Oceanside/Island Park Herald 09-28-2023

Come to Oceanside’s Fall Festival on Saturday afternoon

By JASMINE SELLARS Intern

In celebration and recognition of the Oceanside community and its many advocates, the new community organization Oceanside Unified will host the hamlet’s first Fall Festival on Saturday, from noon to 9 p.m. It will take place at Parking Field 6, on Lawson Boulevard, between Weidner and Perkins avenues, ushering in a season filled with solidarity, harvest and entertainment.

Oceanside Unified compris -

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Bringing some rhythm to a poetry festival

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

After being uprooted from her life in Italy in 1968, Rita Monte turned to poetry to express how she felt about leaving her home country, which led her to a world of like-minded poets.

Monte wrote her first poem, called “Italia,” upon arriving from her native land at the age of 12. She has won several poetry contests, with some of her work being featured at the

annual Italian Festival at Hofstra University.

Her journey to becoming a successful poet has encouraged her to share what she has learned as a host of WHPC Radio at Nassau Community College and an upcoming co-host of the Festival of the Spoken and Written Word.

“When I came from Italy, I didn’t speak any English, I felt very lonely, and I missed my country,” Monte said. “And this prompted me to start writing and expressing what I felt.”

Monte wrote poetry about Italy when she was 12, which she referred to as her “therapy.” As she

became more accustomed to American life, she started to write poetry in English, and kept a notebook with her poems, as she started to grow as a writer.

“At least 20 years ago, I joined the Long Island Writers

Guild in Bellmore,” she said. “And then we used to meet in the Baldwin library for a writing class.”

Monte, who lived in Baldwin for 36 years, would frequently visit the local library for work-

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Dina Ewashko/Herald

Several Oceanside community groups got together to create the first Fall Festival.

Courtesy Rita Monte Poet Rita Monte at the Baldwin Public Library, where she

and her

O’Side fire department welcomes junior firefighters

The Oceanside Fire Department gave a lecture to new incoming junior firefighters.

From left, Chief Mike Gress, Chief Sean Lynch, former captain Mark Sparberg, former captain Paul Fascella, and department chief Charles Daskalakis.

Keith Rossein/Herald photos Oceanside presented the benefits of the junior firefighter program.

Major drug bust on Nassau’s South Shore

Officials say nine-month investigation yields 12 indictments

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

A sweeping drug trafficking operation across Long Island’s South Shore was disrupted after a nine-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency and Nassau County District Attorney’s office, resulting in 12 indictments, DA Anne Donnelly said on Thursday, Sept. 14.

More than eight pounds of cocaine and half a kilogram of fentanyl were seized during the nine-month investigation that spanned multiple communities along Nassau’s South Shore. Officials also recovered an assault weapon, a ghost gun and multiple high-capacity magazines.

“As alleged in the indictment, this trafficking ring sold poison in the form of crack, cocaine and fentanyl, all along the South Shore of Long Island,” Donnelly said in a release.

The investigation began in October 2022 and included homes on North Montgomery Street in Valley Stream, Derrick Adkins Lane in West Hempstead, Adams Street in Baldwin, and Azalea Court in Long Beach.

Donnelly in a release said 47-year-old Christopher Corley of Valley Stream was charged with operating as a major trafficker and conspiracy, along with multiple felony drug charges. He pleaded not guilty before Nassau County Judge Meryl Berkowtiz on Sept. 13.

Officials said they found a narcotics kilogram press used to make bricks of cocaine at Corley’s home, and stamps with the Yingyang symbol and a “Transformers” head. Officials said drugs were sold in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

An online public notice from the Drug Enforcement Agency dated Sept. 15 identifies assorted jewelry and cash seized from Corley and others at being valued at about $100,000. One piece of jewelry is described as a 14 caret yellow gold pendant dog tag with 252 diamonds. Another is listed as a 14 caret yellow gold diamond band with 440 diamonds.

Malverne High School football coach

Kito Lockwood, 49, of West Hempstead, pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. A rally in support of Lockwood is planned for Friday, Sept. 22. Many community leaders have stood by Lockwood, according to his lawyer and former coach Frederick Brewington.

Brewington said Lockwood was in “the wrong place at the wrong time” when he spent the night at a friend’s house after watching a basketball game and having “a few drinks”. Brewington said Lockwood had no idea there were drugs or weapons in the house.

“The indictment of 12 defendants in this drug trafficking operation along the South Shore of Nassau County is a clear example of numerous law enforcement agencies working together to bring these individuals to justice,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder in a release. “Our communities are safer today with these individuals removed

from our neighborhoods, as numerous firearms and large quantities of drugs have been seized.”

Officials said they conducted months of surveillance throughout Nassau and were granted warrants for electronic eavesdropping. Recorded conversations allegedly revealed Corley talking about making crack, “chopping up drugs,” and making deliveries of drugs with Clifford Nealy, 47, of West Hempstead, and James Anthony Alexander, 48, of Baldwin.

The indictments include:

■ Christopher Corley, 47, Valley Stream, charged with operating as a major trafficker, conspiracy, and eight counts possession and one count of sale of a controlled substance;

■ James Anthony Alexander, 48, of Baldwin, charged with conspiracy and three counts of possession and one count of sale of a controlled substance;

■ Janeathea Nealy, 36, of Baldwin, charged with conspiracy and three

counts of possession and one count of sale of a controlled substance;

■ Thomas Keyes, 36, of Long Beach, charged with conspiracy and two counts of possession of a controlled substance;

■ Clifford Nealy, 47, of West Hempstead, charged with conspiracy and 13 counts of criminal possession of a weapon;

■ Tatiana Lopez, 35, of West Hempstead, charged with six counts of criminal possession of a weapon and three counts of criminal possession of a firearm;

■ John Nealy, 22, of West Hempstead, charged with three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon;

■ Kito Lockwood, 49, of West Hempstead, charged with three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon;

■ Christopher Lasane, Sr., 50, of Long Beach, charged with four counts of crim-

inal possession of a weapon and six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance;

■ Christopher Lasane, Jr., 27, of Long Beach, charged with four counts of criminal possession of a weapon and six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance;

■ Noelle Dean, 27, of Uniondale, charged with criminal possession of a firearm and six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance;

■ Keya Evans, 48, of Long Beach, charged with criminal possession of a firearm and six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

All 12 defendants pleaded not guilty and are due back in court on Oct. 26. Lopez is a former star basketball player who graduated from Malverne in 2005. In an email, a district spokesperson said Lopez had been a volunteer coach at the high school.

Photos courtesy Nassau County District Attorney’s office

Three firearms seized at the West Hempstead location.

A “Transformers” head stamp and drugs confiscated as part of the ninemonth investigation.

Officials said a microwave was used to conceal narcotics.

Micah Price shows off his coding prowess

The Oceanside Library coding program “Coding with Micah” is a step into the future that unlocks the basics of coding.

Making the program even more interesting is the instructor Micah Pryce, who is an Oceanside High School junior who

Town officials attend Run for Heroes 5K

It was a full house of local electeds and supports at Assemblyman Brian Curran’s Run for Heroes race that took place Sept. 9 at Baldwin Park. Among those attending included members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Peter Hawkins of Malverne, Gregory Waxman of Malverne, Lynbrook village mayor Alan Beach, and Trustees Anne Marie Reardon and Rob Boccio, and East Rockaway village trustee Bruno Romano with Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, and Jeanine Driscoll at the Run for Heroes race.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/oceanside

■ E-MAIl: Letters

loves sharing his knowledge of coding with the library’s young patrons. Using the website Code.org the program provides elementary-age students with interactive and hands-on activities.

A Baker’s Dozen Reasons to Use a Trust

1. Trusts can shield your assets from the high cost of home care making you eligible for home health aides through the Medicaid program.

2. Trusts start the five year “look-back” for institutional care, making you eligible for Medicaid benefits to pay for a nursing home.

3. Trusts can ensure the inheritances you leave will stay in the bloodline for your grandchildren and not end up with in-laws and their families.

4. Trusts can provide who takes over if you become disabled – guaranteeing you get the person you choose instead of a court-appointed legal guardian.

5. Trusts can avoid a will contest from heirs you leave out or ones that receive less than they think they are entitled to.

6. Trusts give you immediate access to assets on death unlike wills which can take months and sometimes years to probate.

7. Trusts can provide supervision and protection for special needs and other children who have issues with handling financial matters.

8. Trusts can reduce and often eliminate estate taxes for couples with taxable estates.

9. Trusts can avoid guardianship proceedings for gifts made to grandchildren.

10. Trusts can avoid the problems of locating unknown heirs or dealing with heirs abroad.

11. Trusts can move assets out of your estate for income and estate purposes.

12. Trusts can avoid the expense, delay and publicity of a probate court proceeding for your property in New York and out of state.

13. Trusts can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.

— Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Oceanside Library Oceanside High School student Micah Pryce is bringing innovation with his librarycoding program

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

When preschool becomes ‘free school’

It’s not easy to compete with free but even as Universal Pre-K expands in the public schools, pre-schools like Saint Peter’s Early Learning Center of Baldwin continue to offer parents an alternative in early education. The ELC’s director, Maritza Lopez, acknowledges the challenge of “competing” with free full-day preschool.

“Even though our 4-year-old enrollment is down since Universal Pre-K, there are still parents (and grandparents) choosing St. Peter’s program for those children who may not be ready for a six-hour school day,” Lopez said. Although 4-year-old enrollment may be down, 2 and 3-year-old classes are thriving. With children now entering public school at an earlier age, parents want their little ones to be ready on Day One.

“We’re a small school and that’s a great asset,” Lopez said. “It enables us to pay closer attention to the needs of our children and fine-tune teaching methods to help them adjust to a school environment. We want their first school experience to be positive.”

Parents are drawn to the smaller class sizes and child-sized spaces. Toilet training is not mandatory for any of the age groups. A six-term PTA president and mother of four Baldwin Schools students, Lopez is well-versed in the excellent educational program offered in Kindergarten and Universal

Pre-K. ELC curriculum, which incorporates all state standards including STEM and STEAM — ensures students will be up to speed for public school.

Lopez points out that St. Peter’s offers an added dimension “which is why we call it “Pre-school Plus” In addition to teaching education basics, the program offers children the chance to experience elements that build a faith foundation. Each day starts with prayer; St. Peter’s Deacon Angela visits to read and lead Bible stories. Students are encouraged to join in the free Sunday School program (including snack ‘n play socializing) and extracurricular events like singing in the Choir of Angels at the annual Living Nativity.

Enrollment is still open. Lopez will be conducting tours for parents whose wait-listed children did not make the cutoff — or if parents have not yet found a preschool. No matter what develops on the educational horizon, Lopez smiles.

“In the end, it’s all about the children,” she said. “We want to partner with our parents to ensure our students succeed. We know that our students’ passion for learning starts at the ELC.”

More information is available on the “Saint Peter’s Early Learning Center”

Courtesy Betsy Transom

ELC director Maritza Lopez volunteered her time to teach and play with the pre-K class at St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School in August.

AveRy TeSTA

South Side Senior Soccer

IN HER FOURTH year as South Side’s starting goalkeeper, Testa is looking to add to an already impressive resume that includes a pair of county championships, a Long Island title, and a trip to the NYS finals. She was voted team MVP in 2021 when the Cyclones defeated East Islip for the LIC. She has earned Honorable Mention All-County as well as AllConference recognition, and has 20 career shutouts with a goals against average of 0.9.

games to watch

Thursday, Sept. 28

Boys Soccer: Kennedy at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: South Side at Elmont 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: V.S. North at V.S. South 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29

Boys Soccer: V.S. South at Lawrence 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Hewlett at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: V.S. Central at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Carey at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Baldwin at Syosset 6:30 p.m.

Football: Seaford at Cold Spring Harbor 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Football: Westbury at Uniondale 2 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Hempstead 2 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Oceanside 2 p.m.

Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 2 p.m.

Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Carey at Garden City 2 p.m.

Football: Mepham at Manhasset 2 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Lynbrook 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Sewanhaka 2 p.m.

Football: Elmont at New Hyde Park 2 p.m.

Nomimate a “Spotlight

Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and earned an All-Conference award or higher last year. Please send the following information for consideration: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Zaman’s 2 goals lift Oceanside

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

Always listen to your coach.

Leigha Zaman had two goals and an assist and Samantha Gemmo and Kaylin Harrington added first-half tallies as Oceanside ended a two-game shutout losing streak with an impressive 4-0 win at previously unbeaten Port Washington in a non-conference girls’ soccer matchup last Friday evening.

Gemmo and senior Blake Goldstein added assists for Oceanside, which was blanked in its previous two games by Syosset and Massapequa. Junior goalkeeper Estela Quintero had 3 saves in her first start of the season.

Zaman, who had five goals as a sophomore in 2022, heeded the positioning advice of coach Mariana Winchester at practice to get her first goal of the season.

“She tries to drive through people, where at times she can,” Winchester explained. “[Friday night], she did what I asked her to do in practice where she has her back to the defender. I said, ‘When you receive the ball at your feet, pass it back to your center-mid and roll off your defender and you’ll get it back. That’s exactly what she did. She got the ball back and she shot.”

On her second goal, Zaman took a pass from Gemmo and outran her defender before putting the ball in the net.

“She could be and should be one of my high scorers of the season,” Winchester said of Zaman.

The win evened the Sailors’ record at 2-2 (1-2 in Conference 1), heading into a tough stretch that started with a home game against Garden City followed by road games against defending Long Island-champion MacArthur on Thursday and South Side on Saturday to start a run of four straight away contests.

Oceanside split 12 AA1 games last year and this year’s schedule consists mostly of unfamiliar opponents due to the conference change.

Goldstein’s assist gave her a team-leading four points through four games. She scored twice and set up Gemmo’s score in Oceanside’s 3-1 season-opening win over

Manhasset on Sept. 11.

“She’s like my little quarterback in the center,” Winchester said of the midfielder. “She has to realize, even from last year, that she has a leg that can shoot from 25-30 yards out. In the first game, she shot from the outside and she was able to loft it over the goalkeeper’s hand. She controls the pace in the middle.”

Winchester is also hoping junior Addison Vice, who had a pair of goals last season, can provide some offensive depth.

The Sailors are deep at midfield this year to the point where Winchester can rotate her lineup without a drop off. Harrington, Ella McCowen, and freshman

Gianna Viscone can also play center middle and Samantha Friedman, Vanessa Frangiadakis, Helena Nestico and Cat Evans man the outside.

Winchester also has trust in her defense led by junior Savanah Castorio, promising freshman Madeline MacMurray, and senior Jessica Banta, who is back from a torn ACL. Sophomore Ryann Zydor is also playing “solid defense”, according to Winchester, after playing midfield last year.

Junior goalkeeper Julianna Ewashko made 14 saves over the first three games before yielding to Quintero, who may still see action this week.

Senior Blake Goldstein, right, had two goals and an assist in the Sailors’ season-opening victory over Manhasset.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Seeking out that everyday courage

The word “courage” has been very much on my mind. The courage to breathe, live, love, heal and forgive. Courage to grow, to face our own personal strengths, wounds, and fears. Courage to overcome adversity.

To fight the fight, even when we are exhausted. To know when to “hold on” and when to “let go,” all with moral and spiritual courage.

Yes, courage is an emotion we all breathe in and out each and every day. But yet, it doesn’t receive the recognition I so truly believe it deserves.

Courage comes from the word “Coeur” in French, which means “heart.” To be courageous is to show what is in your heart.

There are six types of courage:

■ Physical courage: Feeling fear yet choosing to act. Involves bravery at the risk of bodily harm or death, and developing physical strength, resilience and awareness.

■ Emotional courage: Following our heart. Open us to feeling the full spectrum of emotions — pleasant and unpleasant — without attachment.

■ Intellectual courage: Expanding our horizons, letting go of the familiar. It is about our willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn with an open and flexible mind.

■ Social courage: To be ourself in the face of adversity. Involves the risk of social embarrassment or exclusion, unpopularity or rejection. It also involves leadership.

■ Moral courage: Standing up for what is right. Involves doing the right thing even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

■ Spiritual courage: Facing pain with dignity or faith. It helps us live with purpose and meaning through a heart centered approach towards all life and oneself.

There are seven ways to feel more courageous.

Being more courageous in your life will help you respond appropriately to risks and accomplish positive things in your life. But it takes

work to move beyond your fears. In fact, being courageous is about thinking things through, examining the risks and rewards, and acting in spite of the fear that inevitably sets in.

■ Maintain a Healthy Perspective

■ Identify Your Strengths

■ Examine Different Scenarios

■ Practice Leaving Your Comfort Zone

■ Reduce Your Stress

■ Celebrate Courageous Actions

■ Welcome Failure

“It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self-discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.”

–Marianne Williamson

There are advantages and disadvantages of courage, however.

Courage is an admirable quality. It makes us stand up for what we believe in and do what we know is right, even when we are afraid. There are many characteristics of courage, such as bravery, persistence, determination, and self-confidence.

There are also a number of disadvantages to courage, the most obvious being that sometimes the battles you fight are not yours. You might take risks for no reason. If you’re not careful, your courage can lead you to make rash decisions that put you in danger.

When it comes to courage, there’s a good balance between being safe and taking some risk.

Lastly, a personal note from my heart: “Courage is the trailblazer of our soul.

It may not always be seen with the human eye, but it is always felt within the human heart!”

Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on metal health topics.

Donna Pis acano-Brown

Soirée raises single-event record $1 million

By RACHELE TERRANOVA rterranova@liherald.com

It was about raising money while celebrating three outstanding community members. But above all else, this past weekend’s Soirée Under the Stars at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park was all about ensuring a strong, healthy future for all those within the reach of the Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital.

Mount Sinai South Nassau board of directors co-chair Anthony Cancellieri, radiology department chair Dr. Matthew Rifkin, and Dawn Keiley — the hospital’s senior director of nursing — were honored not just by the crowd joining them on a damp Eisenhower Park weekend, but also by many family and friends who sent their congratulations through video.

Cancellieri was singled out by the hospital for his endless dedication, leadership and selfless service he has brought to Mount Sinai ever since he first joined the board of directors in 2009. A former lieutenant with the New York Police Department, Cancellieri is also a member of the Mount Sinai Health System’s board of trustees. He has dedicated countless hours to securing and overseeing major donations to the hospital, including Mount Sinai’s $500 million capital campaign.

In addition, he is known for volunteering his time to this very event in years past, and has been just as involved with the hospital’s annual golf outing.

“Everything, everything that they promised us and more, they have delivered.” Cancellieri says of the partnership with Mount Sinai Health System.

And Cancellieri knows firsthand the importance of having a strong local hospital like Mount Sinai South Nassau right in everyone’s backyard. When a car struck his daughter more than two decades ago, the ambulance rushed her to Mount Sinai.

“They were supporting me not as nurses, but almost like they were parents, too,” Cancellieri said. “They understood what I was going through.”

Rifkin received the Mary Pearson Award, named for the hospital’s founding administrator, and is presented to an individual who exemplifies selflessness and extraordinary effort in advancing the hospital’s commitment to its mission of compassion and service in the community.

Rifkin is a radiology professor at Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, and has nearly 50 years of medical experience. His mission has been to expand the hospital’s radiology department, improve imaging services, and include better interventional radiology services in order to help catch diseases earlier and save more lives.

A bi-plane imaging system — where two cameras rotate around a patient to provide front and side views simultaneously — is just one example Rifkin has played a key role in obtaining. The imaging system is expected to begin its service this fall.

Keiley earned the hospital’s Cupola Award, established in 2015 to be given to

a hospital employee who not only lives by the hospital’s mission, but who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to deliver excellence for patients.

In her 38-year nursing career, Keiley has climbed the ranks from staff nurse, to assistant nurse manager, to assistant nurse director, to where she stands today: senior nursing director. She has been with the hospital since it was called South Nassau Communities Hospital, and remains under its current Mount Sinai South Nassau moniker.

“When I first started out at South Nassau, I was asked on my interview day, what was my philosophy of nursing?” Keiley said. “I was thinking — I didn’t think I had one. But today, I truly say it’s my three C’s. Be compassionate, care, and always connect.

“You can never miss an opportunity

if you connect with heart.”

Like Cancellieri, Keiley, too, has had personal experience with Mount Sinai, when she was treated for a brain aneurysm at the hospital’s Manhattan campus. Though the commute for treatment took a toll on her and her family, the South Shore hospital will now be equipped with a new comprehensive stroke program so Keiley and her neighbors won’t have to travel so far in the future.

The cocktail event included a performance by the NYPD Pipes & Drums, as well as musical entertainment by Broadway stars Kate Baldwin and Tony

Next month, after a five-year integration period, Mount Sinai South Nassau will finalize its partnership with Mount Sinai Health System.

Yazbeck.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Steven Gold, left, Terri Gold, Karen Lipton and Wayne Lipton were among those who enjoyed the new Lannin at Eisenhower Park as part of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s annual Soirée Under the Stars.

Broadway stars Tony Yazbeck and Kate Baldwin lit up the stage at the Soirée Under the Stars, held last weekend to raise money and honor some of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s best at Eisenhower Park.

Blair Paltrowitz, a registered nurse at Mount Sinai South Nassau, sings the national anthem ahead of the hospital’s annual Soirée Under the Stars, held for the first time this year at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park.

Anthony Cancellieri, co-chair of the Mount Sinai South Nassau board of directors — and a longtime volunteer with the hospital system — was named the 2023 honoree of the hospital’s Soirée Under the Stars fundraiser event at Eisenhower Park.

The Mary Pearson Award was given to Mount Sinai South Nassau radiology department chair Dr. Matthew Rifkin for his selfless and extraordinary effort in advancing the hospital’s commitment to compassion and service in the community.

Honoring heroes with ‘humanitarian spirit’

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The American Red Cross is known for being there when people need them most, but even those heroes have heroes of their own. And on Thursday, Oct. 26, the Long Island chapter will celebrate those who have taken extraordinary actions to save lives and perform unselfish and extraordinary acts to help their communities.

It’s all part of the Long Island Heroes Celebration, set to begin at 6:30 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. There, the Red Cross will honor Kevin Rivera of Uniondale, Barbara and Robbie Donno of Plandome Manor, and First Quality Enterprises.

Headquartered in New York City, the Greater New York Region of the American Red Cross has served more than 12 million people for a century not just in the city and on Long Island, but also in Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as Greenwich, Connecticut.

“The Long Island Heroes Celebration is an opportunity for us to recognize members in the community who really reflect the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross,” said Desiree Ramos Reiner, the chief external affairs officer for the Greater New York Region. “We like to take this moment to really recognize people who live on Long Island, or who have companies on Long Island, and really make a difference in people’s lives every day.”

Rivera, a former Amazon driver from Uniondale, is being hailed a hero for coming to the rescue of a Syosset family during a house fire last year. He had just made his final delivery and was driving away when he noticed a small fire near the front entrance of a neighboring home.

He pulled over to call 911, but when he took a closer look, he saw a woman holding a child inside the house — completely unaware of the danger that was quickly spreading. When Rivera got to the front entrance, he

frantically knocked before breaking the door down.

Once inside, Rivera realized the woman and child were not alone, so he rushed to pull everyone outside. Despite a language barrier, Rivera led the six occupants and two dogs to safety through thick black smoke, and the sounds of windows breaking and wood cracking around them.

Rivera — who will be awarded a Good Samaritan Hero — said he hopes to one-day contact the family to see how they’ve been since the fire.

First Quality — a manufacturer of household paper,

The Long Island Heroes Celebration takes place Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, in Garden City. Tickets start at $300. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/LIHeroes.

adult, feminine, and baby care products — has been a committed Red Cross supporter for more than a decade, contributing to unprecedented disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey, and recently supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The Donnos reflect the humanitarian spirit of the American Red Cross because they have dedicated their lives to service. They serve the community through elected office and also through the education system.

Prior to her tenure as mayor, Barbara was a member of the Manhasset School District education board, leading as its president for four years. She is also a former elementary school teacher.

Robbie is the co-founder and chair of Gift of Life, which provides life-saving operations for more than 2,000 people each year. The couple also helps treat children with health ailments in 80 countries, and have a partnership with more than 300 Rotary clubs in order to support these children.

“They really have such a deep commitment to the community and to bringing people together to make a difference,” Reiner said. “They personify the work of the Red Cross.”

Courtesy American Red Cross, Long Island chapter Kevin Rivera of Uniondale rescued people from a burning house. He is one of three honorees who will be celebrated by the Long Island chapter of the American Red Cross at its Long Island Heroes Celebration.

Island Park fifth-graders celebrate Dot Day

Lincoln Orens Middle School fifthgrade students participated in a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration on Sept. 15 observing International Dot Day.

The movement is inspired by the book “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds, which illustrates people’s power to make their mark on the world.

The district’s three fifth-grade classes gathered to read and discuss the inspiring book and shared reflections with peers after reading.

The Island Park students participated in Dot Day declarations and created artwork to share with each other and the school community.

Through reading ‘The Dot’ by Peter H. Reynolds students created Dot Day-inspired artwork.

Some of the thoughts and encouraging words they expressed were to “encourage others to do things they don’t think they can do,” “be yourself always,” and to “make your mark one way or another but make it unique.”

OHS Thespians put annual revue on stage

The Oceanside High School Thespian troupe kicked off the new academic year with its annual “Thespians Tonight” show Sept. 21.

The performance was a revue of beloved Broadway shows, many of them

contemporary.

The students sang and danced to scenes from “The Book of Mormon,” “Footloose,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” among others.

Photos courtesy Island Park Public Schools

Lincoln Orens Middle School fifth graders celebrated International Dot Day.

Photos courtesy Oceanside School District Oceanside High School Thespians sang and danced to several classics — but also had a lot of fun in their dress rehearsal for their annual ‘Thespians Tonight’ revue.

Community groups are partnering for family event

es representatives of several Oceanside community groups, including the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Oceanside Unified seeks to bring the organizations together to organize local events and promote the groups’ own activities.

The festival will feature an afternoon full of games, including a video game truck, a rock climbing wall, contests and other interactive games for people of all ages to enjoy. The event will also highlight several local vendors, including 10 food trucks, serving a variety of delicious food and refreshments. Music from DJ Pace, Permission to Launch, the Damn Good Time Band and local talent from the community will also be on hand to entertain the crowds.

Led by the Oceanside Community Warriors, the organization that cleans up outdoor and public spaces in Oceanside, the event has also gained the support of many local allies, including the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and students from Oceanside High School.

Joey Sabelis, a member of the Warriors and the chamber, said that the festival would be a great opportunity to promote fellowship between residents and community organizations.

“Even though the Warriors are spearheading the event, we actually took a little bit from everybody from every part of the community,” Sabelis said. “It’s called Oceanside Unified because it takes more than just one organization to have a true community festival.”

He added that he appreciates the support the festival has received from local politicians and police and fire departments, noting “Oceanside hasn’t had something like this in a long time.”

Brian Driscoll, also a member of the Warriors and the chamber, said he envisions that the festival will draw the attention of Oceanside High School students and entrepreneurs looking to promote their businesses.

“Hopefully, it’s a very good turnout,” Driscoll said. “We have the school supporting us, we’re pushing this with the community. We’ve had several businesses, local organizations that want to set up tables that are all coming out, so

we’re hoping we get a real good showing.”

Students from Oceanside will also be invited to perform the national anthem to kick off the festivities. The Fall Festival will also take place on the same day as Oceanside’s Homecoming, as school administrators have agreed to make announcements encouraging families and students to attend the festival later on in the day.

In addition to fostering support for various groups in Oceanside, Raymond Litwin, quartermaster for VFW Post 5199, reinforced the post’s need for community involvement in order to stay alive. He highlighted how VFW’s participation in the festival can also bring in new veterans and members for the VFW Auxiliary-National Organization.

“The more people see us, the more we can recruit veterans that want to join, but maybe don’t realize that they can,” Litwin said. “That’s the only way for us to survive because without the memberships and the people who are working for this, we end up just disappearing. That’s why a lot of posts have closed and it’s so important to keep them going.”

Litwin also encouraged new members to personally contact him or visit the post location for more information, or if they wish to join.

“We just want to put the word out that they’re always welcome at our post to come and help or to join,” he said. “It’s a building here to serve people for parties or get-togethers, or just to play cards. It’s a functioning post that needs as much attention as possible.”

As Oceanside Unified gears up to bring the town together in this celebration, Driscoll said he also expected the Fall Festival to be among the many memorable local traditions that residents could look forward to.

“We want to, at some point, throw a firework show in town, get it lit up for the holidays, where there’s decorations all over,” Driscoll said.

“I mean, this is the first of many things that we’re looking to get going. So hopefully this kicks off and we’re able to get everything that we want for the future and more.”

For more information about this event or vendor registration, contact info.oceansideunified@gmail.com.

CRIME WATCH

Charges for allegedly selling booze

Two stores were caught up in a sting by Nassau County police recently for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor.

Police said the Problem Oriented Policing Unit made checks throughout East Rockaway and Oceanside on Sept. 13, resulting in five locations being cited. Employees allegedly sold alcohol to underage undercover agents, which resulted in arrests.

The stores police said sold alcohol to minors were: Lucky 7’s Gourmet Deli and Grocery, 276 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway, Ultra Mini Mart, 411 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway, Patel Smoke and Convenience, 571 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside, BP Convenience Shop, 292 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, E Smoke Vape Beer Cigar, 3015 Long Beach Road, Oceanside.

Lung Force walk debuts on Long Island

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

More than 500 walkers are expected to test their lungs — and help others by defeating lung disease and improving lung health — with the inaugural Lung Force Walk on Long Island.

Set for a 9:30 a.m., start at Eisenhower Park, the American Lung Association-sponsored event is intended to raise awareness — and funds — for vital lung disease research, education and advocacy.

There also will be a range of activities and informational tents set up around Lot 6 to learn about lung health and lung disease. An opening ceremony will kick off the walk at 11 a.m., with routes of a mile and three miles. Afterward, walkers will be welcomed back with a barbecue in the park.

Since the campaign began in 2014, it has grown into a larger awareness and communication project, culminating in walks across the country. Participants walk for all impacted by chronic lung diseases — from cancer, to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

For the Eisenhower Park event, the local band from Acoustic Overlook will perform live music. Event speakers include Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu of Northwell Health, and lung cancer survivor Carol Silva.

Funds from the Lung Force Walk will support the lung association’s annual work in research, educational initiatives, and its advocacy work on state and federal levels.

Emily Amitin, a development director with the lung association’s metro New York and Northern/Central New Jersey area, says the Lung Force Walk came about when organizers realized many people didn’t know how dangerous some lung inflictions — especially cancer — are.

“Through a lot of our surveying, we realized that

while cancer was top of mind for individuals, people don’t know that it’s the number one cancer killer nationwide of both men and women,” Amitin said. “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. It’s not just a smoker’s disease.”

Next year, New York City will host its 10th annual Lung Force Walk. Its debut on Long Island came after the organizers noticed a large number of participants from the Manhattan event actually came from Long Island.

“It only makes sense to bring the community that brings a groundswell of support their own event,” Amitin said. “We see participation in these events from a range of people who’ve been affected by lung cancer, COPD, asthma, and a range of health conditions — or people that simply care about clean air.”

Touching on awareness about healthy lungs, Hewlett High School students Daniel Tkach and Ryan Weinman started their own New York chapter of the organization For Future Lungs last spring. The parent organization seeks to promote the risks associated with smoking and tobacco use for teens, and promote events dedicated to discussing the risks of tobacco.

Throughout the summer, the two 16-year-olds actively collaborated with an array of organizations, including the American Lung Association. They worked together to create a website, and got involved with a fundraiser that will ultimately benefit the lung association.

They also host a podcast online intended to help spread awareness about the harms of smoking, and how it affects mental health.

Tkach and Weinman will bring a representative from the Nassau County health department to the Lung Force Walk, educating participants about the detrimental effects of smoking.

Suzanne Vo is the development coordinator locally for the lung association, and was the Tkach and Weinman’s

Want to go?

Registration for the inaugural Lung Force Walk Long Island — set for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Eisenhower Park — is free. To learn more, visit LungForce.org/longisland.

first contact when they sought to collaborate.

“Ryan and Daniel email me every day,” Vo said. “Since it’s a larger organization that was started on the west cxoast, they wanted to bring it to the east coast and into their high school to get more students involved.”

In the meantime, the teen duo are working with the lung association to plan a school presentation after the Lung Force Walk about vaping and other lung diseases.

“It takes some time out, but we’re doing it for a good cause,” Tkach said. “If it’s going to result in us staying up an extra hour or two in addition to our schoolwork and everything else we have going on in our lives, that’s totally fine.”

The New York City walk saw 1,000 people participate, raising $275,000. The Long Island walk wants to raise $110,000, and is on track to exceed that goal.

It’s not very often students reach out directly, and Amitin commends the Hewlett teens for taking the lead on these important health issues.

“Within schools, requests to come into and work with students usually come from the administration,” Amitin said. “The fact that these students are taking it upon themselves is unique for us, at least for the metro New York program. I think it’s very encouraging to see people taking action and recognizing the issue.”

Quarter page 5.04 x 6.291

Long Island Heroes Celebration

Thursday, October 26, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, NY

redcross.org/LIGala

STEPPING OUT

Momix’s Alice

He’s king of the neighborhood

Leaps from screen to stage

See Alice in Wonderland as you never have before. Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, Momix Dance Co., will send you flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice. You’ll be taken on a mind-bending adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises. Filled with visual splendor and startling creative movement, Alice reveals that nothing in Momix’s world is as it seems. As with every Momix production, you never quite know what you are going to get. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric, and much more. As Alice falls down the rabbit hole and experiences every kind of transformation, so will you.

STEPPING OUT

By Karen Bloom

Creative advocacy

t always turns out to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood when Daniel Tiger and his friends welcome families into their world. The latest stage show, based on PBS’s acclaimed long running hit series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” arrives at Tilles Center on Oct. 14. For those who may need a refresher, the pint-sized tiger in the familiar red sweater is actually the “son” of the original Daniel the Tiger who appeared on the beloved “Mister

The stage production, along with the PBS series, certainly resonates with families, just as the original Mister Rogers did for so many parents now sharing the “neighborhood” with their kids. Many of the same (or similar) characters — including King Friday, O the Owl (X the Owl’s “nephew”) Mr. McFeely — and songs continue to delight.

“Anyone who watched Mister Rogers as a kid will feel right at home,” Lupacchino says. “Yet, it’s also thoroughly modern for today’s generation. In this tale, the audience follows along with Daniel and his friends through a school day, their lessons, and different activities.”

Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

Ben Folds

Pat McGann

the Roger’s Neighborhood.” day.

By Karen Bloom

In this modern makeover, Daniel and his friends are involved in a new adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where Daniel learns just what it takes to be king. New songs, a lively story, and surprise guests captivate the preschool set as Daniel finds out there’s more to being king than being powerful. In this tale, goodness and friendship rule the day.

“Our story is all about kindness, and we need that now more than ever — especially after the last three years,” says Amanda Lupacchino, who commands the show as Daniel. “This is a wonderful honor to Mister Rogers, and I’m so

It ends with a “school performance” with all the characters — What Lupacchino describes as her favorite moment.

• Saturday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30.60; available at DanielTigerLive. com or TillesCenter.org

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

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post

• 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

“Daniel and his classmates put on a ‘play within a play.’ It takes pieces of their journey and brings everything together in a way that’s joyous and meaningful. I walk away with a lot of joy.”

In fact, more than joy. Her character’s relationship with her young audience brings her to tears.

proud to be a part of it. and collaboration.”

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

“I love experiencing it all with the kids. At the end of every show, I‘m crying. The kids sing with me and blow me kisses. I just live for that. My connection with them all is truly special.”

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

“Fred Rogers left behind a legacy that’s incomparable. One of inclusivity, kindness, love Lupacchino, 32, caught on to Mister Rogers as a child.

From the moment everyone hears “Do you want to make-believe with me?” you know you’ve arrived in that special Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Pat McGann is quickly rising as of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father 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 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.

Dancing and performing since she’s been young, she’s come full circle now.

“I truly feel the connection,” she says. Based in New York City, she’s been charming audiences as Daniel since she joined the show in December 2018.

“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.”

“Expect a lot of singing and dancing, and interactive moments with all the characters,” Lupacchino says. “Plus you’ll leave in good spirits — and filled with love.”

Indie icon and National Symphony Orchestra artistic advisor Ben Folds visits Long Island on the heels of his recently released What Matters Most. Folds says his first full-length studio album in eight years is his most ‘true’ to date. ‘There’s a lifetime of craft and experience all focused into this one record,’ Folds explains. ‘Sonically, lyrically, emotionally — I don’t think it’s an album I could have made at any other point in my career.’ One of the major music influencers of our generation, Folds’ body of genrebending music includes a string of classic albums with Ben Folds Five and a glorious mix of collaborations and special projects. He takes success in stride and continues to be the humble musician he was been for so many decades. A self-confessed enigma, he prefers to stay out of the limelight, except when touring — but can easily claim credit for some of music’s most unlikely trends.

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

Monday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. $99.50 $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 7453000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

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.

Courtesy Mills Entertainment Daniel Tiger, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, and more familiar friends welcome everyone join them as Daniel becomes King for a Day.

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.

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

THE

Suzanne Vega

Sept. 29

Temple Avodah barbecue

Oct. 6

Acclaimed as a masterful storyteller, the singersongwriter visits the Landmark stage, Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., for “An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories.” She will be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing a career-spanning show including favorites like Tom’s Diner, Luka, and more. Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been called contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known venues. Known for performances that convey deep emotion, Vega’s distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) has been described as “a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper” by The Washington Post, with NPR Music noting that she “has been making vital, inventive music” throughout the course of her decades-long career. Bearing the stamp of a storyteller who “observes the world with a clinically poetic eye” (The New York Times), Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real-world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, her work is immediately recognizable — as utterly distinct and thoughtful $195 and $99 premium VIP packages, $61, $51, $41. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Temple Avodah hosts its annual new member barbecue, Friday, Sept. 29, following Shabbat services at 6 p.m. Prospective members and new PJ Library families are welcome to join in the festivities. Burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, side dishes, soda, coffee, and dessert will be served. With a PJ Library craft at 5:15 pm. $36 per family, $15 member, $18 non-member, $10 ages 5-8, children under 5 free. 3050 Oceanside Road. There will be entertainment as well. RSVP at Avodah.org or call (516) 766-6809.

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Oct. 19 , 1 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Art classes

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes those interested in improving their art skills or those who simply want to explore their creativity to participate in one of their many stimulating classes. The fall schedule includes Watercolor Florals: Beginner to intermediate levels (adults and teens 16+), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Nov. 2-Dec. 14.

$300, $270 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. For information and to register visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9338.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Sept. 30

An inspired concert Conductor-composer

Steven Sametz directs

The Princeton Singers in “Inspirations,” a program of diverse musical selections, Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m. They have captivated audiences and listeners for 40 years through their versatile musicianship.

Inspirations is a look at how contemporary composers take their inspiration from chant, carnival songs, and spirituals, including works by Josquin des Prez, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Steven Sametz, and Adelphi faculty member Sidney Boquire. $35. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

Having an event?

Tribute concert

Plaza Theatricals continues its tribute series, Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., with “Portrait of Aretha.” CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Awardwinning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady,” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).” It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

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.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, Sept. 29, noon-1 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 2, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 4-5, noon-1 p.m. 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) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families who don’t want to be scared — or maybe just a little. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up, Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more. Get your fortune told, make a craft and danceg with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the new Amazing Glow tent. For those who want to get a little scared, venture into the Dino Woods. Be on the lookout for the Zombie Robotic Dinosaurs. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for more information.

Fire Prevention Day

Oceanside Fire Departments hosts Fire Prevention Day, Sunday, Oct. 8 , at Fireman’s Field. OFD will demonstrate fire prevention tactics and explain the numerous benefits of being a volunteer firefighter. Everyone is encourage to participate. 88 Mott St.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Writing became ‘therapy’ for Rita Monte after she left Italy

shop sessions. She would bring a story that she wrote, and the group would critique it, she said. Although these workshop sessions stopped due to the pandemic, Monte added that she “lives in the library” and has used it frequently.

“They told me they’re going to give me a bed because they see me all the time there,” Monte said.

After seeing how helpful these work sessions were in the development of her writing skills, Monte then started join-

ing other organizations like the Walt Whitman Society.

“Every year, the Walt Whitman Society would have an event called ‘Super Poem Sunday,’” she said. “I would go there and read my poems.”

Monte then started to submit her poetry to different groups and got accepted into about a dozen, including the Poets of Long Island and the Performance Poets Association.

“So then there’s the Princess Ronkonkoma Productions, where I received three awards from,” Monte said.

“Then I started taking writing classes at Nassau Community College.”

Through the different organizations that she was part of and the classes that she took, Monte kept learning new ways to write better. As she kept surrounding herself with people who held the same interests, Monte thought about hosting a festival to get the poetry community together on Long Island. She approached Paula Curci, the 2022 Nassau County Poet Laureate, asking if she would like to help bring this festival to life.

“She said, ‘Why don’t we apply for a grant?’” Monte said. “Because she is the Nassau County Poet Laureate, she could. So we ended up getting a grant from the Huntington Arts Council, and also the Oceanside library will be sponsoring us.”

The festival will take place on the Oceanside Schoolhouse Green, at 65 Foxhurst Road, on Oct. 14, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 15. This is the first year that Monte will be co-hosting the festival.

The event is the first of its kind, boasting several established poets who will read their works throughout the day, including poets laureate from Nassau and Suffolk counties and Queens. The event will have three come-one-come-all open mics, including one designated for teenagers. The event will also feature mini workshops, and on hand will be radio station WHPC 90.3.

“I always say there’s a poet inside of us,” Monte said. “We just don’t know it.” Monte said that poems don’t need to rhyme, and that a true poem is comprised of words and verses that come from the heart. To Monte, writing is very “cathartic,” and she expressed hope that she can encourage young people to use poetry as an outlet to express their “bottled up” emotions.

Rita Monte at the Walt Whitman House in Huntington.

Photos courtesy Rita Monte Monte reciting poetry in Oceanside at the Fourth of July celebration.

When I came from Italy, I didn’t speak any English, I felt very lonely, and I missed my country. And this prompted me to start writing and expressing what I felt.

Rita Monte poet

Public Notices

V.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR VCC 2020MC1 TRUST, Plaintiff against 3876 CARREL LLC, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 7 Wells Street, Suite 205B, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 19, 2022, 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 October 10, 2023 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 3876 Carrel Boulevard, Oceanside, NY 11572-5917.

Sec 60 Block 78 Lot 6. 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $815,856.61 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606288/2021.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the 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. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. 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. 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.”

Jennifer Ettenger, Esq., Referee 23-000845-01 141698

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2005-AR7, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATE SERIES

2005-AR7, V. JENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated February 02, 2017, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES2005-AR7 is the Plaintiff and JENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 10, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 61 MONTGOMERY AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572: Section 43, Block 332, Lot 349:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 019258/2009. Barton Slavin, 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.

141684

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ALL PERMITTED SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF BANK ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP.

HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2003-HS1

ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES,

STEVEN MATSIL, ET. AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 06, 2020, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO ALL PERMITTED SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF BANK ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP.

HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2003-HS1

ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and STEVEN MATSIL, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 11, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 3320 FREDERICK STREET, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572 A/K/A 3320

FREDERICK STREET, OCEANSIDE T/O HEMPSTEAD, NY 11572: Section 54, Block 151, Lot 29, 60, & 110:

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 AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000311/2016. Malachy Patrick Lyons, Jr., 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.

141846

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICESUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAUFINANCE OF AMERICA

REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff,against- ROLAND K ZIMATORE, AS PROPOSED EXECUTOR, HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. ZIMATORE; JOSEPH

ANTHONY ZIMATORE III, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. ZIMATORE; CAROLYN B.

ZIMATORE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. ZIMATORE; BARBARA ZIMATORE, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. ZIMATORE; ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH J. ZIMATORE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; DISTRICT COURT OF NASSAU COUNTY; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK ; JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1 THROUGH #3, Defendants - Index No. 604446/2023

Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants-YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated August 14, 2023.

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

Chamber ensemble hosts fundraiser

The critically-acclaimed American Chamber Ensemble, celebrating its 58th Anniversary, will present its Gala Annual Music Party and Fundraiser on Sunday, October 1 at 3:00 PM at Hofstra University’s Helene Fortunoff Theater in Monroe Lecture Center on California Avenue in Hempstead.

The program of informal music-making will preview the upcoming season, and will include pianist and ACE director Marilyn Lehman, along with violinist Deborah Wong, cellist Chris Finckel, and clarinetist and Assistant ACE Director Mindy Dragovich. Special guests will be soprano Karen Lehman DiMartino and the ACE Clarinet Quartet.

For category information, benefits, and fundraiser reservations, visit AmericanChamberEnsemble.com/support or call (631) 242-5684 or (516) 586-3433.

Directed by Marilyn Lehman, assisted by Mindy Dragovich, ACE was founded in 1965 by pianist Blanche Abram and clarinetist Naomi Drucker. In residence at Hofstra University, the ensemble explores the great chamber music literature for piano, strings, woodwinds, and voice and presents performances featuring world-class artists.

Their latest CDs on Elysium are American Clarinet Treasures, featuring core members of ACE performing works by George Kleinsinger, Virgil Thomson, Daniel Gregory Mason, Elliott Carter, Douglas Moore and Gary Schocker, with guest artist Stanley Drucker and The American Chamber Ensemble Plays Peter Schickele, which features five of this modern master’s most important chamber works. Call (516) 586-3433, or email jamesarts@ att.net. — Ben Fiebert

Public Notices

ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P. Sullivan, J.S.C. Dated:

August 14, 2023 Filed:

August 23, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 17 Island Parkway N, Island Park, NY 11558. Dated:

September 5, 2023 Filed:

September 5, 2023

Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Meir Weiss, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000

F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982 141844

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 62-2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held September 6th, 2023, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 62-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 62-2023, amending Section 197-13 of the Code of the Town of

Hempstead, to include “TRAFFIC REGULATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF SCHOOLS” at various locations.

Dated: September 6, 2023

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 142146

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NO. 16214

RESOLUTION NO.994-2023

Adopted: September 6, 2023

Councilmember Ryder offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ADOPTING TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD PUBLIC PARKING FIELD MAPS SHOWING PARKING REGULATIONS AT CERTAIN PARKING FIELDS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 980-2023, adopted August 1st, 2023, a public hearing was duly held on the 6th day of September, 2023, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed adoption of the following public parking field maps showing the adoption of two (2) “Police Vehicles Only” signs in parking field O-3, Oceanside; all in accordance with Section 80-4 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead; and

WHEREAS, after due consideration this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to adopt the following Town of Hempstead public parking field maps showing the revisions thereon; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the following Town of Hempstead public parking field maps showing the adoption of two (2) “Police Vehicles Only” signs in parking field O-3, Oceanside; all in accordance with Section 80-4 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead:

OCEANSIDE

O-3 Parking Field Seaford Town of Hempstead (TH-297/23) and, BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and the Ordinance Book and shall publish a copy of this resolution once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Miller and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SEVEN (7)

NOES: NONE (0) 142148

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 59-2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held September 6th, 2023 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 59-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board

duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 59-2023, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: September 6, 2023 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 142143

Place

516-569-4000 x232

legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 61-2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held September 6th, 2023, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 61-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 61-2023, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: September 6, 2023

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 142145

Fax

E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com

Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

VALLEY STREAM SCHOOL DISTRICT #13

Wage)

All positions require NYSED Fingerprints clearance. If interested, forward a copy of your resume.

Valley Stream School District 13 585 N. Corona Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580 516-568-6110

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

AUTO MECHANIC: Village of Malverne.

Full Time. Experienced. Must have CDL. www.malvernevillage.org/job-postings

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.

Salary Range is $15 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for

Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train HS Diploma

NYS

License Clean 3 Years

$20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. 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. Salary range is from $20K to $45K

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $15 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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. Compensation ranges from $31,200 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $31,200 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

P/T CUSTODIAL WORKER FOR ISLAND PARK LIBRARY

Afternoon and evening shifts. MonSat. Drivers license req.. High school graduate. Able to lift 40 lbs., Cleaning inside and outside of library. Program set up. Snow removal, run errands, able to climb ladder. $16-$17 per hour.

email: jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org..

RECEPTIONIST

Receptionist needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule: Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay $15 to $17 plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

RESTAURANT Hostess & Server

Positions Available (646) 830 4987 email: mc_brando@yahoo.com

Health Care/Opportunities

Rockville Centre

Quaint Colonial

OPEN HOUSE Rockville Centre 69 Raymond Street Thursday 9/28 4:00pm-6:00pm Saturday, 9/30 11:00am-1:00pm.

Updated

Do I really need my sprinkler system?

Q. I’m wondering about my home sprinkler system, the one in my ceilings, and whether I have to do anything with it. I’ve lived in the house for six months. When I bought it, they told me about the system, but I’m not clear on whether there’s standing water in the pipes, and what to do. Also, I wonder if the pipes can freeze, and whether they need more insulation and maintenance. Frankly, I’m wondering whether the sprinklers will even work. Do I really need them? What can you tell me?

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 10/1/23 HEWLETT Bay Pa RK

190 Meadowview Ave, BA, 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 $2,700,000

HEWLETT

1390 Broadway #102,BA, Move Right Into This Magnificent

Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse. Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths, HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC, Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $579,000

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 & DR. Washer/ Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!!

MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOOdMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, 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! REDUCED! $950,000

CE da RHURST

332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR. Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D. Pull Down Attic. SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $449,000

is a must-see. MLS# 3505456. $998,000.

Scott Wallace, CBR Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence 516.248.6655 Cell: 516.521.4065 scottwallace@danielgale.com scottwallace.danielgale.com

A. Home sprinklers are required for homes over 2½ stories tall, and were partly the reason that insulation became required in attic ceilings instead of just floors. The piping needs to be on the warm side of insulation. Water stagnates in pipes over time, and putrid water, in a stand-alone system, must have a backflow device to prevent stagnant water from getting into the municipal system.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Stand-alone water testing and back-flow device testing was nixed by most water authorities, because homeowners had the responsibility to arrange for tests (and they could not be relied on to do so), and neglected systems could end up poisoning the neighbors. You’ll need to contact a residential fire sprinkler installer for testing to avoid property or system damage.

Local water departments in many municipalities have higher authority than building codes when it comes to domestic sprinklers. The latest arrangement is a mix of multi-purpose fixtures and a stand-alone system in which the water supply branches after the water service enters the home, directed to the most used toilet water lines (the master bathroom toilet). It is connected to the sprinkler line, where flushing regularly advances enough water to purge standing water in the sprinkler line to keep it from becoming putrid and dangerous, which may preclude testing. A certified installer can look at your installation and see right away if this was done.

Water departments still weren’t satisfied, and insisted on a check valve in the fire sprinkler pipeline as a backup solution to protect the domestic water if the passive solution of water flow and purging to the most used fixture didn’t work as planned. This device ends up in a location where the water company can check your system’s function annually, and certify its continued use. New homeowners might be surprised when they see that the water bill has an additional fee for “backflow prevention device certification.”

Some people don’t disclose the particulars, and it’s good that you’re asking questions. If there is anything faulty about your system or its operation, it could be a serious problem for your household and for neighbors who share the water supply in your immediate area. A negative pressure backup from purging the street lines or any other malfunction could be deadly. Be sure to follow up and ask more questions of your water department and an installation and testing company. Good luck!

© 2023 Monte Leeper

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

HomesHERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

This Robin won’t rest until you are in your new NEST! How’s the market?? Please contact me for your free market report and personalized service!

“Leading Edge Award Winner”

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

CEDARHURST BA, 332B Peninsula

Blvd, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br,

2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl.

Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features

Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down

Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent

Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths,HW

Flrs, Windows, HVAC,Recessed LED

Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000

Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman

516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA,1534 BROADWAY #205, BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!!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 & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$579,000

Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman

516-238-4299

Open Houses

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,.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

$2,700,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-4299

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd.,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!..$950,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments Wanted

RESPONSIBLE PERSON SEEKING Studio In Wantagh Or Seaford. Non-Smoker, No Pets. Call 516-800-6343

Apartments For Rent

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

(516)582-9978

Rob Kolb

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Tripodi Shemtov Team

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

30 West Park Ave | Long Beach, NY 11561

Cell:

Parking Space Available

COMMERCIAL PARKING VANS, TRUCKS, TRAILERS, STORAGE CONTAINERS, OVERNIGHT, DAYTIME 516 996 5818

Florida Real Estate

DELRAY BEACH, FL: For Sale, opportunity before it hits the market! Single Story Ranch Condo. Beautifully appointed in desirable Emerald Pointe gated community, Approx 1800 Sq Ft. Furnished, All Appliances, 2 Bed / 2 Bath, Eat-In Kitchen, Walk-In Closets, Great Interior Storage and Exterior Storage Room, Screened-In Porch with Dual Interior Access, New Rheem HVAC Jan 2019, Ceiling fans throughout, 4 Private Parking Spots, Clubhouse with Auditorium, Pool, Gym, Tennis, Pickleball (TBD), Game and Card Rms, Interior Walking-Paths, Pet Friendly, 55+ Community, Easy access to Palm Beach International and Ft Lauderdale Airports. Exciting Downtown Delray offers beautiful Beaches, Shopping, Restaurants, and Nightlife. Asking $309,999. Call David at 248-240-8154 SWCGRPMI@gmail.com

Home Sales

Baldwin $610,000

Field Place. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and exercise room. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $11,754.57

Bellmore $785,000

Shore Road. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchenwith granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $14,637

East Meadow $725,000

Jeffrey Avenue. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $11,440.95

Long Beach $855,00

E. Park Avenue. Duplex. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. L-shaped dining room. First floor master bedroom with walk-in closet.

Taxes: $13,156.70

Malverne $700,000

Lawrence Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $23,481

Merrick $892,000

Commonwealth Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Chef’s eat-in kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steal appliances. Banquet-size formal dining room. Spacious den and home office. Ultra king ensuite master bedroom. Attached garage and large fenced yard. All large rooms with many updates, including custom moldings.

Taxes: $19,594.14

Oceanside $700,000

Fortesque Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. First floor bedroom. Updates include skylight. Security system.

Taxes: $13,704.41

Rockville Centre $965,000

Strathmore Lane. Tudor. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $19,830.80

West Hempstead $570,000 Robin Court. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Den/family room and exercise room. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $10,938

Woodmere $1,300,000

South End. Colonial. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. High end finishes include vaulted ceiling and skylight. First floor bedroom. Security system.

Taxes: $28,269.93

A BETTER WAY TO BUY AND SELL REAL ESTATE!

“Call A Realtor With Proven Experience!”

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

12- 8" SNACK Plates w inserts to fit 10 matching Teacups $40. 516 445-7390

BOYS' CLOTHES: SIZE 4/4T, New with tags; $8 each piece. 917-420-5814.

GOLF BAG W 3 Woods and 8 Iron, $50. (516) 445-3212

TEENAGE BOYS CLOTHES: sweatshirts, pants, long sleeve-Tshirts. $1-2 each piece. 917-420-5814.

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We’ve had great people working for us at the U.N.

Every September, the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly wreaks havoc, confusion and congestion for everyone who must travel to and from Manhattan. I was reminded of this when it took me a half-hour in mid-afternoon to drive the five and a half blocks from the FDR Drive’s 49th Street exit to a parking garage on 48th Street on my way to co-hosting “Cats and Cosby” at the WABC-AM studio.

Arriving at the studio, however, I received no sympathy or compassion from station employees, who told me about their experiences earlier in the day with endless gridlock or being unable to call an Uber or hail a taxi.

All of this made me think back on some of my experiences with the United Nations during my time in Congress and the question of the efficacy of this international body.

The General Assembly is a security nightmare for New York, as world leaders from far and wide descend on Manhattan. They include friends and foes; democratically elected leaders and tyrannical despots; serious players and dilettantes. It

takes carefully coordinated efforts by all levels of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Secret Service and, most significantly, the NYPD, to provide the necessary security and transportation arrangements for all these leaders.

Not surprisingly, the one who generates the most attention is the president of the United States. I have been at General Assembly events for Presidents Clinton, Bush 43 and Trump. No matter how jaded you might become after years in politics and government, and no matter the president’s political party, it is always exhilarating to watch our president on the world stage.

I had significant interactions with several of the American ambassadors to the U.N., beginning with Madeline Albright, in the first Clinton administration. Albright and I developed a friendly relationship from the start, sharing memories of Long Island, where she lived in Garden City during the early years of her marriage.

She was a true foreign policy expert, and I distinctly recall her comparing the successful Irish peace process with the inability to get Balkan leaders to follow that example. My last in-depth meeting with Albright was on a visit to Sarajevo with Clinton in 2015, when we reminisced

about bipartisan foreign policy efforts.

Albright was succeeded by New Mexico Congressman Bill Richardson, who had an international reputation as a hostage negotiator. I got to know Richardson well when we were in Congress together, particularly when we traveled to Ireland, Britain and Israel. Bill combined educational knowledge with solid street smarts to find ways to work through insoluble problems and achieve common-sense results.

My wife, Rosemary, and I have a great memory of when we and our daughter, Erin, had dinner with Bill and his wife, Barbara, at his ambassador’s residence in the Waldorf-Astoria. He went on to become governor of New Mexico, and then continued his work as a hostage negotiator until he died on Sept. 1.

Richard Holbrooke, a career diplomat who served as Clinton’s second-term U.N. ambassador, was a larger-than-life force who took no prisoners. I met Holbrooke when he was ambassador to Germany, and then he was assistant secretary of state for Europe, where I saw up close his efforts to resolve the wars in the Balkans, first in Bosnia and then in Kosovo. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I accompanied him to Sarajevo in 1996 to observe Bosnia’s first free elections.

Holbrooke brought the same energy and drive to the United Nations. He was later appointed special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan by President Obama. Holbrooke died during heart surgery in 2010.

I have great regard for Trump’s first U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley. A former governor of South Carolina, she was a tough, strong and articulate defender of the U.S. at the U.N., unafraid to face down America’s adversaries such as Russia and China. Haley was particularly effective in defending Israel, our strongest ally and the only real democracy in the Middle East, from hypocritical, biased resolutions. I visited her at her U.N. office with my family, and she couldn’t have been more gracious. Haley is currently running for president, and I wish her well. If elected, she would do an outstanding job. Our presidents have appointed very able and dedicated Americans to represent us at the U.N. Unfortunately, while the U.N. has done effective humanitarian work, it has never fulfilled its potential as a force for peace because Russia and China have veto power, and have prevented meaningful action. Nonetheless, our ambassadors have used the U.N. as a forum for defending American values.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

No more delays in distributing opioid settlement funds

With our children back in classrooms and the leaves beginning their autumnal change, the nation is highlighting another vital milestone as we observe September as National Recovery Month.

Since being established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Recovery Month has become a powerful vehicle for promoting and supporting new treatment and prevention practices, honoring the hard work and courage of Americans in recovery, and recognizing the countless service providers, communities and organizations that make recovery available for all who seek it.

In Nassau County and across the country, the perils posed by the disease of addiction are more severe than I can ever remember. As if the fentanyl crisis wasn’t frightening enough, drugs like “tranq” are adding a new kind of danger. Formally known as xylazine, tranq is an animal

tranquilizer that is increasingly being used as an additive to heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. It’s beginning to appear in drug tests at Nassau County treatment centers, and its effects on users are truly horrific. Worse yet, we’re learning of an emerging group of synthetic opioids that may be even more powerful than fentanyl.

In two major recent drug busts in our region, 30 people were arrested in Suffolk County, and illegal guns, two kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of fentanyl — enough to kill 380,000 people — were seized. A day later, a dozen more people were indicted for their alleged involvement in a South Shore Nassau drug ring. There, three kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of fentanyl were recovered and confiscated.

All of these disturbing new developments illustrate how high the stakes are in the ever-evolving battle against addiction. Now more than ever, if there is a potentially life-saving resource that we can add to our toolkit, we must avail ourselves of it. That’s why my office was one of the first in Nassau County to begin hosting Narcan training sessions years ago, and I have continued to work closely

with stakeholders since then to expand on these tools.

During this legislative term, my minority caucus colleagues and I have cosponsored legislation that would require the county to add fentanyl-detecting test strips to all Narcan kits that we distribute. A second proposed law would facilitate the distribution of kits that safely destroy and dissolve unwanted prescription drugs at home. While I’m disappointed that the legislative majority hasn’t even held a public hearing on these proposals, I won’t give up in the fight to enact common-sense, low-cost and, most important, potentially life-saving policies.

I also remain concerned about the manner in which the county is distributing tens of millions of dollars that we have received from various settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors and sellers. While significant sums have been earmarked for an array of worthwhile entities that are serving on the front lines of the addiction crisis, we have received little, if any, information from the administration on whether the county has distributed the funds. In fact, our most recent available budget data

shows that only $2.24 million of the $30 million appropriated for the last two years — and nearly $83 million overall — has been delivered. With so many threats on the horizon, it is essential for these resources to be delivered in as expeditious and transparent a manner as possible.

As new proceeds arrive from future settlements, I believe that Nassau County would be well served by using those funds to expand Nassau University Medical Center’s detox and in-patient rehab facilities to ensure that no one is ever prevented from getting treatment for addiction because there isn’t a bed available. Our unique relationship with NUMC offers the county a golden opportunity to establish ourselves as a regional leader in the delivery of recovery opportunities, and it is one we should take full advantage of.

Never forget that people who are in recovery very seldom do it alone — and if you are struggling as you read this, I want you to know that there are people out there who care about you and are eager to extend a helping hand. If you need assistance with substance abuse or a mental health crisis, I encourage you to call the Nassau County Crisis Helpline, at (516) 227-8255, and take that first step toward reclaiming your life.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

How about using some of them to fund NUMC’s detox and inpatient rehab?

But traffic, security challenges, and Russia and China work against us.

Deadly Wild West in our backyard

drive a mere exit or two on any of long Island’s main thoroughfares, and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.

These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, Peninsula Boulevard was sadly the site of two separate fatal accidents. On the same day.

We all have seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences to the lives of others.

That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat and you thank heaven to be alive because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100

Letters

Are we sure Trump’s guilt would be enough?

To the Editor:

mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next car? All of us, especially on long Island, know this feeling all too well.

reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.

Their cars are hard to miss with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to catch their plate, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the road to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.

More than 75 people lost their lives

and another 13,000 were injured in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in our county last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.

It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways. We need more — not less — patrolling of our roads.

We need more — not less — enforcement of sensible laws already on the books.

We need more — not less — coordination between state and local law enforcement.

And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them. We implore all jurisdictions to work together to reign in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.

In his column “Sometimes you just may be guilty until proven innocent,” Jerry Kremer is, I fervently hope, correct in his conclusion that all the facts in the Trump indictments go against him, so he will not escape conviction by some “Houdini” trick. I agree that inside the courtroom, with its rational procedures, Trump’s lawyers will not save him. However, he is not there yet, and outside there is latitude, and time, for manipulation, and for many of his allies to assist. My concerns include:

■ The “delay” escape. It’s temporary, but it allows other interventions to ripen. It’s in the attorneys’ motions.

■ The “electoral” escape. Should Trump, or any MAGA candidate, become president, the get-out-ofjail-free card will be played. This is well under way, from the Freedom Caucus to the Wisconsin legislature to the intimidation tactics of the NY Citizens Audit Civil Fund and Trump’s busy campaign.

■ The “hung jury” escape. It only needs one to succeed. Trump’s “colossal chutzpah” does not shrink from gangsterism, intimidation, bribery, extortion or falsehood. We have seen it. Trump’s recent speeches invite volunteers, his militia-trained thugs remain loyal, deluded acolytes persist, and polls indicate large reservoir of fervent ideologues. These too, are facts — less rational than Mr. Kremer’s, but active for years now, and thus well-practiced. The Houdinis are busy.

Sometimes you may be guilty, but just not convicted.

BrIAN KEllY Rockville Centre

Trump’s guilty?

What about Biden?

To the Editor:

As long as we still have free speech in this country, I would like to address Jerry Kremer’s accusations against Donald Trump in “Sometimes you just may be guilty until proven innocent.” The Democratic Party has put up a strong smoke-

screen to avoid the bigger and more important issue of how ineffective Joe Biden has been as leader of our country.

Biden undid everything Trump achieved as an act of spitefulness. He opened the borders, millions of unvetted illegals are here, and the schools are inundated with non-English-speaking children. He shut down the Keystone X l pipeline, many people lost their jobs, and the price of gas soared to over $4 per gallon. He ran out of Afghanistan and gave

To serve its riders, the MTA needs proper governance

the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is, unfortunately, usually in the news for billion-dollar boondoggles. But local issues and corporate governance problems plague the agency that affects the daily lives of so many riders in Nassau County. The MTA needs some corporate governance and a renewed focus on the commuters it serves, and only then will it be able to lead us out of the pandemic era and into a robust recovery.

The MTA is the largest public transit system in America, shuttling over 11 million passengers on an average weekday, covering 14 counties, employing 70,000 people and serving over 850,000 vehicles across seven bridges and two tunnels. Because of its importance to New Yorkers’ livelihoods and the economy, it is critical that it functions efficiently and serves its constituency well.

The agency has certainly hit some big milestones recently, including increased ridership, back to pre-pandemic levels, and registering over 2 million OMNY fare-payment taps in one day. But at the

same time, the MTA is failing my constituents in the 15th Assembly District, as well as the hundreds of thousands of daily LIRR riders across the MTA’s Long Island footprint.

My district stretches along the eastern border of Nassau, from Farmingdale to Locust Valley, a large portion of which is served by the notoriously problemplagued Oyster Bay line. For years, commuters in this area have had to choose between leaving work ridiculously early in order to make it home to their families, or staying at work longer and missing activities at home.

At first, the excitement over the recent East Side Access project was palpable among Oyster Bay line commuters. After years of unreliable service and difficult train schedules, it seemed like more options were finally becoming available. To our dismay, it turned out that, once again, the line will suffer the brunt of bad schedule changes. The few popular peak trains available are now even fewer and farther between, and require changing in Jamaica.

The situation has become so dire that many people are opting to drive to other stations on other lines. This not only defeats the purpose of commuter rail, it

Letters

the Taliban a gift of billions of dollars of equipment to use against us, and left soldiers and civilians to die.

Trump was accused of colluding with Russia, and was exonerated, but where is the outcry? He recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved our embassy from Tel Aviv, as other previous presidents failed to do. He kept North Korea at bay, and kept Putin from invading Ukraine. Now look at the mess we’re in!

As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.”

PAT KINg Merrick

We’re weary of ‘dense housing’ proposals

To the Editor:

Re Alan Singer’s column, “New housing on L.I.? Not in my backyard” (Sept. 7-13): greedy developers and passive local government have resulted in Long Island being bulldozed over for nearly 100 years. Nassau County is now virtually

devoid of open fields, natural woodlands and marshes, and the working farms I remember as a child. Traffic clogs our roadways, and critical aquifers are being depleted. For example, one mega-development, Riverside Rediscovered, in Suffolk County, is being held up due to a lack of sewage capacity.

These are just some of the reasons many are weary of “dense housing” proposals — not because all Long Islanders are inherently racist, as Mr. Singer quickly concludes. It’s true that most low-cost housing is being constructed in Black and Latino locations. It’s also true that those areas have the greatest need for housing of this kind.

Long Islanders are tired of the false choice being foisted upon us by non-residents: giant multi-story structures that no one here wants, or no affordable housing, period. Our residents, elected officials and developers should work together to find forward-looking, creative solutions to our housing crisis that are scaled appropriately. “Build, baby, build” just doesn’t cut it anymore.

ROBERT KENNEY Sea Cliff

also negatively affects small business owners around the Oyster Bay line train stations who are there to serve commuters.

The problems LIRR riders are facing are a direct result of corporate governance failures at the top.

When Phillip Eng retired as LIRR president over a year ago, the MTA announced that MetroNorth Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi would serve as president of both the LIRR and Metro-North. While Rinaldi may be a capable transit executive, the very nature of this dual role divides her focus and allegiance, which is not fair to Metro-North or LIRR customers, especially those who use the Oyster Bay line.

This arrangement would be untenable in any other arena of government, nonprofit or private business, and we need to get a fast and thorough executive search under way now. The fact that ridership is climbing to pre-pandemic levels means we needed a dedicated and focused LIRR president months ago.

But it’s no surprise that this structure isn’t sounding any alarm bells within the MTA. The same problem exists at the very top of the organizational chart. Janno Lieber, the chairman of the MTA,

Framework by Tim Baker

also serves as its chief executive officer. Much like the dual-president role, giving the same person the chairman and CEO powers is an inherent conflict of interest, and runs counter to the transparency and accountability that is supposed to be the bedrock of a public authority.

The private sector has for years now recognized this conflict, and more corporations are splitting the functions of the chairman and CEO. This allows the chair and the board to perform their vital oversight duties, including establishing budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability, engaging in shortand long-term planning, and evaluating executive performance, among other functions, independent of conflict.

These are problems with clear solutions. If the MTA had a better corporate structure, it would be a more transparent, accountable and efficient public authority that serves its customers better. Projects would be delivered closer to on time and on budget, and closer attention would be paid to customers throughout the system.

A clear organizational chart, with dedicated roles and talented executives, including a separate LIRR president, is the first step toward an efficient and responsive MTA. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.

It was a day for the dogs (and their friends) at the Rec Center pool — Freeport

Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.

the agency is failing hundreds of thousands of LIRR riders across the Island.

Jake BLUmenCranZ