Oceanside/Island Park Herald 01-19-2023

Kirsimäe brings tales to life on the stage

By KARINA KoVAC kkovac@liherald.com

She’s powerful. She’s precocious. And she’s captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.

“Matilda the Musical” brings the young Matilda Wormwood to life from the popular Roald Dahl novel. And the play has done wonders for Tarmo Kirsimäe as well, who has won nine Broadway World awards, including best musical, direction, light and sound.

If that weren’t enough, the venue that hosted the Oceanside native’s production — Merrick Theatre & Center for the Arts — was voted favorite local theater.

Parents head back to school to learn about mental health

By KARINA KoVAC kkovac@liherald.com

Parents went to school on Jan. 10 to learn from students and mental health professionals about students’ perspective on mental health and ways to open the lines of communication between the generations.

The presentation, which took place in the School No. 6 auditorium, was part of a workshop titled “What Families Can Do to Promote Mental Health … and What Can Help When You Need More,” created by the Oceanside School District’s Parent University.

Oceanside High students Han-

nah Ott and Lily Knobel serve as Cohen Strong Mental Health ambassadors, using their teenage perspective on the mental health crisis to educate groups, and discussing mental health in the same context as physical health. Both students spoke to over 100 parents as part of a panel alongside mental health professionals.

Those professionals included Vera Feuer, who oversees School Mental Health at Cohen Children’s Medical Center; Nina Weisenreder, a school psychologist at the high school and the coordinator of the school’s new Wellness Center; and Ellen Ritz, a health educator and the presi-

NINA WeIseNRedeR Psychologist, Oceanside High School

dent of the Long Island and Queens chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Mental health remains a hot topic, resonating with students and adults alike after several

years of dealing with the pandemic, which has only added to the stress families face in today’s world.

“One of the points that I hoped to highlight during the presentation is the important role that connection serves in the overall mental health and wellness of children,” Weisenreder said. “Connection serves as a

protective factor and a source of support during difficult times. It’s wonderful that our district is exploring various ways to continue to build a sense of belonging for all of our students.”

Another topic the panel discussed was “communication and validation.” Presenters encouraged parents to help their chil-

Courtesy Tarmo Kirsimäe

TARmo KIRsImäe, BoTTom center, joined the cast of the musical ‘Matilda,’ based on the novel by Roald Dahl. The musical and its venue, Merrick Theatre & Center for the Arts, won Broadway World accolades.

Nassau GOP calls on George Santos to resign

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

U.S. Rep. George Santos has faced stiff opposition from his colleagues since arriving at Capitol Hill at the start of the new year. It looks like he won’t have an easy time at home, either.

Republican leaders from across the county gathered at GOP headquarters in Westbury last week calling on Santos to resign immediately amid his trail of fabrications on his work and education history, as well as the growing questions surrounding how he financed his campaign.

In fact, those in attendance — led by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — went as far as declaring they would not work with Santos. Instead, they would direct constituent issues to newly minted U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito or U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino. And if they can’t go there, local Republicans would reach out to U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand — both Democrats.

“I am joined here with my colleagues in calling on George Santos’s resignation, because he cannot serve anymore,” Blakeman said, calling the congressman a “pathological liar.”

“My office will have no interaction with George Santos or his staff until he resigns. “

D’Esposito — who joined Congress the same time as Santos — made it clear through a video link from Washington

that Santos is not fit to serve.

“I think that what’s most important as a public servant is treating the public with respect and gaining authority — something that all of you behind that podium have done,” D’Esposito said, referring to his fellow Republicans at the news conference. “George Santos does not have the ability to serve here in the House of Representatives, and should resign.”

State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick took particular issue with one of the claims Santos made during his campaign — that he was Jewish, and that he was descended from Holocaust survivors. Investigations by a handful of news outlets have questioned those claims, not finding any evidence of his grandparents being anything other than Catholic, and finding no record of them being in Europe during the World War II era.

“It is a great stain on the Republican Party of Nassau County that he worked with us,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “I am particularly offended also, as a representative of the Five Towns and the Orthodox community. What he did regarding his religious status was exceptionally offensive.”

But even as his fellow Republicans were delivering these calls for him to be removed, Santos told reporters outside his Washington office that he had no intention of leaving his position. He maintains that if the 142,000 voters who elected him decide he should go, then he

will go — but they won’t get the chance to express that until 2024.

“George Santos has no business serving in Congress,” Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin said. “On behalf of all the board members — and frankly, the 750,000 residents living in the Town of Hempstead — it’s time to go. He’s a national joke. He’s an international joke. But this joke’s got to go. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.”

Those were sentiments shared by Clavin’s counterpart in Oyster Bay.

“George, I’m speaking to you,” town supervisor Joe Saladino said. “It’s time to step down.”

Santos has been under fire since a New York Times expose last month challenged pretty much everything he has said about himself throughout this recent campaign, and his 2020 unsuccessful run against Tom Suozzi. Everything from education, employment, philanthropic activity, and salaries simply don’t check out.

Nassau GOP chair Joseph Cairo has taken some heat through all this, with a number of people questioning how much he knew of Santos’ past, and why there wasn’t better vetting. Cairo believed the Republican establishment there had already checked out his claims.

“He’s disgraced the House of Representatives, and we do not consider him one of our congress people,” Cairo said.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy won’t personally take action to have Santos removed, saying it’s a decision voters should make. However, the congressman is under investigation at multiple levels — including potential criminal investigation about campaign finance.

Over the weekend, U.S. Rep. James Comer — the new House Oversight Committee chair — said if Santos is found to have broken campaign finance laws, he will be removed

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE Bruce Blakeman says his office will have no dealings with U.S. Rep. George Santos.

St. Agnes Cathedral honors life of Pope Benedict

By KARINA KOVAC kkovac@liherald.com

The scholar of the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, was exalted by a crowd of hundreds at a memorial Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral on Jan. 6.

Known for his love of literature and as a formidable theologian, Benedict died on Dec. 31, at age 95. He was born on April 16, 1927, in Marktl, Bavaria, and lived a complicated life, brought up in Nazi Germany and reigning as Pope during turbulent times in the Catholic Church. He made history as the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years.

“He was always open with a humility, of intellectual truthfulness, to listen to other people, given to him their reactions, whether they were positive or critical,” retired Bishop William Murphy said during the Mass.

“The world needed Pope Benedict XVI; it need not forget him now,” Murphy said. “The church is a better church because of him. His concern for the abused, and his efforts to rid the church of what he called ‘that filth’ is one of the (examples) of his truthfulness, his honesty, his holiness … God knew that we needed him. And God gave him to us. We now must keep his memory, and continue to be guided by his example.”

A literary legacy

Murphy spoke of Benedict’s book “Jesus of Nazareth,” a three-volume series he wrote following his ascension to the papacy in 2005. In it, he called the church to embrace a biblical maturity, not only to embrace the historical critical method and all of its wisdom, but also to embrace and rediscover the early Christian figureheads and emulate them.

Bishop John Barres also commented on the series, saying, “Most of all, he reminded us that the word of God is inspired.”

For Barres, the day was one not of sadness, but of thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for “this great churchman who was so humble, so wise. So self-effacing, he really didn’t want to be the Holy Father, and yet embrace God’s will,” Barres said. “And just the beautiful witness he was to truth and charity, that witnessing to truth in our global world and in history is always something that liberates humanity. And so, he was a great beacon of truth. And he did it in such a humble way. He’s one of the great intellects of the 20th century.”

As a young man, Benedict was one of the key theologians of the Second Vatican Council, and was key to the critical teaching of the Bible. He wasn’t concerned with moral relativism and what the culture was saying at the time, Barres said, but was true to the scripture, and because of that he was “interiorly free.”

The legacy he lives behind is one of “holiness,” Barres added, and “a legacy of global Catholic mission and a legacy of intellectual charity. He was a biblical theologian, a dogmatic theologian, and a liturgical theologian. He was incredibly versatile.”

After the Mass, one congregant, Mary Tierney was at a loss for words because of the emotions of the day. Benedict’s death, she said, was “A loss for the church, a great loss for the church.”

A towering intellect, a misunderstood man

Nancy Dibeneditto, who is studying for her master’s in theology, had much to say about Benedict’s literary teachings, having just learned what Murphy talked about during the Mass.

“What he was saying, I just studied in one of my classes,” Dibeneditto said. “I had to read a book by Ratzinger,

‘Spirit of the Liturgy,’ so he was giving so much knowledge and information.” During his papacy, there was pressure on Benedict to modernize his ideas and the church by buying new stained glass, but, Dibeneditto said, “He wanted to reform that and go back to the apostles and the ancient values, not be pressured by modern culture that much.”

Looking back on his legacy, she added, it was “ridiculous” that Benedict was dubbed “God’s Rottweiler” for his stances on issues ranging from secularism to sexual ethics.

“They took him out of the seminary, and he had to work as a soldier and so a lot of Jewish people misinterpreted that, but he fought that,” Dibeneditto said. “He was misinterpreted by Jewish people and by people that didn’t know him. He was against all the killing of the Jews and all that. He wasn’t for that. He was such an intellectual giant, and to lose that … he wanted to give so much of himself in service that he couldn’t do that.”

The misunderstanding of Benedict’s early life stems from his spending his teenage years in the Hitler Youth during World War II, something he was taken out of seminary school and forced into. He was briefly held by the Allies as a prisoner of war, but he never became a member of the Nazi party.

Benedict visited his homeland of Germany three times as pope, and confronted its dark past when he visited the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz in Poland. There he called himself “a son of Germany,” and he prayed to God, asked God why he was silent when 1.5 million victims died there during the war.

‘The Lord was sleeping’

Renewed attention on Benedict after his death brought with it renewed discussion of criticism from public health officials and victims’ rights organizations over his handling of sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church. But many say he wasn’t the mastermind behind the scandals, and did what he could with his power.

Benedict spoke vaguely about his tribulations while head of the Church in his announcement of his resignation, which he read in Latin. “There were moments of joy and light, but also moments that were not easy,” he told his last general audience, a gathering of more than 150,000 people, on Feb. 11, 2013. “There were moments … when the seas were rough and the wind blew against us, and it seemed that the Lord was sleeping.”

Karina Kovac/Herald HuNdReds gATHeRed AT St. Agnes Cathedral, in Rockville Centre, to pay tribute to Pope Benedict at a memorial Mass.

CONgRegATION memBeRs RefLeCTed on the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI.

The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”)

For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.

The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.

Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend – like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.

When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five

years after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Under new rules to take effect in the next year or two, you will also need to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.

The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.

The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.

Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.

Nurses at Mount Sinai South Nassau call for union

Mount Sinai South Nassau nurses are heading for a union, with 56 percent of them voting to join the New York State Nurses Association, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the state.

With some 800 nurses, South Nassau represented the last non-union facility in the Mount Sinai Health System.

“The South Nassau nurses worked for too long without a voice, without adequate compensation, and without a seat at the table to improve care and uplift standards at the hospital,” union president Nancy Hagans said, in a release. “When nurses are in unions, we find standards rise and quality care increases. The nurses at South Nassau have banded together to make their lives and their patients’ lives better in the long run.”

Mount Sinai officials, however, said that while they “respect the decision” made by the nurses, “our focus remains on supporting Mount Sinai nurses — and all our employees — in delivering the excellent patient care we are known for and that our community has come to expect from us, ensuring that Mount Sinai South Nassau continues to be one of the best places to work.”

On Saturday, Mount Sinai added to their statement that administrators there “recognize the tremendous sacrifices Mount Sinai South Nassau nurses have made during the pandemic and the chal-

lenges posed by a nationwide nursing shortage.”

Nurses there received 17 percent pay increases over the last 15 months, officials said, while hiring 250 nurses last year alone.

“We look forward to continuing to work together to provide the high level of nursing care our patients have come to expect,” Mount Sinai said, in a statement.

In Nov. 22, nurses at South Nassau nurses informed the National Labor Relations Board it was selecting the nurses association as their union representative. The labor board scheduled a secret ballot union for Thursday, with polls closing at 9 last night.

The nurses association say the vote comes on the heels of what they called a successful nurses strike in New York City this past week, where nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center walked off the job for three days before finally reaching an agreement with hospital officials.

That agreement, according to the union, “improved safe staffing levels and enforcement, increased wages by approximately 19 percent over the three-year contract period, protected health care benefits, and improved pandemic health and safety and community benefits.”

— Karina Kovac

Herald File Photo

Nurses at MouNt Sinai South Nassau voted in favor of joining the New York State Nurses Association on Jan. 12.

Children barely keep their eyes off writer Brian Heinz

Students at Francis X. Hegarty school in Island Park started the New Year off celebrating Parents as Reading Partners, known as PARP, with a visit from Long Island author Brian Heinz.

Heinz, a former classroom teacher of Science and Language Arts turned children’s author, gave an overview to students through the process of a rough draft to the finished book.

During his visit he covered the collection and application of sensory detail in writing so the reader is virtually and actively involved in the story, its characters, and dilemmas.

He said that his lively visit where he donned bear-hands had, “even primary students (sitting) a full 50 minutes” and that they, “never took their eyes off me during an animated, energetic, and dynamic program.”

Heinz, who visits over 70 local schools per year, as a result of word-of-mouth through the community, said his new role as a children’s author and speaker is to “inspire, educate and entertain in one fell swoop.”

Using fun and concrete visuals coupled with vivid oral storytelling about true encounters he’s had with animals in the wild has made Heinz’s books “The Great North Woods” and “Adirondack Lullaby” award-winning children’s novels.

Heinz told the Herald that after the event he received a letter from the school’s librarian that read, “Everyone loved you. Of all the authors we’ve hosted over the years, you are the best.”

— Karina Kovac

StudentS at FranciS X. Hegarty school pay close attention to local author Brian Heinz, author of “The Great North Woods” and “Adirondack Lullaby.”

EMMANUEL DEPAS, LEFT, Marie Pereira, Judith Hospedales and Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building the day before the 13th anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake to raise awareness for new immigration policy.

Migrating from Haiti, with a little support

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It’s been more than a decade since an earthquake devastated Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people, and leaving so many more thousands homeless. To this day, the Caribbean country continues to recover, all while facing other ongoing challenges such as limited access to health care, as well as poverty, political instability and violence.

While a lot of political talk in Washington is focused on what’s happening at the U.SMexico border, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages has joined immigration law professionals to share details of an expanded program under the Biden administration intended to provide legal pathways to America for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela as well as war-torn Ukraine.

“This is a positive development, and a humanitarian way to allow people to seek asylum,” Solages said. “We have witnessed so many people risking their lives in order to make it here in the United States.”

This new policy allows up to 30,000 individuals from these four countries to come to the United States per month for a period of up to two years —all receiving work authorization. These individuals must have an eligible sponsor, and pass a series of vetting and background checks.

To reduce overcrowding and wait times at U.S. ports of entry, those who are legal immigrants or citizens of the United

States can apply for someone in Haiti to come to America through an online application called the I-134A form, which gives that sponsor a chance to provide a declaration of financial support.

“They are basically asking you how are you going to take care of this person you are legally sponsoring, the person who is now called the beneficiary,” said Marie Pereira, founder of the Haiti Immigration Project. “Do you have the financial resources to take care of this person’s needs, from health to housing to clothing? Everything.”

Once the sponsor is approved, the beneficiary is required to submit their fingerprints and undergo an extensive background check. They also must be vaccinated for Covid-19, have a valid passport, and proof they are a Haiti native, Pereira added.

Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by an adult who is their parent or legal guardian.

Judith Hospedales, an immigration law expert and formerly of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said with the influx of displaced migrants in various states, the administration is trying to cut back on the issues migrants face when they arrive to the border.

Many migrants are seeking asylum — meaning they fear for their safety, or they believe they could be harmed if they stay in their home country — and want protection from another nation, like the United States.

But there are many who may not qualify for asylum status. In that case, they can

Who can become a sponsor?

Anyone who has legal status to live in the United States can sponsor a Haitian immigrant to the United States by submitting a free I-134A application.

That legal status means being a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or someone with temporary protection status.

However, sponsors should be wary of trying to bring in strangers, said Judith Hospedales. The further apart

the relationship between the sponsor and the person looking to come from Haiti, the more difficult it will be to prove that a person can be a suitable sponsor and financially responsible for the beneficiary.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ SponsorHaiti.

–Ana Borruto

apply for temporary protection status, more commonly known as TPS. This status is for certain individuals who cannot return to their countries of origin because of circumstances within the country, such as those same countries not having the resources or capacity to take back their citizens at that particular time.

Emmanuel Depas, immigration attorney, founder and first president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association in New York, said prospective sponsors must take this process very seriously. Solages emphasized the importance of working with professionals like Depas when going through the sponsorship process.

“You have to say ‘yes’ with caution and understand what you’re getting into,” Depas said. “In those two years, you’re going to have to support (beneficiaries) financially, socially and help them get them acclimated to U.S. culture.

“I implore you to develop patience throughout this process.”

The Haitian American population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Nassau County, Solages said, with many living in communities like Elmont,

Freeport, Uniondale, Valley Stream and Hempstead. According to the most recent census numbers, the total Haitian population was just over 850,000 nationwide, with nearly 155,000 living in New York alone.

Haiti itself has a little more than 11 million people.

Elsie Smith has lived in the United States for 52 years, spending the last decade in Elmont. She wants to sponsor six family members who now live in Haiti — a widower father, his sister and his four kids, whose mother passed away five years ago. The children had to stop going to school last September.

Smith is grateful for the humanitarian relief program as it will give these children better opportunities in the United States.

“This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country,” Smith said, through tears. “I live in a house with six bedrooms all by myself — I will provide, (the father) can get his papers for work, and the four children can go to school.”

This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country.

ELSIE SMITH Haitian Elmont resident

Ana Borruto/Herald

spotlight athlete

Herald sports

Oceanside blows by Herricks

By ViNCeNt MatUla sports@liherald.com

Coming into its Conference AA2 matchup with visiting Herricks on Jan. 12, Oceanside had just one league victory in five previous tries.

CaYlee DeMeo

Carey Senior Basketball

a tWo-tiMe all-CoUNtY selection and last season’s Conference Player of the Year when she averaged 22 points per game, DeMeo joined elite company Jan. 7 when she scored her 1,000th career point. The milestone basket came in Carey’s win over Glen Cove and was part of a 28-point performance. She’s the third player in program history to reach 1,000 points and currently ranks second in Nassau County in scoring.

gaMes to WatCh

thursday, Jan. 19

Gymnastics: Wantagh at North Shore 6 p.m

Gymnastics: Massapequa at South Side 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Port Washington at Baldwin 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20

Girls Basketball: Malverne at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Swimming: So. Side/Lynbrook at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at Clarke 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Oceanside 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Rockaway at Seaford 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: West Hempstead at Malverne 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Baldwin at Port Washington 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at East Rockaway 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hicksville at Freeport 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Oceanside at V.S. Central 7 p.m.

saturday, Jan. 21

Boys Basketball: Jericho at MacArthur 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Mepham 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: G.N. North at South Side 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. North 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: North Shore at V.S. South 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Elmont at Sewanhaka 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at Wantagh 12 p.m.

The Sailors put together a dominant second half, which proved to be the difference in their 71-45 victory. Oceanside senior guard Anthony Rodriguez dropped 25 points, providing a much needed spark on offense as the team scored over 70 for the first time this season. A dozen of his 25 came from beyond the arc.

“When he takes good shots, he’s the best shooter in Nassau County,” Sailors head coach Edward Risener said of Rodriguez. “When he gets rolling, there’s not many like him.”

Rodriguez is now leading the Sailors in scoring, averaging just under 15 points per game and has a team high 24 threes.

“There’s something special about this team, we always have a spark,” he said.

“We know for a fact we want to start fast and that’s exactly what we did coming out of the half.”

Oceanside led by as many as 13 in the opening half, but Herricks responded in the second quarter with 22 points. The Sailors lead diminished to just two points at halftime after they set the tone in the opening quarter..

“We took our foot off the gas a little bit and let them back in the game,” Risener said. “We talked about keeping our foot on the pedal and being the most aggressive team we can be.”

Oceanside, which followed the performance with a victory over Plainview last Saturday, did so by outscoring Herricks 29-9 in the third quarter and tallying 43 points total in the second half. Senior Jacob Raphan and junior Ben Zito reached double figures for the contest, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively.

“We got back to our pace in the third quarter,” Risener said. “We were able to get some of our shooters going and get some easy buckets.”

Defensively, senior Andrew Zinzi was a noticeable vocal presence for Oceanside throughout the evening and provided plen-

seNior gUarD aNthoNY

Jan. 12.

ty of hustle for the club. Zinzi finished with four points on the night.

“Andrew is the heartbeat of our team,” Risener said. “He’s a defensive player in football and brings that toughness and intensity to the basketball court. His assignment is usually the other team’s best player and he takes that personally.”

Due to their strong performance in the third quarter, the Sailors were able to go to their bench and get other players into the game. Junior guard Connor Haufler provided 7 points off the bench.

in 25 points

“The beauty of our team is anybody can be our leading scorer any night,” Risener said. “We have a lot of depth and a lot of guys that can be interchangeable pieces.”

The win on Saturday pulled Oceanside to a 7-6 record overall with a 3-4 conference mark. The Sailors will look to build off their victory as they gear up for the final month of the regular season against all Conference AA2 opponents.

“We’ve shown a lot of character this season,” Rodriguez said. “We’re gonna finish strong no matter what.”

Anthony Hughes/Herald

Rodriguez poured

to lead Oceanside to a runaway victory over Herricks on

Baron inspires children, one poem at a time

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Lindamichelle Baron wrote her first poem when she was 6. And it was a hit piece, making fun of her cousin Gerard’s big ears.

“I have a cousin named Gerard, I think his ears are very odd.”

Upon hearing those words, Gerard grew out his hair to cover his ears.

With that first venture into slant rhyme, Baron discovered the thrill — and impact — of the written word. “That’s when I saw the power of poetry.”

Poetry has been embedded in Baron’s life ever since. She leaned on writing to support her through teasing in elementary school, and ultimately made a career through verse.

Now 72, she is the first poet laureate for the Town of Hempstead. Her mission is to bring poetry to every corner, including Malverne — where she presented previously — and West Hempstead — where she has yet to recite her poems.

“This is just absolutely amazing,” said Baron, the author of three poetry books and an associate professor at York College.

She was ahead of her time, throwing shade at childhood rivals decades before social media existed. She eventually developed poetry that inspires. Blessed with an infectious laugh and sense of humor and wonderment about the world,

Baron infuses verse into just about everything she does.

Poetry has been the constant throughout her life.

“People who know me know I’ve been in the community and library and organizations for decades,” she said. “They know my energy, my love of life and language and people — it’s all embedded in my poetry.”

A former New York City teacher, Baron became a professor who teaches aspiring teachers. And she insists her students understand poetry shouldn’t be relegated to English class.

“So much of what I taught used poetry,” Baron said. “Even if it was math. Teachers would say they don’t have the time. You embed poetry into everything you do.”

Budget cuts cost Baron her city teaching job, leading her to become an educational salesperson until 1988. She made a name for herself throughout the tri-state area — not as a saleswoman, but for using rhymes to sell educational materials.

“I would use poetry in my presentations to teachers,” she said. “They saw that poetry can be used to extract contextual knowledge and get students to think critically. They kept asking me back.”

One of her books, “The Sun is On,” is recommended for middle schools by the state, and has sold more than 100,000 copies.

“So many people of so many different

backgrounds have embraced my poetry, and that makes me so happy,” Baron said. “So much of my poetry has connections to my background as a woman of African descent, but it does capture everybody.”

Living in Hempstead village, Baron has read poetry to many local groups over the years. Her desire is to bring poetry to more than just students.

“Poetry should not be conceptualized as stagnant on the page,” she said. “My goal is to promote the power of poetry and enjoyment of the gift of poetry to the entire community.”

As the town’s first poet laureate, Baron really won’t change much, if anything. She will continue to speak to children and adults at schools, libraries — pretty much anywhere and everywhere someone will listen to the beauty of poetry.

Town councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, who recommended Baron for the non-paying position, said the appointment would lead to a greater understanding of the positive power of poetry.

“Poetry is meaningful and beautiful,” Goosby said. “It’s a creative outlet that provides a way for people to express themselves.”

Baron will continue writing poetry as she always has, while paying homage to the many people who have helped her since she was young. Her father introduced her to Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks, and the family of a child she babysat for as a teenager gave her an album of Maya Angelou reciting poetry.

Baron hopes to inspire others to enjoy poetry by honoring those literary role models and her heritage. When she sees a child’s face light up as she recites a poem, she realizes she is achieving her ultimate goal of making poetry accessible.

“That makes me so happy,” Baron said. “My poetry is for the entire community.”

Courtesy Lindamichelle Baron LINDAMICHELLE BARON HAS been named the first poet laureate for the Town of Hempstead. She has written three poetry books, and spent a lifetime sharing the beauty of poetry with anyone willing to listen.

Sands casino coming to Nassau Coliseum?

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

A touch of Las Vegas could soon make its way to Uniondale’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with hotels, performance stages, and even a casino.

The Las Vegas Sands, a resort company founded by late billionaire Sheldon Adelson, wants to develop what it calls a “multibillion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project” at the former home of the New York Islanders off the Hempstead Turnpike near the Meadowbrook Parkway. But the acquisition of up to 80 acres of the site would require state approval.

“The plan would include a casino accounting for 10 percent of the total project, outdoor community spaces, four- and five-star hotel rooms, and a world class live performance venue honoring the legacy of live music at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shared on Twitter.

There also would be celebrity chef restaurants, convention space and ballrooms, along with a luxurious day spa, a swimming pool, and a health club.

“We strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments,” said Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands chair and chief executive, in a news release.

Sands, which is worth more than $42 billion on the New York Stock Exchange, says it wants to collaborate with the surrounding communities to create a plan as a way to maximizes economic opportunity while protecting the quality of life. Part of that plan would include creating 12,000 construction jobs, and then employing 5,000 people.

But making such a collaboration work will require Sands to listen, County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said.

“It is imperative for Sands resorts to conduct extensive community outreach, and then incorporate the feedback they receive into their proposal,” Abrahams said. That means not only talking to the people who live in the area, but also talking to officials at Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, as well as both Hempstead town and village.

Sands also needs to reach out to local fire departments, school districts, civic associations, chambers of commerce and others as a “necessary first step for addressing concerns and identifying opportunities.”

Scott Rechler is optimistic about a Sands development after nearly two decades of working to overhaul the Coliseum site.

“The plan envisioned by Sands is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of world-renowned entertainment and hospitality destination that has been

THE LAS VEGAS Sands resort company is considering the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property as a site for a new upscale casino. It’s championed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, but being met with cautious optimism by others, like County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams.

sought after by Long Islanders,” said Rechler, chief executive and chair of RXR Realty, in the release.

But not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Protesters have gathered outside the Coliseum opposing the casino component, which they say promotes multiple addictions. Others believe such a development would add to the existing traffic logjam while creating a blight on the environment.

And then there are people like Jay Goldmark from Woodmere who is OK with the plan.

“Surprisingly I have no absolutely no issue with them building a casino as long as they have absolutely no exemptions granted under any circumstances as far as any construction, sales or use taxes,” Goldmark posted on social media. “If they can afford to build for millions of dollars and fees etc., they surely can afford to pay the sales taxes. It will also create hundreds of jobs.”

Herald file photo

STEPPING OUT

Monster trucks invade Long Island

By Karen Bloom

onster truck madness is back on Long Island this weekend when for two action-packed days at Nassau Coliseum. In this version, families can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the Hot Wheels ‘Glow Party’ lights up the arena, Jan. 21-22.

While geared to the younger generation of monster truck fans, there is nothing tame about this version. You’ll still experience all the action of the 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound machines will that bring audiences to their feet, racing and ripping up a customdesigned track full of obstacles to soar over — or smash through — delighting onlookers. A laser light show adds to the spectacle — the trucks maneuver their way through their stunts in a darkened arena.

Their names — Gunkster, Race Ace, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark, Bigfoot and Demo Derby — reflect the outrageous mix of racing and showmanship that enthrall both the drivers and their fans.

WHERE WHEN

• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22; times vary

• Tickets start at $40 adult, $24 child; $10 additional for Crash Zone (prices are subject to change); available at HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive. com or NassauColiseum.com

• Located at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

“Big trucks, big engines, crushing cars, hanging out with the fans, I love it all,” says Eric Steinberg, 22. “It’s an indescribable adrenaline rush.”

It’s clear Steinberg loves his job. In fact, he doesn’t describe his role as a “job.” It’s his passion — what he was born to do.

Like his fellow drivers, Steinberg became enthralled with the big trucks at a young age. Missouri-born and raised, he was 3 years old when he went to his first monster truck event. From that moment on he was hooked.

“I just knew this is what I wanted,” he says. “Monster trucks are amazing, and caught my attention more than anything else. I looked up to the drivers as my heroes. I remember how I felt and that helped me transition to being a driver.”

Branford Marsalis

After some scheduling delay — in part due to the pandemic — the renowned saxophonist makes his long-awaited appearance at the Madison Theatre with his quartet. The NEA Jazz Master, triple-Grammy Award winner and musical polymath with his stellar ensemble — pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner — bring the brilliance that has made this quartet one of the most revered and influential in jazz. Marsalis is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is acclaimed for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.

Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. $40-$95. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

monster truck world, was Steinberg’s entrée into the circuit. He debuted Gunkster, first created by Hot Wheels for its 2021 Monster Trucks Series collectibles, in 2022.

He’ll be in high gear with all his tricks, driving Gunkster through all the non-stop action, which includes a wheelie competition, long jumps, freestyle, and even motocross. And if that is not enough, there’ll be a special appearance by the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot Megasaurus.

Steinberg encourages everyone to come to the Crash Zone pre-show, Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, at noon. Crash Zone gives fans access to the arena floor where they can view of the trucks up-close and meet the drivers, get autographs and take photos and, of course, check out some toy versions of the big trucks.

“Fans love it,” says Steinberg. “The kids are excited to see the trucks before the show. It’s all for them. For me, I always wanted to meet the drivers as a kid. I always looked up to them as my heroes. And now I want to be that hero. Meeting the fans is truly special and encourages us.”

hooked up with the Bigfoot

Determined to follow his dream, he enrolled in State Technical College of Missouri’s Automotive Technology HighPerformance Program. After his 2021 graduation, he hooked up with the Bigfoot team. Bigfoot, a name synonymous with the

Top photo: Gunkster, driven by Eric Steinberg, and other popular trucks, including Tiger Shark, will thrill fans with exciting car-crunching feats as they fly more than 35 feet in the air. Three stories tall and weighing more than 50,000 pounds, Megasaurus — at left — roars into the arena ready to chomp.

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company welcomes the coming of spring, the Year of the Black Water Rabbit. It’s a spectacular experience for all ages, combining traditional Chinese dance with modern flair. The Red Lions dance to a hip hop beat. The Golden Dragon brings good luck and fortune for the coming year. The ensemble also showcases a contemporary dance work, ‘Ashes of A Dead Frog,’ choreographed by legendary Polish Choreographer Jacek Luminski that was commissioned by Nai-Ni Chen almost a decade ago. Guest artists from the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York provide traditional and contemporary music on classical and folk Chinese instruments. Dancers, acrobats and musicians perform in festive costumes in red, gold, blue and purple colors symbolizing their prayer for a peaceful and harmonious New Year with plenty of prosperity and good fortune for everyone to enjoy and share.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m. $52, $42, $32. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter.org.

Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

THE SCENE

Art talk

Feb. 23

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Become a warrior for the community

Join the Oceanside Community Warriors for weekly community cleanups around the hamlet every Sunday. Contact Oceansidewarriorsny@gmail. com for information on the location of their next cleanup.

S.A.F.E. Coalition meeting

The S.A.F.E. Coalition meets, Thursday, Jan. 19, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Oceanside Library, 56 Atlantic Ave.

Polar Bear Splash

Friends of the Brothers

Friends of the Brothers visits the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth. Hear songs from every stage of the Allman Brothers’ career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Chamber of Commerce Cocktail Gala

Join the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce in honoring the person and business of the year at the Jan. 26 cocktail gala. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuves with the people who make Oceanside work, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Temple Avodah. $85 per person. For information, visit OceansideNYChamber.org,

The Long Beach Polar Bears will make their annual splash into the ocean, Sunday, Feb. 12, on Laurelton Blvd., starting at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.

Island Park Board of Education meeting

The Island Park Board of Education meets, Monday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Lincoln Orens Middle School auditorium.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Parenting your adult child

Join Parenting Expert and Psychotherapist

Heidi Berr Sunday, Jan. 21, 2 to 3 p.m. for a discussion on “Building a Healthy, Rewarding Relationship With Your Adult Child,” at Oceanside Library, 56 Atlantic Ave. Learn tips and techniques to have a strong relationship with your adult children. For information, visit Oceanside Library.com.

Learn lifesaving

OnSight medical trauma Life Saver course is offered at Rescue Company No. 1 of Oceanside, Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m on. The session, at 2814 Tilrose Ave., includes bleeding control, personal safety, basic first aid, and more. $175; $75 deposit upon registration, $100 in cash day of the class. For more info contact info@oftllc.us. Register at AllEvents.in/oceanside-ny.

Having an event?

Jan. 26

The Best of the Eagles

Get into the Eagles’ groove when the tribute band visits The Paramount stage, Thursday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m. With special guest Fleetwood Macked. This authentic recreation features individual bandmates taking on the persona of the original Eagles members. $39.50, $29.50, $19.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticktmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Story time

Local educator and author Talia Madden will read from her debut children’s picture book “The Colors They Shared,” Jan. 25, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at Island Park Public Library. A questions and answer forum and book signing will follow after the reading, 176 Long Beach Rd. For ages four to eight. For information visit IslandParkLibrary.org.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format

color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

The Pigeon Comes to Long Island!

Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, during opening weekend of Long Island Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in residence through May 14. Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, make art inspired by his work, engage in dramatic play and learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. Interact with Willems beloved characters: best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Helping shine a spotlight on community theater

With a career spanning decades, Kirsimäe has made it his mission to continually bring stories like that of Matilda to life on the stage. And put smiles on the faces of audiences at the same time.

It takes a lot of people skills to direct, but Kirsimäe has a unique tool that helps him manage: a psychology degree. Double majoring in psychology and theater at what is now Long Island University, with a master’s in psychology and counseling, Kirsimäe brings his mediation skills to the stage.

Those skills, he said, “comes in handy in terms of human behavior and people’s relationships, and what their motivations are to say certain things.”

But the theater is an elusive mistress. One of the things that Kirsimäe can’t anticipate is audience reactions while watching the show.

“Theatre is a very subjective experience,” he said, “What one person likes and responds to, somebody else may not.”

The best he can do is watch the performers practice over and over to see what is “working,” and what is not.

“If I’m moved by what they’re doing — moved to the point where I’m feeling something — then I know I’m going in the right direction,” Kirsimäe said. “If this is the 50th time I’ve seen the scene, but if they’re doing it in a way that’s really effective, I’m going to be moved by it. Then I know I’m on the right track. And then I keep my fingers crossed that the audience is going to respond as well.”

People skills especially helps as a director, particularly when helming a musical because of the wide array of people Kirsimäe must work with. In addition to the performers, he’s responsible for communicating directly with the musical director, choreographer, lighting designer, sound designer, costumer and stage manager.

“So, everyone’s giving me input, everyone’s giving me feedback,” Kirsimäe said. “My vision has to kind of meld everybody’s contributions together.”

Working together as a team paid off, and “Matilda” was a hit when it took the stage last August and September. Kirsimäe was honored people enjoyed the show, voting online for it in a number of categories created by the industry magazine.

But Kirsimäe was even more pleased about the renewed spotlight on community theater. Directing and

performing at the Merrick theater for more than 20 years, life at the venue has not been the same since the pandemic. He hopes audiences soon return to the inexpensive and entertaining experience.

“I’m really glad that Merrick — in addition to the nine awards that I got — that the theater was also voted as the best local theater on Long Island,” Kirsimäe said. “I’m really happy about that. And I hope that that will be an impetus for them to decide to mount additional theater. That would make me very happy.”

Courtesy Tarmo Kirsimäe

At A key moment in ‘Matilda,’ at the Merrick Theatre & Center for the Arts, the intense Miss Trunchbull, played by Jay Braiman, enters the classroom.

dren identify and express their feelings and the reasons for those feelings, and to validate their children’s feelings and experiences.

Parents can also be models of effective strategies and behaviors for their children, they were told. For example, parents can demonstrate how they use calming talk, deep breaths and mindfulness, and try to put events in their proper perspective when dealing with stress. In addition, a focus on physical health — getting enough sleep, good nutrition, healthy activities and exercise — can also boost mental health.

And experts agreed that promoting resiliency within a family can help family members stay strong when problems arise, as they inevitably do. For example, focusing on goals, accepting change, and viewing difficulties as challenges that can be resolved can help children maintain a positive outlook that will help them weather hardships.

“The truth is, everybody has mental health, so everyone should be able to have conversations about it and have an equal playing field when it comes to prioritizing it,” said Knobel, who is looking toward a career in medicine.

Her ambassadorial colleague, Ott, is interested in becoming an outpatient social worker. She said that her involvement in the Cohen’s Strong Mental Health Ambassadors program helps provide her and other students with tools to better understand mental health maintenance.

“The Parent University event helped provide some reminders and new tips for me to implement at home with my kids to help support their emotional and mental health,” said Carrine Montoya Molite, a School No. 2 parent who attended the workshop.

Another parent of a School No. 2 student, Lorie Dawson, who serves on the Parent University Committee, praised the

Every parent was a teenager once, but everyone lives through different experiences, so it may be more difficult for some parents to understand the current teenage mindset. Here are some ways to unclog that line of communication.

■ Encourage communication through talking about and working to understand one another’s feelings and the factors that contribute to those feelings.

■ Be respectful and non-aggressive in expressing thoughts, feelings and wishes.

■ Validate one another’s feelings by viewing what each person is saying from the other’s point of view and experiences.

■ Don’t invalidate or minimize one another’s feelings by saying things like, “It isn’t a big deal” or “You’re over-reacting.”

–Karina Kovac

workshop for the preventive strategies it offered as well as the resources available for families that may need to seek help.

The committee is chaired by Diane Provvido, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and research.

A copy of the presentation can be accessed through the district’s website, oceansideschools.org in the news section.

Courtesy Oceanside School District HannaH Ott, an Oceanside High School junior, and Lily Knobel, a senior, serve as Cohen Strong Mental Health Ambassadors. They made a presentation at a Jan. 10 Oceanside School District Parent University workshop on how families can promote mental well-being.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 1/25/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 81/23. - 82/23.

OCEANSIDE - Tuncay Gulmez, Install pool & equipment not permitted in side yard; Install 6’ high fence larger than pool installation area & not permitted in front yard; Variance, rear yard, maintain enclosed porch attached to dwelling., E/s Mahlon Brower Dr., 276’ S/o Mott St., a/k/a 3615 Mahlon Brower Dr. 85/23. NR ISLAND PARKFull Gospel Church, Install one, double-faced, illuminated, LED reader board sign (not permitted) & setback 12’ from Austin Blvd., S/s Saratoga Blvd. bet. Austin Blvd. & Broadway, a/k/a 4101 Austin Blvd. 86/23. - 87/23.

OCEANSIDE - Lauren Ott, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, construct 2nd story addition with cantilever and front portico attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, maintain shed with less than required side and rear yard setbacks., W/s Foxdale Ave., 240’ S/o Allen Ave., a/k/a 2614 Foxdale Ave.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Island Park and Oceanside within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 136767

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

AJM CAPITAL II, LLC, Plaintiff -againstQUEBEC DEVELOPMENT, LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 20, 2022 and entered on October 21, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm premises situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, known and designated as Section: 43 Block: 42 Lots: 234 and 235.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as QUEBEC ROAD, ISLAND PARK, NY

Approximate amount of lien $1,088,211.77 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 612423/2017.

KAREN C. GRANT, ESQ., Referee Braunstein Turkish LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 7600 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 402, Woodbury, NY 11797

{* ISLAND PAR*} 136289

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR TO THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, SUCCESSOR TO CHEMICAL BANK), AS TRUSTEE FOR IMC HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1996-1, Plaintiff AGAINST JOHN J. OLIVIERO, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 23, 2015, 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 February 16, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 24 HASTINGS ROAD, ISLAND PARK, NY 11558. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Island Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New

York, SECTION 43, BLOCK 29, LOTS 130, 131. Approximate amount of judgment $91,247.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009094/2014. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-301239 74529 136706

Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-002342 74341 136439

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

Arrests

crime watch

and Shop on Long Beach Road.

■ On Jan. 7 Donna Armato of Lynbrook was arrested for shoplifting at Stop and Shop on Atlantic Ave.

■ On Jan. 8 Many Hornick of Valley Stream was arrested from shoplifting at Stop and Shop on Atlantic Ave.

Other activity

■ On Dec. 4 items were taken from someone’s vehicle while parked on Cortland Ave. in Oceanside.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST MARIA MAESE, STEPHEN MAESE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 6, 2022, 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 February 6, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2525 Rockville Centre Parkway, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 158, Lot 39-41.

Approximate amount of judgment $451,990.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607259/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. WINDWARD BORA LLC, Pltf. vs. VINCENT FERNICOLA A/K/A VINCENT FERNICOLA JR., A/K/A VINNIE FERNICOLA A/K/A VINCENT FERNICOLA, SR., et al, Defts. Index #612243/2018. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Nov. 2, 2019, I will sell at public auction on the north side fronts steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 1, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 81 Bellevue Avenue, Oceanside, NY a/k/a Section 38, Block 365, Lot 33 & 34. Approx. amt. of judgment is $69,696.17 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Said Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale forecloses a Second Mortgage. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

MARK RICCIARDI, Referee MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 165 Eileen Way, Ste. 101, Syosset, NY. #99986 136324

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-W4, V. NOREEN M. MCCABE, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated May 9, 2017, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-W4 is the Plaintiff and NOREEN M. MCCABE, 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 February 2, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2863 CALVIN RD, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572:

■ On Jan 10. Sherrie Radin of Oceanside was arrested for shoplifting at Stop

■ On Jan. 4 three gas meters were taken from Buffalo Wild Wings on Long Beach Road.

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

Oceanside man arrested on assault charges

After a physical confrontation between detectives and Anthony Parella of Oceanside, Parella, 22, was arrested on Jan. 12 and charged with two counts assault, criminal mischief and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.

According to detectives, Parella was involved in a domestic dispute with a family member and left the house before police arrived on the

scene. Later, Parella returned home and was told he was under arrest.

He attempted to run from officers, got into a physical altercation with officers and continued resisting arrest until his hands were restrained.

Anthony Parella

Next redistricting meeting coming up on Jan. 19

The Town of Hempstead Redistricting Commission will be holding their next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

The meeting will be at the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion at Town Hall, located at 1 Washington St., Hempstead.

The meeting will also be live streamed for online audiences at HempsteadNY.Gov/524/ Live-Streaming-Video.

Two detectives suffered injuries to their shoulders and backs as a result of the squabble.

–Karina Kovac

Public Notices Public Notices

Section 0054, Block 00506-00, Lot 00058 & 00138:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING ANS BEING AT OCEANSIDE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 007501/2015. Janine T.

Lynam, 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 ACORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 136326

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE FOR FORMATION of a limited liability company (LLC). The name of the limited liability company is FOXHURST LEGACY LLC. The date of filing of the articles of organization with the Department of State was December 15, 2022. The County in New York in which the office of the company is located is Nassau. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State

shall mail a copy of any process against the company served upon him or her to The LLC, 61 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, New York 11572. The business purpose of the company is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under the laws of the State of New York. 136279

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go

Karina Kovac/Herald HAve A sAy in the maps that will effect upcoming elections.

ACCOUNTANT PART-TIME

In East Meadow

Seeking Experienced Individual For General Ledger Management Financial Reporting, Including Budgets For Federal And State Grants

Send Resume To pvenezia@numc.edu.

Administrative Assistant

For Five Towns Law Firm

Mgmt/ Computer Skills Mandatory Salary Commensurate With Experience. In Office Position

Email Resume To Siberlaw@aol.com

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper grouphas several administrative job openings: Receptionist (P/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible) Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok.

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs. If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

CLEANING PERSON FT Needed For Local Cleaning Company. Will Train. If Interested Call Bill 516-678-5943

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Assist General Contractor. Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER :

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REAL ESTATE

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PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Health Care/Opportunities

IN BRIEF

V.I.Properties

Zina Israelov!!

Welcomes

We are happy to welcome Zina Israelov to Team Rozana and Sara at V.I.Properties. Zina Israelov is an accountant with over 15 years of experience, in a well-known and prestigious real estate company. She holds degrees from Queens College and Hunter College in accounting and psychology, respectively. What Zina loves most is spending time with her grandson and watching basketball with her two boys. She moved to the Five Towns about 15 years ago and it has been nothing but home since day 1. One of her beliefs is that honesty, reliability, and being personable are essential when building trust with clients. This philosophy has driven her to be motivated and committed in finding the perfect home for youwith an easy and smooth experience throughout. Contact Zina at 347-836-1907 or by email zi@rozana-sara.com

Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

All New Construction!

INTRODUCING.… 2697 Morton Avenue. This completely renovated and rebuilt, all new construction 4 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home features an all new eat in kitchen with quartz countertops, shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances. This home boasts two brand new bathrooms, custom moldings, crown moldings and hardwood floors throughout. There is also a full finished basement with high ceilings, all new windows, siding, roof, electric, plumbing along with gas fired hydronic heating system, central air conditioning and driveway. You will enjoy low taxes and no flood insurance is required. $749,000.

A zoning variance for a bigger den?

Q. I wanted to add on to the den on the side of my house. The den has been there since 1930. The problem I’m having is that if I want to make the addition so that it’s in alignment with the current den, the side distance to my property line is too close, by 12 inches, according to my building department. They say that I have to match the code requirement that was adopted in 1938, so instead of having a straight wall going all the way back, I either need to make a jog in the wall or go for a zoning variance. It just doesn’t make sense. I’m not adding a monster-sized addition, just 10 feet by 10 feet on the side of my house, behind tall hedges. My neighbor doesn’t mind, so what can I do about this?

EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch.Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 DRASTIC REDUCTION! $1,469,000 1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout. Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.

Apartments For Rent

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MoneyTo Lend

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

A. Not much, except decide whether you want a ridiculous-looking room with a jog in the wall or want to spend the money and time to go through the zoning variance process. When I see cases like this, I understand the intent of the law, but not the “spirit” of the law. The intent is to prevent the construction of buildings too close to a property line, based on historical catastrophes such as the London fire and the Chicago fire, both of which saw hundreds of lives lost and tens of thousands of buildings destroyed, mainly because of their closeness to one another and their ability to burn easily.

We live in a modern age in which materials have been tested, analyzed, certified and regulated to limit flame spread, and communities have been set up with strict guidelines to leave spaces between buildings for safety and appearance. But knowing, or not remembering, this, communities may invoke the strictness of the law like a stern punishment, or look at the separate conditions and merits of each case, deciding that your straight wall versus a jogged wall isn’t going to hurt anyone and, being located on the side or behind your house, isn’t going to detract from the character of the community.

Some building departments have been given the flexibility to make these decisions, to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and have the authority to give approval for minor issues. Some municipalities have even gone so far as to pass ordinances allowing the discretion of building departments to allow for the alignment of built structures, previously approved, on the first story. It makes sense not to put homeowners through an unnecessary hearing process, sometimes costing thousands of dollars and many months of delay, just so they can have a straight wall.

Allowing alignment with a previously approved part of a building isn’t the same as having a flammable wall too close to a property line or another building. In the long run, a variance will be worth it. Otherwise the weird wall shift won’t be understood or be beneficial to you. Good luck!

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

MERCHANDISE MART

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Miscellaneous For Sale

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FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

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KITCHEN

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OpINIONS

The Republicans have sent in the clowns

One of my all-time favorite comedians was Groucho Marx. He always had the right response to the question of the moment. He used to say, “No matter what you ask for, the answer is no.” That describes the crazy new Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

can candidates who have run for Congress have campaigned on the promise to make government smaller. They made it a point never to explain which programs they were after, because they knew specifics would kill them.

Democratic Senate will no doubt vote against such changes, but that would leave the country without a budget.

of the House majority.

JERRY KREMER

For decades, the federal government has been providing funds for Social Security, Medicare, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Most rational people will tell you that these are crucial parts of the government, but various members of the new majority have targeted these programs for extinction.

When asked why they would seek to end one of these key programs, the individual Republican members would answer, “Because I don’t like it.” The idea that many members of the new majority want to bring government to its knees should be a warning sign to every American.

The Republican effort to dismantle American government is nothing new to political observers. Hundreds of Republi-

Eliminating programs goes along with the entire package of rules that were just adopted by the House of Representatives under the leadership of its new speaker, Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy has wanted to be speaker for over a decade. In 2015 he lost the job to John Boehner, and Boehner gave it to Paul Ryan. This year, for McCarthy, the speakership was now or never.

To avoid never, he agreed to a set of rules changes that at best could be described as insane. At the top of the list is a rule that will allow any one of the 435 House members to make a motion to take away the speakership from McCarthy.

Another rule allows members to single out any federal agency and vote to eliminate its budget. Because the House is empowered to craft the government’s spending plan, this rule could wipe out the entire budget of the Defense Department or the allocation for Medicare, with little or no debate in the House. The

What spells more trouble is a requirement that any increase in the debt ceiling must be matched by reductions in federal spending, which could target Social Security and Medicare. What is the next ugly byproduct of McCarthy’s failure to give into the far-right mob?

Spending limits, counterbalanced by cuts in programs, would create the possibility that Congress would default on its requirement to pay the nation’s debt. A debt default could lead to a global meltdown and a downgrading of America’s credit rating. The Republican House majority threatened debt default under President Barack Obama, but in the end, the Republicans came to their senses and approved the borrowing to keep the government functioning.

Apparently, rules changes weren’t enough for the 20 or so fringe House members as McCarthy sold his soul. In addition to giving in to them on rules, he agreed to appoint them to key committees, including the powerful Rules Committee. In effect, the group of 20 will have more power than the other 202 members

It is important to explain the significance of the appointment of troublemakers to the Rules Committee. The committee has the authority to do virtually anything during the course of consideration of a measure, including deeming it passed. It can rewrite parts of a bill, or the entire measure. House members such as Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, can hold the committee hostage. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Some readers might call these observations partisan, but any student of government will tell you that all of these changes are a recipe for disaster. As an example of the thinking of this power cluster, Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, was asked why he favored cuts in the Defense Department, and he answered that there are too may generals in the military, and we have to get rid of many of them.

When all of these so-called reformers announced their plans, I thought of the word “clowns,” and then the song “Send in the Clowns” popped up in my thinking. Clowns are funny, but not this group of them.

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.

Playing hide-and-seek with top secrets

Imagine my surprise when I opened my toaster oven to slide in a meatloaf and found a bunch of classified documents inside. Wow, I thought, secret docs are really popping up all over the place.

the documents were his because, well, just because. His team resisted turning them over, although the law demands that important papers get returned to the government after a president leaves office.

wizards.

People wondered if spies were hanging around Mar-a-Lago, hoping to read our nuclear codes over the dessert buffet. Or maybe someone was thinking about selling information to the other side, a kind of monetizing of the outgoing presidency.

Let me retreat a bit. After all, I did lose my most precious Covid-19 vaccine card just a week after I got the jab in January 2021. I awoke in the middle of the night and couldn’t remember where I had put it for super-safekeeping. I began to toss the room and the closet.

fight the government’s request to return the papers to safekeeping.

I once forgot to turn off the stove. Another time, I misplaced the code for my bicycle lock. Nearly every day I forget why I jumped up to run upstairs.

The papers were in a folder that said Top Secret, so I read them immediately. Showing up in my oven makes them mine, right? Also, I took the extra precaution of declassifying them by chanting the order of the planets according to their distance from the sun, even Pluto, which is officially a nano planet. I mean, I don’t want to break any laws.

RANDI KREISS

Just a few months ago, everyone was talking about a former president possessing bundles of classified documents, which he or someone close to him stuffed in various cabinets and closets in and around Mar-a-Lago, his golf club and happy place. The Justice Department, not known for leaping into action, actually raided the premises — that’s how worried it was that secrets may have fallen into the hands of spies. The former prez said

A special counsel was appointed by the DOJ to investigate the case of the purloined papers. Think: a kind of Wizard of Oz operating behind a screen.

Starting in early November, more secret documents were discovered, this time in offices and homes owned or formerly occupied by President Biden. He said he was surprised that classified material turned up under his watch, and his people did move with alacrity to give the paperwork back to the proper authorities in the government. Still.

Who is minding the store? How do secrets get passed around and land in somebody’s garage? A second special counsel was appointed. Now we have two

HAfter two days of misery, I tried to contact someone at the vaccine location. Someone there told me I had to appear in person, and even then I might not be successful. So I started all over again, searching my room and closets and, in case I really misplaced it, the fridge and the inside of my sneakers. On Day 4 I found the card exactly where I had put it originally, in a drawer. So I understand these lapses, but my vaccine card isn’t a nuclear code.

Biden apparently set down some papers and then forgot where they were, or when they needed to be returned to the government archives. More likely, he didn’t think about it all, and it was his staff that messed up.

Not so much with the other guy, who claimed possession of what were clearly classified papers and hired lawyers to

But shouldn’t the Secret Service, Homeland Security, the FBI, the president’s briefers and the CIA do better? Hell, I did better hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12. No way MI-5 or the code breakers of Bletchley Park would have stashed spy secrets under a cushion.

I was surprised, but not really shocked, to find the eyes-only documents in my toaster oven. How to get rid of them? Roast? Convection bake? Air fry? I tried them all, and now I have a pile of ashes in my oven that I probably have to bake into another meatloaf, for security reasons.

This may not be the end of the story. All the president’s men and women somehow thought it was OK to store spycraft information in POTUS’s sock drawer or the ottoman at Camp David. Our government, bless its confused leaders, apparently subscribes to a special protocol for keeping secret documents secret, known as L.G.

That would be Loosey Goosey.

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

ell, I did a better job of hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12.

Twenty fringe House majority members have more power than the other 202.

We don’t need Albany’s concrete fist in Nassau

New York has lost Oyster Bay. Well, more accurately, the state has lost 300,000 people — the town’s population — in just a single year.

Only California lost more people from domestic migration in the past year, and it wasn’t by much. But at least according to census numbers, New York can only watch as an average of 820 people move to another state. Each day.

Those are the kinds of numbers you’d expect from a state that’s struggling financially. But New York is anything but. In fact, it’s hard to find a time when New York was more prosperous. It’s just a prosperity that far too many people can’t afford to take part in.

“Over the last 10 years, our state had created 1.2 million jobs, but only 400,000 new homes,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in her recent State of the State address.

Without a robust supply of homes, prices remain high. That’s great for developers and landlords, but bad for everyone else. The simple fact is, if our family members, friends and neighbors can’t afford to live in our communities, they’ll find a neighborhood where they can.

“Many forces led to this state of affairs,” Hochul said.

“But front and center are the local landuse policies that are the most restrictive in the nation. Through zoning, local communities hold enormous power to block growth.”

There are certainly benefits to such power, like preserving neighborhoods’ suburban single-family feel. But that feel isn’t cheap. The median sales price of homes in Nassau County in 2021 was $620,000, according to the state’s taxation and finance department. Outside New York City, the closest counties are Rockland, at $550,000, and Suffolk, at $510,000.

To afford a home like that, you’d have to

make at least $45 an hour — nearly three times the minimum wage. A typical salary in New York pays a little less than $25.

But you can’t work in New York if you can’t live in New York. And with the dearth of truly affordable housing, that just isn’t happening. It’s not that our local government officials don’t want affordable housing. It’s just that many don’t like the best way to create such housing: apartment buildings.

“Between full-on bans of multifamily homes, and onerous zoning and approval processes, they make it difficult — even impossible — to build new homes,” Hochul said. “Think about that. People want to live here, but local decisions to limit growth mean they cannot. Local governments can — and should — make different choices.”

Those choices need to begin here. Between 2010 and 2018, the governor said, counties like Nassau granted fewer building permits per capita than virtually all suburban counties across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and Southern California.

“With less supply, demand drives up prices,” Hochul said. “And who gets squeezed? Middle-income families and low-income families.”

Yet, not to fear, Hochul has a plan to fix it. She calls it the New York Housing Compact, and its intent is to build 800,000 new homes in the state over the next decade, setting “clear expectations for the growth we need, while at the same time giving localities plenty of tools, flexibility and resources to stimulate growth.”

Doing that requires downstate localities like Nassau to increase their housing stocks by 3 percent every three years. That can happen through redevelopment of dilapidated sites like old malls and office parks, incentivizing new housing production, or simply updating zoning rules.

In return, Hochul said, the state will offer new funding for schools, roads and sewers while removing some of the bureaucratic barriers standing in the way of new housing.

But failure to meet these goals on Hochul’s timetable means facing the governor’s mighty concrete fist. Albany will override local authority, and implement what she calls a “new fast-track approval process” to get home construction under way.

That’s one step too far. Forcing such change by trampling local government not only creates a worse mess worse, but also sets a bad precedent for the kind of power the governor wields over these communities.

What the concrete fist needs is a velvet glove in the form of incentives, and good education on what properly planned housing can bring.

There is a constant fear of city encroachment on our suburban way of life, but even a good suburb finds room for everyone from every walk of life. How often do we hear friends talk about how much they enjoy visiting the vibrant town centers of places like Rockville Centre, Long Beach and Lynbrook? All of that is thanks to multifamily housing done right — not just for those who don’t necessarily make a lot of money, but for our young neighbors, who are just starting out in the world, and our older neighbors, looking to downsize and enjoy a simpler life.

This can happen by shining light on these successes, and how housing diversity grows neighborhoods rather than destroying them.

But let’s do it without the threats, without the negativity. Let’s provide the right incentives to make housing more affordable in our communities, and show why our Nassau County neighborhoods are indeed the best places to live.

letters

Next week, a nationwide focus on school choice

To the Editor:

You likely don’t need me to tell you that children all over the country are suffering the academic consequences of the pandemic, and New York is no exception.

A 2022 survey revealed that 52 percent of American families were looking for a new school. To put it in personal terms, in a classroom of 25 students, 13 families are not satisfied with the education their children are receiving.

A great K-12 education for every child is no small undertaking, and we know there are many learning environments that help different students achieve their potential.

Every child is different — with different abilities, personality and needs. In a place like New

Pence can persuade America he’s the president it needs

one thing I should have learned from my 28 years in Congress and the 15 years before that in the maelstrom of New York politics and government is that political life is very tough and all-consuming — especially at the national level.

Now that I’m away from the incessant turbulence of campaigning, and can wake up in the morning knowing I can go back to sleep and not have to worry during the day about prying reporters or angry constituents, I am increasingly aware of how unnatural the political world can be — and usually is.

This was reinforced for me during a recent meeting and subsequent radio interview with former Vice President Mike Pence. The meeting was in the fifth-floor Manhattan office of the Red Apple companies headed by John Catsimatidis, one of New York’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Among John’s companies is 77WABC Radio, which has

become a major political force in New York.

(Full disclosure: I am a 77WABC contributor and co-host, and consider Mike Pence a good friend.)

The meeting with the former vice president was the latest of many that Catsimatidis has had with prospective national and statewide candidates and political heavyweights. Joining him were a number of executives, staff members and Sid Rosenberg, who hosts the station’s most popular show.

It went well from the start. Though his questions about a possible presidential candidacy were probing, Catsimatidis made clear his admiration and respect for Pence. As did the participants. Pence’s demeanor was calm and relaxed, and his answers were thoughtful and coherent.

Following the 50-minute meeting, John, Mike Pence, Sid Rosenberg and I took the elevator down to the 77WABC studio on the second floor to record interviews with Sid for “Sid and Friends,” and with John and me for “Cats at Night.” On both floors, there were the

requisite photos with staff members, studio workers and technicians. Mike Pence handled it all with smiles and good humor. Then he was off to his next engagement with his four staff assistants.

All of this sounds calm and rational. But think of how many times Mike Pence must go through this drill. How many business and political leaders, how many special-interest advocates and former politicians must Mike Pence meet, and how many radio and television interviews must he do, realizing that one word or expressed thought taken out of context could endanger — or even torpedo — his possible campaign?

How many big cities, suburban centers and small towns must he visit? How many early mornings and late nights will he have?

How will he keep to his endless schedule? I couldn’t help but notice the understandably tense looks on the faces of the Pence assistants trying to keep him at least reasonably close to his schedule without offending anyone at these meetings, while thinking about how they

would explain his lateness at the next meeting, and the meetings after that.

Mike Pence’s real challenges, though, as he thinks through a presidential run, are:

■ Figuring out how to claim justifiable credit for his real contributions to the Trump-Pence administration while disclaiming the Trump excesses — particularly the shameful events of Jan. 6, 2021, when Pence acted with courage and honor.

■ Understanding how, in a time of political anger and rage, such a sharply divided nation can be persuaded to get behind a candidate of experience, knowledge and calm demeanor.

These challenges must be met while enduring the exhausting rigors of endless travel, interminable meetings, raising campaign funds, and unexpected news stories about the latest misadventures of Donald Trump. It won’t be easy. It will certainly be difficult. But I, for one, hope that Mike Pence stays in the arena, perseveres, and makes the run.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. A version of this essay previously appeared in The Hill.

Letters

York, families need the flexibility to choose the school that will set their child up for success — whether it’s a traditional public school, a public charter school, a public magnet school, a private school, online learning or home-schooling.

If it’s been a while since you had school-aged children, you may not realize just how different the landscape of options is than it was even a decade ago.

A 2022 survey by the Harris Poll revealed that since the pandemic, home-schooling and public charter schools were the first and second most popular options for parents who decided to switch their children’s schools.

What’s more, some six in 10 parents said their children were happier with the change.

On the other hand, interest in open enrollment in traditional public schools, as well as magnet schools, remains high. Private school choice programs have expanded in many states in the last few years, and learning pods and micro-schools are a new and growing option.

But time is of the essence. Due to the explosion of education options in many places, application deadlines often fall as early as

January for the next academic year.

The upcoming National School Choice Week — Jan. 22-28 — will streamline things for parents through a national public awareness campaign and thousands of events hosted by schools around the country.

Parents who have chosen a school they love can also empower others by sharing their own experiences.

All families can help their kids achieve academic success.

The first step is to choose the perfect school fit, and the best way to do that is by being aware of the local options and regulations.

To learn about the academic alternatives in New York, parents can visit SchoolChoiceWeek.com/ new-york.

While parents in New York and across the country are exploring and choosing schools next week, I hope they can count on all of our support.

SHelBY DOYle Nashville, Tennessee

Doyle is vice president of public awareness of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

Framework

by Carol Vallone

Catching Cinderella up on the news 1,100 miles away — Walt Disney World, Orlando

He should claim credit for his contributions while disclaiming Trump’s excesses.