Rockville Centre Herald 02-10-2022 by Richner Communications, Inc

_____________

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

____________

HERALD

C a ll fo r a no obligation Qu ote!

AUTO • HOME • lifE

2022

HOMETOWN

HEROES

OK YEARBOOK BUSINESS

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

VOLUNTEERS

EDUCATION

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

FIRST RESPONDERS

RESTAURANTS

HEALTH CARE

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

LIBRARIES

WORSHIP

Hometown Heroes Yearbook Inside

$1.00

VOL. 33 NO. 7

4.9

Frank’s gets set for Valentine’s Day Page 3

18/21 AlEx AndEr sOn

itc FG 516.544.2728 530 Merrick rd. Demi Condensed

Across from Pantry Din er

Page xx om

Aanderson8@allstate.c

CheCk OuT MY Revie

FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

1111 116 028 2073

February 10, 2022

ws!

Mayor to fight zoning change Murray plans to raise concerns with Hochul’s budget proposal By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

Courtesy Anthony Egan

Showcasing the seniors South Side High School defeated Hewlett, 62-56, last Sunday to cap Senior Day. Senior Cyclones included, from left, T.J. Egan, Pat Erickson, Chris Goldstein and Luke Schwartzberg. South Side has lost just one conference game this season and secured a playoff berth.

Diocese headquarters to be converted to $19M office space By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

The Diocese of Rockville Centre’s headquarters will soon be transfor med into 60,000 square feet of office space as part of a $19 million project. Philips International Holding Corp., a Great Neck-based real estate company, is planning to remake the property. After the diocese filed for bankruptcy in the wake of facing more than 200 lawsuits from victims of alleged sexual abuse, Synergy Holding Partners LLC pur-

chased the diocese’s Pastoral Center, or chancery, at 50 N. Park Ave., last year, during the bankruptcy proceedings. From there, Rock 50 LLC, an affiliate of Phillips Inter national, bought the building for $9.5 million. The acquisition included the five-story office building at the corner of North Park Avenue and Sunrise Highway, as well as the adjacent parking lot, which holds about 58 cars. A bankruptcy court approved the sale of the center, and all proceeds are to be used by the diocese to com-

pensate creditors. Calls to Phillips International requesting comment had not been returned at press time, and a diocese spokesperson referred the Herald to a news release from last March when asked to comment on the deal. “The sale and our relocation will have no effect on our ministry,” the Rev. Eric Fasano, vicar general for the diocese, stated in the release. “In fact, the operating efficiencies that will result are expected to free resources that can be directed to those CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray said at a meeting Monday night that he planned to fight Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recently unveiled plans to centralize zoning, which, Murray said, would take authority away from municipalities. Murray, the new president of the New York State Conference of Mayors, will meet with Hochul, and State Senate and Assembly leaders, next FRANCIS week to voice his MURRAY concerns about the Mayor governor’s zoning proposal for this year’s state budget, which, he said, he shares with many other mayors around the state. “Nassau County village officials and Suffolk County village officials — we are going to fight her on it,” Murray said. “She wants to take zoning away from municipalities. It’s a huge mistake. We will not let that happen. And I believe she will back off it.” In her State of the State address on Jan. 5, Hochul pro-

posed the elimination of singlefamily zoning law and directed municipalities to allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on owner-occupied lots in residential zones. The plan, she said, would encourage the construction of apartments and limit local governments’ ability to stop them. “In the wake of the pandemic, it’s crucial that we tackle the housing crisis and make New York a more affordable place for all,” Hochul said in her speech. “These bold steps are a major s t e p fo r w a rd i n transfor ming our housing market, protecting affordability and increasing the housing supply.” According to Hochul, the state would invest $25 billion to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes over the course of five years. As part of the sweeping changes, she would also propose legislation to promote multifamily construction in zones drawn by municipalities around rail transit stops

t’s a huge mistake. We will not let that happen.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

A Proven Track Record of Success Mary Beth has been working in real estate since 2013, providing the best customer service to her buyers and sellers. Our inventory is down to the lowest we have seen in 18 years and there are many well-qualified buyers looking to get into the beautiful village of Rockville Centre. Now is the time to discuss your home's value in this unique market.

#YourHomeTownRealtor Mary Beth Darcy Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence 516.678.1510, c.516.972.7028 marydarcy@danielgale.com

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

$30,096,500

ROCKVILLE CENTRE MARKET AGENT

AREA HOMES SOLD

SALES VOLUME

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY

45 Muirfield Road | PENDING

60 Berkshire |SOLD

MLS# 3368185 | $969,000

MLS# 3355873 | $1,300,000

Rockville Centre Office | 36 S Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY | 516.678.1510

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

1160997

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY

Frank’s Steaks in Valentine’s Day spirit

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

Interior decorator Michael Delahanty and Frank’s Steaks owner Chris Meyer once again teamed up in anticipation of Valentine’s Day to give the restaurant an ir resistible makeover. Just as he did for Christmas — when the steakhouse was covered in tinsel, wrapping paper, and wreaths — Delahanty covered the restaurant in INTERIOR DESIGNER MICHAEL Delahanty, left, and Frank’s holiday ambiance. Steaks owner Chris Meyer in front of the “lovers’ lane” portion of This time, it is a the Valentine’s Day design installations. ceiling-draped collage of red roses “wedding chapel” with white flowers that greets couples as they share a din- covering the corner of the bar area. ner on that special night. “Not only can customers come in and Delahanty, who worked as the maître have a great meal and a great bottle of d of the restaurant before the pandemic wine, but also ambiance which I truly hit and he started his business, Delahan- believe is second to none on Long Island ty Designs, reconnected with Meyer or the rest of the country,” Meyer said. over lunch in November when they Delahanty, his assistant Colin planned the Christmastime decorations. O’Leary, and the staff of Frank’s spent The response was so positive from about 80 hours putting together the dispatrons that the two decided to do some- play of roughly 12,000 lights and 20,000 thing similar for Valentine’s Day. roses. They had to work overnight, after The restaurant is divided into three business hours for the restaurant. sections: “lovers’ lane”— the chain of Delahanty said he wanted to keep the roses leading customers in from the character of the more than 100-year-old entrance to the bar, the rose garden building and avoided modern designs, gazebo where the lounge is, and the highlighting the mahogany wooden inte-

Photos by Joe Abate/Herald

ONE OF A few portions of the rose garden gazebo from Delahanty’s designs. riors and the old-world charm of the restaurant that was once the Lincoln Inn. Meyer said that the display has been well-received, especially by those who are making their first trip back to Frank’s since the start of the pandemic. “I take great pride and joy in witnessing

the uplifting spirits of my guests when they walk in my front door after such a long hiatus,” Meyer said. Delahanty and Meyer said they are excited to continue their partnership for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.

‘Love Nana’ supports local families in need By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

Mayor Francis X. Murray and Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley recently took a tour of “Love, Nana,” a new program by the Backyard Players & Friends. Located on Seaman Avenue, “Love, Nana,” supports families in need by suppling baby clothes while creating an inclusive job training and life skills program for Backyard Players participants. The real “Nana” behind the program is Joan Hyland. Hyland has teamed up with the Backyard Players and Friends to provide individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn job training. Participants of BYP are washing and folding baby clothes donated to “Love, Nana” and packing anywhere from six to 10 outfits into bundles along with books and baby accessories to be donated to local hospitals, ministries and social service agencies to distribute the bundles to those in need. Murray and Baxley were overjoyed to see how Nana and BYP team are working to make a difference that will impact countless lives. To learn more about the nonprofit or see how you can help, visit bypandfriends.com/lovenana.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE DEPUTY Mayor Kathy Baxley, fourth from right, and Mayor Francis Murray, third from right, came to the Backyard Players storefront on Long Beach Road to help BYP staff with the “Love, Nana” program to supply baby clothes and provide job training.

Courtesy Village of Rockville Centre

An orchestral ode to Black History Month The South Shore Symphony continues its 2021-22 season — its 30th anniversary season — this month at its home at the Madison Theatre on the Molloy College campus. Musical Director Scott Jackson Wiley leads his orchestra in a lively performance saluting Black History Month on

It’s Your MoneY

Jonathan Wolfsohn MBA, CFP, EA, ATA

EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT FOR 2021 ONLY The new law increases the amount of the Child Tax Credit, makes it available for 17-yearold dependents, makes it fully refundable and makes it possible for families to receive up to half of it, in advance, during the last half of 2021. Moreover, families can get the credit, even if they have little or no income from a job, business or other source. Currently, the credit is worth up to $2,000 per eligible child. The new law increases it to as much as $3,000 per child for dependents ages 6 through 17, and $3,600 for dependents ages 5 and under. The maximum credit is available to taxpayers with a modified AGI of:

Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The program features Florence Price’s “Symphony No. 1 in E minor.” Born in Little Rock, Ark. in 1887, Price received many accolades throughout her career. Her criticallyacclaimed Symphony No. 1 was the first symphony by an African-American female composer to be performed by a major American orchestra, in 1933. Described by critics as a “tour-de-force,” each movement of this symphony reflects her African heritage. The evening also includes Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, op. 61, with virtuoso violinist Wen Qian as soloist. Qian has been hailed by China Daily as “one of China’s most promising young violinists.” A first violinist with the Metropolitan Orchestra since 1997, she serves as the acting Assistant Concertmaster as well as violin professor at Mannes College of Music. The 2022 schedule will include a return to St. Agnes Cathedral in June, featuring organist Michael Bower playing Saint Saens’ Organ Symphony. Follow the orchestra on Facebook or email sssymphony@optonline.net to be notified of other upcoming events. Tickets are available online at www.madisontheatreny.org or by calling the box office at (516) 3234444. Audiences must follow Madison Theatre protocols pertaining to masks and vaccination.

• $75,000 or less for singles, • $112,500 or less for heads of household and • $150,000 or less for married couples filing ajoint return and qualified widows and widowers. Above these income thresholds, the extra amount above the original $2,000 credit - either $1,000 or $1,600 per child - is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 in modified AGI. Also, the credit is fully refundable for 2021. Before this year, the refundable portion was limited to $1,400 per child.

OBITUARY

RVC native Gail Roth Meister dies at 75 Rockville Centre native Gail Roth Meister died peacefully on Feb. 3 from ovarian cancer at Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. She was 75. Meister was born on Jan. 24, 1947, in Rockville Centre, to Dr. Lee and Lenora (Fleischer) Roth, and became a long time resident of Merchantville, N.J. Meister graduated from Mount Holyoke College, in Massachusetts, and earned a master’s degree from Yale University, as well as a PhD from Stanford University. Education was central to her life, and after briefly teaching middle and high school adult students, Meister spent more than 30 years working to help educators and schools improve their Gail Roth practice through research, policy and program development and writing and editing. She worked for area consulting firms, including Foundations Inc., in Moorestown, N.J., and the Institute for Research and Reform in Education and Research for Better Schools, in Philadelphia, and as an independent consultant. Meister was deeply committed to her Jewish faith, and was active at her synagogue, Congregation Rodeph Shalom, in Philadelphia. She served as a trustee and recently helped to design and run a semiannual educational program for adults. Meister took part in the study of Jewish text, both in her local congregation and elsewhere, through Zoom during the pandemic She lived a focused life, determined never to put off until tomorrow what could be experienced today. She and her husband, the Rev. JW. Gregg, and daughter, Miriam, traveled whenever they could,

New infections as of Jan. 31

Presented as a service to the community by

L.I. Tax Services Inc. Div. of Wolfsohn Financial 153 Broadway, Lynbrook NY 887-7380 www.wolfsohn.biz _____________

and she loved planning their trips. Destinations included the Amazon, southern Africa, Israel and many places throughout Europe and the U.S. Additionally, Meister enjoyed literature, the theater, museums, historical sights and looked forward to the weekend Inquirer’s list of things-to-do so she could plan the week ahead. She regularly attended the Philadelphia Orchestra, although she no longer played the violin that had gotten her accepted as a child to The Julliard School (which she declined to attend), and delighted each year in hosting family, friends and anyone without a place to go for Thanksgiving dinner. Meister volunteered in MerMeister chantville, most recently as an editor of the local Merchantville Observer. She relished long bike rides with her husband, especially along the Delaware and Raritan Canal through Lambertville. Following a bad fall from her bike last year, she began walking three to four miles each day, setting out at dawn. In addition to her husband and daughter, who is a PhD in Seattle, Meister is survived by her brother, Merrill (Ellen) Roth of Athens, N.Y.; her sister, Susan Nurin, of New York City; nieces and nephews, Tamara and Justin (Melissa) Nurin, Stephen and Nina Roth; and numerous cousins and relatives by marriage. Memorial services for Meister took place on Feb. 6 at Platt Memorial Chapels, 2001 Berlin Road, in Cherry Hill, N.J. Internment took place at Beth Moses Cemetery in West Babylon. Contributions in Meister’s memory can be made to the Jewish organization or cause of your choice, and/or to Mount Holyoke College.

682

Courtesy South Shore Symphony

VIOLINIST WEN QIAN will perform with the South Shore Symphony on Saturday.

rockville centre ____________

HERALD HOW TO REACH US

Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIL: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The Rockville Centre Herald USPS 74660, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Rockville Centre Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Subscription rates: $60 for 1 year. Annual Subscription Rates, $9.75 per quarter auto-pay or $50 one-time payment within Nassau County or $60 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2022 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE UPDATE:

Total infections to date 7,902

HERALD Special Section: April 5th

Have you opened a new business or moved to a new company? New Faces, New Places is the ideal opportunity to introduce yourself, grow your brand and build awareness to drive revenue. Includes a feature about you & your business.

FACES/ PLACES

Spotlight on the evolving local bus iness scene April 2022

For more information please call Ronda Glickman at 516.569.4000 ext 250

1162683

1162910

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

START YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.

Photos courtesy Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital

CAMILE CAMPBELL WITH her infant son Bevon Campbell III after he spent the past 133 days in Mercy Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Baby discharged after 4 months in Mercy NICU By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

Flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle. One of the nation’s top values in higher education, Molloy offers career-focused programs, real-world connections and personal guidance—preparing you for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

molloy.edu

1160963

Bevon Campbell III spent many holidays with his Mercy Hospital family: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve/ Day. This month, after spending over four months (133 days) in the facility’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bevon went home just in time for Valentine’s Day with his true loves: his mom and dad. Bevon was born at the Rockville Centre hospital on Sept. 21 at 27 weeks and weighed 2 pounds, 3 ounces. His mom, Camille, of Jamaica, Queens, suffered from preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, a pregnancy complication that affects the blood and liver, and treatment usually requires delivery of the baby. Upon leaving, Bevon weighed a healthy 9 pounds. The team members that cared for Bevon over the past four months included Dr. Swarna Devarajan, director of neonatology; Dr. Jordana Hannam, attending neonatologist, Dr. Baraa Allaf, chair of maternal-fetal medicine; Dr. Godwin Onyeike, OBGYN; the bevy of nurses and techs, and much more.

BEVON ON HIS discharge day from the Mercy NICU on Feb. 1. MOL1031_LYS_Grad_Herald_HP_5.04x12.75_4C.indd 1

2/2/22 2:13 PM

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Ongoing

strength and flexibility. Starts at 9:30 a.m.

Community Service Letters to Veterans

Bible Study at St. Agnes Join Fr. Bright and other members of the study group each Wednesday morning either in-person or virtually at 9:45 a.m. The program meets in the second floor of the ministry building in the youth ministry room. Email Irene Vastola at iavastola@gmail.com for Zoom link.

Show your appreciation for veterans and earn one service hour per three letters you write. Bring your letters to the RVC Library by February 25. For more information, visit the community service page of the library website. This is an at-home activity for those in grades 7 to 12.

Current Events with Richard Skolnik (Zoom)

Thursday, Feb. 10

Richard Skolnik leads a discussion of what is in the latest news cycle. A lively, moderated discussion of hot topics. Register online at the RVC Public Library website. Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Simply Creative Chef Rob Chef Rob shares how to prepare General Tso’s Chicken. Register online at the RVC Library website to receive the Zoom link to this virtual event. Starts at 10 a.m.

Evening Yoga with MaryClare Yoga and meditation instructor MaryClare Chiofalo leads this traditional format yoga class. Register online at the RVC Library website. Starts at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11 Film Fan Friday with Max Alvarez Join film historian Max Alvarez virtually through the Rockville Centre Library for screenings and discussions of The Real Fosse/Verndon and All That Jazz. Register online at the library website. Starts at 2 p.m.

Evening with the Dinos at the CSTL Come to the Center for Science Teaching and Learning at Tanglewood Preserve for this educational family program. Hands on activities will be featured and staff will be on hand to answer all your questions. Register online at cstl.org. Starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 12 South Shore Symphony: Music to Lift Our Spirits The Madison Theatre at Molloy College hosts this concert from the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts that will see Florence Price Symphony No. 1 and BeethovenViolin Concerto in D major op. 61. Tickets are $20. Call the theater at 516-323-4444to reserve yours. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

l l l l l

Ben Strack/Herald

Hands-on family fun with animals The Center for Science Teaching & Learning hosts its Family Animal Show to meet the animals at Tanglewood Preserve on Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Feb. 14 Video Vacations: Paris & Northwestern France Join Savvy Sightseer Jeanne Schnupp on this mini European travel adventure to Paris and Northwestern France. Video goes live on the Rockville Centre Library YouTube channel at 9 a.m.

Monday Storytime (In-person) Register online at the RVC Library website for this librarian-led storytime to sing songs and read together. Starts at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 15 Tax Preparation at the RVC Library The Rockville Centre Library hosts this

appointment only tax preparation meetings. Call the adult refernce number at 516-766-6257 x5 to schedule your appointment. Free to seniors and low-income families ($60,000 per year). Bring last year’s return, W-2’s, investment info, Social Security card of everyone listed on the form and a form of ID to your appointment. Starts at 10:15 a.m.

Chi Gong with Marianna Farina (Virtual) Farina returns to the Rockville Centre library with her virtual exercise class. Register at the library website for the session that runs from Sept. 7 to Nov. 9. Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Yoga with Joe (Virtual) Certified yoga instructor Joe Climi leads the class designed to accommodate

the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional appraoches. Register online at the RVC library website. Starts at 12 p.m.

NAMI Family Support Group Session (Virtual) The National Alliance on Mental Health comes to the RVC Library for family support group sessions. Sessions will meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Each session starts 7 p.m. For more info, contact dsills@ namiqn.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 16 Simply Stronger with Marilyn Bunger (Virtual) Certified instructor Marilyn Bunger leads this exercise class to enhance

HAVING AN EVENT? Items on the Community Update pages 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 msmollins@liherald.com

The Center for Science Teaching & Learning hosts an open house on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. Molloy College’s Madison Theatre hosts Love Notes: A Big Band Valentine on Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. Covert Elementary School hosts Literacy Week from Feb. 14 to 18. The Hewitt February Kindness Challenge runs from Feb. 14 to 18. The RVC Board of Education meets at the SSHS auditorium on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

1162754

CRIME WATCH rvccoalitionforyouth.org rvccoalitionforyouth.org

savinglives5townscoalition.org savinglives5townscoalition.org

REACH THE END ZONE DON’T LET DRUGS & ALCOHOL FUMBLE THEIR LIVES

Larceny

Lost property

■ On Jan. 25 at 9:37 a.m., the manager of Bigelow’s Restaurant reported that two people attempted to steal used cooking oil from the rear parking lot of the building.

■ At 12:43 p.m. on Jan. 26, a resident notified police that she lost her handicap parking permit.

Identity theft ■ At 1:21 p.m. on Jan. 25, a resident reported that someone used her personal information to withdraw money from her bank account.

KEEP OUR YOUTH SAFE

Unusual incident

for THE BIG GAME • SUNDAY 2/13/22

■ A Florida resident notified police that she was the victim of an online real estate rental scam on Lincoln Avenue on Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.

1162929

Leaving the scene ■ On Jan. 26 at 7:45 p.m., a motorist reported that her car was struck by a vehicle that left the scene while she was driving on South Park Avenue. The driver of the other car was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Lynbrook by the Lynbrook Police Department at 9:23 p.m.

■ A resident reported that he lost her necklace and a bottle of prescription medication in his apartment on Jan. 27 at 1:49 p.m.

Arrest ■ On Jan. 26 at 12:48 a.m., Tishane Lewis, 33, of Wheatley Heights, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and traffic offenses on Peninsula Boulevard. ■ At 10:05 a.m. on Jan. 26, Mark Askew, 54, of Rockville Centre, was arrested for an open federal arrest warrant for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a vehicle with a suspended registration and traffic offenses in the vicinity of North Centre Avenue. ■ Derwin White, 61, of Ronkonkoma, was arrested on Jan. 27 at 7:10 a.m. and charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct after refusing to leave Mercy Hospital when directed to do so by the facility’s staff.

Mazer Family Fund Mazer Family Fund

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

Cold temperatures are unlikely to put a damper on this hot seller’s market! If you’ve been thinking about listing your home, now is the perfect time to do it. Let us help you sell your home for a price you’ll love before the spring.

HERALD GIVEAWAY Enter for a chance to win a four-pack of tickets to a future L.I. Nets Game!

Lets connect!

Winners of the

rleoutsakos@liherald.com

Dina Caﬀrey

Sandi Asip

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Licensed Associate Broker

dcaﬀrey@coachrealtors.com

sasip@coachrealtors.com

516.316.1775

516.557.9052

Rockville Centre Oﬃce | 314 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre NY 11570 | 516.536.8100

"I love the LI Nets!"

1162660

and write

1162913

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

ENTER TODAY

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

Cyclones qualify seven grapplers

JORDAN SORIANO

Clarke Senior Wrestling

GAMES TO WATCH Thursday, Feb. 10

Girls Basketball: Carle Place at Malverne .............5:30 p.m. Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Lynbrook.................6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball: Baldwin at Plainview ...................6:45 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11

Girls Basketball: Garden City at Carey...................4:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. South.................... 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: Glen Cove at Sewanhaka ................ 5 p.m. Boys Basketball: Roslyn at Elmont .................................. 5 p.m. Girls Basketball: West Hemp at Malverne ..................5:30 p.m. Boys Basketball: East Meadow at V.S. Central ...........6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Malverne at West Hemp. ...........6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball: Jericho at Mepham. ............................ 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: V.S. North at South Side...................... 7 p.m. Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at MacArthur ............... 7 p.m. Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Kennedy ........................ 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: Wantagh at Island Trees ........................ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 12 Girls Basketball: V.S. Central at East Meadow ............... 12 p.m. Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Freeport ...................... 12 p.m. Girls Basketball: Carle Place at East Rockaway........... 12 p.m. Boys Basketball: Syosset at Oceanside ........................ 12 p.m.

Neil Miller/Herald

SOUTH SIDE SENIOR Cobh Ferrick, top, took third place in last Saturday’s 215-pound qualifier at Long Beach to advance to the county tournament. By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

The South Side/East Rockaway wrestling team rolled a lucky seven at the county qualifier. Seven Cyclones will have an opportunity to reach the state championships this weekend after finishing among the top five at the Nassau 1 Qualifier hosted by Long Beach High School last Saturday. They include division winner Thomas Wagner (132 pounds), runner-up Joe Souto (110), third-place finisher Cobh Ferrick (215), and fourth-place competitors Nate Modico (118), Lucas Cortarzar (126), Collin Saltzman (145), and Logan Kelly (160.) Coach Mike Robinson was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. “The seven surprised me,” he said. “I had a certain number in mind. I knew that Jojo, Thomas, Cobh could definitely qualify.” Ryan Alfano (138) placed sixth and could be a wild card at the state qualifier at Nassau Community College. Wagner, a senior who is now 27-2, pinned all four of his opponents in a com-

Jump shot leave your knee shot? We’ve Got Specialists For That SM

OC1035_RunningMan_Herald_Strip_10.25x2.5_Basketball_v2.indd 1

bined time of 10 minutes, 17 seconds, tying him with Hewlett’s Kirk Smith for best at the event. He has not lost since Dec. 10. “I think he’s got a really good shot to be in the finals,” Robinson said. “He’s one of the top kids in the county. There are some other kids out there that are pretty good, but I think Thomas is right there with everybody at that weight. That’s our next step.” The top seeded Souto received byes in the first three rounds before earning a 17-0 technical fall in the semifinals. He hung tough in the final before falling in an 8-5 decision. “Joe was really focused on trying to be All-County this year as a sophomore,” Robinson said. “He’s looking for one of those spots on the podium. I think he’s right there too.” Ferrick recorded a 9-0 major decision victory in the Round of 16 and pinned Oceanside’s Andrew Cagno to reach the semifinals. He defeated Cagno again, this time in a close 4-3 decision, to clinch third place. The team overall showed great improvement after New Year’s. After waiting until

Dec. 21 to record their first dual win of the season, the Cyclones won four of their five matches to finish second at the Harold Earl Duals on Jan. 15 after defeating Garden City (41-36) and Glen Cove (51-24). They entered the qualifier after close losses to Herricks (39-34) on Jan. 26 and Lynbrook (35-29) two days later. “I think the kids were more focused in practice,” Robinson said of his teams’ turnaround. “There’s an understanding that if they want to win, they’ve got to learn.” Cortarzar, a sophomore from East Rockaway who first joined the team as an eighth grader, returned after breaking his leg during the football season and immediately gave the team a shot in the arm with pins against Herricks (28 seconds) and Lynbrook. He recorded a 9-6 win during the qualifier quarterfinals and a two-minute pinfall to advance to the finals of the consolation bracket. Saltzman, a senior, temporarily wrestled at 152 in late January and recorded a pinfall victory against Herricks before a four-minute 16-0 technical fall triumph against Lynbrook.

516.536.2800 | orlincohen.com

1156065

SORIANO IS SEEKING a third Nassau County championship and is ranked No. 1 at 138 pounds heading into this Saturday’s big stage. A five-year member of Clarke’s varsity, he’s a two-time AllState finisher headed to Drexel University, a D1 program. So far this season, he’s won 30 of 31 matches and three tournaments, the Battle at the Beach, Sprig Gardner and Dan Whickham. He was named Most Outstanding Wrestler in all three events.

12/22/21 4:22 PM

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

HERALD SPORTS

What are your first words of the day? When you awaken, what are the first words that spill out of your mouth? ■ For Jeff, it’s “Oh, crap, I’m so tired!” ■ For Sophia, it’s “I’ve got so much to do.”

Guest Column

■ For Aiden, it’s “Damn, I d o n’ t w a n t t o g e t uuuup!” This is no way to greet the day! If you begin your morning as they do, let me ask you a few questions: ■ How do you think you’d feel, if despite still being tired, you began your day with an upbeat “good morning?”

Linda Sapadin

■ Or said something positive to yourself, like “You can do it!” ■ Or said something that would bring a smile to your face as you see that weary face in the mirror, like “You look like you just arrived from outer space -- have you?” Yup, when you awaken, the first things you say to yourself will help you build or tear down your self-con-

problem.

fidence and resolve. So how about starting your day on the right track with motivating messages that get you going, kee p you going and encourage you to feel good about yourself. If you’re thinking, but what would I say to myself, here are ten ideas:

■ I need to get stuff done today. But I don’t need to do everything perfectly. Some things don’t even need to be done well; they just need to get done. ■ When I’m upset about someone not listening to me, I know it’s time for me to listen to me.

■ I’m strong; I’m resilient. I can do whatever I set my mind to.

■ I will maintain my cool today! Getting stressed over what’s happening is optional, not obligatory.

■ Once I get going, it’ll be easier. So let me get going!

As you can see, I’m a firm believer in motivating yourself with positive, inspiring, light self-talk. If you feel squeamish about saying things out loud, know there’s a world of difference between that scruffy guy on the street yelling into a megaphone that the world’s about to end and you telling yourself any of the above statements or “Okey dokey little pokey, time to wake up. A new day awaits!”

■ Yup, I’m aware of a problem I’ve got to deal with. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do it.

■ Sure I’ve made some mistakes. But who d o e s n’ t m a ke t h e m ? That’s how we learn!

■ Singing out loud beats screaming out loud! Then break into your favorite song.

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach and author, specializes in helping people overcome procrastination and debilitating anxiety and fear. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her websites: www.BeatProcrastinationCoach.com and www.PsychWisdom.com.

■ Of course, I can’t do it all. But I can begin to do something instead of just bemoaning my fate! ■ No worrying for today! I’ll take action instead of worrying about the

NEWS BRIEF Town secures $300,000 New York state grant Town Board received $300,000 in new grant funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to support the Town of Hempstead’s Shellfish Restoration Program – a project designed to enhance the health of the township’s marine ecosystems through the restoration of oyster beds. The landmark conservation project will see the addition of Eastern Oyster beds to Town of Hempstead managed portions of Jamaica Bay off the coast of Inwood, with the goal of creating a self-sustaining population of the species in the near future. The presence of “ecosystem engineers” like Eastern Oysters have been noted by researchers to provide a host of benefits to the environments they are found in, including filtering and removing algae along with other suspended sediments, enhancing the filtration and clarity of the water column, and supporting the development of crustacean and fish populations. “The Town of Hempstead is home to a wide array of unique and diverse ecosystems, and we take our obligation to safeguard these environments extremely seriously,” said Sup. Don Clavin. “I am excited for the opportunity to continue our township’s conservation efforts through the implementation of these beneficial oyster beds.”

PRE Game Sale

Save on Fall, Save on Spring!

Music to Lift Our Spirits

Florence Price Symphony No 1 The South Shore Symphony Orchestra, under the musical direction and baton of Scott Jackson Wiley, will be performing in Madison Theatre in Rockville Centre on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 pm. The performance will include Symphony No 1 in E minor by the American composer Florence Price. The composer was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887 and during her career won many accolades. Price’s First Symphony won critical acclaim and became the first symphony by an African-American female composer to be performed by a major American orchestra in 1933. Florence Price Symphony Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major op.No 61 1 The composer in Little Rock, in 1887asand during virtuoso violinist was Wenborn Qian hailed byArkansas China Daily “one of herChina’s career won many accolades.young Price’sviolinists. First Symphony won critical most promising ” Ms. Qian hasacclaim been andabecame the first with symphony by an African-American female composer first violinist the Metropolitan Orchestra since 1997, to be performed by a major American orchestra in 1933. where she continues to serve as the acting Assistant Concertmaster, as well as violin professor at Mannes College of Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major op. 61 Music at the New School University. Violinist Wen Qian has been a first violinist with the Metropolitan

all fall and Winter merchandise

Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 pm.

20i% E V A S spr ngse off handi merc

Opera Orchestra since 1997, where she continues to serve as the acting Assistant Concertmaster, as well as violin professor at Mannes College of Music at the New School University. Tickets $20

Style • Personal Service • Selections OCEANSIDE

MERRICK

3175 Long Beach Rd. 516.678.1150

2165 Merrick Rd. 516.623.5772

www.temptationsforher.com

1162921

70% off

Sun, Feb 13 12pm - 4pm

1162428

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

WITH MORE ST. FRANCIS HEART CENTER LOCATIONS FROM THE SOUTH SHORE TO THE NORTH SHORE,

YOUR HEART IS ALWAYS IN THE RIGHT PLACE

The most awarded heart care is now available to more people throughout Long Island.

For a location near you, visit chsli.org/heart

1162734

For over a half century, we’ve been a national leader in cardiac medicine. And now our unmatched heart care and patient experience is available at more Catholic Health practicesand hospitals, including Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown, and soon, St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage.

Author visits RVC for Black History Month By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

The Phillips House in Rockville Centre hosted author and historian Brian Merlis on Sunday as he presented his new book, “Historic Black Brooklyn,” with co-author Clarence Taylor, coinciding with Black History Month. Merlis fostered conversation with RVC residents, in the hope that it could help more people understand the struggles of hard-working Black Brooklynites from colonial times to the present day. A Freeport resident, Merlis, 66, is the author of dozens of historical works. This entry was especially research intensive. “This book had to be a compilation of graphic images and facts gleaned from many, many his- AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN Brian Merlis with his new torical sources, interviews, doc- book, “Historic Black Brooklyn,” which he presented uments, etc.,” Merlis said. The at Rockville Centre’s Phillips House on Sunday. book took more than two years to put together, as Merlis and dices put upon them — and there was a Taylor worked together remotely through lot of progress made, but there still is a the pandemic. long way to go,” Merlis said. “I learned that the Black experience Merlis said he hoped that conversaand the white experience were very much tions like the one at Rockville Centre’s along the same lines — all struggled, all Phillips House will continue, especially endured, all tried to overcome the preju- during Black History Month.

Photos by Tom Carrozza/Herald

MERLIS LEAD A discussion about his book covering the history of Black Brooklynites from colonial times to the present day with RVC residents.

Experience the Difference

Rockville Centre, NY – 6 Mc Gann Drive Magnificent 2004 custom built Colonial in South Rockville Centre. This impeccable 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a grand entrance with soaring ceilings & bridal staircase, living room/office, formal dining room, open concept floor plan featuring kitchen, breakfast area & family room with wood-burning fireplace. 1st floor also has pantry, laundry room & mudroom leading to a 2-car garage. 2nd floor boasts oversized primary bedroom with spacious en-suite bath, 3 king size bedrooms & full bath. Finished basement with recreation room, bonus room, gym & utility room. Backyard is an entertainer’s dream, heated pool & outside BBQ area. Close to village. LIRR, shops & restaurants. MLS# 3373799. $1,398,000.

Scott Wallace Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence c.516.521.4065 scottwallace@danielgale.com scottwallace.danielgale.com

Call Scott Wallace for all of your Real Estate needs c.516.521.4065 Garden City Office | 102 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY | 516.248.6655

danielgale.com Each office is independently owned & operated.

1162441

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

ERALD HHERALD

Founded on honesty, integrity and transparency Founded on honesty, integrity and transparency

EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE DRIVEN AT A FAIR EXCELLENCE AND PRICE SERVICE DRIVEN AT A FAIR PRICE We go the extra mile to please our clients We go the extra mile to please our clients Great customer reviews and referrals Great customer reviews and

PLEASE centRe NOMINATE US PLEASE NOMINATE US Auto RepAiR UNDER THE HEADING OF VEHICLES, Presented by

lichoiceawards.com

FOR

2021

thanks the community UNDER THEFor HEADING OFMaking VEHICLES, DEALERS SERVICES: For voting us& And us SERVICES: oneAUTO ofDEALERS the top 3&INDEPENDENT Finalists! REPAIR Your Support is Greatly Appreciated! AUTO REPAIR INDEPENDENT

referrals FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE Automotive services that you can rely on services that you Automotive

DEALER ALTERNATIVE We are committed to the fight against Heroin and to Opioid use in We are committed the fight our communities against Heroin and Opioid use in our communities VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE WE PROVIDE VISITSERVICES OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE

www.rvcautorepair.com www.rvcautorepair.com Email: nparkauto@gmail.com Email: nparkauto@gmail.com

Hours: : Mon.- Fri 7AMHours -6PM Sat. 7AM- 4PM Hours:

AM PM AM PM Mon.Fri 7 -6 Sat. 7 4 aM PM aM Mon. - Fri. 7 - 6 Sat. 7 - 2PM

131 N. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY

(516) 341-4674 (516) 341-4674 131 N. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY

RVC AUTO REPAIR RVC AUTO REPAIR

1162072

can rely on WE ARE AN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER WE ARE ALTERNATIVE AN AUTOMOTIVE

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

we are the best WE AREservice THE BEST auto & repair WE ARE THE BEST AUTO SERVICE facility on long island... AUTO SERVICE &excellence REPAIR FACILITY is our & REPAIR FACILITY ON LONG ISLAND... “FINALIST” standard ON LONG ISLAND... EXCELLENCE IS OUR STANDARD! EXCELLENCE IS OUR STANDARD! Rockville

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

*The Greenbrier - Quick Move-in *The Doral

Limited Opportunity, Offering Our Final Phase! Country Pointe Plainview, in the heart of Nassau County, is a year-round resort community for active adults. Enjoy an array of exceptional amenities in the 29,000 sq ft clubhouse. • • • • • •

State-of-the-art Fitness Center Game Room & Card Rooms Movie Theater Outdoor Heated Pools Tennis, Pickelball & Bocce Courts Indoor & Outdoor Lounges & Bars

Your dream home awaits. Inquire today about our Final Phase and new lower taxes!

*The Essington

Priced from $760,000 to over $1,000,000* Sales Gallery Open Daily 10am — 5pm One Charles B Wang Blvd. Plainview, NY 11803

516.619.8135 *The Essington

*Clubhouse Lounge

*Prices, taxes and availability subject to change without notice. The complete terms are in offering plans available from the Sponsors File No. CD16-0218, CD16-0219, CD16-0342, CD16-0343, CD16-0348 and CD17-0106. *Actual onsite photos. Equal housing opportunity.

1162188

BeechwoodHomes.com

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

Courtesy Nassau County

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND law enforcement officers from Nassau and Suffolk counties attended the Hewlett House’s event on Sunday, in support of local police in the wake of two NYPD officers dying after being shot in the line of duty.

msmollins@liherald.com

Elected officials and law enforcement officers from Nassau and Suffolk counties came to the Hewlett House on Sunday for an event honoring and supporting police of ficers across the state. Director Geri Barish organized the outing in memory of Officer Jason Rivera, 22, who died on the job after being shot in Harlem on Jan. 21, and Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, who was shot by the same gunman and succumbed to his injury on Jan. 25. Rivera died on Jan. 21 just hours after being shot by Lashawn McNeil, 47, who opened fire on him and Mora after coming out from behind a bedroom door and surprising the officers as they walked down a narrow hallway in his Harlem apartment. McNeil was shot by a third officer, rookie Sumit Sulan, and died on Jan. 24. Rivera became one of the youngest NYPD officers to die in the line of duty. In response, the Hewlett House hosted an event to honor their lives a n d s h ow s u p p o r t f o r l o c a l l aw enforcement. Mayors and law enforcement officers from several villages

and towns in Nassau and Suf folk counties attended the event. Barish was presented with a “wishing tree,” on which she will encourage community members to place blue ribbons on as a show of solidarity for police officers across the state. Attendees also included Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Suf folk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, a former NYPD detective. Rivera and Mora’s deaths have led to several local vigils in Nassau County, where residents, elected officials and law enforcement officers gathered to light candles in their memory. Sunday’s event was just the latest show of support for the fallen officers and law enforcement members across New York.

1162109

By MIKE SMOLLINS

1162033

Officials support police officers during gathering

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Three defendants in OHS senior’s stabbing plead guilty By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

Three of the seven Long Beach defendants in the trial over the 2019 stabbing of Ocean-side High School student Khaseen Morris pleaded guilty to felony charges of second-degree gang assault and misdemeanor assault on Jan. 31. Long Beach residents Sean Merritt, Marquis Stephens Jr. and Javonte Neals, each 20, made their pleas at Nassau County Court in Mineola. The three will be sentenced on April 11 by Nassau Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan. Corrigan said that Stephens would be sentenced to a year in jail, and Merritt and Neals would receive 60 days and five years’ probation because of their plea deals. All three will be granted youthful offender status, which seals the youth offender record and does not have to be reported on any applications for college or work as a criminal conviction. This came despite heavy opposition from Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly’s office. Morris was 16 on Sept. 16, 2019, when his stabbing, in the parking lot of

Courtesy Faceook

KHASEEN MORRIS, IN an undated photo. Khaseen was stabbed to death in 2019. a strip mall on Brower Avenue, was broadcast over Snapchat. Charges remained pending for four other Long Beach boys and Morris’s alleged killer, Tyler Flach, 21, from Lido Beach.

NEWS BRIEF Web series for adults pursuing higher education The office of Nassau County Leg. Kevan M. Abrahams is partnering with SUNY, the Long Island Educational Opportunity Commission and Nassau BOCES to present “It’s Time,” a sevenweek webinar series focused on delivering advice for adults who are returning to college, pursuing higher education for the very first time, or seeking to advance their careers. Each weekly installment of “It’s Time” will deliver expert guidance that is geared toward adults who are exploring new careers, entering vocational or workplace training programs, beginning a degree program, returning to school to finish a degree, or adding credentials to an existing degree. The first episode of this seven-week series airs on Zoom and Facebook Live at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, and will continue to air every Tuesday till April 12. Residents who are interested in participating in this webinar series can register at https://app.nassaucountyny.gov/

“It’s Time” scheduled topics March 1, 2022 - Careers March 8, 2022 - Financial Aid March 15, 2022 - Online Courses & Life Experience March 22, 2022 - LIEOC Offers... March 29, 2022 - BOCES Offers... April 5, 2022 - SUNY Two-Year Degree April 12, 2022 - SUNY Four-Year Degree Leg/forms/01/its_time.php or watch on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook. com/LegislatorKevanAbrahams.

Transformation on tap for RVC diocese HQ in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreement in which Philips would pay about with the greatest need.” The diocese began offering the $300,000 in the first year and more Pastoral Center for sale in 2018, after than $800,000 by year 20. Rock 50 was determining that the property was granted preliminary approval by the IDA for more than $2.6 no longer cost-effective. million in benefits last At the time of the sale, month, but they will not the diocese was not be formally authorized using all of the builduntil there is a public ing’s available space. hearing and the IDA finThe diocese will continishes its review of the ue to operate much as it project. Rock 50 will also has during much of the receive more than $2.1 coronavirus pandemic, million in property tax with many employees discounts over 20 years, working remotely, while and nearly $500,000 in others will occupy other other tax exemptions. d i o c e s e b u i l d i n g s , FRED PAROLA Parola added that the according to the release. Executive director, diocese did not have to Philips International, Town of Hempstead pay taxes on the building a developer and landlord in the past, so the project that manages more than IDA will generate new reve250 buildings across the nue while also bringing country, plans to renovate the building before businesses 223 full-time employees to the vilmove in, but does not yet have poten- lage. “This is a win-win,” Parola said. tial tenants committed to the project. The lobby, lower level and five upper “It’s a boon for the school district, floors will be renovated, and some of for the village, the town and the the building’s systems will be county as well. The addition of 223 workers is going to obviously benefit replaced. Fred Parola, executive director of all jurisdictions, from people buying the Town of Hempstead Industrial lunches to being involved in the Development Agency, said that devel- community there and increasing the opers have sought a 20-year payment number of pedestrians downtown.”

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

t’s a boon for the school district, for the village, the town and the county.

Herald file photo

1162578

THE DIOCESE OF Rockville Centre’s Pastoral Center will soon be transformed into a $19 million, 60,000-square-foot office space.

Mayor opposes Hochul’s zoning proposal CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE within commuting distance of New York City. T his transit-oriented development, as it has been called, was the topic of a Rockville Centre village meeting last October at the Sandel Senior Center. There the mayor and trustees presented a preliminary plan for multi-family, transit-oriented development, and many residents — along with village Trustee Michael Sepe — Herald file photo voiced their opposition, citing fears of overdevelopment VILLAGE TRUSTEE MICHAEL Sepe backed Mayor Francis and changes in the character Murray’s opposition to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s zoning plans. of the village. sory structures like garages. In a Jan. 5 Sepe backed Murray’s message to Hochul on Monday, raising statement on the ny.gov website, Hochul concerns about the governor’s method of said the policy would allow municipalipassing zoning changes that would affect ties to set size requirements and safety roughly 600 municipalities in the state. standards for accessory dwelling units, or “If approved, debate is circumvented, ADUs. “To the credit of the organization that publicity is circumvented, and it essentially becomes law by virtue of the budget our mayor is now the president of, process, as opposed to the standard legis- NYCOM, reaction was fierce from both sides of the political aisle,” Sepe said. lative process,” Sepe said. Sepe, head of a law firm on Front “Because, putting aside your views on Street, noted what the governor’s propos- what proper housing should be, to govern al would mean for the village. The zoning by executive diktat and essentially wipe changes would essentially end single-fam- out the developed zoning codes of 600 difily housing in Rockville Centre and other ferent communities … with the stroke of regions, he said, with residents empow- a pen generated a reaction that I, personered to rent parts of their homes or acces- ally, was very proud of seeing.”

Courtesy Village of Rockville Centre

MURRAY BECAME THE 96th president of the New York Conference of Mayors last month, and signaled that he would fight the governor’s zoning reforms as part of his new role. Above, he was sworn in by his daughter, Susan Boland, alongside his wife, Barbara.

ATTENTION JOURNALISM STUDENTS

SHOW HOMELESS ANIMALS YOUR LOVE

Opportunity is Knockin’!

Homeless dogs and cats have so much unconditional love to share… and your love can save their lives! Show how much you love them with a gift today. Your generosity ensures all the animals at our no-kill campus get the care they need while waiting for loving homes to call their own!

ARE YOU A COLLEGE STUDENT ? DO YOU KNOW A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO WANTS TO EARN $2,600 THIS SUMMER? Paid Summer Internship Positions Available The New York Press Association Foundation is sponsoring a paid summer internship at this newspaper for a qualified journalism student. Any student currently enrolled in a recognized journalism program is eligible to compete for an internship with a net $2,600 stipend provided by NYPA. Applicants must attend college during the 2022-2023 academic year.

F O U N DAT I O N

animalleague.org/loveherald

Don’t delay! Application deadline is March 1, 2022. Application forms available online at:

www.nynewspapers.com click on NYPA

click on Internships

25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050 516.883.7575 • animalleague.org • RR006 FOLLOW US ON:

1162380

New York Press Association

1162844

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Town unveils packed schedule of winter activities

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

The Town of Hempstead invites residents to be a part of 2022 winter festivities filled with sports, arts and crafts, and dance. Town officials encouraged residents to sign up this winter to participate in the array of cultural arts programs and recreation fitness the Town of Hempstead has to offer. Physical fitness program registration began on Tuesday, Jan. 25th at 9 a.m. at hempsteadtownparks. com. Each activity will include 12 weekly lessons that are packed with informative techniques and tips pertaining to the class of your choosing. “Particularly during these times, it’s even more crucial to enhance physical and mental health,” Supervisor Donald Clavin said. “With many readily available programs at Hempstead Town, residents can find a variety of options that can help them on their health and fitness journeys.” From as young as 5 years old, the youth programs presented by the town are among the finest in the state. The Town of Hempstead is enriched with countless sports and programs from tennis to self-defense, hula hoop fitness to competitive chess and much more. The physical fitness programs offer an array of creative and fun ways to exercise and enhance the body and mind, offering classes like “Pound Fitness,” a musically inspired way of intense movement through weighted drumsticks. Through meditation, exercise, and even aquatic workouts, residents can optimize their health and fitness journey through the services offered. Aside from physical activities, the Town of Hempstead also offers a variety of cultural arts programs that can assist in perfecting a craft or finding a new hobby. From oil painting to salsa dancing, there are programs for residents of an array of ages and interests.

Herald File Photo

For all residents interested in the cultural arts programs, registration began on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. at hempsteadtownparks.com. “We are committed to promoting health and well-

ness here at the Town of Hempstead,” Clavin concluded. “We will continue to offer and expand our seasonal activities for residents throughout America’s largest township for many years to come.”

The

is looking for an

EXECUTIVE Public Notices EDITOR

LROC1 0210

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL; NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF REVIEW; HEARING OF COMPLAINTS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Assessor of the Village of Rockville Centre has completed the tentative assessment roll of the Village for the current year and that a copy thereof has been left with the Village Clerk at One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York, where it may be seen and examined by any interested person from February 1, 2022, at 10:00 am until February 15, 2022, at 2:00 pm. The undersigned Board of Review will be in attendance with the tentative assessment roll at One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York between the hours of 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm on February 15, 2022, to hear complaints in relation to assessments.

All changes in the tentative assessment roll made as a result of said Board of Review hearing of such complaints will be entered on such roll on or before the date when the final assessment roll is to be completed. A publication containing procedures for contesting an assessment is available at the Assessor’s Office, 110 Maple Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York. Individual property assessments are also available at http://www.rvcny.us/Build ings/lookupsblfinal.html and information regarding the grievance process is available at http://www.rvcny.us/taxgr ievance.htm Francis X. Murray, Mayor Kathleen Baxley, Deputy Mayor Michael Sepe, Trustee Emilio Grillo, Trustee Katie Conlon, Trustee Thomas Domanico, Assessor Dated: February 1, 2022 129529

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Meeting Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: February 15, 2022 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Public Hearing in the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m. LEGAL NOTICE February 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM Public work session Case No.: 03-2021 Public Storage Continued from1-18-2022 Exterior renovations and new signage. Premises known as: 36 Merrick Road Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Case No.: 04-2021 Public Storage Continued from1-18-2022 Exterior renovations and new signage.

Premises known as: 484 Sunrise Highway Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on this specific date, the Rockville Centre Planning Board will conduct a public hearing to conduct a Site Plan and Exterior Design review for these subject properties. Anyone interested shall have an opportunity to be heard on the application. Dated: February 3, 2022 PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK Donna Joyce, Chairperson Thomas Wassel, Esq, Board Counsel Patrick D. O’Brien, Corresponding Secretary Information and records for Planning Board Cases are available at 110 Maple Ave, RVC 129530

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

Want to lead an award-winning newsroom? More Info | Apply

www.liherald.com/careers.htlm

Or send cover letter and resume to

jobs@liherald.com

Make an impact in your local community.

1161655

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail you ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify and ad.

ISLAND PARK UFSD Island Park, New York

Help Wanted

Civil Service Positions

School Bus Drivers Full-Time and Part-Time

F/T (approx. 30 hrs. per week) P/T & Subs (on will call/as needed basis) Salary: $18.42/hr Qualifications: Must have NYS CDL, Class B or C with appropriate passenger endorsement Must pass a NYS DMV Physician’s Exam Must pass pre-employment US DOT drug screen & random drug screenings thereafter Must pass NYSED Dept. Physical Performance Test Must pass fingerprint and background check by NYS Dept. of Criminal Justice Services & review by US FBI

If interested, submit letter of interest & resume to:

Dr. Alison Offerman-Celentano, Asst. Supt.

FAX (516) 431-7550

1162401

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 orientated and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

Equal Opportunity Employer A Service of Nassau BOCES

EMPLOYMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE

1161789

Help Wanted

MERRICK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Island Park, New York

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper group has several administrative job openings: Receptionist (F/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible) Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok. Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs. If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

Civil Service Positions

Account Clerk/Senior Account Clerk*

Security Guards

Accounts Payable experience preferred

Typist Clerk/Senior Typist Clerk*

Bellmore-Merrick Child Care Program Is Looking For Qualified Staff

F/T (40 hrs/wk) P/T & Subs (on will call/as needed basis)

Human Resources experience preferred

Personnel Clerk*

Human Resources experience preferred

We Are Looking For: After-School Staff (2:30pm-5:30pm) 5 Days Per Week Competitive Pay With Paid Time Off

To Arrange For An Interview

F/T Compensation Range: $24,829-$27,737 P/T and Subs Compensation Range: $15.35 - $17.07 hourly (dependent on school-based exp.) l

If interested, submit letter of interest, resume & copy of Security Guard License to:

Dr. Alison Offerman-Celentano, Asst. Supt.

Send cover letter & resume to: hr@merrick.k12.ny.us

In the email subject line please include the job title for which you are interested in applying. EOE

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

FAX (516) 431-7550

Equal Opportunity Employer A Service of Nassau BOCES

Call the

USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

DRIVERS WANTED

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

516-868-6027 Or Email Us At

Possession of valid Security Guard License issued by the NYS Dep’t. of State req’d.

Substitute Teachers

DELI COUNTER AND PREP PERSON Full Time And Part Time. Weekends A Must. Experienced. Long Beach. Call 516-431-5515

office@bellmoremerrickchildcare.com

1162406

Monitor entry and exit into school building, hallways, lunchroom and playground, Distribute passes and perform other office work as needed, Control and enforce traffic procedures during school dismissal. Police or security experience preferred

CLEANING PERSON FULL TIME Wanted: Will Train. Residential/ Commercial Cleaning. Salary Negotiable. Call Bill 516-680-6026

Please Call Our Office At

*NYS Ed Dept. Fingerprint Clearance and

School Hall Monitors

*Nassau County resident required *Nassau County Civil Service Transfer, *Provisional and Promotional options available

ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR F/T Aries Global Logistics- a growing freight forwarder with its headquarters in Franklin Square, Long Island - has an immediate opening to work with our accounting team. Responsibilities include receivables, payables and data entry. This entry level position requires computer proficiency and excellent communication and organization skills. A wonderful opportunity for a new college graduate or someone pursuing their degree. Plese send resume to: marie.smart@ariesgl.com

ISLAND PARK UFSD

1162605

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

CAREGIVERS With Elderly P/T Shifts Available Experience Required

Driver a Plus

CALL AGENCY

516-328-7126

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to sbrinton@liherald.com

HERALD

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

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 Help Wanted

great team

1159985

P/T, 2-3 Hours Tuesday Or Wednesday Afternoon North Bellmore $14.00 Per Hour Net

Call 516-221-0007

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com RECEPTIONIST & CLERICAL Positions P/T. Seasonal. Franklin Square. Call: 516-358-9455. Fax Resume 516-358-9483 E Mail: ed@loturco.com.

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

TAX PREPARER P/T Franklin Square Experience Needed. Retirees Welcome. C a l l 5 1 6 - 3 5 8 - 9 4 5 5 Fa x R e s u m e 516 358-9483. Email Resume: ed@loturco.com.

Situations Wanted ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Looking For A Job Part Time Starting Immediately. Experienced. Rockville Centre. Jacqueline 516-536-6994

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

HEWLETT 156 E Rockaway Rd, BA, Apartment Rental. Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bth Apt with Spacious Gourmet Kitche n U s e o f Pa t i o & O u t d o o r S p a c e SD#14...$3,200 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

LYNBROOK

Call the USA Classified Network today!

Renovated Large 1 Bedroom Living Room, Dining Room 1100sf, Kitchen With All Appliances, Hardwood Floors 2 Available, $2,200-$2,300

Broker 917-204-0301

1-800-231-6152

Rent Your Apartment 1162406

NEW

STARTING SAlARIES Big Bus Van

$23.41/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van *Some restrictions may apply.

$500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants

EDUcATIoNAl BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN 516.454.2300

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978 EAST ROCKAWAY LOVELY STUDIO Separate Entrance, Fireplace, Backyard, Parking. Suitable One/ No Smoking/ Pets. $1,200 Includes All. 516-695-7476

IVERS BUS DR TED WAN DoN’T MISS The Bus!

Non-Benefit Rate

WOODMERE 2/13, 16 Prospect Ave, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! 6 BR, 3.5 Bth Colonial on O/S Property in SD#15(Tree Streets). LR/Fpl, FDR,Den & Large Kosher Kit. 2 Car Det Gar....$1,699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 WOODMERE 2/13, 2-3, 238 Mosher Ave, NEW! 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial with Fin Bsmt. LR/Fpl, FDR, Sun Room & EIK. Main Flr Bedroom. 2 Car Det Gar. Endless Possibilities! Convenient to LIRR, Shops, Tr a n s & H o u s e s o f W o r s h i p . SD#14...$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

RECEPTIONIST- P/T: REAL ESTATE Office in West Hempstead is Seeking Responsible Person to Work Thursdays 9am-4pm and Every Other Weekend (Saturday & Sunday) 9am-5pm. Century 21 Kin 516-483-5250

$26.18/hr.

1159825

Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

1162456

MEDICAL ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST F/T. Previous Experience a Must With Patient Check In, Collecting Copays, Verifying Insurance, Filing, EMR, and Appointment Scheduling. Back Duties Include Taking Vitals, Draw Blood, EKG's and Prep Room For Doctoer. Good Phone and Computer Skills. A Must. Located in Island Park. Call Jim Mgr. 516-670-8800. or Fax Resume to 516-670-8809. email wolfie65@verizon.net.

OFFICE HELP FILING

Rhonda Healy

Open Houses WOODMERE 2/13, 2-3, 238 Mosher Ave, NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial with Fin Bsmt. LR/Fpl, FDR, Sun Room & EIK. Main Flr Bedroom. 2 Car Det Gar. Convenient to LIRR, Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship. SD#14...$799,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 516-238-4299

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com

Must Be Reliable 516-887-1039

MEDICAL OFFICE HELP- Front Desk P/T. Computer Skills, Knowledge of Medical Terms. Long Beach. Please Call 516-236-3646. 516-223-3117.

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

M: (516) 236-7269

SHIPPING, RECEIVING, GENERAL STOCK Immediate Availability Lynbrook - Full Benefits Full Time Position, Monday - Friday

RichneR communication in GaRden city is hiRinG

Karen Elefante is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

1160883

multi media sales associates RepoRteRs / editoRs Receptionist dRiveRs pRessman / pRess helpeR human ResouRce diRectoR

Karen Elefante Licensed RE Salesperson M: 516.398.5055 | O: 516.703.3378 karen.elefante@compass.com

1162620

Outside Sales

Richner Communications has openings for Outside Sales Executives to Sell Digital and Print advertising Service and sell both existing and developing new business. If you have the desire to succeed in our fast paced business and are motivated, dependable, have strong communication skills and can manage your own time, We would like to hear from you! Base salary with commission plan. Paid sick/personal days, vacation and paid holidays. Sales experience is a plus but we will train the right person to learn the industry. email resume to careers@liherald.com

We HiRe tHe Best

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Richner Communications is looking for a hands-on Human Resources professional to oversee all HR functions on a strategic and tactical level. Exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding Garden City, Long Island media company. This position has a flexible schedule, part-time job share would be considered. Responsibilities: Talent acquisition: Source, screen, and interview potential candidates and manage new employee onboarding Benefits administration: Liaise with brokers, providers and facilitate enrollment and updating of coverage. Manage annual open enrollment and employee benefits review. Administration of 401(k) plan. Employee relations: Provide day- today support and problem resolution in regards to employee concerns, questions and policy issues. Performance management: Coach, counsel and recommend disciplinary actions Compliance: Maintain indepth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risk and ensuring regulatory compliance Payroll: Process biweekly payroll through payroll vendor for population of 150 employees Requirements: Bachelor's degree, preferably in business or HR, or equivalent experience Minimum 5 years HR generalist experience Knowledge of Federal, State & Local regulations governing employment Experience with payroll processing Self-motivated, ability to prioritize and work well under pressure Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion Excellent oral and written communication and quantitative skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to: careers@liherald.com.

Your successful local trusted real estate expert.

Sales Executives

is Really simple.

Help Wanted

Karen Elefante

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150

to join our team, please email your resume to careers@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000 ext #235

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

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

N WOODMERE 39 Valley Lane N,BA, FIRST TIME ON THE Market! Updated 5 Bedroom ,4 Bth Arlington Colonial. 3300 Sq ft, This home Features an Entry Foyer, Step Down Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Family Rm w/ Fpl & Quartz/Wood EIK. 4 Bedrooms on Upper Level Include Master suite w/ Vaulted Ceiling, Skylit Bth w/ Jacuzzi, Terrace & WIC. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14..$1,279,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT 20 BROWER AVE, OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2/13, 12-1:30, FIRST SHOW!! Renovated 3/4 BR, 3.5 Bth Victorian Style with Porch in Old Woodmere. Huge Updtd Gran/Wood Kosher EIk, LR, DR & Den.All Updated Baths. O/S Yard with Pavered Patio. 2 Car Det Gar. SD#14...$1,100,000

through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-569-4000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

Homes

Employment RecRuiting a

Houses seem to be growing taller

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME Of tHE WEEK

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

Q. A few homes in my neighborhood are much taller. What are the rules for how tall a house can be — like how many floors, and what’s legal? I mostly see only two stories, but the new ones are at least three stories. Is this a new thing that you can build taller? Was it just traditional to only build two stories until now?

Rockville Centre

Amazing Colonial

abulous sprawling Colonial in the heart of Rockville Centre, perfect for extended family living. Welcoming grand foyer with bridal staircase opens up to a formal living room with fireplace, banquet sized formal dining room and oversized den. The first floor master is en-suite, plus an additional bedroom and full bath complete the first floor. The second floor has an oversized master en-suite, with an additional bedroom with a balcony and full family bath. Two car detached garage, corner lot 100x100, gas heat, and CAC. The full basement has an egress walkout and had previously been a Doctor's suite which is perfect for your home office.

A. Recently, influences have changed the thinking on allowed height. Hurricane Sandy’s flooding caused New York to promote house lifting in flood zones. Influence also came from the Federal Emergency Management agency, which, in essence, is a publicly funded insurance company, covering people in areas where regular onte eeper home insurance companies avoid the risk of insuring. The incentive to lift or build higher is to avoid huge flood insurance cost increases by building above flood levels, with the lowest level only allowed to be for a garage and storage, not living space. By making the first livable floor higher, above the flood level, insurance rates are kept lower. People have shown me that their rates went from $500 to $5,000 a year, increasing annually since Sandy in 2012. Some homes are much higher than codes and incentives intended, due to misinterpretation of reasons to build higher and misrepresentation in the review process. For example, a home’s first floor is no longer a first floor if it’s higher than 6 feet above the ground. Over 6 feet high, the floor level automatically becomes a second floor, meaning the next floor above is a third floor, which requires zoning board approval, interior sprinklers, escape terraces and wind strengthening. I’ve seen home plans misrepresented as being two stories by not correctly showing the floor level heights or describing a second floor as a first floor, the next floor as a second floor that is really a third floor and even where a fourth floor is shown as a mezzanine or roof level balcony. There’s a small country town in Tuscany, in central Italy, San Gimignano, that is famous for its skyline of towers that people built on their homes during medieval times. As the story goes, one prominent homeowner built a tall tower to watch for potential attackers. His neighbor jealously built a tower a little higher, and, not to be outdone, several adjacent homeowners began building towers higher and higher than one another. History repeats itself. Thirty feet from the ground or the center of the road is your maximum roof height. The safety code intends to protect people from perishing in fires. The first code chapter addresses wind resistance, since the taller you build, the more turbulence from adjacent buildings and wind destruction, not just to your building but also to adjacent buildings. With the 75-mph gusts of wind we’ve been known to have, wind, like flooding, is a real concern. Manhattan towers aren’t wood and nails for a reason. Decisions to build higher have to take community safety and appearance into account, and until recently, they did.

Ask The Architect

Gloria Romanowski Licensed Real Estate Agent gloriaromanowski@danielgale.com Direct 516.884.6379 Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty 36 S Park Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 516.678.1510

Crystin Quick

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 2/13/22 WOOdMERE

201.264.7009

20 Brower Ave, 12-1:30, FIRST SHOW!! Renovated 3/4 BR, 3.5 Bth Victorian Style with Porch in Old Woodmere. Huge Updtd Gran/Wood Kosher EIk, LR, DR & Den. All Updated Baths. O/S Yard with Pavered Patio. 2 Car Det Gar. SD#14 ............ $1,100,000

Scan the QR code for an instant home value

238 Mosher Ave, 2-3, 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial with Fin Bsmt. LR/Fpl, FDR, Sun Room & EIK. Main Flr Bedroom. 2 Car Det Gar. Endless Possibilities! Convenient to LIRR, Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship. SD#14 ................................................................ $799,000

Rockville Centre Oﬃce | 314 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre, NY

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME

16 Prospect Ave, BA, 6 BR, 3.5 Bth Colonial on O/S Property in SD#15 (Tree Streets). LR/Fpl, FDR, Den & Large Kosher Kit. 2 Car Det Gar ........................................................................... $1,699,000

N WOOdMERE 39 Valley Lane N, BA, FIRST TIME ON THE Market! Updated 5 Bedroom, 4 Bth Arlington Colonial. 3300 Sq ft, This home Features an Entry Foyer, Step Down Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Family Rm w/ Fpl & Quartz/ Wood EIK. 4 Bedrooms on Upper Level Include Master suite w/ Vaulted Ceiling, Skylit Bth w/ Jacuzzi, Terrace & WIC. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14 ....................................................... $1,279,000

HEWLETT 1534 Broadway #103, BA, BRAND NEW GUT RENOVATION! Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/ DR Opens Into Large Gran/Wood EIK w/ Island & Stainless Steel Appl. Laundry Rm, & Pantry. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bath & Huge Walk in Closet. Terrace Facing into Courtyard. Doorman Bldg with Elevator. Indoor Garage Pkg & Storage ........................... $850,000 156 E Rockaway Rd, BA, Rental of a Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bth Apt with Spacious Gourmet Kitchen Use of Patio & Outdoor Space .................................................................................... $3,200

1162254

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

1162563

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

… a place to call your own. Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Call us today!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

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

MarketPlace • • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 If Your Plumbing STInkS

Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

516-889-3200

Over 100 Years Of familY Plumbing Oil to Gas • Toilets • Faucets • Repairs & Replacements Waste Piping • Water Piping

Call The WenkS!

DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

Oil to Gas Conversions • Hot Water Heaters Boilers • Radiant Heat • Whole House Water Filters All Plumbing & Heating Work • Lic. /Ins. FREE ESTIMATES • 24/7 Emergency Service Available wenkpipingandheating.com

Mention this ad and get

10% Off

Wenk PIPING & HEATING CORP.

on labor only

• Permits & Legalizations • Certified NYS Backflows • Licensed Master Plumber • Insured • FREE Estimates 1160211

For New Customers Exp. 3/31/22

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:03:58 AM

Specializing

1159716

at Se Habla Español

LIceNSeD & INSUreD

the

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

Call For Winter Specials

senior Citizen Discounts

• ConCrete • BriCk Patios • stooPs • stuCCo • Belgium BloCks • sidewalks • drainage ProBlems • Cellar entranCe • waterProofing • driveway sealing demolition • dumPster serviCe • Powerwashing • handyman rePairs

516-424-3598 516-807-3852

1159151

OWA_REBOOT_BW_BOLD

OffiCe: 516-766-4583 Call/TeXT: 516-840-9432

1153496

1161421

25 OFF Any Service Call

Chimney King, Ent. Inc. Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com

FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

Free estimates

Home Improvement Corp.

HEATING OIL

Free estImates • Licensed & Insured

HOME • COMMERCIAL

Masonry • Steps • Driveways Water Proofing • Pointing • Siding Kitchen Remodeling • Roofing Basements • Windows • Sheetrock & More

CALL FOR winter SPeCiALS

RELIABLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach

1160163

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

(516) 379-2727

(516) 766-1666 (631) 225-2600 1153044

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

1160095

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

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

HERALD

631-532-5617 • Cell: 516-996-3036

LIC: #42194-H

www.tikalhomeimprovement.com

LIC: #H3711000000

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured 1162079

Here’s My Card Directory Just call

516-569-4000

1161148

To Place Your Card in the

1161112

FREE ESTImATES...call Anthony Romeo

press 5, then 2

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds... REAL ESTATE & MORE... Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

HErald

Stuff

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

FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100

Announcements LOCAL NY GIANTS fan seeking Type O kidney donor to help celebrate more terrible seasons. Cowboys fans need not apply. Save a life: kidneytouchdown@gmail.com

MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & 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

Wanted To Buy

ANN KLEIN PATENT Leather pumps, Black, Size 7.5, 3.5 inch heels. $40. 516-537-3941 CHRISTMAS DECOR, SANTA Face lighted outdoor. Mechanical Santa rocker, $85 516-225-9191 JEWELRY BOX, SOLID wood, 4ft tall, 6 drawers, side panels $99. 516-225-9191 PROM GOWNS, SIZE 2-4, $35 each. 516-884-9994 ROCKING CHAIR, WHITE paint, $25. 516-884-9994 S I L K L A M P S H A D E : G O L D, n ew, wrapped 8" Top, 18" bottom, 13" from top to bottom, $40. 516-537-3941 SLEDS: FLEX FLYER (2) One adult and one child. $65.00 for both. 516-872-8486 TIFFANY BOWL: NEW in box, Hear ts Design, 5"X3", $49, Nice gift. 516-798-2098.

SERVICES

I BUY GOLD COINS... CALL ME TODAY!

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

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Exterminating

STEVE'S WILDLIFE Humane Nuisance Animal Removal And Property Exclusion 646-604-4001 nycwildlifecontrol.com Handyman HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 eMail-Frankcav@optonline.net

Home Improvement

516-383-2751 HErald 1162572

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

NEVER PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 866-440-6501 THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194 W I R E M A N / C A B L E M A N F L AT T V s mounted, Phone, TVs&Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera &stereos , HDTV – Antennas- FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

Junk Cars Wanted

Why Not Print

HIGHEST CA$H PAID All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!

Call us at 516-766-0000

choose

RICHNER Printing Services

• Eco friendly facility • Environmentally safe soy based inks • Recycled paper • Help reduce the carbon footprint

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223

Deals on Wheels

Miscellaneous BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313 DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/22. 1-888-609-9405 Get DIRECTV! ONLY $69.99/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011

Tree Services T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat? Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

Classifieds All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

&/877(5 GULYLQJ \RX J\

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CRAZY?

Education

6HOO \RXU PHUFKDQGLVH LQ QR WLPH OO K GL L L

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical.edu/consumer-information. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Health & Fitness VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277 DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

(PDLO \RXU $G WR WKH +HUDOG DQG 3ULPH7LPH &ODVVLÀ HG 'HSDUWPHQW DW VDOHV#OLKHUDOG FRP WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

OPINIONS

his will be my last Herald column, at least for a while. After 28 wondrous and wonderful years, I am leaving the Herald Community Newspapers on Friday. It is a bittersweet moment. I am moving on to focus on my teaching at Hofstra University, where I will be fulltime this spring and undertake a long-term research project. I am honored, excited and humbled — my two research partners are both Fulbright Scholars. I have taught at Hofstra for 13 years, and it is where I belong at this moment in my life. SCOTT Serving as the Heralds’ executive BRINTON editor for the past five-plus years has been the honor of a lifetime, particularly over the past two, as I have had the privilege to lead an incredibly talented team of journalists, some veterans and many early-career reporters, through the coronavirus pandemic, which, thankfully, mercifully, appears to be abating. I began with the Herald as an entry-level reporter three months after completing Peace Corps service in Bulgaria, and have remained with the company ever since. I must thank my publishers, Cliff and Stuart Richner, for all their support and kindness through the years. I must also thank so

many of my colleagues, in particular Tony Bellissimo, Lori Berger, Jeff Bessen, Karen Bloom, Rhonda Glickman, Jim Harmon, Laura Lane, Jeff Lipton, John O’Connell, Tony Rifilato and Mike Smollins. Most of all, I must thank my lovely wife, Katerina, and my two amazing (adult) kids, Alexandra and Andrew. When I first took the job, I didn’t intend to stay so long. Mentored by two of Long Island’s best community journalists, Leatrice Spanierman and Randi Kreiss, I quickly learned the critical role that hyperlocal reporting plays in our society, and I fell in love with the work. I will forever be grateful for all they taught me. One of my first Herald investigative series, in the mid-1990s, was on a park that was supposed to have been built at the Five Towns Community Center in North Lawrence, but had not been. I was in the office of Jonathan Davis, then the center’s executive director, for another story when I spotted a set of blueprints on a table. Curious, I asked about them, and Davis explained that they were for a park that should have been built in the center’s back field. Nassau County had promised to construct it 20 years earlier, but never did. Davis explained that North Lawrence, a community of color, had no real park where kids might play. I hit the local streets, talk-

ing to teenagers about the need for such a play area. The story ran on the front page and quickly caught the attention of Tom Gulotta, then the county executive. I’ll never forget the call from Dave Vieser, his press secretary, who said that Gulotta had read my stories on the lack of a park and wanted to build one at the 5TCC, which he did. As a recently returned Peace Corps volunteer looking to do good for the world, I was hooked on this journalism thing. Many more stories — 4,000 — and investigative series — 25 — followed over the years. One series, on plans to demolish the 300-year-old Hewlett House, also in the mid-1990s, grabbed the attention of Bruce Blakeman, who was then the County Legislature’s presiding officer and is now the county executive. He had an idea to preserve the white-shingled farmhouse, on a bend in the road across the street from Hewlett High School, as a breast cancer resource center. It has been the home of 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition for more than two decades. My greatest reporting challenge was a 44-part series I undertook from 2001 to 2003, examining the health and environmental threats posed by Freeport Electric’s 30-yearold Power Plant No. 2, which sits on the edge of Emory Creek in Freeport, just west of the Meadowbrook Parkway. I met some of

rom entrylevel reporter to leading the team over 28 eventful years.

the best people I know while reporting that story — civic activists Joe Kralovich and Bob Young, then State Sen. Charles Fuschillo and then Long Island Power Authority Chairman Richard Kessel. The lengths they went to to shut down the plant, with no pollution controls, and replace it with a modern, clean-burning natural-gas model cannot be understated. I run at the Town of Hempstead’s Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick at least a couple of days a week. The plant is visible from most points on the preserve’s west side, and looking out on it, I marvel at the good that was done by a group of about 300 concerned citizens, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the diesel plant never spewed its acrid exhaust into local neighborhoods again. At the height of the George Floyd protests in June 2020, I was covering a protest in Merrick when I shot a Twitter video of 7-year-old Wynta-Amor Rogers. Nearly instantly, it went viral, garnering more than 23 million views in seven days. I was shocked, but it showed the power of streetlevel reporting to connect with people worldwide. One thing I know: Local journalism does indeed matter. Scott Brinton is the Heralds’ departing executive editor, set to become a full-time professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@liherald.com.

Grab a slice of life at your nearest pizzeria

o wonder I’m feeling full. In the past year I consumed 23 pounds of pizza. That’s an average figure, of course, according to PMQ, the largest pizza industry media company, but it feels about right to me. Between the freezing cold, the isolation and the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?” we’re all busting out of our pants. Forget Covid; we’re going to eat ourselves to death. Especially during the pandemic, pizza has been the go-to food for ordering in, since it RANDI moves from the KREISS superheated baking oven into the box and then onto our plates untouched by human hands. I do believe I ate more pizza between 2020 and 2022 than in the five years before. It not only felt safe but, in a happy coincidence, it tasted delicious and comforting and indulgent. When you’re contemplating a possible early demise from a fearsome plague, I say bring on the pizza pie. On Wednesday we celebrated National Pizza Day, a tribute to this perfect food com-

prising bread, cheese and dozens of toppings that may include pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms, onions, sausage and eggplant. I refuse to mention outlier toppings like pineapple or clams, which honestly are a sacrilege, a violation of the single food that is on everyone’s last-meal list. Someone I know has asked his family to slip a pizza into his own box when the time comes, so he will have nourishment for his journey to the great beyond. Hey, the ancient Egyptians did it. There is no exaggerating the popularity of pizza in our culture. At this pivotal time in America, when people cannot and will not agree to take proven, lifesaving vaccines, when they cannot decide whether to read a book or burn it, when they refuse to wear masks that will keep them safe from a deadly virus, when, ladies and gentlemen, America is basically coming apart at the seams, behold the pizza. In all its round deliciousness, it pulls us together, completing the circle of life. National Pizza Day helps us appreciate that this humble food may be the last thing holding us together. I have never encountered a human being who disliked pizza.

And we all claim rights to its origins. The common wisdom is that it came to us from Italy, possibly as early as the time of the Romans, when people ate panis foccacious, the beta version of modern-day focaccia and the precursor to pizza. According to Wikipedia, Persians were baking flatbreads with cheese and dates on top as early as the sixth century B.C. In Ancient Greece, citizens made a flatbread called plakous that was flavored with toppings like herbs, onion, cheese and garlic. Some have suggested that the origins of modern pizza can be traced to pizzarelle, Passover cookies eaten by Roman Jews after they returned from the synagogue on that holiday. Israeli leader Abba Eban famously wrote, “Some scholars think pizza was first made more than 2,000 years ago when Roman soldiers added cheese and olive oil to matzah.” Nice try, Mr. Eban, but no way. Pizza comes our way from Naples. It was always the basic food of the poor in southern Italy, and it was there that people first discovered the delights of adding tomatoes to the flatbread they baked. It was only a matter of time until someone thought to slice some

t is, after all, something whose greatness we can all agree on. But please, no pineapple.

nice mozzarella on top. Today it’s the big chains that do the booming pizza business, bouncing back nicely from Covid lockdowns and accommodating the situation with advanced delivery options. Privately owned pizza places are also climbing out of the pandemic slump with more business and much higher prices. A pizza that sold for $1.50 in 1950 can go for $25 today, depending on the toppings. In Naples, people eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which seems like a fine idea to me. It first came to America in the early 1900s. In 1943, Chicago deep-dish pie was created, a misguided attempt to improve on the original. Today, some folks prefer “healthy” pizza, with kale and cauliflower crusts. Totally unacceptable. It is a fine thing to open that cardboard box and slide out a greasy slice. We can agree on this, right? And no frozen pizza, no bagel pizza, no flatbread pizza or any other adulteration will suffice. In addition, and for all time, let’s agree that the best pizza topping is pepperoni, made from mysterious cured pork and a random mix of spices. Tell me that bright red color doesn’t scream “health food.” Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

Farewell, dear readers

HERALD EDITORIAL

Rockville centRe

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

HERALD

Established 1990 Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001 Michael SMollinS Senior Editor ThoMaS carrozza Reporter office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2022 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifforD richner STUarT richner Publishers ■

ScoTT BrinTon Executive Edtitor JiM harMon

Copy Editor chriSTina DalY Photo Editor TonY BelliSSiMo Sports Editor Karen BlooM Calendar Editor ■ rhonDa GlicKMan Vice President - Sales aMY aMaTo Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events lori BerGer Sales Director ellen reYnolDS Classified / Inside Sales Director

■

JeffreY neGrin Creative Director craiG WhiTe Art Director craiG carDone Production Coordinator ■

Dianne raMDaSS Circulation Director ■

heralD coMMUniTY neWSPaPerS Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Herald Glen Cove Herald Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald South Shore Record Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Seaford Herald

MeMBer: Americas Newspapers Local Media Association New York Press Association Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce

Published by richner communications, inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

We should be discussing accessory apartments

s part of a five-year, $25 billion plan to increase New York state’s stock of affordable housing, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed legislation on Jan. 5 to permit accessory “dwelling units,” more commonly known as accessory apartments, across the state. Nassau’s new county executive, Republican Bruce Blakeman, held a news conference last week outside an East Meadow home, surrounded by a cadre of likeminded GOP leaders, to denounce Hochul’s proposal, saying it threatens to “destroy” suburbia and turn the county “into the sixth borough of New York City.” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat who plans to challenge Hochul in the gubernatorial primary, also came out against the proposal, calling it “radical.” Both acted as if accessory apartments exist nowhere on Long Island. Funny thing is, there are many towns across the Island that allow them. In fact, most of Suffolk County permits them — and we haven’t heard folks out there complain that these housing units are wreaking havoc on their suburban way of life, whatever that might mean. According to a 2017 map developed by the Center for Urban Research at the CUNY Graduate Center, using data supplied by the Long Island Index, accessory apartments are allowed in these Suffolk towns: Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead, Shelter Island and Southold. They are allowed on a limited basis in Southampton, and Smithtown permits them for family members and domestic staff. Only about a dozen tiny villages across Suffolk prohibit them.

LETTERS Rail lines need barriers To the Editor: The tragedy of Michelle Go, the young woman who was fatally pushed in front of a moving train in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system last month, was preventable. The most basic protections for commuters — platform doors and barriers — are both much needed and long overdue at the busiest Long Island Rail Road and Metro North stations throughout the system. I recently traveled from Metro North in Westchester to the LIRR station in Syosset to call on the MTA to step up and protect LIRR and Metro North passengers and install barriers before anyone else is injured or killed. Preventing tragedies like the death of Michelle Go ought to be the top priority of New York public servants. As the MTA receives an infusion of new funds from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and

Different government agencies manage permitting for accessory apartments. In Babylon, it’s the Accessory Apartment Review Board; in Huntington, the Accessory Apartment Bureau; in Islip and Southold, the boards of zoning appeals; in Brookhaven, East Hampton, Riverhead and Shelter Island, the building departments. “Affordable accessory apartments” have been allowed in East Hampton in one form or another since 1984, but in 2016, the town loosened its zoning laws, allowing an even greater number of them. Strangely, it seems, local governments in Suffolk have embraced the notion of accessory apartments, while in Nassau, most of our local governments have either allowed them in limited circumstances only or banned them outright. Why? Let’s begin with why they’re so popular in Suffolk. According to a 2017 study by the Long Island Index — “Home Remedies, Accessory Apartments on Long Island: Lessons Learned,” by former Newsday reporter Elizabeth Moore — if just 10 percent of the Island’s single-family homes had legal accessory apartments, that could help solve our housing crisis by increasing the stock of safe, affordable apartments available to young people and older adults. “Accessory apartments have proven their worth as the most affordable type of rental housing in the region,” the Index stated. “They can be easily accommodated because they don’t require large infusions of capital, new roads, new sewers or expansion of the electrical grid. Instead, existing neighborhoods absorb the rentalseeking population like a sponge, while

stabilizing finances for tax-strapped homeowners. They also provide affordable housing that is blended throughout the community rather than clustered, and having a resident homeowner usually means that they are better maintained than rentals with absentee owners.” Long Islanders pay among the highest taxes in the country, which are most likely to destroy the Island’s suburban way of life, not accessory apartments. High taxes, coupled with high mortgage and rental costs, have been driving young people out of the region to less costly parts of the country since the 1990s, and even earlier than that. They are also forcing older adults — retirees on fixed incomes — out of their homes. Accessory apartments are a low-cost alternative for young people looking to strike out on their own. Many young people from around the country, even the globe, come to Long Island to study at our prestigious universities, but too many never stay past graduation because they simply can’t afford to live here. That’s a shame, because our region could use their talents as we strive to become one of the nation’s high-tech corridors. Accessory apartments also give older adults, particularly those on fixed incomes, a way to offset their high property-tax burden, allowing them to stay put. Talk about a win-win. Yet politicians like Blakeman and Suozzi eschew them because, some worry, accessory apartments might add a few extra cars to our blocks and a few extra kids to our schools. We encourage them to rethink their positions, considering all of the facts at hand.

OPINIONS

uring my time as an elected official, I was frequently asked whether being a state legislator was one of the toughest public jobs. My position was very demanding, but being a village mayor or a school board president is right up there in the ranks of jobs closest to the people. A state legislator will meet constituents at supermarkets, community events and many other places on weekends, but your mayor or school board official is confronted by the public on a 24/7 JERRY basis. The follow-up KREMER question was, what job has the potential to get the most done in the shortest amount of time? I always went with county executive. I have interacted with eight people who have held that job, dating back to the late A. Holly Patterson. Some of the executives were go-getters, and were effective at getting the job done. Others were caretakers, focused on serving out their terms and collecting a pension.

The new county executive, Bruce Blakeman, will have an opportunity to make his own history, because the county faces so many challenges. The coronavirus pandemic has taken a great toll on small businesses in Nassau County, and too many innocent people have died. Our health challenges are not over, and the statistics prove it. Blakeman, whom I have known and respected for many years, will face a number of new headaches in addition to the Covid fallout, and here are just a few. There is no doubt that at the top of the list is the archaic way that homes and businesses are assessed. Blakeman’s predecessor, Laura Curran, did the best she could with a temporary plan, but the system needs a permanent solution, and to date the challenge has proven unsolvable. Next in line are the Mitchel Field property and the Nassau Coliseum. The land surrounding the arena is extremely valuable. There have been numerous discussions about the development of that property, but nothing has been finalized. The opening of the UBS arena at Belmont Park may have made the Coliseum obso-

he Coliseum complex, assessments and mass transportation, to name three.

LETTERS Jobs Act, I am calling on our local transportation leaders to find the political will to do the right thing. Last week, the State Legislature approved new congressional districts that added portions of the Metro North to the district I hope to represent. In Congress, I would work to make sure even more resources are available to the MTA, LIRR and Metro North to protect the hardworking men and women who rely on the system to get them to and from work without incidents like what happened to Michelle Go. What happened to her should never happen to another New Yorker — and installing barriers would see to that. JOSH LAFAZAN Woodbury Lafazan is a Nassau County legislator running for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

Train station needs more seating To the Editor: Manhattan State Senators Brad Hoylman and Robert Jackson, Assemblyman Richard Gottfried,

lete, but some fresh thinking could make it a viable public asset. Young people are desperate to remain on Long Island, but most developers focus on luxury housing with high-end prices. The Mitchel Field land could be the solution, a way to keep hundreds of our youth on the Island. The county’s mass transportation needs a fresh look. Any bus system has to be reexamined periodically to determine whether it is accommodating the workers who need to travel from distant points to get to their jobs. Bus operators want only profitable routes, but sometimes buses have to go where the jobs are, and that takes some imagination, and comes at a cost. To assume that the current bus system is perfect would be a mistake. An objective look at the operation is in order even if it steps on some toes. A look at the county’s day care program goes hand in hand with getting people to work. A potential job windfall for the region is waiting to be unleashed. At this moment, Amazon and other tech companies are buying numerous properties, planning to turn them into training sites

for delivery jobs. At the same time, they are gobbling up large office buildings in the five boroughs, creating high-paying positions for engineers and technicians. Why not have a sit-down with these companies to get them to expand their footprint in Nassau County, beyond package services? We have great rail service and a quality of life that you don’t get in the city. Thanks to President Biden’s infrastructure law, communities all over the country will be eligible for funding to improve roads and bridges. Our county has hundreds of miles of roadway that could use upgrade, whether in technology or maintenance. An updated infrastructure plan could merit fresh federal dollars and make our communities safer. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The list of things we need to get done is endless, and beyond the reach of just one person. But there are plenty of opportunities for Blakeman to write a positive chapter in our county’s history book. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

FRAMEWORK by Christina Daly

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher and U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler sent Amtrak a letter requesting that additional seating be installed in the $1.6 billion Penn Station Moynihan Train Hall. There is currently only very limited seating in a small waiting area for ticketed passengers. Just as bad, there is no seating for Long Island Rail Road riders waiting on the $300 million West Concourse level for arriving trains. There are also no restroom facilities adjacent to the West Concourse. When there are periodic delays in service due to signal or other problems in either the Hudson or East River tunnels, thousands of LIRR and New Jersey Transit commuters must stand for long periods. Adding adequate seating would be inexpensive and easy to accomplish. It would go a long way toward attracting more riders to return to the rails following the coronavirus pandemic. LARRY PENNER Great Neck Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office.

South Shore shells, hand-painted — Wantagh Craft Fair

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — February 10, 2022

For the new county executive, no shortage of challenges

February 10, 2022 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

2021YEAR YEAR IN IN REVIEW 2021 REVIEW

Now, more than ever, buyers and sellers are looking for a partner to help them navigate the transaction process. Now, more than ever, buyers and sellers are looking for a partner to help them navigate the transaction process.

Despite market and sellers increased expectations, our local realthem estatenavigate advisorsthe consistently deliver Now, more than ever,demand buyers and areclient looking for a partner to help transaction process. Despite market demand and client where expectations, local real estate advisors consistently a high-quality experience. It’s increased not just about we canour take you, it’s about how we get there, deliver together. a high-quality experience. It’s not just about where we can take you, it’s about how we get there, together. Despite market demand and increased client expectations, our local real estate advisors consistently deliver

a high-quality experience. It’s not just about where we can take you, it’s about how we get there, together.

$5.02B

65% of Homes Sold for Under $1M

$1,107,009 Average Sales Price

Total Sales Volume

of Homes Sold for Under $1M

Average Sales Price

4 new offices TotalOpened Sales Volume Opened 4 new offices Astoria, Williamsburg, Astoria, Williamsburg, ParkPark Slope, Cobble HillHill Slope, Cobble

$1,107,009

Launched new websites Launched new websites Average Sales22Price • •danielgale.com danielgale.com • •masterpiececollection.com masterpiececollection.com

Opened 4 new offices

Launched 2 new websites

Astoria, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Cobble Hill

• danielgale.com Thousands of Lives • masterpiececollection.com Thousands LivesTouched Touched

65%

Continued our partnership with

Continued our partnership with $1M of Homes Sold for Under

TheNew New York Islanders The York Islanders

Continued our partnership with

The New York Islanders

throughour our charitable charitable efforts through effortswith: with: Long Museum LongIsland IslandChildren’s Children’s Museum

Huntington Hospital Huntington Hospital Pink Aid

Pink Aid

Museum of Art Thousands of LivesHeckscher Touched Heckscher Museum of Art

Cold Spring Harbor Lab

Helping Hand Rescue Mission

Old Westbury Gardens

America’s Vet Dogs

through Helping with: Hand Rescue Mission Cold Spring Harbor Lab our charitable efforts Old Westbury Gardens Huntington Hospital North Shore Land Alliance North Shore Land Alliance

America’s Vet Dogs

Long Island Children’s Museum Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department

Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department

Pink Aid Saint Mary’s Parish

Heckscher Museum of Art Angela’s House

Townwide Fund of Huntington Cold Spring Harbor Lab

Cold SpringHand Harbor Rescue Education Mission Foundation Helping

Saint Mary’s Parish

Townwide Fund of Huntington

United Way of Long Island Old Westbury Gardens

United Way of Long Island

North Shore Land Alliance

Angela’s House

Coldmany Spring Harbor Education Foundation And more...

America’s Vet Dogs

And many more...

Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department Rockville Centre Office

36 SParish Park Avenue, Rockville Centre | 516.678.1510 | danielgale.com Angela’s House Saint Mary’s Rockville Centre Office Each office is independently owned and operated. 36 S Park of Avenue, Rockville Centre | 516.678.1510 | danielgale.com Cold Spring Harbor Education Foundation Townwide Fund Huntington

operated. many more... United Way of Long IslandEach office is independently owned andAnd

Rockville Centre Office

1160998

$5.02B

65%

$1,107,009

$5.02B Total Sales Volume