Rockville Centre Herald 04-13-2023

HERALD

An egg-ceptional holiday weekend

Creditors

ask for dismissal of diocese bankruptcy

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

After two and a half years of attempts to negotiate a settlement in the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s bankruptcy case, lawyers representing more than 600 people who filed claims of sexual abuse against the diocese — known as the Committee of Unsecured Creditors — have requested that the case be dismissed, given the unlikelihood of reach ing a consensus on a reor ganization plan.

Represented by the law firm Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl and Jones, the com mittee stated in a motion filed in bankruptcy court that the diocese has been unable to propose a plan that the committee can

“The Committee moved to dismiss the bankruptcy because the Diocese abdi cated its responsibility as a fiduciary to all credi tors,” committee Chair man Richard Tollner stat ed in a release, “and is more interested in protect ing its enterprise than fair ly compensating its vic

In January, the diocese filed a plan without the support of the committee, proposing a contribution of $11.1 million from its parishes and affiliates, which Committee attor neys have stated is a mini

lacrosse high school Preview Inside

Schools float $136.4M

plan

Taxes in 2023-24 budget would rise $266 per household

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre school district is proposing a $136.4

tom third on Long Island of tax increases.”

If approved by voters next month, the proposed budget would increase overall spending by 5.74 percent, or $7.4 mil lion. It includes $78.8 million for instruction, $31.2 million for teacher and employee benefits, $13.2 million in administrative costs, $5.1 million for transportation, and $190,950 for

Fire chiefs take office

Many factors

below the district’s state-man date cap of 2.21 percent, to just under $103.9 million.

Robert Bartels, assistant superintendent of business, said in a presentation on April 4 that according to a recent report by Newsday, the average tax levy increase for schools on Long Island next year is esti mated to be about 2.2 percent.

“We are well under that,” Bartels said. “We are in the bot

tion aid, the latter based on a formula vide more money to needs students, are expected to increase by 17.8 percent, or $19.3 million in total. The hike in state aid comes as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget, which would increase funding for public school districts across the state by $3.1 billion in 2023-24.

To help fund capital projects, including roof repairs and a new artificial-turf field at South Side Middle School, the district plans to use $4.3 million of its fund balance, to reduce the impact on taxpayers. The bud get also includes the addition of six new sports teams and upgraded locker rooms at South

Bill Kelly/Herald Tony Rugolo, left, Fire Chief-elect Scott Mohr and Second Assistant Chief-elect Patrick Healey celebrate

ed at the vacant La-Z-Boy store at Sunrise Highway and North

Hopping into spring at RVC egg hunt

Little Bunny Cottontail celebrated the annual springtime holidays on Sunday, April 2 with this annual spring egg hunt at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center in Rockville Centre. Village officials joined as more than 350 kids searched the lawn for a special surprise.

iN the

Egg-citing Easter at the United Church

The rain did not keep away the students and families from participating in the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the United Church Nursery School in Rockville Centre on Saturday, April 1.

More than 100 children came out to search for hidden treats. During the event there were also crafts, snacks, a balloon artist, an ice cream truck, and, of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Everyone had an “egg-cellent” time.

Think About the Future in a Whole New Way

a

kids build differeNT springtime crafts during the annual Easter Egg hunt at the United Church Nursery School.

Photos courtesy Village of Rockville Centre

TrusTee emilio Grillo, Trustee Katie Conlon, Little Bunny Cottontail, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Mayor Francis Murray join in the springtime festivities.on April 2.

Photos courtesy United Church Nursery School

Nearly 350 kids participated in the annual spring egg hunt at the Recreation Center on April 2.

aNd, No easTer celebration could be complete without

photo with the Easter Bunny, himself.

An egg-ceptional holiday weekend

Creditors ask for dismissal of diocese bankruptcy

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

After two and a half years of attempts to negotiate a settlement in the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s bankruptcy case, lawyers representing more than 600 people who filed claims of sexual abuse against the diocese — known as the Committee of Unsecured Creditors — have requested that the case be dismissed, given the unlikelihood of reaching a consensus on a reorganization plan.

Represented by the law firm Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl and Jones, the committee stated in a motion filed in bankruptcy court that the diocese has been unable to propose a plan that the committee can agree to.

“The Committee moved to dismiss the bankruptcy because the Diocese abdicated its responsibility as a fiduciary to all creditors,” committee Chairman Richard Tollner stated in a release, “and is more interested in protecting its enterprise than fairly compensating its victims.”

In January, the diocese filed a plan without the support of the committee, proposing a contribution of $11.1 million from its parishes and affiliates, which Committee attorneys have stated is a mini-

Continued on page 8

Schools float $136.4M

plan

Taxes in 2023-24 budget would rise $266 per household

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre school district is proposing a $136.4 million budget for the 2023-24 school year, which would increase school taxes by an estimated $266 per homeowner next year, based on the most recent information provided by the Nassau County assessor’s office.

Fire chiefs take office

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

James Avondet will be stepping down as chief of the Rockville Centre Volunteer Fire Department, following his second one-year term.

Avondet, a member of the department for the past 46 years, played an instrumental role when firefighters quelled the enormous tanker fire that erupt-

ed at the vacant La-Z-Boy store at Sunrise Highway and North Centre Avenue in February 2022.

Mayor Francis Murray said at a village board meeting on April 3 that as Avondet’s term comes to an end, Murray wanted to thank him for his years of dedicated service to the village.

“He exemplifies all that is good about our Rockville Centre Fire Department,” Murray said.

Continued on page 10

Many factors contribute to how much a homeowner pays in taxes every year. The current assessed value of the average home in RVC is $1.12 million, according to the Department of Assessment, which school officials have indicated has not yet provided the average valuation for the next school year.

tom third on Long Island of tax increases.”

We are in the

If approved by voters next month, the proposed budget would increase overall spending by 5.74 percent, or $7.4 million. It includes $78.8 million for instruction, $31.2 million for teacher and employee benefits, $13.2 million in administrative costs, $5.1 million for transportation, and $190,950 for community services.

bottom third on Long Island of tax increases.

RoBERt BARtEls

Assistant Superintendent of Business

The tax levy is projected to increase by 1.99 percent, well below the district’s state-mandate cap of 2.21 percent, to just under $103.9 million.

Robert Bartels, assistant superintendent of business, said in a presentation on April 4 that according to a recent report by Newsday, the average tax levy increase for schools on Long Island next year is estimated to be about 2.2 percent.

“We are well under that,” Bartels said. “We are in the bot-

State and foundation aid, the latter based on a formula designed to help provide more money to schools with highneeds students, are expected to increase by 17.8 percent, or $19.3 million in total. The hike in state aid comes as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget, which would increase funding for public school districts across the state by $3.1 billion in 2023-24.

To help fund capital projects, including roof repairs and a new artificial-turf field at South Side Middle School, the district plans to use $4.3 million of its fund balance, to reduce the impact on taxpayers. The budget also includes the addition of six new sports teams and upgraded locker rooms at South

Bill Kelly/Herald FIRst AssIstANt ChIEF-ElECt Tony Rugolo, left, Fire Chief-elect Scott Mohr and Second Assistant Chief-elect Patrick Healey celebrate their new appointments.

Hopping into spring at RVC egg hunt

Egg-citing Easter at the United Church

The rain did not keep away the students and families from participating in the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the United Church Nursery School in Rockville Centre on Saturday, April 1.

More than 100 children came out to search for hidden treats. During the event there were also crafts, snacks, a balloon artist, an ice cream truck, and, of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Everyone had an “egg-cellent” time.

aNd, No easTer celebration could be complete without a photo with the Easter Bunny, himself.

kids build differeNT springtime crafts during the annual Easter Egg hunt at the United Church Nursery School.

Photos courtesy Village of Rockville Centre

emilio Grillo, Trustee Katie Conlon, Little Bunny Cottontail, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Mayor Francis Murray join in the springtime festivities.on April 2.

Photos courtesy United Church Nursery School

Nearly 350 kids participated in the annual spring egg hunt at the Recreation Center on April 2.

Cameron Engineering merges with IMEG

By Staff report

In what is expected to bring together decades of experience and passion, one of New York’s leading consulting, planning and engineering firms — Cameron Engineering — is merging with IMEG Corp.

This step brings Cameron into one of the nation’s largest engineering firms, allowing the Rockville Centre-based company a chance to bring its strong client base and presence in the greater New York region to IMEG’s 75 U.S. office locations spanning from Boston to California.

“This comes after 38 years of being totally independent,” John Cameron, the company’s founder, said. The merger “positions us for growth for the future, and provides sustainability and a future for my succeeding leadership and all my people here.”

Cameron Engineering started off with a part-time secretary before growing over the next three decades to more than 100 people with not only headquarters on Long Island, but a major presence in Manhattan as well.

“It provides some security for everybody, and also enables me to sort of ele-

vate the next tier of leadership and let them take more responsibilities,” said Cameron, who grew up in Long Beach but resides in Rockville Centre. “I really have a great staff here, and empower them to show a little more of what they could do.”

Since 1985, the prolific planning and engineering firm has worked on thousands of local projects all across Long Island, including high-profile developments like Nassau Coliseum, Wyandanch Village, and several facilities at Hofstra University. They have also worked with FDNY on more than 200 firehouse renovation designs and several Long Island wastewater and sewer projects.

Cameron will continue to manage the firm with Joe Amato, leading a team of experienced engineering professionals like Nick Kumbatovic, Mike Hults, and Rich Zapolski. He will also continue to chair the Long Island Regional Planning Council, and IMEG will now be the engineering firm in charge of the proposed

$2.6 billion Midway Crossing project in Ronkonoma.

“We are excited to continue our east coast expansion and add Cameron Engineering & Associates to our team,” said Paul VanDuyne, IMEG’s president and chief executive, in a release. “Their full-service capabilities and market sector expertise align perfectly with IMEG, allowing us to serve more clients as a New York corporation.”

IMEG Corp. is a 100 percent employee-owned engineering firm that was created in 2015 with the union of several enginering firms and is headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois.

Over the past several years, the business has grown tremendously, bringing more than 30 formerly independent engineering and architectural firms under its umbrella.

Currently, IMEG has more than 2,000 employees and is ranked among one of the largest in the nation of its kind. The addition of Cameron Engineering will add to IMEG’s already impressive

national portfolio of work across various market sectors, combining both firms’ mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, transportation, environmental and planning expertise to create a strong synergy for future growth.

Cameron said that IMEG’s size and expertise will allow his business to expand upon some of the innovative approaches and results-driven solutions which it delivers to its clients.

He also said that merging with an engineering design firm that is entirely employee-owned, results-driven, and passionate about transforming environments and communities with high-performance design and infrastructure, will give employees an opportunity to own stock in the company.

“In fact, in the first week that we’ve merged, over 30 people have already signed on to purchase stock,” Cameron said. “So, it’s very exciting for me and for my people, too, and we’re all really looking forward to it. Cameron said that the company enthusiastically looks forward to its next chapter in business. For more information visit IMEGCorp.com or CameronEngineering.com.

Additional reporting by Brendan Carpenter

Illuminations set to close after almost 50 years

Illuminations, a family-owned lighting showroom centrally located on Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre will be shuttering its doors permanently after almost 50 years of serving the community.

Owner Philip Finkelstein started the business in 1977, after his father, who worked in the manufacturing industry, inspired him create his own business when he was young. Originally named, Criterion Lighting, the business expanded into its current 15,000 square-foot location to provide mid-to-high range lighting fixtures, refinishing, repairs, and most importantly of all, quality custom-

er service.

“We built personal relationships with our customers,” Finkelstein said. “We’re a personality store. That is what made us last so long. That is the part I’m going to miss most.”

While he has seen several businesses come and go over the years, Finkelstein said it is their outstanding service that has provided them with many repeat customers and five-star reviews.

Finkelstein, 71, said that after almost a half-century in the heart of RVC, it’s time for him and his wife, Jo Anne, to retire and spend more time with family.

“I’m looking forward to playing golf,

snowboarding, playing pickleball, traveling, and playing with my grandkids,” he said. “That’s why you work for so long, so you can enjoy your retirement.”

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the retail environment also played a role in his decision to retire, since fewer people are shopping in retail showrooms than ever before.

But before going out of business for good, Illuminations is hoping to sell more than $1 million in inventory during its final sale ever, offering all merchandise and fixtures, including their unique selection of top name brands in lighting, furniture and accessories at discounts of

up to 50 percent off.

According to its website, this includes products such as chandeliers, island lighting, pendants, ceiling medallions, track lighting, mirrors, exterior lighting, landscape lighting, wall sconces, ceiling fans, table and floor lamps, and more.

Illuminations is open during its normal business hours, from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m.

To find out more including alerts and updates, visit Illuminations-Lighting. com.

–Daniel Offner

John Cameron

Daniel Offner/Herald IllumInatIonS on SunrISe Highway in Rockville Centre is closing its doors after almost 50 years in the business.

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Polypharmacy in Older Adults

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) polypharmacy is the use of multiple drugs to treat diseases and other health conditions. Polypharmacy is common in older adults, many of whom have two or more chronic conditions, and about a third of whom take five or more prescription drugs. Often, these different powerful drugs have been prescribed by different doctors. Some drugs mask or neutralize others, some are dangerously incompatible with others and some may worsen conditions that naturally occur in the aging population -- such as loss of appetite, less efficient digestive systems and increased cardiovascular risk.

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For the American Geriatrics Society’s (AGS) list of medications that older people should avoid or use with caution, google “Beers List”. The Beers List is recommended for assessing your medications, however AGS advises not to stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

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RVC ‘lights it up blue’ for autism awareness

RVC Blue Speaks, the largest Long Island-based autism charity, joined village officials on Saturday, April 1, to ‘Light it up Blue’ in recognition of autism awareness month. To date, the nonprofit organization has helped raise more than $360,000 for autism support and awareness. For more information visit RVCBlueSpeaks.org.

Courtesy RVC Blue Speaks

because of your loyalty and voting, Rockville centRe auto RepaiR was a long island choice award winner in 2021! we thank you and appreciate all your support and for voting for us again and making us a top 3 finalist in 2022 in the following categories:

spotlight athlete

High expectations for South Side

By toNY BellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com

Coming off a 17-win campaign that ended in disappointing fashion with a Nassau Class A baseball quarterfinal playoff loss, South Side is stocked with talent and aiming to contend for the county title.

DelaNeY RaDiN

Long Beach Senior Lacrosse

a tWo-tiMe all-aMeRiCaN bound for the University of Florida, Radin’s latest accomplishment on the lacrosse field came March 29 when she reached the 300 career point mark in a victory over Carle Place. Last spring, she recorded 61 goals and a Long Island-leading 62 assists while leading the Marines to the Nassau Class B final. She appears well on her way to topping that production with 43 points through five games.

gaMes to WatCh

thursday,

“We have to put all three phases of the game together to get where we want to get,” coach Tom Smith said after the Cyclones fell to 4-2 following a defeat at the hands of Kennedy at Barasch Field last Saturday. “Defense has been the most consistent piece so far,” he added.

South Side, which captured the Nassau Class A championship in 2021 and followed with a conference title last spring, is led by returning senior award-winners Sean Britt, Rob Pericolosi, Justin Peralta and Chris Rosenbaum.

Peralta heads a pitching staff that includes juniors Matt Arnott and Trevor Marigliano. “All three throw hard and mix pitches well to keep hitters at bay,” Smith said.

Peralta has won his first two starts and was an All-Conference selection a year ago.

“His fastball starts in the mid-80s and he throws a power curve and a nasty slider,” Smith said of Peralta, who opened the series with Kennedy by striking out six over four innings in a 17-7 win.

The 6-foot-6 Arnott, along with Pericolosi, recently helped South Side’s basketball team to county and Long Island titles. Arnott joined the starting rotation after one relief appearance that helped build his pitch count, Smith said.

Marigliano won his first varsity start to help the Cyclones sweep Great Neck North out of the gate and will likely get the nod in the second game of every series. Senior Thomas McCarthy and sophomore lefty Gavin Donahue lead a deep bullpen.

Two-time All-County catcher Sean Britt is “dynamic behind the plate,” Smith said, and the No. 3 hitter. Britt had three homers and 28 RBIs to go with a .360 batting average in 2022.

saturday, april 15

Softball:

Softball:

Senior center fielder Pericolosi is AllCounty in two sports and coming off a stellar year on the diamond. The leadoff batter raked to a .507 average with 34 runs

Media

DReW aRoMiskis anchors South Side’s defense at shortstop and also is a key part of the offense as its No. 2 hitter.

scored and 26 driven in. He had four RBIs in South Side’s lone win over Kennedy. “His numbers from last year are even more impressive because of the level of pitching he faced,” Smith said.

Rosenbaum (.323, 18 RBIs) is an All-Conference right fielder and clean-up hitter who smacked three triples through the first six games. He’ll also see some work at first base with Donahue.

Senior Drew Aromiskis is a vital twoway weapon, serving as the starting shortstop and No. 2 hitter. Junior Jack Bodkin,

last year’s JV shortstop, has assumed the second base job while junior Aidan Medeiros looks to take the next step at third base after a solid .320, 10-RBI campaign.

Junior Brady Callahan is the primary left fielder. Senior Jack Phelan can fill in there and will DH along with senior Sam Russo.

“Class A is stacked,” Smith said. “We’ve got work to do, but I believe if we play up to our potential we’ll be in the mix come playoff time to have a shot to win it all.”

Origin Inc./Herald photo seNioR

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Diocese continues to pursue reorganization

continued from front page

mal contribution, given the hundreds of claims. And, they say, it would rely largely on potential insurance policy payouts that are being disputed in four separate lawsuits.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in October 2020, as a result of hundreds of lawsuits that were filed when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved the state Child Victims Act in 2019, extending the statue of limitations on sexual abuse claims.

In January, attorneys represent more than two dozen of the survivors presented the diocese with two potential reorganization plans. Under the first, the Catholic diocese would settle all of the claims for $450 million in restitution. The second plan involved the diocese and its parishes, which the Committee’s lawyers say they believe has “substantial assets” and should be made to provide “fair compensation to the children they hurt” in order to settle claims of child sexual abuse. Under both options, survivors would be able to continue to pursue claims of abuse in state court.

In response, the diocese made a counter-offer, proposing that it, along with its parishes, co-insured parties and other ministry members, contribute between $185 million and $200 million, not including insurance payouts.

The committee and its attorneys criticized the counteroffer, describing it as “business as usual.” “The Diocese has adopted a litigation path that ultimately will fail, and will have wasted millions of dollars,” attorney James Stang, bankruptcy counsel to the committee, stated. “The Committee always has stood for fair compensation and transparency. The (diocese) has fought the Committee at almost every turn. Committee members have devoted hundreds of hours over two-and-a-half years to getting the right result for all survivors.”

According to Rick Archer of Law360, a federal bankruptcy judge warned the diocese and the committee that

neither of the suggested plans were fit to be submitted to the creditors as they stand.

In a virtual status conference held in February, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn told both groups that they risked “spinning their wheels” with the plans they submitted, and that they contained too many unsupported estimates and undefined terms for the creditors to judge if

either would work.

“Unless there’s some dramatic turnaround, you’re going to come out of this with two disclosure statements denied, rejected,” Glenn said.

He urged both sides to schedule additional mediations sessions. “There are too many uncertainties,” Glenn said. “It’s just not going to happen. I don’t know where you think you’re going.”

Attorneys for the committee claim that the diocese has an irreconcilable conflict between affiliate and creditor interests, in “derogation of its fiduciary duties,” and that before and during the bankruptcy proceedings, the diocese aggressively shifted assets to affiliates and sought to protect those affiliates from survivors’ claims.

They also stated that the diocese has started objecting to claims that would typically be handled through a consensually plan.

Representatives of the survivors said that the diocese is continuing its pattern of employing “aggressive legal strategies … to defeat and discourage lawsuits even though the Diocesan officials know they were meritorious.”

“This case poses the unique challenge that the (diocese) refuses to negotiate with the Committee and is attempting to bully survivors into submission,” Stang said. “The Committee filed its motion to dismiss to attempt to stop (the diocese’s) litigation tactics and to instead finally give survivors their day in New York Courts.”

In response to the committee’s latest action, Sean Dolan, the diocese’s director of communications, said, “The Diocese of Rockville Centre has no intention of following the lead of the Creditors Committee and abandoning the Chapter 11 process, which provides the most effective means of fairly compensating survivors and continuing the mission of the Church on Long Island.”

Daniel Offner/Herald St. AgneS CAthedrAl, the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, is one of several diocese parishes.

Three new fire chiefs, two delegates elected

continued from front page

“Your invaluable services as chief is greatly appreciated by all who live here and come through our village.”

More than 200 members of the department cast their ballots for new officers on April 6, electing a new chief, first and second assistant chiefs and delegates to the Fourth Battalion Fire District.

Scott Mohr was elected chief of the department, receiving 199 votes in an uncontested race. He was unanimously endorsed to fill Avondet’s role by members of Reliance Hose Company No. 3, for which he has volunteered since 1993.

A third-generation village firefighter, Mohr has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Louis Mohr Sr. and his father, James Mohr — who were both captains of Reliance — as well as several uncles and cousins who remain active in the department.

Mohr served as second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain of Reliance between 1998 and 2008, was previously second assistant chief of the department, and has been first assistant chief since 2021. He will be the 86th chief of the department.

“As Chief of Department, I plan on continuing most of the traditions that brought me to joining this great department 30 years ago,” Mohr wrote in an email. “I believe in teamwork and camaraderie. Being that the Rockville Centre Fire Department is 100 percent all volunteer, I

feel that it is imperative that everyone gets to know each other and gets comfortable with each other.”

Over the years, Mohr has received several awards for acts of bravery, and has served on social and training committees at both the company and departmental levels.

For the past two decades, he has also been a career firefighter with FDNY Tower Ladder 127 in Jamaica, Queens. Prior to joining the New York City department, he served as a city police officer in Harlem for three years.

Scott and his wife, Kelly, have two children, Riley and Haiden.

“We have doctors, lawyers, teachers, and many other professions, but when that radio goes off for us to respond we are all volunteer firefighters with the same goals, save life and property and go home safely to our families,” Mohr wrote. “I take great pride in leading this department into the future and feel I have a great team in Tony (Rugolo) and Pat (Healey) to do so.”

After two years as second assistant chief, Tony Rugolo was elected first assistant chief, with 198 votes. He received the unanimous support of Woodlands Engine Company No. 4, which he has been an integral member of since he joined the department in 1984.

Rugolo, like Mohr, comes from a family of firematic excellence. His father was an active member of Live Oak Engine Company No. 1 until his death, and his brother, Joe, is a three-term captain of Woodlands Engine Company and a senior warden on the Fire Department Council. Tony’s son, Anthony, is also a lieutenant for Woodlands, and is a career firefighter with the FDNY.

Rugolo is a retired paid firefighter from Garden City who, over the years, has served the department in many capacities, including financial secretary, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain from 1994 to 1996.

In 2016, when the company needed someone to step up and fill the vacancy as captain, Rugolo without hesitation, jumped in and served another term.

He and his wife of 35 years, Eileen, have two sons and two daughters. Joe is in medical school, and Christina and Megan are both college students.

While Mohr and Rugolo ran uncontested, Pat Healey, from Eureka Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1, and Jose Urquiza, from Live Oak, both ran for second assistant chief of the department, and Healey won by a vote count of 132-71.

A lifelong Rockville Centre resident and a 13-year member of Eureka company, Healey served as second lieutenant, first lieu-

tenant and captain between 2015 and 2022. During the pandemic, he worked closely with the chief’s office to assure members responding to alarms that the firehouse was a safe environment, and worked on committees that helped create policies to keep the entire department safe.

Over the years, Healey has been involved in several committees, including the new truck committee, has been chief chauffeur, and was instrumental in working with the chief’s office on the replacement of Tower Ladder unit No. 447.

Healey is a member of the department’s board of instruction, and is a director of the Companies Corporation. He works as a lineman for the Village of Freeport’s Electric Department.

In the election, department members also voted for two delegates to the Fourth Battalion Fire District, which represents fire departments in East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside and Rockville Centre.

Ex-chief Mark Murray, a 41-year member of the department and an ex-captain of Reliance Hose Company No. 3, won his bid for re-election to a fifth term as a delegate. He is chairman of the district and a commissioner of the Nassau County Fire Commission.

Due to the untimely death of Ex-Chief Robert “Bubba” Seaman, there was another race for a Fourth Battalion delegate seat, which was won by Ex-Chief Peter Grandazza.

I believe in teamwork and camaraderie.

Scott Mohr

Newly elected fire chief

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High Performing in Nine Areas of Care

Summit takes new look at teen mental health

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Teachers, school administrators, social workers and mental health advocates agree that, more than ever, teens need outreach and support when they battle negative thoughts and actions.

At the Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit — hosted by the New Jerseybased Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide — Long Island teens and school staffers received just that: crucial skills to help get through their toughest days.

Hosted once again by Brookside School inside the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, students and school leaders attended keynote presentations, panels, workshops, and even walked through a resource fair intended to connect them to mental health services.

The event was first brought to Nassau County by Bellmore’s Stacy Brief, a licensed social worker who attended Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, and currently works at Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick.

Brief went through her own difficult times in high school, struggling with anxiety and depression. Brief was eventually connected to the teen suicide society, and later would find herself volunteering and working with the organization.

Wellness summits had become a regular success in New Jersey, and Brief realized that same success could be brought to Long Island as well. She approached Mike Harrington, superintendent of Bellmore-Merrick’s schools, and asked if the district would be interested in helping her idea become a reality.

“Stacy was one of my standouts at Mepham,” Harrington said. “A tremendous, tremendous young lady. After graduating, I knew right away that she wanted to get into mental health and pursue a social work career.”

All for the idea, Harrington established a planning committee to create the summit, which kicked off for the first time in 2019, attracting students and professionals from 20 school districts. Last month’s summit attracted more than 30 schools from Nassau and Suffolk counties, including the first Catholic institution: Chaminade High School.

“Every year we try to feature a new coping skill workshop, just to be introducing the teenagers to new concepts, as far as what they can do to cope with stress,” Brief said. “Last year we did Movement Genius, and this year the students (did) a Tibetan singing bowl sound healing workshop.

“I think it’s something very different. They don’t often have access to something like sound healing.”

The keynote presentation was given by “Lead U,” a “high-energy, interactive assembly,” according to Brief. Created by a group of teaching artists, their presentations engage, educate and empower students of all ages to find leaders within themselves through interactive play and games.

Dawn Doherty, the teen suicide society executive director, described a correlation between mental health struggles and the

coronavirus pandemic. Social media, she added, also plays a huge role in how teens view themselves.

“There can be very positive aspects of it,” Doherty said. “But then, unfortunately, much of it can be negative, with the cyber-bullying and even just the comparison of yourself with everyone else.”

A point of emphasis, Doherty said, is the concept that your friends and others your age are often going through the same thing.

“If you’re struggling, that’s OK, because there are others who are struggling or have struggled,” she said. “We really use the day to enhance coping skills and strategies, and certainly educate on the resources available.”

The commitment to wellness doesn’t end with the summit. For example, the teen suicide society will again host a panel for parents later this year, teaching them to recognize the signs of mental health struggles and how to connect their kids to the appropriate services.

Brief also started another program on

Long Island last September called the Youth Council, open to high school students.

“I’ll be running monthly meetings where they’re going to develop more skills, insight, education and awareness on everything to do with mental health and suicide prevention,” she said. “That’ll be year-round, to develop leaders so they can take (what they learn) back to their communities and develop more structural change.”

Applications for the Youth Council opened immediately after the summit. For more information, visit SPTSUSA. org/NassauSummit.

Brief has come a long way from struggling with issues as a teenager, and now working to help others finding themselves in a similar predicament.

“We are just so proud of her for everything she’s accomplished personally and professionally,” Doherty said. “But really, (I’m)_just in awe of the success that she and the committee have really had with expanding the reach of this event.”

sOphiA BENNO AND Addison Soffer of John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore had a blast watching the keynote presentation, ‘Lead U,’ at the Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit.

stACy BRiEf, A social worker who brought the Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit to the local community, joined Dawn Doherty — executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide — to host the summit.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

J.D. WiLsON, fOuNDER of ‘Lead U,’ shepherded an energetic presentation at the Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit that incorporated students and the professionals who work with them.

CALhOuN high sChOOL sophomore Nicholas Senese watched the keynote presentation, ‘Lead U,’ at the Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit.

Letter from Liberty New York Water’s President

Dear Valued Customers:

Liberty has been the local water company serving Nassau County and Upstate New York for just over a year now. We value our customers and thank you for the opportunity to be your water service provider.

We are working hard to get to know and earn the respect and trust of our new customers and stakeholders; engage and support the communities we serve; and be open, transparent, and accountable.

To that end, we have completed or are making progress on several key initiatives (noted below) to positively impact our customers’ experience.

o Local Customer Call Center – Last year, Liberty hired and trained 16 local Long Island residents—many of whom live in the communities we serve—to staff our new call center, which went live last November. We believe it is important for our customers to engage with customer service representatives who are local and familiar with the areas we serve.

o Local Customer Walk-In Center – Liberty is on track to open a new walk-in customer center before year end. The walk-in center will be located at our Merrick Office and will provide customers opportunities to engage with our customer service team and other Liberty staff in-person.

o Public Outreach – Last year, we established a public outreach program to share information with and solicit feedback from our customers and stakeholders. So far, we have completed more than 60 meetings with stakeholders, local elected officials, and customers, including four customer town halls. In May, we will start another round of extensive public outreach throughout our service territory both to receive your feedback and explain ongoing regulatory efforts.

One of Liberty’s top priorities is to ensure our water service is safe and reliable. We would like to recognize our employees—many of whom are proud members of Utility Workers Union of America Locals 355 and 365—whose professionalism, commitment, and dedication make it possible for us to provide safe and reliable water service for our customers.

One of the biggest challenges for the water industry and Liberty today and into the future centers on replacing and upgrading critical, aging water system infrastructure, improving water quality, and keeping pace with emerging containments in our water supply. Over the last five years, our company made great progress, investing over $265

million in system improvements and replacements. In the next five years, Liberty plans to spend another $270 million in improving and upgrading our water systems. These capital investments are necessary to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant water service for our customers now and into the future.

Finally, Liberty recognizes that top of mind for our customers is affordable water service. To this end, we are doing everything possible to control costs, achieve efficiencies in our operations, and, where required, earnestly engage with key stakeholders interested in municipalizing portions of our water system. Moreover, we have launched the following key initiatives that, if successful, will provide direct rate relief to customers:

o Special Franchise Tax – Special franchise taxes continue to constitute approximately 25% of our customers’ monthly water bill. While these taxes provide funding to your local towns, villages, special districts, and public schools, they do not provide any direct benefit to the water service Liberty provides you. We are working with elected State officials, including the Governor, to advance several initiatives to provide rate relief to our customers by reducing the amount of the special franchise taxes our customers pay on their monthly water bills.

o Water Infrastructure Grants and Low Interest Loans –We are working with our regulators and elected officials to change State law so that Liberty and other private water companies are afforded the same opportunity and access that municipal water service providers have to taxpayer-funded grants and low-interest loans to finance needed water infrastructure and water quality improvements.

We value our customers and want our customers to know that we are working hard every day to improve their experience, keep their water service safe and reliable, and pursue opportunities to provide rate relief. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please contact our local customer call center at 1-877-426-6999 or visit our webpage, www.libertyenergyandwater.com

Sincerely,

Chris Alario President, Liberty New York Water

Lafazan wants to make Nassau carbon neutral

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

From rising sea levels to extreme weather to so much more, climate change is real for Josh Lafazan, and he’s ready to do something about it.

The Nassau County legislator is introducing a bill in Mineola requiring Nassau to become “carbon neutral” by 2035. The bill, he says, acknowledges the unique ecological and infrastructure challenges facing Nassau and Long Island, and seeks to address these issues before they become insurmountable.

“Here in Nassau County, we literally live on an island,” Lafazan told reporters during a recent news conference announcing the legislation. “And while living on an island, our exposure to climate change is a constant threat to our homes, our communities, our infrastructure, our drinking water, and our collective safety.”

Long Island faces numerous climate-unique issues due to its geographic location and changing climate conditions, Lafazan said. In fact, a recent report by Moody’s Analytics Climate Risk Scenarios ranked Long Island fourth among major population centers in the country for “its exposure to the physical and economic risks associated with climate change.”

Climate-related threats present a wide range of dangers to Nassau, a number of experts have said — one of the most pressing being rising water temperatures and levels. The Long Island Sound saw its hottest average temperature ever in 2021, according to an environmental study by Connecticut’s Council on Environmental Quality. Warmer water poses huge risks for wildlife, increasing the chances of algal blooms in the Sound.

Then there are so-called superstorms like Hurricane Sandy. As the world continues to warm, major hurricanes and tropical storms such as this will continue to batter Long Island, experts have said.

Another threat comes from Long Island’s reliance on a sole-source aquifer, which is the only source of freshwater for the nearly 3 million island residents. The aquifer is already strained from widespread use, and rising water levels and other effects from climate change could see increases in saltwater intrusion into the aquifer in the coming years, making the water supply undrinkable.

“This is all to say that there is no more time to debate something that is scientifically factual, and the actions that we take now will protect Long Island for generation after generation to come,” Lafazan said. “This is not hyperbole. Powerful, once-in-a-generation storms that happened once a century are now happening once a

BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES WITH CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS

month.”

Lafazan’s proposal would require the county to create and deliver a carbon neutrality action plan to the legislature no later than Dec. 1, 2024, as well as provide progress updates starting from Dec. 24 of that same year. The proposal would also empower the county executive to seek state and federal grants to support the project, as well as create a carbon neutral advisory panel made up of local experts.

While New York state has already made a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050, Lafazan’s plan would potentially speed up the process for Nassau. The plan will not require Nassau residents to adhere to any new mandates, but will put the onus for the change on local municipal governments.

As a Democrat, however, Lafazan is part of the legislature’s minority. So, it’s unclear what kind of chance this bill has with his Republican colleagues.

But joining Lafazan in his cause is Adrienne Esposito, the executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a local nonprofit that works to promote climate awareness through education, research, lobbying and public outreach. Esposito reiterated at a recent news conference the dangers of not being focused on addressing the risks of climate change, and commended the proposed bill for its focus on protecting the environment.

“We need to take bold actions to reduce carbon emissions to just try to stem the tide of climate change impacts,” Esposito said. “What we do matters. Local government’s actions matter.”

Lafazan and Esposito also discussed what Nassau was currently doing to improve its infrastructure and address climate issues — improving coastal resiliency as well as increasing drainage infrastructure.

“The irony here is that we wouldn’t need to do any of that,” Lafazan claimed, “if we just reduced our carbon emissions.”

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according to U.S.News&WorldReport.

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer — from novel chemotherapy techniques to first-in- the-nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there’s no status quo. There’s only “how far can we go?”

Northwell.edu/NoLimits

Will Sheeline/Herald NaSSau CouNty LEgISLator Josh Lafazan, left, joined Citizens Campaign for the Environment executive director Adrienne Esposito to introduce a bill he says would require Nassau County to become carbon neutral by 2035.

STEPPING OUT

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

on with the kids

Preschool fave Laurie Berkner goes solo

By Karen Bloom

he remains at the top of the children’s entertainment scene. Acclaimed as the “The Adele of the preschool crowd” or the “Queen of kindie rock,” Laurie Berkner is an industry unto herself. The first recording artist to perform in music videos on Nick Jr., her original songs, music videos, books, and three original off-Broadway musicals have made her ubiquitous in American households.

like it and whether I’m going to connect to them through it,” Berkner said. “I’m also thinking about whether I want to sing it over and over again, so I guess that’s the part that connects with adults. I guess I’m channeling my inner child.”

By Karen Bloom

Wish You Were Here

WHERE WHEN

• Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m.

The former preschool music teacher by day and indie rocker by night, Berkner started selling music out of her living

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

• $30-$75, plus applicable fees; available at TheSpaceAtWestbury.com

room on her own label, Two Tomatoes Records.

struggling to cope in a world turned upside down.

And her outpouring of music continued throughout the pandemic. Berkner was a source of stability and much needed entertainment — in her comforting way — for her young audience through virtual concerts. Daily during the first months of pandemic lockdown — then monthly, which still continue — Berkner reached families struggling to cope in a world turned upside down.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “Families started watching. So many kids were not in school and not getting music time. It was very intimate and a way to get us through the pandemic. The comments I received were so special. Families would tell me: ‘We see you in our homes, now we want to see you in person.’”

The

That moment has arrived again — to the delight both Berkner and her fans. She performs a solo concert — only her second show postpandemic on Long Island — at The Space in Westbury on April 30.

Billed as a “Greatest Hits” concert, it celebrates the 25th anniversary of the release of her second album “Buzz Buzz.”

concert — only her second show postIsland comprised,” she adds. “So it took so

“Many of my fans are disabled and immunocomprised,” she adds. “So it took a while to be able to get back to doing live shows safely. It feels so good to be moving around again in-person.”

That’s a Laurie Berkner concert. She wants her young fans in the groove with her throughout the duration of the show’s 75 minutes. “I squeeze every ounce of energy I can out of these kids,” she says.

• The Space at Westbury,

• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead.

“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to

Now, the veritable dynamo is seemingly everywhere. In addition to her 15 bestselling, awardwinning albums, her off-Broadway musicals, Berkner helped develop the short-form animated musical preschool series “Sing It, Laurie!” on Sprout TV. She has created two Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen series with Audible Studios, who released them as 10-chapter audio books through the Audible Originals brand. And, of course, they’ll be more to come.

“These projects are all great fun to work on,” she says.

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and

But the best part of it all, she says, is the ongoing connection with families. “I’m creating a memory that will stay with them and become part of their life. I have new parents who heard my songs when they were little and now bring their kids to see me. That feels really special.”

Finally, Berkner reminds her fans (who really don’t need a reminder): “Don’t forget bring your dancing shoes and an animal for your head!”

To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned the museum their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing all media — from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, For Freedoms, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia

Go over the moon with Wish You Were Here’s celebration of 50 years of the ground-breaking musical masterpiece ‘The Dark Side of the Moon.’ With the iconic album as its anchor, the 10-piece band, known as ‘The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd,’ continues its 28-year tradition as a leading Pink Floyd tribute act, combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience. The show’s unique setlist includes Floyd classics and obscurities of all eras — from ‘Syd’ to ‘The Division Bell.’ The entire Pink Floyd canon is represented, including classic favorites from ‘Wish You Were Here,’ ‘Animals’ and ‘The Wall,’ along with showstopping deep tracks for the true Floyd fanatics. The spectacular multi-media stage production adds to the experience, with moving lights and lasers, vintage videos, flying inflatables, sound effects, wall bricks, and more.

Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m. $66, $46, $36. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org, or (516) 299-3100.

Isaac Mizrahi

She’ll perform all the beloved tunes like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)” and “Pig On Her Head,” along with such well-loved hits as “Victor Vito,” “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “Rocketship Run,” and “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming).” And more recent fan favorites including“Superhero,” “Waiting for the Elevator,” and “Chipmunk at the Gas Pump.”

“The way our climate is now, this exhibit could not be more timely than

Among the highlights, she points to the series of prints from the collective For Freedoms. Their four large scale photos are based on Norman Rockwell’s 1943 oil paintings inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address that outlined what he considered the essential four democratic values freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. For Freedoms has interpreted these iconic works for our era.

From the get-go, her audience is fully in sync.“I draw everyone in — running, dancing, jumping. Almost every song choice has something the kids can do movement-wise. They can jump, spin, blast off. This is definitely not a ‘sit down and watch me’ show.”

energy I can out of these kids,” she says. She’ll perform all the beloved tunes in speaks to kids without talking down to them, charming youngsters

“It’s the same composition,” Albert says. “From 1940s America, these (works) show what America is today, our diversity and what we look

Berkner, based in New York City with her band, is acclaimed as the star of children’s music and the power behind the progressive “kindie rock” movement — less saccharine, more rocking music that is not dumbed down for children. What sets her apart? Her music speaks to kids without talking down to them, charming youngsters without boring grown-ups.

As always the museum offers additional programming to enhance the exhibit experience. Upcoming events include an artist panel on Feb. 23, which examines the role of the artist as activist, and a gallery tour with Alexandra Giordano, March 16.

But it wasn’t simply talent that helped create an entire genre and skyrocketed Berkner to the top of the kids’ music scene. It was an ability to gain parents’ enthusiasm for the songs as well.

“When I’m writing a song, I’m thinking about whether the kids will

His talent goes way beyond fashion. Adelphi University welcomes the famed designer and ‘Project Runway All-Stars’ judge Isaac Mizrahi to the stage. Fresh off his Broadway debut in ‘Chicago’ and his sold-out annual two-week residency at the legendary Cafe Carlyle, Mizrahi shares stories and songs from his 30-plus years in the entertainment industry, accompanied by his jazz band, led by Ben Waltzer. Mizrahi sings a range of tunes from the Great American Songbook classics to contemporary standards. Expect him to offer his hilarious musings on everything of the moment from politics to dieting to his latest Instagram obsessions.

Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60, with discounts available to seniors, students, alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.

Courtesy Hofstra Universally Museum of Art Four Freedoms are reinterpreted as photos by Hank Willis Thomas and Emily Shur in collaboration with Eric Gottesman and the Wyatt Gallery.

artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Sculpture: Hank Willis Thomas, Lives of Others, 2014, made from black urethane resin and standing 57 inches tall

250 Post Ave.,Westbury

Photos courtesy Jayme Thornton and Todd Owyoung

THE SCENE

Englishtown Project

Englishtown Project visits the Landmark stage with their tribute to rock history, Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m.

This all-star jam band — featuring members of New Riders of the Purple Sage, Zen Tricksters, and Max Creek — recreates the legendary 1977 concert in Englishtown, N.J., headlined by the Grateful Dead, the Dead family’s New Riders of the Purple Sage and the good-time, southern rock Marshall Tucker Band. This extravaganza includes “healthy doses” of selections from each band’s sets that day with a relaxed, festivalstyle program. $35, $30. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet. org.

April 13

Breastfeeding Support Group

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure a spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Sisterhood Game Night

Play mah jongg and canasta with the Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai SholomBeth David at their weekly game night, Tuesday, April 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in the synagogue lobby, 100 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre.

High School Science Fair and Symposium

South Side High School hosts its annual science symposium and science fair, Wednesday, April 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. 150 Sheppard St., Rockville Centre.

Little League Opening Day Parade and Induction Ceremony

Rockville Centre Little League celebrates its 72nd year with opening day festivities, starting with a parade on Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m., kicking off from South Side Middle School, 67 Hillside Ave., which will proceed down Maple Avenue toward Hickey Field, followed by an induction ceremony for the 1978 Eastern Regional Champions — the first Long Island team to advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The ceremony will recognizes the entire ’78 team, including pitcher Bill Carey and catcher Chris Carter, coaches Charlie Jansen and Bob Glover, administrator Bob Klein, and founders William Seward and John Nofi, on the team’s 45th anniversary of this accomplishment. The opening day game will be held a few hours later, after teams have the opportunity to warm up.

Keeping up with the village

The next meeting of the Village of Rockville Centre Board of Trustees will take place at Village Hall, 1 College Place in Rockville Centre, on Monday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

Restaurant Crawl Fundraiser

Join the RVC Lions Club for its 2nd annual Restaurant Crawl, Wednesday, April 19, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sample some of the best offerings from some of your favorite local restaurants, including Chat Noir, Monaghan’s, Cabo, Melissa’s Taqueria, Frank’s Steaks, Bareburger, The Tap Room, Press 195, Lenox and Park, Three Brother’s Pizza, Croxley’s, and Dirty Taco. Last year’s event sold out so be sure to get your ticket early. Cost is $50 per person. Purchase tickets online at RVCLions.com or send a check to RVC Lions Endowment Fund, PO Box 382, Rockville Centre, NY, 11571.

Shred-A-Thon

Bring your old documents and unwanted papers to Signature Premier Properties at 75 Seaman Ave. in Rockville Centre on Sunday, April 30, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., for this annual spring Shred-A-Thon event. All documents will be shredded in a professional mobile shredding truck while you watch. No need to remove staples or paper clips.

Having an event?

Narcan Training

Assemblyman Brian Curran, in collaboration with Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, and the Rockville Centre Youth Coalition, host free Narcan training event, Thursday, April 13, at 4 p.m. Learn to identify an overdose victim, properly administer this life-saving tool, obtain a Narcan certification and Narcan kit, at John A. Anderson Recreation Center, 111 N. Oceanside Road, Rockville Centre, For information or to register, call Assemblyman Curran’s office at ( 516) 561-8216.

Antiques Appraisals

Philip Weiss, of the Antiques Road Show, will be at Phillips House Museum appraising antiques and collectables, Sunday, April 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Appraisals are three for $25, which includes a membership to the museum, or $10 per item, at 28 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Refreshments will be served and all proceeds will go to benefit the museum.

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

On stage

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, April 14, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m; Wednesday and Thursday, April 19- 20, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Cautious Gerald and playful Piggie share a day where anything is possible in an imaginative exploration of of friendship. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Journey down that Yellow Brick Road when the beloved story springs to life, presented Plaza Theatrical Productions, Friday and Saturday, April 14-15, 11 a.m; Sunday, April 16, 12 p.m. All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here. Share Dorothy’s epic adventure with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they make their way to Oz not knowing what awaits them. Tickets $15. Visit the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. For information/tickets, go to PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.

Chef Patrick was influenced as a young man by his Grandmother's kitchen, and that's where he saw that cooking can feed peoples souls.

Patrick attended and excelled at the culinary schools he attended. His first stop was at Sullivan College. His journey started at the Garden City Hotel, in the La Cote d' dining room with master Chef Patrick Pino, who shaped his philosophy of cooking. Patrick then headed to New York City to expand his culinary repertoire at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. That's where he met Three Star Michelin Chef Gunther Serger. Chef Serger instilled in him the elegance of simplicity, artistry of balance and the appreciation of the ingredients. Patrick moved south to Atlanta and worked with renowned chef and author Marcella Hazan who instilled the purity and quality of the products that they used. A short stint with Chef Emeril Lagasse exposed Patrick to southern flares and flavors as well. Patrick felt he had found his culinary voice and headed home to Long Island. That's when he found local farms and fishermen that worked with sustainable practices. Over the years Patrick has instilled balance in the blends of ingredients in his cuisine, still striving for the fulfillment of his culinary soul. Craft Kitchen & Taphouse are so excited to have Chef Patrick heading to the Lynbrook team. His weekly specials are a "must try" and he will be changing the seasonal menu this May, making it a great Spring or Summer destination whether you dine inside or out at Craft.

44 Stauderman Ave. Lynbrook (516) 341-0547

CRAFT KITCHEN AND TAPHOUSE

Molloy hosts Communiversity initiative

Molloy University hosted its second Communiversity initiative event on April 4, to discuss and create a stronger collaboration with the Village of Rockville Centre and RVC Chamber of Commerce. Through planning initiatives and partnerships, the committee, spearheaded by Dana Lentini, second from left, is coordinating programs, events and extended partnerships that will add value to both the RVC community, the University and its student body. Members of the Communiversity Initiative include Kelly Sacco of Molloy University, left, Dana Lentini, Molloy University presidential spouse, Jeannine Palladino of Jeannine’s Gift Shop, Rhonda Glickman of the Rockville Centre Herald, Eileen Sweeney of Molloy University, Rockville Centre Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, RVC Village Administrator Nancy Howard, Don Gelestino of Champion Elevator, Cynthia Metzger of Molloy University, Donna O’Reilly Einemann of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Lisa Bellinzoni of Molloy University, John Carpente of Molloy University, and Cristen D’Accordo of Molloy University, the community at large.

Tim Baker/Herald

Police Lieutenant to receive elite training

Rockville Centre Police Lt. Randy Dodd will attend the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on April 3. While at the Academy, Lt. Dodd will take part in the highest level of executive law enforcement training available, all while sitting next to global law enforcement leaders.

Each class has 250 law enforcement executives from countries from all over the world. Lt. Dodd was chosen to attend due to his exemplary record. In order to attend, he needed to pass the FBI’s stringent background investigation. He is part of an elite group of law enforcement senior executives, as less than one percent of all law enforcement officers are invited to attend.

Lt. Dodd will learn as much from his classmates as he will from the amazing class offered, while attending the 286th session of the National Academy. Expert speakers will be onhand to address important contemporary law enforcement issues, with an emphasis on leadership and the best new policing practices, in order to give students a better understanding of challenges that face law enforcement regardless of their jurisdiction. Ultimately, Lt.

Dodd will return to Rockville Centre a better leader, and will bring back with him a wealth of knowledge and experience and he will be equipped with more diverse solutions to handle common problems.

Join the RVC Volunteer Fire Department

Defender Hose Company No. 1 will host an open house for prospective new recruits on Sunday, April 23, as part of the 14th annual RecruitNY weekend.

RecruitNY is a statewide initiative organized by the Firefighters Association of New York to help increase volunteer membership in local departments. The past several years have been challenging for volunteer fire departments throughout New York, and it is estimated that there are 20,000 fewer volunteer firefighters than there were 20 years ago.

Today, firefighters are responding to more calls than ever before. Volunteers answer the call for medical emergencies, flooded basements, downed power lines, automobile accidents, and, of course — fires. In order to meet these challenges more firefighters are needed to provide optimal levels of protection for residents.

“This year’s annual RecruitNY campaign comes at a time when we are in need of volunteer firefighters the most,” FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr said. “We invite all New Yorkers to head down

to their local departments and see what being a volunteer firefighter is all about. This weekend is a great time to meet neighbors who are volunteer firefighters and learn about how rewarding it is to help the community.”

Members of the public are invited to visit their local firehouses, where volunteer firefighters will be conducting tours of their facilities, demonstrating firefighting techniques and allowing visitors to try on turnout gear.

Fellow volunteers with the department will also be on hand to discuss the requirements and benefits of joining, which include free in-house training, equipment, free annual physicals, medical insurance, paid college tuition, property tax reductions, retirement pensions, and more.

Apply in person during the recruitment open house on April 23, from noon to 3 p.m., at Defender Hose Company No. 1, 39 S. Centre Ave. in Rockville Centre. For more information visit DefenderHoseCo1.org or call (516)-678-9274.

RVC Conservancy Tree Planting Program

The RVC Conservancy has launched its 6th Annual Tree Planting Program for 2023.

Since 2018, the RVC Conservancy has helped residents plant over 250 new trees in the Village and is looking to add more.

The Conservancy has partnered with Barbato Landscaping to provide trees that are mostly native to Long Island and can be planted in front yards or curb strips.

This year, the program is offering

Ginko Biloba, Kentucky Coffee, Red Maple, Yellowood, Dawn Redwood, and Sargent Cherry.

Pricing is $415 per tree and includes planting and 1-year replacement guarantee. We are offering a variety of tree species and sizes to allow you to choose what’s best for your planting area. Orders will be taken until April 15, 2023.

For more details, please visit www.rvcconservancy.com.

Courtesy Rockville Centre Police Department Police lt. Randy Dodd will attend the 286th session of the FBI National Academy on April 3.

More pot licenses coming, but not so much here

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

There are nearly two-dozen more conditional cannabis dispensary licenses on their way to Long Island. But thanks to local pushback in a number of Nassau County communities, chances are very low one will pop up near you.

The state released the licenses as part of a broader effort that could lead to 100 more legal dispensaries across the state. For Nassau and Suffolk counties, the 23 planned licenses join the 13 already here.

The conditional licensees are only allowed to sell directly to a consumer.

Albany officials haven’t shared exactly where these dispensaries will end up, but at least one of the licenses was awarded to a Bay Shore husband and wife, according to Newsday. Where else they can end up is actually a small list. Right now, only five Nassau villages allow dispensaries: Oyster Bay Cove, Kings Point, Mill Neck, Plandome and Saddle Rock.

In Suffolk, communities permitting recreational marijuana dispensaries include Brookhaven, Babylon and Riverhead.

Long Beach, for example, has not approved a dispensary, although it has held a public hearing on the matter — a contentious issue in the city. Glen Cove and Oyster Bay, Valley Stream, Lynbrook and Freeport have opted out, among most other municipalities. Any of them are allowed to opt-in at any time, but once they do, “there is no going back,” said Phillip Rumsey, manager of intergovernmental affairs for the state’s cannabis management office.

The other conditional adult-use retail dispensary licenses include four for western New York, one for the central region, three for Brooklyn, and five for the Mid-

Hudson area.

There are now 165 approved licenses across the state, although many municipalities — like New York City are filled with hundreds of unlicensed establishments, meeting very little resistance from law enforcement officials.

As of now, the cannabis board has granted at least one license in each region, except for the Finger Lakes.

The conditional licenses are issued as part of the Seeding Opportunity Initiative introduced by Gov. Kathy Hochul last year. Through the initiative, business owners that were impacted by old drug laws will benefit first. Those convicted or related to someone convicted of a marijuana-related offense — or nonprofit organizations who support people imprisoned for such offences — are able to get the licenses ahead of others.

Tremaine Wright, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, said the new licenses “will allow entrepreneurs to fairly participate in the legal market while promoting innovation and creative diversity throughout New York’s ever-growing cannabis supply chain.”

New York lawmakers legalized recreational marijuana in 2021 for adults 21 and older. It grants them the right to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis, or a small quantity of concentrated cannabis. The state also expunged nonviolent criminal records related to cannabis in the past.

Licensees are allowed to open dispensaries on Long Island, but still need sign-off on any specific locations. Storefronts need to be approved and cannot have any neon or bright signs advertising any of their products, such as a giant marijuana leaf.

Each dispensary also needs to have darkened windows, or otherwise prevent the activity and products inside from being seen from outside. They also cannot be placed closer than 200 feet from any house of worship, and 55 feet from a school.

Each one must also be at least 4,000 feet apart from another, which will prevent a “Starbucks effect,” with one on every corner, officials said.

Licensees can work with a social equity fund to find spaces in communities to open shop or find them independently. The Cannabis Control Board additionally approved one laboratory permit for Certainty Analytical Labs in Rochester, bringing that number up to 13.

Metro Creative

ThE sTATE’s CANNABis control board recently approved nearly 100 more conditional cannabis dispensary licenses, with 23 coming to Long Island. But don’t expect too many to pop up in your neighborhood — if any.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y DE LA BIBLIOTECA

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE ROCKVILLE CENTER UNION

CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Reunión

Anual de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Rockville Center, Condado de Nassau, New York se llevará a cabo el 16 de Mayo de 2023 en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York para los siguientes fines:

a) Votar sobre el presupuesto Escolar anual y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca para el año escolar 2023/2024 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito para los fines anteriores;

b) Elegir a dos miembros de la Junta de Educación en general por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de Julio de 2023, para suceder a Tara Hackett, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2023 y Christine Ferazani, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2023

c) Elegir a un miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca en general a partir del 1 de Julio de 2023 por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de Julio de 2023, para suceder a Rebecca Nothel, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2023.

d) Votar sobre otras propuestas que puedan presentarse ante la asamblea y llevar a cabo otros negocios autorizados por la ley.

SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Rockville Center, Condado de Nassau, New York, llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos para el año escolar 2023/2024 a partir del 1 de Julio de 2023. Esta reunión puede resultar en cambios o modificaciones a los gastos de este presupuesto y se llevará a cabo en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, el 18 de Abril de 2023 a las 7:00 p. m.

Copias detalladas del presupuesto escolar propuesto estarán disponibles en cada edificio escolar, el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson y la biblioteca pública.

SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación realizará una audiencia pública el 3 de Mayo de 2023 a las 7:00 p. m. en South Side High School ubicada en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, con el fin de presentar el gasto de fondos y la presupuestando por tanto

lo relativo a la asignación de los fondos necesarios para sufragar los gastos necesarios de este Distrito Escolar para el año escolar 2023/2024, en cuyo momento y lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema del mismo tendrán oportunidad de ser oídas. No se pueden hacer cambios a los gastos en esta audiencia pública.

SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de la Biblioteca llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos y el presupuesto correspondiente para el año fiscal 2023/2024 a partir del 1 de Julio de 2023. Esta reunión puede resultar en cambios o modificaciones a los gastos de este presupuesto y se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública de Rockville Center, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York el 20 de Abril de 2023 a las 7:30 p. m. Copias detalladas del presupuesto propuesto para la Biblioteca estarán disponibles en la Biblioteca.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de la Biblioteca llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el 4 de Mayo de 2023 a las 7:30 p. m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Rockville Center ubicada en 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York, con el fin de presentar los gastos fondos y la presupuestación por lo tanto relativa a la asignación de fondos necesarios para hacer frente a los gastos necesarios de esta Biblioteca para el año escolar 2023/2024, en cuyo momento y lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema de la misma tendrán la oportunidad de ser escuchados . No se pueden hacer cambios en los gastos en este momento.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Reunión Anual y la Elección se llevarán a cabo votando propuestas y candidatos en máquinas de votación el 16.de Mayo de 2023, comenzando a las 7:00 a. m. y terminando a las 9:00 p. m. en South Side High School ubicado en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para fines escolares (presupuesto Escolar), excluyendo dinero público, y propuestas que involucren gastos de dinero y la operación del sistema escolar para el año siguiente, puede ser inspeccionado a partir del 3 de Mayo de 2023 hasta la fecha de la Reunión Anual en el sitio web del Distrito, en el edificio

Administrativo

Johnson y en cada escuela en la que se mantiene la escuela, durante el horario de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 a.m. excepto Sábado, Domingo o festivos.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para los fines de la Biblioteca (presupuesto de la Biblioteca), excluyendo los fondos públicos, y propuestas que involucren gastos de dinero y el funcionamiento de la Biblioteca para el año siguiente, pueden ser inspeccionados en la Biblioteca a partir del 27 de Abril de 2023 hasta la fecha de la Reunión Anual, excepto en días festivos.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que las nominaciones para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta de Educación y la Junta de la Biblioteca, a menos que la ley disponga lo contrario, se realizarán mediante petición suscrita por al menos ochenta y cinco (85) votantes calificados del Distrito. Las peticiones se presentarán en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar entre las 8:15 a. m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente el 17 de Abril de 2023. Esta petición deberá indicar la residencia de cada firmante y deberá indicar el nombre y residencia de los candidatos. Se considerarán elegidos para cubrir las vacantes los candidatos que obtengan el mayor número de votos. Cuando los mandatos sean de diferente duración, el candidato que reciba la mayor cantidad de votos será elegido para el mandato más largo. Sin embargo, la Junta de Educación puede rechazar una nominación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara que no está dispuesto a servir.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que se permitirá el registro de votantes en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, durante el horario de 8:15 a.m. y 4:30 p.m. en días hábiles escolares hasta el 11 de Mayo de 2023.

realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario años anteriores a la elaboración de este registro; y (3) votantes registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

Y SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los registros que contienen los nombres de todas las personas con derecho a votar en la Elección Anual que se llevará a cabo el 16 de Mayo de 2023 se archivarán en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street , Rockville Centre, New York, y estará abierto para inspección por parte de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito cinco días antes de esta Elección Anual, excepto el Domingo, entre las 8:15 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. de Lunes a Viernes y con cita previa el Sábado. El registro también estará abierto para inspección en las urnas el día de esta Elección Anual, 16 de Mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registro se reunirá durante las horas de votación en la Asamblea y Elección Anual del Distrito el 16 de Mayo de 2023 en el lugar de votación con el fin de preparar un registro para las asambleas o elecciones del Distrito que se llevarán a cabo más de treinta días después del 16 de Mayo de 2023. Este registro deberá incluyen (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro, y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o conducida en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario anteriores a la preparación de este registro.

la elección por el votante o su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia enviada por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la elección. Las boletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 16 de Mayo de 2023, el día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección hasta el día anterior a la Elección Anual. en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, excepto los Domingos, en el horario de 8:15 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. entre semana y con cita previa los Sábados.

votantes calificados del Distrito y radicada en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito entre las horas de 8:15 a.m. y 4:30 p. m., a más tardar el día 30 anterior a la reunión o elección, momento en el cual se votará sobre esta pregunta o proposición, excepto que esta regla no se aplicará a aquellas preguntas o proposiciones que sean se requiere que se indique en el aviso publicado o publicado de la reunión o para aquellas proposiciones o preguntas que la Junta de Educación tiene autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier Reunión Anual o Especial del Distrito.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY ELECTION

ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the qualified voters of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will be held on May 16, 2023 at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York for the following purposes:

year 2023/2024, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard. No changes to expenditures can be made at this public hearing.

William H.

Y SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el registro de votantes incluirá (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia para la elección del Distrito Escolar y la Biblioteca se pueden solicitar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito,128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse no antes de los treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Si se va a enviar una boleta por correo a un votante elegible, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir la solicitud al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección o se puede recoger una solicitud en persona en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar el día anterior

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta electoral militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de registro, solicitud de boleta o boletas. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boletas militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 21 de Abril de 2023. Ninguna boleta militar será convocada a menos que sea (1) recibida en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y mostrando una marca de cancelación de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestre un endoso de recibo fechado por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibida por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 pm. del día de la elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha asociada que no sea después del día anterior la elección.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que cualquier proposición o pregunta que se coloque en las máquinas de votación deberá presentarse por escrito mediante una petición suscrita por al menos doscientos once (211)

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que la Sección 495 de la Ley Real Estate Tax Act requiere que el Distrito adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto y el informe de exención. Este informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor catastral total de la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad legal y mostrará el acumulado. impacto de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, este informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios del Distrito mantenido por el Distrito para Avisos Públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que la Junta convocará una Reunión Especial dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante el Secretario del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la boleta con el fin de examinar y tabular este informe de los resultados de la boleta y declarar la resultados de la votación; y la Junta se designa a sí misma como un conjunto de funcionarios electorales para procesar y escrutar las boletas de conformidad con la Ley de Educación S2019a, subdivisión 2b en esta Reunión Especial de la Junta.

Fecha: 2 de Febrero de 2023 Rockville Centre, NY

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DE ROCKVILLE CENTRE UFSD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NEW YORK

MARYLOU CELIBERTI, SECRETARIA DE DISTRITO 138224

a) To vote upon the annual School budget and the Library budget for the school year 2023/2024 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the District for the foregoing purposes;

b) To elect two members of the Board of Education at large for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2023: (i) to succeed Tara Hackett, the incumbent, whose term of office expires June 30, 2023; and (ii) to succeed Christine Ferazani the incumbent whose term of office expires on June 30, 2023.

c) To elect one member of the Library Board at large commencing July 1, 2023: for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2023, to succeed Rebecca Nothel, the incumbent, whose term of office expires on June 30, 2023.

d) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting and conduct other business as authorized by law.

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Board of Education of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the school year 2023/2024 beginning July 1, 2023. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to expenditures for this budget and will be held at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, on April 18, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. Detailed copies of the proposed school budget will be available in each school building, the William H. Johnson Administration Building and the Public Library.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education will hold a public hearing on May 3, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said School District for school

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Library Board will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore for the fiscal year 2023/2024 beginning July 1, 2023. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to expenditures for this budget and will be held at the Rockville Centre Public Library, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York on April 20 2023, at 7:30 P.M. Detailed copies of the proposed Library budget will be available in the Library.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Library Board will hold a public hearing on May 4, 2023 at 7:30 P.M. in the Rockville Centre Public Library located at 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said Library for school year 2023/2024, at which time and place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard. No changes to expenditures can be made at this time.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and Election shall be conducted by voting on propositions and candidates on voting machines on said 16th day of May, 2023 commencing at 7:00 A.M. and ending at 9:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (School budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be inspected commencing on May 3, 2023 through the date of the Annual Meeting on the District’s website, in the William H. Johnson Administration Building and at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained, during the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. except Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the

Public Notices

statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for Library purposes (Library budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the Library for the ensuing year, may be inspected at the Library commencing on April 27, 2023 through the date of the Annual Meeting, except for holidays.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that nominations for the office of Member of the Board of Education and the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least eighty-five (85) qualified voters of the District. Petitions shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the School District between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on April 17, 2023. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to fill the vacancies. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO

GIVEN that voter registration shall be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at the William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, during the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on school business days through May 11, 2023.

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that the register of voters shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau.

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that the registers containing the names of all persons entitled to vote at the Annual Election to be held on May 16, 2023 will be filed in the office of the District Clerk in the William H. Johnson Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville

Centre, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District five days prior to said Annual Election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturday. The register will also be open for inspection at the polls on the day of the said Annual Election, May 16, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Meeting and Election on May 16, 2023 at the polling place for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held more than thirty days subsequent to May 16, 2023. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of said register.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots for the School District and Library election may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Applications for absentee ballots must be received no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. If a ballot is to be mailed to an eligible voter, the application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election or an application may be picked up in person in the office of the District Clerk no later than the day before the election by the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth on the application no later than six (6) days before the election. Absentee ballots must be received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 P.M. on May 16, 2023, the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection up to the day before the Annual Election in the office of the District Clerk, except Sundays, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturdays.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 21, 2023. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least two-hundred-eleven (211) qualified voters of the District and filed in the office of the District Clerk between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., not later than the 30th day preceding the meeting or election at which time such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any Annual or Special Meeting of the District.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the District to attach to its proposed budget and exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and

show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any District bulletin board maintained by the District for Public Notices, as well as on the District’s website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board will convene a Special Meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after filing with the District Clerk a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said report of the results of the ballot and declaring the results of the ballot; and the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to case and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law S2019-a, subdivision 2b at said Special Meeting of the Board.

Dated: February 2, 2023 Rockville Centre, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE UFSD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK MARYLOU CELIBERTI, DISTRICT CLERK 138222

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL LITIGATION DEFENSE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK Notice is hereby given that the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, New York (“Village”) will receive sealed proposals for RFP #46RFP(022) “Legal Counsel”. Proposals will be received until 11:00 AM on APRIL 27, 2023 in the office of the Purchasing Department at the Municipal Building, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, at which time and place all proposals will be opened publicly and read aloud in the Village Hall Meeting Room.

Proposal information and forms can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Nancy Howard via email only at NHoward@rvcny.us.

Questions must be submitted no later than April 20, 2023. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject

Budget plan would increase school spending 5.74 percent

Side High School. There would be no layoffs or reduction of existing programs, and the spending plan would add new cybersecurity measures, new classes in coding and robotics for students in all grades, and would expand the district’s integrated co-teaching model from the elementary school to South Side middle and high schools.

Bartels also provided several updates that the district plans to include in its revised budget, which will take into consideration enrollment changes for students taking special education courses at BOCES, additional support for the high school DECA club, the increased cost of natural gas, additional security repairs, and reductions in all of the following: legal services, computer software, workers compensation, retirement breakage, and employee retirement contributions.

A preliminary budget hearing is scheduled for April 18, at 7 p.m., in the Com-

mons Room at the South Side High. The budget vote and Board of Education elections will take place on Tuesday, May 16, at the high school.

If the budget fails to pass, the board can submit the same spending plan, or an adjusted one, for a revote in June. If it were to fail a second time, the district would be forced to adopt a contingency budget with no tax levy increase, reducing spending by more than $2 million. A contingency budget would provide no funding for new equipment, public use of school grounds, nonessential maintenance or non-emergency capital expenditures.

Two new school board trustees will be elected to three-year terms, succeeding Trustees Tara Hackett and Christine Ferazani. Voters will also decide on the proposed 2023-24 budget for the Rockville Centre Public Library and elect a new library board member to a three-year term, succeeding Rebecca Nothel.

Public Notices

all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent (516) 678-9213 138736

LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU

HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2023/2024 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2024 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2023/2024 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach.

A certified electronic copy

of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 3, 2023. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of:

DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days.

Dated this 3rd day of April, 2023.

MATTHEW R. CRONIN, IAO

Chief Deputy Assessor, Nassau County 138706

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT:

NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. JOHN RUGGIERI , if he be living, if he be dead, his respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successor in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through JOHN RUGGIERI, if he be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiffs, et al Defts. Index #613354/2020.

Pursuant to judgment of

foreclosure and sale entered March 14, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 36, Block 187, Lot(s) 271-274. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction. PETER

continued from front page

Herald file photo

Rockville centRe School District officials are proposing a $136.4 million spending plan for the 2023-24 school year.

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One Of A Kind

The housing squeeze, Part 2

Q. Just curious what your take is on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to force towns to allow more buildings or to double up living units on properties. I have mixed feelings about it, since I wouldn’t want to see more congestion, but I know my grown kids can’t afford to buy a home near us, and the so-called “affordable” housing around us isn’t so affordable. What do you think is the solution?

Opens Into DR & LR. Primary BR w/Bth Plus Spac 2nd BR. W/D in Unit. New Self Controlled CAC. Oak Flrs, LED Lights. Near LIRR. Parking Avail. SD#14. You Don’t Want to Miss This $379,000

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Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living $699,000 E a ST ROCK aWay 44 West Blvd, 2-3:30, Move Right Into This Fully Renovated 2 BR Ranch in Bay Park. NEW Bth, Kitchen. Plumbing, Heating, Electric, Roof, Siding. Paved Multi Car Driveway. Enclosed Yard. SD#19. Close to Parks, Trans & Beach $349,000 CE da RHURST 332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth

The Architect

A. There are 74 separate jurisdictions, local communities, in Nassau County that have their own rules and regulations on sizes of properties and homes, and how those homes can be used. Fortyone years ago, I came to Nassau as an architect with a minor in city planning, and served on the Nassau Planning Commission committee that regulates the use of open spaces and park policies and development. It was an opportunity I hoped would lead to an active role in developing a master plan for the county.

I was optimistic and naïve, but became discouraged when I learned there was no cohesive master plan for either the county or local governments. I was young, and struggling, like many, to own a home and raise a family, and I saw this lack of planning as an obstacle to addressing our future growth of population or the evolving housing stock.

Without a plan, there will be no solution to the shortage of places to own a first home. The volley made by the governor, I believe, was an attempt to change the growing problem of serving the needs of 30 percent of a generation that can’t afford homes. It’s a complicated planning process to create the layers of regulations of affordable housing with alternate methods of using properties safely, without major disruption of traffic flow, sanitation, education and proximity to neighbors.

People, I have discovered, are very territorial, in multiple ways. Hochul forced the start of a discussion that could lead to positive change, but only for communities that look for real long-range solutions to the economic and social factors and the mechanics of housing. Those who reject the future outright, who expect that nothing changes, are basically rejecting people who may have had a chance to live in a place that they grew up in, near family, and who have ties and dedication to their community’s future.

The socio-economic implications of current public policy seems to underscore that the rejection or failure to address a plan is more socio and less economic. The undertones of the rejection could be based more on fear than courage. Communities that fail to plan may as well plan to fail. Depending on how municipalities find ways to reject the need for many types of solutions, they may find themselves facing higher taxes to settle lawsuits or fill in the gaps when trickle-down federal and state funding is denied to them to keep their services operating. We need discussion, planning and forward thinking to solve any growing problem, but first we must recognize that there is a problem.

Ask

Monte Leeper

© 2022 Monte Leeper

Stuff HERALD

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We’re going back to the moon, and it’s about time

We’re going back to the moon, or at least close to it, perhaps as soon as the fall of 2024.

We humans haven’t been near the place since 1972, when those of us who were around at the time were all wrapped up in Watergate and the Vietnam War. In the years since, we have had numerous launches of the space shuttle, and we continue to send astronauts to the orbiting International Space Station.

But last week, NASA announced the names of the crew members who will fly the Artemis II mission in November 2024, a 10-day flight that, at this point, is planned to send the three men and one woman farther than any human has ever traveled. After circling the moon — but not touching down on it — the spacecraft will return to Earth.

All this will pave the way for Artemis III, expected to launch in December 2025. The astronauts of Artemis III are

slated to walk on the lunar surface, the first time anyone will have done so in 53 years. Artemis III, NASA hopes, will kick off an effort to establish a permanent lunar outpost that will allow astronauts to live and work on the moon.

And that lunar outpost is supposed to help lay the groundwork for an eventual trip to Mars.

Should we be excited?

You bet, Andrew Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, says. Museum officials are already thinking about some type of launch party to mark the Artemis II flight late next year. The museum, Parton said, might invite some astronauts, or other dignitaries, to the event. But a celebration of some kind is in the works.

America’s space program has always operated in fits and starts. It does some extraordinary things, including landing people on the moon for the first time in 1969, and then repeating that feat several times, until the program ground to a halt in 1972, as public interest waned and congressional funding dried up.

Nothing space-worthy happened

after that until 1981, when the first space shuttle was launched. But the shuttle program ended in 2011, with the last flight of the shuttle Atlantis, after two disasters. In 1986, the shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, killing all seven astronauts aboard, and in 2003, the shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana, killing seven more.

The first components of the International Space Station were launched in 1998, and sparked a great deal of interest. The ISS makes its way into the news every once in a while, when it is visible from Earth — or when students, as is the case now in Long Beach, are working on a science project that is to go aboard the station. But otherwise, it has become a ho-hum low-Earth-orbit presence.

Elon Musk and his SpaceX program generate interest, especially when he takes civilians into space, as he did for the first time in May 2020. But Musk has been getting mostly bad press lately

for the controversy that has surrounded his purchase of Twitter.

But here is a fresh start: NASA’s Artemis II, whose crew includes a woman and a Canadian, signals that our space journey is on its way again. “It should get a whole new generation interested in space,” Parton said.

“It’s so much more than the four names that have been announced,” Victor Glover, one of the crew members, said at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We need to celebrate this moment in history.” Glover’s crew mates are Christina Koch — a veteran of six space walks — Jeremy Hansen and Reid Wiseman.

Space is infinitely fascinating to so many, but alas, is the same old same old to many others. That, pretty much, is human nature. How much wonder is there anymore over how fast you can fly from New York to Tokyo?

We can hope that the eventual trip to Mars, and someday even beyond, will prove to be something else again, and ignite some passion for what is ultimately the destiny of humankind. At least for a brief time.

James Bernstein is the editor of the Long Beach Herald. Comments? jbernstein@ liherald.com.

Thoughts for a grandson on his 18th birthday

Forget everything I’ve said up until now.

Over these 18 years, as you graduated from binkys to bigboy pants to bicycles to four-wheel drives, the advice to young men turning 18 has changed. (It has also changed for young women.)

It used to begin with, “You’re an adult now; you need to be thinking about work or college or military service.”

That pretty much isn’t true anymore.

The rollout to adulthood is different these days. And slower. The advice is less rigid because the path is less clear.

According

to USA

Today, some 47 percent of young adults live at home with one parent or two. For all of you turning 18, the pandemic interrupted your lives, inflation is making single-person dwellings unaffordable, the job market is completely weird, and college isn’t necessary a launching pad to work but a time to continue growing up. That said, the rite of passage is signifi-

cant, because this is your moment. Some day you may be telling children or grandchildren what it was like when you were 18. Today you begin to write that story.

Once the day dawns on your 18th birthday, the following are all the things you can do that you couldn’t do the day before (legally, anyway). You can now, without parental permission:

Vote, join the military, buy a pet, get a body piercing or tattoo, change your name, book a hotel room, become a real estate agent, use a meat/deli slicer at a grocery store job, skydive, sign yourself out of high school, be called for jury duty, open a bank account, have sex legally with someone else over 18, get a Costco card, get married, buy a house, drive a taxi, get a license to drive a truck, go to the E.R. alone for treatment, file a lawsuit, adopt a child, create a will, buy a car, rent an apartment, rent an Airbnb, buy spraypaint, buy cough suppressants, or move out of your parents’ home.

Knowing you, I’d be surprised if the first thing you did was run out to buy spray-paint, but I’ve lived long enough to

know that you never know. I imagine you won’t be adopting a child. And it’s most unlikely that you’ll buy a house. You can move out of Dad’s house legally, but why in heaven’s name would you? Give up the morning strawberry smoothies? Pass up the exotic stir-frys and the mahi-mahi your dad catches on a regular basis? You may be 18, but you aren’t crazy!

Would you like to know what other 18-year-olds have done? No pressure, but Alexander the Great, who was born in 356 BCE, completed his studies with Aristotle at age 16 and ruled Macedonia. By 17 he had put down a revolt and founded the city of Alexandropolis. Life is different today, for sure, but people standing in the doorway of adulthood have few limitations on what they can accomplish.

Mark Zuckerberg was 19 when he founded Facebook, Wayne Gretsky was a professional hockey player at 19, Pele was 17 when he won the World Cup, and Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize when she was 17. These young people were outliers, of course. Most of us find satisfaction and peace of mind in

managing to live quite ordinary lives.

What we all have in common is the need for solid human connections and a determination to do our best in our time on earth.

You come from a clan of achievers who support one another in our interests and relationships and work. Not a bad launch pad.

I was a freshman in college when I was 18, and it was one of the most confusing times of my life. I had no idea what I wanted to do or how to do it. It was the first time, and not the last, that I sought counseling to help me figure out my path. Always ask for help when you need it.

You have the mixed blessing of no required set path, and I confess to being a bit envious. You will educate yourself, travel, enjoy friendships and explore relationships. There is no timetable. You can take any leap of faith that beckons to you. That must be so liberating, and scary.

What I know, as your grandma, is that you have a good heart, an athlete’s determination and a sharp mind. Happy, happy birthday. Enjoy being 18, and don’t go adopting any children or buying any houses, at least until you’re 19.

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

You have the mixed blessing of no required set path, and I’m a bit envious.

NASA’s plans for Artemis II and III signal that our space journey is on its way again.

JAMES BERNSTEIN

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Losing a hero way too soon

She always had the brightest smile in the room. She was always ready to offer a hand to anyone who needed it — whether it be for comfort, or simply for their own smile.

That’s how friends and colleagues described Susan Giovanniello, a volunteer EMT with Glen Cove Emergency Medical Services, who had a medical emergency of her own and died after a shift last week. While it’s tragic when we lose anyone who worked to make the world a better place, Susan’s passing was even harder, as she was just 19 years old.

“Susan, with her contagious smile and demeanor, put forth calm in stressful situations,” Glen Cove EMS said afterward.

“Her enthusiasm for training and teamwork with the corps will be greatly missed. She is a hero, and will live on in our hearts forever.”

It was no accident that Susan was doing exactly what she loved at such a young age. She was part of the Glen Cove EMS Explorers from a young age — a program started through the Boy Scouts of America that provides opportunities for young men and women to explore poten-

letterS

To the Editor:

In 2021 the RVC Board of Education voted not to approve the recommendations of Athletic Director Carol Roseto and Superintendent June Chang to fill the varsity girls soccer coaching positions.

On the agenda of all BOE meetings is the Personnel Action Report. It is one of the board’s responsibilities to review all the recommendations to appoint personnel and determine if those candidates are the best possible candidates for the position. At the time, the board reviewed those recommendations and decided by majority that those coaches were not the right choices for the students of RVC.

The decision not to approve the two soccer coaches was challenged in a lawsuit, Madden v. The BOE. In April 2022, the state education commissioner dismissed the lawsuit, stating that the board was permitted to discuss appointment matters in executive session, no board member had a conflict of interest, and the board was “entitled to reject the superintendent’s recommendation and refuse to appoint the coaches.” That decision was published on the district website.

The RVC Teachers Association then filed a grievance of their own. With the advice of our legal counsel at the time, the board was advised not to provide reasons for its decision not to appoint the two candidates. An arbitrator ruled against our legal advice and awarded the two

tial careers in a number of fields, like those of first responders.

There are now more than 5,000 posts across the country serving more than 100,000 teenagers. Teenagers just like Susan Giovanniello.

We all have busy lives, so we don’t think about the importance of first responders much until we, or someone we love, needs them most. A single EMS responder can head out on dozens of calls on a single shift, and save more lives in a day than many of us could in a lifetime.

We might not think of EMS workers putting their health and safety on the line, as do, say, police officers or firefighters. But they do. According to Lexipol’s EMS1, Giovanniello was the eighth first responder to die in the line of duty this year.

There was Chad Tate, a firefighter in Sequim, Washington, who was found dead in his bunk. Ethan Quillen, who died after coming into contact with a live power line in Paw Paw, Michigan. Tiquita Miles, who was killed in a collision between her ambulance and an SUV in Atlanta.

Minton “Butch” Beach died from an apparent heart attack during training in

Oak City, North Carolina. Eddie Hykel was struck by a car in West, Texas. Matthew Madigan was also struck and killed by a car, in Detroit. Jay Miles, a firefighter and EMT, suffered a stroke while loading a patient in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.

Even since Giovanniello’s death, we’ve lost yet another one of these heroes: veteran Chicago firefighter Jan Tchoryk, who died after climbing 11 stories in a tower that was on fire.

These are people we never met, and likely never heard of while they were alive. But that’s what makes them heroes. They weren’t wearing fancy spandex or going by some eye-catching moniker. They were everyday people, like all of us, who simply wanted to leave the world a little better than they found it.

That’s exactly who Susan Giovanniello was. If you didn’t know her name before last week, that was perfectly fine. It was never about recognition for Susan — it was simply about being there when a perfect stranger needed her most. Offering the brightest smile in the room. Ready to offer a hand to anyone who needed it.

Susan Giovanniello was a hero. A hero we lost way too soon.

candidates some money, but did not rule against the board’s right to deny a superintendent’s recommendation.

On Aug. 2, 2021, Trustee Tara Hackett

called an emergency meeting, knowing full well that the board was bound by law not to discuss personnel matters in public. I listened to the one-sided attack on me and two

South Side coaches were not

‘wrongfully dismissed’

With Trump’s indictment, we cross a dangerous line

Ihave ridden through New York City in presidential motorcades with Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Looking out the window of the presidential limousine, I would wonder what was going through the minds of the onlookers lining the sidewalks, or the drivers and passengers in the cars and buses frozen in place as our endless stream of official vehicles made its way through the city streets.

A week and a half ago — on Monday, April 3, shortly before 4 p.m. — I found out. I was driving down Second Avenue in Manhattan, approaching 55th Street, when a New York Police Department officer climbed off his motorcycle, which had been traveling west, its lights flashing red, and halted all traffic just as I was about to cross 55th Street.

My first reaction was the thought, wrong place, wrong time. I was already running late for a WABC radio pre-show meeting at Third Avenue and 49th Street. But as I saw the long line of vehicles passing in front of me — the black SUVs, the marked NYPD cars, the unmarked heavyweapons Secret Service truck and the New York City Fire Department emergency vehicle — escorting former President Trump from LaGuardia Airport to Trump Tower, at Fifth Avenue and 56th Street, I realized that I was witnessing a moment in history. A sad moment, with lasting consequences not just for New York, but also for the United States and the world. Minutes later, as I walked from the parking garage on 48th Street and looked up at the NYPD helicopters whirring in the sky above the city’s giant skyscrapers, my sadness and concern heightened.

The first criminal indictment of a former president of the United States

Letters

of my fellow trustees by members of the public and the union leadership. Weighing all the comments of that evening and the previous information on which I had based my decision, that decision was the same. Trustee Hackett had the opportunity to make a motion to reconsider our vote, but instead sat silently.

I think it’s a disgrace that the school district has had no comment on this matter, and it’s because of that silence that I felt compelled to write. The district, knowing that the board has acted properly and within the law, has left trustees to defend themselves.

In 2021 I cast my vote not to approve the appointment of the two coaching candidates. I know that I acted legally and, more important, I cast that vote with the best interests of all the students of RVC in mind. Even with all the controversy that still surrounds this matter, I’d make the same decision today, because it was the right one.

BOE members should always make their decisions with the children’s best interests in mind. They should question and challenge the administration and the union leadership when they advocate for anything but that.

The union’s responsibility is to protect its membership and the BOE’s responsibility is to protect the rights of the children and taxpayers of the district.

Students deserve coaches who are not indebted to certain parents and athletes to make the playing field fair and available to all.

JOHN O’SHEA Past president Rockville Center Board of Education

LIRR is dissing the disabled

To the Editor:

The physically disabled are facing challenges changing trains at Jamaica Station to reach Atlantic Terminal Brooklyn, but that comes as no surprise to me. I have written about this issue for years, prior to the opening of the new $12.6 billion LIRR East Side Access to Grand Central Madison.

Since the passage of the 1964 Urban Mass Transportation Act, the Federal Transit Administration has provided billions of dollars in grant funds to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to bringing New York City Transit, Long Island and Metro North Rail Road stations into full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. But the complex transfer at Jamaica is a significant step backward for the LIRR, which eliminated cross-platform transfers between trains arriving on tracks 1, 2 and 3 for those traveling to Brooklyn.

The MTA must be in compliance with the current FTA ADA plan in order to maintain eligibility for future federal funding. Should anyone from the disabled community file a formal complaint with the FTA and MTA, that could adversely impact that funding.

crosses a line our nation has never before crossed — indeed, it is a 21st-century crossing of the Rubicon. I say this not as a supporter of Trump. Though I worked closely with him when he was president and saw firsthand his accomplishment in crushing the MS-13 gang here on Long Island, I am not supporting his current presidential run. This is not, and should not be, a partisan political issue. It should be of concern to all, especially to those who otherwise proclaim their fear that democracy is at risk, but are now supporting or silently enabling this indictment.

Politicizing criminal justice and criminalizing political opponents cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. Because I believe this so strongly, I was one of only two Republicans who voted against President Bill Clinton’s impeachment when I was in Congress. The false argument being used by Manhattan District Attorney

Alvin Bragg is that no one is above the law. That is a truism not bearing on this case or this indictment.

If Trump were to shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue, he should be indicted and prosecuted. But to indict him on a state misdemeanor charge whose statute of limitations has expired, and elevating it to a felony by attaching it to a federal election law on grounds that the Federal Election Commission has ruled do not constitute a crime, proves my good friend Judge Sol Wachtler’s dictum that a grand jury can indict a ham sandwich.

This is setting a harmful precedent for our republic. Do we want local district attorneys in red states going through convoluted contortions to indict and prosecute members of President Biden’s family? Donald Trump may not be the most sympathetic victim, but this indictment extends beyond him. It is the American justice system that is being put at risk — and that threatens us all.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Framework by Tim Baker

A wooden ursine sentry outside a home on Third Street — Glen Cove

Iwas one of only two Republicans who voted not to impeach Bill Clinton.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who worked in the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management for three decades.

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-Client

With Trump’s indictment, we cross a dangerous line

Ihave ridden through New York City in presidential motorcades with Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Looking out the window of the presidential limousine, I would wonder what was going through the minds of the onlookers lining the sidewalks, or the drivers and passengers in the cars and buses frozen in place as our endless stream of official vehicles made its way through the city streets.

A week and a half ago — on Monday, April 3, shortly before 4 p.m. — I found out. I was driving down Second Avenue in Manhattan, approaching 55th Street, when a New York Police Department officer climbed off his motorcycle, which had been traveling west, its lights flashing red, and halted all traffic just as I was about to cross 55th Street.

My first reaction was the thought, wrong place, wrong time. I was already running late for a WABC radio pre-show meeting at Third Avenue and 49th Street. But as I saw the long line of vehicles passing in front of me — the black SUVs, the marked NYPD cars, the unmarked heavyweapons Secret Service truck and the New York City Fire Department emergency vehicle — escorting former President Trump from LaGuardia Airport to Trump Tower, at Fifth Avenue and 56th Street, I realized that I was witnessing a moment in history. A sad moment, with lasting consequences not just for New York, but also for the United States and the world. Minutes later, as I walked from the parking garage on 48th Street and looked up at the NYPD helicopters whirring in the sky above the city’s giant skyscrapers, my sadness and concern heightened.

The first criminal indictment of a former president of the United States

Letters

LIRR is dissing

The physically disabled are facing challenges changing trains at Jamaica Station to reach Atlantic Terminal Brooklyn, but that comes as no surprise to me. I have written about this issue for years, prior to the opening of the new $12.6 billion LIRR East Side Access to Grand Central Madi-

Since the passage of the 1964 Urban Mass Transportation Act, the Federal Transit Administration has provided billions of dollars in grant funds to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to bringing New York City Transit, Long Island and Metro North Rail Road stations into full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. But the complex transfer at Jamaica is a significant step backward for the LIRR, which eliminated cross-platform transfers between trains arriving on tracks 1, 2 and 3 for those traveling to Brooklyn.

The MTA must be in compliance with the current FTA ADA plan in order to maintain eligibility for future federal fund ing. Should anyone from the disabled com munity file a formal complaint with the FTA and MTA, that could adversely impact

crosses a line our nation has never before crossed — indeed, it is a 21st-century crossing of the Rubicon. I say this not as a supporter of Trump. Though I worked closely with him when he was president and saw firsthand his accomplishment in crushing the MS-13 gang here on Long Island, I am not supporting his current presidential run. This is not, and should not be, a partisan political issue. It should be of concern to all, especially to those who otherwise proclaim their fear that democracy is at risk, but are now supporting or silently enabling this indictment.

Politicizing criminal justice and criminalizing political opponents cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. Because I believe this so strongly, I was one of only two Republicans who voted against President Bill Clinton’s impeachment when I was in Congress. The false argument being used by Manhattan District Attorney

Alvin Bragg is that no one is above the law. That is a truism not bearing on this case or this indictment.

If Trump were to shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue, he should be indicted and prosecuted. But to indict him on a state misdemeanor charge whose statute of limitations has expired, and elevating it to a felony by attaching it to a federal election law on grounds that the Federal Election Commission has ruled do not constitute a crime, proves my good friend Judge Sol Wachtler’s dictum that a grand jury can indict a ham sandwich.

This is setting a harmful precedent for our republic. Do we want local district attorneys in red states going through convoluted contortions to indict and prosecute members of President Biden’s family? Donald Trump may not be the most sympathetic victim, but this indictment extends beyond him. It is the American justice system that is being put at risk — and that threatens us all.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Framework by Tim Baker

Iwas one of only two Republicans who voted not to impeach Bill Clinton.

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who worked in the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management for three decades.

—Dr. James Lentini

We are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible value. If you come to Molloy, you graduate with a job in your field at a salary that’s significantly higher than average.