Nassau Herald 07-27-2023

lets talk y iddish to chickens

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LWA is getting an overhaul

Woodmere school is focusing on upgrades, and the future

By HErNEsTo g AlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Lawrence Woodmere Academy students have been out of school for nearly two months, but work continues on the Woodmere campus on a number of renovations and upgrades in preparation for the new school year.

Barth Feldman Performing Arts Center. Feldman, a 1982 graduate and a former headmaster at the school, died in 2019.

“The arts are definitely a focus of LWA,” Kalyan said. “It’s an area where we’ve had success in the last several years with several of our alumni.”

variance for the Woodmere Club.

Another option for Woodmere Club?

Owners request use variance in ‘open space’

By HErNEsTo g AlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Roughly 90 people filled the second-floor conference room at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club on July 19, with overflow into the hallway. There, at a village Board of Appeals hearing, one of the two owners of the Woodmere Club, Efrem Gerzberg, and attorney Christian Browne presented an application seeking a variance to build on the club’s land.

Gerzberg and the club’s other owner, Robert Weiss, are looking to build outside the perimeter of a Coastal Conservation District that was created in 2020, in what Browne called “open space.”

In 2019, the developers proposed the construction of 284 single-family homes on the land, a plan that was met with strong opposition from area residents. The club property occupies three municipalities, and the plan called for 247 of the homes to be built within the boundaries of the hamlet of Woodmere, in the Town of Hempstead; 24 in the Village of Woodsburgh; and 13 in Lawrence.

To prevent such dense construction, the Town of Hempstead and the two villages approved the creation of the Coastal Conservation District. The new zoning divided the 118-acre Woodmere Club into three “subdistricts.” An 83.3-acre parcel was designated an open space/recreation subdistrict; 29.4

Continued on page 14

“Every summer, when schools spend that time making sure their building is ready for the fall, we have a couple of biggerticket items that we want to get done before we open the doors in September,” Nadia Kalyan, LWA’s director of development, said.

The Woodmere building, which dates back to the late 19th century, will have repainted classrooms, LED lighting upgrades, drop ceilings and a new black box theater, which will expand the school’s arts program.

Hessel Hall will be converted into the theater, for the upper, middle and lower schools. When it is completed, the building will be renamed the Barbra

One of them is Andrew Barth Feldman, Barbra’s son, who starred alongside Jennifer Lawrence in this year’s film “No Hard Feelings.” Feldman graduated from LWA in 2020.

The theater will have a new dance and yoga studio, and upgraded and renovated private lesson space for music and theater students.

To support the theater, which is expected to be completed in September, a fundraiser for the Barbra Barth Feldman Performing Arts Center and Scholarship Fund was created shortly after Feldman died, and other fundraising events have been held to sup -

Continued on page 11

M y agenda is to really push this school to keep it open. That’s really my only agenda.

HANk WilliAMs sr. headmaster

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

Roughly 90 people attended the Lawrence Board of Appeals hearing at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club on July 19, which took up a request for a

Many people mistake affluence for self-worth. You can buy whatever you want. Live in a mansion. Own expensive items. Experience amazing trips. You’ve made it! What a worthy, wonderful person you are.

So how come you’re still feeling that it’s never enough. Whatever you do, whatever you buy feels great. Yet, a day later you feel buggy and bored again. So, you rack up additional purchases. Or, tired of shopping, you plan another trip. You create another social event. And still, it satisfies only for the moment.

In the quietness of your solitude, you wonder what’s wrong. A reassuring voice quickly tells you, “It’s going to be all right.” “Umm, maybe it’s not,” whispers another voice.

Deep down, even addicts always know that something’s wrong, even if they vehemently deny it.

So what’s the problem here? Isn’t affluence supposed to make life easier? More carefree? More tranquil? Yes, but not if one equates affluence

with self-worth. Having a lot of money does not alleviate anxiety or depression. Indeed, it often makes it worse.

The adage, “little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems,” has much truth to it. Since big kids act out their difficulties on a bigger stage, problems that arise from their bad behavior have more serious consequences.

Similarly, people living modest lives are so busy trying to keep themselves afloat, that their problems are typically more mundane. In contrast, those who live life on a larger scale may find that their neurotic behavior creates emotional, social and financial debacles, worthy of headlines in the tabloids. This is true not only for the truly affluent but also for those who falsely convey an image of wealth and success but who live deeply in debt.

If you’re addicted to affluence (or the appearance of affluence), recognize that it does not cure the anxiety of insignificance. It does not provide you with a life purpose. Nor does it satisfy a neurotic need, which, by definition, is a need that can never be satisfied. In short, affluence does not equate to self-worth.

If you are affluent (or a wannabe affluent), be aware of whether your riches are liberating or enslaving.

Are you being led astray by your unending resources to buy whatever you want, or are you in control of your impulses, buying only what you truly want or need?

Does your affluence destroy your ability to find purpose in life or are you using your affluence to better your life and/or the lives of others?

Are you letting the tumultuous parts of your personality guide you

to perilous pastimes or are you willing and able to tame those impulses?

Are you only enticed by the superlative (the biggest and the best) or do you make choices utilizing a wide range of options?

Are your kids adversely affected by their easy access to money or are you making it a point to raise them with good values?

If affluence is not bringing you the joy you thought it would, reflect on how you can change before your problems become too big to solve. Remember that self-worth is earned, not bought.

©2023

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist and success coach in private practice who specializes in helping people overcome self-defeating patterns of behavior. You can reach her at LSapadin@DrSapadin.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Linda Sapadin

Fares and tolls see first hike since 2019

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

“What choice do we really have? said a Long Island Rail Road Hewlett station commuter, who declined to provide his name. “It’s the cost of living here.”

He then ran to catch his 8:20 a.m. train to Penn Station. A daily routine that will now cost him and fellow commuters more money as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved its first fare hike in four years on July 19.

“These increases had been introduced on May 22, 2023,” the MTA wrote in a news release. “Between June 22, 2023, and June 26, 2023, the MTA Board held four hybrid public hearings to receive public comments on the proposed fare changes. The MTA further invited and received written and video statements from members of the public commenting on the proposals.”

Fare revenue will increase by roughly 4.3 percent on or around Aug. 20.

The price increase translates to a few extra cents for each LIRR ticket. A one-way ticket from Hewlett to Manhattan, for example, will cost an additional 50 cents, from $14 to $14.50 during peak commuting times, and will rise from $10.25 to $10.75 during non-peak hours.

A round of fare increases was expected in 2021 as the agency raises prices every two years, but MTA officials held off because of fear of losing commuters but the goal of winning

them back played a role.

Earlier this year, the MTA faced a projected budget gap of $2.5 billion by 2025 and the agency has since managed to stave off financial ruin and avoid drastic service cuts after Gov. Kathy

Hochul promised millions of dollars in funding in her 2024 executive budget address.

“We have to face the harsh reality of MTA’s fiscal cliff,” Hochul noted in her budget address. “A problem that was

created by almost the complete cessation of ridership during the pandemic — except for emergency workers, first responders, and health care workers.”

Hewlett’s Elizabeth Joseph-Lau commutes to Penn Station twice a week and said money should go into upgrades on the LIRR train cars.

“They should work on making all the trains the new ones,” she said.

Joseph-Lau referred to the subway cars in the city as the MTA has rolled out more modern subway trains. The LIRR has been using the M9 cars, which replaced the M3/M3A, built during the 1980s. The M9 entered service in 2009.

Critics and observers, however, argue that the MTA’s budgetary problems reach back decades of fiscal troubles and structurally shabby budget practices resulting in expenses outpacing revenue.

The current fare bump, which will also see an increase for tolls on MTA bridges, is part of the roughly $1.3 billion bailout deal struck between the transit giant and Albany, said MTA chair and chief executive Janno Lieber.

On balance with the LIRR dropping fare prices by 10 percent last year, “the fares are still (comparatively) lower than they used to be, even though everything else in life has gone up,” Lieber said.

Jews on farms speaking Yiddish to chickens

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Before Seth Stern became the editor for the Bloomberg News, he was a Hewlett native and a 1993 Hewlett High School graduate. He read the Nassau Herald growing up and a high school journalism class ignited his interest in the industry.

At law school in 1998, he was inspired to interview his grandmother, Holocaust survivor Bronia Grin, who grew up in Poland and came to the United States.

“Part of the story that really fascinated me the most was how she, my grandfather and about 1,000 other survivors wounded up as poultry farmers in South Jersey,” he said.

Off and on for about 25 years, he branched out and spoke to dozens of other survivors and kids who grew up in the farms in Vineland, New Jersey.

Now living in Maryland, he began writing during the pandemic using the information he gathered.

His book, “Speaking Yiddish to Chickens: Holocaust Survivors on South Jersey Poultry Farms,” was published in March.

New York was home to many Holocaust survivors in the first decade of World War II. Roughly 140,000 survivors came. A few thousand would choose to leave and live on American farms, like Bronia and her husband, Nuchin.

The book’s name, however, is part of a joke but has a meaning to it, he said.

“Part of the appeal of becoming chicken farmers was because chickens didn’t mind if you spoke Yiddish to them,” Stern said. “But there was a serious element to it because they heard about this opportunity to have a farm and it didn’t matter that you didn’t know English. The appeal was sort of an idea like being your own boss, having your own farm and most them had never farmed.”

Outside of his grandparents, the book revolves around interviews with dozens of farmers and children who grew up on the farm.

During the 25 years of research in search of survivors who lived on the farms, he would visit Vineland to speak with people who may have known his grandparents. He also made a trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, which contained video interviews and

transcripts with survivors who settled on the farms.

Stern said he interviewed between nearly 90 people, including experts on farming. With the hope of making the story as personal as it can be to explain Jewish farming in the United States.

The story is told chronologically, showing the community’s growth from the late 1940s and early ’50s, including the construction of small synagogues.

“I show how they build a community, how they interacted with the Jewish community that existed at the time,” he said. “It was a very unique place.

Childhood memories became more vivid when Stern had a Meet the Author event at Chabad of Hewlett on July 10, a short walk from his former high school.

“It was really special to be able to share with an audience,” he said. “Many of the people were friends, including Dorothy (Liverant), who grew up on the farm. Some of them never knew that Jews farmed and to share it with people for whom it was completely new was great to.”

“Speaking Yiddish to Chickens: Holocaust Survivors on South Jersey Poultry Farms” is available on Amazon.

Additional reporting by Juan Lasso

Tim Baker/Herald

Long Island Rail Road commuters will have to pay a few extra more next month as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved its first fare hike in four years.

Courtesy Seth Stern On the cover of ‘Speaking Yiddish to Chickens: Holocaust Survivors on South Jersey Poultry Farms,’ shows two Holocaust survivor families on a poultry farm in New Jersey. From left Dina and Dorothy Liverant, Ruth, Bronia and Nuchim Grin.

Three swastikas found in Cedarhurst Park playground

Three swastikas roughly 5” x 5” each were found by a man at 8:10 p.m. on July 23 etched in to the playground equipment at Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park in Cedarhurst, Nassau police said.

The police are calling it a bias incident and the investigation is continuing.

Cedarhurst officials said that video security at the park would be improved. The swastikas were removed two days after the incident.

A swastika, at one time a symbol of German nationalism, was co-opted by the Nazis and is identified as a symbol of antisemitism and hate.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 2448477. All calls are confidential.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Crime watCh

LarCeny-from auto

Multivitamins and Older Adults

About one-third of Americans 60 and older take multivitamins. Perhaps the remaining twothirds should as well. According to a major new study, the second of its kind to reach the same conclusion, taking multivitamins over age sixty delays the onset of memory loss by about 3 years.

The study used a commonly available multivitamin, Centrum Silver, which contains vitamins D, A, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, manganese and other substances, although it was noted that any high-quality multivitamin would do just as well.

A Washington Post article (5/24/23) about these findings quotes JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School “Older adults are very concerned about preserving cognition and memory, so this is a very important finding. They are looking for safe and effective prevention strategies. The fact that two separate studies came to similar conclusions is remarkable.”

Other experts cited were Andrew Budson, Professor of Neurology at Boston University “This study is groundbreaking. Low levels of

vitamins B1 -- also known as thiamine -- B12 and D are associated with cognitive decline. That a simple multivitamin can slow cognitive decline while they are aging normally is quite exciting, as it is something almost everyone can do.”

The reasons that multivitamin “therapy” is so effective is explained by Paul E. Schultz, Professor Neurology at McGovern Medical School, Houston -- the brain requires a lot of vitamins and minerals to function properly. While the goal is to maintain nutrition through a healthy and balanced diet, as we age our bodies may be unable to absorb sufficient levels of the essential elements. In addition, some medications interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Schulz states “Think of a complicated engine that requires lots of specialty parts and needs them all. We regularly see people who are deficient in nutrients come in with cognitive impairment.”

If you are on medications, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before you try a supplement, as some vitamins may interfere with those medications.

An unknown man removed a bottle of cologne from a vehicle parked at 1445 Bay Blvd. in Atlantic Beach on July 19 at 4:27 a.m. according to police.

Petit LarCeny

Michael Fie, 44, of Queens was arrest-

ed for shoplifting at the Marshalls on 345 Rockaway Tpke. in North Lawrence at 1:24 p.m. on July 19, police said.

CriminaL misChief

According to police, an unknown person damaged the passenger side mirror of a vehicle parked at 1534 Broadway in Hewlett from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

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Three swastikas were found scratched onto the playground equipment at Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park on July 23.

The

Cedarhurst resident earns Guard sergeant promotion

Cedarhurst’s Zachariah Farrell was promoted to sergeant last month as part of being recognized for the skills he brings to his unit the Division Signal Company, 42nd Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion in the New York Army National Guard.

The promotion recognizes a soldier’s leadership, responsibility, professionalism, and future potential. Such recognition is typically earned by the best qualified soldiers for a career in the Army National Guard. Farrell has been part of the Guard for four years.

Soldiers serving the state are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits, global travel, technical and leadership training, health insurance, and more.

New York’s National Guard is the state’s executive agency responsible to the governor for managing New York’s military forces consisting of the Army, Air National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard.

For more information, go to Dmna. Ny.gov or 1800GoGuard.com.

— Lauren Maggiore

Sharona Yadegar appointed FIDF Long Island chapter director

An Iranian refugee born in Tehran who was raised In Israel is the new Long Island chapter director of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Sharona Yadegar will spearhead the chapter’s operations and fundraising efforts that further FIDF’s mission of providing life-changing support to the brave members of the Israel Defense Forces.

Yadegar spent her childhood years in Israel. Even when faced with conflict such as bombings, she managed to find strength observing IDF soldiers give help to citizens, which deepened her passion for Israel as well as her commitment to the FIDF.

“I’m proud and honored to be the new FIDF director of Long Island,” she said in a statement. “As a refugee who has experienced persecution, I strongly believe in the importance of Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people. The soldiers of the IDF play a crucial role in defending this homeland and providing security to our people. ”

As Yadegar works closely with national leadership and local board members to run fundraising initiatives, she will develop and maintain donor relationships, cultivate new supporters, and ensure the chapter’s fundraising goals are achieved.

of Holocaust survivors to help IDF sol diers. The organization offers an array of services, including guidance and support for lone soldiers — a non-Israeli or a native of Israel without family support in the Jewish state.

The assistance includes flights to visit family and friends in their native coun tries, a 24-hour call center for the soldiers and their parents, grants and financial aid, holiday gift packages and vouchers, Shabbat and holiday meals, social net works and gatherings for soldiers and par ents, post-service scholarships for those who are eligible, fun and recreation days and apartments across Israel.

Courtesy Mark Getman – New York Guard

New York Army National Guard promoted Zachariah Farrell, from Cedarhurst, to sergeant. Above, the New York Army National Guard marching in the city’s 2022 Veterans Day Parade.

Sharona Yadegar

HERALD sports

NYS adds classification to seven sports

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

the New York State Public High School Athletic Association is going from a five-classification format to six classifications in seven different sports – boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, baseball and softball – beginning this upcoming school year.

For Nassau and Suffolk County, it means more county champions, more Long Island championship games and more teams competing in state tournaments in those sports. The NYSPHSAA, which last summer voted to approve the new classifications, wanted to create approximate equal numbers across the state in each enrollment classification.

“Every section in the state is different, but for us in what used to be Class A we had more than 30 schools competing for one championship,” Section VIII athletics executive director Pat Pizzarelli said. “Now within that same group there’s an extra opportunity to win a championship.”

For example, Nassau boys and girls basketball had 58 schools compete in the 2022-23 campaign; 15 in Class AA, 34 in Class A and nine in Class B. This coming season, there will be 12 in Class AAA, 24 in Class AA, 17 in Class A, and four in Class B.

Among the second-tiered teams for boys and girls basketball (Class AA) will be Calhoun, Carey, East Meadow (down from the largest grouping), Elmont, Hewlett, Kennedy, Long Beach, MacArthur, Sewanhaka, South Side and Valley Stream Central. Class AA is for schools with an incoming enrollment (grades nine through 11) between 692 and 1,104 for boys, and between 699 and 1,112 for girls. The new Class A numbers are 391691 for boys, and 397-698 for girls.

“With the exception of Floral Park, the new AA schools on the boys side have had the Class A champ for the last 25 years,” said South Side’s Jerry D’Angelo, head coach of the reigning Nassau and Long Island Class A boys’ basketball champions. “So the new setup will give us two county champions among the 41 teams in AA and A.”

Suffolk had 59 boys and girls basketball programs this past winter with 25 competing in Class AA, 22 in Class A and four in Class B. For 2023-24, there would be 18 in Class AAA, 18 in Class AA and 13 in Class A.

Across the board, much of the largest group landscape in Nassau County remains unchanged with many of the fixtures like Baldwin, Farmingdale, Freeport, Massapequa, Plainview, Syosset and Uniondale will vie for a title. However, East Meadow and Valley Stream Central are two schools with dif-

ference classifications based on sport. The Jets remained in AAA in soccer, baseball and softball but dropped to the second largest classification for hoops. The Eagles have an identical setup under the new breakdown but competed in Class A for basketball in recent seasons.

The classification numbers between basketball and soccer are slightly different. For soccer, Class AAA starts at 1,082 students and up on the girls side and 1,090 on the boys side. Softball and baseball breakdowns are closer to soccer than they are basketball, but are all within a range of less than 30.

One minor negative is Nassau and Suffolk will take on an extra expense of securing more postseason venues for some semifinals and finals, and the cost of sending more teams to state competitions.

“It’ll cost a little more money come tournament time with extra playoff games,” Pizzarelli said.

Nassau County softball coordinator Rachel Barry, who coaches Clarke, said the plan at this time is to stick with ability-based conferences during the regular season. “The playoffs will look pretty similar with some smaller brackets,” Barry said. “The extra classification balances our section a little bit better by spreading out the single A schools.

“Suffolk hosts next year’s Long Island championships, so it’s up to them to figure out locations,” she added. “As far as the state championships, softball isn’t going to be impacted as much since we no longer play the semis and finals on the same day. Adding another classification only adds three games to the mix.”

Media Origin Inc./Herald

South Side, the defending Nassau and Long Island Class A boys’ basketball champions, is moving to Class AA this upcoming season as part of the new statewide classification setup.

Ron Manfredi/Herald

Baseball is one of seven sports statewide moving from five classifications to six beginning this September.

Temple Israel, Lawrence, a storied Reform congregation founded in 1908, voted overwhelmingly to stay in its historic building. “Our members believe in the future of our temple family and so do I,” said the congregation’s Cantor Galina Makaveyev, who has been an integral part of the Temple Israel community for 21 years.

“Our members decided to remain in their spiritual home, to care for one another and to reach out to the unaffiliated,” said Rabbi Marc Disick, the congregation’s interim rabbi.

Built in 1930, Temple Israel’s iconic Spanish-style sanctuary is a Lawrence landmark. The building, well-known throughout the Five Towns, represents far more than brick and mortar to its longtime members. Penny Schuster, the congregation’s President said that “My parents raised me here, I was confirmed at Temple Israel, my children became B’nai Mitzvah here and my husband’s funeral was here. Temple Israel is my spiritual home.”

Exploring Britain’s Long Island occupation

By LARA MURRAY-STERZEL Intern

American history is a long and complicated tale to tell. But there are still those venturing into the past to uncover stories never told during the making of our country.

“Chronicles of the British Occupation of Long Island” is a new book by David M. Griffin, taking readers back in time to the Revolutionary War when people lived in fear of the British’s brutal power, while slowly gaining a patriotic desire for freedom.

Griffin is an independent researcher and author who’s always been driven to the history of the Revolutionary War, especially in New York region. When he completed his first book, “Lost British Forts of Long Island” in 2017, Griffin reached out to The History Press, a publishing company known for its collection of history books in communities on Long Island and elsewhere.

He was put in touch with acquisitions editor, Banks Smithers, and the two have worked together ever since. When Griffin came to Smithers about the idea of focusing on the British occupation of this part of the world, the two began shaping his current idea into the story it is today.

The novel follows a narrative story between 1776 and 1783, giving a human aspect to what it was like to experience life on Long Island during British rule. Griffin wanted to explore the British movement and American spy activity through various sources from the time.

To do this, he read historical books and even stud-

ied a period diary, which is referenced in the book about what was discussed, heard and spoken when the British loomed over Long Island.

“It’s very hard to write about the time because everything was very secretive,” Griffin said. “So, stories and the order of things that were happening on the island were hidden. You have to rely on a lot of different accounts from different writers.”

He provided images in his novel — some of which included maps the British used as a part of their network — as well as photographs of historical houses where British soldiers were sheltered as part of quartering laws. Griffin thought by showing these, it would create a certain historical depth for the reader.

After a year of writing, the book was published in July and is expected to arrive soon at Long Island bookstores. The History Press hopes to schedule book events once the stores have received the novel.

Griffin sees his book as rather dark because of the topics it covers, focused on how the power over land divided people. Even when Colonists endured the unpredictable effects that led up to — and included — the Revolutionary War, Griffin was shocked at how long the British stayed on Long Island and what they did.

Which made his research all that more compelling.

“I learned a lot more about the conditions of dayto-day life under martial law in the book,” Smithers said. “David paints a harrowing picture of occupied Long Island — something entirely unfamiliar to today’s Long Islanders — and thus exceedingly interesting.”

Courtesy David M. Griffin

David M. Griffin’s book — ‘Chronicles of the British Occupation of Long Island’ — is expected to hit bookstores soon, especially on Long Island.

DAviD M. GRiffin

The annual Santa Marina Feast celebrates Saint Marina Vergine, the patron saint of Filandari, Italy.

Feasting at the Santa Marina Feast

Acelebration of a saint that originated in Italy continues in Inwood with the two-day Santa Marina Feast in Inwood that this year took place on July 14 and 15.

This year’s feast was the second after the two-year Covid hiatus and featured attractions, beverages, musical entertainment, food, games and rides.

The Santa Marina Society along

with Our Lady of Good Counsel Church organize the festival. The society, a religious organization established in 1921 by Italian immigrants from Filandari, a small town in the Calabria region of Italy.

Santa Marina, or Saint Marina Vergine, Filandari’s patron saint is also celebrated with a morning Mass on the second day of the feast.

–Jeffrey Bessen

All the way from Commack, the Curra family took in the feast. Giovanni, Jake, Ashley and Stacie.

Girlfriend and boyfriend Kimberly and William, from Inwood, try their luck shooting basketballs.

Dan Tommasino/Herald photos

Down the giant slide went Inwood residents Elmer and son Dylan, 6, at the Santa Marina Feast.

LWA set to open new theater in September

port the center.

“Barbra Barth Feldman was an incredible force to the LWA community,” Ella Schwartz, a member of the school’s board of directors, wrote in a text to the Herald. “A staunch supporter of the arts, her vision for a world-class program is becoming a reality. We are deeply honored that the Barbra Barth Feldman Performing Arts Center will continue Barbra’s legacy for years to come, inspiring future student artists. At a time when school arts programs are being threatened, LWA is embracing the arts and expanding our program. We feel strongly that instrumental, vocal, theatrical, and dance are vital for our students’ growth, development, and exploration.”

The school also has an annual performing arts award that is bestowed on a gradating senior. Titled the Barbra Barth Feldman Excellence in Performing Arts Award.

In January, the school was struggling financially and in danger of closing, and the trustees asked former students and parents for ideas on how it could remain open. Five months later, alumni and parents joined forces in a group called LWA into the Next Century, created by Kalyan with the goal of building longterm financial sustainability.

Asked how much the renovations would cost and where the funds were coming from, Kalyan said the school was always fundraising, and that alumni and community member have been engaged in those efforts.

“What was great about that moment, although it was difficult, was everyone’s love for the school,” she said of the discussions early this year. “People have been continuing to step up, continuing to reach out, asking how they can help, coming up with ideas, and

that’s because of the love for this school.”

Hank William Sr. became the school’s headmaster after Brian O’Connell’s contract expired in March. Williams praised O’Connell, who became headmaster in March 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic began.

“He did an outstanding job keeping this school and doors open,” Williams said.

A former principal in the Hempstead school dis-

Programs for Lifelong Learners at Molloy University!

Learning doesn’t have to end at a certain age—it can be a lifelong pursuit. Molloy University empowers learners of all ages by offering high-quality, flexible and adaptable programs to serve and meet the needs of Long Islanders through two outstanding programs: The Molloy Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) which was established in 1992 and the new Sister Mary Celeste Lecture Series. In both programs you learn for the fun of learning in a relaxed environment without assignments, exams or grades.

The MILL program is a membership-based program. Most members are retirees, however, not everyone is retired, nor is this a requisite for membership. All ages are welcome, men and women, singles or couples, as long as there is a willingness to participate in learning and to maintain a rigorous mind. The programs meet in-person one day week during the day: Tuesdays or Fridays in Rockville Centre and Wednesdays in Amityville. Membership is valid from September 1 to August 31 each year and lectures usually start mid-September and runs until mid-June.

The Sister Mary Celeste Lecture Series offers individual courses in a variety of areas, offered in-person during the day for one or more sessions in Rockville Centre. Topics may include, current events, music, art, literature, history, finance, heath, philosophy, technology and more. Whether you’re interested in dabbling in a new hobby or just trying to keep up with technology, there’s a class out there for you. Find

trict, Williams became LWA’s principal last October, and moved up to interim head of school in February, when O’Connell decided not to return for another year.

“I really wasn’t planning on taking on this much,” Williams said. “It’s been quite rewarding, and so many people were kind and the passion has been just rewarding and making me feel like this is where I need to be. My agenda is to really push this school to keep it open. That’s really my only agenda.”

Couples who have had the opportunity to be cared for by our doctors know that they understand their predicament. The team at GENESIS –including scientists, nurses, laboratory and operating room technicians, medical assistants, even the billing and administrative staff – have been thoroughly sensitized to the special needs of infertile couples.

We’ve made a priority of combining medical excellence with compassionate care.

WE’VE RENOVATED to serve our patients better!

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Renovations have begun at Lawrence Woodmere Academy, and the institution is looking forward to opening a black box theater named after Barbra Barth Feldman, former headmaster of the school and a 1982 graduate.

Woodmere’s Daniella Rothman up for NCAA award

Woodmere resident Daniella Rothman, a standout women’s basketball studentathlete at Yeshiva University, has been nominated for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award.

Through her outstanding performance in the classroom, the basketball court and her extracurricular activities, Rothman has demonstrated her eligibility for this award honoring graduating women college athletes who have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics and leadership.

“It’s such an honor to be nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year, especially given all the outstanding studentathletes at Stern (College for Women),” Rothman said in a news release. “I am appreciative and humbled by this honor.”

Her performance on the court was exceptional as she grabbed 512 rebounds and scored 468 points in three seasons playing center. A force on defense Rothman recorded 75 steals and 63 blocked shots during her Y.U. career.

In her junior season, she propelled the team towards a thrilling Skyline Conference victory in overtime over SUNY Old Westbury. In a senior year game, the two-year women’s basketball co-captain generated 18 points, 20 rebounds, 7 steals, and 3 assists against the Gryphons.

Along with the national nomination, Rothman also earned a spot on the winter All-Skyline Sportsmanship team due to her leadership skills. Not only has she never missed a single game during her time playing at Y.U., but she was also played for the women’s volleyball team and the softball program during her senior year.

Rothman matches her athletic excellence with academic achievement with a perfect cumulative grade-point average of 4.0 as an educational psychology major and multiple placements on the Skyline Academic Honor Roll

as well as Yeshiva University’s dean’s list. She also pairs the school accmplishment of being an honors graduate of Y.U. with spending many hours outside of school volunteering for START Science and Torah Tours where Rothman helped members of her community with mastering challenging educational materials and

Mood lighting

giving help to the elderly and children in small communities.

For updates on Daniella Rothman and the NCAA Women of the Year selection process, go to Yumacs.com.

— Lauren Maggiore

Courtesy Yeshiva University Daniella Rothman, from Woodmere, was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Above, playing against Lehman College in 2021.

Dunn embraces second World Cup experience

By MICHAEL LEWIS sports@liherald.com

Participating in her second Women’s World Cup, Crystal Dunn is living by a simple philosophy: Embrace the moment.

“The question that many of us who have played in the World Cup get is: ‘Oh, it must be easy now’. I’m like, ‘No, it’s not easy now,’ because each World Cup is different,” she said.

This World Cup is different for the Rockville Centre native because Dunn is a mother for the first time. She has brought her 15-month-old son Marcel to New Zealand for the tournament.

“I took a massive amount of time off last year,” she said. “So everything, every moment that led to this moment is so different. It’s a different journey that I didn’t expect to be on. My message to players in their first World Cup is really just embrace it. It’s going to be wild. It’s going to be crazy. There’s going to be moments where you’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what did I sign up for?’ But that’s the beauty in it.”

The left back was a member of the 2019 U.S. team that won its second consecutive world championship in France in 2019. The Americans are vying to become the first team — men or women — to capture three successive World Cups.

“We remember that as the last team standing up, you realize that it was also worth it,” she said. “My message to everybody is play with a little bit of noise. It’s not something that you take for granted at all. People are on their fourth World Cup. People are in their first. You just have to embrace it and take that moment

and just smile and laugh with everybody along the way.”

Dunn and her U.S. Women’s National Team teammates got off to a solid start in this year’s tournament, recording a 3-0 win over Vietnam in their opener in Auckland, New Zealand last Saturday. The former South Side High School standout played 84 minutes before she was replaced by Kelly O’Hara. The Americans’ next Group E game is against the Netherlands this Wednesday at 9 p.m. (Fox, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock). They close out group play against Portugal on Aug. 1 at 3 a.m. (same channels.)

Only nine members of the current 23-player U.S. roster competed in France, so the 31-year-old Dunn is one of the team’s most experienced players.

“I find myself in a new role, being more of a veteran player, a leader on this team,” she said, lamenting that team captain and center back Becky Sauerbrunn couldn’t play due to a leg injury. “Becky is a massive loss for us. She is somebody whose impact is felt not only on the field but off the field.

“We’re ruthless,” Dunn continued. “As a backline that’s how we’ve always trained. Becky has been someone who set the tone and the standard for that. Without her being here, we have to be even more collective and relentless in our defending.”

Rockville Centre native Crystal Dunn played 84 minutes in a 3-0 victory for U.S. over Vietnam in last Saturday’s World Cup opener.

Courtesy Marco Rosa

Woodmere Club owners focus on ‘open space’

acres were classified as a single-family residential subdistrict; and 5.7 acres were designated a clubhouse/hospitality subdistrict.

“The reason we’re here tonight is because we are asking this board for a use variance to allow us to develop single-family homes in the area outside the perimeter” of the conservation district, Browne said, “where those homes are otherwise permitted.”

Browne said that he and the club owners have submitted applications for a similar use variance to the Town of Hempstead and Woodsburgh to build homes in open space outside the single-family home residential district.

The Woodsburgh application will be heard at a village board meeting on Aug. 2. As of press time, a date for the town hearing date had not been set.

The Coastal Conservation District reduced the number of homes to be built to 59 — 41 in the Town of Hempstead and 18 in Lawrence and Woodsburgh. The developers filed a federal lawsuit in September 2020 against the town and the villages, but the suit was dismissed last December.

At last week’s meeting, Lawrence Board of Appeals member Elliot Mos

kowitz hit Browne with a barrage of questions, including whether traffic, environmental and flood studies would be submitted to support Gerzberg and Weiss’s application.

Browne said that as of now, he and his clients would not be submitting evidence.

“This site has been studied extensively from an environmental perspective, because an environmental impact statement was prepared by our engineers to contemplate the full development of the entire golf course with over 280 homes,” Browne said. “I’m talking in the broad sense — can we develop anything outside of that single-family home line?”

During a brief executive session, there was a suggestion to convene a joint session at which all three boards — the Town of Hempstead, Lawrence and Woodsburgh — would hear the presentation. The Board of Appeals then adjourned the hearing.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

Attorney Christian Browne highlighted where his clients, the owners of the Woodmere Club, want to build homes. Browne described the area outside the perimeter of the Coastal Conservation District as ‘open space.’

community, only one person spoke in opposition to the project.

unilaterally. You cannot possibly render a decision on a project of this magnitude on your own.”

Lawrence resident Josh Justic, president of the Community Coalition of the Five Towns, who attended the hearing, wrote in a text to the Herald that it once again showed a concerned community.

“In the Five Towns there is near universal rejection of more development,” Justic wrote. “Every resident has the clear knowledge that our roads, our infrastructure, our sewage systems and our ability to absorb a flood is at its capacity limit.”

Everyone in the audience raised a hand when the Board of Appeals asked who opposed the club co-owners’ new proposal. Only Gerzberg signaled his support.

Though the meeting room was filled to capacity, and the hearing had been moved from Lawrence Village Hall to the country club to accommodate the

“In essence, you are now married to each other,” Cedarhurst resident Rena Saffra said, referring to the Coastal Conservation District. “Joined at the hip, all for one and one for all. The Village of Lawrence does not have the right to act

“We urge the owners of the Woodmere Club, work with the community to find a mutually beneficial way forward or, failing that, to sell the property to another party that will take the community’s needs into account,” Justic texted.

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

You cannot possibly render a decision on a project of this magnitude on your own.

Rena SaffR a Cedarhurst

STEPPING OUT

Always in-tune with

Penn & Teller

By Iris Wiener

n its first incarnation since the pandemic, the 24th Annual Long Island Jolson Festival is ready to delight loyal fans once again. The festival’s latest edition, on Saturday, Aug. 12, will bring together devotees for a full day of nostalgia and music, celebrating the talent of Al Jolson — the performer bestowed with the moniker “world’s greatest entertainer.”

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

Jan Hernstat — the International Al Jolson Society’s president, who has helmed the festival since its beginning — is excited to remember the icon, who was a pioneer in many genres in the ‘20s, including music, film (“The Jazz Singer”), and theatre “Hold on to Your Hats”). When Hernstat began the festival many years ago, it was simply because he wanted a platform to show his appreciation for Jolson. It quickly turned into something else.

“It has been fun over the years to bring Jolson to people who don’t normally get to see him,” Hernstat says. “When I started doing this, people came to me and said something which I didn’t really understand: ‘Thank you for doing this service to bring this kind of entertainment that we don’t get to see anymore.’ It was just something that I wanted to do, and as a byproduct, I was making people happy. That’s a good feeling.”

It will be next to impossible not to smile at this year’s festival, which will include a performance from mainstay Tony Babino, who has been treating festivalgoers to the vocal stylings of Jolson for years. He is joined by “Mr. Tin Pan Alley,” Richard Halpern, who is participating in the event — at Lambrou’s in Island Park — all the way from California.

Hernstat explains that Halpern brings a unique set of skills to his Jolson interpretation.

By Karen Bloom

“A lot of people know Jolson from ‘The Jolson Story’ forward,” he says. “He did 20 songs in that film. The majority of people alive today only know those songs and the style in which he did it, which is what Tony emulates. But Richard does Jolson from the ‘20s and ‘30s, the ‘78 (RPM) Jolson,’ as I like to call it. People will get a little contrast, because with Richard, you’re going to get more of the early Jolson and with Tony more of the later Jolson. It’s going to be great.”

• Tickets are $43.95, which includes entertainment and meals; tickets for show only are $29.95

• Information and tickets available at Jolson.org or call Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524.

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

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not

He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit

and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving

The famed duo steps away from their Las Vegas residency to bring their act on tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. Penn & Teller’s brand of awe-inspiring illusions mixed with buddy-comedy shtick has kept the duo at the very top of the magic profession for the past 45 years. Their trademark is the updating of worn out or archaic routines, such as bullet catching, or their recent adaptation of the classic bag escape trick (their version involved a trash bag and lots of helium). From humble beginnings busking on the streets of Philadelphia to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway to the longest running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo continues to defy labels — and at times physics and good taste — by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. Constantly evolving and refining their unique take on illusion, the pair’s slight of hand always amazes, whether it’s a fresh take on an old ‘trick’ or something altogether new.

Friday and Saturday, July 28, 8 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets are $94, $84, $58, $48; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Kevin James

• Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park

Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence. the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to them.” which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April. interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, Miguel

Also new this year is an appearance by comedian Jeff Greenberg, a longtime society member known for his humorous act, frequently performing near his New Jersey home. The comedy doesn’t end there. Bob Greenberg (no relation) will be tickling the funny bone as characters from oldies acts, such as Oliver Hardy, Ralph Kramden and Lou Costello. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet Brian Gari, grandson of the late performer Eddie Cantor, Jolson’s showbiz contemporary, and can check out a slew of memorabilia from Jolson’s era.

Hernstat is intent on keeping Jolson’s legacy front and center in the public eye.

“He was the first true superstar. In fact, the word ‘superstar’ was not even coined yet,” he says. “He was an international star at a time when there was no real media to promote what he did. Now all you have to do is go on social media and everyone knows you all over the world. When Jolson first started out, there weren’t talking movies, there’s wasn’t radio and TV. For somebody to be as big as he was worldwide, it really talks about your talent. It is a wonderful experience to celebrate his talent, his singing, and his voice.”

When Hernstat reflects on years past, he fondly remembers welcoming entertainers to his gathering, such as Sheldon Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof” lyricist and songwriter), radio and television superstar Margaret Whiting, and comedian Soupy Sales.

“I don’t want this festival to die,” Hernstat says. “There’s still people out there that love Jolson. I always tell people, ‘We’re not looking to convert you to become a Jolson fan, we just want to find the ones out there who are and let them know that they have this outlet for their enjoyment.’”

Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs

Great American Comedy Festival,

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

Yarn/Wire

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire. The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with

The ‘King of Queens,’ ‘Mall Cop,’ ‘Kevin Can Wait,’ and Larry (of ‘I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry’) — Kevin James wears many hats. Catch his comedic brilliance when he returns to his Long Island roots with his Irregardless Tour. Young Kevin was a promising college football fullback until the acting bug bit him. After spending his junior summer with the local community theatre, he realized getting laughs was a bigger rush than stopping running backs from scoring a first down. James took to the comedy circuit where he soon made a name for himself, receiving the deal that every struggling comedian dreams of: The chance to develop and star in his own sitcom. The result was ‘King of Queens,’ and the rest is history. Now, he’s back on the stage with his everyman comedy and warm deadpan delivery. He’ll regale everyone with his quietly hilarious observations on life, fatherhood, and the simple absurdities of the world.

Saturday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Courtesy L.I. Jolson Festival

Top photo: Al Jolson as he appeared in his film ‘The Singing Kid’ in 1936. Middle photo: Jolson enthusiast Joe Wiener with festival mainstay Tony Babino.

Bottom photo: Vocalist Richard Halpern performs the standards of the era in his first festival appearance.

Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia

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

The longtime festival is a lively tribute to the ‘World’s Greatest Entertainer’

Aug. 4

Doo-Wop Oldies Spectacular

Revisit the golden oldies with Peter Lemongello Jr. in “An Evening To Remember,” with The Fabulous Acchords, The Tribunes and Teresa McClean, Friday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. With their polished vocal skills and dynamic stage presence, these artists deliver a night of unforgettable entertainment in an energetic show that is pure nostalgia, filled with unforgettable tunes. Headliner Peter Lemongello Jr., is acclaimed as the most explosive and exciting doo-wop performer to appear on the scene in 40 years. The son of singer Peter Lemongello, Peter Jr. has appeared on “American Idol” and performed with The Four Tops, The Temptations, Chubby Checker and Lloyd Price, among others. He’s joined by acapella group The Tribunes, renowned for their authentic New York-bred street-corner harmonies, and The Fabulous Acchords, known for their impeccable harmonies, who captivate audiences with their blend of classic and contemporary songs, spanning genres and eras. The concert, produced by Gene DiNapoli, also features a special appearance by Teresa McClean, who takes everyone on an enthusiastic musical journey with her signature vocals and lush orchestration. $49, $39, $29; available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org. or (917) 567-5842. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

July 28

Summer tunes

Get in the Motown groove with Dr. K’s Motown Revue, at Eisenhower Park, Friday, July 28, 8 p.m. The band’s dynamic renditions of those great tunes are performed with passion and conviction in true Motown style. With special guest Chicken Head. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Community Chest 5K

The Community Chest in South Shore hosts a 5K Run & Family Walk, Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Sunny Atlantic Beach Club. Post-race refreshments will be provided, along with free finish line photos and awards. Registration begins at 7:45 am. Race begins 45 minutes later. 2035 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach Register at CommunityChestSS.org. For more information call (516) 374-5800.

Aug.

Hot Diggity Dog

It’s barbecue season and Long Island Children’s Museum is feeling in the spirit, Kids can celebrate National Hot Dog Month by making a customized hot dog craft to bring home, at the drop-in program, Sunday, July 30, 1-3 p.m. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Aug. 17

Write on: College essay workshop

Not sure how to get started on your college essay? The Hofstra University Admission Office is offering a virtual workshop to help high school students learn the skills to tell their story in a way that helps them stand out. The final workshop, Thursday, Aug. 17, 4-5 p.m., is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Hear from Hofstra Admission counselors about how to brainstorm topics, and compose a thoughtful essay that shows your personality, talents and interests. For more information about Hofstra Admission’s other virtual summer workshops, go to Admission.Hofstra.edu/portal/ virtual_admission_webinars. To schedule a summer in-person visit go to: Hofstra.edu/visit.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Golf Outing

The 50th annual Five Towns Kiwanis Bernie Schwartz Golf Outing,honoring Tom Cohen, takes place Monday, Aug. 7, at Inwood Country Club. Check-in breakfast at 10 a.m.; shotgun start at noon, cocktail hour/ dinner at 5 p.m. Awards and raffles at 7 p.m. 50 Peppe Drive, Inwood. To register contact Anthony Campanile at (516) 808-3105 or tduinc@gamail.com.

Having an event?

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 5, 10:3011:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and open your ears to Kirsten Hall’s modern tale “The Honeybe.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens. org or contact (516) 3330048.

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.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, July 28, noon; Sunday, July 30, 3 p.m.; Monday, July 31, noon; Sunday, Aug. 6, 1:30 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Art talk

Sept. 7

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Enjoy an indepth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. Also Oct. 19. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

In-person Game Time

Play canasta, mah jongg and Scrabble in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, Monday, July 31, 2-4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated. Masks recommended.

In concert

The Ross Fandango blues band performs as part of the Hewlett Bagel Boss concert series, on Saturday, July 29, at 10 p.m. 1352 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett.

Q and A from the SNWA’s first public meeting

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

The following is a list of common questions the public had for the South Nassau Water Authority. The answers are paraphrased from the water authority’s temporary president, John Reinhardt, during both the July 11 meeting and a follow-up interview with The Herald.

What action will the water authority be taking to help move the acquisition process along?

The water authority filed a motion at the July 11 meeting to seek party status in Liberty Water’s rate case. The upcoming rate hike is a motion filed by Liberty Water to the state Public Service Commission, and is only between those parties. By seeking party status, the South Nassau Water Authority gains access to information discussed in that case and gives them a voice at the table.

There was a lack of communication between the water authority and the public for the past 17 months. How will that be remedied?

The water authority’s website, SouthNassauWater.org, recently went live. The public can find documents such as the recently adopted bylaws, the minutes of the public meetings, and bios of the board members. People can also sign

up for emails from the board about future public meetings. That meeting information will also be posted on the website. Going forward, the board is looking to set a regular meeting time and place.

Walden Environmental Engineering donated thousands of dollars to Supervisor Don Clavin and the Nassau County Republican Committee. Is that why they have been contracted for this acquisition?

Walden Environmental was chosen because it has experience with previous water utility acquisitions cases, such as Massepequa’s. Also, in 2021 during the transfer of New York American Water to Liberty Water, the Town of Hempstead publicly issued a Request for Proposals for evaluation services. Walden was the only group that responded, largely because both American Water and Liberty Water are international companies, so many other firms could not respond to the RFP because of previous or current involvement with those companies.

Five feasibility studies have already been conducted. One of them stated that municipalization was feasible, but current board president John Reinhardt was one of the few people to oppose it. Why?

This feasibility study was done under a previous water authority, the Southeast Nassau Water Authority. That

authority voted to retain the services of American Water, who was the provider at the time. They chose to do so because the rates were lower at that time, and the revenue that American Water provided for the town and county would have had to come from elsewhere — so the money would still be coming from the ratepayer, but in a tax bill rather than a water bill.

Does the board have authority to greenlight an acquisition, or do they need further approval from the town or county?

The board is equipped by the state, and has the authority to independently greenlight an acquisition deal. The law allows, but does not require, the board to provide a public referendum on whether or not to go forward with the municipalization of the assets. The board will likely have that public referendum to hear what the public wants.

What is the current assessed value of Liberty Water? In the upcoming offer letter, how much is the water authority offering to pay to acquire Liberty?

The water authority’s offer to Liberty comes partially from information provided to them under a Non-Disclosure Agreement, so the offer number cannot currently be shared. Once Liberty Water and the water authority start back-and-forth negotiations, both sides’ offers will be made public. Liberty pur-

chased New York American Water for $608 million in early 2022, but this acquisition is unlikely to be as expensive because the 2022 sale included other assets.

$15 million a year is taken from taxpayers. Why can’t you set aside some of that to mitigate the cost of acquisition?

The board does not know where people are getting this number of $15 million from. The only money they have gotten is the $500,000 promised by Clavin.

Approximately how long will an acquisition take?

It is undetermined how long the valuation of Liberty’s assets will take, nor how long they will take to respond to that valuation, and subsequent negotiations.

What action can residents take against this rate hike?

The water authority does not control the rate hike — it is between Liberty Water and the state Public Service Commission. However, if members of the public have legitimate complaints with Liberty’s service, they should file them online with the Public Service Commission. One of the biggest drivers of a rate case is customer satisfaction, and without complaints on file there is little else the PSC is able to consider in a rate case other than the legitimacy of Liberty’s claims of value.

No matter the industry, businesses around the world are undergoing dramatic changes to the way they operate From technology and skills development, to cultural barriers, self-care and mental health, every organization must adapt and evolve, or risk being left behind.

As we navigate a time of pivotal change, the Herald’s 2023 WE Summit presented by Bank of America brings together thought leaders, innovators and barrier-breaking women for conversations around this year’s theme: The Future is Now.

Barry DeGroot honored by Town of Hempstead

Longtime Inwood resident Barry DeGroot was a recipient of the Town of Hempstead’s Veterans Service Award at the town’s Salute to Veterans at Town Park Point Lookout three days before the Fourth of July.

DeGroot, a United States Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, is known for always being available to lend a helping hand in his community and beyond.

He is well known in the Five Towns for helping to distribute food and clothing to fellow military veterans through Cedarhurst-based Rock and Wrap It Up! nonprofit organization.

DeGroot is a member of the John J. Olivieri Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1582 in Inwood, the Inwood Veterans Association and the Inwood Civic Association.

Military veteran Barry DeGroot, from Inwood, was honored by the Town of Hempstead. From left were Town Clerk Kate Murray, Councilwoman Melissa Miller, DeGroot, Supervisor Don Clavin and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Public Notices

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools today announced a free and reduced price meal (Free Milk) policy for Hewlett-Woodmere area school children. Local school officials have adopted the following family eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility:

2023-2024 INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS OR FREE MILK

*Students in New York State that are approved for reduced price meals will receive breakfast and lunch meals and snacks served through the Afterschool Snack Program at no charge.

SNAP/TANF/FDPIR Households: Households that currently include children who receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but who are not found during the Direct Certification Matching Process (DCMP), or households that currently receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) must complete an Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals/Milk,listing the child’s name, a valid SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR case number and the signature of an adult household member. Eligibility for free meal benefits based on participation in SNAP, TANF or FDPIR is extended to all children in the household. When known to the School Food Authority, households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals based on their participation in the SNAP, TANF or the FDPIR programs. No application is necessary if the household was notified by the SFA their children have been directly certified. If the household is not sure if their children have been directly certified, the household should contact the school.

Other Source Categorical Eligibility: When known to the School Food Authority, households will be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals based on the individual child’s designation as Other Source Categorically Eligible, as defined by law. Children are determined Other Source Categorically Eligible if they are Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, a foster child, or Enrolled in Head Start or an eligible pre-kindergarten program.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. A separate application for a foster child is no longer necessary. Foster children may also be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other children. Including children in foster care as household members may help other children in the household qualify for benefits. If non-foster children in a foster family are not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, an eligible foster child will still receive free benefits

If children or households receive benefits under Assistance Programs or Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs and are not listed on the notice of eligibility and are not notified by the School Food Authority of their free meal benefits, the parent or guardian should contact the school or should submit an income application.

Other Households: Households with income the same or below the amounts listed above for family size may be eligible for and are urged to apply for free and/or reduced price meals (or free milk). They may do so by completing the Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals/Milk sent home with the letter to parents. One application for all children in the household should be submitted. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year to the social worker at your child’s school. Please contact Michelle Rosenthal, Food Service Director at 516-792-4018 with any questions regarding the application process.

Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the School Food Authority if they choose to decline the free meal benefits. Households may apply for benefits at any time throughout the school year. Children of parents or guardians who become unemployed or experience a financial hardship mid-year may become eligible for free and reduced price meals or free milk at any point during the school year.

Children in households receiving Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits may be eligible for free or reduced price meals through the application process.

For up to 30 operating days into the new school year (or until a new eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first) an individual child’s free or reduced price eligibility status from the previous year will continue within the same School Food Authority. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their children are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the children’s meals must be claimed at the paid rate. Though encouraged to do so, the School Food Authority is not required to send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility.

The information provided on the application will be confidential and will be used for determining eligibility. The names and eligibility status of participants may also be used for the allocation of funds to federal education programs such as Title I and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), State health or State education programs, provided the State agency or local education agency administers the programs, and for federal, State or local means-tested nutrition programs with eligibility standards comparable to the NSLP. Eligibility information may also be released to programs authorized under the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) or the Child Nutrition Act (CNA). The release of information to any program or entity not specifically authorized by the NSLA will require a written consent statement from the parent or guardian.

The School Food Authority does, however, have the right to verify at any time during the school year the information on the application. If a parent does not give the school this information, the child/children will no longer be able to receive free or reduced price meals (free milk).

Under the provisions of the policy, the designated official will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the designated official, he/she may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing to appeal the decision. Ms. Marie Donnelly, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Personnel whose address is 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere NY 11598 has been designated as the Hearing Official. Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. However, prior to initiating the hearing procedure, the parent or School Food Authority may request a conference to provide an opportunity for the parent and official to discuss the situation, present information, and obtain an explanation of the data submitted in the application or the decisions rendered. The request for a conference shall not in any way prejudice or diminish the right to a fair hearing.

Only complete applications can be approved. This includes complete and accurate information regarding: the SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR case number; the names of all household members; on an income application, the last four digits of the social security number of the person who signs the form or an indication that the adult does not have one, and the amount and source of income received by each household member. In addition, the parent or guardian must sign the application form, certifying the information is true and correct.

In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability or limited English proficiency.

Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

• mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or • fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

• email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

1223289

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC REMIC TRUST, SERIES 2009-9, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIO JOVELL, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016, 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 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 003996/2014. 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.

Jeffrey Halbreich, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140818

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v.

KEVIN L. CARRERO, et al Defendant. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on August 9, 2019, I, Rita Solomon, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on August 22, 2023 at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:00 PM the premises described as follows:

64 West Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559 SBL No.: 40-1-232

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Meadowmere, in the Township of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 611223/2018 in the amount of $651,960.82 plus interest and costs. Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Richard S. Mullen Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604

Tel.: 855-227-5072 140816

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 COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-NC1

ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES Plaintiff, Against

FREDERICK NEIL KLEIN

A/K/A FREDERICK KLEIN

A/K/A FRED KLEIN, JODI KLEIN, DEBBIE G. KLEIN, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 8/27/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the North Front Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501. This auction will be held rain or shine on 8/22/2023 at 2:00 pm, premises known as 58 Brower Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere (formerly Woodsburgh) in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York Section 41 Block 24 Lot 326

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,162,718.94 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 0003350/2012

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction

Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205 Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 6/9/2023 File

Number: 109-0035 RS 140814

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.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 28, 2023 at 2:30 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

NY202000000018-1 140951

Mercy Hospital opens new Family Care Center

Catholic Heath Mercy Hospital cut the ribbon on its new Family Care Center July 20 with elected officials, hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, community members and clergy members.

The new facility is 16,000-square feet, and located across from the emergency room of the hospital. It is hoped that the new center will enhance patient access to underserved populations and add more services for those that need family care.

This new facility, built with the support of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will move the hospitals existing outpatient women and children medical clinics to this new site. The facility will also offer new clinical services, including cardiology, primary care and more.

“I am very happy to help cut the ribbon on Mercy Hospital’s new Family Care unit,” Legislator Bill Gaylor said. “Catholic Health and Mercy Hospital do phenomenal work in both the Rockville Centre community and all-over Long Island to help give underserved communities access to proper health care.”

Pictured with Legislator Bill Gaylor, far left, are State Senator Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, President and CEO of Catholic Health Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, Assemblyman Ed Ra, President of Mercy Hospital Joseph Manopella, Deputy Mayor Village of Rockville Centre Kathleen Baxley, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Laura Ryder, and Assemblyman Brian Curran.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU TRINITY FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC

Plaintiff, Against MARTIN LEVY A/K/A

MARTIN A. LEVY, AVIVA

LEVY A/K/A AVIVA

WEINBACK-LEVY A/K/A

AVIVA W. LEVY A/K/A AVIA W. WEINBACHLEVY, ET AL.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/24/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 8/28/2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 33 Harborview W., Lawrence, NY 11559, 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 Lawrence, In

The Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau And State of New York.

Section 40 Block 206 Lot 82

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $425,586.56 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 612566/2019

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 Mortgagees attorney.

Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee.

Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504

Dated: 6/5/2023 File

Number: 6954425 RS 140949

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 September 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 966 Singleton Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York,

News brief

Liberty Water urging customers to conserve water in the summer

Section 41, Block 28 and Lots 105 and 823. Approximate amount of judgment is $530,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609151/2021. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140947

As sprinkler systems are running and swimming pools are filling up, residents have an opportunity to put water conservation practices into play, ensuring that water pressure will not wane as the summer heat builds up.

“Conservation efforts are important all year long,” said Deborah Franco, president of Liberty New York Water. “Practicing smart water use this time of year is especially important and can benefit customers and the environment as we head into warmer weather and possibly dryer months.”

During dry spells, water infrastructure can struggle to keep up with the demand while also keeping storage tanks full, which impacts water pressure for our customers.

Throughout the summer months, residents are asked to only water their lawns according to the even and odd county ordinances — meaning even numbered houses water on even days and odd numbered house on odd days — and avoid all watering between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., as these are peak evaporation times. Using smart controllers on irrigation systems is another way to conserve

water.

To help cut back on usage, Liberty reminds the public of these water-saving tips:

■ Follow Liberty’s zoned schedule for irrigation to prevent strain on the system and keep water pressure flowing.

■ Remember that lawns only need an inch of water per week to remain healthy.

■ Learn how to detect leaks in your home at www.libertyenergyandwater. com.

■ Replace your standard irrigation controller with a smart irrigation controller. These systems connect to local weather stations to more accurately predict the watering needs of lawns and gardens.

■ If you don’t use a smart irrigation controller, watch the weather, and don’t water when rain is in the forecast.

■ Point your sprinklers at your lawn and avoid wasting water on sidewalks and driveways.

For more information, visit new-yorkwater.LibertyUtilities.com.

Courtesy Legislator Bill Gaylor

Help Wanted RECEPTIONIST P/T

Busy Cedarhurst Office

Sundays & Some Week Days

Answering Phones, Filing, And Scheduling Appointments Must Be Computer Literate Call 516-374-1010

THE FRIEDBERG JCC Before/After School Program is seeking passionate and hardworking high school/ college counselors. Before Care hours: 7am-9am. After School hours: 2:45PM-6PM. If interested, send your resume to Program Director Toni Corchado: TCorchado@friedbergjcc.org or call 516-634-4179

Child/Eldercare/Help Wanted

NANNY NEEDED EXPERIENCED

Live-In Or Live-Out

Monday - Friday

English/Spanish Speaking Call 516-672-4040

Eldercare Offered

SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Call Gertrude 347-444-0960

Maintenance Mechanic Wanted for Residential Building

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths,HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC,Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg,Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA .190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..REDUCED

$2,999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

HEWLETT HARBOR BA, 1051 Channel Dr, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! 3/4 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Beautiful Ω Acre Parklike Property. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, Spac LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities!

SD#14...$1,349,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

HEWLETT HARBOR BA 246 Adams Rd, NEW TO MARKET! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes!

SD#20..$2,299,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining

HomesHERALD

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

Totally Renovated Cape

This truly beautiful renovated Cape Cod features a living room with a wood burning fireplace, a dining room and a brand new eat-in-kitchen with island. This home also boasts four bedrooms, two full baths, white oak floors, full basement and detached garage with a long and private driveway, off street parking for five to six cars, newer gas heat and hot water heater. You will also enjoy gas cooking, central air conditioning, all newer thermal pane windows, newer roof, private fenced yard and much more! Located on a quiet tree lined street; you can walk to everything including the LIRR station. $715,000

Patricia Murphy Licensed RE Sales Person 516-680-6346 VILLAGE PLAZA REALTY 141 Broadway Malverne, NY 11565 516-593-5455 info@villageplaza.com villageplaza.com

How tall can houses be?

Q. A few homes in my neighborhood are much taller. What are the rules for how tall a house can be — like how many floors, and what is legal? I mostly see only two stories, but the new ones are at least three. Is this a new thing that you can build taller? Was it just traditional to only build two stories until now?

A. The thinking on allowed height has changed recently.

Hurricane Sandy’s flooding moved New York to promote house lifting in flood zones. Influence also came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which, in essence, is really a publicly funded insurance company, covering people in areas where regular home insurance companies avoid the risk of insuring.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

The incentive to lift or build higher is to avoid huge flood insurance cost increases — building above flood levels, with the lowest level only allowed to be for a garage and storage, not living space. By making the first livable floor higher, above the flood level, insurance rates are kept lower. People have shown me their rates went from $500 to $2,500 dollars a year, increasing annually since Sandy in 2012.

Property. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, Spac LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities!

SD#14 $1,349,000

246 Adams Rd, BA, Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking

1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin

Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2

Bths. 2 Car Att Gar.Low Taxes! SD#20 REDUCED! $2,299,000

HEWLETT

1390 Broadway #102, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly

Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open

Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths, HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC, Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr

Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans &

Houses of Worship $579,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit.

Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style

Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOO dMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth

Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC.

Oversized Property! SD#14. Near All! REDUCED! $999,000

CE da RHURST

332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood

Some homes are much higher than codes and incentives intended, due to misinterpretation of reasons to build higher and misrepresentation in the review process. For example, a home’s first floor is no longer a first floor if it’s higher than 6 feet above the ground. Over 6 feet high, the floor level automatically becomes a second floor, meaning the next floor above is a third floor, which requires zoning board approval, interior sprinklers, escape terraces and wind strengthening. I have seen home plans misrepresented as being two stories by not correctly showing the floor level heights or describing a second floor as a first floor, the next floor as a second floor that is really a third floor — even where a fourth floor is shown as a mezzanine or roof level balcony.

There is a small country town in Tuscany, in central Italy, San Gimignano, that is famous for its skyline of towers that people built onto their homes during medieval times. As the story goes, one prominent homeowner built a tall tower to watch for potential attackers. His neighbor jealously built a tower a little higher, and, not to be outdone, several adjacent homeowners began building towers higher and higher.

History repeats itself. Thirty feet from the new design flood elevation, which may be 2 to 4 feet higher off the ground, could make the maximum roof height 34 to 35 feet in your town. The safety code intends to protect people from perishing in fires, so indoor sprinklers are part of the requirement Decisions to build higher have to take community safety and appearance into account, so height restrictions have been intended to make escape and rescue easier. Statistically, only 5 percent of occupants on a third floor survive a fire. That’s the reason for height restrictions, so taller homes require more safety features.

© 2023 Monte Leeper

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

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

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

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

1977 PLAYSKOOL/ GILLIGAN'S Island Floating Playset . Missing anchor/palm tree top. $50. 516-707-0357

FENDER ELECTRIC/ ACOUSTIC Guitar. Black. Cd-140SCE. Sounds great. Needs strings. $99. 516-707-0357

GOLF CART $25.00: Dunlop #3 Macgregor, #5 woods, all like new $15.00 each 516 781-8313

GOLF CLUBS MACGREGOR complete set irons $30.00 Golf Bag $25.00 both excellent condition 516 781-8313

MULTI MEDIA OAK Storage Cabinet, "New in Box" Half Price at $50 Firm. 516-486-7941

POOL VACUUM. HAYWARD Aqua Critter for above ground pools. $65. Please call 516-270-4228.

RECLINER: CUSTOM MADE Designer Quality, New condition, Originally $685. Now Only $100 FIRM! 516-486-7941

Finds Under $100

WALL SAFE: HEAVY Steel "New in Box," Mount Surface or in Wall. $50 Firm. 516-486-7941

WHITE MILK GLASS Hobnail, Double Crimped 12" Bowl Basket w/Handle $55 9 1/2" Bowl $40 516-279-7696

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work,

516-354-5578

Decks

516-729-5859

Doors & Windows

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Is it time for Yankees and Mets fans to ask for a refund?

Regardless of the heat wave, I love summer, compared with the brutal wind blasts of December. I know that the summer climate doesn’t satisfy everyone, but the chance to breathe the warm air and be greeted with the bright sunshine is very comforting to me. Summer makes me happy, but I must confess to being very irritated by one subject. I refer to the Yankees and the Mets.

Once upon a time, during my very naïve years, I was told that money buys anything. I didn’t really believe that, because with the passage of time, I saw many instances in which money bought nothing. I know wealthy couples who are the most miserable people. I’ve watched companies flush with money fall apart due to mismanagement.

But I wonder how two great sports franchises, flush with cash, can perform so badly.

Being a lifelong Yankees fan, I will start with my gripes about them.

Media reports indicate that the current payroll of the team is around $280 million, which places them close to the top of the list of the big spenders.

With that kind of money and a fan base that pours millions of dollars into the club treasury, how can management justify the fact that their team is in last place in the American League East?

There’s no doubt that Aaron Judge’s toe injury has been a major setback. But there are many other players who take the field each day and do nothing to win or make the loyal fan base happy. If you follow them as I do, they look like a bunch of people who just show up to collect a paycheck and go home.

They are listless, bored and totally disconnected with the job of keeping baseball America’s so-called pastime.

If these players were street sweepers, I could understand their listlessness. Pushing a broom can be a very dull job. But when players are paid millions of dollars, the fans are entitled to watch a team that is energized and trying to succeed. Have you ever watched the Little League World

Series? It pays to tune in and watch kids yell and scream when a teammate gets a base hit. They hug a fellow player when he strikes out to encourage him to do better the next time he’s at the plate.

There are many big league examples of hunger for victory. The Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays are good examples.

Their players come out to play with smiles on their faces and are determined to win. The lack of passion that the Yankees display is similar to what I observe about this year’s Mets team.

The Mets’ owner, Steve Cohen is a very wealthy man. He can buy just about anything he wants just by dialing his cellphone. He has invested billions in a team that has been called one of the best that money could buy. When he broke the bank to hire Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, Mets fans were jumping for joy.

The rest of the lineup is All-Star quality, but the team could end up in fourth or worse in the NL East at season’s end.

When some team owners speak to

the sportswriters, they sound like the kid who claims the dog ate his homework. They moan about injuries and claim that it will be just a matter of time before their players catch fire. They’re afraid to complain about their players for fear of upsetting them. They seem to forget about the dollars they’re shelling out to those employees.

Many of us longtime Yankees fans wish George Steinbrenner was still alive. When he was, and Yankees players failed to perform, he publicly excoriated them.

And Steinbrenner was never reluctant to trade away a player who didn’t meet his standards.

It’s possible that the Yankees, and the Mets, too, will shake up their teams by the Aug. 1 trade deadline. And maybe they’ll send out a few blunt messages that we long-suffering New York fans are entitled to get our money’s worth when we buy those very expensive tickets.

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

Food for thought: Whose tuna is it anyway?

We all have our breaking points, and I discovered my husband’s last Thursday evening after we arrived at a nearby restaurant for dinner. We had been there once before. The place had good word of mouth, and the reviews said the service was friendly and the food was imaginatively prepared. Perhaps we should have lingered longer over the word “imaginatively.”

know what I’m having,” he said, with great relish. “The tuna steak with bok choy and wasabi potatoes.” Our daughter said she would have the same.

I saw trouble looming on the horizon, and it had fins.

The waiter arrived to take our orders.

“I’ll have the tuna, cooked medium,” my daughter said.

who remembered us from the week before. “Sir, you sent your tuna back three times last week,” he said.

“That’s right,” Don said. ”Because it was raw each time, even though I ordered it well done.”

“I’m sorry,” the manager said. “But the chef won’t cook it past medium.”

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Jan. 13-19, 2000.

“What’s with all the blue swirls? Paint me polka dots.”

RANDI KREISS

We were dining with one of our favorite people, our daughter, and my husband wanted it to be a special treat for her.

We were seated by one of the friendly staff, and he made a point of removing the white napkins and offering us black ones, saying, “These won’t leave lint on your black slacks.”

“I’m impressed, “ I said. “What a thoughtful accommodation.”

Don was perusing the menu. “I

The waiter looked pained. “We cook the tuna rare,” he said. “Medium, with pink on the inside, is as far as we’ll go.” She said that was fine.

it had fins.

But it wasn’t fine with the big guy. “I would like the same,” my husband purred, “but I want mine well done. I don’t do pink.”

The waiter looked stricken. “I’m sorry, sir, but the chef won’t cook it past medium.”

“I know how I like my tuna,” Don said, quite reasonably. “I won’t send it back because it’s too well done. I like it that way. It’s my dinner, and I want it cooked the way I want to eat it.”

The waiter fetched the manager,

“You mean to tell me that I’m paying for this dinner and I have to eat it the way the chef likes it?”

“Sorry sir.”

“I assume the chef is the owner,” my husband said.

“Yes, sir.”

“And he doesn’t care if he loses a customer?”

“No, sir. He serves his tuna purple in the middle.”

By now my husband was turning purple himself. He canceled the tuna and ordered a vegetable plate.

Our daughter suggested we try to reframe the situation.

“You’re so angry, Dad. Try to think of this from the chef’s point of view. He’s a food artist. He’s the Van Gogh of food, and you’re saying to him,

The big guy wasn’t in the mood to reframe. “He can paint all the blue swirls he wants, but I don’t have to eat them. This guy is telling me that if I want to eat the meal I want to eat, I have to eat it the way he enjoys it.”

I see it as a control issue: Yes, you will. No, I won’t. The chef was a prima donna, an incarnation of “Seinfeld’s” soup Nazi. My husband couldn’t get the meal he wanted, which is, after all, the general idea of dining out, and he was right.

Scrambled eggs with ketchup, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, burnt steaks, matzo balls hard as hockey pucks: culinary idiosyncrasies are an American tradition. In the future, when we hear about a restaurant where there’s an artist at the burners, we will dine elsewhere.

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

At a nearby restaurant, I saw trouble looming on the horizon, and

Many of us Bronx Bombers fans wish George Steinbrenner was still alive.

JERRY KREMER

opInIons Local news is good for business

It’s no secret that recent years have been tough on small businesses and on newspapers.

A bipartisan bill, the Community News & Small Business Support Act that has been introduced in Congress, would offer relief to both newspapers and local businesses.

For too many newspapers, help can’t come soon enough. Economic challenges have resulted in too many communities seeing their local newspapers being forced to lay off staff, cut back on publication days, or — worse yet — close. On average, two newspapers are closing each week. That hurts local businesses and residents in the long (and short) run.

However, despite the challenges, what remains true is that local newspapers make a difference in their communities.

But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at the numbers, and why America’s Newspapers has been pushing for the Community News & Small Business Support Act to be introduced.

A recent national study of 5,000 Americans older than 18 was conducted by the independent research firm Coda Ventures for America’s Newspapers, and provides compelling evidence of the importance, relevance and vitality of today’s newspapers in the American media landscape.

Readers told us that their local newspaper makes a difference. The study shows that 79 percent of Americans read/use local news “to stay informed” about their cities, counties and communities. They also said they rely on their local paper to feel connected to their community. To decide where they stand on local issues. To find places and things to do. To talk with people about things happening in the commu-

Letters

We need to hear much more from Peter King

To the Editor:

nity, because they find it enjoyable or entertaining, and to be a better citizen.

And, contrary to popular belief, readers across all age groups turn to local newspapers and their digital products to stay informed about their communities.

Readers also told us they need more local news from their community paper. As one survey respondent said, “Our paper keeps getting smaller. I would like to see more news items, what’s happening in town, what’s new in politics, etc. And they need to be quicker to respond to breaking news.”

All of that takes a committed, local staff — something the legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, of New York, and Rep. Suzan DelBene, of Washington, will help to make happen.

So, what would this legislation mean to your local community?

Local businesses with fewer than 50 employees would receive a five-year nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 in the first year, and up to $2,500 in the subsequent four years, based on their spending with local newspapers and local media. Our study showed that six out of 10 American adults use newspaper advertising to help them decide what brands, products and local services to buy.

Newspaper readers also are almost twice as likely to purchase products in a number of important advertising categories than nonnewspaper readers, including automobiles, trucks and SUVs; home furnishings; home improvement products and services; and home services like pest control, plumbing and heating.

With this legislation, we expect to see more businesses being able to afford to advertise to consumers, which in turn helps communities thrive.

For local newspapers, a five-year refundable tax credit would help them hire more journalists to bring you more news. It’s a win-win for local communities.

Newspapers would receive a tax credit to be

used for the compensation of journalists. The credit would cover 50 percent of journalists’ compensation in the first year, and 30 percent of compensation — up to $50,000 — in the subsequent four years.

This tax credit would only be available to local community papers with fewer than 750 employees and, if they don’t invest in their newsroom, they don’t get the credit.

And these tax credits are only available to local newspapers. National newspaper outlets are not eligible.

The importance of local newspapers and local business is the reason Reps. Tenney and DelBene introduced the legislation. We are most grateful for their support.

We need your support, as well, to encourage legislators to enact this legislation. Please contact the offices of your senators and representatives in Congress and encourage them to add their support to this legislation.

These tax credits aren’t permanent — they will sunset in five years. But those critical five years will allow the newspaper industry the time needed to address the challenges that it is facing from Big Tech, which often uses newspapers’ content without compensation, as well as other technological and market challenges. Visit USA.gov/elected-officials for the contact information for your legislators.

More local reporting means more access for hometown news readers like you rely on. And stronger newspapers mean stronger advertising vehicles for local businesses.

On behalf of its approximately 1,700 newspaper and Solutions Partner companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses.

Learn more at Newspapers.org.

Dean Ridings is chief executive of the advocacy organization America’s Newspapers.

Re Peter King’s column last week, “At this dinner, true patriotism was on vivid display”: Mr. King’s columns have been mildly interesting, often nostalgic, but the deprive us of his greatest asset. As a former congressman with long experience as a respectable Republican, his informed opinion is valuable to Long Island. Recounting the Patriot Awards Dinner is interesting and nostalgic, but the present need for heroes is expressed only as wishful thinking. Noting the heroes and the 9/11 terrorists should not blind us to the present terrorist threat.

Candidate Donald Trump proclaims the constitutional right to do anything he wants as president. He further details the goals of his mission of “retribution,” involving destruction, uprooting, elimination and the like. His militant acolytes sign on, his team details the means by which they’ll establish an autocracy during

Hochul should sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act

If we are going to save the planet, we need to start by saving the bees. Bees and other pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat, but the global decline in honeybee populations has long been documented. Last year, New York beekeepers lost 45 percent of their bee colonies, one of the highest loss rates on record. New York’s native bees and pollinators are at risk of local extinction. The fewer pollinators we have, the fewer fruits and vegetables we will be able to grow. We know bee populations are declining dramatically, yet there is resistance in New York to addressing the main culprit in these losses: neonicotinoid pesticides. They are toxic, and they are killing bees and harming Long Island.

Neonicotinoids, or “neonics,” are the most commonly used pesticide in New York and on the Island. They are best known for their harm to wildlife, but they are also being found in Long

Island’s groundwater. The Birds and Bees Protection Act, which both the Assembly and the State Senate have passed, addresses the core of New York’s neonic contamination problem by prohibiting the needless and replaceable uses of this toxic pesticide, thus eliminating 80 to 90 percent of the neonics entering the state’s environment. Now we need Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law.

In recent years, an avalanche of peer-reviewed science has emerged indicating that neonics are not only a major threat to the health of bees and other pollinators, but also pollute water resources, threaten birds and other wildlife, and raise concerns about human health impacts. Neonics may be the most environmentally damaging pesticide since DDT, and action must be taken now to address this growing threat to our environment, health, food and pollinators. Neonics are highly water-soluble and can quickly move through soil into our waterways. Used on lawns and gardens, they can be sprayed at higher rates and enter our waterways as stormwater runoff. So it’s no wonder we are seeing

Letters

2025, his media broadcast the message, his donors unsheathe their checkbooks.

Surely the honorable Mr. King has some thoughts on these proposed alterations to the government he helped to preserve? Or on the character of some of those he served with? Or on the unusual tactics of Tommy Tuberville, Marjorie

Taylor Greene or Jim Jordan? Mr. King must feel something about marionettes like George Santos replacing serious public servants like himself. Mr. King’s service is recent and thus still relevant, but it will become less so with time. The time to speak, to advise, is now.

BrIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

Protect chimps — and unborn babies

To the Editor:

re randi Kreiss’s column last week, “Chimps face N.Y. court test of personhood” (reprised from Jun 11-17, 2015): I usually don’t agree with randi, because we have different political outlooks and worldviews, but this time I do, because cruelty is morally wrong. There are exceptions such as war, but those are rare.

Her quote from Jane Goodall and reference to chimpanzees’ similar DNA were poignant. Why, then, don’t we all extend

the same concern to creatures that share 100 percent of our DNA — an exact match, actually? And these creatures look “just like a human baby,” because they are human, and in fact “persons,” regardless of what current laws say. But unfortunately, most people are like randi’s dinner crowd, who “just couldn’t care about what happens to chimpanzees” — or unborn human children.

I challenge randi to use her own logic to help defend the unborn.

And I will contribute to janegoodall.org.

JACK HOLLAND Baldwin

Some of us know what teachers go through

To the Editor:

re Mark Nolan’s column in last week’s Herald, “You have no idea with teachers deal with”: Yep — all sad but true. My wife is a retired first-grade teacher. It’s hard to believe that so much starts there, but it does.

Yes, teachers are well paid, but most of them really earn it! Thanks to them, and God bless them.

DICK CArDOzO Westbury

widespread contamination of the state’s rivers, streams, ponds, and marine environments. The alarming ability of neonics to contaminate water resources is particularly concerning for Long Island’s sole-source aquifer.

Imidacloprid, one of the most used neonics, is found in hundreds of products on the market. It’s used on lawns, turf, golf courses, gardens, farms, pets, ornamental plantings, and in households. United States Geological Survey monitoring of Long Island groundwater in 2016 found imidacloprid to be one of the most frequently detected pesticides, present in approximately 31 percent of samples taken.

State Department of Environmental

Conservation groundwater testing data revealed that imidacloprid was the most common pesticide found in Long Island groundwater, with 890 detections in 179 locations. Long Island is designated as a sole-source drinking water area, meaning that 100 percent of our drinking water comes from groundwater aquifers.

The ubiquitous and unnecessary use of these pesticides is damaging our

drinking water quality and threatening our health. Clean and safe drinking water is a basic human need, and neonics put that at risk.

There is growing scientific evidence of how neonicotinoids threaten human health. Several studies link neonic exposure to developmental harm, including malformations of the developing heart and brain. The longer we wait to ban the most dangerous uses of neonics, the longer we expose New Yorkers to this neurotoxin and amplify the adverse health impacts of chronic prolonged exposure. The Birds and Bees Protection Act targets the heart of New York’s neonic pollution problem. It would prohibit neonic-treated corn, soybean and wheat seeds as well as ornamental uses on lawns, gardens and golf courses.

The State Senate and Assembly passed the bill this legislative session. Now we need Hochul to stand up to the pesticide industry and the chemical companies who are hard at work, aggressively lobbying her to veto the bill. Protecting public health and saving the bees are in the public interest, which needs to be prioritized over corporate interests. We need the governor to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.

Framework by Tim Baker

Guess what’s all the rage at Little Doll Studio? — Rockville Centre

Adrienne Esposito is executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

toxic pesticides are killing bees and are being found in L.I.’s groundwater.

aDrIenne esposIto