Nassau Herald 12-08-2022

All the news of the Five Towns

Hewlett lights the Christmas tree Page 9

Woodmere Club suit dismissed by court

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The future of the Woodmere Club land remains unclear after federal court on Dec. 1 dismissed two developers’ $200 million law suit against the villages of Law rence and Woodsburgh and the Town of Hempstead.

Greg Blower, a town spokesman, said in a statement: “The court granted the town’s motion to dis miss, and outside counsel is pres ently reviewing the judgment.”

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald file

In 2020, developers Efrem Gersz berg and Robert Weiss filed the suit against the town and the villages because of the approval of a Coast

Beginning the journey to prioritizing mental health daily

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

With mental health coming to the forefront of social issues propelled by the coronavirus pandemic, two Jewish organi zations — the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC and Nafshenu Alenu — are partnering to present 13 programs to explore those issues with a focus on the Orthodox Jewish community.

The Cedarhurst-based JCC has run issue-oriented pro grams for years, ranging from a Holocaust survivors group to bereavement. Nafshenu Alenu, founded by Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Septimus and Stuart Katz, is a

program that promotes mental well-being. Septimus is the senior rabbi at Young Israel of North Woodmere, and Katz, a mental health advocate, served as president of the synagogue twice. The Hebrew expression “nafshenu alenu” translates to “spirits united.”

“There’s a lot of resources for physical illness, and people talk about mental illness, but they talk about it very hushhush quietly,” Katz said. “We are trying to change that through educational pro grams.”

As a volunteer mental health first aid instructor, Katz is involved with global organi

zations as well as local groups and institutions such as the Five Towns Community Coun cil, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. Septimus has training in treating life challenges and

trauma.

In collaboration with the Gural JCC, the pair launched the educational program on Nov. 29 at Young Israel of Law rence-Cedarhurst. The pro grams will feature guest speak ers and address topics includ ing anxiety, eating disorders, depression, domestic abuse, suicide and substance abuse.

The second program, focusing on Self-Definition, was on Dec. 6 at Congregation Beth Sholom with Brian Cuban.

“Recognizing mental health is for everyone, and not just for people who struggle with men tal health diagnosis,” Septi mus said. “This educational initiative is a great way of Continued on page 12

WooDMERE CluB oWNERS Efrem Gerszberg and Robert Weiss continue to push for their proposed 284 single-family homes to be built on club property.

I had to prioritize my mental health every single day.

ZAk WIllIAMS son of Robin Williams

Kiwanis grills up breakfast and fun

Saturday’s early morning slumber time was full of grilling and chilling for the Five Towns Kiwanis Club who fired up the cooking utensils to host its annual Pancake Breakfast at the Woodmere fire house on Dec. 3. The fun fundraiser takes

in money that helps to fund scholarships for graduating seniors from Hewlett, Law rence and Lynbrook high schools.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Joe Abate/Herald photos

The food choices at the Five Towns Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast kept attendees coming back for more.

Renee campanile, cuRRenT Five Towns Kiwanis President Anthony Campanile, and Melissa Gebbia at the pancake breakfast.

John Gaffney, appeaRed to enjoy his Kiwanis-served breakfast.

Voting for fire district commissioners on Dec. 13

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ & KEPHERD DANIEL of the Nassau Herald

The Five Towns and surrounding communities will hold district elections for commissioner on Dec. 13.

A fire district is a political entity established to pro vide protection against fire by responding to emergen cies. The district purchases equipment the fire depart ment needs.

Atlantic Beach Fire Rescue

Joe Montilli, 55, has firefighting in his blood. He is the son of the late chief of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department Anthony Montilli. Joseph is running unopposed for re-election as a commissioner. He has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years and part of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst department. He has been the commissioner for Atlantic Beach for seven years and is seeking to use tax dollars to good use, such as improving fire, rescue and medical services.

Voting is at Atlantic Beach Fire Rescue, 1 Rescue Road from 6 to 9 p.m.

Inwood Fire District

Frank Parise is running unopposed for the five-year fire commissioner term. For Parise, having the best equipment possible to protect members in his fire dis trict is one of the few things he values.

“It’s a balance between spending money wisely and protecting the members,” he said. Parise, 75, has served for Inwood fire for 30 years and takes pride in public ser vice.

He has held many positions in the fire department and fire district, including lieutenant, captain and depu ty chief from 2016 to 2017. He was commissioner for 10

years from 1990 to 2000 and was named Inwood Civic Association’s Citizen of the Year in 2020.

In the Lawrence School District, he served as a Board of Education trustee from 2000 to 2006 and was board president from 2004 to 2006. He is the superintendent of Public Works at the Village of Cedarhurst for the past 18 years.

Voting is at Inwood firehouse,188 Doughty Blvd., from 6 to 9 p.m.

Woodmere Fire

Ilana Kahan is running unopposed for the five-year term. She is not a member of the fire department and this is her first time becoming involved. She works as an attorney for a nonprofit agency. She said she wants to serve the community.

Voting is at Woodmere firehouse, 20 Irving Place, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Hewlett Bay Fire District

Steve Medina is running unopposed for the five-year term. He ran in 2021 against Joseph Ruvolo who won reelection by 120 votes.

Voting is at Hewlett firehouse, 25 Franklin Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m.

Meadowmere Park Fire District

Incumbent Kevin Bennett Sr. is running unopposed for the five-year term. Voting is at the Meadowmere fire house, 14 Meyer Ave., Meadowmere Park from 6 to 9 p.m.

North Lawrence Fire District

Three fire commissioner spots are open in the North Lawrence Fire district. The candidates running unop posed for the three uncontested openings are local resi dents Pinchas Faska, Ari Shapiro and Joel Krinsky. Each candidate is running to help fill the void after three of the commissioners Gary Caparelli, Thomas Vairo and John Pescatori all resigned. The district serves the resi dential and commercial areas outside Cedarhurst and Lawrence.

Faska, a five-year resident of North Lawrence works in administrative health care. His community service goes back to his childhood when he was a Boy Scout. Faska is also the president of the local North Lawrence synagogue.

Shapiro, a four-year resident of North Lawrence, cur rently serves as the treasurer of the local North Law rence synagogue. Shapiro served in the past as a fireman and in the Coast Guard. He also volunteers for the North Lawrence Citizens Patrol. Krinsky is a 15-year North Lawrence resident and owns a local car body shop.

Voting is at the Five Towns Community Center, 270 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence from 6 to 9 p.m.

‘Characters’ make up Hewlett resident’s book

By KEPHERD DANIEL é@liherald.com

Hewlett resident Kenneth Karcinell has met many unique people in his 80-year life and decided to selfpublish the book “Characters” that tells their stories.

The book’s titled was also inspired by a Manhattan business with the same name that Karcinell and his wife, Ellen, saw a decade ago.

“I’ve known a lot of characters and I’ve been in a lot of situations,” Karcinell said. “I thought that I should start to gather some material together.”

Encouraged by his family, he began writing down life experiences for the book three years ago. “As I got more involved, it became a practice of love,” Karcinell said. “I would read the chapters and storylines and I added on. The more I got into it, the more experiences came to mind.”

The book is not typical storybook and can be read out of sequence. “Every chapter represents an episode in my life journey,” he said.

Karcinell’s family lived in the Jacob Riis projects on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. He grew up in subsi dized housing in the Bronx. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, a formerly all-boys high school, also in the Bronx. “Characters” recounts his housing project expe rience. One so diverse that he said as an adult the notion of multiculturalism was embedded within him.

He attended Ryder College, now Ryder University, in New Jersey and graduated with liberal arts major. He then worked a variety of jobs including waiting tables, chauffeuring and driving trucks, which he says served as pathways to the development of his character.

“I had done truck driving during the college sum

mer vacations, and driven by my father’s blue-collar mentality, not having a profession that I readily entered after I graduated,” he said. “I knew that I had to be self-sufficient.” Truck driving was not going to be

his life’s vocation after a truck hijacking experience that deterred him from the field. A story recounted in the book.

He began teaching in the late 1960s, when school boards were first coming into power and racism was rampant in the ranks, he claims. Karcinell worked for 32 years in school districts in Harlem and the BedfordStuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

He said he never experienced negativity from any of his students and although the school was located in one of Brooklyn’s high crime neighborhoods, his school was mostly free from incident. Karcinell won awards from parent associations and was the second youngest assistant principal, in New York history, at age 25 at Frederick Douglass School.

He retired from the New York City school system schools in 1999 and spent 20 years at the college level.

Karcinell taught at Fordham University for 16 years at City College of New York as a supervising field profes sor for the New York City Teaching Fellows partner ship. He wrote his first book in 1999, “I’m Gonna Teach” which described his experience in the NYC school system.

Karcinell says the book has many lessons including that of kindness. “To this day, I can go up Arthur Ave nue (in the Bronx), and see the same people I grew up with,” Karcinell said. “I made a point to talk badly about any of them because you don’t know how that will turn out in the long run. The more characters you interact with, the more resourceful you become as a person, and when you go through life you meet and engage with all kinds of folks. They are the charac ters, that impacted my character.”

“Characters” book can be found on Amazon.

Photo courtesy Ellen Fisch

KENNETH KARcINELL LEAD a life of fulfillment through interacting with numerous characters from different walks of life.

Courtesy Frank Parise FRANK PARISE. Courtesy Joe Montilli JOE MONTILLI.

GABRiEL BOxER

GwyNETTE CAMpBELL

Sanitary District 1 race remains in court, Dec. 15

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

After several court hearings, the most recent on Nov. 21, Sanitary District 1 remains without a winner for commis sioner between Gabriel Boxer and Gwynette Campbell.

The July 11 election was to determine who would complete the remaining four years of Lino Viola’s five-year term. He stepped down in April. Campbell, an Inwood resident, was appointed to replace him. Campbell, based on an agreement between the parties, is serv ing as a commissioner.

Boxer, a Hewlett resident, garnered 395 votes to Campbell’s 288. Boxer is the CEO of Kosher Response and Leon Mayer Fund; both are nonprofits that aim to help people in need. Campbell serves on the Five Towns Community Center boards and is the current president.

John Ciampoli, Boxer’s attorney, did not return calls on the latest legal wran gling, but previously said he was calling for a new election or to invalidate the ballots due to the lack of documentation of the process of who distributed and received the applications.

Due to a scheduling conflict, Ciampoli

did not show up to court on Nov. 1 but was available on Nov. 21, which was con ducted by telephone conference.

Nat Swergold, is representing the san itary district, which he has done for more than 50 years. Swergold said his team will provide two pieces of informa tion to the court for Ciampoli and his cli ent.

“We are going to make available to Mr. Ciampoli redacted copies of the absentee ballot applications,” Swergold said. Redacted copies block out sensitive infor mation from the ballot that the applicant wouldn’t want to be known to the public. On the redacted copies, the name and address of an applicant will be shown. Another piece of information is sealed envelopes containing the absentee ballots. The two sides are due back in court on Dec. 15.

Sanitary District 1 was established in 1929 by the Hempstead Town Board. The district collects the recycling and trash of more than 50,000 residents and a vari ety of commercial and institutional properties across the Five Towns and portions of the unincorporated areas Lynbrook and Green Acres. The sanitary district is one of such five independent districts in the town.

Herald files

Glenda Faye Dampier, dies at 68, loved kids

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Glenda Faye Dampier, often called “Gigi” by people who knew her, died on Oct. 22. She was 68.

Born on Oct. 13, 1954, in Jackson, Mis sissippi, she left for New York at 13 for bet ter opportunities. One of them being edu cation. She found her way to Inwood and went to school through the Lawrence School District. She went to school up until the 11th grade. However, she made sure her children, Demetrious, class of 1993, and Monchell, class of 1998, graduat ed Lawrence High School.

Dampier worked several jobs after high school but found she had a love for babysitting. “She loved kids and wanted to make that her passion,” Monchell said.

Dampier babysat children from fami lies in the community and her bosses’ children from the comfort of her Stanley Street home. She moved to Clinton Ave nue in 2006.

Monchell encouraged her mother to get a state daycare provider license, which allows individuals to start their own child daycare program. She obtained her license in 2007 and launched her own program named “Gigi’s Hands of Love.”

A member at the St. John’s Baptist Church in Inwood referred Laurie Hill to Dampier to babysit her twins; from then

on, long-lasting relationship was created. “She became their official unofficial grandmother,” Laurie said. She recalled taking her children, Jade and Kenneth Hill, to Dampier’s daycare center, where she took care of them, played with them and educated them. Hill said her children knew their numbers and colors before stepping foot at the Number Four School in Inwood.

Her children, now 23, remained in touch with Dampier until she died. The Hill family would visit her home to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve togeth er. Hill said her children were heartbro ken to hear the news that Dampier died. On Facebook, friends of hers expressed their love for their friend including Roberta Fielcs, who wrote, “She had a smile that could light up the room.”

The Nassau County National Council of Negro Women honored her for being a “Loyal Community Nurturer” in 2010. Her nickname, “Gigi,” was given by one of her children she babysat and stuck.

Dampier ran her daycare up until her death. When asked if Monchell would continue with the program, she laughed, “I don’t have the patience she had with kids.”

Dampier is survived by her son, Deme trious, and daughter, Monchell. The inter ment was at Zionell Church in Mount Olive, Mississippi, on Nov. 9.

Courtesy Monchell Dampier

GLENDA FAyE DAMpiER, known as ‘Gigi,’ was a more than a caretaker, but a second mother and grandmother to the children she cared for.

Woodmere Club project remains cloudy

subdistrict, accounting for 5 percent of the land.

al Conservation District, a intermunici pal agreement between the town and vil lages to build 83 homes on 114.5 of the club’s 118 acres, which the developers pur chased in 2017 for more than $9 million, along with assuming the club’s nearly $15 million in debt.

In 2019, the developers proposed the construction of 284 single-family homes to be built on the land, a plan that was met with criticism from residents. Some 247 of the homes would be in the Village of Woodmere, 24 in Woods burgh and 13 in Lawrence. The development would be called Willow View Estates.

By creating the Coastal Conservation District, the town and the villages were aiming to drastically scale down the developers’ pro posal. The club property would be divided into three subdistricts, and an 83.3-acre parcel — 70 percent of the property — would be desig nated an “open space and recreation” sub district. A single-family residential sub district would comprise 29.4 acres, or 24 percent of the property, and there would also be a 5.7-acre clubhouse/hospitality

Beginning in 2016, the town sought to help block development by placing a tem porary building moratorium on residen tial golf course properties. Hempstead extended the moratorium six times, but it was voided by a court ruling in 2019.

“The Woodmere club developers are apparently taking a different route,” Alex Edelman, the mayor of Lawrence, said, “and trying to see whether they can settle with Hempstead and the villages of Law rence and Woodsburgh, if they can have a global set tlement and limit the amount of housing they can put out.” Edelman called the court ruling a win, but almost obsolete, because the lawsuit is two years old, and, he added, the developers will now go a different route.

Gerszberg said that the judge’s ruling was based on not having the number of homes that the developers are approved to build. The current zoning placed by the Coastal Conservation District would allow 54 homes to be built. The judge requested

Lawsuit

that the developers refile a lawsuit when the final zoning determination was made.

“As requested by the judge, we will be amending our complaint in mid-January, after seeking alternative zoning with the villages and town,” Gerszberg said.

He and Weiss currently have an appli cation for 54 homes before the Town and two villages planning board. But they remain committed to their 284-home pro

posal.

“We anticipate the judge will either grant us the ability to build 284 homes,” Gerszberg said, “or order the villages and town to compensate us for the over 230 homes that were illegally taken from us.”

Have an opinion on the proposed develop ment of the Woodmere Club? Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald file

dismissed by judge until number of homes that can be built is finalized. Efrem Gerszberg and Robert Weiss will refile in January for ‘homes’ illegally taken from them.

as requested by the judge, we will be amending our complaint in mid-January after seeking alternative zoning with the villages and town.

efrem GerszberG developer Willow View Estates

Clavin, Khzouz, Richner honored at gala

Money raised will help Nassau Community College feed the hungry

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

It was a night to remember, and a night to recognize the people and businesses that help make Nassau Community College what it is.

It was the annual gala of the Nassau Community College Foundation, taking place not far from the campus at the Cra dle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Among those honored were Hemp stead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Commu nity Newspa pers.

Adorned in their best suits, ties and dresses, guests were immediately offered cham pagne and given a chance to pose for photos in front of a red carpet display. From there, it was a tour of the model planes and his toric aviation displays before being invited to sit at their respective tables in the main dining room.

ChARmIAN SmITh interim VP, academic student services, NCC

Leading the night off was Donna Drake of her self-titled inspirational tele vision show introducing guests like Joy Dedonato, an NCC alum, and executive director of the NCC Foundation.

“I’ll never forget the people I met and the values I learned at Nassau Communi ty College,” Dedonato said. “This place taught me to hit the wall, where you can not go further, and then go further any way.”

NCC president Maria Conzatti then introduced the honorees, selected for their support. Like Clavin and Richner Communications, both of which publi cize important notices to students, while also providing advertising and market ing.

Clavin, in fact, is a staunch supporter of the college, Conzatti said, thanking him for what he has done as an elected official. Like helping to organize The Nest at NCC — a non-profit organization that aims to alleviate hunger for stu dents, employees and their families.

“Some people say it takes a village to raise a child,” Conzatti said. “And were proud that this village raised so many students who come back to support our college.”

Baldwin’s Charmian Smith is NCC’s interim vice president of academic stu dent services, telling the crowd she was honored to know her colleagues recog nized her in such a way.

“This gala helps to bring us all togeth

er after the years of the Covid-19 pan demic,” she said. “It’s a great time to cel ebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.”

Clavin is an NCC alum, and has count ed some of the professors there as actual members of his family.

“So many of my friends started their lives at this institution,” the town super visor said. “To be recognized is just hum bling.”

Stuart Richner talked about the importance of providing well-rounded learning experiences.

“Educating young adults takes a team of professionals and advisers, which we understand,” the Herald Community

Newspapers publisher said. “Here at Richner, we work as a team to pro vide hyperlocal news to our commu nities.”

Khzouz described his being hon ored by the foundation “amazing.” NICE Bus employs more than 1,000 people, transporting more than 70,000 each day in 450 vehicles. That’s more than a million miles a month.

“We have a mission, which we live every day,” Khzouz said. “That mission is to make sure our bus services are an asset to Nassau County institutions and its citizens.”

And now NICE is celebrating 10 years

in Nassau County.

“We use large complex vehicles to drive through Nassau County and Queens at peak rush hour with impatient New Yorkers. What could go wrong?”

Khzouz joked. “Yet, we prevail anyway.”

Proceeds from the gala will help The Nest at NCC food pantry. To make a dona tion, too, visit tinyurl.com/GiveNCC.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ThE NASSAu CommuNITy College Foundation honored Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, parent company of Herald Community Newspapers, during a fundraising gala last week.

mARIA CoNzATTI, pRESIDENT of Nassau Community College, honored Baldwin’s Charmian Smith during the Nassau Community College Foundation Gala last week.

SuppoRTERS AND INVITED guests gathered to celebrate four honorees at the Nassau Community College Foundation’s annual gala last week at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

It’s a great time to celebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.

Hewlett, Woodmere welcomes Christmas

The triangle-shaped parcel of land that makes up the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the intersection of Broadway and West Broadway in Hewlett was jam packed with people on Dec. 4 for the Hewlett and Woodmere communities’ annual Christ mas tree lighting. Holiday cookies and hot

chocolate was served and Santa Claus vis ited from the North Pole to hear what the children are wishing for this year. The Hewlett High School Chorale performed.

— Jeffrey Bessen

hewlettwoodmere Business AssoCiAtion

President David Friedman, right lit the community Christmas with Congressmanelect Anthony D’Esposito, center, and County Legis. Howard Kopel on Dec. 4.

Christine Rivera/Herald Photos

Community first responders might have asked Santa Claus for new equipment this year.

the hewlett high School Chorale per formed at the tree lighting.

Balloon Mission is up and away to save

In its early stages, nonprofit sets tone for future

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Where do helium-filled bal loons go when they’re released into the sky?

Cynthia Seibold had that same question. And she discovered that the old axiom was true: What goes up must come down. But not in ways people might like.

The North Merrick resident with a background in insurance underwriting, spent a lot of time outdoors at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She noticed, however, that among all the litter found in the various parks, preserves and beaches she visit ed, one category stood out: bal loons.

Or rather, shreds of bal loons. Seibold found their strings and what was left of their plastic or rubber bodies impacting trees and plants and, of course, wildlife — animals that could easily mistake bal loon pieces for food.

It’s not that bal loon releases — or how they poten tially threaten the environment — is something new. But the pandemic created a new surge of such helium-intensive events as a different way to share birth days, graduations and retirements.

“Balloons are (a) leading cause of pol lution in our waters and our air,” Seibold said. “They break down into microplas tics and nanoplastics. I kept saying to myself, ‘There has to be a better way.’”

She found it with her nonprofit, Bal loon Mission.

“Our program is to collect balloons before they end up on the land and in oceans, reducing our carbon footprint and the harmful microplastics that are gener ated from balloons,” Seibold said. “And for every balloon that is sold and respon sibly collected, we feel it’s going to be one less piece of litter that’s harming our wildlife.”

Still, Seibold wants to make one thing very clear: She is not “anti-balloon.”

“This is a growing issue,” she said. “I think people need to know that there are options of ballooning responsibly. We’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate man ner.”

Although the nonprofit is in its early stages, Seibold has already received a great deal of support while building rela tionships with local and statewide organi zations. That includes the Hempstead town sanitation department, and the state environmental conservation department.

One of Seibold‘s primary goals is to

the get the message out that Balloon Mis sion is collecting balloons with plans to set up collection bins as early as January so people can properly dispose their holi day balloons.

Those bins will be cardboard boxes with Balloon Mission signage, Seibold explained. Locations are still being deter mined, but she hopes to have them in community-oriented locations like fire houses, Veterans of Foreign Wars halls and libraries.

On a national level, Seibold said, peo ple are noticing the effects balloons have on the environment.

“There was actually a New York Times article that came out in March of 2022 that talks about this surge in balloon fren zy,” she said. “We couldn’t celebrate and we couldn’t do things when we were in lockdown.

“We did these big balloon displays, and they’ve gotten even bigger, and it’s not going away. People want this — they want a balloon collection. They want options. They want to feel like they’re part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Through her research and communica tion with Hempstead town officials, Sei bold learned the municipality actually passed a local law prohibiting the inten tional release of balloons in 2019. Yet, bal loon releases still happen, she said, mak ing it important that signage goes up — perhaps sometime next spring — advising

against such activities.

Seibold is working closely with ACDS, an organization that offers lifetime services to people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Formerly the Association for Chil dren with Down Syndrome, the organization has locations in North Merrick and Plainview.

Jane Cohen, the day habilita tion services supervisor at ACDS, says it’s important for her group to offer volunteers to various envi ronmental organizations, and that its members are excited about helping Seibold’s nonprofit.

“In January, we’re going to start collecting (balloons) from various pickup sites, and then we’re going to bring them back to our hub sites and sift through them,” Cohen said. Volunteers “can work on their office skills and note-taking, so they can feel like they’ve accomplished some thing. It’s very rewarding for our individ uals.”

ACDS plans to provide some 200 volun teers to Balloon Mission.

“We feel this is a symbiotic relation ship,” Seibold said, adding it “works in keeping with ACDS’s goal of increasing life and social skills, and work readiness for their participants.”

She also hopes to educate people on alternatives to balloons.

MANy ARE uNAwARE the helium-filled balloons they release can harm the environment. Sea turtles and other animals can mistake the balloons for food.

past.

“I’m not looking to get rid of balloons — they make people light up,” she said. “I would like to start thinking of alterna tives. Can we blow bubbles? Can we send up a nice waft of smoke or sage into the air? It’s about finding these other ways of commemorating those moments in our life.”

Seibold hopes her nonprofit will get people thinking about ways to help find solutions.

“There are people that are smarter than me out there,” she said, “and I need those people in on the Balloon Mission.”

Photos courtesy Cynthia Seibold

CyNthiA SEiBOLD, fOuNDER and executive director of the nonprofit Balloon Mission, found an abandoned balloon at Lido Beach, a Hempstead town park. Seibold is on a quest to raise awareness about how damaging to the environment helium-filled balloon releases are, with hopes of making that a practice of the

we’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate manner.

CyNthiA SEiBOLD Founder, Balloon Mission

Initiating the discussion and care of mental health

starting that. It’s a start of a long jour

The inaugural speaker was Zak Wil liams, a global mental health advocate and speaker, and the son of the late comedian and actor Robin Williams. The elder Williams died by suicide in 2014, and was said to have struggled

The initial program began with a dis cussion of mental well-being and commu nity. Zak Williams’s mental health chal lenges began not after the death of his father, but as a 12-year-old boy, after a cous in and close friend died by suicide at 13.

“I didn’t know how to manage it,” Wil liams said. “I didn’t know who to talk to. I didn’t know how to connect with my family during this major issue.”

Several years later, Williams was trau matized when, during the first week of his freshman year at New York Universi ty, the World Trade Center was attacked. These challenges, coupled with new prob

lems such as his alcohol use, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and suicid al thoughts, set Williams on a dark path. After his father’s death, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

But, Williams said, he has transformed his trauma into something that is useful for sharing: his journey from suffering to having a purpose. “I need to share my story, and I need to understand why our mental health system functions the way that it does,” he said, questioning the dis parities in care he sees when he speaks in communities around the country. “Why in some communities there are no psycholo gists at all, and in other communities one for several thousand?” he asked.

Williams called for Five Towns resi dents to look after one another, but also, most important, to look after themselves because what does it mean to be there for people you love and care for if you aren’t doing the same for yourself? “I had to pri oritize my mental health every single day,” he said.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald one of the founders of Nafshenu Alenu, spoke at the kickoff presentation on mental health at Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst last month.

STEPPING OUT

arrives on local stages

The festive tradition continues to delight

By Karen Bloom

Neil deGrasse Tyson

How real is what you’re seeing up on the big screen? Astrophysicistlecturer Neil deGrasse Tyson knows and he’ll clue us in, separating fact from fiction — in a new installment of ‘An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies: The Sequel.’ Derived from yet another set of 30 films/television shows that range from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’ to ‘The Lion King,’ this lecture is an entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite entertainment got wrong, combined with some of the stuff they got right. This lecture also incorporates the latest films as well as some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all.

Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $250 (VIP), $100, $75, $50. $250 VIP ticket includes a post-show Q&A. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

New York

offers its 40th season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, on the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University.

The dance theatre closely follows the Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, as well as sets and costumes. It is the largest production on Long Island, according to new artistic director, — and dance theatre alum Nicole Loizides Albruzzese.

The dance theatre’s version keeps to the tone set by company founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.

Through the years, Ohman created original dances and scenes to enhance Balanchine’s iconic vision. Now Albruzzese — who was a student at the dance theatre’s Ohman School of Ballet under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there — returns as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career, follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.

Special guest artists New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht take on the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, joining a cast of Ohman School students to bring the holiday classic to the stage.

With the elegant Christmas party scene, the battle of the toy soldiers and giant mice, the intense snow storm, and elaborate dancing in the Land of the Sweets, this “Nutcracker” is sparkling treat that maintains its enduring appeal.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, noon and 5 p.m. $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and younger. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, call (631) 462-0964, or visit OhmanBallet.org.

Curry’s interpretation at Tilles Center stars New York City Ballet soloist Miriam Miller as the Sugar Plum Fairy and New York City Ballet principal Tyler Angle as her Cavalier. Also of note, Fox Weather meteorologist (and Instagram and TikTok sensation) Nick Kosir joins the cast of more than 60 students and professional dancers as Dr. Stahlbaum, Clara’s father.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, under the baton of maestro David Bernard, performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

“This year, I’ve taken some elements and changed them to keep the production fresh,” Curry says. “Our professional dancers, along with our incredibly talented academy students, have accepted the challenge of these new variations and character developments. I’ve enriched the production with more theatricality and many new dramatic elements.

“Having our guest artists from New York City Ballet and the wonderful Nick Kosir is like having a very sweet cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.”

Company member Briana Laman dances the role of Clara, with fellow company member Ryan Cavaline as Nutcracker Prince. For this production, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to Waltz of the Snowflakes (usually danced by a Snow Queen and a Snow King) for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

“Having this pas de deux danced by these two characters intensifies the connection between the two,” he says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Tickets are $89, $69, $59, $49. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. For tickets, call (516) 299-3100 or visit TillesCenter.org or EglevskyBallet.org.

Kenny G’s

The Miracles Holiday & Hits

Ring in the holiday season with smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The crossover jazz icon has enjoyed phenomenal success across the pop, jazz and R&B charts for more than three decades. Known for his lyrical and emotive style, his music has garnered a devoted fan base and made him one of the biggest-selling instrumentalists of all-time. The sound of his sax is as iconic as his curly coif. Indeed, both are instantly recognizable. Expect an evening filled with a festive spirit and contemporary classics. A reprise of last year’s successful outing,’The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour’ features a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with his captivating and distinctive blending of genres. The tour follows the release of his 19th studio album, ‘New Standards,’ and the acclaimed HBO documentary ‘Listening to Kenny G.’

Thursday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road., Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com, or (516) 247-5200.

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dance Theatre

Those

sugar plum fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive this month. The beloved holiday confection never goes out of style.

Courtesy New York Dance Theatre

Photo: Clara is enchanted with her nutcracker in the party that opens the ballet.

Eglevsky Ballet’s innovative ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company is known for its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry.

Courtesy Eglevsky Ballet

Photo: The enchanting snow scene is a shimmering showstopper.

THE SCENE

Matinee time

Shrek The Musical

See the uplifting tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey, presented by Nassau Community College Theater Department, now through Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. All the beloved characters you know from the film are brought to life on stage for an incredible adventure that includes a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand — and that’s Shrek, of course. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $18; NCC students free with valid ID; $15, veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC.edu or call (516) 572-7676.

Christmas Tree of Lights celebration

Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree of Lights celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs sung by Mercy’s carolers and refreshments. The festivities take place in front of the hospital, 1000 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Proceeds from the event will support the Endowment for Nursing Leadership and Education at Mercy Hospital. For information visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital.

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production, Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12, noon. The story, narrated by the groundhog Pardon-Me-Pete, tells about the immortal winter sprite, who falls in love with a human girl named Elisa after rescuing her. Tickets are $15. Bring the kids to the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Remembering Long Island

Stacy and Jordan Kaplan, authors of “Hey Long Island… Do U Remember” will discuss their book at Temple Hillel, 1000 Rosedale Road, North Woodmere on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. $5 donation. Refreshments served. Open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and for author signing.

Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala

Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec.11, noon-4 p.m., at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far Far Away. With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more. Cost is $75 per child, $100 per adult. Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Register online at CPNassau.org or call CP Nassau at (516) 3782000 ext 651.

Having an event?

Dec. 10

LI Warriors Sock Hockey Clinic

Add some skills to your sock skating game with members of the LI Warriors recreational hockey league at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn about stick handling and passing as you master wrist and slap shots on the LICM “ice” in a hockey clinic for ages 3 and up.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Holiday Celebration

Experience the holidays in “Colonial America,” where the New Year was celebrated with cider, decorations and sweets. Visit period rooms and hear from food historian Diane Fish, take part in gingerbread house decorating, hear holiday music from the Holy Roamin Carolers and enjoy crafts and face painting, and take holiday photos. All at Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence, on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m. $18, $16

In-person Game Time

Play canasta, mah jongg and Scrabble in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, Monday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated. Masks recommended.

Art Exhibit

The “Best Practices” art exhibit will be on display through Jan. 9, in the Boehm Room of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon.

Holiday fun

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.

Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive. Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337

Visit the streets of 19th century London during the darkest days of the year, in this adaption of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” with the Experiential Theater Company, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 8-9, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 14-15, 10:15 a.m. and noon, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. Meet the Cratchit family, Scrooge and the ghosts of past, present and future in this interactive show that weaves together music, humor, puppetry and collaboration. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Kids ‘cop’ holiday gifts at Matty’s Toy Shop

Children crowded into Matty’s Toy Shop in Hewlett for the third annual Michael Geraldi-Ray Abear Memorial Holiday Shop with a Cop on Dec. 3, spon sored by Project Thank A Cop.

Geraldi was a NYPD officer who died on Sept. 1, 2020 of a brain aneurysm while on the job.

An Inwood native, he worked in the store, Movieland video, in the portion of the Peninsula Shopping Center where Matty’s Toy Shop is now.

Abear, a detective with the Queens Spe cial Victims Squad, died on April 13, 2020, from Covid-19, after what officials called “a presumed exposure while on duty.”

Project Thank A Cop was established by Wantagh resident Maegan Fox to show support and appreciation to law enforce ment members.

The nine-hour event included law enforcement members, the North Pole Express and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Santa ClauS with Tyrus Amo at the third annual Michael Geraldi-Ray Abear Memorial Holiday Shop with a Cop in Hewlett on Dec. 3.

Benjamin Catanzarite waS held by his father, Joe Catanzarite, and spent time with his grandmother Patti Hughes at Shop with a Cop.

Joe Abate/Herald photos

Steve Pinto and H. Echedaria, from Lefty’s Cigars, did not forget the adults who want to celebrate in style.

mrS. ClauS PrePared for her big day at Matty’s Top Shop.

Town finishes Inwood streetscape project

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A $329,000 Town of Hempstead streetscape improvement project funded by federal money was completed in October and includes new light posts and stamped concrete and colored brick patterns.

The beautification extends from Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island on Doughty Boule vard to Bais Tefila synagogue at Mott Ave nue and ends just before Jefferson Street. The Community Development Block Grant program, funded by the United States

Department of Housing and Urban Devel opment, gave the green light to the town to move forward with renovations. The town’s Planning and Economic Development department applied for the grant and was approved in September 2021, but renova tions did not began until August of this year. It completed its Inwood streetscape in October of this year after submitting its application for one in June 2021.

“This recently completed project helps beautify our home while contributing to the Town of Hempstead’s suburban quality-oflife,” Councilwoman Melissa Miller said in

a statement.

The CDBG provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to provide a bet ter environment in communities, which equals a better environment. Town spokes man

Casey Sammon said the project cost was $329,000. The grant amount was not dis closed; however, it was enough to pay for the project “I’m always proud to help spear head local projects that improve the infra structure of our neighborhoods,” Miller said.

Renovations were done on the side of

Bais Tefila synagogue on Mott Avenue. Although the wait took longer than expect ed, Mott Avenue residents questioned why the streetscape didn’t extend further down their block instead of ending at the side parking entrance of the synagogue.

Inwood resident Jennifer Draga expect ed more to have been worked on the block instead of what was done. “When I saw the sign, I had figured it would be everywhere,” she said. “I think it’s so pretty. I just wished they did more.” Draga was referring to the huge Inwood Streetscape sign the town placed on Doughty Boulevard, immediately outside Bais Tefila.

When asked about why more work was not done on Mott Avenue, Sammon noted the existing the narrow sidewalks, which altered the amount of work that could be down, along with possibly interfering with homeowner driveways.

Safety was also a factor in the project’s focus with improved lighting considering the dramatic rise in antisemetic threats. With the Five Towns having a significant Jewish population, Sammon noted that res ident security was taken into consideration.

“There were a lot of threats against the community there, and this was started as a safety thing, and residents would reach out about wanting more visibility and safer walkways,” he said.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald photos THE NEwEST ADDiTiON to Doughty Boulevard, street lights.

THE DOuGHTy BOuLEvARD and Mott Avenue streetscape is now highlighted by stamped concrete and colored brick patterns.

Public Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 12/14/22 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 824/22. WOODMEREEric Taub, Variance, lot area occupied, construct 2-story addition & 2nd story addition both attached to dwelling., S/s Allen St., 80’ W/o Brower Ave., a/k/a 991 Allen St.

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 845/22. - 847/22.

INWOOD - Inwood 175, LLC & Inwood 41, LLC, Special exception to exceed floor area ratio, variances front yard setbacks on Roger Ave. & Gates Ave., a portion of which is within the clear sight triangle on both streets, construct warehouse; variance in off-street parking; Install one, detached, doublefaced monument sign 92.9 total sq. ft., setback 8’ from Roger Ave & 1’ from side property line; Install second, detached, double-faced monument sign 92.9 total sq. ft., setback 5’ from Gates Ave & 10’ from side property line., S/E cor. Roger Ave. & Gates Ave. (S.E.Q.R. determination not made)

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Inwood and Woodmere within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 135809

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Lawrence Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:45 P.M. followed by a public meeting on December 14, 2022 at the Lawrence Village Hall 196 Central Ave Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:30 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board:

“

All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard

By Order of the Board of Appeals

Lloyd Keilson Chairman

Dated: December 1, 2022 135820

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: November 22, 2022

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

herald schools

Gamzeh, 10 Wentworth Pl- Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 13,024 sq. ft. in area is 3117 sq. ft. Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule of Dimensional Regulations states the minimum front yard setback for a building on a lot sized 13,042 is 30 feet. Section 212-12.1 of the Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the minimum aggregate yard setback for a lot size of 13,024 ft. is 35 ft. Section 212-38.B (4) of the Village Code states, in a Residence C-1 District the minimum street side setback is 19 ft. Section 212-12.1 Schedule of Dimensions states, the maximum front yard height/setback ratio for a building on a lot sized 13,042 square feet is 0.74.

“ Weinreb, 150 Broadway - Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states the minimum side yard setback for a deck in Residential District B is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states the minimum rear yard setback for a deck in Residential District B is 30 ft.

“

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency:Board of Trustees, Village of Woodsburgh Date:December 19, 2022 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place:Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York Subject:Proposed agreement with Woodmere Fire District for fire protection and emergency ambulance services for the entirety of the Village, which is not located within a fire district, for a 5 year period.

At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters.

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York during regular business hours.

Dated: November 29, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michelle Blandino Village Clerk 135819

LEGAL NOTICE

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 135788

LEGAL NOTICE

Re: Hewlett Bay Fire District Monthly public meeting

PLEASE TAKE NOTE that the December 2022 scheduled monthly Board meeting the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Hewlett Bay Fire District, Hewlett, New York will take place at 1180 Broadway, Hewlett, New York on, Wednesday December 28, 2022, at 7:30 PM.

This notice is given pursuant of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York. By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Joseph Ruvolo District Secretary 135818

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will convene and hold a public hearing via ZOOM December 13, at 7:00pm.

Reading goes to the dogs at Ogden Elementary

Stern, 32 Beechwood Dr. - Section 212-16.D(1) of the Village Code states, the minimum side yard setback in Residence B District is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D(1) of the Village Code states, the minimum aggregate yard setback in Residence B District is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D(2)(c) of the Village Code states, the maximum side yard height setback ratio for a Building in Residence B District is 1.5.

The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting.

The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Artaxe Construction, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/15/2022. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 156 Carolina Avenue Hempstead, NY 11550. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 135117

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 79-2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held November 22nd, 2022, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 79-2022, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 79-2022, amending

All residents and professionals wishing to attend are directed to contact Village Hall at 516-374-3806 for further ZOOM information/instruction or visit our website at www.hewlettharbor.org.

All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for relief:.

1)226 Richards Lane Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

2)20 Thixton Drive Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

3)1312 Club Drive (Lot 7) Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

4)1312 Club Drive (Lot 6) Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

The Read to Dogs program has returned to Ogden Elementary School in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District and being on “paws” because of the coro navirus pandemic.

Lisa Forgione and Therapy Dogs Inter national brought Valentine to visit with the students. Reading with a dog is fun, but there are also documented benefits, which include elevated reading levels as the ride and accomplishment of reading rises in children. Kids read at their own

pace which reduces the anxiety that usu ally accompanies reading aloud.

There is more focus on the goals and not performance. Reading with a dog helps children relax. It empowers kids who become tutors.

Reading better lends itself to children becoming more involved in external activ ities and enthusiastic about their raising their hand in the classroom.

5)207 Everit Avenue Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, 3 car carport, driveway and inground pool. At said hearing, all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. Copies of the proposed application will be available at the Village Hall at least five (5) days before the public hearing and may be seen during the regular business hours.

Those persons planning to attend the meeting and who require special

are

the meeting.

Dated: November 1, 2022

Harbor, New York

NOTICE IS HEREBY

Board of Education of the HewlettWoodmere Union Free School District will hold a public hearing on December 14, 2022 at

6:15 PM at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York 11598. Said hearing is being held to hear all interested parties and residents regarding a proposed resolution to authorize an increase in exemption from school property taxes for qualified Low-Income Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities, pursuant to Sections 467 and 459-c of the Real Property Tax Law. Dated: November 30, 2022

BOARD OF EDUCATION 1 Johnson Place Woodmere, NY 11598 135815

accommodations because of a disability

requested to notify the Village Clerk no less than 48 hours prior to

ORDER

— Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy Hewlett-Woodmere schools Ogden elementary SchOOl students with Valentine the dog and Lisa Forgione from Therapy Dogs International.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

HIRING MAIL SORTERS $16.00-$17.00, Pickers/ Packers Springfield Gardens, $17.00. Mystery Shoppers Ages 21-25 $20.00. 860 Long Island Ave., Deer Park NY 631-586-4699

OFFICE MANAGER/ RECEPTIONIST: Private Dental Practice Far Rockaway/ Lawrence. Insurance Experience Necessary. Great Salary/ Benefits. jonfriedmandds@gmail.com 917-435-7138

RECEPTIONIST EXPERIENCED P/T Seasonal. Jan- Mid April. Franklin Square. CALL: 516-358-9455. FAX RESUME: 516-358-9483. E MAIL: ed@loturco.com.

SECRETARY CHURCH OFFICE P/T $17/p.h. Tues, Weds, Thurs 9am-12pm. Clerical & Computer Skillls Required. Immed.. 516-547-7828. Email Resume vjl1030@yahoo.com

Spacious

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

More complications from Superstorm Sandy

This unique home boasts 2,494 livable interior square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The main floor offers a primary bedroom with ensuite, additional bedroom and full hall bathroom, bright living room with woodburning fireplace, eat-in kitchen with brick oven cooking, laundry room, den/family room with access to backyard patio and 2 car attached garage. 2 Additional bedrooms, den/office/exercise room and shared bathroom are found on the second level. There is also a full basement with utilities, storage, full bathroom, wet bar and endless possibilities. This home also boasts wood floors throughout, ample closets/storage on a 116 x 63 lot. Call for a private showing.

Q. We purchased our home with minor damage from Hurricane Sandy, and were told that because there was little or no damage, just mold in the unfin ished basement and new boiler, the house was fine, no title problems. But when we tried getting a permit for a shed, we were told we needed a permit for stormrelated repairs, including proof of our home’s value. We decided not to get the shed because of this, but we got a letter saying we still need the storm repair per mit, regardless. None of the neighbors we spoke to ever got this permit. It seems we’re being punished for being honest and trying to do the right thing. Is there a way around this problem? What if we do nothing?

A. My answer may be as confusing as your situ ation. I have seen no con sistency in this dilemma as I go from one munici pality to another, and I’ve asked why some impacted jurisdictions don’t require as much paperwork and scrutinizing as others. The answer from officials was generally that each jurisdiction made assess ments of the specific properties, and then recorded which ones were uninhabitable compared to which ones had various levels of needed repairs.

It may have been that at the time, when people were so devastated by their personal property loss es, it seemed like a bad policy to hurt homeowners further with permit requirements and lots of administrative paperwork. The concerns for peo ple’s emotions at that time have, seemingly, dimin ished. Your jurisdiction chose to notify people to submit estimates and property value statements, over a decade later, mostly when they apply for per mits for unrelated projects.

Apartments For Rent

EAST MEADOW: BRIGHT 1BR, LR/Kitchen Combo, Full Bath, Lots Closets And Storage. No Smoking/Pets. $1,700 All. 516-659-3189

MoneyTo Lend

I sat down to a Sunday-morning breakfast chat in a diner with the top elected official in your juris diction in February of 2013, four months after the storm, as a concerned citizen as well as a licensed professional and columnist. It was nice that they paid for breakfast, but I’m not sure they acknowl edged the level of problems I was seeing, from the lack of communication and enforcement with the public. I suggested that it was better to notify every one with specifics, not randomly ambush people when they applied for other things in the future, like you’re now experiencing.

I advised that everyone damaged by the storm could file basic repair letters, be contacted by block and lot numbers instead of all at once, and put the effects of the storm behind us all as quickly and painlessly as possible, but in a way that officially recorded people’s repairs in letter form and in a simple way. Building departments were extremely helpful in assisting people to get backup docu ments, and I saw an earnest effort to help the pub lic. But many homeowners ignored letters, did nothing and seem not to be affected by require ments.

Your story is an example of the result I predict ed. I wish I knew the answer. It may take another decade to figure this out. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Antiques/Collectibles

SYL-LEE

KING

EARLY AMERICAN COFFEE Table: 48"x28", Shelf on bottom of table, Nutmeg Finish, $55.00. 516-781-1520

FITQUEST EXERCISE BIKE: Echelon fit, Folds for storage, Hardly used $95.00. 516-902-6736

GIRLS CLOTHES SIZES 5 & 8: New with tags. Tops, Jeans. $8 each. 917-420-5814

HENRI BENDEL BACKPACK & Wallet. Maroon, B/W Stripe. Ltmd edition, Brand New. $99 516-320-1906

HUMMEL : LOST sheep $45, the brother $40. Mint condition 646.206.4610

HUMMELS: CELLIST, THINKER, each $50. mint condition 646.206.460

WICKER COFFEE TABLE: 30"Wx18"Dx18"H, Brown Wicker Table, $25.00. Ginny 516-781-1520

Finds $100-$350

KITCHEN SET: Table/ chrome pedestal. 4 chairs with chrome and black vinyle seats. 5ft x 4ft smoked glass table.$200 Neg. 516.668.

MASSAGE

Electricians

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

Handyman

HANDYMAN

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

Heating

AROUND THE CLOCK REFRIGERATION INC. Specializing In Gas Furnaces/ Ductless Heat Pump Installations/ Repairs. $99 Annual Gas Furnace Maintenance/ Inspection. FREE Estimates. Gregory 516-214-0178 gregory@clockhvac.com

Home Improvement

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

Home Improvement

DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

HANDY DANDY

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

Miscellaneous

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

Plumbing

PLUMBER!

Autos Wanted

DONATE YOUR CAR TO BREAST CANCER RESEARCH RECOVERY! Tax Deduction Receipt Given Upon Pick-up, Free Towing. 501c3 Charity. 631-988-9043 breastcancerresearchrecovery.org

DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

WHEELS FOR WISHES benefiting MakeA-Wish® Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: (877) 798-9474. Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org.

PLUMBING

Tile

TILE INSTALLATION: 25 Years In Business. FREE Estimates. We Specialize In Quality Work. Broadway Tile Company. Call Jeff 516-647-2604 Or email estimating@broadwaytileco.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-595-6967

GET DIRECTV FOR $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Education

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE

opINIoNS

Facing life — and death — with peace and love

John Casciani died last weekend. You don’t know him, but trust me, he wouldn’t want anyone to fuss over him. He came into this world quietly 88 years ago, and I’m sure would prefer the same exit now.

But you can’t have such a profound effect on someone’s life — to the point that you almost single-handedly changed it for the better — and expect them to experience your passing as an afterthought.

Casciani doesn’t deserve to be remem bered, but because I simply don’t know how to express my sadness that someone who touched and transformed so many lives as a teacher over the years no longer shares the same plane of existence we do.

with “peace and love” — something you always felt around him. Peace and love.

I can usually write a column like this practically in my sleep, but nothing seemed right to honor this man who did so much for everyone, yet didn’t want anyone to notice.

So, that’s what I did. I cried. Tears of sadness. Tears of happy memories. Tears of who I am. Tears of what I might have been if it weren’t for Mr. Casciani.

MICHAEL HINMAN

Writing isn’t just a profession for me. It’s how I cope. And the moment I learned of Mr. Casciani’s passing, I put pen to paper, sharing an anecdote from the very first time I met this fascinating chemistry teacher and photography club adviser from my high school days, and how he introduced me to the magical world of the darkroom.

I talked about the value of teachers, who are key to our self-discovery of who we are. I even shared Mr. Casciani’s way of making even the most mundane interest ing, like when he would wager his chemis try classes he could drink a glass of boiling water — and then actually do it.

But the moment I typed the final words of that piece, I closed the document and then dumped it in the trash. Not that Mr.

I was going through a bad time when I first met Mr. Casciani. We all remember being teenagers, and few of us can say it was easy. But Mr. Casciani truly changed my life. Not just teaching me the skills that helped me land my first newspaper job — the fact that I could devel op my own film and print my own pictures helped get me through the door of a daily newspaper when I was still in high school — but being someone who taught me it was OK to be fascinated by the world around us. That we shouldn’t be ashamed of that sense of wonder.

Yet I simply couldn’t find the words to express any of that. Outside of a few Face book interactions, I hadn’t had a direct conversation with Mr. Casciani since I graduated from high school in the early 1990s. But he would occasionally send me a note, usually asking me to help him remember some details about projects we worked on — like our school’s television program in the days when creating televi sion at the high school level wasn’t so easy to pull off — so he could reminisce.

He would sign each of those messages

But then I remembered something else Mr. Casciani taught me. Strength doesn’t come from not needing to ask for help — it comes from seeking help when you need it. Something pride inter feres with all too often.

So, I sought that strength inside of me and asked for help. Marcie Schellhammer is the assistant managing editor of the Bradford Era in north-central Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from where I grew up. She’s written so many beautiful columns about people that I cite her work to my own reporters when we need examples of the best way to honor people with our words.

I did everything I was supposed to do. I shared a favorite memory, and how what I learned from it changed my life. I shared the moment my eyes opened, and even talked about how Mr. Casciani helped mold me into the man I am now. But it still wasn’t working.

“That’s because you wrote it to write a column,” Marcie told me. “You didn’t write it with your heart. At least that’s my pro cess. I can’t write a memorial column with out crying.”

As always, Marcie was right. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t take the traditional approach in honoring Mr. Casciani. I can scream from the hilltops how important our educators are — and they indeed are. But the truest way to honor a man like Mr. Casciani is to put what he taught me into practice.

To admit when I’m struggling. To face it. To seek out help. And to never, ever be ashamed of it. I joke from time to time that Mr. Casciani would tell me the skills I was learning in the darkroom would be skills that would help me the rest of my life. And then, in my mid-20s, darkrooms went extinct in the shadow of digital pho tography.

But that has changed my life. I haven’t stepped inside a darkroom in about two decades, but the skills I learned there opened the doors at the beginning of my career that allowed me to sit here and write these words today. And for that, I will be forever grateful to Mr. Casciani.

We all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives. And we can never thank them enough for making the impact they did. So, if you can still thank them, please take a moment and do it now.

Peace and love.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Com ments? Execeditor@liherald.com.

No, Gwyneth, I will not buy your face cream

In this season of marathon shopping, I started wondering why I buy what I buy. There are millions of choices when it comes to our cosmetics and cars and food and OTC meds and clothing and shoes and TV series and movies and furnishings and technology, and travel and education.

So why do I scan the shelves and pick out one sneaker among the many sports shoes for sale?

celebrity flogs a product, my avoidance mode kicks in. I love Matthew McCo naughey, but I’m not buying a Lincoln because he looks dreamy sitting behind the wheel in the TV commercials. I am not buy ing Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin cream thinking it will make me look like her.

I mean, why would I buy a Dior product because Charl ize Theron is their public face? She’s a gorgeous 8-foottall South African beauty. My life, inside this body of mine, bears no resemblance to her existence. Dior face cream will not help. I resist.

does she know about shoes or me or the value of her product? As for the Kardashi ans, well, how much time do you have? Who are they, exactly, and how many of them are in the public eye, and what is their skill set? They endorse various hair products, and I imagine their pitch is to young people, but why? They are the most famous people who are famous just for being famous.

ing crosses, and stigmata. After an outcry from religious groups, Pepsi canceled its ad.

My friends are my greatest influencers. I buy what they tell me to buy; I watch the TV that they suggest; I read the books they send my way.

I also take seriously consumer reviews from reliable websites. I have found new doctors by reading online reviews.

We think we have the power of choice, but we are bedazzled by influ encers. Psycholo gists say that we are especially moti vated by celebrity endorsements that suggest we can acquire good looks, wealth, friends and celebrity itself by buying the car that George Clooney drives or wearing the ath letic shoes that Selena Gomez wears or drinking the Coke that LeBron James, Penelope Cruz or Michelle Kwan drinks.

RANDI KREISS

I’m crazy about Reese Witherspoon and I love Crate & Barrel products, but I’m not buying a new couch because she’s their “brand ambassador.”

Various media put enormous money into advertising campaigns that feature celebrities touting their products. For me, it’s a waste of their time and money. When a

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work, because apparently they pay off big time, or companies wouldn’t seek out famous people to push their products. I just don’t think it works for me, and I would urge others to look at their prospective pur chases in a clear-eyed way, setting aside the celebrity glam factor.

Drew Barrymore has associated herself with Crocs. What the heck? Should I buy a clutzy shoe because she tells me to? What

Epic flops and scandals have haunted the celebrity endorsement industry. Kanye West recently unraveled with his nonstop antisemitic rants. He lost Adidas, Balen ciaga, Foot Locker, Gap, and others. Michael Phelps was dropped by Kellogg’s years ago, after a photo circulated of him smoking marijuana. Today, with a net worth of some $80 million, he can boast associations with Intel, Sub way, Under Armor, Beats and Visa. The weed factor is passe.

Years back, according to E-News, Madon na landed a one-year contract as the celebri ty spokesperson for Pepsi. A two-minute family-friendly ad premiered wherein the singer revisited her eighth birthday. But the next day, Madonna’s video for “Like a Prayer” debuted. The video featured burn

I have one friend whom I love who has mysterious powers over my purchasing decisions. When we’re together, we some times shop. I find myself buying what she tells me to buy — even the outsized blouse with a geometric print that makes my eyes burn. Sometimes there’s a pricey item I don’t need, but if she tells me I need it, boom, it’s in the shopping bag. I don’t know what it is. My only defense is not to go shop ping with her too often. Because if she tells me I need the striped balloon pants in neon green, it’s circus time for me.

As we go about our Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, it might be wise to consider who is influencing our purchases. One of the oldest and longest-running celeb rity endorsements was launched by Jell-O in the early 1970s, when they hired a 37-yearold actor named Bill Cosby. Presumably JellO has wiggled onward without him.

Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work. Apparently they pay off big time.

W e all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives, and we can never thank them enough.

569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com

Roosevelt’s address to the nation, Dec. 8, 1941

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speak er, members of the Senate, and of the House of Repre sentatives:

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliber ately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japa nese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secre tary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese gov

ernment has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false state ments and expressions of hope for con tinued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Ameri can lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported tor pedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.

The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the impli

cations to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all mea sures be taken for our defense. But always, will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us?

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute vic tory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend our selves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

letters

Taking the air out of balloon releases

To the Editor: Thank you to Senior Reporter Jordan Vallone for her well-written piece, “Balloon Mission is up and away: Planning initial projects, nonprofit sets tone for future” (Bell more and Merrick Heralds, Dec. 1-7, liherald.com/merrick/stories/bal loon-mission-is-up-and-away, 152602). And bravo to Cynthia Sei bold, of North Merrick, for using the pandemic to start a nonprofit group, Balloon Mission, committed to stopping the inane practice of releasing balloons into the environ ment as a form of celebration.

Balloons are made of rubber, latex or nylon fabric, which does not break down easily — a polyure thane balloon can take up to 450 years to decompose, according to the University of Melbourne. In the wild, balloons get caught in trees and underbrush, where they are shredded by branches. Over time, they appear to disintegrate, but what is really happening is the bal loons are further breaking down

into microplastics, which then become ingrained in soil and water systems. From there, they are ingest ed by animals and marine creatures — and then by we humans at the top of the food chain.

In 2019, the Town of Southampton passed a law

banning the intentional release of balloons — with a fine of $350 or imprisonment for up to 15 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses would receive harsher penalties. The Town of Hempstead has a similar ordinance on the books, also passed in 2019,

opinions

The red wave that wasn’t, and the crime wave that isn’t

Despite expectations, Republi cans ended up underperform ing on Nov. 8. Although Republi cans narrowly captured the House, Democrats kept the Senate and even managed to flip multiple state cham bers blue, including capturing the gover nor’s office in Arizona, of all places.

Peculiarly, however, Republicans had one of their best nights in none other than the deep-blue Demo cratic stronghold of New York. They flipped a stagger ing one-fifth of all Democratic con gressional seats here, and nearly unseated Demo cratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

How did they pull it off? Fear of crime. While in most of the nation, inflation and preserving democracy were the top two issues, poll ing from New York City in May showed that the No. 1 issue on people’s minds was crime — and it wasn’t even close.

Leading up to the election, the Republi cans unleashed a barrage of fear-monger

ing on the good people of Nassau County. For their part, the Democrats, as usual, were yet again unable to show a spine and attack the Republican narrative. But at any rate, it seems the Republican assault on our collective psyche was successful.

There’s just one problem. There’s no actual crime wave.

It’s completely normal to be worried about crime; we all deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods. But the facts just don’t bear it out. Did you know that the num bers of murders, rapes and sexual crimes have all gone down this year compared with last, according to offi cial Nassau County Police Department data? Surpris ing, I know. And all things considered, we’re actually in one of the safest periods ever in our county.

There have been increases in crime, but they’ve been related to property, not violent crimes. And even with the increase in property crimes, it is still exceedingly rare for a Nassau resident to be a victim of such a crime. The most common crime defined as “major” this year was grand larceny. You know what

your chances of being a victim of grand larceny are? About 0.002 percent.

But I can definitely understand the claim that we all feel an air of crime here in Nassau. Blame the media: 2022 saw a spike in the media coverage of shootings in New York City that went far beyond the actual num ber of shootings.

It sickens me. You turn the page, a shooting. Anoth er page, a corpse. The third page, a guy arrested for beating his girlfriend. The media fills us with dread, all to make money. And I see how my neighbors increas ingly construct their own fortresses, replete with video cameras, dogs and floodlights, all out of fear of passersby.

This fear has serious consequences, increasing anxiety, social withdrawal, and unraveling the social fabric of neighbor hoods. This is no way to live.

At the same time, I don’t want to live in a county where we see an increasing number of desperate people turning to theft to survive. After all, if you can’t work, you go hungry, and stealing catalyt ic converters beats going hungry.

Letters

but the fine for intentional release cannot exceed $100, and there is no provision for jail time. I would like to see Hempstead pass an ordinance with stronger teeth.

As a town resident, though, I am heartened to see Hempstead working with Balloon Mission to educate the public about the myriad dangers that balloon releases present — particularly to the 17,000 acres and 180 miles of coastal waterways under the town’s jurisdiction.

Finally, each of us can play our part in helping to reduce plastics in the environment. When you see a plas tic bottle or rubber balloon on the street in your neigh borhood, pick it up and throw it away. I’m a runner. When you run and collect garbage, it’s called plogging, a Swedish fitness term. Hempstead would do well, though, to add more trash cans for recyclables at its parks, like those at the Levy Preserve in Merrick. This way, when folks are out collecting garbage, they could easily recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

SCOTT A. BRINTON Merrick

Randi nailed it on air travel

To the Editor:

I really love Randi Kreiss’s columns in the Herald, and the one that I specifically liked was “Flying the notso-friendly skies” (Nov. 24-30), about JetBlue and the way they’ve changed their system so that they don’t really accommodate people very well.

I went on a trip about three weeks ago, and it was really hard to book a flight because I had a couple of problems, and, like you said, to reach somebody, it’s like reaching God. And yes, the snacks are pretty sad.

Thank you so much for your articles, Randi.

JuDITH WEITz Long Beach

Framework by Tim Baker

So what can we do?

Let’s start with a price cap on gas in Nassau County, to fight inflation and bring relief to millions at the pump. Next, the county should put people to work at a good wage to finally fix these damn pot holes. And thirdly, let’s keep kids off the streets by fully funding schools, and lower violent crime by having Nassau replace our lead pipes, which contribute to lead poisoning, which researchers have tied to aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Too bad the Republican-led County Legislature won’t do any of that. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, Nassau’s 2023 budget actually has less funding for spe cial education and early-intervention pro grams. Nothing about lead pipes, or gas price caps. Don’t the Republicans care about preventing crime?

It’s OK to have a healthy fear of crime, and it’s OK to take measures to keep your self safe. But I implore my friends: Don’t let politicians and the media manipulate you. It is imperative that we do not fear our neighbor.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chroni cle and the Anton Media Group.

Here’s hoping they’re bundled up out there — Sea Cliff Yacht Club

the numbers of major crimes in Nassau County have actually gone down this year.

mattHew aDaricHev

Buy a Brick

Celebrate or honor your loved ones this holiday season and give the gift of a lasting legacy in the Mount Sinai South Nassau garden, located at the corner of Oswald Court and One Healthy Way. Purchase an engraved brick, tree, or garden bench, or name the entire plaza and garden space that thousands of patients, visitors, and employees will see every year as they enter and exit the hospital’s front entrance

Honor a loved one or someone who made a di erence in your life. Remember a special person or celebrate a special occasion. Support Mount Sinai South Nassau’s mission and vision for a healthier tomorrow.