Oyster Bay Herald 05-31-2024

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HERALD A swinging time for a good cause

A Purple Heart for William Olitsky

Dancing with daddy

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VOL. 126 NO. 23

MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2024

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Bayville World War II veteran reflects on life tioned in Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, where he faced the harrowing realities of war, includThe life journey of 97-year- ing the tumultuous period leadold Lou Laurino, of Bayville, a ing up to the atomic bombings World War II veteran and a of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respected attorney, has taken Japan.

“I lost 50 pounds due to seahim from Okinawa, Japan, to the heights of New York’s legal sickness,” Laurino recalled.

“We got as far as Okinawa, and w o rl d , t o q u i e t remained there retirement in the until the first and North Shore village second atomic he and his family bombs were have come to love. dropped, and every Bor n in Astoria, night there would Queens, in 1927 to be Japanese Italian immigrant attacks.” parents, Laurino Laurino described had a modest continuing to feel u p b r i n g i n g , b u t LOU LAURINO ill toward the end eventually built a veteran, of his service, and, distinguished World War II while recovering in career in law and a military hospital politics, a testament to his hard work, resilience and i n P e a r l H a r b o r, b e i n g approached by his captain with dedication.

His early years were marked a request to volunteer for a misby the simplicity of a cold- sion collecting animals in the water flat with no central heat- areas where the atomic bombs ing. He attended local public had been dropped for later testschools, and graduated from ing. Laurino pondered the Stuyvesant High School in information the U.S. government had released on the Manhattan.

At age 17, anticipating the effects of the bomb, and despite draft, Laurino volunteered for his captain’s insistence, refused the Navy, where he served on a the offer. Instead he decided to tugboat from January 1945 to return home and focus on his September 1946. He was staCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

By WILL SHEELINE

wsheeline@liherald.com

Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos

Bayville’s Memorial Day parade heartfelt Bayville’s Memorial Day parade was a time to honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives in service. And everyone seemed to want to be part of the popular event, which the American Legion’s Robert H. Spittel Post No. 1285 take pride in hosting each year. Dr. Anthony Bruno, this year’s Grand Marshal, appeared to be proud to lead the parade as he walked the route lined with American Flags. Participants varied in age, from pint-sized students from the Village Preschool and Little League players to members of the Bayville Fire Department.

And elected leaders marched too, as did many veterans.

B

ayville has been a sanctuary for us.

Committed to serving public impartially to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with a sixth now on the way. studies.

“I was working at a grocery store on 18th Street and With the help of the GI Bill, he attended Brooklyn Law School, where he completed a degree while work- 25th Road, and Rose was born and raised right up the ing various jobs to support himself. His legal career street, and she would come down to the grocery store,” Laurino recounted. “After a short period began under the mentorship of John Clanof time I said to myself, ‘I’m going to cy, a prominent lawyer and future Queens marry that girl,’ and I never had any interborough president. Laurino’s honesty and est in marrying anyone else, and that was hard work led to a successful private prac80 years ago.” tice and significant political influence.

They bought a summer home in BayIn the 1950s and ’60s, he became deeply ville in the 1960s, and their permanent involved in Queens politics, serving as move to the village some years later was counsel to the public administrator and motivated by a desire for a peaceful family being elected Queens County surrogate in life, a decision that has, they say, brought 1971, a position he held for 14 years. He them decades of happiness. became known for integrity and indepen“Bayville has been a sanctuary for us,” dence, notably running his campaigns Laurino said. “We’ve always enjoyed Baywithout accepting external contributions. ville because it’s more relaxing; there’s no “I wanted the freedom to make unbisocial demands of any kind. It’s just like a ased decisions,” Laurino explained. “Not LOU LAURINO family relationship.” being beholden to contributors allowed me veteran, Despite his many achievements, Laurito serve the public impartially and effecBayville no remains humble and reflective, and tively.” advocates for civic education, believing Throughout his career, he navigated the World War II that a deep appreciation for the country’s complexities of the legal and political worlds with a steadfast commitment to ethical princi- history and legal framework is crucial for future genples. He was known for his meticulous approach to erations. As he enjoys his twilight years, he continues estate litigation and his ability to mentor young law- to inspire those around him with his stories of perseyers, including his son, Louis, with whom he practiced verance and service, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His legacy, marked by significant contribulaw until his retirement at age 92.

Lou and his wife, Rose, met while in high school, tions to both his community and country, is one of and their four children eventually expanded the family dedication and integrity.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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ot being beholden to contributors allowed me to serve the public impartially and effectively.

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Bringing the roaring ‘20s to the 2020s

OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Mill Neck Foundation for the Deaf hosted its annual fundraising gala, “Great Gatsby at The Manor,” on May 18, transporting attendees back to the glamorous 1920’s within the historic Mill Neck Manor House.

This year’s event held special significance as it marked the 100th anniversary of the foundation, a milestone celebrated with glittering elegance and robust community support.

The evening was a testament to the foundation’s mission of creating an inclusive world for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The Manor House, a Tudor Revival mansion, was ador ned in 1920s-themed décor, setting the stage for a night of cocktails, period costumes and live entertainment.

Attendees, dressed in their finest Gatsby-inspired attire, mingled and danced to the music of a viola and singer duo.

Tanya Linzalone, senior a u d i o l o g i s t at M i l l N e ck Manor School for the Deaf, highlighted the importance of this event to help support the wide-ranging work done by the school and the manor’s other foundations.

TANYA LINZALONE “We serve children from six weeks old up to age 21, offerSenior audiologist, ing a range of educational and Mill Neck Manor supportive services for those School for the Deaf with hearing loss,” Linzalone said. “This fundraiser is crucial not only for the financial support it provides but also for raising awareness about our programs and fostering a sense of community.”

The fundraiser drew a significant crowd, with attendees participating in raffles, silent auctions, and guided tours of the Manor House and its scenic grounds. The house, a historical landmark, added a layer of nostalgia, enhancing the theme of the evening and offering guests a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the 1920s.

Proceeds from the event are directed toward the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, which includes educational and vocational programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

“Because of a decrease in donations, largely because of the financial strain Covid put on many families, these fundraisers are very important for the survival of the school and the other family of organizations,” Linzalone noted. “The funds raised ensure the continuation and expansion of our critical services.”

The Mill Neck Foundation also hosts a familyfriendly Apple Festival each fall, another significant fundraiser that includes alumni homecoming celebrations. However, the Great Gatsby event stands out for its focus on adult attendees and its unique historical theme, offering a different way for the community to engage with and support the foundation.

Linzalone emphasized the importance of community involvement and public awareness. She said that spreading the word about Mill Neck’s work and supporting individuals with hearing loss not only helps support the organization, but also lets deaf and hardof-hearing people know that they are part of a community that cares for and wants the best for them.

“We want the community to recognize the valuable work we do and the impact it has on individuals with hearing loss,” Linzalone said. “These fundraisers are not just about financial support; they help shed light on our mission and the services we provide.”

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hese fundraisers are not just about financial support; they help shed light on our mission and the services we provide.

Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos

Ashton Akridge greeted attendees with a glass of champagne.

Mariana Corazza, left, and Brian and Victoria Walker dressed to the nines for Mill Neck Manor’s ‘Gatsby Night.’

Rafael Cornelious, left, and Rachel Gallegos got the chance to visit the historic Mill Neck Manor.

Basile is Nassau Columbiette of the Year

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Angie Basile has been named the Nassau Columbiette Chapter 2024 Columbiette of the Year. A longtime member of the Glen Cove Knights of Columbus, she has spent over 40 years contributing to the organization and the community, chairing numerous events and raising funds for those in need.

Basile’s recognition as the 2024 Columbiette of the Year highlights a life dedicated to family, community and charitable service. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, reflecting the true spirit of the Columbiettes and the values they uphold.

Born and raised in Glenwood Landing, she moved to Locust Valley when she was 15, and then to Glen Cove after her marriage. Her husband, Anthony, a Glen Cove native, served in the Army, and the couple lived for a time in Washington state, where their second son was born.

After returning to Glen Cove, they settled down, and Basile devoted herself to raising their three sons: Michael (known as Butch), Tony, and Jerry. Tragically, Jerry died 22 years ago, but Basile now finds joy in her two surviving sons, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Basile’s community involvement deepened after her husband’s death in 1989. Though she initially focused on her family, her commitment to service grew over the years. She joined the Columbiettes in 1979, and swiftly moved through the organization’s ranks. Starting as the inner guard and then outer guard, Angie soon took on the roles of vice president and president, holding the latter position for an impressive 16 years.

Under Basile leadership, the Columbiettes organized numerous fundraisers, including 50s dance

Roksana Amid/Herald

Angie Basile, the Nassau Columbiette Chapter 2024 Columbiette of the Year, frequently volunteers her time to upkeeping democracy as a poll worker. nights and auctions, with all proceeds supporting charitable causes. One of their significant initiatives involved creating alphabet books for the blind. These tactile books featured cut-out letters paired with corresponding Braille labels and objects, such as an apple for “A” and a bear for “B.” This work exemplified the Columbiettes’ dedication to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

The group’s charitable efforts also extended to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Toys for Tots, showcasing a broad commitment to aiding

diverse causes. Basile’s presidency saw the Columbiettes become a cornerstone of the community’s philanthropic activities.

In addition to her volunteer work, Basile had a long career in the food service industry. She worked at CW Post for 17 years, eventually moving into management before an injury in 2001. Not one to remain idle, she transitioned into home caregiving. She started by caring for a family friend and then expanded to help others in need, including her sister-in-law who has dementia. This work, driven by a deep sense of compassion, allowed Basile to continue making a difference in people’s lives on a personal level.

Her involvement in community service has extended beyond the Columbiettes. She has been a poll worker for many years, assisting with elections. This role allowed her to engage with the residents of Glen Cove, a community she knows well and cherishes. Her enthusiasm for this work is evident in her interactions with voters, helping them navigate the voting process and answering their questions.

Moreover, she is a member of the Sons of Italy, where she also contributes to fundraising efforts. Her broad spectrum of volunteer activities demonstrates a relentless dedication to service and community.

The announcement of Basile as the Nassau Columbiettes Chapter Columbiette of the Year came as a delightful surprise to her, she said.

“I said you gotta be kidding me,” Basile said. “I said there’s got to be somebody more deserving than me.”

Christine Goggin, chapter president of the organization, said she chose Basile because she was always ready and willing to help with events whenever she was asked to.

“She’s a true Catholic woman, and she’s a true Columbiette,” Goggin said. “Whatever are the ideals of the Columbiette, she instills what they are. She’s kind, compassionate, understanding, and friendly.”

NEWS BRIEF Town commits with new initiative to make all parks more equitable in Oyster Bay The Town of Oyster Bay announced a new initiative to install adult changing tables in the restrooms of Oyster Bay’s parks to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The town plans to install 15 adult changing tables across various parks, in addition to the renovated restrooms in Allen Park in Far mingdale, Bur ns Park in Massapequa, and the Town Ice Skating Center in Bethpage.

“Our goal is to make Oyster Bay’s parks more inclusive for everyone,” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “By adding adult changing tables to our public restrooms, we are ensuring that individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers can enjoy our parks with dignity and ease. This is just one of many steps we are taking to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.”

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nity Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Marjorie Post Park, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Tobay Beach, and Philip B. Healy Beach. All installations have been funded through the Nassau County Community Development Block Grant Program.

For more information, call the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department at (516) 797-4128.

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This renovation comes as an addition to the town’s plans for building inclusivity. Oyster Bay features several parks with playgrounds designed for individuals with disabilities, as well as play communication boards, for use by children with speech and language challenges.

The town plans to install additional adult changing tables at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, Bethpage Commu________________

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Bayville wins best water second year in a row llane@liherald.com

There are many reasons to visit or live in the seaside Village of Bayville. It remains dedicated to preserving timeless traditions and a close-knit community spirit. Here, neighborly values thrive, and residents take the time to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them, including pristine beaches.

But Bayville offers more than just scenic views. For the second consecutive year, Bayville Water Department has been awarded the title of “best drinking water” at the Long Island Water Conference’s annual drinking water tasting contest, highlighting its exceptional commitment to quality and excellence.

“Nothing changed on our end,” said Andrew Petti, Bayville Water Department’s supervisor. “The first year you could have attributed it to luck but the second year in a row; I think we really do have the best drinking water.”

The Long Island Water Conference hosted its 36th annual drinking water tasting contest at Farmingdale State College from May 7 to May 8 in honor of National Drinking Water Week. Fourteen water providers from across Long Island competed for the title of best drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The four water district finalists in Nassau County were Massapequa, South Farmingdale Franklin Square and Bayville, who took home the gold.

Each water department filled a large glass container with their water for submission to a lab. Proctors ran the booth on the day of the double-blind study stopping students and professors asking them to taste the water and then vote by dropping their ballot into a secure box. Roughly 240 people participated in voting for their favorite tasting water.

Courtesy Long Island Water Conference

Long Island Water Conference officials distributed samples of water during the contest.

Petti said Bayville’s win was due to a commitment to maintaining the village’s water pump stations and equipment and also, the levels of chlorine that are used. The New York State Health Department requires all water districts to add chlorine to the water to prevent bacteria from entering the public water supply.

“You are not allowed to have any maximum contamination violations to participate in this contest and you can’t have any missed samples,” Petti said. “As a public water supplier we all have to test for 180 water contaminants.”

Spring-Summer Refresh

Bayville also has the advantage of location. On the Long Island Sound, it is unable to take water from the Magothy Aquifer, which most other water districts on the island use, because it isn’t deep enough, so the water would be salt water. Bayville takes its water from the Lloyd Aquifer, where the deepest source of water is found, which is advantageous because in doing so Bayville’s water doesn’t have contaminants found in other L.I. water, like dioxane, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Petti joined the water company in 2017. Having always been involved in the Long Island Water Conference, he encouraged Bayville Water Department to compete in 2019 where they earned second place. In 2020 and 2021 the contest was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic. Then in 2022 the contest was cancelled because Farmingdale State College remained concerned about Covid and would not allow vendors onto the campus. When the contest resumed in 2023 Bayville won first place among 16 water departments.

Bayville residents has been admiring the trophy presented by LIWC for the past year. Victorious in the contest, Bayville Water will be holding onto the trophy for another year and their name will be engraved on it once again.

In August they will participate in the New York State Regional Metro Tap Water Taste Contest held in New York City to compete for entry into the statewide contest held at the Great New York State Fair.

Stephen Minicozzi, the mayor of Bayville, said he couldn’t be prouder. He attributes the victory to his staff.

“This streak is wonderful,” he said. “We have the best staff who always do a great job. We will be proud to display the trophy for another year. It’s a big as the Stanley Cup.”

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OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

By LAURA LANE

5

Honoring a WWII vet who saved others

By LAURA LANE llane@liherald.com

World War II Navy veteran William Olitsky never talked about the war. His grandson, Douglas Olitsky only discovered that his grandfather was an unrecognized hero while doing research for an upcoming family reunion.

“All I remember was that my grandfather had a big lump on the back of his neck,” Olitsky, of Sea Cliff, said. “It was shrapnel.”

Olitsky’s journey into discovering his grandfather’s wartime history began five years ago when he decided to organize a family reunion. When he asked members of his family to send old photographs his uncle’s were of his grandfather while in the military.

Olitsky asked his uncle to send him anything else he might have related to his grandfather’s service. He received a letter, but found it hard to understand, Olitsky said. So he contacted the Hall of Records in St. Louis to get the military records.

“But everything in it didn’t relate to the letter my uncle had given me,” he said. “I saw that Kirsten Gillibrand helped someone trying to do what I was doing so I reached out to my congressman at the time, George Santos.”

Little progress was made by Santos and once he was expelled from Congress Olitsky reached out to his new congress-

Courtesy Office of Tom Suozzi

Congressman Tom Suozzi presented a Purple Heart and a shadow box filled with other military medals to Doug Olitsky, the grandson of WWII Navy Veteran William Olitsky, to honor his service. Many members of the Olitsky family attended the ceremony. man, Tom Suozzi. His office contacted the Navy to obtain details of William Olitsky’s service. In the process, they discovered there were several medals due to him, including the Purple Heart.

William Olitsky was a boatswain’s mate second class in the Navy during WWII serving five years. He enlisted in the Construction Battalion on Sept. 18, 1943, and left the United States in the spring of 1944 with the 133rd Naval Construction Battalion, later participating in the assault of Iwo Jima.

Shortly after landing on the beach on

,Feb. 19, 1945, Olitsky helped unload a 37 mm gun from a Higgins boat. But then an enemy mortar shell destroyed the artillery piece, injuring several men who were nearby. Olitsky was hurt too, suffering multiple contusions on his back and buttocks but despite his injuries, he volunteered to help evacuate the casualties and unload supplies.

“People were drowning,” Doug said, “and my grandfather pulled them back to safety.”

A few hours later, an enemy shell exploded nearby, and a piece of shrapnel

pierced Olitsky’s right arm, earning him a Purple Heart.

On Memorial Day, Suozzi presented a posthumous Purple Heart, along with seven additional military medals to Olitsky’s family.

“My goal was not to get all choked up,” Doug said. “I almost made it to the end.”

Suozzi had arranged for the medals to be placed in a shadow box along with a photo of Navy man William Olitsky.

“They left room for the Purple Heart to go in,” Doug said. “I had closure. For m e, my q u e s t i o n s we re n ow a l l answered.”

Doug said he had to admit that he didn’t recognize his grandfather in the photograph. William Olitsky appeared to be skinny, but Doug said his expression revealed his character — someone as tough as nails.

“My grandfather was a Golden Glove boxer and a swimmer,” Olitsky recalled.

“I will always remember him as a big, old teddy bear.”

Suozzi said one of his greatest privileges is serving our veterans, adding they should always be remembered.

“Heroes like William Olitsky were not just sailors, marines, or soldiers; they were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors,” Suozzi said.

“Their sacrifice is a profound reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Their stories need to be told and shared.”

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Crowds at Bayville Memorial Day Parade Residents and visitors lined the streets of Bayville on Monday to enjoy the village’s annual Memorial Day parade. There was plenty to see with community groups, elected leaders, children and veterans taking part in the beloved event.

Before the parade a ceremony was held to honor veterans who died for their country in the Village Green among a field of American Flags. It was a somber event to mark the day.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, became a federal holiday in 1971. It’s held annually on the last Monday in May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos

Cub and Boy Scouts marched in uniform.

Three area girls made sure they shared their love of books by carrying the banner for the Bayville Library.

A Daisy Scout dressed in patriotic colors for the occasion.

Pint-sized students from the Village Preschool enjoyed their first parade.

A family waited for the parade to start.

A preschooler from St. Gertrude’s was happy to be at the parade.

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OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024 Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos

Members of the Bayville Fire Department were proud to be a part of the parade.

Flags, music, veterans make up parade

Many Brownies marched in the parade.

Children from the Village Church Preschool are always visible at the parade.

Dr. Anthony Bruno, Bayville Memorial Day parade’s Grand Marshal, led the parade.

May 31, 2024 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

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WHAT’S UP NEXT DOOR AND AROUND THE CORNER

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Dozens of Bayville Intermediate School students got to dance with their fathers on May 13.

Dads and daughters dance the night away Bayville Intermediate School families were treated to a special evening at the Crescent Club on May 13 for the annual Father Daughter Dance. Third through fifth grade students got the chance to dance the night away alongside their fathers, spreading some endof-school joy.

Fourth grader Natalie Tiberio, 10, and her father Chris had a ball at the Bayville Intermediate School Father Daughter Dance.

Third grader Viviana Dattolo, 8, took her father Antonio as her date to the Father Daughter Dance.

Nina Orlowsky, 8, a third grader at Bayville Intermediate, had a blast with her father Jeff.

Craig Esteves slow danced with his daughter, fifth grader Sailor, 11, at the Crescent Club in Bayville.

STEPPING OUT

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SWEET CHARITY

Chris Botti

Life’s heartbreak in the Big Apple is told with humor on the Madison Theatre stage

By Danielle Schwab

“If they could see me now, that little gang of mine ...”

Audiences at the Madison Theatre can see “her” now, as Madison Theatre Productions brings the iconic musical “Sweet Charity” to its stage this weekend, May 31 to June 2.

The “her,” of course, is Charity, the exuberant gal desperately seeking love in 1960s New York City. The award-winning show, with the legendary Bob Fosse’s captivating choreography, is brought to life by director Angelo Fraboni — the Madison Theatre’s artistic director — with a cast of young actors honing their craft at Molloy University’s renowned Cap21 Musical Theatre Conservatory.

With a name like Charity Hope Valentine, it comes as no surprise that this sassy, diehard romantic dance hall hostess’s naivety and overeager embrace of every man she meets keeps getting her in hot water, in her search for sweet romance.

“She just wants to be loved,” Fraboni says. “She finds love, and then it doesn’t find her, but she still stays optimistic.”

Charity, played by rising senior Avery Bank, crosses paths with Oscar Lindquist, a square and claustrophobic accountant with a sweet nature and a gentle touch, played by 2024 graduate Riley Brennan, of Merrick. A budding romance between the two develops.

Written by Neil Simon and based on Federico Fellini’s film “Nights of Cabiria,” the star of the show truly is the choreography.

Fosse staged and choreographed the musical for Gwen Verdon, his third wife, who took on the role of Charity in the original 1966 Broadway production. And, of course, there are those classic musical numbers: “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “I’m a Brass Band” and “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”

“It was sort of (Fosse’s) love story for his wife. He built it for her,” Fraboni explains.

Since its debut, the musical has been nominated for 16 Tony Awards and has won four, including Best Musical Revival in 1986. This is the first time Fraboni has staged the musical at the Madison Theatre. It speaks to him as a universal story of trying to achieve your dreams.

“What the journey is in the show, everyone has been through in their own lives and seen it, experienced it. I think it’ll really resonate with them,” he says.

Audiences move through the many realms of 1960s Manhattan: from the broken-down dance halls to Central Park to New York City’s subway system.

“It goes from playful to sensual, to aristocratic, to hippie,” Fraboni adds.

It’s also considered an homage to

many ‘60s artists and personalities of the day, among them Andy Warhol and Gloria Steinem. Through its popularity, the musical has become a cultural reference in its own right, according to Fraboni.

For the 24 actors in the cast — their first contracted performance — this production is an important first step in their budding professional life.

“It’s a really cool show. Actually, it’s been one of my personal favorites for a long time,” Brennan says, of his role as Oscar. “It’s a bit niche, but I like the togetherness of everything — the music, the dancing. Oscar is a really fun, weird part.”

While the musical numbers are big, the story itself is simple.

“It’s not very grand, but it has grand moments.It’s intimate in what Charity’s going for, what she wants, what she’s striving for and how she’s facing so much. We’re rooting for her,” Brennan says.

The dance sequences — choreographed by Bethany Moore, the Madison Theatre’s assistant director — are an ode to Fosse’s signature jazz style.

• Friday through Sunday, May As Fraboni put it: “It’s 31-June 2, times vary ‘Fosse-esque.’ very distinct • Tickets $45-$65; available at and stylized. It’s maximum MadisonTheatreNY.org, or effect with minimal call the box office at movement. There’s a lot of (516) 323-4444 humor and funny bits in the • Madison Theatre, Molloy choreography because it is a University campus, comedy.”

1000 Hempstead Ave., While this is tale about Rockville Centre love, it’s also a story that relates to the strength and courage of 1960s women coming into their own. Female empowerment, you might say.

“This is the sort of musical where women take back the power from men and take control over their own lives,” Fraboni adds.

Moreover, it’s about hope.

“Life is hard,” he says. “I want people to walk away knowing that they saw a wonderful, heartfelt production that leaves them with hope.”

Award-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botta is always in the groove.

Botti has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. Coming to prominence with the 2001 recording of his Night Sessions CD, he gained repute as a versatile musician for his ability to fuse jazz and pop together.

For nearly three decades he’s demonstrated why he’s established himself as one of the most important, innovative figures of the contemporary music world; he’s collaborated with many superstars including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Herbie Hancock and Yo-Yo Ma. Botti’s first album in over a decade finds him coming back to his roots, focusing on acoustic jazz and classic standards.

Sunday, June 2, 8 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $74.50, $64.50, $59.50, $39.50.

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Bonnie Raitt More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt is an institution in American music. She has cemented her icon status, named one of the ‘100 Greatest Singers of All Time,’ and one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’ (Rolling Stone). She’s headed back out on the road again with members of her longtime touring band, arriving on Long Island with her ‘Just Like That’ tour. Many would think Raitt might be eager to rest and take some downtime after headlining 75 concerts in 2022 and another 50 in 2023 spanning the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland and Canada, and winning numerous awards that year. The fact is, though there are always healthy breaks built into each tour, Bonnie itches to get back to what she loves most — traveling and playing live. Luckily her band, crew and fans feel the same way.

Photos courtesy Madison Theatre

The cast finds their steps in rehearsal. Audiences can share in the romantic trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, ‘a girl who wanted to be loved,’ in this spirited production of the hit musical.

Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com or call (516) 247-5200.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

A sweet time with

Your Neighborhood

THE

On exhibit Family theater

June

7

‘The Rocketman Show’ Remember when rock was young?

You will after this enthralling show, on the Paramount stage, Friday, June 7, 8 p.m.

Prepare to blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself.

With a nostalgic setlist that’ll take you right back to when rock was young, this is the perfect night out for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with the flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself.

Enjoy an evening of Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics. Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. Storming around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. Experience one of the most detailed re-creations of Elton John’s ‘70s shows — from uncanny vocals and staging. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing colorful, spectacular costumes, including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. $65, $45, $35, $30. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, May 31, 10:15 a.m. and noon; also Saturday, June 1, 11:30 a..m. and 2 p.m. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers.

It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only.

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

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art.

The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

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Long Island Orchid Festival Surround yourself in blooms when the Long Island Orchid Society and Planting Fields State Historic Park host the 9th annual Long Island Orchid Festival, Friday through Sunday, May 31-June 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit PlantingFields.org or LongIslandOrchidSociety.org for more.

Pride Stride A pride flag will be raised at Sea Cliff beach, at The Boulevard in Sea Cliff, Sunday, June 2, at 11 a.m. Attendees will march to 100 Village Square in Glen Cove following.

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, June 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Mélina Mangal’s modern tale “Jayden’s Impossible Garden.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.

Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club is looking for members. The group plays 18 holes every Tuesday, through October, at the Glen Cove Golf Club.

Play is weather permitting.

Membership is open to all women regardless of residency.

109 Lattingtown Road. For more information, visit GCWomensGolf.com.

13

On stage

Nature walk Explore Sands Point Preserve’s environment, observing its unique physical features and wildlife, and discussing critical conservation issues, led by environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir, Saturday, June 1, 10-11:30 a.m. This walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, focuses on “Birds, Bees and Blooms.”

Participants engage in hands-on nature discovery activities. $15, $5 child ($10 members, children free). Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Having an event?

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.

Plaza Theatrical brings back its acclaimed Broadway series. With the recent passing of Stephen Sondheim, regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre for reinventing the American musical, Plaza honors him with a staging of “Into the Woods,” Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, June 1, 2:30 p.m.; also Thursday, June 6, 2 p.m. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.

Harmony for Hunger Cellist Nicholas Pascucci and pianist Jiin Kim perform, Sunday, June 2, 4 p.m., at Nassau Country Club, benefiting the North Shore Soup Kitchen in Glen Cove. Program includes works by Bach, Beethoven and Chopin. $75 suggest donation. 330 St. Andrews Lane, Glen Cove. Call (516) 8406775 to reserve your seats.

Golf outing Glen Cove Education Foundation holds the 10th annual golf classic, Monday, June 10, at the Glen Cove Golf Club/ Tee off is 1pm, and foursomes are available. Sponsorships are also open. Non golfers can buy a ticket for dinner and open bar only at The Marker, the new restaurant at the Glen Cove Golf Course. 109 Lattingtown Road, Glen Cove. For more information, visit TheGlenCoveEducationFoundation. com or call (516) 801-8140.

Art talk Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum, Thursday, June 13, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the in-depth program and also participate in a guided exhibition tour following the lecture, at 2 p.m. No reservations required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

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OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

Old Westbury Gardens Director Maura Brush leads a 45-minute floral arranging class just for kids, Saturday, June 1, 1010:45 a.m., to explore their creative side. Fresh flowers will be used, and she will teach proper care and handling, water, and how to make sure your floral arrangement lasts and looks beautiful. Discuss flower names and fun facts about each flower. For ages 5-12. $30. Registration required.

Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Storybook Stroll

Retailers, electeds get together to talk retail crime

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

There’s shoplifting. And then there’s organized retail crime.

Both are bad, of course, but organized crime — where goods are stolen in a coordinated way before being resold elsewhere — is costing major retailers hundreds of billions of dollars each year.

And that’s why U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and other elected leaders sat down with major retailers from places like Home Depot, Walmart and Walgreens at the David Mack Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City last week to try and get a handle on it.

“I want to be clear to everyone that I am not talking about petty shoplifting,” D’Esposito said. “Not theft for need, but theft for greed. And in many cases, to fund ongoing criminal enterprise.”

Customers already feel the impact of such crime when they find even simple supplies like shampoos and deodorant behind locked cases on aisles. And it’s not a good feeling for customers or employees, “This is premeditated,” said Joe Stein, the director of asset protection solutions at Walgreens. “This is calculated, and it is done on an international and global scale.”

Those involved come into stores with a list of specific brands and products. And even worse, they come in with a plan.

“This is their occupation,” Stein said.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, and major retailers gather to talk about organized retail crime — something that is much different from just plain shoplifting. And something D’Esposito says he’s doing something about.

“This is not someone who’s going in to steal for subsistence. This is their job that they’re doing.”

Having so much inventory stolen also has a more direct impact on shoppers — it raises prices.

“There’s definitely an impact that transitions to consumers in the back end,” said Sean Browne, senior manager of asset protection investigations with Home Depot.

Yet, efforts have been made to reduce that influence. On Capitol Hill, that has come in the form of a bill D’Esposito has introduced, called the Supporting Law Enforcement Officers’ Ability to Combat Organized Retail Crime Act. It’s intended to tackle this kind of crime at the federal level by better training law enforcement officers, and direct the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to research and develop new technologies to better stop it.

Herald Class of 2024

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! Call 516-569-4000 ext. 249 or your sales account representative

And it can’t a moment too soon, according to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, as organized retail crime grows into a real problem.

“This affects the retailers by making it more expensive for them to operate,” Blakeman said. “It puts their employees in harm’s way. It affects the consumers, because obviously that loss has to be passed on to someone, so it results in higher prices for goods.”

And then there is LEARN — the Law Enforcement and Retail Network, where law enforcement — like Nassau County Police Department commissioner Patrick Ryder and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. — and major retailers meet to discuss security and gather information on repeat offenders.

Getting a full handle on how much of an impact organized retail crime might have is tricky — primarily because there is no standard definition of the crime in use across the country. Retail theft in New York overall has jumped 54 percent in New York, according to the Council on Criminal Justice. But in other places, like San Francisco are experiencing declines in such theft.

“This is right versus wrong,” Blakeman said. “Our legislators should be on the side of right, and not on the side of wrong. And they need to change our laws to protect our whole community, and make sure that people understand that if you commit a crime, you should have consequences.”

Keepsake Edition

Special Pull-Out Section

Publication Date: June 27 • Space & Copy Deadline: June 13

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May 31, 2024 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

14

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER, -againstBRYAN M. GOSLINE, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 18, 2019, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER is the Plaintiff and BRYAN M. GOSLINE, 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 June 12, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 126 LAMBERT AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NY 11735; and the following tax map identification: 48-599-9.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT FARMINGDALE, IN THE TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612776/2018. Ellen Durst, 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. 146655 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, v.

ASSUNTINA BOTTICELLI, ET AL, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 17, 2022, I, Evette Coretta Ennis, Esq.

the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on June 10, 2024 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501 located at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY, at 3:00PM the premises described as follows: 1 Wakefield Drive Glen Head a/k/a Muttontown, NY 11545 Tax I.D. No. 16.-A-953 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 607881/2017 in the amount of $1,271,481.58 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 146631

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I, INC.,TRUST 2004-HE6, Plaintiff, vs. NICHOLAS BERTOLINO A/K/A NICHOLAS J. BERTOLINO, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 10 Pershing Avenue, Locust Valley, NY 11560.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Locust Valley, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 29, Block R02 and Lot 1140. Approximate amount of judgment is $698,848.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007432/2016.

This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper

social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Jeffrey Fox, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146625

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU PNC BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST XUECHENG YANG, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 20, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 692 DONNA DRIVE, OYSTER BAY, NY 11771. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 24 BLOCK; 19 LOT: 9.

Approximate amount of judgment $991,496.00 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601248/2023.

The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 PNNY162 80613 146754 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CIT BANK, N.A. F/K/A ONEWEST BANK N.A., F/K/A ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, vs. JUDE T. BARBERA, AS SOLE TRUSTEE OF THE BARBERA FAMILY REAL PROPERTY TRUST, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 10, 2018 and duly entered on July 13, 2018 and an Order dated September 18, 2023 and duly entered September 26, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau

Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 710 Chicken Valley Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Matinecock, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 23, Block B and Lot 494. Approximate amount of judgment is $3,738,949.89 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007454/2014.

This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Roger Hausch, Esq., Referee Bronster, LLP, 156 West 56th Street, Suite 703, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147011 Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Francine Slade a/k/a Francine A. Slade; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 22, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 24, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 6 Hidden Pond, f/k/a part of 206 Brookville Road, Muttontown, NY 11545.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 16 Block B Lot 1761 formerly part of Lot 1544. Approximate amount of judgment $3,135,146.69 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011213/2010.

The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

John P. Clarke, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Fools’ gold

D

By Ann DiPietro ear Great Book Guru, It certainly feels like summer has arrived in Sea Cliff. The beach is open, the Memorial Day ceremony came off despite bad weather, and outdoor dining is back!

Now I need a good book to read while sitting on my porch, watching the world go by. Any recommendations?

Perched Porch Reader Dear Perched Porch Reader, I just finished a wonderful novel set in a fictional village in Ireland where troubles abound, “The Hunter,” by Tana French. Cal Hooper is an American who recently retired from the Chicago Police Department and has moved to this rural village hoping to find peace in his new life far from a hostile ex-wife and a beloved but estranged daughter. Numer-

ous villagers, including Theresa (Trey) Reddy, a young girl from a large, troubled family and the newly widowed Lena Dunne befriend him. When Trey’s con artist father Johnny returns from England with a wealthy friend, the entire village looks on in voracious wonderment as the pair announce there is a vast amount of gold in the river and mountains, and they are willing to share in this cache.

Everyone tries to cash in on this scheme and violence quickly follows. Throughout, Cal, Trey, and Lena try to balance love, affection and friendship amidst exquisitely described townspeople, all with long histories of grudges, revenge, and distrust of everyone, especially outsiders. There are many plots within plots but throughout French captures the beautiful language and idiom of this brutal place. Highly recommended!

Public Notices

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: May 10, 2024 147009

LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS JERICHO WATER DISTRICT CONTRACT NO. C6-24 WHEATLEY ROAD FACILITY PAVEMENT AND DRAINAGE REHABILITATION Sealed Bids for Contract No. C6-24 for Wheatley Road Pavement and Drainage Rehabilitation will be received by the Jericho Water District office, located in the conference room at 125 Convent Road, Syosset, New York, no later than 9:00 a.m. (Local Time), on June 21, 2024, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

This Contract generally consists of pavement replacement, site grading, and site restoration throughout the project area.

The Contract Documents, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Instructions to Bidders, Bidder’s Checklist, Bid, Bid Bond, Agreement, General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, Drawings, Specifications and Addenda may be examined at the following locations: Jericho Water District 125 Convent Road Syosset, NY 11791 D&B Engineers and Architects, D.P.C.

330 Crossways Park Drive Woodbury, NY 11797-2015 All bidders must obtain a set of the Contract Documents.

Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and specifications, will be available on May 31, 2024 and may be obtained online as a download at the following website: dbea.biddyhq.com under public projects.

Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of the Contract Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the issuing office. All bidders must obtain a set of the Contract Documents and All Addenda.

Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Warwick, New York 10990, Tel: 1 877-272-0216, as a download upon payment of a $100.00 nonrefundable bid fee. Any bidder requiring hard copies of the documents shall make arrangements directly with REV and pay for all reproduction, packaging and shipping costs.

Each Bid must be accompanied by a certified or bank cashier’s check made payable to OWNER, or a Bid Bond issued by a surety licensed to conduct business in the state where the Project is located and having a Best Rating of A- or better from A.M. Best Company

and named in the current list of Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies¡¨ as published in Circular 570 (amended) by the Financial Management Service, Surety Bond Branch, U.S. Department of the Treasury, in an amount not less than 5% of the amount of the Bid submitted. The list may be ordered from the Government Printing Office Bookstore, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 110, New York, NY 10278, (212) 264-3825.

Each Bidder must complete and submit with their bid the Iranian Investment Activities Certification provided in the Bid Form in compliance with General Municipal Law 103-g, Iranian Energy Sector Divestment.

Each Bidder must complete and submit with their Bid the Certification of Compliance with New York State Labor Law Section Two Hundred One-G provided in the Bid Form regarding the implementation of a written policy addressing sexual harassment prevention in the workplace.

The Bidder to whom the OWNER proposes to award the Contract will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds and the necessary insurance certificates as prescribed in the General Conditions and the Supplementary Conditions upon the execution of the Agreement.

Bidders are required to execute a non-collusive bidding certification required by Section 103-d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York.

The attention of Bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to the conditions of employment to be observed and the minimum wage rates to be paid under the contracts.

Bidders are also required to comply with the antidiscrimination provisions of Sections 290-301 of the Executive Law of the State of New York.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all of the Bids received, to readvertise for Bids, to abandon the project, to waive any or all informalities in any Bid received and to accept any proposal which the OWNER decides to be for the best interest of the OWNER. A public meeting may also be held at the time and place noted above wherein the District will conduct such regular and other business which is properly brought before the Board of Commissioners.

Note: All questions must be submitted, in writing, to Anthony Cucuzzo, no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 14, 2024. Questions must be sent via email to acucuzzo@db-eng.com.

Board of Commissioners Jericho Water District Date: May 31, 2024 By: James Asmus, Secretary 147119

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OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

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OPINIONS

I

never really thought of myself as being the product of a large family until much later in life.

When I was growing up, most knew only of my younger sister, Renee.

Maybe an older brother or an older sister. But in reality, I have six brothers and sisters, which is hard to fathom — especially since I didn’t grow up with most of them.

And we only have time to blame for that.

My oldest brothMICHAEL er, Randy, was already an adult HINMAN when I was born, and welcomed his first son — my oldest nephew — when I was barely out of the crib.

He and I share our father in common, as do my two other oldest sib-

T

lings, Christine and Ricky. We never shared a household. By the time I was old enough to remember anything, they were already on their own, starting their own families.

The siblings that I share with my mom, however, were younger, though not by much. Her oldest son, Rich — yes, I have two brothers with the same first name — is nine years older than me. My sister, Lynette, isn’t too far behind. We all did share a home together — that is, until they grew up and moved out, all while Renee and I were still in elementary school.

I sometimes imagine what it would’ve been like if we had all grown up together. Yet I’m glad life turned out the way it did. Growing up with my many nephews and nieces has been a fantastic experience. Seeing them start their own families and find success has

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been even better.

Not having children of my own, I never had to experience that “empty nest” syndrome I’ve heard so much about. That is, until last weekend, when my youngest niece, Laci, picked up her high school diploma at a rural Pennsylvania school.

I am so proud of my niece and all that she’s accomplished in school.

She’s already a certified nurse assistant, and she’ll attend Penn State University in the fall. Her brother, Ryan, is working to establish himself as an electrician. My sister and her husband, Ben, have raised some great kids.

But still, did they all have to grow up so fast? I still have a picture of me holding baby Laci in my arms for the first time some 18 years ago. I still have a picture of a note when she asked, as a

on’t wait until so much of it has passed to appreciate it the most.

very young girl, when “Unkle Mike” was coming to visit.

Laci is smart (graduating with honors), knows what she wants, and for her, the sky’s the limit. But even she will soon experience the same thing all of us have felt — how the older we get, the faster life moves. Where, in one minute, she’s an infant in your arms, and in the next, she’s a young woman ready to start her post-high school life.

It won’t be long before Laci and Ryan have families of their own, and they’ll scratch their heads, wondering how it all went by so quickly.

That’s where living in the moment really becomes valuable. Taking a breath. Pausing everything. Just enjoying what’s in front of us.

God has created a beautiful world, and filled it with so many beautiful things. Don’t wait until so much of life has passed to appreciate it the most.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? mhinman@liherald.com.

Why all history is good history

he other week, I attended an extraordinarily interesting lecture at Raynham Hall Museum, in Oyster Bay, by Megan Rhodes Victor, about bars and meeting places for gender-nonconforming people in the 1700s. During Dr. Victor’s lecture, I was struck not only by the fascinating cultural history of so-called molly houses — the 18th- and 19th-century term for places where gay men and others with nontraditional gender preferences could slip away from a society that refused to accept them — but also by how recent the research on this topic was.

For most of the WILL 200 years followSHEELINE ing the end of the molly house era, the historical records, and even the existence, of such establishments were suppressed and denied, out of fear of “poisoning” the morals of society.

This got me thinking: How much history has been lost, ignored or forgotten simply because it didn’t conform with societal norms, or made people uncomfortable, or didn’t fit a political narrative. Only in the past 20 years or so have historians and archaeologists been able to explore so many fascinating examples

of different cultures, minorities and characteristics of historical figures without the weight of societal pressure, and expectations of what is “good history,” holding them back.

Because all history is good history.

The more we learn about our past, the better understanding we’ll have of how we got where we are today, and where we’re headed tomorrow.

And the more we learn about historically marginalized communities and the fascinating roles their members played in our world story, the more we will learn to accept others who are different from us.

To quote a random poster on the internet: “Studying history will sometimes make you uncomfortable. Studying history will sometimes make you feel deeply upset. Studying history will sometimes make you feel extremely angry. If studying history always makes you feel proud and happy, you probably aren’t studying history.”

Such scholarship is also essential in challenging jingoistic, nationalistic and downright bigoted conceptions of history. For example, most people are likely unaware that several of our American Founding Fathers were gender-nonconformers. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, the Prussian-American military officer who molded the Continental

H

Army into a professional fighting force at Valley Forge, never married, and had close, intimate relationships with male aides-de-camp and secretaries throughout his life.

Alexander Hamilton, who was probably what we would call bisexual today, and his “particular friend,” John Laurens, were also likely lovers, because the language they used when writing to each other was practically drowning in romantic and sexual innuendo, even when a reader today takes into consideration the overtly flowery and dramatic language of the times. Indeed, the letters they exchanged were so spicy that when Hamilton’s son was writing his father’s biography and publishing his correspondence, he blanked out entire sections of the letters, and on one letterhead even wrote, “I must not publish the whole of this.”

Beyond the gender-nonconforming community, there is also the fascinating history of the Muslim-Americans who fought for our country in the American Revolution. Muster rolls listing men with Muslim names, such as Bampett Muhamed, Yusuf Ben Ali and Joseph Saba, who were probably of West African descent, show that as far back as the United States has existed, Islam has been a proud and essential ingredient in

ow much history has been lost because it didn’t conform to societal norms?

our cultural melting pot.

When people argue against gay people being allowed to serve in the military, or that a woman’s place is only in the home, or that transgender people don’t actually exist and are an excuse for predatory behavior, they’re not just being close-minded, they’re also rejecting historical precedents. If gay people aren’t right for the military, how do you explain the conquests of Alexander the Great, whose best friend, Hephaestion, was also his lover? If women only belong in the home, then explain the breathtaking intelligence of Marie Curie. And if being trans is a recent phenomenon, then why do records of transgender or gender-nonconforming people exist in various cultures since before the Vikings?

History shows that our biases against these and other minorities is not only shortsighted, ugly and, frankly, idiotic, but also plain wrong. Which is why it is so important that aspects of historical study that have been suppressed for centuries be allowed to see the light of day.

To quote Capt. Raymond Holt from the Fox/NBC series “Brooklyn 99” — played by the late, incomparable Andre Braugher — “Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.”

Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

Watching life move too fast

18

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OYSTER BAY

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Keep showing up to vote e just voted on school and library budgets — and the trustees to manage them — but our work isn’t over. Not

yet.

All of us need to get out and vote again in just a few weeks, in the primary election on June 25. And some of will also have an earlier vote as well, on June 18, for political offices in our own communities.

Yes, that’s a lot of voting. But it’s the very essence of democracy, and what helps make our country so amazing.

Voting is often described as a cornerstone of democracy, a fundamental right that empowers all of us to shape our government and its policies. While presidential elections draw significant attention, local and primary elections frequently suffer from lower voter turnout.

Many people question the importance of these smaller-scale elections — especially if the outcome seems predetermined. But voting in local and primary elections is crucial for a number of reasons, and every vote truly does matter.

Local elections directly affect our daily lives in ways that national elections do not. They determine who will make decisions about schools, public safety infrastructure and local taxes.

By participating in these local elections, we have a direct hand in shaping our neighborhoods, and ensuring that their specific needs and concerns are addressed.

Primaries — like the ones involving Assembly and State Senate seats on June 25 — are another critical juncture of the democratic process. They determine which candidates will appear on the ballot in the general election, effectively shaping the choices available to voters.

The primary is often the most competitive phase of an election, particularly in areas where one political party dominates. Yet by voting in primaries, we can influence the selection of candidates who best represent our views and values.

This is especially important when considering the diversity of opinions within a political party, whether you’re Republican or Democrat. A broad spectrum of candidates can lead to more nuanced and representative governance.

A common misperception is that an individual vote doesn’t matter, particularly if the outcome seems predictable.

History, however, is replete with examples of elections that were decided by a handful of votes. Local and primary elections often have much lower turn-

out than national elections, meaning that each vote carries more weight.

Close races can — and do — happen, and a few votes can tip the balance. At the same time, higher voter participation can lend greater legitimacy to the elected officials and the democratic process itself, fostering a more engaged and responsive government.

And, if nothing else, these local elections set the stage for future national leaders. Look at U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. The former New York Police Department detective and volunteer firefighter was first elected to the Hempstead town council in 2016. Now D’Esposito is helping to make decisions not just for parts of Nassau County, but the entire country.

Congressman Tom Suozzi is another product of local elections. He was elected mayor of Glen Cove in 1993, and moved on to become the Nassau County executive in 2001. He went to Congress in 2016, left in 2022 for a gubernatorial run, and then returned this year to replace his disgraced successor, George Santos.

Voting in local and primary elections is essential. Even if the outcome seems certain, showing up to vote is a powerful statement of engagement and commitment to the democratic process.

LETTERS The debates will answer questions To the Editor: On Feb. 5, Merrick Garland, the U.S. attorney general, received Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report and conclusions following his interviews with President Biden about the classified documents found at Biden’s home in Delaware and other locations.

Hur concluded there was insufficient evidence to justify charging the president with criminal misconduct. The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Kentucky Republican Congressman James Comer, requested and received from the Justice Department the 250-page transcript of the two interviews, which extended over a five-hour period.

On March 12, the House Judiciary Committee — chaired by Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Jordan — held a public hearing in which members of the committee questioned Hur about the interviews and his conclusion.

At no point during the hearing did Hur, armed with a copy of the transcript, state that it was incomplete or inaccurate in any way.

Nevertheless, in May, Comer — whose months-long efforts to come up with crimes and misdemeanors sufficient to impeach the president have come to naught — demanded that the Justice Department give the committee the audiotapes of the interview, ostensibly to confirm that the transcript did not leave anything out or was inaccurate.

Citing executive privilege, the White House has refused to comply with Comer’s request.

On May 16, the Republican members of the Oversight

and Judiciary committees voted to hold Garland in contempt of Congress for failing to hand over the audiotapes. That same day, Comer sent out an email seeking donations from his constituents and others in which he claimed that Biden and his advisers were “terrified that I, James Comer, will release the recordings, forcing the media and the Democrats to answer

for the dismal decline of Biden’s mental state.”

Obviously, since the transcript is complete, the only reason that Comer and his fellow Republicans want the audiotapes is to use edited parts of them in ads, in attempts to prove Biden’s diminishing mental competence.

Perhaps the first televised presi-

19

OPINIONS

A

fter months of contentious budget negotiations, the State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul recently agreed to a historic $237 billion state spending plan.

The final budget compromise included the Legislature’s reversal of Hochul’s proposed funding cuts to education, as it instead allocated nearly $36 billion in public-school aid.

The state’s public-school funding model can best be described as a three-legged stool consisting of KARL A. state aid, commerVALERE cial taxes, and residential property tax revenue.

But even as New York makes historic investments in our schools with taxpayer dollars, many corporations and commercial properties are skipping out on their fair share of tax payments, leaving residents to pick up the hefty tab for education costs.

According to a 2023 report, public schools in the state lost at least $1.8 billion in revenue to corporate tax breaks, also known as tax “abatements,” in fiscal year 2021. Nassau County ranked among New York’s top 10 counties in total forgone school revenue, and recorded the second-highest number of approved corporate net tax exemptions.

The independent report, published by Good Jobs First, a pro-economic development research organization, found that a massive portion of corporate tax abatements occur when local industrial development agencies acquire properties and lease them to private companies in exchange for payments in lieu of taxes. Of course, these PILOTs are only a fraction of the corporate tax revenue that would help fully fund our education system.

Let’s recap: Industrial development agencies, which are essentially public entities, buy up properties and offer them tax-free, for pennies on the dollar,

D

istricts are losing many millions of dollars to corporate tax breaks.

LETTERS dential debate between Biden and former president Donald Trump, scheduled to take place on June 27, will reveal to some degree the mental competence of both candidates.

MIRIAM LEVINE HELBOK Bronx

Let’s put aside the ignorance To the Editor: Why does ignorance about the history of Palestine and Israel still persist?

Palestine was an ancient land, named by the Romans, and was home to the Jews for thousands of years. The indigenous Palestinians were the Jews.

In 1923, the British decreed that 70 percent of the Palestine Mandate — which they won by defeating the Ottoman Empire in World War I — should become an Arab state, and named it Transjordan, later shortened to Jordan.

In World War II, the Nazis — who were supported by the Arabs of Palestine (the Mufti of Jerusalem spent the war years in Germany as Hitler’s guest) — were defeated. Then, after much deliberation, the United Nations decided to divide what was left of the land of the Palestine Mandate.

The Jews of Palestine were offered roughly half of what was left of the mandate territory (perhaps 10 percent of the original land) in order to establish their own state. And the Arabs were offered the other part. The population

to private companies, resulting in billions of dollars in lost commercial tax revenue for school districts across the state.

According to this analysis, the lost revenue for Nassau County public school districts included $3 million — or $1,031 per pupil — for the Mineola Union Free School District, $8.4 million — $1,668 per pupil — for the Westbury Union Free School District, and $12.6 million — $1,827 per pupil — in the Uniondale Union Free School District, the highest in Nassau County and the third-highest among public schools statewide.

The estimated $1.8 billion in lost school budget revenue could have been used for such essential investments as air conditioning in classrooms, athletic field renovations, wages for bus drivers, and teacher training for new technology.

Last year, the State Legislature introduced a bill that would prohibit IDAs from granting corporate tax breaks and

settlements were considered.

In 1948, the Jews created Israel. The Palestinian Arabs did not create a state, and instead started a war against Israel, the first of many — and they lost all of them.

According to international law, all territory lost by the aggressors in a war that they started belongs to the defenders. The Israelis should own Gaza and the West Bank. They don’t want it. They just want to be left alone, in peace, having absorbed more Jews who were forced to leave Muslim lands than the total number of Arabs who left Palestine/Israel during the wars that the Arabs started.

The Jordanians controlled the Palestinian part of the land for 19 years, but in all that time, the Palestinian Arabs never created a state. They had several chances to do so, but each time they refused.

Now they are chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Most of the protesters now don’t know the name of the river or the sea, but their stated goal is to destroy Israel, and create yet another Arab state, without any Jews, as they declared in their newly proposed charter.

To say this is justice is ludicrous!

The Palestinian Arabs have exported their “intifada” to the world. They rely on people’s ignorance of their history to justify their absurd grievances. They have created no viable companies or societies on their own.

The United Nations and Israel have paid for their housing, food and living expenses. The Arabs maintain “refugee

PILOTs where tax revenue was intended for public school districts. The bill has gained significant support from labor organizations, teachers unions and good-government groups seeking to reform IDAs to better serve our schools.

Fundamentally, the Good Jobs First report argues, IDAs should not have the power to waive commercial taxes that would otherwise benefit our schools.

The report makes key policy recommendations toward this end, including expanding school and community representation on IDA boards, increasing transparency and accountability in reporting forgone tax revenues, and eliminating IDAs entirely.

In Nassau County, residents pay among the nation’s highest property taxes, 60 percent of which are earmarked for our public schools. But if we are to achieve a fairer, more equitable education and tax system, we cannot continue to allow corporations to shortchange our school districts at the expense of hardworking families.

Karl A. Valere is chief of staff and senior policy adviser to Assemblyman Khaleel M. Anderson. He lives in Baldwin.

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

At Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve — Merrick

camps” 75 years after they lost the war they began, instead of creating peaceful societies. They are the only people, in the history of civilization, to demand they still be designated ”refugees” generations after the war they initiated had ended.

Ignorance is not bliss. Hamas and the

Palestinian Arab protesters have used “useful idiots” to advance their cause, as described by a former member of Hamas.

The time to stop that is now.

RHODA ALBEN-ARONSON Bronx

OYSTER BAY HERALD — May 31, 2024

Our public schools deserve better

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May 31, 2024 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

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