Oceanside Middle School students, top, looked forward to beginning their high school journey. Above, the high school’s Class of 2023 celebrated at the close of the commencement ceremony last Friday on the school football field. More coverage, Pages 3, 10.
By MoHAMEd FARGHAlY mfarghaly@liherald.com
Mount Sinai South Nassau has named Jose Medina, a Freeport resident and a longtime hospital staffer, Employee of the Year in honor of his dedication to the facility’s mission to providing standard-setting health care.
Medina, an environmental services technician, has worked for nearly 35 years behind the scenes, ensuring that the hospital’s soiled linens and waste are collected and properly removed to be laundered or discarded.
Despite not working in patient care areas, Medina has played a vital part in maintaining MSSN’s cleanliness and safety. “He is our eyes and ears while conducting his work, as he covers the entire building,” Felix Nazario, the administrative director of building services, said. “He’s the unsung hero. He’s not a gentleman that looks for compliments, and he doesn’t expect anything in return. He just does a job every day, and we definitely feel that when he’s not here. When he goes on vacation, right away you know that he’s not in the building.”
Born in Cuesta, near San Jose de la Matas in the Domini-
can Republic, Medina immigrated to the United States in March 1988, in search of a better life for himself and his family. Just over a month later, he began working at Mount Sinai South Nassau, initially in the laundry department before transitioning to his current job. Medina credits a close childhood friend with referring him to the hospital, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey.
“I wanted the American dream, and wanted to do better for myself and my family,” he said of his family.
Each day on the job, Medina handles the physically demanding tasks of pushing, pulling, lifting and dumping close to 2,500 pounds of garbage, medical waste and other materials. Over the course of his career, he has moved a staggering estimated 22,750,000 pounds of it, making clear his dedication to ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for patients and staff alike.
Medina expressed his gratitude for the Employee of the Year award, and said it was a great feeling to be acknowledged after 35 years of hard work. He particularly appreciates the recognition from the Continued on page 13
With summer now in full swing, we’re in need of a the perfect summer beach read, and that’s what Rockville Centre author Zachary Downing had in mind for the release of his second novel, “Manhattan To Montauk.”
Downing, 34, a 2006 graduate of Oceanside High School and a Long Island native, categorizes his story as a “romantic coming-of-age” tale that is set in the area he knows best.
The time period, however, required a bit of research on his part. “Manhattan To Montauk,” is a tale of two lovers, Daisy and Chris, navigating their way through the summer of 1995 — a transitional period of history, mirroring a transitional period in the lives of two young adults who meet in the most transient of seasons.
“Summer can feel like its own existence,” Downing said, and the built-in expiration date of Labor Day raises the question, can a summer romance between the two main characters survive?
Being an author wasn’t in Downing’s plan. His usual method of self-expression was music. A songwriter turned novelist — he notes that “Manhattan To Montauk” came from a song he wrote a long time ago.
At the start of the pandemic, Downing found himself with a lot more downtime. That’s when the idea for his first book, “Flounder,” popped into his head. Downing began to write a little bit every night, teaching himself the ins and outs of long-form writing.
And while a song tells a story in a catchy and concise way, nurturing the story of a novel was far different from the storytelling Downing was used to.
Long-form writing has a structural demand that Downing had to learn on his own, but after trial and error and some input from beta readers, he finally pol-
ished his first book, which was published by through his own independent company, Beggie Books, at the start of 2022.
“Flounder” follows a college freshman in the early 2000s who struggles to find balance in his new life as a college student. His debut novel required little research, because Downing had been a freshman himself in 2006, starting his collegiate career at SUNY-Geneseo, and drew off of his own life experience to set the stage for his story.
Unlike the main characters of “Manhattan To Montauk,” Downing wasn’t a young adult in the mid-’90s, and so his second novel challenged him even further as an author. This time he needed to do research to get the story straight.
From New York City life at the time to the societal and cultural intricacies — Downing made sure to fact-check all the details in order to write an accurate, nostalgic tale. He even references the 1995 Montauk Pine Barrens fire, which is a major turning point in the story.
“The ’90s are coming back in a big way,” Downing said. Which making “Manhattan To Montauk” a suitable read for all ages — including those who lived through the turbulent era of the ’90s and members of the younger generation who are inspired by it. Besides that, we can all relate to the hazy feeling of summer until we’re faced with the stark “implied responsibility” and reality of the fall. So, while you’re still in the dream of summer, add “Manhattan To Montauk” to your beach book list. For more on Downing and his work, visit his website, ZDowning.com.
The threat of rain did not put a damper on the Oceanside High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 23, as the Class of 2023 received diplomas and spread the message of unity outdoors on the Sailor’s turf field.
Looking back on four years of high school that were filled with challenges, valedictorian Lindsay Chetkof and salutatorian Michael Caine reflected on their most memorable moments.
Chetkof said the best way to define the Class of 2023 was one that overflowed with unity.
“Every single person highlighted the support of their classmates, teachers, administrators and the Oceanside community as easily the most memorable and meaningful part of their OHS experience,” Chetkof said. “It wasn’t even close. There truly is no stronger community than that of Oceanside, and it has played a pivotal role in shaping myself and every single one of us into the people we are today.”
Chetkof served as president of the Community Activists Recovering Earth Club and interned as a research assistant in the Hofstra Summer Science Research Program.
Caine was co-president of the National Honor Society, president of Mu Alpha Theta and served as the class president. Throughout his high school tenure, Caine piled up accolades, but in his speech to the class, said that the key to success is the ability to remain humble.
“Those who placed themselves on a pedestal will never succeed,” Caine told the graduating class. “It doesn’t matter how intelligent, athletic, wealthy or strong someone is. Without the clarity to realize that all
of us are on the same level, you will go nowhere in life. After all, people want to be around those who are kind, caring and humble. I advise the Class of 2023 to be the person your peers want to lead them.”
With more stresses and responsibilities on the horizon for the Class of 2023, Caine gave his fellow graduates some words of encouragement.
“We all possess the capabilities and opportunities to have success in our lives,” Caine said. “Success is not measured by grades or popularity, rather it is determined by the attainment of our own personal goals.”
While weather conditions during last week’s graduation ceremonies led to slight changes out of precaution, the community has shown resiliency and the ability to adjust, even when faced with catastrophes.
“We were only in second grade when Superstorm Sandy flooded our homes and destroyed our town,” Chetkof said. “While we may not remember all the details of it, it is impossible to forget how our community banded together to rebuild in the aftermath. School administrators came together to make sure that we had classrooms and materials to work with our parents’ shared generators and helped neighbors rebuild.”
As the students move onto new paths, Chetkof highlighted the unity in Oceanside and the importance of the graduating students in building a strong community as they head to new horizons while keeping the resiliency that they gained through the past years.
“As the entire world seemed to fall apart during the Covid pandemic, our community once again acted as a guiding force, showing us the way to overcome hardships,” she said. “Not only did the Oceanside community overcome these obstacles, but we also came back stron-
ger in spite of them. Always remember that no matter where you are or what you are doing, the Oceanside spirit of support and this community will forever remain in your heart.”Eric Dunetz/Herald lindSay chetKof PraiSed the Oceanside community for overcoming many challenges.
t here truly is no stronger community than that of Oceanside lindSay chetKof Oceanside valedictorianCourtesy Oceanside school district caStleton hiGh School students held their year-end celebration barbecue to cap off their graduation.
Students were recognized as May and June Students of the Month at the June 12 Island Park education board meeting.
The learner profile attribute for May was “balanced,” which describes students who understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives — intellectual, physical, and emotional — to achieve well-being for themselves and others.
They recognize their interdependence with other people and with the world in which they live. Students honored for this learner profile attribute were Nicholas Angelastro (grade 5), Benjamin Katz (kindergarten), Sophia Lajato (grade 6), Nicholas Liao (grade 4), Luke Lo Castro (grade 2), Camila Mata-Jimenez (grade 1),
Gabriel Reyes (grade 7), Liam Young (grade 8) and Mason Yungandreas (grade 3).
The learner profile attribute for June was “reflective,” which describes students who thoughtfully consider the world and their own ideas and experience.
They work to understand their strengths and weaknesses to support their learning and per sonal development. Students honored for this learner profile attribute were Kieran Callanan (grade 6), Mia Castro (grade 3), Chloe Kopsachil is (grade 7), Sean Maloney (grade 2), Jocelyn Morales (grade 5), Valerie Nunez (kindergarten), Adeline Ortega-Coronel (grade 1), Jacquelyn Ramos (grade 8) and Michael Taglianetti (grade 4).
A man driving a 2017 Mercedes Benz lost control of the car when traveling south on Harvey Avenue in Oceanside just before 10:20 p.m. on June 21 and hit a utility pole, two homes and a parked vehicle before overturning, according to Nassau police.
The houses were structurally
damaged but no residents were hurt.
The driver and woman passenger, 37, were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries.
Police said the investigation is continuing.
— Jeffrey BessenA purse containing several credits was stolen from a parked, unlocked 2007 Toyota outside a home on Bellevue Avenue in Oceanside after 9:20 p.m. on June
traveling in a white cargo van.
One of the men is white, 6-foot1 with a medium build, long braider hair, a goatee and tattoos on his left arm and right hand.
The other man is black, six-feet tall with a medium build and has
Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-8477 or 911. All calls are
— Jeffrey Bessen
Photo courtesy of Island Park Public School
It was a banner season for many high school athletic programs in the Herald’s coverage area. Listed are the Top 20 team and individual accomplishments, in chronological order.
1. North Shore cross-country
The North Shore boys’ cross-country team has finally caught up with the girls. On Oct. 29 at Bethpage State Park, both Vikings’ running squads captured the Class III Nassau County championships. For the girls it was old hat. The Neal Levy-coached girls have won 16 of the last 17 county titles – an achievement only surpassed by its stunning unbeaten league-meet record of 195-0. The Vikings girls haven’t lost a meet since 2006. The boys’ recent brilliance is new, having won two of the last three county titles.
2. South Side girls’ cross-country South Side’s strength in numbers proved too much for the competition at the Nassau girls’ cross-country championships Oct. 29 at Bethpage State Park. The result was a third straight county title for the Cyclones. Senior Cameron Coletti, junior Claire Bohan and sophomore Lana Jewett finished 3-4-5, respectively, in the 13-school Class II 5K race and all five South Side scorers earned All-County honors as part of a dominant performance.
Already a county champion in her first season of varsity girls’ soccer, Ryleigh Nocera was not ready for Seaford’s postseason run to end when it took the field Nov. 5 against Babylon in the Long Island Class B title game. The freshman striker made sure that Seaford’s historic playoff journey would continue when just 54 seconds into overtime she was able to control a long throw-in from Kayla Hoehn and fire a shot into the upper left corner for a dramatic 1-0 victory. Nine days earlier, Nocera set up Kaylie Conklin’s OT winner against Wheatley that delivered the Vikings’ first-ever county crown. Goalkeeper Joanna Bello was perfect in both games behind a defense led by Arianna Garcia, Amanda Williamson, Mia Leggio and Amanda Ettinger.
The legend of MacArthur goalkeeper Lexie Thompson was further elevated in the Long Island Class A finals against Shoreham-Wading River Nov. 5. Thompson, who surrendered just one goal all season to that point, recorded her 15th shutout with 11 saves in a 1-0 victory over the Suffolk County Class A champions to propel MacArthur to its first L.I. title since 2011. Junior Sara Kealey gave the Generals the only offense they would need thanks to Thompson’s heroics when she scored 11:32 into the first half from about 20 yards out.
A year after Roslyn spoiled Calhoun’s hopes of back-to-back Nassau Division II boys’ volleyball championships, the Colts returned the favor. Topseeded Calhoun used a balanced attack and took advantage of a second-set lineup gaffe by the Bulldogs to reclaim the county title Nov. 8, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20. Senior Tommy Bello had 20 kills and five blocks, senior libero Brian Sanchez had 23 digs, and senior setter Ryan Pucella had 26 assists to propel the Colts, who also got big efforts from Sean DiPaola and Matt Kalfas.
The Seaford girls’ volleyball team achieved its goal of a repeat county title and established a dynasty in the process. The Vikings once again hoisted the championship plaque after a four-set win against third-seeded North Shore in the Nassau Class B finals Nov. 9. Kailly Nocera, Danielle McHugh and Natalie Masters starred in Seaford’s third county title in four seasons. The Vikings made more history two days later earning the program’s first Long Island championship since 2019 behind Carey-Jean Block’s monster effort in five dramatic sets against Bayport-Blue Point.
7.
A special play on special teams and a late dose of its workhorse running back was all North Shore needed to repeat as Nassau Conference IV football champions. Senior Pat Godfrey recovered senior Michael Granelli’s punt block for a touchdown late in the first quarter and the Vikings never trailed in the 20-6 victory over West Hempstead in the county title game Nov. 18. Senior Nicholas La Rosa added touchdown runs in each of the last two quarters, including a game-sealing 10-yard score with 4:05 remaining, as North Shore won its 19th consecutive game.
8. Calhoun girls’ volleyball
Calhoun left little doubt as to which high school Class A girls’ volleyball team was the best in New York State. After dominating pool play, the Colts completed an incredible run to their first-ever state title by dethroning twotime defending Class A-champion Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 25-11, 25-19, 25-19 in the Nov. 20 final at Glens Falls. Backed by the inspiring play of senior co-captains Julia Lawrence, Ella Maldonado and Victoria Zovich and key contributions from other players in the rotation, the Colts
made good on their preseason mantra of “Road to States,” which coach Christina Strezenec said was put on the team’s white board in response to the previous season’s Nassau County final loss to Wantagh.
9. Calhoun girls’ track
With only 13 members, the Calhoun girls’ track and field team knew it had hardly any margin for missteps Feb. 7 at the Nassau Class B championships; every Colt would have to harvest points – some in multiple events –for the club to avenge a stinging spring loss and claim a second straight county indoor title. In a flurry of personal bests, which included two school records, Calhoun – led by senior Sara Manson and aided by calculation as cold as the air outside the Student Center – fended off rival Valley Stream North to win back-to-back winter championships.
10. Hewlett boys’ swimming
Hewlett dominated relays and produced top three finishers in eight other events on the way to capturing its first Nassau County boys’ swimming championship since the 1991-92 season on Feb. 11. Leading the effort for the well-rounded Bulldogs was junior Jonah Kirschbaum, who captured the 50-yard freestyle title, anchored two winning relays (200 medley and 400 freestyle), and finished runner-up in the 100 freestyle. Sophomores David Kushnirsky (100 breaststroke champion), Ethan Nus and Ethan Silver were also among the key figures.
11. Seaford wrestling
Seaford wrestling made history in more ways than one during the individual county championships Feb. 11. The Vikings tied a program record in qualifying six wrestlers for the New York State Championships during the Nassau’s Division 2 tournament and for the first time since 2004 finished as the top team on the county finals stage.
Seaford produced one county champ, Karl Leudesdorff at 215 pounds, along with five runner-up finishes, which included Ashley Diaz becoming the first female wrestler on Long Island to advance to a county finals match.
12. Wantagh wrestling
Wantagh’s Thomas Bonasera, Anthony Clem and Jesse Vanorden all reached the All-County wrestling podium the previous winter by placing in the top six of their respective weight classes. On Feb. 12 they were back on the big stage at Hofstra and made the most of it. They secured three of the Warriors’ four Nassau Division 1 championships, leading them to a repeat team title along with repeat county champ Joseph Clem. The Warriors racked up 253 points to finish well atop the team standings. Long Beach was runner-up with 208.5.
13. Malverne boys’ basketball
Farvens Ulysse and the Malverne Mules took it to Carle Place early and often en route to another county championship. Ulysse had 10 of his 21 points during Malverne’s explosive run to start the game and Chad Wesley added 13 as the Mules captured their second Nassau County B boys’ basketball title in three seasons with a dominant 60-36 win over the Frogs March 1. Kevin Estime added 12 points for Malverne, which blew out to a 15-0 lead.
14. Baldwin boys’ basketball
For the second Saturday in a row, Jaylen Brown from downtown provided the difference for Baldwin. Brown’s three-pointer from the corner with 56.5 seconds remaining broke the last of six deadlocks and put the Bruins ahead for good in a hard-fought 45-39 victory over Port Washington in the Nassau Class AA boys’ basketball championship game March 11 before an electric crowd of more than 3,500 at Hofstra. It was the third straight county title for Baldwin (21-3), which a week earlier topped Hempstead in the semis on Brown’s three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining.
15. Baldwin girls’ basketball
It was quite fitting Payton Dulin put the finishing touch on Baldwin’s second straight Long Island Class AA girls’ basketball title with a pair of late free throws. After all, it was the sophomore guard’s sensational 17-point performance in the first half March 11 that allowed the Lady Bruins to lead from wire-to-wire in their 39-32 victory over Walt Whitman. Dulin poured in a game-high 19 points and senior Katelyn Simpson added 13 for Baldwin, which shot 7-for-8 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to seal its 22nd win in 24 games.
16. South Side boys’ basketball
South Side seniors Josh Garelle and Rob Pericolosi will be college basketball teammates at SUNY Geneseo, but on March 11 the duo made sure their high school career would get extended in historic fashion. Garelle and Pericolosi each scored 14 points to propel South Side to its first Long Island title since the 1977-78 season with a 45-31 win over Kings Park in the Class A championship game. The two book-ended their scoring outputs with Pericolosi registering 12 of his points in the first quarter alone while Garelle closed strong with 10 in the second half. The Cyclones, who knocked off Manhasset for the county title, finished 25-2.
17. Valley Stream North track
The county championships were again twice as nice for the Valley Stream North track and field teams. The boys’ and girls’ teams swept the Nassau AA spring title for the second straight year at their home track May 23
thanks to a combined five first-place finishes in the field events and six runner-up showings in the running finals. The girls took their fourth straight county crown, with Brooke Fessler (high jump), Nattaly Lindo (shot put) and Moanna Thelusca (discus) winning events and Melissa Innocent placing second in three events. The boys’ captured their 14th championship in 17 years led by winners Joshua Lopez (shot put) and Ethan Smalls (discus.)
18. Seaford baseball
Billy Kind created history for Seaford baseball when he struck out the final batter in a 1-0 Nassau Class B finals Game 2 win against Wheatley May 26. The senior pitcher tossed a one-hitter with seven strikeouts to clinch Seaford’s sweep of the best-of-three championship series and garner the program’s its first-ever county title. In Game 1, senior Sean Costello threw a complete-game shutout, striking out eight in a 6-0 victory. Costello scored the lone run in Game 2 on Nick Apollo’s single. The Vikings finished 22-2.
19. MacArthur softball
MacArthur entered the Nassau Class A softball championship series undefeated and riding a 23-game winning streak including a pair against Clarke, but the Rams took the opener and put a notch in the Generals’ loss column for the first time since 2022. However, MacArthur rebounded in a big way behind senior pitcher Taylor Brunn, and after it stayed alive with her Memorial Day shutout secured the county title the following afternoon with a 12-5 win. MacArthur, in capturing its first Nassau crown since 2017, scored four runs in the bottom of the first, exploded for five runs in the fourth and added three more in the sixth. Sofia Anderson and Hailey Feiler had three RBIs apiece.
20. Seaford softball
In the bottom of the ninth inning of a scoreless Long Island Class B softball championship game June 1, Seaford was threatening after a walk to Gabby Bellamore and
some nifty bunts by Jamie Young and Katie Young that gave Center Moriches trouble. The bases were loaded for Kaitlyn Young. Some may have cracked under the pressure, but she was all smiles at the plate. On a 2-1 count Young drilled a fastball to left field and a would-be sacrifice fly dropped in for a single, walking off the game 1-0 for the Vikings and giving them the L.I. title. It marked the program’s first since 2005. Pitcher Skyler Secondino allowed only three hits and struck out 15.
There were 270 reported deaths from overdoses in Nassau County in 2021. Of those, nearly three-quarters of them involved fentanyl, an opioid analgesic said to be 100 times stronger than morphine.
And that must come to an end, according to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. And for her, it all starts in the halls of Capitol Hill through a bill that’s already earned the support of not only the Nassau County Police Department Center, but lawmakers and leaders on both sides of the political aisle.
Gillibrand’s Fend Off Fentanyl Act was introduced in Nassau County last week by Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Long Island advocate Carole Trottere, and Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence executive director Steve Chassman.
“No community has been left untouched by the deadly impacts of silent killers like fentanyl, including Long Island,” Gillibrand said. “Just last year, the DEA seized enough deadly doses of fentanyl in New York for more than three times the state’s population.”
The bill targets both cartels as well as people involved in producing and trafficking drugs into the United States, the senator said. The legislation will “better empower” the government to sanction drug traffickers and combat money laundering schemes that make this trade profitable.
“We have lost far too many lives to fentanyl overdoses,” Gillibrand said. “And I am committed to work-
ing with my colleagues in congress to keep our communities safe from deadly synthetic opioids.”
Gillibrand’s bill is intended to provide more resources to law enforcement and police officers on Long Island. This will then help them “trace these transnational criminals,” find the supply chain of these drugs, and then shut down these drugs deals on a local level. Gillibrand said fentanyl is “making the strengths of these drugs so much stronger than ever imagined,” which is why she is working on finding their source.
Trottere has fought against fentanyl since her son was fatally poisoned in 2018 when he was just 30 years old. He was a licensed welder and had a great job before dying, she said. And when his life ended, Trottere’s “nightmare began.”
“Unfortunately, my story is far from unique,” she said. “Disturbingly, fentanyl and opioids have quickly become the leading cause of death among adults 18 to 45. Last year on Long Island, there were over 500 deaths from fentanyl and opioids. That means over a thousand parents became members of the club that
nobody wants to join.”
These young people who died too early could have contributed a lot to the world, Trottere said, but we’ll never know what that would have been. She is certain about one thing, however: the feeling of grief. The pain that follows the death of a child is “unimaginable.”
“To the young people out there, I understand that death is not on your mind,” Trottere said. “It’s probably graduating, which is what it should be. But when you take any street drug or accept a pill from a friend at a party, or buy drugs from someone you don’t know, it could be the last thing you do.”
Fentanyl is getting mixed with everything, Ryder said. “Cocaine, crack, heroin, and even some marijuana in some situations.”
Some may not even know it, Ryder said. Adderall — used to help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — is abused by students in schools to help them focus. But it could very well be laced with fentanyl, intended to get them addicted, and then prompting them to buy more.
This is the “business model” that Ryder has been seeing kill people across Long Island.
“It is sickening how fentanyl traffickers continue to profit by peddling deadly poison to our communities and our children,” Nassau County legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said, in a statement. “Sen. Gillibrand’s Fend Off Fentanyl Act will strengthen ongoing efforts to keep this deadly, highly addictive drug out of our nation, and empower law enforcement to seize the ill-begotten gains being made at the expense of sick and suffering addicts.”
No community has been left untouched by the deadly impacts of silent killers like fentanyl, including Long Island.
KIRSTEN GIllIBRaNd U.S Senator
No matter the industry, businesses around the world are undergoing dramatic changes to the way they operate. From technology and skill development to cultural barriers to self care and mental health, every organization must adapt and evolve or risk being left behind.
As we navigate a time of pivotal change, the Herald’s 2023 WE Summit presented by Bank of America brings together thought leaders, innovators and barrier-breaking women for conversations around this year’s theme: The Future is Now.
South oceanSide Road Elementary School 4 students are excited to move up.
FloRence a. Smith Elementary School 2 students made their way up the stage for their certificates.
the end-oF-theyeaR ceRemony was a special moment for Oaks Elementary School 3 students.
Island Park Library’s annual Flag Day Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 17. The Island Park Fire Department brought fire trucks and an ambulance to honor the Flag Day Ceremony.
The Scouts of BSA Troop 215B performed the ceremony during which the Library’s current flag was retired and a new flag was raised. U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito presented the Island Park Library with a flag, which had been flown over the U.S. Capitol building in Washington.
The presentation took place in the Library’s Heidi Krystall Memorial Children’s Courtyard, next to the flagpole. Long Beach resident Eileen Pollis sang the national anthem after the raising of the new flag.
The library accepted the donation of a POW/MIA flag from the American Legion Post 1029. Cmdr. Patrick Martin spoke about the meaning of the flag.
library board vice president Joseph Ponte, and board president Elen Levitt.
Photos courtesy Island Park LibraryDon’t expect rents to rise next this coming year — that is, if you’re living in a rent-stabilized apartment in Hempstead village. Everywhere else? Be ready to pay more.
That was the decision of the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board last week, hearing the concerns voiced by Hempstead village renters at an open forum earlier this month, The rest of Nassau County could see rents climb by 1 percent for one-year leases, and 2 percent for two-year leases beginning Oct. 1.
The passing vote came after a series of contrary motions were denied by the board, including one by landlord representative Barry Stein, who proposed an increase of up to 6.5 percent before being drowned out by a series of boos from tenants and advocates in attendance.
Stein’s justification for such an increase? Rent income increased nearly 3 percent while expense increases more than doubled that. Then there’s the rising property taxes in Nassau County, rising house insurance costs, and mortgage rates doubling. They were numbers Stein called “unsustainable.”
Stein also asserts the state’s reported profit figures by landlords are overblown, incorrectly looking at entire buildings — includes units not subject to regulation.
Alternatively, board member Rob
AfteR it wAs all said and done, members of the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board decided regulated rents would rise for the second year in a row, despite some tenants and political groups calling not only for a freeze, but a rollback to pre-pandemic levels.
Rychlowski explained tenants like him are overburdened.
“We heard a lot of things from the landlords about the rising cost of living, but what about how that disproportionately affects the tenants?” he asked. “Mr. Stein is arguing that we shouldn’t be using their overall profit margin because it combines non-regulated housing along with regulated housing.”
Despite these claims, landlord profits are at record highs, according to the
state’s New York State Division of housing and community renewal division.
Another member, Martin Melkonian, also pointed out data suggesting rent-stabilized buildings consistently rise in value. That suggests to him this is a profit enterprise — not simply for the cash flow, but for asset growth. And that many ordinary property owners have enormously benefited from rising values.
“Over the past 20 years, the net operating income continues to rise,” Melkonian
said. That net operating income peaked at 38 percent in 2022, “which is the highest it’s been, despite the fact that the expenses have gone up, and admittedly, rents have not followed along. Nevertheless, net operating income continues to rise. What explains that?”
At least from Melkonian’s point of view, despite regulation, landlords do pretty well in terms of cash flow, and extremely well in terms of the rapidly rising property value of their buildings over time.
Following the vote, Jeremy Joseph, — an organizer with the Working Families Party and the Nassau County Democratic Socialists of America — said he is disappointed with the overall vote, but will accept the small victory for Hempstead village residents while acknowledging the long road ahead.
“All tenants in Nassau County deserve a rent reduction,” Joseph said. “Anything less than that is not enough.”
Prior to the vote, the board heard tenants from Hempstead directly, and that members who are not usually on our side were compelled to vote for no raise.
“Just imagine if they gave that same attention to all the municipalities in the county,” Joseph said. “But they don’t. They only have a few hearings.
“If we had a hearing in Freeport and Rockville Centre, they would have heard all the same stuff they heard in Hempstead.”
Brandon Cruz/Herald
hospital’s administration, because it confirms that they see and appreciate his efforts. Medina feels valued for more than just his work, honored for his character, commitment and positive impact on the Environmental Services Department and the entire hospital.
“I feel that after 35 years, all this hard work was worth it,” Medina said.
“I appreciate the leadership team for finally recognizing me after 35 years of hard work. All this time, I thought I was invisible.”
His meticulous attention to detail and focus on maintaining cleanliness contribute significantly to the overall patient experience and quality care at the hospital, administrators say. Medina also understands the importance of creating a positive first impression, ensuring that patients and visitors alike see a clean and well-maintained environment when they arrive.
“I make sure everything is disposed of properly,” he said. “From garbage to regulated medical waste and linen, I ensure that everything leaves the facility accordingly. My focus is on maintaining the loading dock area, which is crucial, because it serves multiple departments and experiences high traffic. When I’m not present, that area could easily become a mess. That’s why I stand out in my job, because I take pride in ensuring that the loading dock area is impeccable.”
While his work is physically demanding, Medina has managed those demands to prevent injury. He understands the mechanics of the loads he moves, and is mindful of the proper techniques for bending and lifting. He attends training sessions twice a year to stay updated on best practices, further ensuring his safety and the effectiveness of his work.
In his spare time, Medina plays tennis, spends time
Mount Sinai South Nassau has named Jose Medina, an environmental services technician, Employee of the Year after 35 years of ensuring proper waste disposal and maintaining cleanliness throughout the hospital. From left were Josh Yedvab, vice president of human resources and business development; Felix Nazario, administrative director of building services; Andy Triolo, vice president of facilities, planning and development; President Dr. Adhi Sharma; Medina; Stacey Conklin, chief nursing officer; Bill Allison, CEO and executive vice president of administration; Dr. Alan Wong, chief medical officer; and Stefanie Bradley, environmental services supervisor.
with his family, and making regular visits to the Dominican Republic.
At the hospital, his dedication to his job and his commitment to maintaining the facility’s high standards have earned him the respect and admiration of
his colleagues and the rest of the staff.
“He’s a great attribute,” Nazario said. “He’s going to go in a couple of years, he’s going to retire, and it’s going to be very hard to replace him. It’s not easy to do that job, and he does it without fail every day.”
“An empty bag cannot stand upright.”
“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”
“Anoint a villain and he’ll stab you: stab him and he’ll anoint you.”
“An old young man will be a young old man.”
“Don’t think to hunt two hares with one dog.”
“Eat few suppers and you’ll need few medicines.”
“Great almsgiving, lessens no man’s living.”
“Happy’s the wooing that’s not long a doing.”
“He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.”
“If your riches are yours, why don’t you take them with you to the other world.”
“Lost time is never found again.”
“The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?”
“They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.”
“The sleeping fox catches no poultry.”
the gourmet kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, with ample
Welcome to this beautifully designed colonial, which is a perfect blend of modern luxury and timeless sophistication. As you approach the property you are greeted by a manicured landscape and graceful front porch, which exude a warm and inviting ambiance. Upon entering the foyer, it leads you into the main living area featuring a cozy yet spacious living room, ideal for gatherings and relaxation. The adjacent formal dining room is perfect for hosting intimate dinner parties or celebrations, and the gourmet kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, with ample cabinet space for all your culinary needs. The primary bedroom is a tranquil oasis with an ensuite bathroom, and two oversized closets provide ample storage for your wardrobe. The remaining bedrooms are spacious and bright. Step outside to a large backyard perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding.
Contact me for a private showing
516-865-2473
atolmach@bhhslaffey.com
“The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.”
“When you’re good to others, you are best to yourself.”
“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island chief executive Jimmy Jack along with Habitat’s community development and special projects director Mymissa Stone accept a $2,000 donation from Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive. They were joined, center, by Herald Community Newspapers sales vice president Rhonda Glickman, and RichnerLive executive director Amy Amato.
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island will have a little extra money moving forward, thanks to the celebrated movers and shakers in real estate.
The local non-profit received a $2,000 donation from Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, money raised during the Herald Real Estate Achievers + Leaders Awards Gala, otherwise known as the Herald REAL Awards Gala.
Habitat for Humanity is an affordable home and property developer that raises funds and creates partnerships allowing hard-working families the ability to become homeowners on Long Island. The
local foundation’s chief executive, Jimmy Jack, as well as the community development and special projects director Mymissa Stone, accepted the check on the organization’s behalf.
“The foundation really promotes the idea that we’re building a legacy and enabling that family to be homeowners,” Stone said.
The gala took place in March, honoring a number of real estate professionals across the industry — and Long Island.
To learn more about how you can support Habitat for Humanity of Long Island,
The American Flag on the other side of this page patriotic sponsors listed below and is dedicated great tradition
their
We strongly
he sky will be aglow for the annual spectacle that marks our Independence Day, always a rousing celebration. While the main event is Tuesday, of course, the county-wide festivities begin Saturday, with plenty of local fireworks to enjoy.
TD Bank Celebrate America at Eisenhower Park
Journey back in time to 1960s Detroit and the birth of the Motown sound, when Motor City Revue visits the Landmark stage. This 13-piece tribute band will have you dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others. From Hitsville to Soulsville, they’ll perform it all, with a passion and delivery of the true Motown sound that is undeniable. Their ability to match the vocal harmonies and instrumental mix that distinguished the original recordings is not to be missed. Everyone will be humming along to these iconic tunes in this authentic re-creation of the great era that revolutionized the music industry. Their music is about peace, love and soul that defined a generation and retains its power today.
Friday, June 30, 8 p.m. $47, $42, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
it may not always seem so). Other popular festivities involve the historical aspect of our nation’s birthday. Consider a visit to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Saturday and Sunday, for the historic site’s annual re-creation of a Fourth of July celebration as commemorated during the Civil War.
By Karen BloomEisenhower Park is a popular spot to view the pyrotechnic spectacle, as part of its annual holiday double bill that also includes a concert. The park around Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre will be filled with visitors celebrating the lead-up to the holiday, Saturday, July 1, to enjoy some tunes and watch as the skies light up at the county’s Independence Day extravaganza.
The prelude, which starts at 7 p.m., includes a drone and laser light show, followed by a performance by the county’s winner of its recently concluded Battle of the Bands competition. That sets the stage for the colorful fireworks that follow, presented by the famed Grucci family, at dusk, simulcast by WALK 97.5 FM.
Of course, there is no formal seating, so bring blankets or chairs. Space is limited, and overflow will be directed to other viewing and parking areas. The rain date is July 2.
Celebrate America
• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• July 1, 7-10 p.m.
• Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
The setting marks the departure of local Union soldiers — new recruits — and the nation’s 85th anniversary. The weekend events, which run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., include contra dancing, patriotic speeches, musket firing and children’s games, along with a ceremony and parade, against the backdrop of historic music performed by the Old Bethpage Village Brass Band.
• NassauCountyNY.gov
Jones Beach Fireworks
• July 4, 9:30 p.m.
• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum
• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.
Families may also want to check out i.Fly Trapeze, the acrobatic/ circus arts venue nearby in the park.
Or visit the summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt in Oyster Bay for Sagamore Hill’s annual presidential-style Independence Day festivities. Commemorate the holiday in the Roosevelt tradition, at the former presidential residence, on Tuesday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.
• July 1-2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage
The 26th president would gather with his extended family and friends at Sagamore Hill for a day of celebration. Cousins and friends enjoyed the day here participating in flag-waving outdoor activities.
Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.
The beach light show, a longstanding tradition, is eagerly awaited by the throngs of folks who make that yearly holiday trek to Jones Beach on July 4. The vivid display, beginning at 9:30 p.m., is a spectacular 25-minute display using state-of-the-art pyrotechnic technology. The dazzling colors and sights always thrill, accompanied by rousing musical array of patriotic songs simulcast by WALK 97.5 FM and KJOY 98.3 FM.
• OldBethpageVillage Restoration.org
Sagamore Hill
“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”
• July 4, noon-4:30 p.m.
• 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay
• NPS.gov or (516) 922-4788
This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.
Of course, expect crowds. As always, thousands of hardy souls brave Jones Beach’s jam-packed thoroughfares to get a spot to see the light show. More than 250,000 people generally visit, so an early arrival is a must. “Center stage” is the Central Mall, but fireworks are visible throughout the length of the beach.
Highlights include tours of the Roosevelt home, a concert with the Calliope Brass Band, a holiday-themed Junior Ranger Program, assorted lawn games and crafts for kids, historical exhibits at the Old Orchard Museum, and even an appearance by the president himself as portrayed by re-enactor Joe Wiegand. He will mingle with visitors and read from the Declaration of Independence.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
A summer tradition returns to Eisenhower Park. Settle in with Music director Louis Panacciulli and his orchestra for an evening of crowd-pleasing tunes outdoors. Hear the orchestra interpret the best in popular and light classical music, including several toe-tapping Big Band selections. The program, Salute to Stage and Screen, includes ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ Sinatra selections, a tribute to John Williams, ‘Annie Get Your Gun,’ the best of Billy Joel, Louie Armstrong, and more. Longtime vocalists Jack and Ann Cassin are also back again, as guest soloists, joining the orchestra songs from some of Broadway’s greatest productions. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and settle for a relaxing evening of music under the stars.
Left
The holiday celebration involves more than fireworks (although
Right
“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”
Friday, July 7, 8 p.m. Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.
July 6
The legendary band is back on tour, appearing on The Paramount stage
Thursday, July 6, 8 p.m. Now their fifth decade, Three Dog Night claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets. Their hits continue to weave through the fabric of pop culture today; songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize the band’s continuing popularity. Not content resting on legacy alone, Three Dog Night is always working to expand its audience. Maintaining an aggressive, year-round touring schedule, the band performs their hit-filled concerts for generation-spanning audiences. Their now-famous name refers to native Australian hunters in the outback who huddled with their dogs for warmth on cold nights; the coldest being a “three dog night.” $99.50, $59.50, $44.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, PhD, for a Director’s Seminar, Sunday, July 9, 3 p.m.
He’ll discuss “Oscar Wilde: The Critic and His Artists,” examining the endlessly fascinating author who was connected to a glittering circle of artists. His friends included Toulouse-Lautrec (who painted his portrait on the eve of his legal demise), the Pre-Raphaelites BurneJones, Morris and Millais, Whistler and Sargent (his neighbors on Tite Street in London’s Chelsea), and the naughty prodigy Aubrey Beardsley. Participation is limited; registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, July 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Janell Cannon’s “Stellaluna.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Theatricals brings the iconic musical “Rent,” to Eisenhower Park, Thursday, July 6, 7 p.m. The acclaimed reimagining of “La Vie Boheme,” loosely based on Puccini’s opera and set on East Village streets, fire escapes, tenements, and cafes. This groundbreaking roller coaster ride depicting the joys and sorrows of an eclectic, diverse group of young artists and activists is always captivating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Looking for a relaxing place to hang out and meet new people? Drop by the Oceanside Library Community Room, every Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. to make new memories. Come alone or with friends. Craft supplies, games and snacks will be available. 56 Atlantic Ave. Visit OceansideLibrary.com for info.
Stroll Old Westbury Gardens with Gabriel Willow, a New York Citybased urban naturalist and environmental educator, Saturday, July 8, 7:309:30 p.m. He will lead a walk through the gardens to listen and look for bats while discussing bat ecology and conservation. All ages are welcome. Space is limited and reservations are required. Rain date is Saturday, July 15. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.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.
Enjoy a night of fun and wrestling supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The second annual Michael Fischer Memorial Fundraiser, Saturday, July 8, 5 to 9 p.m., at Baldwin American Legion #246, includes the intercounty tag title match between “Wild Boyz” Papa Clout and Tristan Kyle vs. “The Professionals” Adam Baker and Sean Wokter. Also the ECPW Long Island title match with Marc Static vs. Robbie Rebel; NY WC title match, featuring The Big O vs. Brad Benson; Savage Shade and Splendid Bobby C, and more. With raffles, music, food, drinks. 2754 Grand Ave. $15 in advance; $20 at door. More information at ECPW1.com or call (516) 867-9873.
The R.E.E.F. program is looking for volunteers 18 years or older to work alongside adults with diverse abilities. The program is hosted at the Oceanside Library bi-weekly and will focus on diving into life skills in a fun way. There is a Google form at OceansideLibrary. com.
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, June 30, noon. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 3330048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
Ever read a story and thought, “I can do that!” Or missed coverage in your local paper simply because the newsroom didn’t have enough resources?
Now could be your chance to do something about it. And the New York Press Association — the statewide organization representing news outlets like the very newspaper you’re reading — is offering training to neighbors just like you interested in covering news for the local newspaper.
The free four-part online program focuses on ethics, accuracy in reporting, interviewing techniques, and how to write clearly. Everyone who completes all four sessions and pass a written test will receive certification as a community journalist from the association.
“We’re not aiming to replace traditional journalists with this program,” said Judy Patrick, the association’s vice president for editorial development, in a news release. “We’re working to expand local news coverage and build on our industry’s longstanding tradition of community correspondents.”
The one-hour sessions include an introduction to journalism that will explain the First Amendment and the business of newspapers. The differences between news and opinion and news and advertising. And discussing news literacy and ethics.
The second session focuses on basic news writing, the “inverted pyramid” method of writing, and how to write a lede. There also will be discussion on checking facts, how to avoid libel, and the difference between “off-therecord” and “on background,” as well as how to follow
recommended writing styles, story accuracy, and writing clearly.
On the job in the third session, participants can explore how to comport themselves on the job, how to find news and interview story subjects and sources, the variety of stories — from hard news to features — how to find and develop sources, and why deadlines matter.
The basics of local government across the state will be covered in the last session, along with how to write about governmental financial budgets, education and politics, learning about basic investigative tools, open government tools in New York, and social media. Offered four times a year, the first online session is set to run between July 10 and July 13 beginning at 4 p.m.
Free registration is open through July 7 by emailing judy@nynewspapers.com.
More women are leading businesses than ever before, and Bank of America is on the forefront to support those efforts, whether across the country or here on Long Island.
Bank Of America has been named the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Women’s Executive Summit, set for Monday, Aug. 7 at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.
Hosted by Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, the WE Summit highlights how every business around the
world is undergoing salient changes to the way they operate, no matter what industry they’re in.
From technology use and investment. To skill development and cultural barriers. To equal pay and going hybrid — or fully remote. Every organization must adapt, or run the risk of being left behind.
As we navigate this time of pivotal change, the 2023 WE Summit brings together thought leaders, innovators, and barrier-breaking women for conversations around the theme “The Future is Now.”
“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Bank of America at the
Women’s Executive Summit,” Amy Amato, executive director of RichnerLive, said in a release. “Since the pandemic, the work space has evolved dramatically, and we are bringing thought leadership together to help navigate these uncharted water.”
For more information on how to be a part of the Women’s Executive Summit, visit RichnerLive.com/2023-wesummit.
SEPT 27, 2023
Courtesy Bank of America
ThE inAuguRAl WOmEn’S Executive Summit — presented by Bank of America and hosted by Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive — takes place Monday, Aug. 7 at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME
COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, DEUTSCHE
BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE IN TRUST FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I TRUST 2006HE6, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE6, Plaintiff, vs. THOMAS COCCHIOLA, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 7, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 181 Nassau Parkway, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 142 and Lot 456. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,159,297.51 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #6777/2014. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 139919
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
INDEX NO. 616678/2022
COUNTY OF NASSAU
BANC OF AMERICA
FUNDING CORPORATION
2007-6, U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE Plaintiff, vs.
JANET GUSTAFERRI A/K/A
JANET VAUGHAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES
GUSTAFERRI A/K/A
CHARLES H. GUSTAFERRI; DANIEL GUSTAFERRI, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE
TO THE ESTATE OF CHARLES GUSTAFERRI;
LORI BRADY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF CHARLES
GUSTAFERRI; UNKNOWN
HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES GUSTAFERRI
A/K/A CHARLES H. GUSTAFERRI, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real
property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; ETR INC D/B/A EMPIRE TAX REDUCTIONS INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged
Premises: 132 DAVISON AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572 Section: 38, Block: 363, Lot: 85, 86 & 87
To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $312,900.00 and interest, recorded on March 06, 2007, in Liber M 31630 at Page 257, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New
York., covering premises known as 132 DAVISON AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated:June 5, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff
Aric H. Peymann, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 140122
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff - againstRICHARD ALVAREZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 19, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501
“Rain or Shine” on the 20th day of July, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvement thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 3521 Anchor Place, Oceanside, New York 11572. (Section: 54, Block: 441, Lot: 24, 25, 27) Approximate amount of lien $1,229,169.25 plus interest and costs.
York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 Dated: May 17, 2023 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
140212
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, Pltf. vs. INTERCONTINENTAL AMERICA FREIGHT SERVICES, INC S/H/A INTERCONTINENTAL AMERICA FREIGHT SERVICES INC., et al, Defts. Index #613354/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 16, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 25, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. premises k/a 1010 California Place S., Island Park, Ny 11558 a/k/a Section 43, Block 100, Lots 26-27, 68-70 and 127. Said property designated on Map of Island Park, Long Beach, shown part of holdings of Island Park Long Beach Inc., Sheet 14, W.E. Howard, C.E., dated December 29, 1925 and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on Dec. 29, 1925 as Map No. 587 and also shown on Map No. 572 as and by Lots 26, 27 and 27A and dock plots 26, 27 and 28 in Block 106. Approximate amount of judgment is $570,956.30 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. PETER KRAMER, Referee - (516) 510-4020. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 165 Eileen Way, Ste. 101, Syosset, NY 11791. #100476 140250
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER, V. JAMES LOPEZ, ET. AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE
The Red PanTs band kicked off summer reading at Island Park Library. Some 100 Island Park residents visited the public library last Friday to hear Danny Weinkauf’s band. The longtime bassist for They Might Be Giants started the Red Pants Band in 2014.
sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501 on July 25, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 165 NASSAU LANE, ISLAND PARK, NY 11558: Section 43, Block 50, Lot 307: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF ISLAND PARK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 611056/2019. Edward Andreas Vincent, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
205B, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 16, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 3648 Lorrie Drive, Oceanside, NY 11572. Sec 60 Block 87 Lot 9. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 11th day of July 2023, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to REPEAL “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following location:
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 002678/2010. Michael Joseph Sepe, Esq., Referee.
Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s)McCalla
for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New
IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 26, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER is the Plaintiff and JAMES LOPEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will
140289
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, LLC, Plaintiff against 3648 LORRIE DR CORP, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 7 Wells Street, Suite
Approximate Amount of Judgment is $811,242.08 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 610118/2020. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee (516) 5104020 23-000882-01 140297
OCEANSIDE STUART PLACE (TH 131/23) North Side - Section 202-13 30 MINUTE PARKING 8AM3PM EXCEPT SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 221 feet east of the east curbline of Long Beach Road east for a distance of 34 feet.
(Adopted 5/23/23) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: June 20, 2023 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 140438
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, PS FUNDING, INC., Plaintiff, vs. W HENRIETTA PROPERTIES LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 3, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 307 West Henrietta Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 345 and Lot 43. Approximate amount of judgment is $696,448.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614017/2020. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Chartwell Law, One Battery Park Plaza, Suite 710, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140400
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
Help Wanted Administrative Assistant For Five Towns Law Firm Mgmt/ Computer Skills Mandatory Salary Commensurate With Experience. In Office Position Email Resume To Siberlaw@aol.com
BOOKKEEPER/ OFFICE MANAGER: Small Merrick CPA Firm Seeks PT Bookkeeper/ Office Manager 4 Mornings/ Week. Individual Must Have Knowledge Of Payroll Taxes, Sales Taxes, General Ledger + Bank Reconciliations. Knowledge Of Tax Software Helpful. Prior CPA Firm Experience Preferred. Call 516-379-1663, Email Resume jacobsandco@optonline.net
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
Needed For Garden City Law Firm. Responsibilities Include Filing, Ordering And Stocking Office Supplies,
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
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MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.
Will Consider Part
PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
This home is a 2023 new construction. It is FEMA compliant, with elevator, on a wide block. This home has three bedrooms, 3.5 baths with 9 foot ceilings. The Ground floor has a one car garage, finished interior with sheetrock and ceramic tile floors along with a coat closet. The Second floor features three bedrooms, utilities, linen closet and laundry room. The Third floor consists of a state-of-the-art kitchen, formal dining area, open great room with cathedral ceilings, gas fireplace, and a powder room.
97 Minnesota Ave Long Beach
Q. We need some advice on how to pick a contractor. Our neighbors down the street are going through a tough time with delays, seemingly shoddy work that didn’t pass inspection and extra costs for things they didn’t want or expect. Do you have any suggestions on how to interview a contractor, and what to ask about or look for in their proposal? We want to avoid what our neighbor is going through.
A. Continuing from last week, make a checklist of questions. Ask how long the contractor has been in business, and check the information with New York state. Businesses are registered in the state Department of State database, at dos. ny.gov. If the company isn’t there, ask if they have a different name — but ask. Giving a large sum of money to a business without confirming who they are is risky.
Car Att Gar. Endless Possibilities! SD#14 $1,349,000
1025 Seawane Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Beautiful 4 BR, 4.5 Bth Contemporary Home on ½ Acre Resortlike Prop. LR, DR, EIK & Family Room All Overlooking IG Gunite Pool & Magnificent Landscaping. Soaring Ceilings, Loads of Natural Light. Fabulous House For Entertaining. Circular Driveway, 2 Car Att Gar. SD #14 $1,899,000
246 Adams Rd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes!
SD#20 $2,500,000
HEWLETT
1638 Ridgeway Dr, BA, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Well Maintained 6 BR, 3.5 Bth 3500
Sq Ft Exp CH Colonial on Beautiful St. LR/Fpl, Spac Fam Rm/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sun Rm
Overlooking 1/3 Acre Resortlike Prop, IG Lap Pool, Hot Tub, Bar & Gazebo. FBsmt. 2
Car Gar. SD#20 $1,149,000
1193 E. Broadway # M23, BA, Move Right Into This Stunning Gut Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Garden Town. Gourmet Kit W/Thermdore St Steel Appl Opens Into
DR & LR. Primary BR w/Bth Plus Spac 2nd BR. W/D in Unit. New Self Controlled
CAC. Oak Flrs, LED Lights. Near LIRR. Parking Avail. SD#14. You Don’t Want to
Miss This REDUCED! $359,000
1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2
Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz
Kit, LR
Open Houses
HEWLETT BAY PARK 7/2, 11-12:30
190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..REDUCED $2,999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba
HEWLETT HARBOR BA, 1025 Seawane Dr,NEW TO MARKET! Beautiful 4 BR, 4.5 Bth Contemporary Home on Ω Acre Resortlike Prop. LR,DR, EIK & Family Room All Overlooking IG Gunite Pool & Magnificent Landscaping.Soaring Ceilings, Loads of Natural Light. Fabulous House For Entertaining. Circular Driveway, 2 Car Att Gar. SD #14...$1,899,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETT HARBOR BA, 1051 Channel Dr, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! 3/4 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Beautiful Ω Acre Parklike Property. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, Spac LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities!
SD#14...$1,349,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429
HEWLETT HARBOR BA 246 Adams Rd, NEW TO MARKET! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar.Low Taxes!
SD#20..$2,500,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
Real Estate
MOTIVATED SELLER: 44 Mohawk Way, Elizabethtown, NY Adirondack Mountain Home overlooking village.Stunning attention to details, blazing internet, close to I-87 and Ferry to Vermont. Christine Benedict, 518-593-0533 or Christine.adkrealtor@gmail.com
Anthony M. Ponte Broker Owner
Stonegate Real Estate
2A Poole Street Oceanside, NY 11572 Cell: (516) 852-2071 Office: (516) 740-2777
Open Houses
WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14.Near All!..$999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
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Cemetery Plots
CEMETERY PLOT FOR TWO For Sale: Pinelawn Cemetery. Garden Of Normandy North. Price Negotiable. 516-375-1905
Next, contact the Department of Consumer Affairs, which issues the contractor’s license. This serves more than one purpose, by confirming the contractor has a clean record, and is licensed for the work you want done. You’ll need the license number to give to your municipality to apply for a permit for the work. This information is available by looking up your county consumer affairs office.
When the time comes, the same should be done for your plumber and your electrician, both of whom are supposed to be licensed and on file with the local jurisdiction where the work will be done. From time to time, people use an electrician’s or plumber’s license number but aren’t that plumber or electrician. This just complicates and delays things, since no local government will issue a permit without confirming that the license number given to the owner matches the name of the license holder. When the wrong information is given, suspicions arise. Whatever the arrangement is, the correct information must be given.
The same goes for insurance. When you interview a contractor, familiarize yourself with the insurances that are required by your local building department, and be sure to verify that the contractor you are interviewing can provide the documents.
Next, ask if the contractor will be arranging the required building inspections, in stages throughout the job, from your jurisdiction. Ask how you can also verify that the inspector was there. Many municipalities have gone to online portals where you can track which inspection has been done and whether a project passed. Discuss timelines, who will be managing the work onsite and whether there will be site meetings to keep up communications about the progress.
When you get to the point of discussing costs, confirm the method of payment. As I previously recommended, milestone payments for things you can see, such as when the concrete foundation is done, when the windows and doors are installed, etc., are the best way to keep track of the payment process. There’s a lot to be done, but this is one of the most expensive things you will ever do. Good luck!
© 2022 Monte LeeperReaders 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.
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
Garage Sales
LIDO BEACH: SATURDAY 7/1/23 And Sunday 7/2/23 10am-4pm. 22 Biarritz Street (Off Lido Blvd.) Shoes, Clothes, Jewelry, Bags, Etc.
LYNBROOK - 176 CHARING CROSS Sat. 7/8. (Rain Date Sun. 7/9). 9am-3pm. Collectible Figurines, Home Furnishings, Housewares, Baseball Cards, Christmas Decorations & Much More.
SEAFORD: Saturday 7/1/23 and Sunday 7/2/23 9am-1pm. 1725 Washington Ave. Multi- family Moving Sale!
MERCHANDISE MAR
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FINDS UNDER $100
Finds Under $100
1950'S HOME MOVIE Screen, Ray-Tone Royal Scot, $79. 516-798-2098
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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE
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The political news these days is dominated by two names, Biden and Trump. Because of his many criminal entanglements, Donald Trump wins the prize for the most coverage. But there are other names that are unfamiliar to many readers, and their stories may help clarify your thinking about the issue of mishandling classified documents.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Birchum recently made the news when he was sentenced to three years in prison for storing classified documents at various locations. A 30-year veteran of the Air Force, Birchum entered into a plea agreement, under which he admitted to having kept documents labeled “top secret,” “secret” or “confidential.”
Birchum admitted that he had knowingly removed over 300 documents from his office and stowed them in his overseas officer’s headquarters, at his home and in a storage pod in his driveway. More than 30 of those files were marked “top secret,” the highest level of classification.
A thumb drive contained 135 files marked as “classified,” and a hard drive
had 10 files that contained information marked as “secret.” Birchum had a spotless record during his decades of military service, which made the sentencing that much harder for the average citizen to comprehend.
Another new name in the news was Nghia Pho, a former software developer at the National Security Agency. Pho took troves of highly classified information out of a secure location and kept them at home. As reported two weeks ago by the HuffPost’s Jennifer Bendery, Pho, a Vietnamese immigrant who was working on his English, said he was falling behind his peers in promotions and wanted to catch up on work at home.
Pho received a five-and-a-half-year sentence in federal prison for trying to keep pace with his fellow workers. What was most significant was the reaction of the NSA director, Navy Adm. Michael Rodgers. Rodgers, an appointee of President Obama, was kept on in his job by President Trump until his retirement.
In a harsh three-page letter to U.S. District Court Judge George Russell III, Rodgers wrote, “While criminal conduct involving matters of national security may come in different forms and some of the harms may not be immediately appar-
ent, the retention of classified information is no less damaging to the national security of our country and our ability to protect and defend the Nation against our adversaries.”
Rodgers concluded his letter, Bendery wrote, by calling Pho’s actions “a breach of trust” and indirectly telling the judge to prove he stands with the intelligence community with his sentencing.
“Affirmation by this court of the cost to the women and men who have dedicated their lives to public service and who have maintained trusted stewardship of national defense information will send them a message of confidence and respect.”
The stories of Birchum and Pho are just two of many that are popping up in the news these days. Birchum apparently decided he should be the custodian of sensitive documents, and Pho did something genuinely stupid. This brings us to the case of Trump, who stands accused of obstruction of justice and violations of the Espionage Act.
The Trump accusations are so bewildering. Why didn’t he just turn over all of the classified documents that were requested when he was served with a subpoena? Why did he allegedly stonewall
the prosecutors and lie about having any such papers in his possession? Why did he tell his counsel to deny having any additional sensitive papers at his Mar-aLago home?
Trump’s defenders have rushed to protect him by accusing the FBI and the Justice Department of “weaponizing” their powers against a political opponent. But Trump is no different from Birchum or Pho when it comes to the issue of holding onto documents that could aid our enemies.
Does being a former president exempt you from the same day in court that Birchum and Pho got? Add the name of recently arrested Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira to the roster of those who have been charged with the possession of secret documents.
Of course, Trump is entitled to a presumption of innocence. He will have his chance to tell his story, if he testifies in front of a jury. What is mystifying is why he finds himself in this position at all. And if found guilty, why should he be treated differently than Birchum and Pho?
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.
You may think this doesn’t have relevance for you, but you’re wrong, my friend. You may be 40 years old, running 7-minute miles and sprinting up the corporate ladder, but believe me, you need to focus on your old age — now. In fact, the only way you won’t have to plan for your dotage is if you die before you become decrepit, not an entirely awful option.
most relevant issue in your life, if it isn’t already.
RANDI KREISS
The new rage around the country is a concept for housing, or more accurately, storing our elderly. Several companies are selling what they call MedCottages or Granny Pods, prefabricated guest houses — glorified hospital rooms — that can be plunked down right in a willing child’s backyard.
The standard is 12 feet by 24 feet, and runs $39,000 and up. Sounds pricey, but it’s cheap when you consider the cost of assisted living or skilled nursing care. I know you don’t want to think about this stuff, but I insist, because the chances are 100 percent that this will become the
These pods hook up to local sewage and power lines. They have “virtual” caregivers that remind you over a speaker to “take your meds” or it’s “time for lunch.” The toilets can read body temperature. Floorboards are lighted. The living room has its own defibrillator, and a monitoring system communicates the elder’s activities to a security service. Of course, you can’t sneak a puff, or a sip or anything else fun because Big Brother is watching. Next step, I suppose they could dig a giant hold in the backyard, put a board over it, install the Granny Pod on the wooden foundation and when the elders pass on, just drop that baby into the ground. Dust to dust.
According to the American Association of Retired People, there is little planning in place to deal with the explosion of super-old people coming down the pike — some 70 million by 2030.
I’m sitting at ground zero in this generational squeeze. My parents live on their own, with helpers, in Florida. My sister and I go back and forth as often as
we can, which isn’t close to often enough. Of all the things I anticipated worrying about in my 60s, elder care never crossed my mind. Now it’s a daily, consuming and pressing concern.
So, a Granny Pod for Mom and Dad? They actually might go for it, but it doesn’t touch the real concerns. My mother is lonely because my dad sleeps all day. Her friends are gone. What she wants is for us to be there, basically, all the time. Not unreasonable for her, but problematic for us.
Let’s consider the idea of my folks living in my backyard. I could pop in and say hello several times a day. That would be nice. But they would still need helpers every day. Someone would still have to monitor all the meds and devices and the cleaning and meals and TV repair and appliance maintenance and visits to doctors and outings to the rest of the world and finding the missing hearing aids, canes and glasses.
And when the sprinklers went off, it would be a bitch.
A pod in a backyard could work in some situations, perhaps for all the millennial kids who are reportedly moving
Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published June 2-8, 2016.
home to Mom and Dad. But for the frail elderly with no connections to the community, it would be tantamount to climate-controlled storage.
Jumping ahead to my own future elder years, a pod is out of the question for my hubby and me. First, my son’s backyard is a canal in Florida, and my daughter’s is a mountain in the Sierra Nevada. Second, if you put my husband and me in a 12-by-24 space to live out our days, those days would be numbered.
No one in government is dealing with the tsunami of elderly coming our way. That leaves each of us to deal the best we can, which is woefully insufficient. We need communal, political and financial assistance to make life livable for our very old — and for the people caring for them. But a backyard pod?
When my daughter was little, she said she wanted to live in our backyard when she grew up. The wish may get turned around if I decide someday to permanently drop in on her.
Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
Several companies are selling what they call MedCottages or Granny Pods.
The charges against him are bewildering. Why didn’t he just turn over the documents?
The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at
places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.
I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. That’s not an easy thing to admit, especially publicly. But mental health awareness isn’t what it used to be, thankfully. The stigma has been largely diminished. So, in honor of guys pushing off asking for help or pretending we’ll do it tomorrow, I’m offering a belated note for Men’s Health Month and Men’s Mental Health Month, both in June. Yes, June’s just about over, but as my mom and wife often say, if you want to hear about the plan, ask a man. If you want it done, ask a woman. I grew up with a core group of friends, and as we aged, we got better at talking to one another about things that were bothering us. We made plenty of jokes, and helped each other through tragedy and defeat.
At a friend’s wedding earlier this month, I was reminded, by being with my old friends, that even though we’re a bit grayer and see one another less and less, our friendships remain strong. We retold inside jokes, bragged about our kids, and laughed all night.
These are men and women I’ve known for 40 years or more. We grew up together, and shared the same experiences as kids in the same hometown. We celebrated one another’s successes and commiserated about one another’s failures as we navigated adolescence and then early adulthood.
But even with my closest friends, I have never completely surrendered my male ego and asked for help, or explained a mental health problem. Sure, I’d say that I was struggling or hurting, and they would help me. Those cathartic admissions were helpful, but not regenerative.
My oldest son, now a 26-year-old police officer, told me that he recently sought mental health help through his job. He said he had felt apprehensive on a few recent patrol calls.
That’s never happened. He’s always been a tough dude — we took him to the emergency room twice in one day for different injuries when he was 9. He likened his recent unease to a case of the yips — a baseball player’s sudden and inexplicable inability to make routine throws accurately.
I was relieved to hear he had the fortitude to seek professional help. Several friends on the job told him they regularly
To the Editor:
I cannot be the only one upset by this new trend of being charged for using a credit card. It started with two different prices for gas. That has now moved to restaurants (including fast food), the service industry (haircuts), car dealerships, doctor’s offices and even religious institutions.
And the charges aren’t consistent: 3 percent here, 3.5 percent there. And who knows if these percentages are accurate? Maybe the actual charges are less, and they’re just padding their profits?
We pay to have a credit card, and we pay to use a credit card.
My wife and I go out for a nice dinner once a week with friends. This would include having a glass of wine with dinner. Well, I will refrain from ordering alcohol from restaurants. Alcohol has a very large profit margin. Would a restaurants rather sell four glasses of wine for $40 or charge the 3.5 percent credit card
surcharge?
If enough people start doing this, will restaurants stop passing the credit card processing fees on to patrons? Maybe, maybe not, but it will send a message that we’re tired of being nickeled and dimed for just about everything. Truth be told, all they have to do is raise prices by 25 cents and no one would know the difference.
What’s next? Food costs have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Going to the supermarket is quite expensive. Do people feel safe carrying a lot of cash around? I can foresee the day when supermarkets will be adding the credit card fee.
I have written to our senators, Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer. You know what their response was? Crickets. Nothing.
Shouldn’t there be some legislation against this practice? It is a double charge to pay to have a credit card and to pay to use a credit card. But our elected officials choose to ignore this, and let their constituents bear the brunt of it. As usual.
JEFF COHEN Wantaghgo to a therapist to talk about job stresses and issues. As a dad, that made me happy that he is mature and strong enough to ask for mental help before an issue corroded into something larger.
For 11 years as a high school English teacher, I took advantage of our social workers by frequently bringing students with issues into their office for help. I was amazed at how comfortable adolescents had become with expressing their feelings and reaching out for help, without making a big deal of it.
These things weren’t talked about when I was in school, and certainly not among friends. Anger was the closest thing to an emotion that a boy could express in front of a group of fellow 10-year-olds.
It’s remarkable that mental health awareness and acceptance has come so far in a few decades. Men, however, remain trapped by clichés of manliness and the stigma of admitting any mental health issue, however brief. We’re supposed to soldier through it, man up, tough it out. There is strength in learning to deal with adversity through perseverance, and there is also astuteness in knowing when something could be wrong and seeking professional help.
Cognitively dissonant, we put our heads down and plow through a hardship, but that childish reaction often fails and exacerbates a problem.
Men are generally less likely than women to ask for help for depression or stressful life events. Men downplay symptoms and pretend they’re OK.
According to Mental Health America, more than 6 million American men suffer from depression. Male suicides have increased since 2000.
There are ample places to get more information online. Here are two: MentalHealthAmerica.net and MensHealthNetwork.org.
The biggest step is asking for help.
My dad often said that he made a point of saying “I love you” to my brothers and me, because he didn’t remember his own father ever saying it to him. I smile when I hear my kids say that to each other. Seems pretty normal nowadays, but it wasn’t when my dad was a kid.
I love my kids, and I’m proud my oldest son is seeking mental health help. His actions put the lie to the false narrative that tough guys don’t need help. More men need to follow his example.
Mark Nolan, the editor of the Lynbrook/ East Rockaway and Malverne/West Hempstead Heralds, taught high school English for 11 years. Comments? mnolan@liherald.com.
Framework by Evan Mattioli
mental health awareness has come a long way in a few decades.
