvious reasons,” Koenig said referring to the Hamas-Israel war. “People who live in the center of the country are nervous to travel to the north. I have no tourism, and I have people who would usually be traveling, doing less of that.”
But she has maintained a positive attitude and with that, a positive impact on Israelis with baking workshops and wel-
coming people in, she said.
“I had a family of grandparents that came in with their grandkids and they were looking for something for them to do, because now a lot of people are nervous about traveling and they can’t travel to certain areas,” Koenig said. “We simply just can’t travel to areas and I was happy to give them an escape.”
Nefesh B’Nefesh, which supports Aliyah (immigration to Israel), and Jerusalem Municipality, hosted a two-day Shuk Olim showcase, for Olim-owned businesses — business owners who moved to Israel from other countries.
“It is remarkable to witness Olim transform their passions into unique businesses that are now part of the Israeli market,” Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh said.
of Chanie Koenig Chanie Koenig owner of Cacao Hagalil, a goat milk based chocolate shop in Northern Israel, moved from North Woodmere, garnering inspiration from her time in the Five Towns to start her business.
Koenig appreciates the views them as a way to share her products, but also help other business owners.
“Every workshop I do, and every pur-
chase that’s made, I think I get a lot learned from it,” Koenig said.
Pete Porcelli serves pizza and does civic service
By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com
Pete Porcelli, owner of The Pizza Place in Hewlett, has spent 25 years serving the community with Italian cuisine and kind acts from the 1344 Broadway location.
“I believe in helping people if you can, you can’t make everybody happy all the time, one day they hate you the next day they love you, it’s only food,” Porcelli said about how he approaches the business.
This business was not Porcelli’s first go at the food industry. He got his start in Astoria, Queens and owned another spot in East Meadow.
Porcelli moved from Naples, Italy to the United States in 1966. He worked in meat packing in New York City, growing up around high quality products.
“I learned the business, little, by little, by little, by little,” Porcelli said.
Over the years, the business has faced challenges that any business faces, Porcelli said. But, he and his employees always prioritized putting the Five Towns first.
“Good times, hard times, pandemic, Sandy storm,” Porcelli said. “Sandy storm I was the only one here that had power. That morning when I opened up the door, people saw me and followed me in. There was a line from nine in the morning to 10 o’clock at night. A friend of mine came to say hello with sandals
on. I kept him all day to work. I was making pizza for 12 hours.”
He’s also partnered with Five Towns fire departments to help out in whatever ways he could following the 2012 hurricane.
At The Pizza Place, Porcelli uses top quality cheese, chopped meat, veil and other products, he said.
“If something is not good I dump it,” Porcelli said. “People see it, quality. People are not stupid.”
Many of The Pizza Place’s employees have worked with Porcelli since the beginning.
“I don’t have like a specific job, you don’t have to do one job all the time, I’m a waiter, I make pizza,” Alex Soza, a
20-year employee said. “Do you know why they like the food here? Because it’s fresh.”
Porcelli has customers that come in every day of the week and customers who come back from New York City, to have his pizza, he said.
“When my kids were in college, I used to bring food to the college,” Porcelli said, bringing his three daughters and their friends food from the space. “I would take orders.”
The Pizza Place offers appetizers from clams oreganate, to garlic bread, to zuppa di cozze and soups like ditalini soup, lentil and shrimp, house salads, avocado salads, parmigiana platters, pastas and several entrees like chicken verde, marsalas, piccatas and franceses along with sides.
Porcelli and Soza said their favorite menu item is a classic slice, but customers can get Sicilian slices, marinara, buffalo chicken, barbecue chicken and specialty slices.
The Pizza Place also introduces new menu items, Porcelli said, as he likes to be creative.
“I’m an inventor, I like to make different things,” Porcelli said.
On July 13, the business celebrates 25 years, and they plan to decorate for the special Saturday.
“I still enjoy coming to work because of the people, we’ve got some really nice customers,” Porcelli said.
To learn more visit PizzaPlaceHewlett.com.
Parker Schug/Herald
Pete Porcelli, owner of The Pizza Place in Hewlett celebrates 25 years of business on July 13.
Courtesy
County remains mum on RFP submissions
ter, in Cedarhurst, and another from the Lawrence school district. The county has yet to make a decision on the future of the facility.
In a rally at the center on July 2, parents and community center teachers
voiced their outrage that the building was shutting down. Last week, deposits for the center’s summer camp and fall enrollment in the Head Start program were still being taken. The program, which accommodates children ages 3 to 5, is fully booked for the fall.
“The summer camp will continue,”
New York’s New Transfer on Death Deed (TOD)
Effective July 19, 2024, New York will permit the use of a transfer on death deed (TOD). The main benefit of the new law will be that property deeds with heirs named on them will not have to pass through the probate process. The heirs do not have to sign and the designations may be revoked by filing a new deed.
While avoiding probate was formerly the holy grail of estate planning, today it is more of a holy trinity (1) avoiding probate, (2) keeping assets in the bloodline, and (3) protecting assets from long-term care costs. The TOD deed only accomplishes the first of those. In addition, while the TOD works legally, it does not always work socially.
The main drawback to the TOD deed is that there is no one in charge. The heirs may not get along with each other. One may want to sell the property, another may want to keep it. They may disagree as to who to list it for sale with, how much to ask for the property or which offers to accept or reject. It’s often a case of too many cooks. With a trust, one or two persons who you believe
to be most capable are in charge and, while they must keep other heirs informed, they do not need their permission to make these decisions.
If any child predeceases, and their share is left to minor children, then a courtappointed legal guardian will be required to protect the minor’s interests, which may delay a sale of the property by many months. Since the age of majority is eighteen years, the legal guardian is required to turn the money over to them at that young age. A trust avoids guardianship proceedings for minor heirs, puts the person you choose in charge of the funds and states the age at which you want them to receive the money.
Finally, trusts can provide for the trustee to hold back and manage funds for a beneficiary (1) going through a divorce, (2) facing financial difficulties, or (3) unable to own property due to disability.
While the new TOD deed will have its place in the lawyer’s toolkit, it is a blunt instrument which may, absent wise counsel, do more harm than good.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Campbell said. “The administration at Nassau County Executive Blakeman’s office allowed the camp to continue.”
As of press time, it had not been decided whether the camp would take place at the center, or at a Town of Hempstead park.
“It happened too quickly, and no one sat down to iron it out,” Campbell said. “It’s too soon to tell.”
The children and staff who gathered at the rally chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, closing this is no, no!”
what’s here. As a community, we should come out and show support to the people who dedicated their lives for us.”
W e really need this community center, and cannot do without it.
Mallory Montalban, a former student who was active at the center, now a parent and a teacher in the Head Start program, criticized the closure. She said she has relied on the center throughout her life.
Carrie SolageS County legislator
“There’s nowhere for us to go anymore,” Montalban said. “We have absolutely no place left to call home — this is home for us. There’s nothing available inside our community. I’m hoping they change their mind and keep
County Legislator Carrié Solages was on hand at the rally to show his support. As a board member of the county Economic Opportunity Commission, he helps oversee the Head Start program. Solages had been told about the situation at the center only two weeks earlier.
“My solution is to keep the doors open, continue services for these programs, he said. “There are drug programs here where people come for services, and now there’s a discontinuation of these services, and they might lose hope. We really need this community center, and cannot do without it.”
Have an opinion on the situation at the Five Towns Community Center? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.
Melissa Berman/Herald
Member of the staff of the Five Towns Community Center rallying to keep their jobs on July 2. They said they were outraged at how the situation was being handled.
ConTinued
Most 5 Towns residents want plan to be rescinded
Jewish and secular holidays that properly reflect the flow of traffic.”
“We cannot allow developers to harm our community,” she added. “Inwood, North Lawrence and Rockaway Turnpike are not the right areas for multiplefamily developments. We are being crushed by surrounding developments and proposed developments.”
Inwood resident Dr. David Pintar stressed the heavy traffic on State Route 878, a.k.a. the Nassau Expressway, and Rockaway Turnpike. “You’re looking to add hundreds and hundreds of more cars and people over there,” Pintar said. “The traffic is already disastrous.”
Several developers who attended expressed their support for the zoning changes, as did representatives of local chapters of construction unions.
Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute, and Eric Alexander, director of Vision Long Island, took to the podium as well. They were among the few who were in favor of transit-oriented development.
“Single-family homes are not the only way,” Alexander said. “People need other housing options, because they might not be able to afford a single-family home, at $700,000 on average, or higher in Nassau. We do need opportunities to change and be flexible. We hope when it does sell, people can come together and see beautiful forms of compromise.”
“It’s important to understand we have a housing crisis here on Long Island,” Florio said. “We have a supplyand-demand problem, and it’s not being addressed enough. If there’s a way to
move forward and find balance, I will support that.”
Steven Losquadro, special counsel to the town on land use, offered information on how development in the area would impact the environment. The board recognized that special care had to be taken, under the state Environmental Quality Review Act, to make sure that a hard look was being taken at potential impacts of the rezoning, Losquadro said.
The town hired an environmental consultant to do just that, but over the past five years, since the rezoning was approved, he said, “Circumstances have changed — more congestion, traffic, other environmental concerns that could come up over a period of time.”
The newly elected mayor of Lawrence, Samuel Nahmias, who said he was representing not only his village, but his own family and the Five Towns, added that his constituents were united in opposition to the rezoning.
“People from Lawrence love Lawrence and want it to remain Lawrence,” Nahmias told the board. “I ask you elected officials to remember that my constituents are your constituents, and they don’t want this. Please take it under consideration.”
Comments on the rezoning plan for transit-oriented development can be sent to DonClavin@hempsteadny.gov, or to Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead, NY 11550.
Have an opinion on transit-oriented development? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.
Melissa Berman/Herald
Newly elected Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias asked the Hempstead Town Board to rescind a rezoning plan for transit-oriented development.
CoNTiNued
Towns threaten FAA with lawsuit over noise
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Standing in front of a Floral Park home and alongside Nassau County officials on July 3, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin announced a joint petition against the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of residents living near airports who constantly contend with the noise of low-flying planes and air pollution.
With both Kennedy and LaGuardia airports abutting residential neighborhoods, the air traffic has been a longstanding headache for homeowners.
The Towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead and county officials have filed a petition urging the FAA to study and explore alternative air routes. If the agency doesn’t respond to the petition within 90 days, the group, led by Clavin and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, plans to file suit against it.
“Every 90 seconds, we get the pleasure of having planes flying anywhere from 3,000 to 2,000 feet over our heads,” Clavin said. “The FAA has taken the towns of North Hempstead and Hempstead for granted. Over a million residents are suffering the burden of constant flights coming over the area.”
The problem, according to Clavin and DeSena, is not just noise, but also the significant health risks posed by constant air traffic. Clavin detailed how
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined county officials to announce a petition and potential lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration for excessive noise pollution at nearby airports.
low-flying planes contribute to increased levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide in the air in communities near the airports.
He also cited studies showing a 50 percent increase in flights since 2017, and pointed out that the FAA has not conducted the necessary environmental reviews mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act.
County officials retained legal counsel to draft a petition to the FAA, demanding compliance with existing regulations and a thorough environ -
mental review. Melville attorney Nick Rigano is spearheading the legal effort. In a statement in response to the news conference, the FAA said, “Addressing this concern requires collaboration among the FAA, air carriers, airports, aircraft manufacturers, research universities, local communities and elected officials. If a community is concerned about aircraft noise, the best course of action is to contact their local aviation community roundtable or airport operator. The FAA can then work with airport operators to deter-
mine if the aircraft noise can be mitigated through changes in air traffic procedures.”
At the gathering, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito highlighted his legislative efforts to address the issue, including co-sponsoring bills aimed at mitigating air traffic noise and pollution.
“The FAA has been ignoring community concerns for far too long,” D’Esposito said. “We are working on legislative solutions, but the FAA has been non-responsive on the federal level as well. We need change, and we need it now.”
Floral Park resident Don Monroe, whose home was the site of the news conference, noted one way in which the noise of air traffic regularly impacts his life. “Sometimes I have to stop mid-conversation because the planes are so loud,” Monroe said.
While the issue is far from a new one, the officials’ message is clear: The time for patience has passed. With the TSA estimating over 315,000 noise complaints from residents of Hempstead and North Hempstead who live beneath JFK’s Flight Path 22 this year alone, those residents and officials are more than ready to demand immediate action.
“People expect this when they live in an area where they are near an airport, but not to this extent,” Clavin said. “The FAA must follow the rules and regulations. Enough is enough.”
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Is AI on its way to taking over education?
School districts explore methods of preventing artificial intelligence from compromising learning
By Charles Shaw, Parker Schug & Brendan Carpenter
Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.
Artificial intelligence is changing the education system in almost every way, but what about students who are trying to use it to get an unfair advantage, or to skip work that would otherwise help them learn?
In these uncertain times, school districts throughout Nassau County are looking for answers to prevent AI’s overreach in the classroom. In the Wantagh School District, an Artificial Intelligence Committee, composed of administrators, principals, directors and teachers, was formed last year to initially focus on understanding AI, but developed into discussing how it can be used responsibly.
Carol-Ann Winans, a committee member and the district’s executive director of curriculum and instruction, said that it is focused on making sure students aren’t relying on AI technology to think for them, while at the same time using it as a tool to enhance the way they learn.
knowledge is key in preventing overreach. James Widmer, the school’s deputy superintendent and chief operating officer, said that several staff groups have been given training on how AI operates and the range of tools that are available.
“Generative AI has the potential to enhance teaching, learning and operations greatly,” Widmer wrote in a statement. “At Nassau BOCES, we have been closely monitoring its evolution and adding uses as it makes sense.”
“Our goal,” he added, “is to implement generative AI solutions that enhance our ability to support our component school districts, fostering environments where every student can maximize their potential.”
“I would want to help the students use this tool to further their learning,” Winans said, “and not turn it into something that becomes a shortcut.”
When AI tools such as ChatGPT, began making headlines, Winans saw it as a way to help organize data and find original sources of information, but discussions in the committee opened her eyes to the challenges it could pose in the area of writing. Concerns that students might no longer value the understanding of writing structure, vocabulary and thought because of AI prompted the committee to craft instructions for the students.
At first, some teachers were hesitant to discuss AI, according to Winans, but the committee realized that it was unavoidable, because colleges, such as Stony Brook University, are creating policies on how students can use it appropriately in classrooms.
“If I’m preparing my child for an essay, if they’re going to be able to use AI tools in college and I’m not allowing them to use it in high school, am I truly preparing them for the world that they’re going in?” she said.
According to Winans, educators must have clear instructions on when AI can be used in completing assignments. “We do need to provide explicit instructions to the students,” she said, “so that they know their expectations.”
At Nassau BOCES, in Garden City,
Kenneth Kroog, assistant director for special education at Nassau BOCES, said in a statement that AI’s purpose there is still evolving. “We are exploring the possibility of acquiring an AI tool to assist teachers with lesson planning, differentiating instruction, and personalizing learning content and goals,” Kroog said.
The Wantagh committee, Winans said, is now in the process of crafting a policy for students next year, which will address the appropriate use of AI tools.
Dependence on technology, instead of a student’s thinking, and protection of intellectual property are two of the committee’s biggest concerns, she said, adding that most AI generators, such as ChatGPT, are not compliant with state education law, and therefore are not allowed in classrooms. But there is little to stop students from accessing AI tools elsewhere.
“We just can’t ignore that the students may or may not be using these tools at home,” Winans said.
Why ChatGPT is not compliant with state education law
According to the State Education Department, ChatGPT does not comply with Education Law 2-D, which requires schools that use technology tools that will have access to students’ personal information, such as their names, they must have a data-protection agreement, which ChatGPT is unwilling to do with any school, according to the department. So the department does not recommend students’ use of it in schools.
Compliance also requires that information such as the names of students’ parents or other family members, home addresses, Social Security numbers, student numbers and biometric records be kept private.
“There are a host of issues in ChatGPT’s terms of service that would not allow New York students to use the
product, including the ability to use student data for advertising purposes,” the education department said in a statement.
Additionally, ChatGPT’s terms of service state that users must be at least 13, and have parental consent if they are under 18. Thus, at minimum, the state department says that schools cannot use the product without written parental consent and knowledge.
“Generative AI products have been created with schools, and privacy, in mind,” the department statement added. “Schools should only use those products — and only after entering into a data protection agreement with the vendor.”
At BOCES, privacy is monitored, Widmer said. “We are also keenly aware of data privacy, and are ensuring that any tools we use are in compliance with state and federal laws,” he said.
Jennifer Gallagher, superintendent of Long Beach Public Schools, said ChatGPT is blocked in the schools.
“There are some legal privacy issues with the platform that make it difficult for schools to allow students to access it,” Gallagher said.
Newer software, called Magic School AI, was made specifically for educators to use, and is utilized by over 3,000 districts and schools worldwide. Another recent launched is MagicStudent, in the hope of building students’ AI literacy
and bringing responsible AI use to schools. Canva also has compliant AI software.
“Because ChatGPT is not (education law) compliant, many districts do not have access to (it) during the school day,” Long Beach’s director of literacy, Dr. Lorraine Radice, said. “There are other platforms like Magic School, and Canva has an artificial intelligence component that I introduced to teachers this year in the fall, that is compliant. So one of the hurdles that educators, and especially those folks in the technology department, (have) is to make sure that we can use some of these tools in our schools, and to protect the privacy of students and adults that work in the district.”
Using AI as a tool, and not as a shortcut Winans said that ideas have been bounced around the Wantagh committee to assess how students can approach AI, which value original thought, protection of students’ intellectual property, and the need to maximize opportunities and improve learning in an ever-changing technological world. She added that the district acknowledges that AI presents both challenges and opportunities.
“If you tell a child not to do something, they’re probably going to do it anyway,” Winans said, “so how can we
Parker Schug/Herald Declan Schug, a Bayport-Blue Point High School sophomore, uses artificial intelligence and other tools, such as an Apple Watch, a calculator and a laptop, while working on a homework assignment.
State education law will affect use of AI
maximize the opportunity to use this new technology to improve the learning process?”
At an East Meadow School District meeting last November, Jim Mendonis, the district’s director of social studies and 21st century learning, gave a presentation on AI in Education, which discussed how it works and how its misuse can be prevented in classrooms.
Mendonis spoke of activities in the class that help teachers see their students’ thinking process, such as discussions, debates, collaborative work and other activities that do not require plugging into a device or writing a paper.
He added that writing is still critical for education, but students need to know how to write responsibly, without relying on AI in the wrong way. AI, according to Mendonis, is changing day to day, and we don’t know what jobs will exist in the future, when students graduate, making it essential to inform students and teachers about responsible AI use.
“Progress has become so quick that we would be doing our students a disservice if we didn’t include this somehow,” Mendonis said.
For appropriate use, Winans suggested using generative AI as a tool for research, such as finding articles to cite or suggestions on how to write effectively.
When it comes to identifying whether a paper was written by AI or a human, Winans said that it’s diffi-
cult, but there are ways to tell.
“Teachers know their students,” she said. “Teachers know their writing styles. Teachers know how they speak in class. It’s amazing how well teachers get to know their children.”
At Lawrence High School, in Cedarhurst, both ChatGPT and MagicSchool are used by students and teachers, Principal Jennifer Lagnado-Papp wrote in an email.
Teachers at LHS look for specific words and consistency in writing style, to prevent overreach of AI in students’ work and to promote integrity.
“It is obvious when something was written by ChatGPT without further editing,” Lagnado-Papp wrote. “There are certain words that ChatGPT uses regularly, such as ‘underscores,’ ‘firstly,’ ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly.’ These formulaic constructions are not typically used by high school students.”
Lagnado-Papp acknowledged that at times it is hard to detect AI, but Lawrence High teachers try to push students to produce unique, personal work.
“We want our students to recognize that AI is not a panacea, and they will need to think for themselves in their future endeavors,” she wrote.
As for the future of AI, Winans said she didn’t know where it was going, but added that students will ultimately dictate how the tool will be used. The situation is similar to when Wikipedia became popular, she said,
ai’s impact in the classroom
■ In public K-12 classrooms, 25 percent of teachers believe AI is doing more harm than good.
■ High school teachers view AI most negatively — unlike many middle school and elementary teachers.
■ Over 66 percent of American teens know of ChatGPT.
■ Nineteen percent of U.S. teens use ChatGPT for school work.
Pew Research Center, 2023 survey of the American Teacher Panel and KnowledgePanel teens
and everyone was nervous about where information was coming from. While Wikipedia presents a quick resource for information, Winans said, students still have to be able to seek out original sources.
“I think that there’s always a hesitation when a new technology moves forward,” she said. “And I think that there’s always a balance.”
The balancing factor, Winans said, is the importance of original thought, and students’ ability to produce something on their own.
“There’s also something exciting,” she said, “about having a tool that might further a student’s ability to explore something and get new ideas.”
Carol- ann Winans
Jim mendonis
Music, fireworks and family fun at ‘Celebrate America’
In honor of the Fourth of July, Nassau County once again illuminated the sky with bursts of color over the lake behind the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre for its annual “Celebrate America” firework display on July 3, hosted by TD Bank and Fireworks By Grucci.
The event kicked off with performances by The Allmost Brothers Band, an Allman Brothers tribute band, and Chicken Head Rocks, a cover band that plays a wide range of songs from rock, blues, and soul.
Following the performance, the fireworks commenced.
Fireworks got their start in America, after President John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, First Lady Abagail Adams, that America’s independence should be celebrated with fireworks. To this day, we continue to honor
our founding fathers the same way we did centuries ago, carrying on a tradition that always makes for a fun and exciting day.
This year’s “Celebrate America” display was made possible by Fireworks by Grucci. This company, known as “America’s First Family of Fireworks,” got its start in Southern Italy in 1850. The family immigrated to Elmont, New York, in 1870, to share their masterful pyrotechnic artistry with the United States. Their fireworks have since then been used at several presidential inaugurations and Olympic Games, among countless other notable events.
The show concluded with a special drone and laser light display, wrapping up a wonderful evening of entertainment for Independence Day.
— Jack Schwed
Paul DiBenedetto, Eddie Camiolo, Joen Maddabre, Harry Jecklin and David Glatter of The Chicken Heads rocked Eisenhower Park on July 3, during Nassau County’s ‘Celebrate America’ show.
A fireworks display, by Fireworks by Grucci, illuminated the lake behind the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
Entertainment didn’t end with The Chicken Heads, as the Allmost Brothers Band, a tribute band to the Allman Brothers, also performed. The band consists of Dave Filloramo, Sean McGrath, Dave Losee, Dan Roth and Joe Wasserman, above. Tom Hooker, who is not pictured, is also a member of the group.
Karl Nuncio and Anna Yang attended the fireworks display in Eisenhower Park.
The Independence Day display also included a drone show. Bright lights formed an American flag in the sky.
Ariana Watson earns state citation, continuing her successes
Ariana Watson, a newly minted Lawrence High School graduate, received a citation from the New York State Assembly at the Cedarhurst village board meeting on July 1. She was recognized for her selection to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, where she was just one of 161 students to earn the national award.
“What truly sets Ariana apart is her ability to excel at multiple domains, from her academic pursuits, in sports and the arts,” Ari Brown, Cedarhurst village deputy mayor and state assemblyman said.
Brown nominated Watson for the honor. She was one of 20 students to find success in the career and technical field, thanks to her high gradepoint average, her extensive involvement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs at Lawrence High, volunteer work at Northwell Health LIJ Valley Stream Hospital and many leadership roles in Hewlett- Woodmere student organizations like the National Honor Society, Math Mentors, Quiz Bowl and the National Science Bowl, among others.
Watson will study mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania starting this fall.
— Parker Schug
Melissa Berman/Herald Photo
Vittorio Watson, left, Racquel Watson, Addison Watson, Cedarhurst village Trustee Daniel Plaut, Olga Watley, Mayor Ben Weinstock, Trustee Israel Wasser, Ariana Watson, Trustee Myrna Zisman and Deputy Mayor and Assemblyman Ari Brown celebrate Ariana’s accomplishments at the Cedarhurst village meeting on July 1.
‘Bring your own bottle’ to fill up at new hydration stations
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Town of Hempstead parks just got a little bit greener.
Schools are out and the summer season is officially here, and last week the Town of Hempstead announced the addition of an eco-friendly water bottle refilling station at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in South Merrick, helping to reduce the number of plastic bottles discarded at the park while keeping residents hydrated.
Town Supervisor Don Clavin, who was joined by Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, made the announcement on June 26.
The preserve is among the most popular recreational spaces in the Town of Hempstead. Tucked behind the town’s sanitation facilities off of Merrick Road, what is now a bustling preserve used to be a landfill, before it was transformed into a park in 2000. It boasts walking paths, kayak launches, fishing piers, a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats and more, and also has the highest summit on the South Shore of Long Island, offering those who visit the park panoramic views of Nassau County’s bays, beaches and more.
The park’s “roots” are in recycling, making it the perfect place for the first hydration station to be installed.
“We started seeing a heavy increase in foot traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic, as residents were looking for a safe activity to do outdoors,” Clavin said. “Attendance at the park continues to grow, so we continue to introduce new initiatives, such as this eco-friendly way to keep residents safe and hydrated while combating the rise of single-use plastic bottles discarded at the park.”
The installation of the hydration station was made possible through a Marine Debris grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in a bid to reduce the amount of plastic discarded in waterways. The grant was awarded to a network of recipients, according to town officials, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean.
In recognition of World Refill Day on June 16, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation shared a post on its Facebook page, stating that in partnership with the New York Department of State, the Town of Hempstead and Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park, four water refill stations were purchased for popular parks on Long Island. This was thanks to the regional council, which supplied funding and planning for the project.
“This is a really good, green program,” Clavin said.
In a 2022 International Coastal CleanUp report, plastic bottles were listed as the second most collected item and plastic bottle caps were listed as the fourth most, town officials said. Since Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve is located next to Merrick Bay, discarded debris
can end up in the waterways, which funnel into the ocean.
Two additional hydration stations will be installed at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore and the Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside. The hydration stations, all of which provide filtered water free of charge, will be installed at these parks in the coming months, and will help cut down on marine debris by encouraging park patrons to utilize refillable water bottles over single-use bottles.
“This will be the first three, and we’re hoping to expand it through federal funding, as well as dedicated town funds at parks throughout the Town of Hempstead,” Clavin said. “We’re hoping our friends at the county level and other towns join us.”
Clavin said the town is “dedicated” to
the environment and clean waterways.
“That’s one thing I see over and over, every initiative we do here in the town,” he said. “The town residents embrace it because they care.”
Clavin quelled any concerns about the water quality coming out of the hydration stations, stressing that it’s “clean, filtered water.”
“We want you to be comfortable making the investment in the environment,” he said, “so we’re making that investment for you.”
The hydration station at Levy Park is located on the left side of the ranger station, which is just outside of the preserve’s entrance in its parking lot.
For more information on the town’s parks and environmental efforts, visit HempsteadNY.gov and see the “Parks & Recreation” tab.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
There’s new hydration stations coming to Town of Hempstead parks, and last week Town Supervisor Don Clavin, joined by Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll and Town Clerk Kate Murray, unveiled the first one at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve.
The filtered water dispenser is located next to the Ranger Station at the base of the park. Thanks to grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, two more are coming to Newbridge Road Park and a preserve in Oceanside, by the town hopes to further expand the program.
The Bonfiglio-Scali family, who were enjoying a day in the park, stopped by to learn about the new program and fill up their bottles.
Yeshiva Darchei Torah honors Everett Fortune
Yeshiva Darchei Torah held a July 4 memorial dedication for Everett Fortune, who was head of security for over 30 years at the Far Rockaway school.
Fortune died on June 26 after battling cancer for several years.
Fortune was said to be beloved by all the faculty and families of the yeshiva. He always greeted people with a smile and a “thank you Hashem (God).”
“Everett had something ... the Hebrew word for it is achrayus (responsibility in English),” Darchei Torah’s Rabbi Taakov Bender Shlita said at the memorial.
Yeshiva Darchei Torah gave Fortune a final salute down Beach 17 Street to Seagirt Boulevard, where students, faculty and family gathered to pay respects.
“On behalf of Darchei Torah, the Yeshiva is deeply saddened upon the loss of Mr. Everett Fortune, Mr. Fortune was a dependable and daily presence on the campus of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Simcha Day Camp and the streets of Far Rockaway for close to 35 years,” said Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender
of Achiezer. “We will forever remember his dedication, loyalty, and his care that he had for each one of the students as well as the faculty of the Yeshiva. He will be sorely missed, our heartfelt condolences go out to Everett’s remaining relatives who we are sure will sorely miss him.”
His family had a funeral at Bergen Funeral Service in Queens on July 2.
— Melissa Berman
Hillel Day Camp 2024 has fun under the sun
Hillel Day Camp 2024 began on an exciting note. The campers were ecstatic to be starting their summer. Laughter was heard across the Lawrence campus as activities unfolded.
Staff aimed to offer the campers fun and the time of their lives with a meticulously planned program that also ensured their safety. Every kid had an opportunity to take part and enjoy his or her day.
Hillel Day looks to offer a family-like environment that exemplifies camaraderie and closeness. The staff members, who were once counselors, lifeguards or sports staff now leads Hillel’s next generation. The Hillel staff is famously close-knit and experienced, camp officials said.
ran the Friday oneg to get
campers ready for Shabbat.
The first week was a whirlwind of exciting activities for campers, from sports andcrafts to swimming and fun onegs. Campers were mesmerized by a show from the Extreme Dunk Team as basketball players defied gravity. Campers were also able to enjoy Lollibop Cafe and learn some karate at
Warren Levi martial arts.
This season new specialties such as messy STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experiments, drone coding, Israeli dance, and podcasting will aim to keep the campers stimulated all summer long.
— Sophia Fruchter
Courtesy Hillel Day Camp Rabbi Yehuda
the
Courtesy Yeshiva Darchei Torah
Everett Fortune, a security guard for over 30 years at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, died on June 26.
D.A. looking into parkway dog abandonment
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
She was left alone, tied to a light pole on the westbound Southern State Parkway, near Exit 21, in Uniondale.
All she had was a water bowl, and a note that read, “This is Roxi. A trained American Bullmastiff. She is four years old. She has been fed and given a flea bath, she may still have issues with them. See that she gets good care.”
Roxi, later more accurately identified as an English mastiff, was abandoned on the parkway on the morning of July 1. State troopers retrieved her after responding to a call reporting a dog tied to a pole at around 5:30 a.m. They dropped her off at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, where she was examined by veterinarians who found her to be hungry and underweight, but otherwise in good health.
“She’s nervous, but she’s very sweet,” Ashley Behrens, the acting director of the shelter, said. “Obviously it’s traumatic what she went through, so nervousness is to be expected.”
Now Roxi is looking for a home, and law enforcement officers are looking for whoever left her on the side of the road.
“We’re going to find a home for this dog and, working with our Nassau D.A., we’re going to find these culprits and hold them accountable,” Town Supervi-
sor Don Clavin said at a July 3 news conference outside the shelter.
Joining Clavin were county District Attorney Anne Donnelly and State Police Capt. Timothy Gleason. Donnelly said that her office and investigators were working with State Police to help find the person who abandoned Roxi, adding that anyone who recognized her should contact the State Police or the D.A.’s office.
The charges, according to Donnelly, could include abandoning an animal, a misdemeanor, or aggravated cruelty, a felony.
“Where we are able, we will prosecute them aggressively,” she said.
Dog abandonment is not uncommon, Donnelly noted, but what happened to Roxi was especially dangerous, because the Southern State is one of the most heavily traveled, and treacherous, highways on Long Island.
“It is no place to abandon a 4-year-old puppy,” Donnelly said. “It is unacceptable, and leaving a note with well wishes just doesn’t cut it. There is no excuse for dumping a dog on the side of a major highway.”
Gleason said that if Roxi had broken away from her leash, she would have put herself and motorists on the parkway in harm’s way. He added that people can fall on hard times, leaving them unable to afford to care for a pet, but abandoning an animal beside a highway is nei -
ther acceptable nor a safe option.
“While it appears that the owner may have had good intentions,” Gleason said, “if a person is unable to care for a dog, there are better ways of handling such a situation.”
Donnelly explained that dog owners who cannot continue to care for their pets should take them to an animal shelter or a veterinarian’s office, which will help find them a new home.
“Any of those options are better than tying a defenseless creature to a pole on a roadway where cars are going 60 miles an hour past it,” she said.
Donnelly added that Long Island is now experiencing the hottest weather of the year, when pets should not be left outside for extended periods, or in hot cars. A few minutes in a hot vehicle in extreme high temperatures, she said, can be deadly for an animal.
“Leaving an animal to bake in the sun is nothing short of cruel,” Donnelly said.
While Roxi’s situation was heartwrenching, Clavin said he had seen good come from the incident. The town had received over 50 phone calls, locally and from as far away as California and Washington, from people looking to adopt or find a home for her.
Shaw/Herald Roxi, a 4-year-old English mastiff, was abandoned on the Southern State Parkway on July 1. The Town of Hempstead and Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly are investigating.
“With the tragedy of what’s happened, you do see the goodness of people,” Clavin said. “You see the goodness of people who want to find a loving home for this animal.”
The investigation was continuing at press time, and anyone with information was encouraged to call the State Police, at (631) 756-3300. Gleason said that callers could remain anonymous.
Charles
Kaminetsky captures a 10th commissioner term
Sanitary District 1 Commissioner Irving Kaminetsky clinched his 10th term with 219 votes on July 8.
He ran unopposed, and the term is five years. Kaminetsky has been serving as commissioner for 45 years.
As commissioner, he deals with the disciplinary budget, overseeing the pre-Passover pickup, and keeping the sanitary district taxes the lowest in all of the Town of Hempstead.
He aims to continue having the lowest taxes, and providing the best service possible for the people of the community.
“I just love being able to give back to the community and truly helping people,” Kaminetsky said.
— Melissa Berman
Firefighters put out house fire on Lakewood Boulevard
Lynbrook firefighters responded to a reported house fire at 32 Lakewood Blvd. on June 17.
The original call came in at 5:58 p.m. for a reported “odor of burning” on the second floor and attic area of the home. Lynbrook Chief Scott Bien declared a Signal 10 for a working fire when First Assistant Chief Clayton Murphy found fire in a second floor wall.
Engine Company was first on scene taking the nearby hydrant and stretching two hose lines to the home. One line was taken to the second floor, while the second stood-by at the front door. Truck Company arrived and put its ladder to the roof while truck members went to
the second floor and began pulling open the fire wall.
The outside siding had to be removed and the insulation in the wall was removed so firefighters could get to the fire. According to Chief Bien, the fire was believed to be electrical in nature, but the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the official cause.
Firefighters were at the scene for just over an hour. Mutual aid was supplied by Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Malverne, Hewlett, and Valley Stream fire departments.
— Contributed by Steve Grogan
Man dead after consecutive vehicle crashes in Lawrence
Jason Rose, 48, of Jamaica, died in a Lawrence vehicular accident after 8 p.m. on July 7.
The victim was driving a blue moped, heading west on the eastern lane of Rockaway Turnpike when he crashed head on with a 2015 Honda SUV, driven by a 57-year-old man.
The 48-year-old was then stuck by a 2004 box truck, also headed east driven by a man, 21. The second crash took
place in front of 605 Rockaway Turnpike, where Costco is located.
The Honda and box truck drivers remained at the scene, neither suffered injuries.
The victim suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Nassau County police medic. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
— Parker Schug
Courtesy Irving Kaminetsky
Sanitary District 1 Commissioner Irving Kaminetsky, running unopposed, gained his 10th five-year term.
STEPPING OUT
A great time -
The Empire State Fair is in full swing
By Danielle Schwab
Step right up, step right up! The Empire State Fair has returned with jaw-dropping rides, games and shows — welcoming all to enjoy some thrills at Nassau Coliseum. The summertime staple once again takes over the arena grounds, now through July 14.
As always, there’s plenty to see and do. Where else can you find farm animals, “pirate” acrobatics, a giant Ferris Wheel, and a transforming robot — all in one place?
This year, the swashbuckling, “Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean Thrill Show” takes to the tightrope in a fearless display of aerial highwire feats.
Alex Murcia, who’s involved with the acrobatic act as both a performer and owner of his family’s Sensational Murcia Productions, says the show, free with admission, is not to be missed.
“We took our strongest circus and thrill acts — the highwire tightrope walking and the Wheel of Death — and we created a pirate-themed production. So there’s sword fighting, good characters, bad characters, and they’re searching for the treasure map.”
You may even spot a mermaid. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a pirate thrill show without a hint of danger.
“All of that’s happening 25 feet in the air on a quarter-inch cable,” he adds.
The Murcia family goes back 10 generations of performers. This show is a tribute to their Colombian heritage.
“My father is from Colombia. It’s where they have the specialty act of high-wire tightrope walking performance,” Murcia says.
• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
• Now through July 14, 5-11 p.m. weekdays; noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• $10 (free for kids under 36” tall with paying adult); unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36” and taller) are $40 Friday - Sunday.
• Ride tickets are also available at the carnival for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride (rides take 2 or more tickets each)
• More information available at EmpireStateFair.com
The many tricks are sure to elicit an enthusiastic response from fairgoers.
“The performers balance on chairs while on the high wire. They’ll stand up on the chair. People are like ‘wow, I can’t stand on a chair on the ground, and these guys are doing it up on the tightrope’,” he says.
Visitors can move from the high seas to high-tech with another Murcia family “wonder”: the Big Bee transforming robot car.
“It’s built to be like a life-size Camaro, but inside, instead of having seats, it has a system of hydraulics and different motors that make it lift and open up,” explains Murcia.
“The car goes up and down and transforms from what looks like a regular Camaro to a big, giant robot, Big Bee.”
The kids will want to stop by the Cowtown USA petting zoo run by the Sandlofer family. Here
everyone can pet and feed animals that helped shape America, including some that are unexpected.
“We have a domedary camel, Henry. Few people know that camels played an important part in our history. They were part of building the Transcontinental Railroad going through the deserts where horses couldn’t go,” says Sadie Sandlofer, who helps run the family business.
Other animals to see include a Scottish Highlander cow, oxen, baby goats, and sheep. Families can even simulate “milking a cow” as part of the experience.
The carousel of activities also includes the Anastasini Circus, which has been entertaining audiences since 1877, along with a test of wits at the interactive Kidbucks Game Show. To end the day, fireworks light up the night sky on Saturdays.
And of course, the rides and delicious foods — staples of the fair experience — beckon.
“There’s so many attractions that if you went to go see these shows, you would pay more in (individual) admission than you do at the fair to see all of them. So I would say check the website, check the schedule, and obviously don’t miss the shows, because once you’re inside all those shows are free with admission. Take advantage of that,” reminds Murcia.
Grab your tickets, eat some funnel cake and catch the summer breeze. A day of adventure awaits.
L.I. International Film Expo
Lights, camera, action. Bellmore rolls out the red carpet once again for the Long Island International Film Expo, now in its 27th year. LIIFE is proud to feature over 120 films, including 19 world premieres. From short to feature-length, moviegoers can partake of a diverse group of independent films. Special screenings of note include “Child Machine,” a fun sci–fi comedy; the thriller “Lady Of The Lake” about native Ronkonkoma’s Maria Capp, starring Seth Gilliam (“The Walking Dead”), Nia Sioux and Emery Kelly. Also enjoy Super Mega Trivia Slam trivia and the documentary on former New York State Assembleyman and longtime Long Beach resident Harvey Weisenberg, entitled “Harvey: The Voice for The Voiceless.”
Now through Sunday, July 14. Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. Tickets and information available at LongIslandFilm.com.
Disco daze
Step into a time warp back to the glittering era of Studio 54 with The Disco Nights. Immerse yourself in a nostalgic celebration of the disco age. From the Bee Gees, to Gloria Gaynor, to Donna Summer, Chic, and so much more, it’s Saturday Night Fever all over again! Led by the Billboard-charting superstar JJ Sansaverino on guitar, The Disco Nights boast a lineup of top-tier musicians straight from the heart of New York City’s music scene. Every note is meticulously crafted to deliver the authentic sound of disco’s greatest hits. The band is joined by vocalists Alessandra Guercio, Jerome Bell and Adam Bastien of “American Idol” and “The Voice” fame. Dress to impress in your finest disco attire —think flared pants, crop tops, mini dresses, crystals, sequins, and psychedelic colors as the Paramount stage transforms into a glittering disco haven.
Photos courtesy Empire State Fair
From circus spectacle to daring side show acts and everyone’s favorite rides, plus new enticements, plenty of summer amusements are in store at the latest edition of the Empire State Fair.
Friday, July 12, 8 p.m. $45, $35, $30, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
THE Your Neighborhood
Mike DelGuidice
Mike DelGuidice is forever known for his connection to Billy Joel. One of Long Island’s most celebrated singer/songwriters continues his “residency” on the t Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, 8 p.m. Mike DelGuidice and his band always give it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his band, in a rousing concert that highlights the Piano Man’s decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice has become one of the area’s most celebrated performers, balancing his schedule between doing his own thing and touring with Joel all over the world.
DelGuidice, as with Joel, grew up mastering several instruments including bass guitar, guitar, piano, and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after chart-topping hit, along with his own tunes in a high energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser. He is the author of two albums “My Street” and “Miller Place” numerous single releases, which are currently under consideration for film soundtracks. And his tune “Ordinary Guy” is the theme song for the Kevin James sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait.” DelGuidice is always moving and grooving, with plenty of projects ahead. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Dramatic Play
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 1, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story.
Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme: Silly Monsters! Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Music for Autism
The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC hosts Music for Autism Sunday, July 14, 4-5 p.m. 9 Horses, an improvising chamber ensemble, presents a one-hour concert for children with autism, their families and friends. Registration required at RSVP@MusicForAutism.org. 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst. For more information visit MusicForAutism. org/concert.
Young Israel of Hewlett Benefit
Young Israel of Hewlett invites the community to a benefit Chesed Center concert on Thursday, July 11, 7-10 p.m. Richard Borah performs, with musical guest Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz, benefiting Save A Soldier’s Life Campaign. With special remarks from Rabbi Hopkovitz and Mincha/Maariv and Tehillim for the Chayalim. $25 at the door. Sponsorships are $180 for boots, $400 for helmets and $1,000 for vests. 1 Piermont Ave. Purchase tickets at yihewlett.org/form.yih. chesed.center.concert.
Passport Day
Hempstead Town offers its One-Stop Passport Shop, Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This event provides a convenient date to apply for a passport. It is also open weekdays by appointment only during normal business hours; extended hours on Thursday. Download the appropriate application prior. Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead. Call (516) 812-3100 to schedule appointment. Visit HempsteadNY.gov/436/ Passport-fee for fees and accepted payment.
In the garden
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens and listen to some stirring sounds, with Old Westbury Gardens’ artist-in-residence Cross Island, Sunday, July 14, 3-4 p.m.
Clarinetist Joseph Rutkowski, cellist Suzanne Mueller, and pianist Elinor Abrams Zayas open the annual summer series at The Barn.
The program comprises duets and trios spanning centuries and styles, seamlessly blending beloved favorites and intriguing discoveries. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Hewlett Fire Department
Breakfast Connect
Hewlett Fire Department welcomes all to the weekly breakfast connect, Wednesday, July 17, 8-9 a.m. The breakfast meeting is free and open to everyone in the community.
Benjamin J. Moleno Hall, 25 Franklin Ave., Hewlett. For more information and to reserve a spot, call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 7904829.
Afternoon tunes
Visit Eisenhower Park’s Field #1 for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, July 17, noon-2 p.m. Relax and enjoy the styling of vocalist-dancer Louis Del Prete, known as the “ultimate entertainer.” Bring seating. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
In concert
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library Courtyard Concert Series continues, Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m. Les Degen performs standards, show tunes and popular songs from the 1920s to ‘70s. All are welcome this is a free event. Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, 1125, Broadway, Hewlett. For more information, visit HWPL.org.
Having an event?
NUHealth/ NUMC Mobile
Mammography Van
Obtain free breast cancer screenings, at Cedarhurst Village Hall, Thursday, July 18, 8-10:30 a.m. Presiding Officer Howard J. Kopel and Sen. Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick host the free breast cancer screenings for women over 40, with the NUHealth/ NUMC Mobile Mammography Van.. The screening includes a breast examination by a nurse, a mammogram, and introductions for breast selfexamination. Appointments required and made on a first-come, first-served basis. To make an appointment and for more information call (516)571-6207. 200 Cedarhurst Ave.
Neighborhood Concert Series
Rock Hall hosts Hourglass in concert, Monday, July 15, 8 p.m. Enjoy a tribute to James Taylor. 199 Broadway, Lawrence. For more information call (516)-2929000 ext. 7480.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.
Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. It opens July 20 and is on view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
July 8
Friends of Rock Hall Watercolor Workshop
Friends of Rock Hall hosts a watercolor workshop in the garde, Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The class is taught by certified art teacher Linda Shedlock, Adult only, must bring your own supplies and pre-payment required. $90, $80 for members/seniors. Checks are payable to Friends of Rock Hall. Space is limited. Rock Hall, 199 Broadway, Lawrence. For more information/RSVP call (516)-239-1157 or email FriendsofRockHall@gmail.com.
Game Time
Play canasta, mah jongg or Scrabble during in-person game time, on Monday, July 15, 2-4:30 p.m., in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library. 280 Central Ave., Lawrence. Seating limited. First come, first seated.
July 11, 2024 —
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Public Notices
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST
COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE TRUST
2006-AR4, MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH
CERTIFCATES, SERIES
2006-AR4 UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT
DATED MARCH 1, 2006 Plaintiff, Against DIANA SMARTENKO, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/25/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 7/23/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1016 Channel Drive, Hewlett, New York 11557, And Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village Of Hewlett Harbor, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.
Section 42 Block 213 Lot 196
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,767,347.53 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 010453/2012 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Brian Davis, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 5/24/2024 File Number: 272-5518 CA 147549
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
LAKEVIEW LOAN
SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff against JEAN ALEX LOUIS, et al
Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 12, 2023, I will sell atpublic auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme
Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
Premises known as 224 Hungry Harbor Road, North Woodmere, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 527 Lot 43. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $524,385.18 plus interest, fees, and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601823/2020. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Harold Damm, Esq., Referee File # NY202000000018-1 147545
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. WEBSTER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff -againstMADELINE WILLIG; JOSEPH WILLIG, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 15, 2024, 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 July 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Barnard Avenue, distant 553 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the
easterly side of Barnard Avenue with the northerly side of Ibsen Street; being a plot 100 feet by 73 feet by 100 feet by 73 feet.
Section: 39 Block: 162 Lot: 96
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 562 BARNARD AVE, WOODMERE, NY 11598
Approximate amount of lien $181,086.61 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 614214/2017.
BRIAN J. DAVIS, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 8888.048
{* NASSAU HER*} 147463
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff against JOSUE PAYES, et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 28, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 2 Westcott St, Inwood, NY 11096. Sec 0040 Block 000506-00 Lot 00070. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $180,300.96 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 614259/2022. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000373-1 147656
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE C. MARTINEZ, MARIA S. ALVARENGA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 28, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 30, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 102 Roger Avenue, Inwood, NY 11096. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Inwood, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 40, Block 146, Lot 126-129. Approximate amount of judgment $824,643.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604014/2020. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are
other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-000073 81146 147621
PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU MASPETH FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst- BENJAMIN RINGEL, YAEL RINGEL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 25, 2019 and entered on January 28, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lawrence in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Washington Avenue (Craft Avenue), distant 177.80 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of Washington Avenue and the southerly side of Broadway; RUNNING THENCE Westerly on a line at right angles to Washington Avenue, 217.81 feet to land formerly belonging to the heirs of Gilbert Craft, deceased, at a point 210.7 feet southerly from Broadway as measured along said formerly of Craft; THENCE Southerly along said Craft’s land, 150.20 feet; THENCE Easterly, 225 feet 46 feet to Washington Avenue at a point 150 feet southerly from the point or place of BEGINNING; THENCE Northerly along Washington Avenue, 150 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Section: 41 Block: 87 Lot: 23
Said premises known as 15 WASHINGTON AVENUE, LAWRENCE, NY
Approximate amount of lien $626,230.81 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.
Index Number 1482/2017. LAURIE HORZ, ESQ., Referee
Law Office of Mark L. Cortegiano, Esq. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 65-12 69th Place, Middle Village, NY 11379
{* NASSAU HER*} 147611
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALBERT D. SUROWIECKI A/K/A ALBERT SUROWIECKI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 966 Singleton Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, situate, lying and being at Woodmere, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 28, Lots 105 and 823. Approximate amount of judgment is $530,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609151/2021. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147805
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ARGENT
SECURITIES INC., ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W5, -againstDANIELLA JEAN-PIERRE
MOWETA A/K/A DANIELLA JEAN-PIERRE A/K/A DANIELLA JEAN PIERRE, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 16, 2020, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ARGENT
SECURITIES INC., ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W5 is the Plaintiff and DANIELLA JEANPIERRE MOWETA A/K/A DANIELLA JEAN-PIERRE A/K/A DANIELLA JEAN PIERRE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 7, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 862 STATION PLACE, WOODMERE, NY 11598; and the following tax map identification: 39-231-129.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WOODMERE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 006709/2010. Michael Cardello, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 147817
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., CSAB MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ELLIOT RINDENOW, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, ‘Rain or Shine’ on August 6, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 770 West Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 39, Block 197, Lot 72, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 76, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 82. Approximate amount of
judgment $1,428,888.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006374/2009. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No endorsed/third-party check or cash will be accepted. David S. Zeidman, Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-143727 81197 147755
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST MOSHE MILNER, EUGENE MILLER, AHAVA SARAH MILLER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 13, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, ‘Rain or Shine’ on August 6, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 556 Church Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39 Block 163 Lot 25-27. Approximate amount of judgment $441,988.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615229/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure
Island Harvest keeps children, teens fed in summer
Island Harvest Food Bank’s Summer Food Service Program is stepping in to provide a crucial lifeline during the summer months. Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the program will deliver breakfasts, lunches, and snacks from Monday through Saturday.
These meals will be distributed to programs operated by municipal agencies, summer and day camps, community centers, libraries, churches, and community-based organizations across Long Island.
Running from June 24, 2024, to August 30, 2024, the service program is expected to serve over 60,000 meals to approximately 1,440 children and teenagers at 22 sites across Long Island this summer.
“For parents struggling to make ends meet, summer can be stressful, especially with the high cost of grocer-
ies and other essential items, and these months should not be a time for children to worry about when their next meal will be,” Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and CEO of Island Harvest said.
“The SFSP allows us to partner with community programs to help address the public health crisis of food insecurity, especially among the most vulnerable among us — children,” she added.
The program is committed to providing meals and snacks, at no charge, to children 18 years old and younger without any form of discrimination.
Its acceptance and participation requirements are the same for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.
There is no discrimination in the course of the meal service. It is a federally funded, state-administered program that reimburses program operators for providing free healthy meals to
Public Notices
auction. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003391 81304 147761
LEGAL NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals
Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509
Date: July 18, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509
Subject: Case #24-04-6523. Angelilli Schiff Flamingo LLC., 142 Flamingo Street Atlantic Beach, New York 11509.
Applicant proposes to construct a 21’-2 Ω” X 20’-1 º” rear deck. The applicants are seeking relief from the following sections of the Zoning Code: Section 250-21 Lot coverage. The lot coverage shall not exceed 30% of the lot area.
Existing lot coverage 32.4%, proposed 41.5%.
Section 250-23 Side yards. (B) In case of a single-family dwelling with 51 feet or more of frontage where the existing aggregate widths of which are 15 feet and the existing side yard is five feet, any additions shall be permitted to maintain the same aggregate width and side yard setback. This shall include any vacant lots or when the entire structure is removed and replaced. Existing side yard setback14.8 feet, proposed 14.8 feet. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 14, Lots 50-52 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.
All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.
Dated: July 1, 2024. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 147916
www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
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 at Village Hall on July 25, 2024 at 7:00PM. A ZOOM link to the meeting is available on our website at www.hewlettharbor.gov.
All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for variance relief:
Simon and Tatiana Ilyaich – 1336 Boxwood Drive West Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557- (CONTINUED)are requesting to install a 24x44 inground pool, construct a new outdoor kitchen and legalize existing prefabricated gazebo. This dwelling is in a residential B district.
Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Codes 145-19, and 145-49:
•Zoning code section 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 23%. Applicant is requesting a 40.8 % lot coverage.
children in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For more information on the Summer Food Service Program, contact Jenny Schaeffer, chief programs and network officer at Island Harvest Food Bank, via phone at (631) 873-4775 or email jenny@islandharvest.org. To find local food sources in your area, text your ZIP code to 631-450-3775.
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island.
The organization achieves this through innovative programs and services aimed at enhanced hunger awareness, short-term case management,
nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, its Healthy Harvest Farm, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, and efficient food collection and distribution. Island Harvest Food Bank directly supports children, families, seniors, and veterans who turn to them in times of crisis and supports a network of community-based nonprofit organizations.
Island Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the U.S. Visit IslanddHarvest.org for more information,
—Jordan Vallone
•Zoning code section 145-19 states: The maximum permitted front yard lot coverage shall not exceed 23%.
Applicant is requesting a 26.1 % lot coverage.
•Zoning code section 145-19 states: The minimum front yard setback is 25 ft. Applicant is requesting 16ft. (2 front yards)
•Zoning code section 145-49 states: No swimming pool or part thereof shall be constructed in the front yard.
David and Eryka Kadosh1181 Harbor Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 – is requesting to complete a 1203 sq. ft.
Interior Renovation; total will be 1501 sq. ft. addition to existing • Zoning Code 145-10.2 states: a flat roof shall not exceed 28 ft.; plans propose 32.5 ft. (exceeds code by 4.5 ft)
• Zoning Code 145-19 states: maximum building area shall not exceed 30%; the plans propose 39.7%. Existing building area is 26.3%. Plans propose a 9.7% increase in building area.
• Zoning Code 145-19 states: side yard setback is 15ft.; plans propose 14.5 ft. (exceeds code by 6 inches)
• Zoning Code 145-19 states: side yard aggregate is 35 ft.; plans propose 29.5 ft. (exceeds code by 5.5 ft.) Michael Roitman – 127 Lake Drive Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 – is requesting to build an inground pool and cabana. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Codes 145-25 and 145-12. This dwelling is in a residential B district. It is a legal non-conforming lot with 10,900 sq ft where 14,500 is required.
Applicant is seeking relief for a rear yard set-back.
•Zoning Code 145-25
Accessory Structures (swimming pool): 15ft is required for the rear yard setback; applicant is proposing 5.8ft which is encroaching 9.2 ft into the rear yard setback.
•Zoning Code 145-25
Accessory Structures
(gazebo, pergola): 15 ft is required for the rear yard setback; applicant is proposing 5.8ft which is encroaching 9.2 ft into the rear yard setback.
•Zoning Code 145-25
Accessory Structures (pool equipment): 15 ft is required for the side yard setback; applicant is proposing 11.9ft which is encroaching 3.1ft into the side yard setback.
•Zoning Code 145-12
Building Area: maximum is 30% as per chart in 145-19; applicant is requesting 40.5% which is over 10.5%.
Anthony and Danielle Naso – 339 Pepperidge Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 – (CONTINUED)is requesting to build a deck, replace the existing brick pool perimeter with pavers and add to existing patio, and add a walkway. This dwelling is in a residential B district.
Applicants request relief from Village Zoning Code 145-19:
•Zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 25%.
Applicant is requesting a 39.96% lot coverage. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR
DEPUTY VILLAGE CLERK
Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York July 5, 2024 147923
at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
Island Harvest Food Bank, a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger on Long Island, will be distributing lunches to children and teenagers this summer.
An investigation by the 4th Precinct’s Problem Oriented Policing unit yielded an arrest of a Planview resident for the alleged sale of illegal fireworks at a discount store in the Inwood Shopping Plaza at 581 Burnside Ave., Inwood in July 4.
The officers saw Cheng Wu Wang, 49, allegedly make that sale at 12:06 p.m. on
the Fourth of July. Wang was arrested and the fireworks seized by the Nassau County Police Department. Wang is charged with unlawfully selling fireworks and was issued an appearance ticket at the scene, police said.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy Metro
CSC Holdings, LLC seeks a Lead Software Developer to design and manage settop box (STB) main software stack in various languages including HTML, Javascript, CSS, Bash and Python. Collaborate with other leads and architects to manage and design software integration in the STB stack. Develop video front-end components such as UI and Middleware. Design STB diagnostic tools and implement methods for troubleshooting. Provide technical and professional guidance to more junior team members. #LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field, and 5 years of experience with software development, including analyzing user requirements and defining functional specifications. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience with converting business requirements into functional and application system design documents; 5 years of experience participating in effective design, development and testing phases of project implementation; 5 years of experience with Java technologies; 5 years of experience with HTML 5 technologies, including CSS and JavaScript; 5 years of experience with Bash or Python; 5 years of experience developing with Linux; 5 years of experience working with backend and embedded systems; 2 years of experience in ADB, web debugging, and GCC debugging; and 2 years of experience with set-top box development. Part-time telecommuting may be permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $169,229.00 – $179,229.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com, and enter Job Requisition ID 6144. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Altice USA, Attn: Erin M. Berry, One Court Square West, Long Island City, NY, USA 11101. Altice USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Altice USA, Inc. collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRAcompliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
FULL TIME - PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE Garden City Childcare Center Immediate Start $16-$22 per hour Call 516-572-7614
HANDYPERSON WANTED
Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211
BILINGUAL TEACHER
The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2024-25 school year.
We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516)379-4245.
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MERRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OUTSIDE SALES
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PERSONNEL CLERK/ ACCOUN T CLERK ASSISTANT. $20-$23 per hour. 17 hours per week. Monday and Tuesdays 9:30-3:30. (remaining shift TBD w/ candidate) Occasional Saturday may be required depending upon payroll schedule Duties include Payroll, Benefits Administration, assisting Account Clerk. Necessary skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, strong math skills. Email resume to jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Software Engineer: Analyze, Design, Develop, Maintain, Test complex full-stack software solutions leveraging Java technologies, UI/UX designs, Angular, React, Express, JavaScript, JSF, Couchbase, Node JS, SQL Server, Mongo DB, Cassandra, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Cloud Security, Agile, CI/CD pipelines, Microservices, SOAP and REST API, Graph QL, Kubernetes, TDD, BDD, CQRS Pattern, Kafka, JMeter, Mockito, Selenium, AI, Machine Learning. Requires: Travel within the USA + Bachelors in Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Engineering, Technology Management / Information Technology min. 36 Months experience. Salary $115,918. Send resume by mail to: American Software Resources, Inc., 4 Brower Avenue, Suite 4, Woodmere, NY 11598
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Enjoy the fresh salt air in this magnificent home right on the oceanfront. Amazing views of the Atlantic abound from private decks on all 3 levels, including one right off the primary suite, one on the main level and one right at beach level. The primary suite features a fireplace and a brand new bathroom with radiant heat flooring, and there are 4
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HIRING?
Place Your Ad in the Herald Help Wanted Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.
Kirkman Avenue. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Spacious home conveniently located in the heart of Elmont. Ideally situated on 50x118 lot, perfect for multi-generational living.
Taxes: $10,639
Hewlett $999,999
Raymond Place. Antique/Historical. 7 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.
Taxes: $25,754.73
Long Beach $888,000
Taft Avenue. 2 Story. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Large living room with vaulted ceiling, 2 skylights and fireplace. Attic for storage. Legal 2 family. Side yard with additional backyard. Covered front porch and back terrace.
Taxes: $14,658.97
Merrick $1,465,000
Northridge Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Walk out basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with waterfall island with second sink and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom.
Oceanside $720,000
Foxhurst Road. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Custom eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Ensuite master bedroom walk-in closet. First floor bedroom. Updates include new roof and windows, central air conditioning. Large property. Convenient location near shopping, restaurants and Silver Lake Park.
Taxes: $15,390.59
Rockville Centre $830,000
Driscoll Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Taxes: $13,931.71
Valley Stream $650,000
Decker Street. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. New kitchen. 60x100 lot. Convenient location in heart of Valley Stream close to all amenities and park. Taxes: $10,787.24
Woodmere $1,230,000
E. End. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom. Guest quarters. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Taxes: $20,131.29
Permits?
What permits?
Q. I read your column all the time and am aware that you always recommend getting permits, but I realize that nobody around me has one for any of the things you mention, and I want to put in a low deck, just two steps off the ground. It seems like a lot of extra expense to have plans and pay for a permit, especially because my neighbors have a two-story deck, a hot tub and a pool and no permits. I’m weighing this out because I wonder if a building inspector will notice everyone else’s work and catch them. I don’t want to be the one they all suspect of being the tattletale. What advice can you give?
A. Yes, by law, we are obligated to do any work in the prescribed legal manner, which, as licensed professionals, includes informing people that they are required to follow building codes, zoning restrictions and general law. Anything else would be aiding someone in the commission of a crime. It would be like asking your attorney to advise you in the planning of a bank robbery, even though that is probably an extreme example. It is still a crime, too.
Your proposed deck seems simple enough, but may be full of problems if not built to code, including not putting in the right depth footings, the correct connections or the correct structure. I once had a situation with an examiner who insisted that the main support beam — sitting on the ground, no less — didn’t pass the test of calculations as a main beam. (Yes, they actually check the strength of beams, in some cases by doing their own calculations.) The owner was appalled that the beam, sitting right on the ground, wouldn’t pass. The examiner explained that the beam has to be supportive on its own, in case the ground washes out from underneath.
I know that you just want to hire someone you assume knows all the rules, but I can tell you that I spend 50 percent of my time trying to undo or rethink how to solve a bad decision by someone who guessed that what they were doing would be all right. This usually happens when no plans were done by a professional, and there was no review, and the owner is desperate to get through a process either because they got caught or have a sale pending, awaiting this problem to be solved.
Check to see if your jurisdiction is one that lets you draw the plans yourself, because the deck is so close to the ground and under the 3-foot limit that requires a professional. As for the inspector, I can only recommend that you follow the procedures. The inspector has to follow their best judgment. Many have told me they generally only respond to complaints, and that they often don’t issue violations unless the problem is really obvious, and not one where they’re thought to be peeking over fences. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect Monte Leeper
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America is at a critical juncture — our last stand
As we gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July, we reflected on the remarkable journey that has shaped the United States into the beacon of freedom and justice it is today. Our nation’s Founding Fathers, many of whom were young men in their 20s, possessed a wisdom and vision that transcended their years. They laid the groundwork for a nation founded on Godfearing principles, justice, and liberty for all.
The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, was more than just a document; it was a bold proclamation of a new era in which the inherent rights of individuals were recognized and protected. These brave men, aware of the monumental task before them, crafted a system of governance that was revolutionary. They established a framework of checks and balances designed to prevent tyranny and ensure justice for all. This system has been a guiding light for nearly
two and a half centuries, a testament to their foresight and their understanding of human nature.
This story is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty and the woefully inexperienced. That’s because I’m related to all the players and, in fact, am a character in the story myself.
Please don’t judge.
RAnDi KREiss
Our founders envisioned a nation that would be a sanctuary for the oppressed and a defender of the weak. They created a government that was accountable to its people, and that derived its powers from the consent of the governed. The United States was to be a place where individuals could pursue their dreams without fear of oppression, where the rule of law would prevail, and where liberty and justice were more than mere ideals — they were a way of life.
november’s election is a make-or-break moment. The stakes have never been higher.
Today, however, we face a grave challenge to these founding principles. There is a political faction that has strayed from the path laid out by our forefathers, weaponizing our justice system and compromising the integrity of our institutions. This departure from foundational values threatens the very fabric of our society, undermining the principles of fairness and accountability that have long been the hallmark of our great nation.
The U.S. has always been a beacon of
light, a protector against evil and a defender of the weak. From the shores of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, American soldiers have fought and died to preserve the freedoms we hold dear. Our country has been a refuge for those fleeing tyranny, a land where the oppressed can find sanctuary and hope. Yet today our government appears to be turning its back on these principles, aligning itself more closely with European and global economic agendas rather than upholding the unique values that set us apart.
The story of my own family reflects the quintessential American dream. My mother and grandmother emigrated from Italy with the hope of building a better life in a land of opportunity. They learned the language, embraced American culture, and worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams. This spirit of determination and aspiration is what makes America exceptional.
Our current immigration system is in disarray, however. While professionals from around the world who follow
legal channels face rejection and bureaucratic hurdles, our borders remain vulnerable to illegal immigration. This chaos not only threatens our sovereignty, but also undermines the rule of law that our country is built on. We must restore order to our immigration system, ensuring that those who seek to contribute to our society through legal means are given the opportunity to do so.
As we look toward the future, the election in November stands as a critical juncture for our nation. It is a makeor-break moment, a last stand to defend the principles that have made America a beacon of hope and freedom. We must choose leaders who will uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution, who will protect our justice system from political weaponization, and who will restore integrity to our immigration policies.
The stakes have never been higher. Independence Day celebrations my be behind us, but let us remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, and let us commit ourselves to preserving the legacy of liberty, justice and freedom for generations to come.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
Cars, vintage and new, test the young and old
where she might be seen. The shame of it was too much.
They grew up. They got smart. They had kids of their own.
As you may know, since you were probably a teenager yourself at some point, there comes a time, after your last Big Wheel, after driver’s ed and before your brain matures, when you want to drive. You burn with the desire to hit the road.
In our family, it has been a tradition to help the younger generation get their first cars. Our son got our old Oldsmobile when he was 17, which he drove without incident — except for the very first day, when he got out at a railroad crossing to check a tire and forgot to put the car in park. He got lucky.
Next, we gave our daughter our aging powder-blue Chevy Nova, but she refused to drive the “Mom car” any-
Some weeks ago, as one of the grandkids approached their time to hit the road, a related party, not to be named, gifted said child with a fancy-shmancy automobile so that they “would be safe” on the road, you know, surrounded by tons of metal. First day out, the kid stopped at a light and another driver slammed into them, totaling the car, but thankfully causing no injuries. It was a traumatic launch to a driving career.
out to find where the kid was stuck, realized the problem, and explained: Cars of a certain vintage had hand brakes that had to be released. Brake was released. Car moved. Problem solved.
What we learned: Don’t get your emergency driving tips from Instagram.
Said teen now had no car, and needed to get to school and sports and such. So we stepped up and gave the kid our 15-year-old Honda sedan — not very cool, not fancy, but a helpful gift for which the teen was grateful.
We drove our two cars to our son’s home, turned the Honda over to the grandchild and watched as they drove off for the inaugural ride. A half hour later they called to say the car was stuck, making groaning noises and lights were blinking. My husband drove
That night, second time out with the Honda, the grandkid, who was sleeping at a friend’s house, called home at 2 a.m. and told their dad the teens at the sleepover had decided to go out for pizza at midnight. Again, the car was dead. Had the teen left the lights on? We’ll never know.
But teen and friends, ever resourceful, looked up what to do on Instagram, and read that you can push a car down the road and it will start. Somehow, in the magical world of automotive miracles, the engine will just engage.
But that wasn’t what happened. Because it can’t happen with an automatic transmission. They pushed the car down the road and it didn’t start, but it did take off like a rocket and crashing into another car that belonged to one of the other kids’ parents.
Major damage.
Full confessions and remorse all
around. We realized we had some responsibility for not giving the grandkid a lesson in how to drive an old car with no automatic anything. Contrition abounded, and financial arrangements were made for kids to pay for damages from their jobs. For the next decade. Remarkably, none of the adults stroked out.
Next day, still visiting our son, I had no car to drive to the market, so he gave me the key to his new fancy-shmancy automobile. I opened the door and slid behind the wheel, and that’s where my outing ended. The seat and mirrors started adjusting themselves, and I had no idea where to stick the key, how to turn on the car, or what the humming noise was telling me. I couldn’t even find the A.C. This car was so space-age that, for me, it was functionally undrivable.
Is there something to learn from this? Not much, I guess, except that no one, young or old, should get behind the wheel of an automobile unless they know how to start, stop, turn on the lights, and put it in park. Also, if the car is older than 10, mind the handbrake. And never, ever get your emergency driving tips from Instagram.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
ARi
BRoWn
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Summer brings a greater risk of fires
With summer in full swing, Long Islanders are enjoying warm, sunny weather and creating memories with barbecues, lazy afternoons by the pool and gatherings of family and friends. Summer weather, however, also brings an increased risk of fires. Whether it’s a backyard grill or a campfire, fire hazards are more prevalent at this time of year, which is why it’s critical to be aware of fire safety practices.
HERALD
Barbecuing is one of the most popular summertime activities, but grilling outdoors can pose risks if not done properly. Use common sense and fire up propane, charcoal or wood pellet grills outside only — and resist the urge to do so in a garage, even with the garage door open — to avoid any possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Grilling should be done a safe distance from your home, deck railings or any overhanging tree branches, and you should maintain a three-foot safe zone around the grill to keep kids and pets safe.
Make sure your grill is on a level, stable surface to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep a close eye on what’s cooking, especially when there are children or pets nearby. After the meal, when using charcoal,
letters
We need to realize what we’ve got, or it’ll be gone
To the Editor:
This year, patriotism plays a larger role than ever before in my life. The events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the radical Supreme Court made me realize how fragile our democracy really is. Funny, but just like life. You take relationships for granted. You don’t realize how good you have it until they’re gone. Same thing with our constitutional democratic republic.
The Greatest Generation understood that. Thousands went to Normandy to fight for democracy abroad. In contrast, we sound like spoiled brats who don’t appreciate the freedoms our ancestors fought and died for. Some want a dictator in office, a “unified Reich,” as a Trump video suggested. I fear, as does the entire world, that we may no longer be that “city on a hill.” That unpatriotic Americans either do not understand what is at stake, or want the authoritarian regime that Donald Trump promises to rule. Now, substantial immunity and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 would give a president free reign to destroy the American experiment.
I want my grandchildren to grow up with the same freedoms my parents came to this
once the coals have cooled, put them in a metal can with a lid.
It’s important to clean your grill to prevent a buildup of grease, which can lead to flare-ups and larger grease fires. In case of a grease fire, don’t attempt to put it out with water. The best method is to cover the flame with a metal lid to eliminate the oxygen that fuels it. If a lid isn’t handy, two other alternatives you can reach for to help douse a grease fire are baking soda and salt.
Fireworks are a quintessential part of summertime fun, but they are also extremely dangerous — and illegal in the hands of private citizens. They are also one of the leading causes of summer fires and injuries, as many of us read and heard last weekend, as we do after every Fourth of July. Instead of putting yourself, your family or your friends at risk, attend a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
Fire pits are another summertime tradition. In your backyard, proper fire safety practices are essential. Check for local regulations on the legality of fire pits, and obtain a permit if you risk violating them.
Keep the fire in a fire pit small and manageable, and clear the area around
it of anything flammable, including leaves, dry grass and extra firewood. Never leave a fire unattended, and before you go inside for the night, make sure the fire is completely extinguished by pouring water or sand on it and stirring the ashes until they are cold to the touch.
Check the weather forecast the day you’re planning to use a fire pit, and if there’s any mention of wind, wait for another night. Flying embers can endanger other parts of your property, to say nothing of your house, or your neighbors’ homes.
Finally, summer heat can also increase the risk of fires in your home. Test your smoke alarms, and replace their batteries if needed. Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and in good working order. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with air conditioners, fans and other seasonal appliances, and don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture. Outside, trim trees and shrubs regularly, and dispose of yard waste properly.
Common-sense precautions will go a long way when it comes to preventing fires and ensuring that your summer activities will be memorable for all the right reasons. Be safe this season.
country for. They appreciated the rule of law, the right to vote, the Constitution and all the freedoms that came along with it. Love of country matters now. Patriotism matters. They say fascism will come draped in an upside-down American flag and carrying a cross. I hope that most Americans still
believe in decency and democracy. I hope we celebrated our love of this country on July Fourth, and never take it for granted again!
CLAUDIA BORECKY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club
Only our police officers should be doing police work
on June 25, my classmates and I became the latest class of graduates from the Nassau County Police Department Foundation’s Civilian Police Academy — a program I encourage all Nassau residents to enroll in.
Although I have been involved with many aspects of the criminal justice system during my legal career as a Queens County assistant district attorney and as a private practitioner, the academy was an eye-opening and enlightening experience that I believe would give any Nassau resident vital insights into the daily activities of our law enforcement professionals.
Starting on March 7 and continuing every Thursday evening from 7 to 10 p.m., we delved into key aspects of criminal procedure and penal law as well as the department’s policies governing the use of force. Guest speakers from various units presented to our class of civilian students, giving us first-hand insights into the operations of the Detectives Squad, the Bomb Squad, the K-9, horseback mounted and aviation units and more; demonstrations included the
landing and takeoff of a police helicopter and a simulated high-speed chase in a Nassau police car.
The Civilian Police Academy was a pared-down version of the extensive training that our Nassau County Police Department professionals receive. It gives participants insights into the decisions officers make and what they go through on a daily basis. This experience further elevated my tremendous respect for our law enforcement professionals and appreciation for the department’s commitment to training and professionalism.
TBlakeman administration’s proposal was reckless, misguided and unlawful. As I completed the Civilian Academy, I grew even more steadfast that the provisional special deputy sheriff program — also known as the “militia” — is a recipe for disaster.
he county’s proposal to mobilize ‘provisional sheriffs’ was reckless.
Moreover, my experience in the Civilian Police Academy, as a county legislator, provided me with a unique perspective that I can apply to critical law enforcement and public safety policy decisions. It was a tremendous experience, personally and professionally.
Earlier this spring, the administration of County Executive Bruce Blakeman solicited applications for “provisional sheriffs.” As a predicate to applying, each of these citizens required a valid pistol permit. Provisional sheriffs could be mobilized to guard public spaces, utilities and infrastructure during vaguely defined “states of emergency.”
From its inception, I believed that the
LETTErs
Laura Gillen employs the usual euphemisms
To the Editor:
Reading Laura Gillen’s pro-abortion op-ed, “I’m running to fight for women’s freedoms” (June 27-July 3), I’m struck by the question of why we use such euphemisms when it comes to abortion. “Women’s freedoms,” “Reproductive health care,” “bodily autonomy.” Is it possible that, deep down, we know how unspeakably wrong abortion is, and we use these slogans to ease our consciences, or to convince ourselves that it is noble?
When a woman wants to have a child, she celebrates the life growing within her from the moment she gets her first positive test. Our daughter told us she was pregnant by showing us an ultrasound image taken just weeks into her pregnancy. She was so excited about this new life. What changes if the child is unwanted? Is it no longer a life just because it is unwanted? Is it not still a developing human child?
We are constantly lectured by the left to “follow the science,” but that argument seems to disappear when it comes to abortion. Other than conception,
there is nothing that happens during the pregnancy that is anything other than a matter of development. Of course a baby is not “viable” at 10 or 12 weeks gestation, but a newborn infant is not viable, either. They both need considerable development before they are selfsufficient to any degree.
Women have all the “freedom” in the world — before another life comes into play. Where else in our society do we allow one person to take the life of another with impunity? If that’s “freedom” or “autonomy,” we should have none of it.
What bothers me most about abortion is that we would not treat our pets that badly. Surely we spay and neuter our pets, but if there was a clinic where vets were cutting open those poor unfortunate dogs and cats that found themselves in the midst of unwanted pregnancies and destroying the litters, there would be a public outcry against such a place. That vet would find him or herself in jail before they could blink an eye.
Why do we not do that for our children?
PhILIP PRESTAMO Pastor, Cornerstone Church Freeport
I respect the fact that several of the participants in Blakeman’s program may be retired law enforcement professionals and members of our armed forces, and I thank them for their prior service. Nevertheless, the 30-day training crash course that these civilians received is woefully insufficient to get anyone prepared to act in any law enforcement capacity. It becomes more troublesome when you consider that NCPD officers receive seven months of intense basic training before being permitted to function as police officers.
By comparison, my classmates in the Civilian Police Academy and I completed 14 weeks of instruction by the NCPD. Logically, wouldn’t we be better trained than other civilians who received only 30 days of training? For some reason the Blakeman administration believes that provisional sheriffs need a mere 30 days of vaguely defined training before being activated in potentially chaotic, emergency situations.
I have always believed that only police officers should be doing police work. If what I learned in a 14-week police course does not qualify me to act in a law enforcement professional’s capacity, why should these provisional sheriffs be given authority to insert themselves, and their firearms, into emergency situations? These are situations in which residents are already stressed, confused and seeking clarity.
Nassau County doesn’t need this. Nassau County doesn’t want this. We have more than 2,600 well-trained officers already at the ready, not to mention state, village and city police departments that can provide mutual aid. We also have the National Guard, FEMA and other agencies that are far better equipped to assist than a handful of provisional special deputy sheriffs.
There is plenty to do in Nassau — we should be devoting our attention to addressing real issues like fixing our broken assessment system, investing in our aging infrastructure, getting lifesaving opioid settlement funds onto the front lines of the addiction crisis, and saving Nassau University Medical Center and Nassau Community College. This “militia” is yet another example of wasted time, resources and energy by the Blakeman administration, which focuses on finding solutions to problems that don’t exist.
Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
sETH i. KosLoW
FramEWorK by Tim Baker
We can feel the cool breeze from here — Pryibil Beach, Glen Cove
