Oyster Bay Herald 04-07-2023

Flower’s

dredge boats back in Mill Neck Creek

By LAURA LANE llane@liherald.com

Residents and those who visit Mill Neck and Bayville this summer will see and hear more than boats and seagulls in Mill Neck Creek. The state Department of Environmental Conservation’s granting of a permit to Frank M. Flower & Sons on March 31 has made it likely that the scene in the estuary, which is home to a clam bar and where people kayak, swim and sunbath, will include the sight, sound and smell of dieselfueled hydraulic dredge boats harvesting clams.

Flower is a private shellfishing company that leases underwater acreage from the Town of Oyster Bay. Its new

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Proposed bill would make Nassau County carbon-neutral

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Nassau County Legislator

Josh Lafazan announced the introduction of a bill that would require the county to become carbon-neutral by 2035 to address ecological and infrastructure challenges before they become insurmountable.

The bill, which was announced at a news conference on March 28, acknowledges the unique challenges facing Nassau County and Long Island, and looks to find a solution in the next 12 years.

“I’d like to begin this morning’s press conference with a

reminder that we all too often forget,” Lafazan said. “Here in Nassau County we literally live on an island, and while living on an island, our exposure to climate change is a constant threat to our homes, our communities, our infrastructure, our drinking water and our collective safety.”

Lafazan asserted that Long Island faces numerous climaterelated issues due to its geographic location and changing climate conditions. The legislator referenced a recent report by Moody’s Analytics Climate Risk Scenarios, which ranked Long Island fourth among major population centers in the

Nassau County, one of the most pressing being rising water temperatures and levels. The Long Island Sound saw its highest average temperature ever in 2021, according to an environmental study by Connecticut’s Council on Environmental Quality, which poses huge risks for wildlife and increases the chances of algal blooms in the

Sound.

An increase in the frequency of superstorms and dangerous weather events such as Hurricane Sandy is another major threat. As the earth continues to warm, major hurricanes and tropical storms will continue to batter Long Island, putting communities at risk.

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country for “its exposure to the physical and economic risks associated with climate change.”

Climate-related threats present a wide range of dangers to

Courtesy Bill Fetzer

FRANK M. FLOWER & Sons has begun hydraulically dredging Mill Neck Creek for clams, as it did last year, above.

Powerful, oncein-a-generation storms that happened once a century are now happening once a month.

JOSH LAFAZAN county legislator

Boat bottom paint causes many ecological dangers

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Now that spring weather has begun to arrive on the North Shore, many locals are looking forward to getting their boats back in the water. Representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk are trying to inform these would-be sailors and boat owners of the ecological damage caused by boat paint, so people can enjoy the water without hurting the environment.

Cornell, a nonprofit educational organization, seeks to use some of the environmental and ecological research done at Cornell University to educate New York communities. The group’s Suffolk County branch frequently works with local partners throughout Long Island, including groups like the Coalition to Save Harbor and Friends of the Bay, on projects to improve local waterways.

One of the many programs that Cornell is involved in is the pest management program for Suffolk County, due to a problem the county has with excess pesticide use. A major part of the pesticide damage is coming from the paint used for boat bottoms, which are listed as a pesticide as part of their utility is to keep aquatic pests like barnacles off.

Tamson Yeh, one of Cornell’s pest management/turf specialists, explained that people inadvertently damage the environment while cleaning and painting their vessels because they don’t know that boat paint is a pesticide. So Yeh and one of her colleagues came up with the idea to do an educational tour, to teach boat-owners throughout Long Island about the do’s and don’ts of boat painting.

“People get confused about boat bottom paints,” Yeh explained. “So, we’ve been trying to make things better for a very long time, trying to reduce the confusion.”

After receiving a grant from the New York Pollution Prevention Institute, Yeh began traveling around Long Island educating boat owners on everything they will need to know about boat bottom paints. Yeh recently gave a presentation at the Bayville Library, where she covered everything from the different kind of paints to the different ways to responsibly organize a painting station.

Most of the information provided in the educational program consists of practical knowledge, with a large emphasis on the painting and cleaning processes. Yeh discussed pertinent changes boat-owners should make, such as to postpone projects during high wind or rain conditions to reduce chances of wet paint entering the waterways or using a tarp underneath the boat while painting.

Other parts of the presentation was more specific and detailed, such as discussing algae fouling, which is the buildup of microorganisms on the hull of the ship which enables larger creatures like barnacles to eventually latch on. Yeh also described the damage that these paints can cause to local wildlife, such as destroying the natural oils in fish gills that enables them to breathe.

“Most of the products that are used on boat bottoms or in boat maintenance are extremely toxic,” Yeh explained. “So, one of the things that we want to do is

improve people’s understanding and improve people’s best management practices.”

Yeh also spent some time discussing the legal paperwork and issues that come with not knowing enough about boat bottom paint. Because boat bottom paint is considered a pesticide, boat owners have to register for exemptions with the Citizens Advisory Committee, and many often forget to do so.

In addition to the presentations, the grant gave Cornell the funds to create accompanying educational literature, such as a manual which contains much of the information and which is available as a PowerPoint presentation and video as well, and public service announcements which they distributed over the radio. They have also set up a website which contains all of the information included in the presentation, as well as surveys. To find it go to ccemarinedigitaled.org/pollution-prevention-boat-bottom.

Although libraries and other local organizations have responded to Yeh not many attendees have showed up, despite the prevalence of boat owners on the North Shore. She has not given up however, and even though the grant is over Yeh is committed to informing the L.I. community about boat bottom paint hazzards.

Most of the products that are used on boat bottoms or in boat maintenance are extremely toxic.

TAMSON YEH

pest management/ turf specialists, Cornell Cooperative

An egg-cellent hunt at Bailey Arboretum

Bailey Arboretum, home to the world’s largest dawn redwood trees is also where a popular Easter Egg hunt is held each year. A large group of children from 1 to 10 years old could be found scooping up brightly colored candy-filled eggs to their heart’s content on April 2 at the Locust Valley arboretum.

The custom of an Easter egg hunt actually began because children believed that the Easter rabbit laid eggs in the grass. It was customary in South German folk traditions to even add extra obstacles to the hunt, by placing the eggs into hard-to reach places

among nettles or thorns. Well, that didn’t happen at Bailey, where children gathered eggs on the sprawling lawn where horticulturist and philanthropist Frank Bailey once lived.

The Easter Roll has been another popular pastime, which dates back to the 1880’s when Dolly Madison, wife of President James Madison, organized one in Washington, D.C. Children rolled hard-boiled eggs down the hilly lawn of the Capitol building. The Easter Roll was moved to the White House lawn in 1878 because there were complaints that the lawn at the Capitol was being ruined. The popular event been held at the White House ever since.

CHARLIE CIFUENTES, 10, above, Bowie French, Lily Wallach, Gramercy French, all 6, and Liam Cifuentes, 13, waited for the hunt to start.

ROKO MARINKOVIC, 3, left, found candy he loved in one of the eggs.

MIKAELA RAMIEREZ, FAR left, Alexa Wood, both 8, Abigail Wood, 6, and Robbie Wood, 2, paused before lining up for the hunt.

Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos

CHILDREN RACED TO get as many eggs as possible at Bailey Arboretum’s annual egg hunt.

If you are interested in opportunities to work in a beautiful setting that is providing residents excellent care in a warm and friendly environment; this may be the long-term job you’ve been looking for. Competitive benefit package for full and part-time (FT&PT) employees.

We Are Looking For:

HHA/Med Tech/Caregiver for various shifts FT/PT. Elder Care experience a must. Dementia exp helpful. Take advantage of an opportunity to expand your education - Med Tech training and HHA Certification programs offered. Recreation Assistant enthusiastic and creative individual to complete our team (FT/PT), experience helpful.

Receptionist professional and well-spoken person needed days, evenings and weekend. Must be able to multi-task and manage busy phones. People person a must.

94 School Street, Glen Cove ∙ (516) 674-3007 ext. 118 email resume to Silvana@Regencyglencove.com

LIFEGUARDS WANTED

Lifeguards are needed at the Laurel Hollow Village Beach. Applicants must be 16 years or older, have current Nassau County Grade II (Calm Water Bathing Beach) Certification, & CPR for Rescuers (issued within the year).

Employment is subject to Nassau County Civil Service.

Up to $20/hour with Double Time on Holidays

www.laurelhollow.org --- (516) 692-8826

A.D.A / Equal Opportunity Employer

Powers of Attorney Are for Everyone

What happens if you have an accident or an illness whereby you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs? Many people incorrectly believe their spouse is legally able to handle their affairs. Similarly, a parent has no legal authority to handle the affairs of a child, once the child attains the age of majority – eighteen years. Without a power of attorney, you would have to apply to a court to be named a legal guardian. These proceedings are expensive, time-consuming and fraught with peril. The judge has no obligation to name the spouse or parent as legal guardian and may appoint a stranger. For example, the judge may feel that the spouse or parent has a conflict in that they are the beneficiary of the incapacitated person’s assets, or the judge may decide that someone else has more knowledge and experience in handling such matters.

Who should you choose as your “agent”? In our experience, the vast majority of powers of attorney name the spouse first and one or more of the children second. While on its face this seems reasonable, experience has shown it may not

be a good idea. We often need to use the power of attorney when the client is quite elderly and infirm. Often, so is the spouse at that time. Son or daughter wants to step in and help out with bill paying, etc. only to find they are unable to use the power of attorney for dad unless they can prove that mom can’t.

How do you prove she can’t? First you have to get the doctor to write a letter that mom is unable to handle her legal and financial affairs. Will the doctor write the letter? Will the letter be clear and unequivocal? Will each of the third parties you have to deal with accept the letter? These are not easy hurdles to overcome.

We believe there is a better way. We simply say either mom, or son, or daughter may act as agent. The problem is eliminated. You are protected from son or daughter misusing the power of attorney by the fact that they do not have the document – you keep it in your possession and make it available if and when they need to use it. Bottom line: all adults should have a power of attorney.

WHAT’S

HERALD SCHOOLS

ROGER BOUCHER, LOCUST Valley film and broadcast teacher, left, posed with award winners Gianna Cassasse, Abigail Maselli and Amelia Bonterre for their music video ‘VENUS.’

LVHS hosts a Film Festival

Student filmmakers from a dozen Long Island schools came to Locust Valley High School on March 30 for the 17th Annual Film Festival. Judges with industry experience, including directing segments for “Sesame Street” and screen credits for “A Beautiful Mind,” “Sex and the City”

and “Spin City” watched the 77 films, which, included animation, comedy, commercial, documentary, drama and more. “Tides” won top honors and will be sent to the Long Island International Film Expo in July. Students were also able to vote on their favorite projects.

LOCUST

VALLEY HIGH School students Juliet Alesi, left, William deLauzon, Liam Grohman, Thomas Rutherford and Preston Spad Krizek were honored for their drama, ‘Curveball.’

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Courtesy Locust Valley Central School District

Lafazan’s bill takes aim at climate change

Another threat comes from Long Island’s reliance on a sole-source aquifer, which is the only source of freshwater for the nearly 3 million residents on the island. The aquifer is already strained from widespread use, and rising water levels and other effects from climate change could see increases in saltwater pollution in the aquifer in the coming years.

“This is all to say that there is no more time to debate something that is scientifically factual, and the actions that we take now will protect Long Island for generation after generation to come,” Lafazan said.

“This is not hyperbole. Powerful, once-in-a-generation storms that happened once a century are now happening once a month.”

Lafazan’s proposal requires the county to create and deliver a carbon neutrality action plan to the legislature no later than Dec. 1, 2024, as well as provide progress updates starting from Dec. 24, 2024.

The proposal would also empower the county executive to seek state and federal grants to support the project, as well as create a carbon neutral advisory panel made up of local experts.

While New York state has already made a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050, Lafazan’s plan would speed up

the process for Nassau County.

The plan will not require Nassau County residents to adhere to any new mandates, but will put the onus for the change on local municipal governments.

Lafazan was joined during the press conference by Adrienne Esposito, the executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a local nonprofit that works to promote climate awareness through education, research, lobbying and public outreach.

Esposito reiterated the dangers of not being focused on addressing the risks of climate change, and commended the proposed bill for its focus on protecting the environment and Long Island residents.

“We need to take bold actions to reduce carbon emissions to just try to stem the tide of climate change impacts,” Esposito said. “What we do matters. Local government’s actions matter.”

Lafazan and Esposito also discussed what Nassau County was currently doing to improve its infrastructure and address climate issues. Nassau County has been working on improving its coastal resiliency as well as increasing drainage infrastructure.

However, Lafazan claimed, “The irony here is that we wouldn’t need to do any of that if we just reduced our carbon emissions.”

Courtesy Nassau County Legislature

LEGISLATOR JOSH LAFAZAN, joined by Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, announced the introduction of a bill that would require Nassau County to become carbon-neutral by 2035.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Baymen claim Flower’s dredging is devastating harbor

permit is in effect on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Oct. 10. A company boat was spotted working in the area on Tuesday.

“Why would they be allowed to do this now?” asked Bill Fetzer, a member of the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association. “Everything is being born now. It’s a spawning area. They’re doing all of this to devastate this harbor because they don’t care about it.”

Flower’s attorney, James Cammarata, declined to comment.

Contention between Flower and NOBBA dates back decades, but it came to a head last summer, when the DEC granted Flower a permit to dredge the creek from May through September to transplant clams from an area it leased to another part of Oyster Bay.

Town officials and Friends of the Bay joined NOBBA in opposing the operation, claiming that Flower would destroy an important clam spawning area. The town even tried to stop the operation, filing last May for a temporary restraining order, which a state judge denied.

Even Gov. Kathy Hochul weighed in, supporting Flower, saying that since dredging has been done for years in Oyster Bay, the company should be able to continue.

But the sight of the dredge boat operating in the creek on Tuesday surprised everyone, especially since, according to Friends of the Bay, the DEC had promised to notify it and the town if any new permits were approved.

Jeff Wernick, a DEC spokesman, wrote in an email that the town was notified and given a copy of the permit on March 31, when Flower received it, before it could begin its operations on April 3. Town spokesman Brian Nevin said the email was sent to retired Deputy Commissioner George Baptista.

The transplant program, Wernick explained, is monitored by the agency to ensure permitted activities within harvest and cleansing areas are undertaken in compliance with permit conditions to protect public health.

“DEC continues to work in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Town of Oyster Bay, and permittee Frank M. Flowers to ensure all transplanting activities are conducted as approved under the authorizations provided by their lease and permits,” Wernick wrote.

Friends and NOBBA say that the DEC is neglecting its responsibility to protect the state’s wildlife resources and habitat, with Fetzer going as far as to say that Flower was “raping the harbor.”

“Friends of the Bay strongly opposes the relocation of these clams, because the uncertified waters of Mill Neck Creek serve as an undisturbed spawning sanctuary for shellfish,” Bill Bleyer, Friends’ president, said. “In addition, disturbing the creek bottom could potentially have a grave impact on other areas of the bay system, because the substrate in Mill Neck Creek contains excessive silt, which is likely to be resuspended and distributed to other areas of the bay, further compromising an already stressed habitat and potentially harming other marine species living in the creek.”

According to Wernick, the negative effects of the hydraulic dredging will not be a problem. “The potential resuspension of sediment from the shellfish harvesting activity is temporary and is not expected to have any long-term negative impacts on siltation in other areas of the creek or embayments in Oyster Bay,” he wrote.

Clams, oysters, flounder, herring and perch spawn in the creek, and seabirds, including tern, lay their eggs there.

Fetzer said he was worried. “We’re catching baby black fish and baby sea

bass by the creek, which we throw back in,” he said. “It’s like a nursery there.”

Fetzer said he had seen otters in the area, too. And when he checked his traps on Wednesday, he found a dead eel, which was a first. Dredging causes all kinds of destruction on the creek bottom, he said.

What’s left behind after an area is dredged is an 11-foot trench, he explained, and heavy particles fall back in. “But it’s like a tornado running through,” Fetzer added. “And even if some of the clams survive, there’s no home for them anymore.”

Some say the baymen are only interested in shutting Flower down so they can have full reign of the bay. But according to Billy Painter, NOBBA’s president, no one works in the bay anymore.

“There’s no clams or oysters left (in the harbor) anymore,” Painter said. “The guys work the Sound now, where it’s rough and dangerous. Flower’s goal is to get every last clam in the harbor. But the timing of this has caught me by surprise. I never thought they’d go in there in the spring, when there’s spawning.”

Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz said he was unaware of the DEC’s potential approval of Flower’s permit when he introduced a bill in the Assembly on Feb. 27 to prohibit any new permits, leases or other agreements authorizing hydraulic dredging for commercial purposes in

Mill Neck Creek.

Asked about the timing of the bill, four days before the permit was approved, Blumencranz said there are no coincidences in politics, and referred to a study by Stony Brook University that has not yet been released. “My legislation was based on the Stony Brook study,” he said. “Looks like I was right, and there’s a need for greater oversight in the waters of Mill Neck Creek.”

The bill would also prevent any existing permits or leases from being extended. But it wouldn’t nullify existing agreements.

“I felt it may be best to stop the practice after (Flower’s) contract was up,” Blumencranz said. “Or at least until we could see the final results of the research. The health and safety of the Sound is one of my priorities.”

The bill notes that the creek is a precious breeding ground for shellfish before they are transplanted into the bay by commercial fishermen, where they can clean themselves by filtering bay water before being harvested.

“Commercial dredging, which more efficiently collects the shellfish, also damages their natural breeding grounds and stirs up settled pollutants which are then dispersed throughout the waterways by tidal action,” the bill states. “Decades-old leases are set to expire, giving these breeding grounds the opportunity to recover and rebalancing the ecosystem.”

Blumencranz said that what’s holding the bill up is the budget. He hopes to have the bill passed by the end of the year.

“I want to help secure a better bay for the future,” he said. “The solution is to make sure when contracts are doled out this won’t be done in a place like Mill Neck Creek.”

For its part, the town is exploring legal responses to the dredging of the creek. “The Town of Oyster Bay and local environmental advocacy groups have long been committed to protecting the environment, expanding marine life and preserving water quality in Oyster Bay Harbor,” Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We continue to strongly oppose all forms of harmful dredging in Mill Neck Creek based on environmental impact studies and damage to Oyster Bay Harbor.”

Saladino added that it was irresponsible for the DEC to issue a permit to Flower that will reverse years of progress made by the town and local environmental advocates to protect the harbor and local marine life.

Courtesy Bill Fetzer

TERN EGGS LAST June on a dock at Mill Neck Creek, a spawning area where Frank M. Flower & Sons is currently dredging.

Herald newspapers honored with state awards

Herald Community Newspapers took home nine state awards at the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest last weekend in Albany.

Long-time sports editor Tony Bellissimo earned first place in the sports feature category for his touching story of Dunia Sibomana’s amazing path from a victim of a near-fatal wild chimpanzee attack in the Congo, to an honor roll student — and a Nassau County wrestling champion — from Long Beach Middle School.

“Amazing story,” said one of the judges from the Colorado Press Association, which judged this year’s competition. “I couldn’t believe it as I read it. An incredible journey the young kid has been on.”

Sibomana was just 6 when the chimpanzees attacked his family near Virunga National Park, killing both his brother and cousin. Sibomana survived, but his lips were torn off, his cheek was lacerated, and he suffered muscle damage that made it hard to swallow or talk.

He has since undergone more than a dozen surgeries, beginning at Stony Brook University Children’s Hospital in 2016, to restore his appearance and facial functions.

Herald photo editor Tim Baker won two awards for his pictures — feature photo and sports feature photo, both for the East Meadow Herald.

“Loved this photo,” the judges said of

SOmE OF ThE winners who were in Albany for this past weekend’s New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest awards include, from left, photo editor Tim Baker, sales vice president Rhonda Glickman, executive editor Michael Hinman, Glen Cove Herald senior editor Laura Lane, Long Beach Herald senior reporter Brendan Carpenter, Franklin Square/Elmont Herald senior reporter Ana Borruto, and Riverdale Press editor Gary Larkin.

Baker’s photo of Andy Butera, captured in an emotional moment as the East Meadow Fire Department and American Legion Post 1082 celebrated his 100th birthday with a drive-by parade.

“Just perfect composition. Great lighting, and (Butera’s) face tells a story all itself. Raw emotion.”

Baker also earned honors for his photo of Peter Hawkins and Greg Waxman, who raced 50 miles through Malverne as part of “Operation Hero,” a charity event for veterans and first responders.

The Long Beach Herald — edited by James Bernstein — won an honorable

mention for the Past Presidents’ Award for General Excellence.

“The classified layout was very nice, as was the emphasis on community and culture,” judges said. “The pictures and art were very good.”

Laura Lane, senior editor for the Glen Cove Herald, won second place for her obituary coverage.

“Wonderful ledes take a reader straight into the stories of these two people’s lives,” the judges said about Lane’s stories high lighting the lives of Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor James Foote as well as Glen Cove teenager Penny Doerge.

The Franklin Square/Elmont Herald team of Robert Traverso, Ana Borruto, Brian Pfail and Kepherd Daniel earned an honorable mention for education coverage.

“The stories do not shy away from controversial issues, reporting them well and providing context and depth as to why the community should care,” the judges said. “The energy and thoughtfulness of the reporting shows in the coverage. Keep up the great local journalism.”

Herald art director Jeffrey Negrin won a pair of first places for best special section cover for the chain’s Great Homes special section, and best multi-advertiser pages for a Halloween-themed section for the Merrick Herald.

And the Nassau Herald won third place for advertising excellence, honoring Herald sales vice president Rhonda Glickman.

“The press room, production, finance, editorial, marketing and sales team all together put out great newspapers 52 weeks a year,” Glickman said. “So great for our team to be recognized for the work we do, and bring home awards.”

Stuart Richner, publisher of Herald Community Newspapers, said it’s “always a great honor to be recognized by our peers in the newspaper industry.”

“Congratulations to all our winners. But our real reward is making sure our readers get the best and most complete news in their neighborhood each and every week.”

Karen Bloom/Herald

Locust Valley makes final budget presentation

District requests vote on capital reserve fund

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Monday saw the fourth budget presentation for the Locust Valley Central School District since the start of the budget process, focusing on changes to the different revenue streams that provide funding for the district. It was the final public presentation of the budget before the vote by the Board of Education.

Toni Meliambro, the district’s assistant superintendent for business affairs and human resources, admitted that while some budget numbers regarding state aid could change in the coming weeks as they await information from the government, the budget-making process was over.

Meliambro then explained that the district is seeking to increase the tax levy by 2 percent, for a total increase of roughly $1.7 million. The tax levy is the total amount of funds a school district can collect and can be raised or dropped through the budget. The maximum allowable tax levy increase is 2.61 percent.

Although the majority of the district’s funds come from the tax levy, the district is looking to maximizing and calculating their other revenue streams. These included special education programs which other districts paid them to access, as well as revenue from properties that share borders with other districts.

Meliambro also emphasized the importance of state aid, which has increased by just over half a million dollars compared to last year. And the district’s interest earnings have increased tenfold since last year, from $40,000 to roughly $400,000, based on rising interest rates.

The district will be receiving over

$700,000 in funding from LIPA through “pilots,” which the company pays the school district in lieu of taxes. In all, the funds the district receives through its alternate revenue streams totals to roughly $7.5 million, which together with the total from the proposed tax levy increase will leave the district with a budget of roughly $94 million.

Meliambro also emphasized the need for the district to vote on establishing a new capital reserve fund, which she argued was essential for addressing future projects such as replacing playground equipment across the district’s elementary schools and replacing the middle school’s roof. Funds to

create the capital reserve would not come from the tax levy or from raising more money from district residents but would be drawn from the proposed budget’s surplus.

“The reserve accounts that we had opened in past years have expired, they reached the maximum allowance, so we need to open a new one,” Meliambro continued.

A capital reserve fund is used to pay for short-term and occasionally unexpected yet essential expenses, such as repairing damaged property or replacing aging equipment. The vote for establishing the capital reserve fund is separate from the budget vote and will be listed under “Proposition 2” on the day of the vote.

Janine Sampino, interim superintendent for the district, thanked Meliambro and her team for their hard work in putting together this year’s budget stressing the importance of its passage.

“All the wonderful programs that we’re maintaining,” Sampino said. “all the work that we are able to do in the schools is all thanks to our budget.”

Everyone worked very hard collaboratively to try to find any inefficiencies where we could to try to bring the number down to two percent.

ToNI MELIaMBro assistant superintendent for business affairs and human resources, Locust Valley Central School District

Imagine Awards honors Long Island nonprofits

A couple dozen groups and community leaders are set to be honored later this month as finalists for the 11th annual Long Island Imagine Awards.

Created by Ken Cerini, managing partner of Cerini & Associates, the Imagine Awards honor nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes, as well as the people behind them.

Finalists for the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility award are LGBT Network, Harmony Health Care Long Island, Spectrum Design Foundation, and The Viscardi Center.

Up for the Cerini & Associates Social Impact Award are ECLI Vibes, FCA-Family & Childrenb’s Associates, Girls Scouts of Suffolk County, and the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Association.

Finalists for the Certilman Balin Leadership Excellence Award are Eileen Minogue, executive director of Book Fairies; Neela Mukherjee Lockel, president and chief executive of EAC Network; Jeffrey Reynolds, president and chief executive of FCA; and Joe Salamone, founder and executive director of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.

For the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts & Culture Award, it’s Gold Coast Arts, Landmark on Main Street, The Long Island Children’s Museum, and the Spirit of Huntington Art Center.

Up for the Signature Bank Innovation Award are ACLD-Adults & Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, and United Way of Long Island.

And for the Vanguard Insurance Agency Rising Star Award, finalists are Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, Hair We Share, Rebuilding Together Long Island, and Winters Center for

Autism.

The awards are handed out beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. More than 190 nonprofit applications were submitted to win a $5,000 grant in each of the six categories. Other finalists will receive $1,000 each.

“With the addition of SterlingRisk as a platinum sponsor providing $1,000 to each of the 24 finalists, the addition of the new DEIA award, and the anticipation of more than 400 people coming together to celebrate the

nonprofit sector, this has the makings of one of the best award programs to date,” Cerini said, in a release. “With all of the struggles the nonprofit sector is grappling with, it is awesome to have a night like this to really highlight all the amazing work our incredible finalists are doing.”

To learn more about the Long Island Imagine Awards, visit ImagineAwardsLI.com, or for sponsorship information, contact Hillary Needle at hillary@hillaryneedleevents.com, or at (516) 993-4056.

Courtesy Hillary Needle

SOmE 24 nOnPROFiT groups and community leaders are ready to be honored later this month as part of the 11th annual Long Island Imagine Awards. It was created by Ken Cerini of Cerini & Associates, and honors nonprofits of all types and sizes, as well as the people behind them.

George Santos update

And it’s another strikeout for Rep. George Santos

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

In an attempt to build stronger relations with his constituents, U.S. Rep. George Santos released a video on March 30 in support of the Mets. In the 12-second video, Santos sports a Mets jersey and an energetic smile.

“As a good old Mets fan, I know you guys aren’t going to be playing until April 6 back home,” the embattled representative said. “But here’s a good old-fashioned ‘Let’s go, Mets.’”

In spite of Santos’ optimism, Twitter users had a field day reacting to the video. One of the many retweets that mocked it came from Alex Barrett, an Atlanta Braves fan who said he has never felt sorrier for Mets fans until the video was posted.

Another Twitter user, Chad Haines, speculated on Santos’ demeanor. “I have literally never seen someone so visibly uncomfortable to wear a jersey,” Haines wrote. “You know he squeezed into this, awkwardly filmed this video, then tore out of it so fast.”

Santos also recently rooted for H.R., a bill also known as the Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed in the House of

Representatives on March 30. Santos released a statement saying that he was proud to have voted in support of “sensible legislation” that aims to lower energy costs while increasing American energy production. He said he believed the bill sends a clear message that House Republicans are committed to putting America first while reversing the Biden Administration’s “radical” climate agenda.

“It was President Biden who killed the Keystone Pipeline, imposed a $62 billion tax on natural gas, promised $27 billion to special interest climate groups and as a result, our country went from being energy independent to an energy dependent country,” Santos’ Congressional statement read. “After two years of reckless spending, and record high inflation, H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, will strengthen our supply chains, lower prices, and provide real relief for hard-

working Americans.”

Santos was far less pleased with the treatment of former President Donald Trump, saying he was deeply disturbed by the reports of Trump’s indictment in Manhattan, focusing on hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and related efforts to falsify business records.

“Weaponizing the justice system to target a political rival is a clear danger to our country and democracy,” Santos tweeted. “DA Alvin Bragg should focus on prosecuting crime in NYC, not executing political witch hunts.”

Ironically, Trump apparently doesn’t think of Santos as a valuable team player for the Republicans. Trump addressed Santos’ falsehoods in January with contempt.

Other Santos naysayers, like Concerned Citizens of NY-03, a group of con-

BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES WITH CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS

stituents in Santos’ 3rd Congressional District, wrote a letter to Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who represents the neighboring 4th District, on March 30 demanding that he co-sponsor a resolution calling for Santos’ resignation. D’Esposito was the first House Republican to call for Santos to resign earlier this year.

“You have spoken publicly about the need to expel Santos from Congress,” Jody Kass Finkel, the founder of the constituents’ group, wrote. “It’s time for you to take concrete action to support your stated position.”

To prepare for the next election cycle, House Democrats have compiled a list of 31 Republican lawmakers they will target in a bid to retake Congress, and they have their sights set on seven freshman members, including Santos, the Daily News reported.

“The vulnerable Republicans represented on this list have worked hand in hand with Speaker (Kevin) McCarthy to enable the most dangerous wings of their party to threaten our jobs, roll back women’s freedoms (and) endanger Americans’ economic security,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, of Washington, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according to U.S.News&WorldReport.

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer from novel chemotherapy techniques to first-in- the-nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there’s no status quo. There’s only “how far can we go?”

Northwell.edu/NoLimits

Tim Baker/Herald SANTOS REMAINS OSTRACIZED by his constituents and House Republicans.

PRESENTS

FIGHTING AGAINST FRAUD: Learn the 411 on Recognizing a Scam

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

Advance registration is required.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

12-1PM

IDENTITY THEFT:

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

• Understanding Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

• Scams that target your PII

• Tips to safeguard your identity

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/identity

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

12-1PM

ELDER FRAUD ABUSE:

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

• Grandparent or Relative in Need scams

• Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

• Investment Scams

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/elder

FREE AARP LONG ISLAND IN-PERSON SHREDDING EVENTS

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

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10AM-1PM • IN-PERSON

LOCATION:

Nassau Community College

One Education Drive • Garden City, NY (Entrance to parking lot at Miller Place)

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredGardenCity

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

LOCATION: Michael J Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Avenue • New Hyde Park, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredNewHydePark

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023

• IN-PERSON

LOCATION: Farmingdale Library 116 Merritts Road • Farmingdale, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredFarmingdale

Michael Hinman Executive Editor Herald Community Newspapers SPEAKERS

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

Bernard Macias Associate State DirectorLong Island AARP New York

Donna Harris Public Information Representative United States Postal Inspection Service Headquarters

STEPPING OUT

‘Little’ films in the spotlight

Forty years with the Asbury Short Film Concert

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

STEPPING

By Karen Bloom

Creative advocacy

Roll out that red carpet. After a three-year pandemic-imposed hiatus, those “small” films are back on the local stage, as presented by the Asbury Short Film Concert.

If you’re looking for that tentpole blockbuster, then Hollywood’s got you covered. But for those who crave films with a bit more heart and soul that strike an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase makes it way to the Madison Theatre on the Molloy University campus on Friday, April 21.

By Karen Bloom

WHERE

Pat McGann

The Benatar/Giraldo partnership is acclaimed as an unstoppable force. Pat Benatar’s staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with Neil Giraldo’s trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created some of rocks most memorable hits: ‘We Belong,’ ‘Invincible,’ ‘Love Is A Battlefield,’ ‘Promises In the Dark,’ ‘We Live For Love,’ and of course, ‘Heartbreaker.’ Together they have created two multiplatinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits — selling more than 30 million records worldwide, and winning an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy awards. Their stage presence is as undeniable as their more than three-decade rock-and-roll love affair. Benatar and Giraldo continue to share their special relationship on stage, selling out concerts everywhere. Their chemistry will undoubtedly be thrilling music fans for a long time to come.

His formula certainly has resonated with its audience. Asbury Shorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with an ever-growing national presence.

WHEN

With a diverse, yet focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — the audience gets a look at smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.

And, yes, think “concert,” not festival.

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

• Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.

• All seats $15

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

“We certainly have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, while also reaching out to new audiences.

• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For tickets, visit MadisonTheatreNY. org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444

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

The two-hour show moves along briskly. Up to a dozen films are on the program, ranging from the shortest of shorts at three minutes, to 20 minutes.

“A good short film is to the point, fast paced and most important of all is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”

Thursday, April 13, 8 p.m. $159.50, $99.50, $69.50, $69.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation and the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions. It’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”

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

As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.”

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

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

‘Come Sail Away ...’

LeClaire, who’s been involved in commercial and film production for more than two decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology.

“Our No. 1 priority is the enjoyment of our audience,” he says. “We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’s product. For us, it is all about the theatrical experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”

And these films sure do stick that ending. Among the highlights, LeClaire points to “Six Foot Scoundrel,” a brief comedy about two women who suspect foul play regarding a man’s death. “A widow is mourning her deceased husband, but there’s more going on than you might think. It moves along very quickly, but there’s a great payoff at the end.”

Another standout is “The Waiting Room,” produced, directed and written by former Nassau County film commissioner Debra Markowitz. The multiple festival award-winning 12-minute dramatic comedy reunites a woman and her ex-husband in heaven.

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

“It’s a performance piece with smart dialogue,” LeClaire notes. “The ensemble cast does a great job.”

He and his team cull these films from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious South by Southwest, Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.

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

As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising some “unannounced surprises” in celebration of Asbury’s 40th anniversary.

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for a ‘Musical Cabaret Cruise,’ in this spirited show about a group of cabaret singers and dancers on a world cruise who encounter a rogue captain, a tropical island, a band of pirates, and many other surprises. ‘Cruise directors’ Barry Greenfield and Erica Iacono — with Capt. Keith, and a cast of 30 — keep the action moving along, with a live band. The ensemble of singers and dancers performs current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. It’s a lively afternoon that will take you away on a fantastic voyage.

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”

“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”

Think of this show as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”

To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned

This is the Madison Theatre’s 10th year hosting Asbury, and LeClaire is grateful to have finally returned to what he considers their Long Island home.

“We’re very heartened by the audience at Madison,” he says. “It’s been a terrific relationship and we welcome everyone back after the hiatus, in true Asbury style. To celebrate our 40 years on Long Island means a lot. It’s where the show was born, and so to be here is extra special to us.”

Saturday, April 15, 2 p.m. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 354-5280, or licabaret@aol.com.

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire.

The Waiting Room -

Six Foot Scoundrel

THE SCENE

On exhibit

Wish You Were Here

Go over the moon with Wish You Were Here’s celebration of 50 years of the groundbreaking and iconic musical masterpiece “The Dark Side of the Moon,” on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m. With the iconic album as its anchor, the 10-piece band, known as “The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd,” continues its 28-year tradition as a leading Pink Floyd tribute act, combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience. The multi-media show’s unique setlist includes Floyd classics and obscurities of all eras — from “Syd” to “The Division Bell.” LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets are $59, $49, $39: available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Nassau County Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

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) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Library Walking Club

Participate in Glen Cove Public Library’s at-your-own-pace hour walk, every Thursday, at 10 a.m. All fitness levels are welcome and attendees are encouraged to walk at their own pace, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove. Register at GlencCoveLbrary.org or call (516) 676-2130 for more information.

April 8

Easter Egg Hunt

Glen Cove Christian Church hosts an Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 8, on the lawn. Ages 1-5 participate at 10 a.m.; first through fifth graders at 10:30 a.m.; sixth graders through adults at 11 a.m. Supervised childcare available during the adult hunt. 74 Walnut Road, Glen Cove. To register and for info go to GlenCoveChristianChurch.com.

Having an event?

Senior Lunch Program

Enjoy visiting friends, with a delicious lunch and chair yoga, at the popular senior program hosted by Mutual Concerns, every Tuesday, at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, at 253 Glen Ave., in Sea Clifff. Those iinterested in joining the lunch program can call Peggie Como at (516) 675-7239.

Spring Flowers

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate National Garden Month, Saturday, April 8, noon-2 p.m. Create a beautifully blooming paper flower to take home at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Comedy benefit

Enjoy laughs with Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling and Peter Bales, at a comedy benefit, Friday, April 13, 8 p.m. 46 Summit St., Oyster Bay. $50. Tickets: buytickets.at/ standupmemories/875972.

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.

April 12

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Journey down that Yellow Brick Road when the beloved story springs to life, presented Plaza Theatrical Productions, Wednesday, April 12, 11 a.m. All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they make their way to Oz not knowing what awaits them. Share Dorothy’s epic adventure as she flees from the wicked witch and learns that there’s no place like home. Tickets $15; performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Visit PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.

On stage

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Monday through Friday, April 10-14, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Carefully cautious Gerald and spirited playful Piggie share a day where anything is possible in an imaginative exploration of the meaning of friendship. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

April 18

Woman’s Club of Glen Cove

The Woman’s Club of Glen Cove hosts its monthly luncheon, Tuesday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. The luncheon is at the View Grill, 111 Lattingtown Road, Glen Cove, Food items will be collected for a selected food pantry in Glen Cove. For further information call or text Yvette Menezes at (516) 6731061.

Exhibit at Planting Fields Arboretum

Visit Planting Fields Arboretum for an exhibition guided tour, Saturday, April 15. Tours run hourly, 10:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. The exhibit, “Decisive Moments at Planting Fields: The Photography of Mattie Edwards Hewitt and Frances Benjamin Johnston,” highlights the work of these trailblazing female photographers, whom W.R. Coe engaged to document the Planting Fields’ Olmsteddesigned gardens, buildings and interiors in the 1920s, at 1395 Planting Fields Road. Oyster Bay. For more information,contact Katie Walsh at kwalsh@ plantingfields.org or (516) 9228680.

Seniors spreads spring spirit with care packages

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

With Easter and Passover coming right around the corner, people are getting into the charitable spirit of the season. Oyster Bay’s Life Enrichment Center is doing their part to spread the season’s cheer by giving out “Homebound Spring Basket” care packages to some of the elderly residents in the hamlet and surrounding area.

For the last three decades, the center has been giving out care packages to local seniors stuck at home around the holidays. Mary Frignani, who runs the care packages program, explained that they initially started doing it for Christmas and Hanukkah, but it was so popular that they eventually expanded it to other holidays.

“It’s just a way to remind our seniors that are homebound that we still think about them and care about them so much,” Frignani said. “We want to remember them and let them know that they’re always part of our senior center.”

The number of homebound seniors has risen in the past few years, she said, due to the coronavirus pandemic, which effectively trapped many immuno-compromised individuals in their homes. She added that even now when the darkest days of the pandemic are over, there are still some seniors who have not returned to the center for a variety of reasons.

The staff at the center keep track of the seniors who stop attending the center’s

events and activities, staying in contact with them and making sure they have everything they need. Frignani explained that they’ll typically call each senior once a month, just to check in and chat with them.

To remind them that they’re still welcome and remembered, Frignani, other members of the center team and volunteers from amongst the seniors put together Easter-themed care packages to hand-deliver.

The packages included simple goodies like chocolate bunnies, kalanchoe flowers to represent spring and rebirth, as well as gift cards hand-made by members of the center’s craft group.

This year the center put together roughly 30 such packages for housebound seniors. The packages are hand-delivered by some of the sprightlier seniors at the center, who drive to the various residences of their

homebound compatriots.

Marilyn and Bernie Schereck are two such volunteers, and this was their first year helping to deliver the care packages. The Schereck’s explained that they’ve only been coming to the center for a little over a year, but when they heard about the program, they said they were happy to get involved and to help out their fellow seniors.

“We were housebound ourselves for two years during Covid until we discovered this wonderful center,” Marilyn said.

The Schekers delivered a ackage to Margaret Schedra, a nonagenarian resident of East Norwich. Schedra had been going to the center from 1995 up until the coronavirus pandemic, when she began spending more time at home with her family.

Schedra has received care packages from the center in the past, but still reacted with delight. She invited the Scherecks in, welcoming them into her home.

Schedra explained that although she doesn’t come to the center anymore, she still has many fond memories of the roughly two and half decades she spent there. She was especially enthusiastic about the kindness and thoughtfulness of the center’s employees, who she described as some of the most caring people on Long Island.

“The people at the center have been very good all throughout the years. Even after I stopped going, they still remember me,” Schedra said. “I was very much excited to get my care package, because you worry that people forget you after a while.”

Courtesy Ann Glynn

MARILYN SCHERECK, LEFT, and her husband Bernie, right, were welcomed into the home of Margaret Schreda when they delivered a care package to her.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. ELM LIMITED, LLC, Pltf. vs. JOHN NATHENAS, et al, Defts. Index

#606565/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered January 19, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 24, Block 26, Lot 30. Sold subject to terms and conditions of field judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If property social distancing cannot be maintained of there are other health of safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale.

MARK RICCIARDI, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY.

#100188

138031

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP

TRUST 2005-AHL2, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-AHL2, V. TRACY L. CASSANDRO, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 12, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP

TRUST 2005-AHL2, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-AHL2 is the Plaintiff and TRACY L. CASSANDRO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 25, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 31 WESTWOOD LN, WOODBURY, NY 11797: Section 13, Block 115, Lot 10:

ALL THAT CERTIAN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WOODBURY, IN THE TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616865/2018. George Esernio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

138206

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF LIBRARY BUDGET HEARING

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hearing on the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library Budget for 2023-2024 will be held at the Library on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Michele Vaccarelli

Library Director

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA, que la reunión de consideración para el presupuesto bibliotecario 2023-2024, se realizará en la biblioteca pública en Oyster Bay-East Norwich el martes, 2 de mayo de 2023 a las 7:00 de la noche.

Michele

Vaccarelli

Directora de la Biblioteca

138204

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTO DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE LOCUST VALLEY

LOCUST VALLEY, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley, Condado de Nassau, Locust Valley, Nueva York en el MiniTheater de la Escuela Secundaria/Preparatoria

Locust Valley, 99 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York el 2 de mayo de 2023 a las 19:30 para la transacción de negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, incluidos los siguientes elementos:

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

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

3. Tramitar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse adecuadamente ante la

reunión de conformidad con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y las leyes que la modifican.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que dicha Votación y Elección del Presupuesto se llevarán a cabo el martes 16 de mayo de 2023, entre las 6:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. en los tres

(3) Distritos Electorales, descritos a continuación, momento en el cual las urnas estarán abiertas para votar por máquina de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

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

2. Aprobar la siguiente resolución para el establecimiento de un Fondo de Reserva de Capital para financiar mejoras de capital y trabajos y equipos relacionados en el sitio en todas las escuelas del distrito: RESUELTO: que la siguiente acción no dará lugar a un aumento adicional del impuesto anual. Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación, de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §3651, a establecer un Fondo de Reserva de Capital que se conocerá como el Fondo de Reserva de Capital de 2023 (Fondo de Reserva). El propósito de este Fondo de reserva es acumular dinero para financiar el costo de las mejoras de capital, el trabajo necesario en el sitio y los elementos relacionados del equipo en todo el distrito, incluidos, entre otros, la construcción y/o el reemplazo de instalaciones y propiedades en todo el Distrito, mejoras de capital relacionadas con las futuras necesidades de crecimiento de la inscripción, otras mejoras de infraestructura, reemplazos de paredes de ventanas, actualizaciones de sistemas de calefacción y ventilación, reemplazo de techos, mejoras de seguridad, mejoras de estacionamientos y entradas de vehículos, mejoras del sistema séptico, reconstrucción de espacios educativos, mejoras eléctricas, actualizaciones de baños y puertas interiores y exteriores. El monto final del Fondo de Reserva será la cantidad máxima estimada de $5,000,000.00. El plazo probable del Fondo de Reserva es de cinco años. La fuente de los fondos para financiar el Fondo de Reserva es una transferencia anual de dinero excedente, si lo hubiere, del saldo no asignado del Fondo General del Distrito que

pueda estar disponible al final de cada año fiscal desde el 30 de junio de 2023 hasta el 30 de junio inclusive. 2028, y cualquier otra fuente permitida por la ley. Salvo que se disponga lo contrario en el §3635 de la Ley de Educación, los gastos de este Fondo de Reserva se realizarán únicamente para el propósito para el cual se establece el Fondo de Reserva. No se efectuará ningún gasto con cargo a este Fondo de Reserva para otro fin distinto de los anteriores sin las actuaciones o procedimientos adicionales que la ley exija.

3. Solo para residentes del área de servicio de la biblioteca de Locust Valley: adoptar la resolución para la asignación de la biblioteca de Locust Valley presentada para el año fiscal 2023-2024, por un monto de $1,607,191 para que aparezca en las máquinas de votación el 16 de mayo de 2023, y que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley sea autorizado a recaudar el impuesto necesario por lo tanto sobre la propiedad imponible únicamente del antiguo Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión No. 4, Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York.

4. Elegir cuatro (4) miembros de la Junta de Educación para los siguientes términos:

a) tres (3) miembros de la Junta de Educación por períodos de tres años que comienzan el 1 de julio de 2023 y terminan el 30 de junio de 2026.

b) un (1) miembro para ocupar el resto de un mandato no vencido que comienza el 16 de mayo de 2023 y finaliza el 30 de junio de 2024.

Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos corren en general. Los candidatos con el primer, segundo y tercer conteo de votos más alto serán elegidos para los mandatos completos que comienzan el 1 de julio de 2023 y terminan el 30 de junio de 2026. El candidato con el cuarto conteo de votos más alto cumplirá el mandato no vencido que comienza el 16 de mayo de 2023 y finaliza el 30 de junio de 2024.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que una copia de la declaración del cualquier residente del Distrito puede obtener la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar (el presupuesto propuesto para 2023-2024) y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca de Locust Valley para 2023-2024, sin incluir dinero público, entre las horas de 9:00

am y 4:00 pm a partir del 2 de mayo de 2023, excepto los sábados, domingos o días festivos en la Oficina del Distrito, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York y en cada escuela del Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que, de conformidad con el Capítulo 258 de las Leyes de 2008, se agregó la Sección 495 a la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, y requiere que el Distrito Escolar adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cuánto está exento de impuestos el valor total de la tasación en la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada, identificada por la autoridad legal, y mostrar: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado ya sea como un monto en dólares del valor tasado o como un porcentaje del valor tasado total en la lista; (b) la cantidad acumulada que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la junta escolar deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito en el Edificio Administrativo, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York, a más tardar el 17 de abril de 2023, entre 9:00 am y 5:00 pm Las peticiones de nominación deben estar firmadas por al menos 46 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan el mayor de 25 votantes calificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); debe indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y debe indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que se requiere el registro personal de votantes de conformidad con la Ley de Educación. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora y ha votado en una reunión distrital anual o especial dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, es elegible para votar en esta elección. Además, cualquier persona inscrita

en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley Electoral tendrá derecho a votar sin necesidad de registrarse. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse.

La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito conforme a la §2014 de la Ley de Educación en cada uno de los tres distritos electorales, el 6 de mayo de 2023, entre las 9:00 a. m. y la 1:00 a. m. 00 p. m. en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se usará en la elección antes mencionada, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que se coloque su nombre en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión del Junta de Registro se sabe o se prueba a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el registro. Además, el registro se llevará a cabo con el fin de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el 9 de mayo de 2023, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la oficina del Secretario del Distrito está en funcionamiento. El registro así preparado se archivarán en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito y estará abierto para su inspección por parte de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 11 de mayo de 2023, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. los días de semana, y cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 1:00 p. m., y en el (los) centro(s) de votación el día de la votación. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo a la Oficina del Secretario del distrito, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, por correo electrónico a shammerschmidt@locustv alleyschools.org o por fax al 516 277-5098. La solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la solicitud de registro por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud

de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el 20 de abril de 2023 para que se emita una boleta para la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto de 2023.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, aquellos votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley, pueden solicitar una solicitud para una boleta militar del Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo a Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, por correo electrónico a shammerschmidt@locustv alleyschools.org, o por fax al 516 277-5098. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar podrá indicar su preferencia de recibir la solicitud por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud de boleta militar original por correo o en persona a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Para que un votante militar pueda recibir una boleta militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta militar válida en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el 20 de abril de 2023. Las solicitudes de boleta militar recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Las boletas militares se examinarán si el secretario del distrito las recibe antes del cierre de las urnas el 16 de mayo de 2023 y muestran una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero. o que muestre un endoso de recibo fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el 16 de mayo de 2023 y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se asegure que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que, de conformidad con la §2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Inscripción se reunirá el martes 16 de mayo de

2023, entre las 6:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. en cada uno de los tres (3) distritos electorales separados para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se usará en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo en 2023, y cualquier reunión especial del distrito que se celebre después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el cual cualquier persona puede colocar su nombre en dicho Registro siempre que se sepa o demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en la elección escolar para la cual se prepara dicho Registro, o en cualquier reunión especial del distrito que se celebre después 16 de mayo de 2023.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia estarán disponibles durante el horario escolar en el Secretario del Distrito a partir del 1 de abril de 2023. El Secretario del Distrito no puede recibir una solicitud completa antes del 17 de abril de 2023 y dichas solicitudes deben ser recibido por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día anterior a la elección, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante o a su designado agente. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia enviada por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección establecida en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. El secretario del distrito debe recibir las boletas de voto en ausencia a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. martes, 16 de mayo de 2023.

Una lista de las personas a las que se emiten boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección en la oficina del secretario del distrito a partir del jueves 11 de mayo de 2023, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. los días de semana anteriores al día fijado para la elección anual y el 16 de mayo de 2023, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado podrá, al examinar dicha lista, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las calificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicha lista, exponiendo las razones de dicha impugnación. Cualquier impugnación por escrito deberá ser transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores electorales el Día de la

Public Notices

Elección.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que, de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación, cualquier referéndum o proposición para enmendar el presupuesto, o que de otro modo se someta a votación en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito con tiempo suficiente para permitir que el aviso de la propuesta se incluya con el Aviso de Audiencia Pública, Votación Presupuestaria y Elección requerida por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación, pero a más tardar el 2 de marzo de 2023 a las 4:30 p. m.; debe estar escrito a máquina o impreso en el idioma inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos 115 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna petición para presentar a los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal o cualquier propuesta que no incluya una asignación específica donde el gasto de dinero es requerido por la proposición, o donde existe otra razón válida para excluir la proposición de la boleta.

DISTRITOS ELECTORALES ESCOLARES

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que se han establecido Distritos Electorales en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los distritos electorales, adoptados por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar de votación en cada distrito electoral serán los siguientes:

Distrito Electoral de Bayville

Escuela Intermedia de Bayville, 50 Mountain Avenue, Bayville (descripción del distrito electoral: antiguo Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión No. 6, Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York)

Distrito Electoral de Brookville:

Salón Comunitario de la Iglesia Reformada de Brookville, 2 Brookville Road, Brookville (descripción del distrito electoral: antiguo Distrito Escolar Sin Unión No. 3, Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York)

Distrito Electoral de Locust Valley

Escuela primaria Ann MacArthur, 100 Ryefield Road, Locust Valley (descripción del distrito electoral: antiguo distrito escolar libre de la Unión No. 4, ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York)

Fecha: 8 de marzo de

2023

Por Orden de la JUNTA EDUCATIVA DE LA DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE LOCUST VALLEY Susan Hammerschmidt, Secretaria del Distrito 138483

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE LOCUST VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

LOCUST VALLEY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Locust Valley Central School District, Nassau County, Locust Valley, New York will be held in the MiniTheater of the Locust Valley Middle School/High School, 99 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York on May 2, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. for the transaction of business as authorized by Education Law, including the following items:

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

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

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

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the three (3) Election Districts, described below, at which time the polls will be open to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

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

2. To approve the following resolution for the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund to finance capital improvements, and related site work and equipment at all district schools:

RESOLVED: That the following action shall result in no additional increase to the annual tax levy. Shall the Board of Education be authorized, pursuant to Education Law §3651, to establish a Capital Reserve Fund to be known as the 2023

Capital Reserve Fund (Reserve Fund). The purpose of this Reserve Fund is to accumulate monies to finance the cost of capital improvements, necessary site work and related items of equipment throughout the district including, but not limited to, the construction and/or replacement of District-wide facilities and property, capital improvements related to future enrollment growth needs, other infrastructure improvements, window wall replacements, heating and ventilation system upgrades, roof replacement, security enhancements, parking lot and driveway improvements, septic system improvements, instructional space reconstruction, electrical improvements, bathroom upgrades, and interior and exterior doors. The ultimate amount of the Reserve Fund shall be the maximum estimated amount of $5,000,000.00. The probable term of the Reserve Fund is five years. The source of the funds to fund the Reserve Fund is an annual transfer of surplus money, if any, from the District’s General Fund’s unassigned balance as may be available at the end of each fiscal year from June 30, 2023 through and including June 30, 2028, and any other sources permitted by law. Except as otherwise provided by §3635 of the Education Law, expenditures from this Reserve Fund shall be made only for the purpose for which the Reserve Fund is established. No expenditure shall be made from this Reserve Fund for any other purpose other than the above without such additional actions or proceedings as may be required by law.

3. Locust Valley Library Service Area Residents

Only: To adopt the resolution for the Locust Valley Library appropriation submitted for the fiscal year 2023-2024, in the amount of $1,607,191 to appear on the voting machines on May 16, 2023, and that the Board of Education of the Locust Valley Central School District be authorized to levy the necessary tax therefore on the taxable property only of former Union Free School District No. 4, Town of Oyster Bay, New York.

4. To elect four (4) members of the Board of Education for the following terms:

a) three (3) members of the Board of Education to three-year terms commencing July 1, 2023 and expiring on June 30, 2026.

b) one (1) member to fill the remainder of an

unexpired term commencing May 16, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. The candidates with the first, second and third highest vote tallies will be elected to the full terms commencing July 1, 2023 and expiring on June 30, 2026. The candidate with the fourth highest vote tally will serve the unexpired term commencing May 16, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget (the 2023-2024 proposed budget) and the Locust Valley Library’s budget for 2023-2024, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. beginning May 2, 2023, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays at the District Office, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York and at each school house in the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law, and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and

(c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of school board member must be filed with the District Clerk in the Administration Building, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York, not later than April 17, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Nominating petitions must be signed by at least 46 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required pursuant to Education Law. If a voter has heretofore registered and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. In addition, anyone registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections under the provisions of the Election Law shall be entitled to vote without further registration. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law in each of the three election districts, on May 6, 2023, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Office of the District Clerk, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his/her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. Additionally, registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through May 9, 2023, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation. The register so prepared will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 11, 2023, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Locust Valley Central School District by requesting and returning

a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to Office of the District Clerk, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, by email to shammerschmidt@locustv alleyschools.org or fax sent to 516 277-5098.

The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2023 in order to be issued a ballot for the 2023 Budget Vote and Election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, those military voters who are qualified voters of the Locust Valley Central School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to Office of the District Clerk, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, by email to shammerschmidt@locustv alleyschools.org, or fax sent to 516 277-5098. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the Office of the District Clerk. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2023. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax or email.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 16, 2023 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 16, 2023 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a

date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at each of the three (3) separate election districts to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in 2023, and any special district meetings that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person may have their name placed on such Register provided they are known or prove to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the school election for which said Register is prepared, or any special district meeting held after May 16, 2023.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning April 1, 2023. A completed application may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than April 17, 2023 and such applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. A list of persons to whom absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection in the office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 11, 2023, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 16, 2023, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on Election Day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education, any referenda

or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election required by Section 2004 of the Education Law but no later than March 2, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 115 qualified voters of the District (representing 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Election Districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the Election Districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the place in each election district for voting shall be as follows:

Bayville Election District Bayville Intermediate School, 50 Mountain Avenue, Bayville (description of election district: former Union Free School District No. 6, Town of Oyster Bay, New York)

Brookville Election

District:

Community Hall of the Brookville Reformed Church, 2 Brookville Road, Brookville (description of election district: former Union Free School District No. 3, Town of Oyster Bay, New York)

Locust Valley Election District

Ann MacArthur Primary School, 100 Ryefield Road, Locust Valley (description of election district: former Union Free School District No. 4, Town of Oyster Bay, New York)

Dated: March 8, 2023

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE LOCUST VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Susan Hammerschmidt, District Clerk

138481

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

“Woman”, he said, “why are you crying?” Who is it you are looking for?” John 20:15 NIV

Who is it you are looking for? What a question. Immediately after His miraculous resurrection, after overcoming the death sentence of the world’s most powerful government, Jesus responded to Mary Magdalene’s question with one of his own, “Who is it you are looking for? Why are you weeping?” Mary is so overwhelmed with grief and sorrow she didn’t recognize Jesus. She just wanted to know where the Lord’s body lied.

Our world has been looking for “someone” for a long time. Someone who can provide the answers for hurting humanity, for world leaders who can bring people together in unity so we all can get along, and someone who can end the coronavirus pandemic. Mankind is looking for someone who will bring peace to

Who are you looking for?

By Reverend Linda B. Vanager

this broken world.

Jesus’ Resurrection proves that He is the someone that the world has been looking for. In theory, we have heard about Him. He has been described in many different ways. However, it saddens my heart to know that there are many who have given up on the true God and have resorted to lesser gods and their system of things. Regardless of how one looks at it, there are still millions of people who are lost without a Savior as well as his love and forgiveness.

The Resurrection confirms that Jesus Christ was sent by God. The world should be looking for a God

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

VILLAGE OF UPPER

BROOKVILLE

A public hearing will be held before the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, Nassau County, New York, at the Upper Brookville Village Hall, 24 Wolver Hollow Road, Glen Head, NY on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

The hearing will be on the 2023/2024 budget of estimated expenses and revenues for the Village’s fiscal year commencing 6/1/23 and ending 5/31/24 which has been prepared by the Board of Trustees. The budget shows $2,000 compensation for the Mayor and no compensation for the Board of Trustees.

This budget is on file and open to the public for inspection at the Upper Brookville Village Office Monday thru Thursday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , and Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., from the date of this notice until the

time of the hearing. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to continue or adjourn such hearing as provided by law.

All persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard at said hearing. All citizens have a right to attend the public hearing and provide written and oral comments and ask questions concerning the proposed Village budget. Any person needing special assistance in attending, please notify the Village Clerk at (516) 624-7715 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Tracy L. Lynch

Village Clerk

Dated: April 7, 2023

138639

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE

OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I

TRUST, V. NANCY L. COLON, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 5, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and NANCY L. COLON, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, North Side Steps, 100 Supreme Court Drive Mineola, NY 11501, on May 9, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 156 SUGAR TOMS LANE, EAST NORWICH, NY 11732: Section 27, Block E, Lot 474: ALL

who is real and not some man-made belief system that leads to nowhere. God sent Him, his only begotten Son Jesus to earth to set us free from the deceptions and damages of sin.

The Resurrection demonstrates that Jesus is the only way to God. Non-believers strongly disagree what Jesus said about the only way to God is through Him. There are many beliefs about life, death and eternity. However, scripture states in John 14:6, “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.” No one comes to the Father except through me. The Crucifixion of Jesus and his Resurrection prove that God loves

us immensely. It is critical that we look for the One who can destroy the sin barrier between God and us. In this way, we can fully experience God’s unsurpassed love, forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Don’t miss out on the most wonderful news in all the world, that Jesus is alive! Jesus rose from the dead. We too can one day rise from the dead, but we must put our faith in him.

In Mark’s account, on the first Easter morning 2,000 years ago the angels asked the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Jesus is not among the dead. He is among the living. He is alive. Therefore, we can say with confidence as we greet one another on Easter morning, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Linda B. Vanager is the pastor at Hood African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Passover Message

What is Passover?

By Rabbi Steven Moskowitz

IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EAST NORWICH, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607305/2019. Roger H. Hausch, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 138636

On the one hand Passover is about eating matzo, a dry unleavened cracker, for an entire week. On the other it is about remembering that we were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt. On the one hand it is about gathering with family and friends for the Seder meal as well as eating and drinking far too much. On the other it is about trying to remember what it must have been like to be an unwelcome, and oppressed, stranger in a foreign land.

This is what the upcoming Passover holiday means for Jews.

We march through the story of the exodus from Egypt and eat foods that help us express our joyfulness. There are four cups of wine (at least!). There is a sumptuous meal. For most it begins with hard boiled eggs, chopped liver and gefilte fish. Then matzo ball soup is served followed by brisket and potato casseroles (for many both a sweet potato and white potato variety minus the cheese). And finally, the desserts: macaroons, chocolate marshmallow candies and whatever else one can bake using only matzo or potato starch.

We are supposed to recline and serve others. We are to enjoy a bountiful Passover spread. Interspersed throughout this meal are prayers and readings reminding us to be grateful. We are free from tyranny. We can choose to celebrate. Laughter and songs are what we are obligated to offer. And it’s as if the entire meal is one offering lifting our

hearts and filling our souls with thankfulness.

Intertwined throughout the meal, and scattered between these cups of wine, are reminders of what it must have felt like to be enslaved. In particular, we eat matzo for the entire week. It is a flat, somewhat tasteless, impossible to break evenly, unleavened bread. The Jewish tradition teaches that we eat this because the Israelites left Egyptian slavery in haste. Even their bread did not have time to rise.

There is however another more profound meaning found in the matzo. Slaves do not get to choose what to eat. Their meager food rations are given to them. Matzo is the means by which we say, “Others are still not free.” Its dryness is a reminder of the taste of slavery. The horseradish that accompanies it is testimony to the bitterness of slavery — ours and others. The salt water in which we dip the parsley recalls our tears and the continued tears of those not yet free.

Passover intertwines the themes of gratitude and joy with those of remembrance and compassion. If this holiday is done with these intentions, it serves as a call for a better more free world. There really is only one way to get there and that is with the taste of pain in our mouths and gratitude in our hearts.

Steven Moskowitz is the rabbi for Congregation L’Dor V’Dor.

OPINIONS

New York is going to pot, very slowly

New York state is a big and complex entity. It provides services that meet the needs of millions of people, and at the same time, it creates law after law that is supposed to meet those needs. Sometimes the state trips over its own regulatory feet and falls flat on its face.

When it comes to the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, you can toss a coin as to whether it is a hiccup or a major bureaucratic headache. The MRTA law turned 2 years old last week. When you create a massive statewide undertaking, there are always fits and starts. But sooner or later, the whole process gets on track and almost everyone is happy.

There is no doubt that the legislators who sponsored the original MRTA law had the best of intentions, and were hopeful that the law would be in place and slowly but surely be producing rev-

enue for the state and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Regrettably, the state has gotten zero dollars from the program, and you can count the number of new jobs with your fingers.

I’m not pointing one of mine in blame at any officials in particular, because they have a tough and thankless job. But the visions of success have been premature. At present, there are hundreds of licensed growers around the state who will very soon have a product that is available, but no one to sell it to. There are only a handful of legal dispensaries, and they can’t handle the amount of cannabis that is being grown. So what should a pot grower do with tons of mature plants? Farmers must have a place to sell their products, but New York’s cannabis growers don’t. While the state has been in the process of getting the system functioning, one group has done very well. If you take a drive around New York City or many other parts of the state, you’ll see

an enormous number of mini-stores that call themselves “smoke shops.” You can be sure that they aren’t surviving on the proceeds from the sales of $12 packs of Marlboros. They do sell nicotine products, but their money comes from the sale of marijuana.

These days there is so much pot on the streets of our state that you can smell it on many street corners. I recently took our granddaughter to the American Museum of Natural History and smelled pot near the dinosaur exhibit. Gov. Kathy Hochul has introduced a bill that would shut down all of the smoke shops and impose massive fines on those that fail to comply.

When I was a member of the Assembly, we had an old adage: Where there’s a new law, there’s a lawsuit to follow. So far, the state has been sued twice by companies and individuals claiming that the licensing process for selling pot has either been “unfair” or “arbitrary.” Because my law firm represents some prospective licensees, I won’t comment

on the merits of those claims.

But suffice it to say that not everyone is in love with MRTA. Friends complain to me frequently about the legalization of pot, but I explain to them that it is now legal in more than 20 states, both red and blue. In its first year of legalization, the state of Colorado collected over $250 million in revenue, and now that revenue is closer to $1 billion annually. What state wouldn’t want to cash in on the pot business?

Sooner or later, the New York Legislature will help implement the MRTA more effectively, and the state might even see a few dollars that are now going to the smoke shops.

And if you think the pot law got off to a slow start, watch how the casino licensing process goes forward. No doubt that new headache will be like turning an aircraft carrier around, not once but multiple times.

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

America, where have all the flowers gone?

We ponder big themes this week. Biblical plagues, miracles, resurrection, insurrection, and the elevation of false gods. And that’s just our political world.

We also mark the days of Passover and Easter. For those who observe, this religious week reminds us that nothing in our lives is unique. Kings have risen and kings have fallen. Democracies have triumphed and then failed, in cycles that repeat themselves over the ages.

TRUMP INDICTED.

The road ahead is unclear. The wheels of justice love a well-worn path, and this time around there is none. The presumption of innocence supersedes all other aspects of the case, but how the process unfolds, with Donald Trump exonerated or convicted, will grab headlines and social media attention for years to come.

tive spoke of the little girl’s favorite activities in her preschool days. That is how the lives of 9-year-olds are eulogized.

Nashville, of course, is just the most recent crime scene where murdered children were laid to rest. More than 6,000 American children were hurt or killed by gunfire in 2022, according to ABC News. No single issue in our lives is more important, and more demanding of our action than this: The leading cause of death among children in the United States is gun violence.

the deaths from firearms for those ages 1 to 18 are homicides, with about a third being suicide. In 2020 in particular and in recent years more generally, the number of firearm homicides within this age range spiked.”

Each of us has a voice and a pen and a vote. If we love our children more than we love the patronage of the NRA, we need to make those voices heard.

The people in Nashville who were murdered in cold blood with military style weapons were Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, all 9 years old; Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of the school; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian; and Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher.

RANDI KREISS

Still, last week was a remarkable one for those of us living on earth in 2023. After years of investigations and a multi-year media free-for-all, a former president of the United States was indicted by a grand jury in New York. I saved the front page for my grandchildren to preserve the moment, because it is historic and because I want them to know that everyone is equal under the law, even an American president. Almost all the headlines in all the big newspapers featured two words set in large bold type:

For me, the most distressing consequence of the former president’s indictment was that it wiped off the front pages the story of the shooting of six people in Nashville earlier in the week. This is how it goes these days: Horrific shootings of children have become bloody blips on our screens. The news feeds zap our devices with details of yet another crazed shooter, bodies in classrooms, police charging the killer, statements of sympathy, first ladies off to the funerals. And the world watches as tiny caskets go into the ground, and traumatized families and friends experience the first days of what will be a lifetime of longing and grief.

At one of the funerals of one of the 9-year-olds killed in Nashville, a rela-

Reflecting on the Nashville murders in The Washington Post, columnist Philip Bump quoted from a book by Ta-Nehisi Coates, remembering a child killed in a violent encounter. “Think of all the love poured into him,” Coates wrote, delineating specific ways in which parents invest in and show their love for their children: music lessons, birthday parties and kids’ books. Then, he added, “And think of how that vessel was taken, shattered on the concrete, and all its holy contents, all that had gone into him, sent flowing back to the earth.”

Mr. Bump went on to write, “Most of

If we take away anything from the last chaotic week, let it be a commitment to stop the killing of our children. This is a uniquely American abomination, our new American exceptionalism.

During this week of political drama and religious meditation, can we not use our voices and our votes to demand change in our gun laws? In my youth, we raised our voices to protest the killing of our kids in war. Pete Seeger’s lyrics resonated in that time and place.

They still ring out: “Where have all the flowers gone?”

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

Horrific shootings of children have become bloody blips on our screens.

The handful of legal dispensaries can’t handle the volume being grown.

JERRY KREMER

Established 1899

Incorporating

Oyster Bay Guardian

Laura Lane

Senior Editor

Kids will lead, if we let them

What’s the best way to teach a child? The better question is, what’s the most effective way a child learns?

Lagging student achievement is not new. As schools grapple with declining test scores caused by the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, education leaders need to find a solution.

HERALD

Schools nationwide have been using project-based learning to better reach kids. Students identify real-world problems — like climate change or food scarcity — and then research solutions and present their findings. The goal is for students to acquire knowledge and problem-solving skills, instead of focusing on traditional learning by sitting in rows and memorizing facts.

Students make all the decisions. Teachers? They’re along for the ride.

Sometimes the best lesson is for adults to shut up, stand to the side and let kids take charge. Leaders in the Village of Malverne did just that when a group of high school students, following the model of project-based learning in curriculums across the country, sought to rename a street honoring a former Ku Klux Klan leader.

Over a few years, students researched the topic, petitioned school and village officials several times, and built a communitylevel outreach program. The result? Lindner Place was renamed Acorn Way in January. The new name is a nod to Malverne’s motto, “Oaks from acorns.”

Certainly, there were other people

LETTERS

Flower needs to cease dredging

To the Editor:

Once again, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has neglected its responsibility to protect the state’s wildlife resources and habitats when, on March 31, it approved a new permit for Frank M. Flower & Sons to dredge clams from the uncertified waters of Mill Neck Creek and transfer them to certified waters in Oyster Bay for ultimate harvest.

The initial permit, granted last year, allowed the operation to proceed for three months. The new permit, issued without advance notice to the Town of Oyster Bay or Friends of the Bay, which had specifically asked DEC to notify the organization of any action involving dredging in the creek, is in effect for six months, until Oct. 10, and two Flower dredges were observed at work in the creek on Monday.

This project was first proposed three years ago, and was canceled when the town, concerned about the protection of resources in the Lester Wolff National Wildlife Refuge, chose not to monitor the operation. Then the DEC allowed the project to proceed by agreeing to do the monitoring itself.

Through most of our decades-long history as

involved, from civic leaders to community activists. And they came from nearby Lakeview and West Hempstead as well as the village. But children were at the forefront.

This wasn’t a school assignment or an application booster for college. Students came up with the idea. They did the research and spoke to village leaders at public meetings. No one told them they had to do this. Students identified and researched a problem, created solutions, and persuaded the public they were right.

Not only was the Acorn Way renaming a great example of students learning through project-based learning, but it also improved the community. Gone is a street sign celebrating a person who believed in hate. And while Paul Lindner was influential in the village’s history, the evil he promoted cannot be overlooked.

The Acorn Way street renaming garnered national attention, a clear indication of the impact children can have on the world. There are examples of children solving problems all around us by way of PBL — from a high school girl in Bellport who raised money and then helped build a water-filtration system for an all-girls school in Pakistan, to a high school boy in Las Vegas who created a nonprofit that collects and donates shoes.

There are virtually innumerable ways kids can volunteer at almost any age. Parents can reach out to local or national and international groups for ideas. Better still, ask a child what he or she would do to

make the world a better place.

Educators are deeply concerned about learning in the 21st century. American schoolchildren continue to lag behind those in dozens of other countries in math and science. Certainly there are other measures of student learning, but the decline remains troubling.

The latest focus is on what are called the 4 C’s of 21st-century Learning: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Project-based learning is the epitome of this concept. The Malverne students took it further by adding “community.”

Is the purpose of an education to get a job and make money? Or is it something more meaningful? By allowing students to guide their own learning, the greater Malverne community is a better place — not only now, but in the future.

More students will follow the example of those in Malverne, and more communities will be made better places. Schools can continue to expand PBL throughout all grades to encourage students to explore problems and solutions. Communities can offer competitions to entice students to solve problems. Parents can pose open-ended questions to push their child’s critical thinking.

There are more opportunities like this in every town. Schools, community leaders, and others should spread the story of Acorn Way to encourage more children to explore problems and solutions.

All we have to do is get out of their way.

It’s time to rethink windstorm insurance coverage

What is a windstorm? That might sound like a question with an obvious answer. And for the National Weather Service, it is.

But in New York, there isn’t a single answer — there are many. More than 100, in fact. And it all depends on your homeowners insurance policy. And even then, the answer might not be so clear. This might not seem like a big deal, but it is. Which definition your policy uses could impact the amount you have to pay out of pocket if a windstorm damages your property. And really, none of the options are cheap.

A lack of a standard definition ultimately affects windstorm deductibles. If the wind speed doesn’t meet the definition of a windstorm outlined in your policy, you will likely see your standard deductible — anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

But if you have a policy where wind

speeds match its definition of a windstorm, say goodbye to that standard deductible, and instead look at opening your wallet to pay a percentage of your home’s value, typically 5 percent. That means if your home is worth $500,000, forget paying $500 or even $2,000. You’ll be on the hook for $25,000.

All while your neighbors might be paying much less, for the same storm. All because they have different policies than you.

It’s a roulette wheel of coverage — the kind where the odds remain in favor of the house. You know, the insurance companies.

New York isn’t the South, which is prone to storms like hurricanes. But that doesn’t mean our homes aren’t susceptible to wind damage. Hurricane Sandy may have taken place a decade ago, but there have been other storms since then that, while smaller, could still trigger the much higher deductible, and make it nearly impossible for many homeowners to afford the repairs they most desperately need after a storm.

This is hardly a new problem, and

LETTERS

an environmental organization whose mission is to “preserve, protect and restore the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Estuary and the surrounding watershed,” Friends of the Bay supported shellfish aquaculture in general, and Flower’s operation in particular. It was our view that the company’s hatchery and annual planting of hundreds of millions of seed clams and oysters provided a benefit to the bay that compensated for any negative effects from the subsequent dredging to harvest those shellfish. The continued hatchery and seeding operation seemed to guarantee an abundant standing stock of shellfish substantial enough to provide the benefits to the ecosystem of a healthy natural environment. These benefits are essential to any estuary, and include water filtration and purification, a source of food, habitat and shelter for numerous species, and a shellfish population adequate enough in both number and density to spawn and provide enough offspring to ensure that the population can endure in the future.

Unfortunately, in recent years, Flower’s business has fundamentally changed for the worse. After the 2019 season, the company decided to close its hatchery in Bayville and cease planting any seed to replace what was harvested. They have effectively transformed from shellfish farmers to shellfish miners. For the last three seasons, the company has been dredging to strip the bottom of all marketable shellfish, leaving little behind.

Friends of the Bay cannot support this unsustainable operation.

Flower needs a DEC permit to remove the shellfish in Mill Neck Creek because the waters in the creek have been uncertified for shellfish harvest for decades due to water-quality issues.

Friends of the Bay opposes the relocation of these clams because the current operation threatens to leave the shellfish population in the Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor complex catastrophically overharvested, without the number or density to recover. The uncertified waters of Mill Neck Creek serve as an undisturbed spawning sanctuary for shellfish that can help repopulate the bay. The area in question was identified in the draft 2018 Clam Density Survey as having one of the highest population densities in the estuary. The strong tidal flow from the creek carries spat well into the bay, helping to sustain shellfish populations well beyond the geographic limits of this permit. Disturbing the substrate by dredging could potentially have a grave impact on other areas of the bay system. The substrate in Mill Neck Creek contains excessive silt, which is likely to be resuspended and distributed to other areas of the bay, further compromising already stressed habitat.

It is our view that the potential harm to the environment far outweighs the economic benefit to the company.

And since the creek is part of a National Fish and Wildlife refuge and

there is a solution: Establish a standard definition for windstorms that would apply to all homeowners policies with a windstorm deductible.

Defining windstorms for the purposes of insurance coverage would not upend the underwriting of coastal homeowners policies. Instead, it would make it easier for New York homeowners to understand when a windstorm deductible might apply.

Albany has tried to solve this problem since long before Sandy, but simply hasn’t gotten anywhere. Bill after bill has been introduced in the Legislature, and bill after bill has died there. Last session, a bill standardizing the definition of a windstorm passed the Assembly, but couldn’t make its way out of the Senate.

This session, lawmakers are trying again. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Sen. James Sanders Jr. have companion bills that are seeking a path to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk. A.2866 and S.4199 would require insurance companies to make clear how much financial exposure a homeowner would have to

windstorm damage.

It’s easy to mistake a 5 percent deductible as meaning a homeowner would have to pay 5 percent of the overall cost of repairs — not 5 percent of the home’s total value, which would be much more.

The bills would also standardize the “trigger” — the event that activates the policy in the first place. Uniform standards would make it easier for homeowners to compare different insurance offerings, and get the coverage they expect, and need. It’s something both New Jersey and Connecticut have recently accomplished, and it would also help make sure deductibles are reasonable, and not something that’s going to make the pain of dealing with a damaged home even worse.

Ask your elected officials if they will be a part of the solution. In the meantime, call your insurance agent and make sure you understand what triggers your windstorm deductible, and how much you could be paying out of pocket.

It’s a surprise — and an added expense — none of us needs.

Gary Slavin is president-elect of Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, and an agent with MassMutual in Massapequa.

the DEC is the entity with primary authority over the state’s natural resources, it is critical that DEC protect the habitat of shellfish and all those who

depend on them.

OF DIRECTORS Friends of the Bay

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

A member of the welcoming committee at Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve— Merrick

The odds remain in favor of the house. You know, the insurance companies.

GARY SLAVIN

BOARD