Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground is showing signs of progress. According to Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, the state-of-the-art playground, which will be accessible to children of all abilities, will open this summer.
Playground is making progress
Mr. B’s, accessible to all, scheduled to open this summer
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground — a brand new, state-of-the-art playground in Rockville Centre designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, is expected to open sometime this summer, according to Mayor Francis Murray.
Located behind the John A. Anderson Recreation Centre, on North Oceanside Road, the $2 million project is the result of nearly nine years of work to upgrade the village park and surrounding facilities to ensure a more inclusive environment.
The project is named in honor of longtime recreation Superintendent Anthony Brunetta, who died in 2016. It was initially planned for the east side of Hickey Field, along Sunrise Highway, but because of concerns about noise and safety — particularly the proximity to train tracks, whose sounds can disturb children with sensory issues — the playground
ContInued on PAge 13
South Side student provides food to local veterans
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Jonah Testa, a student at South Side High School in Rockville Centre, with a keen awareness of the challenges faced by many former servicemen and women, took the Fourth of July holiday as an opportunity to try and make a difference in the lives of Long Island veterans.
His efforts focused on collecting cash and groceries to support the Nassau County Food Clinic at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.
“I think there is a lot we can do better to help out our veterans,” Testa said. “The home -
lessness rate is very high, and with the Fourth of July rolling around, I thought it would be good and positive to do something and help out.”
Testa set up a table outside the Associated Supermarket on North Long Beach Road on July 3, starting at 8 a.m. Despite a slow start, the community’s generosity soon became apparent, as his sign caught the attention of shoppers and other passersby, prompting many to help contribute to the cause.
“I definitely got a lot more than I was expecting, both cash and groceries,” he remarked. “I was amazed to see how much we got. We ended up getting
I think there is a lot we can do better to help out our veterans.
JoNAh TEsTA student, South Side High School
$1,000 in food and close to $200 in cash.”
One notable contribution came from a delivery truck drivers who, upon seeing his sign, stopped to donate two 2-liter bottles of soda. This small, simple gesture exemplified the community spirit that
his initiative helped invoke.
Testa, who will be entering his junior year at South Side High School in September, said that he plans to continue his fundraising efforts in the future.
“I’m very impressed with RVC and thank you to all of the residents for their support,” he said, expressing his gratitude
for living in such a supportive and engaged community.
His efforts highlighted the growing importance of providing easier access to groceries for those in need.
Food insecurity is a major issue on Long Island that continues to impact more than 221,000 people in Nassau and
Gelman joins board of Jewish charity News brief
By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern
Suzy Gelman, a member of the Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre, was selected to join the Women of Reform Judaism’s national board, where she will assist in its mission to serve thousands of Jewish women and maintain a global network of sisterhoods and women’s groups throughout the Jewish community.
The Women of Reform Judaism selected Gelman because of her dedication to the Rockville Centre community and local Jewish networks, as well as her history of philanthropy and charitable works.
Before being appointed to the national board of the Women of Reform Judaism, Gelman served as president of the sisterhood at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth for more than a decade. She also brings leadership experience, as a member of the Northeast District Executive Board of the Women of Reform Judaism.
Gelman was asked by members of the organization to apply to be nominated earlier this year. She was notified in February that she was officially selected to join the national board, and began her training in the spring.
“Maintaining our vibrant Jewish community is important to me,” Gelman said, attributing her lifetime of
experience as a part of the Jewish community as preparation for her work with the Women of Reform Judaism.
The Women of Reform Judaism define their primary goals and responsibilities by three pillars — spirituality, sisterhood and social action. The organization meets these objectives by empowering women, adapting and enriching contemporary lives to follow the models set by Jewish traditions and religious rituals, and by following the Hebrew principle of “Tikkun Olam,” which in English translates to “world repair” through compassionate causes.
One initiative that the organization uses to meet these goals is the Youth, Education and Special Projects — or YES — fund. Between 2023 and 2024, the Women of Reform Judaism added a fourth criteria to its fundraising efforts dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which provides $300,500 worth of grants to two dozen programs across North America and Israel.
Three programs that receive the most funding from the Women of Reform Judaism’s YES Fund were Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Scholarships, which received $60,000, the Eisendrath Legislative Assistant Fellowship at the Religious Action Center, which received $36,000, and Shlichei Tzibur
Shine A Light hosts 25th concert in RVC
The Tommy Brull Foundation’s Shine A Light concert series celebrated its 25th concert in Rockville Centre with a special event featuring Deer Tick and singer-songwriter Al Olender.
Martin Brull, president and founder of the local nonprofit organization, said he was joking when he first came up with the idea to host a concert series. But after his brother died in 1999, he wanted to bring the idea to life and sought out different acts and promoters, with no avail. Eventually one of the bands — Deer Tick — contacted him and agreed to perform their very first showcase. On Sunday night, that same band returned to RJ Daniels for its fifth performance in 13 years.
Prayer Leadership Program, which received $20,000.
Gelman said that she will primarily spend the first year of her tenure being trained and caught up to speed by her new colleagues. When asked about what was appealing to her about the organization and its mission, Gelman was quick to voice her excitement about the women she will be working with.
“They’re incredibly strong, vibrant, intelligent, wonderful women and leaders, but in the warmest way,” Gelman said.
“This event is so special to me because I had no track record. I’m not in the music industry. I’ve worked with kids with disabilities my whole life,” Brull said. “When you see bands like Deer Tick coming back year after year, it gives me some street cred … and that led to so many different shows and memories and amazing acts that we’ve had.”
Since 2011, the Shine A Light series has featured several talented musicians including Courtney Barnett, Taking Back Sunday, Titus Andronicus, Ratboy, Geese, Acid Dad, the So-So Glo’s and many others.
–Daniel Offner
Courtesy Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth Suzy Gelman of Rockville Centre was recently selected to join the Women of Reform Judaism’s national board.
Acclaimed author Joyce Maynard visits RVC
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David was buzzing with anticipation on Monday night, as more than 100 women filled the Rockville Centre synagogue for a discussion with New York Times best-selling author Joyce Maynard.
The event featured a conversation with Maynard about her latest book, “How the Light Gets In,” which was led by Carol Hoenig of On the Road Book Events. The former proprietor of Rockville Centre’s beloved bookstore, Turn of the Screw, Hoenig has hosted several interviews with many acclaimed authors across a number of venues, including the Madison Theatre at Molloy University.
Maynard, a New Hampshire native, began her writing career at a young age. In 1972, she gained national attention for her New York Times cover story, “An Eighteen Year Old Looks Back on Life,” which was written during her freshman year at Yale University.
Since then, she had a prolific career as a contributor to The New York Times, Vogue and NPR among others. Her “Domestic Affairs” column has also been syndicated in over 50 newspapers across the nation.
Through the years she has written 18 books, including bestsellers, “Labor Day,” and “To Die For,” which have both been
adapted into major motion pictures. Some of her other works include “Count the Ways,” “The Bird Hotel,” and memoirs, “At Home in the World” and “The Best of Us.”
The book talk event was organized by the Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David through the help of Renee Weingarten, a librarian from Atlantic Beach, who launched the popular Facebook group, Renee’s Reading Group, which currently boasts more than 55,000 members online.
Alyce Goodstein, past president of the Sisterhood, said she first reached out to Weingarten in March about hosting a Facebook Live event with author Matthew Daub. Following the success of that event, Weingarten contacted Goodstein to ask if she wanted to host an event with Maynard, who was looking for a Long Island venue for her book tour.
The evening provided an intimate setting for attendees to hear Maynard discuss her new book and share insights from her illustrious career.
Maynard’s catalog of work has continued to resonate with readers, providing deep reflections on life’s complexities through her uniquely engaging storytelling.
For more about Maynard, her expansive writing career and her collection of works, visit JoyceMaynard.com. Copies of her latest book, “How the Light Gets In,” are available now at all major online book retailers.
Carol Hoenig of On the Road Book Events, right, interviews acclaimed author Joyce Maynard about her latest book, ‘How the Light Gets In.’
Nassau veterans committee collected more than 300 suits during its ‘Suits on Soldiers’ donation drive on June 27.
Mount Sinai hosts ‘Suits on Soldiers’ drive
Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre helped by donating new or gently used and cleaned business suits and dress pants to the program.
women in the area better prepare for job opportunities and interviews by dressing for success.
During the drive, members of the Robert Garrison VFW Post 3350 in East Rockaway and American
The veterans committee at Mount Sinai South Nassau was established to honor, recognize and address the specialized needs of the veteran population by creating opportunities for people to give back to the men and women who have served our country.
“Thank you to everyone who donated and helped support our veterans in their employment efforts,” Steve Biscotti, chair of the veterans committee and the director of security at Mount Sinai South Nassau, said. “We are so grateful for your strong support.”
Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital’s veterans committee collected more than 300 suits during its “Suits on Soldiers” donation drive on June 27. This annual event was designed to help military servicemen and
–Daniel Offner
Keith Rossein/Herald
Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau
The Mount Sinai South
Crime watCh arrest
Nicholas Davidson, 26, of Oliver Avenue in Valley Stream was arrested by Rockville Centre Police on July 3, and has been charged with forcible toughing and sexual abuse following an investigation at the Rockville Centre Public Library.
Aniqua Barrington, 33, of 225th Street in the Bronx, was arrested by Rockville Centre Police on July 5, and has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, after being stopped for a traffic violation along Lakeview Avenue.
Criminal misChief
A resident of Montauk Avenue reported on July 3 that someone damaged her vehicle while parked in her driveway.
A resident of S. Marion Place reported on July 6 that someone damaged her vehicle while parked outside her residence.
larCeny
A resident of S. Park Avenue reported on July 1 someone stole his wallet and video games from his vehicle while it was parked in the garage at his residence.
A resident of Arrandale Road reported on July 2 someone stole his vehicle while parked in the street near his residence.
A motorist reported on July 3 that someone stole his cellphone after he left it unattended on the top of a gasoline pump at Speedway, between 9:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. on July 2.
A motorist reported on July 5 that someone stole his vehicle while parked and left running with the keys in the ignition on S. Park Avenue.
UnUsUal inCident
A resident of Capitolian Boulevard reported on July 2 that an unknown person used his credit card information to make unauthorized purchases.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law. 1-800-244-TIPS Nassau County Crime Stoppers
New York’s New Transfer on Death Deed (TOD)
Effective July 19, 2024, New York will permit the use of a transfer on death deed (TOD). The main benefit of the new law will be that property deeds with heirs named on them will not have to pass through the probate process. The heirs do not have to sign and the designations may be revoked by filing a new deed.
While avoiding probate was formerly the holy grail of estate planning, today it is more of a holy trinity (1) avoiding probate, (2) keeping assets in the bloodline, and (3) protecting assets from long-term care costs. The TOD deed only accomplishes the first of those. In addition, while the TOD works legally, it does not always work socially.
The main drawback to the TOD deed is that there is no one in charge. The heirs may not get along with each other. One may want to sell the property, another may want to keep it. They may disagree as to who to list it for sale with, how much to ask for the property or which offers to accept or reject. It’s often a case of too many cooks. With a trust, one or two persons who you believe
to be most capable are in charge and, while they must keep other heirs informed, they do not need their permission to make these decisions.
If any child predeceases, and their share is left to minor children, then a courtappointed legal guardian will be required to protect the minor’s interests, which may delay a sale of the property by many months. Since the age of majority is eighteen years, the legal guardian is required to turn the money over to them at that young age. A trust avoids guardianship proceedings for minor heirs, puts the person you choose in charge of the funds and states the age at which you want them to receive the money.
Finally, trusts can provide for the trustee to hold back and manage funds for a beneficiary (1) going through a divorce, (2) facing financial difficulties, or (3) unable to own property due to disability.
While the new TOD deed will have its place in the lawyer’s toolkit, it is a blunt instrument which may, absent wise counsel, do more harm than good.
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Crime briefs
Traffic units help target commercial vehicles
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers conducted a targeted commercial vehicle inspection detail on July 1, in conjunction with inspectors from the New York State Department of Transportation. Each member of the Traffic Enforcement Unit is highly trained and skilled in all state laws and federal regulations pertaining to commercial motor vehicles. Throughout the year, professional development training courses provide each officer the opportunity to receive updates on legal developments
and learn about new and changing laws, policies, criminal interdiction techniques and motor carrier safety regulations.
During the enforcement detail, five trucks over the weight of 10,000 lbs. were inspected and a total of 22 traffic tickets were issued. Three of the vehicles inspected were taken out of service due to serious violations that made them dangerously unsafe to be operated on the roadway.
Man sentenced for fatal 2022 DWI crash
A man who was involved in a 2022 crash that resulted in the death of a Rockville Centre resident was sentenced to serve 5 to 12 years in prison.
Christopher Flores, 29, of Long Beach, was driving his motorcycle drunk on March 19, 2022 just before midnight. Scott Brower, 42, was crossing Merrick Road at South Forest Avenue in a crosswalk when he was struck by Flores driving a 2020 BMW motorcycle while intoxicated, long with having marijuana in his system. Flores was thrown from the motorcycle, which crashed into another vehicle before finally coming to rest.
Brower was transported to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, where he died at 1:40 a.m.
Flores also suffered significant physical injuries and was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside for treatment. Blood taken from Brower at the hospital showed a BAC of .17% and evidence of cannabis use. Flores pleaded guilty in February to second-degree manslaughter, first-
degree vehicular manslaughter, seconddegree assault, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and drugs and driving while intoxicated.
“Christopher Flores was more than two times the legal limit for alcohol and high on marijuana when he slammed into Scott Brower as he crossed Merrick Road,”District Attorney Anne Donnelly previously said. “Scott was walking home after meeting a friend at a local restaurant to watch the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament and have a few drinks. Scott chose not to drive, and despite making the responsible choice, still tragically lost his life to drunk driving. Pedestrians should not have to fear being mowed down by an impaired driver on our streets. NCDA will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals who flout our laws and endanger our residents.”
This is the second time Flores has been convicted for drunk driving.
–Brendan Carpenter
Police dedicate officer to downtown patrol
In order to help combat parking violations and quality of life concerns, the Rockville Centre Police Department has dedicated one officer to patrol the central business district downtown on foot
from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Authorities say, however, this officer may be assigned to calls for service as needed, due to high call volume, but will return to the area as soon as practical.
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Towns threaten FAA with lawsuit over noise
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Standing in front of a Floral Park home and alongside Nassau County officials on July 3, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin announced a joint petition against the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of residents living near airports who constantly contend with the noise of low-flying planes and air pollution.
With both Kennedy and LaGuardia airports abutting residential neighborhoods, the air traffic has been a longstanding headache for homeowners.
The Towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead and county officials have filed a petition urging the FAA to study and explore alternative air routes. If the agency doesn’t respond to the petition within 90 days, the group, led by Clavin and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, plans to file suit against it.
“Every 90 seconds, we get the pleasure of having planes flying anywhere from 3,000 to 2,000 feet over our heads,” Clavin said. “The FAA has taken the towns of North Hempstead and Hempstead for granted. Over a million residents are suffering the burden of constant flights coming over the area.”
The problem, according to Clavin and DeSena, is not just noise, but also the significant health risks posed by constant air traffic. Clavin detailed how
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined county officials to announce a petition and potential lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration for excessive noise pollution at nearby airports.
low-flying planes contribute to increased levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide in the air in communities near the airports.
He also cited studies showing a 50 percent increase in flights since 2017, and pointed out that the FAA has not conducted the necessary environmental reviews mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act.
County officials retained legal counsel to draft a petition to the FAA, demanding compliance with existing regulations and a thorough environ -
mental review. Melville attorney Nick Rigano is spearheading the legal effort. In a statement in response to the news conference, the FAA said, “Addressing this concern requires collaboration among the FAA, air carriers, airports, aircraft manufacturers, research universities, local communities and elected officials. If a community is concerned about aircraft noise, the best course of action is to contact their local aviation community roundtable or airport operator. The FAA can then work with airport operators to deter-
mine if the aircraft noise can be mitigated through changes in air traffic procedures.”
At the gathering, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito highlighted his legislative efforts to address the issue, including co-sponsoring bills aimed at mitigating air traffic noise and pollution.
“The FAA has been ignoring community concerns for far too long,” D’Esposito said. “We are working on legislative solutions, but the FAA has been non-responsive on the federal level as well. We need change, and we need it now.”
Floral Park resident Don Monroe, whose home was the site of the news conference, noted one way in which the noise of air traffic regularly impacts his life. “Sometimes I have to stop mid-conversation because the planes are so loud,” Monroe said.
While the issue is far from a new one, the officials’ message is clear: The time for patience has passed. With the TSA estimating over 315,000 noise complaints from residents of Hempstead and North Hempstead who live beneath JFK’s Flight Path 22 this year alone, those residents and officials are more than ready to demand immediate action.
“People expect this when they live in an area where they are near an airport, but not to this extent,” Clavin said. “The FAA must follow the rules and regulations. Enough is enough.”
Thomas
Thomas
Is AI on its way to taking over education?
School districts explore methods of preventing artificial intelligence from compromising learning
By Charles Shaw, Parker Schug & Brendan Carpenter
Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.
Artificial intelligence is changing the education system in almost every way, but what about students who are trying to use it to get an unfair advantage, or to skip work that would otherwise help them learn?
In these uncertain times, school districts throughout Nassau County are looking for answers to prevent AI’s overreach in the classroom. In the Wantagh School District, an Artificial Intelligence Committee, composed of administrators, principals, directors and teachers, was formed last year to initially focus on understanding AI, but developed into discussing how it can be used responsibly.
Carol-Ann Winans, a committee member and the district’s executive director of curriculum and instruction, said that it is focused on making sure students aren’t relying on AI technology to think for them, while at the same time using it as a tool to enhance the way they learn.
knowledge is key in preventing overreach. James Widmer, the school’s deputy superintendent and chief operating officer, said that several staff groups have been given training on how AI operates and the range of tools that are available.
“Generative AI has the potential to enhance teaching, learning and operations greatly,” Widmer wrote in a statement. “At Nassau BOCES, we have been closely monitoring its evolution and adding uses as it makes sense.”
“Our goal,” he added, “is to implement generative AI solutions that enhance our ability to support our component school districts, fostering environments where every student can maximize their potential.”
“I would want to help the students use this tool to further their learning,” Winans said, “and not turn it into something that becomes a shortcut.”
When AI tools such as ChatGPT, began making headlines, Winans saw it as a way to help organize data and find original sources of information, but discussions in the committee opened her eyes to the challenges it could pose in the area of writing. Concerns that students might no longer value the understanding of writing structure, vocabulary and thought because of AI prompted the committee to craft instructions for the students.
At first, some teachers were hesitant to discuss AI, according to Winans, but the committee realized that it was unavoidable, because colleges, such as Stony Brook University, are creating policies on how students can use it appropriately in classrooms.
“If I’m preparing my child for an essay, if they’re going to be able to use AI tools in college and I’m not allowing them to use it in high school, am I truly preparing them for the world that they’re going in?” she said.
According to Winans, educators must have clear instructions on when AI can be used in completing assignments. “We do need to provide explicit instructions to the students,” she said, “so that they know their expectations.”
At Nassau BOCES, in Garden City,
Kenneth Kroog, assistant director for special education at Nassau BOCES, said in a statement that AI’s purpose there is still evolving. “We are exploring the possibility of acquiring an AI tool to assist teachers with lesson planning, differentiating instruction, and personalizing learning content and goals,” Kroog said.
The Wantagh committee, Winans said, is now in the process of crafting a policy for students next year, which will address the appropriate use of AI tools.
Dependence on technology, instead of a student’s thinking, and protection of intellectual property are two of the committee’s biggest concerns, she said, adding that most AI generators, such as ChatGPT, are not compliant with state education law, and therefore are not allowed in classrooms. But there is little to stop students from accessing AI tools elsewhere.
“We just can’t ignore that the students may or may not be using these tools at home,” Winans said.
Why ChatGPT is not compliant with state education law
According to the State Education Department, ChatGPT does not comply with Education Law 2-D, which requires schools that use technology tools that will have access to students’ personal information, such as their names, they must have a data-protection agreement, which ChatGPT is unwilling to do with any school, according to the department. So the department does not recommend students’ use of it in schools.
Compliance also requires that information such as the names of students’ parents or other family members, home addresses, Social Security numbers, student numbers and biometric records be kept private.
“There are a host of issues in ChatGPT’s terms of service that would not allow New York students to use the
product, including the ability to use student data for advertising purposes,” the education department said in a statement.
Additionally, ChatGPT’s terms of service state that users must be at least 13, and have parental consent if they are under 18. Thus, at minimum, the state department says that schools cannot use the product without written parental consent and knowledge.
“Generative AI products have been created with schools, and privacy, in mind,” the department statement added. “Schools should only use those products — and only after entering into a data protection agreement with the vendor.”
At BOCES, privacy is monitored, Widmer said. “We are also keenly aware of data privacy, and are ensuring that any tools we use are in compliance with state and federal laws,” he said.
Jennifer Gallagher, superintendent of Long Beach Public Schools, said ChatGPT is blocked in the schools.
“There are some legal privacy issues with the platform that make it difficult for schools to allow students to access it,” Gallagher said.
Newer software, called Magic School AI, was made specifically for educators to use, and is utilized by over 3,000 districts and schools worldwide. Another recent launched is MagicStudent, in the hope of building students’ AI literacy
and bringing responsible AI use to schools. Canva also has compliant AI software.
“Because ChatGPT is not (education law) compliant, many districts do not have access to (it) during the school day,” Long Beach’s director of literacy, Dr. Lorraine Radice, said. “There are other platforms like Magic School, and Canva has an artificial intelligence component that I introduced to teachers this year in the fall, that is compliant. So one of the hurdles that educators, and especially those folks in the technology department, (have) is to make sure that we can use some of these tools in our schools, and to protect the privacy of students and adults that work in the district.”
Using AI as a tool, and not as a shortcut
Winans said that ideas have been bounced around the Wantagh committee to assess how students can approach AI, which value original thought, protection of students’ intellectual property, and the need to maximize opportunities and improve learning in an ever-changing technological world. She added that the district acknowledges that AI presents both challenges and opportunities.
“If you tell a child not to do something, they’re probably going to do it anyway,” Winans said, “so how can we
Parker Schug/Herald Declan Schug, a Bayport-Blue Point High School sophomore, uses artificial intelligence and other tools, such as an Apple Watch, a calculator and a laptop, while working on a homework assignment.
State education law will affect use of AI
maximize the opportunity to use this new technology to improve the learning process?”
At an East Meadow School District meeting last November, Jim Mendonis, the district’s director of social studies and 21st century learning, gave a presentation on AI in Education, which discussed how it works and how its misuse can be prevented in classrooms.
Mendonis spoke of activities in the class that help teachers see their students’ thinking process, such as discussions, debates, collaborative work and other activities that do not require plugging into a device or writing a paper.
He added that writing is still critical for education, but students need to know how to write responsibly, without relying on AI in the wrong way. AI, according to Mendonis, is changing day to day, and we don’t know what jobs will exist in the future, when students graduate, making it essential to inform students and teachers about responsible AI use.
“Progress has become so quick that we would be doing our students a disservice if we didn’t include this somehow,” Mendonis said.
For appropriate use, Winans suggested using generative AI as a tool for research, such as finding articles to cite or suggestions on how to write effectively.
cult, but there are ways to tell.
“Teachers know their students,” she said. “Teachers know their writing styles. Teachers know how they speak in class. It’s amazing how well teachers get to know their children.”
At Lawrence High School, in Cedarhurst, both ChatGPT and MagicSchool are used by students and teachers, Principal Jennifer Lagnado-Papp wrote in an email.
Teachers at LHS look for specific words and consistency in writing style, to prevent overreach of AI in students’ work and to promote integrity.
“It is obvious when something was written by ChatGPT without further editing,” Lagnado-Papp wrote. “There are certain words that ChatGPT uses regularly, such as ‘underscores,’ ‘firstly,’ ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly.’ These formulaic constructions are not typically used by high school students.”
Lagnado-Papp acknowledged that at times it is hard to detect AI, but Lawrence High teachers try to push students to produce unique, personal work.
“We want our students to recognize that AI is not a panacea, and they will need to think for themselves in their future endeavors,” she wrote.
ai’s impact in the classroom
■ In public K-12 classrooms, 25 percent of teachers believe AI is doing more harm than good.
■ High school teachers view AI most negatively — unlike many middle school and elementary teachers.
■ Over 66 percent of American teens know of ChatGPT.
■ Nineteen percent of U.S. teens use ChatGPT for school work.
Pew Research Center, 2023 survey of the American Teacher Panel and KnowledgePanel teens
and everyone was nervous about where information was coming from. While Wikipedia presents a quick resource for information, Winans said, students still have to be able to seek out original sources.
“I think that there’s always a hesitation when a new technology moves forward,” she said. “And I think that there’s always a balance.”
The balancing factor, Winans said, is the importance of original thought, and students’ ability to produce something on their own.
When it comes to identifying whether a paper was written by AI or a human, Winans said that it’s diffi-
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As for the future of AI, Winans said she didn’t know where it was going, but added that students will ultimately dictate how the tool will be used. The situation is similar to when Wikipedia became popular, she said,
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“There’s also something exciting,” she said, “about having a tool that might further a student’s ability to explore something and get new ideas.”
Carol- ann Winans
Jim mendonis
Molloy moves to hire new head coach
Long Island Rough Riders coach Chris Megaloudis comes to Rockville Centre
By ANDREW FRANCIS
Herald Intern
Chris Megaloudis, head coach of the Long Island Rough Riders soccer club, will embrace a new challenge, following the conclusion of the USL League Two season, as he steps into the role as the new head coach of the Molloy University men’s soccer team.
This season he has directed the Rough Riders to first place in the USL League Two Metropolitan Division, with a 9-1-1 record and 28 points with only one match remaining on July 10, just after press time on Tuesday.
Now it’s just about giving back, sharing these experiences, and guiding these players
Megaloudis, 40, grew up in Astoria, Queens, and would attend Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, where he is the school’s all-time leading goal scorer. He went on to play at the NCAA Division I level for two years at St. Peter’s College, where he earned back-toback all-conference and allregion honors, and completed his collegiate soccer career at Stony Brook University, where he was the leading goal scorer for the Seawolves.
ChRIS MEg AlouDIS Head coach, Molloy men’s soccer team
He went on to make his Major League Soccer debut in 2008. Following a brief stint with the New York Red Bulls franchise, his interest started to shift towards coaching, although he would continue to find opportunities to play for teams in Puerto Rico and Serbia.
During his nine-year professional playing career, Megaloudis would play with the Puerto Rico national team from 2008 to 2012, including some meaningful World Cup qualifying matches.
He shifted towards the managerial side of operations, by taking a job as an assistant coach for the Nassau Community College’s women’s team, eventually being promoted to head coach. He spent five years as head coach, from 2017 to 2021, during which time the Nassau Lions had an outstanding 42 win record, secured three National Junior College Athletic Association regional crowns, two district titles and two trips to the NJCAA Division III National Championships.
He went on to spend two seasons as the top assistant coach at Adelphi University, where he led the Panthers to 18 wins, two Northeast-10 Conference tournament appearances, and an appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament. He was involved in all facets of running a successful collegiate program at the NCAA level with experience in training, recruitment, scheduling, fundraising, social media, scouting, community service and alumni relations.
“Coach Megaloudis is familiar with the East Coast Conference and East Region competition, which makes this coaching transition a perfect fit,” Susan Cassidy-Lyke, director of athletics at Molloy University, said in a release. “Coach [Matthew] Sloan did an excellent job with the team this past year, and I look forward to coach Megaloudis building on this culture both academically and athletically. I am confident that his professional and collegiate playing and coaching experience will enable us to remain competitive and hungry for an East Coast Conference Championship.”
Throughout his time coaching collegiate soccer, he has kept busy during the spring and summer “off-season” months, as the head coach of the Long Island Rough Riders men’s team, where he plans to finish out the season. He also dedicates his time to coaching
Coaching
crack as the head coach of an NCAA ranked school.
“Having been a student-athlete, I know the importance of performing athletically while upholding high academic standards,” Megaloudis said. “I know how the success of our Molloy students affects the community at large.”
Megaloudis said that he is looking forward to bringing his decades of experience, wisdom and passion to the field and hopes to ignite a new sense of excitement and drive in his players in the upcoming 2024 season this fall.
“The school itself has a great reputation from an academic standpoint and the athletic side,” Megaloudis said. “I think (the opportunity was really for me. It was time to push myself to get a head coach position … and the reputation (of the school) was big for me.”
He said his key ambition is to build bonds and unity within the team, prioritizing character on and off the field, and having everyone work hard so they can compete. For Megaloudis, soccer was an instrumental part of what shaped his life, and one of his goals is to help shape young players and mentor them to reach even greater levels of success.
“I got to experience enough [soccer] for me to say, ‘this is great’ and I want to continue doing this,” Megaloudis said. “It’s in my family, it’s in my blood, and I’m really fortunate to have that in my life. Now it’s just about giving back, sharing these experiences, and guiding these players. That’s why coaching is what I want to do.”
Molloy’s 2024 season will begin on September 5 at Southern New Hampshire University, where Megaloudis hopes to continue to effectively touch the lives of his players and have more successful experiences as a soccer head coach.
youth soccer clubs on Long Island and in parts of Queens.
at Molloy will be his most prestigious assignment to date, as he prepares to take his first
Photos courtesy Adelphi Athletics
Chris Megaloudis, former coach of the Long Island Rough Riders, was recently named the new head coach of Molloy University’s men’s soccer team.
Coach Chris Megaloudis watches attentively on the sidelines during his time as the lead assistant at Adelphi University.
D.A. looking into parkway dog abandonment
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
She was left alone, tied to a light pole on the westbound Southern State Parkway, near Exit 21, in Uniondale.
All she had was a water bowl, and a note that read, “This is Roxi. A trained American Bullmastiff. She is four years old. She has been fed and given a flea bath, she may still have issues with them. See that she gets good care.”
Roxi, later more accurately identified as an English mastiff, was abandoned on the parkway on the morning of July 1. State troopers retrieved her after responding to a call reporting a dog tied to a pole at around 5:30 a.m. They dropped her off at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, where she was examined by veterinarians who found her to be hungry and underweight, but otherwise in good health.
“She’s nervous, but she’s very sweet,” Ashley Behrens, the acting director of the shelter, said. “Obviously it’s traumatic what she went through, so nervousness is to be expected.”
Now Roxi is looking for a home, and law enforcement officers are looking for whoever left her on the side of the road.
“We’re going to find a home for this dog and, working with our Nassau D.A., we’re going to find these culprits and hold them accountable,” Town Supervi-
sor Don Clavin said at a July 3 news conference outside the shelter.
Joining Clavin were county District Attorney Anne Donnelly and State Police Capt. Timothy Gleason. Donnelly said that her office and investigators were working with State Police to help find the person who abandoned Roxi, adding that anyone who recognized her should contact the State Police or the D.A.’s office.
The charges, according to Donnelly, could include abandoning an animal, a misdemeanor, or aggravated cruelty, a felony.
“Where we are able, we will prosecute them aggressively,” she said.
Dog abandonment is not uncommon, Donnelly noted, but what happened to Roxi was especially dangerous, because the Southern State is one of the most heavily traveled, and treacherous, highways on Long Island.
“It is no place to abandon a 4-year-old puppy,” Donnelly said. “It is unacceptable, and leaving a note with well wishes just doesn’t cut it. There is no excuse for dumping a dog on the side of a major highway.”
Gleason said that if Roxi had broken away from her leash, she would have put herself and motorists on the parkway in harm’s way. He added that people can fall on hard times, leaving them unable to afford to care for a pet, but abandoning an animal beside a highway is nei -
ther acceptable nor a safe option.
“While it appears that the owner may have had good intentions,” Gleason said, “if a person is unable to care for a dog, there are better ways of handling such a situation.”
Donnelly explained that dog owners who cannot continue to care for their pets should take them to an animal shelter or a veterinarian’s office, which will help find them a new home.
“Any of those options are better than tying a defenseless creature to a pole on a roadway where cars are going 60 miles an hour past it,” she said.
Donnelly added that Long Island is now experiencing the hottest weather of the year, when pets should not be left outside for extended periods, or in hot cars. A few minutes in a hot vehicle in extreme high temperatures, she said, can be deadly for an animal.
“Leaving an animal to bake in the sun is nothing short of cruel,” Donnelly said.
While Roxi’s situation was heartwrenching, Clavin said he had seen good come from the incident. The town had received over 50 phone calls, locally and from as far away as California and Washington, from people looking to adopt or find a home for her.
“With the tragedy of what’s happened, you do see the goodness of people,” Clavin said. “You see the goodness of people who want to find a loving home for this animal.”
The investigation was continuing at press time, and anyone with information was encouraged to call the State Police, at (631) 756-3300. Gleason said that callers could remain anonymous.
Charles Shaw/Herald Roxi, a 4-year-old English mastiff, was abandoned on the Southern State Parkway on July 1. The Town of Hempstead and Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly are investigating.
Excitement builds for inclusive playground
was moved to the recreation center, a safer and more tranquil setting.
“I am thrilled that construction is well underway for Mr. B’s inclusive playground,” Murray said in a statement. “We are excited to provide children with all abilities the experience of play.”
The playground features a sensory dome and play structures with ramps, and other upgrades to the surrounding park including new ADA-compliant restrooms, LED lighting, a new walking track, exercise stations, and tennis and basketball courts.
The journey to make the playground a reality has been a lengthy one: It began nearly a decade ago, when Maureen Jordan, of the Rockville Centre Lions Club, and Thomas Bucaria, of the village Little League, first approached Murray with the idea. Since then, the project has gone through various phases of planning and fundraising.
The initial plans were jump-started in 2015 by then State Sen. Dean Skelos, who committed $500,000 to the village. But the project stalled when Skelos was convicted of corruption and forced to resign from the Senate.
Determined to see the project through, Murray sought support from Sen. Todd Kaminsky to secure the funding through the State and Municipal Grant Program, ensuring the project’s continuation.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin provided more financial support in the summer of 2022, announcing that their chamber would contribute an additional $1 million to complete the project. As well, several community organizations have collectively contributed more than $254,000 to the development of the playground.
Murray explained that through the grant provided by state lawmakers and the New York State Dormitory
Authority, which together account for 90 percent of the funding, and the generous donations of community groups including the Feil Family Foundation, the Lions Club, the Little League, the Tommy Brull Foundation, Lindsay’s, the Rockville Centre PBA, RVC Blue Speaks, the Francis F. Wilson Elementary School and the Tim McMullan Memorial Fund, the project has raised nearly $2 million.
Thanks to this extensive fundraising effort, the project has no cost for taxpayers, and the playground will be open to the public, with no proof of residency required.
Martin Brull, president and founder of the Tommy Brull foundation, a Rockville Centre-based nonprofit
named after his late brother, has been donating the proceeds raised by the foundation’s Shine A Light concert series to the playground project since 2017.
“It really hits you when you start to see it coming to fruition,” Brull said. “It’s been a long road for this playground, but it’s great to see it come together. It’s going to be a great place for so many kids to enjoy.”
The Tommy Brull Foundation has raised funds for people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities since 2008, and in 2011 began hosting benefit concerts featuring artists such as Kurt Vile, The Felice Brothers and The Hold Steady to name just a few.
“It does bring a tear to the eye to see it come together,” Brull said of the playground. “Some of the things we do with the foundation aren’t as tangible, but with this, you can really see this come together.”
He added that he was excited about the progress being made, and looked forward to seeing children of all abilities have the opportunity to play together.
Ed Asip, past president of the Rockville Centre Lions Club, said that the organization has worked closely with the Brull Foundation, the Little League’s Challenger Division and the mayor’s office for many years to try and help make this vision a reality.
“We’re all really excited that the playground is near completion,” Asip said. “It’s looking good. The shade sails are currently being installed and the surfacing will be completed soon.”
The Lions Club and the Brull Foundation, Asip added, plan to capitalize on the momentum by continuing to raise money through the sale of walkway bricks as well as potential equipment sponsorships via the Lions’ website.
“We look forward to seeing children of all abilities and their families get to enjoy the new equipment in the near future,” Asip said.
Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront community is now open. At The Breeze, each rental unit opens you to a world of uncompromising luxury amenities and an active, adventurous lifestyle.
Tim Baker/Herald
new equipment that will be accessible to all children, including those with special needs, is being installed as mr. B’s inclusive playground nears completion.
ROCKVILLE
Teen’s efforts help benefit veterans on Long Island
Suffolk counties, according to a 2022 study conducted by Feeding America — a more than 50 percent increase from the previous year.
To ensure that the donations would directly benefit veterans who rely on the food pantry for sustenance, he partnered with the Nassau County Food Clinic, which graciously accepted his contribution.
Frank Colón Jr., commander of American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre, commended Testa for his support to help veterans in need.
“He did a great job,” Colón said. “Anytime young people can do things for veterans, the post supports them 100 percent.”
Testa is no stranger to community service either. He is a student ambassador for Birthday Wishes, a nonprofit organization that provides birthday parties for homeless children living in shelters.
The organization was founded by three friends in Newton, Massachusetts in 2002 who organized a birthday party for a five-year-old boy at the Second Step Shelter after learning that neither his mother nor the shelter could afford to throw him a party.
Birthday Wishes currently serves children living in more than 200 family shelters and transitional living facilities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Long Island.
Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, more than 26,000 children between 1-17 will experience a birthday party this year.
Testa is one of the founders of the Birthday Wishes club at South Side High School, which raises funds through bake sales and collecting wrapping paper to help provide children with a sense of excitement and celebration on their special day.
According to Jonah’s mother, Mary
Jane Testa, after spending the past year fundraising independently, he donated more than $4,000 in necessary items for Birthday Wishes.
And his involvement doesn’t stop there. He also volunteers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Sharon’s Pantry, which helps provide food to any member of the community struggling to secure their next meal.
Named for its founder, Sharon Sheppard, the local food pantry was created at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to address a growing need in the community. Since the pantry opened in March 2020, the number of families it serves has grown exponentially from only 22 to more than 100.
Through his efforts, he has shown the kind of impact a motivated young individual can have on the greater community at-large.
Testa said he plans on continuing his fundraising efforts and hopes to inspire others to help contribute and support our nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country.
Continued from page 1
Photos courtesy Mary Jane Testa
Jonah testa of rockville Centre helps collect food and cash donations to support the nassau County food Clinic at numC in east meadow.
testa wheels carts of donated food to the nassau County Veterans Service a gency Va Clinic.
STEPPING OUT
A great time -
The Empire State Fair is in full swing
By Danielle Schwab
Step right up, step right up! The Empire State Fair has returned with jaw-dropping rides, games and shows — welcoming all to enjoy some thrills at Nassau Coliseum. The summertime staple once again takes over the arena grounds, now through July 14.
As always, there’s plenty to see and do. Where else can you find farm animals, “pirate” acrobatics, a giant Ferris Wheel, and a transforming robot — all in one place?
This year, the swashbuckling, “Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean Thrill Show” takes to the tightrope in a fearless display of aerial highwire feats.
Alex Murcia, who’s involved with the acrobatic act as both a performer and owner of his family’s Sensational Murcia Productions, says the show, free with admission, is not to be missed.
“We took our strongest circus and thrill acts — the highwire tightrope walking and the Wheel of Death — and we created a pirate-themed production. So there’s sword fighting, good characters, bad characters, and they’re searching for the treasure map.”
You may even spot a mermaid. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a pirate thrill show without a hint of danger.
“All of that’s happening 25 feet in the air on a quarter-inch cable,” he adds.
The Murcia family goes back 10 generations of performers. This show is a tribute to their Colombian heritage.
“My father is from Colombia. It’s where they have the specialty act of high-wire tightrope walking performance,” Murcia says.
• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
• Now through July 14, 5-11 p.m. weekdays; noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• $10 (free for kids under 36” tall with paying adult); unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36” and taller) are $40 Friday - Sunday.
• Ride tickets are also available at the carnival for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride (rides take 2 or more tickets each)
• More information available at EmpireStateFair.com
The many tricks are sure to elicit an enthusiastic response from fairgoers.
“The performers balance on chairs while on the high wire. They’ll stand up on the chair. People are like ‘wow, I can’t stand on a chair on the ground, and these guys are doing it up on the tightrope’,” he says.
Visitors can move from the high seas to high-tech with another Murcia family “wonder”: the Big Bee transforming robot car.
“It’s built to be like a life-size Camaro, but inside, instead of having seats, it has a system of hydraulics and different motors that make it lift and open up,” explains Murcia.
“The car goes up and down and transforms from what looks like a regular Camaro to a big, giant robot, Big Bee.”
The kids will want to stop by the Cowtown USA petting zoo run by the Sandlofer family. Here
L.I. International Film Expo
everyone can pet and feed animals that helped shape America, including some that are unexpected.
“We have a domedary camel, Henry. Few people know that camels played an important part in our history. They were part of building the Transcontinental Railroad going through the deserts where horses couldn’t go,” says Sadie Sandlofer, who helps run the family business.
Other animals to see include a Scottish Highlander cow, oxen, baby goats, and sheep. Families can even simulate “milking a cow” as part of the experience.
The carousel of activities also includes the Anastasini Circus, which has been entertaining audiences since 1877, along with a test of wits at the interactive Kidbucks Game Show. To end the day, fireworks light up the night sky on Saturdays.
And of course, the rides and delicious foods — staples of the fair experience — beckon.
“There’s so many attractions that if you went to go see these shows, you would pay more in (individual) admission than you do at the fair to see all of them. So I would say check the website, check the schedule, and obviously don’t miss the shows, because once you’re inside all those shows are free with admission. Take advantage of that,” reminds Murcia.
Grab your tickets, eat some funnel cake and catch the summer breeze. A day of adventure awaits.
Photos courtesy Empire State Fair From circus spectacle to daring side show acts and everyone’s favorite rides, plus new enticements, plenty of summer amusements are in store at the latest edition of the Empire State Fair.
Lights, camera, action. Bellmore rolls out the red carpet once again for the Long Island International Film Expo, now in its 27th year. LIIFE is proud to feature over 120 films, including 19 world premieres. From short to feature-length, moviegoers can partake of a diverse group of independent films. Special screenings of note include “Child Machine,” a fun sci–fi comedy; the thriller “Lady Of The Lake” about native Ronkonkoma’s Maria Capp, starring Seth Gilliam (“The Walking Dead”), Nia Sioux and Emery Kelly. Also enjoy Super Mega Trivia Slam trivia and the documentary on former New York State Assembleyman and longtime Long Beach resident Harvey Weisenberg, entitled “Harvey: The Voice for The Voiceless.”
Now through Sunday, July 14. Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. Tickets and information available at LongIslandFilm.com.
Disco daze
Step into a time warp back to the glittering era of Studio 54 with The Disco Nights. Immerse yourself in a nostalgic celebration of the disco age. From the Bee Gees, to Gloria Gaynor, to Donna Summer, Chic, and so much more, it’s Saturday Night Fever all over again! Led by the Billboard-charting superstar JJ Sansaverino on guitar, The Disco Nights boast a lineup of top-tier musicians straight from the heart of New York City’s music scene. Every note is meticulously crafted to deliver the authentic sound of disco’s greatest hits. The band is joined by vocalists Alessandra Guercio, Jerome Bell and Adam Bastien of “American Idol” and “The Voice” fame. Dress to impress in your finest disco attire —think flared pants, crop tops, mini dresses, crystals, sequins, and psychedelic colors as the Paramount stage transforms into a glittering disco haven.
Friday, July 12, 8 p.m. $45, $35, $30, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
July 19
Mike DelGuidice
Mike DelGuidice is forever known for his connection to Billy Joel.
One of Long Island’s most celebrated singer/songwriters continues his “residency” on the t Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, 8 p.m. Mike DelGuidice and his band always give it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his band, in a rousing concert that highlights the Piano Man’s decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice has become one of the area’s most celebrated performers, balancing his schedule between doing his own thing and touring with Joel all over the world.
DelGuidice, as with Joel, grew up mastering several instruments including bass guitar, guitar, piano, and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after chart-topping hit, along with his own tunes in a high energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser. He is the author of two albums “My Street” and “Miller Place” numerous single releases, which are currently under consideration for film soundtracks. And his tune “Ordinary Guy” is the theme song for the Kevin James sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait.” DelGuidice is always moving and grooving, with plenty of projects ahead. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Dramatic Play Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 15, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed. Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme: Silly Monsters! Costumes encouraged. $5 witCostumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Family Egg Drop
How do you like your eggs? Visit the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve, Sunday, July 14, at 1 p.m. for an egg-citing competition. Teams will work together as a family using various materials to see if you can keep your egg from ending up scrambled. $20 per child, adults are free. At least one adult is required to accompany competitors. Visit CSTL.org for more information. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre.
Molloy University Golf Classic
Molloy University hosts its annual golf classic, on Monday, July 15, at The Seawane Club, 1300 Club Drive in Hewlett, and The Rockaway Hunting Club, 615 Ocean Ave., in Lawrence. Registration will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and an open driving range. The golf classic will kick-off with a shotgun start at the Rockaway Hunting Club at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at the Seawane Club at 11:30 a.m.
The event also includes a golf and racquet sports clinic at 2 p.m. and a buffet dinner reception at 5 p.m. at The Seawane Club. This year’s corporate honoree is Michael Sean Grant of Risk Strategies, a leader in employee benefits in New York, and the alumni honoree is Robert J. Behar, partner of KPMG International Limited. For more information visit Connect.Molloy.edu.
Keeping up with the village
The next meeting of the Rockville Centre Village Board of Trustees will take place at Village Hall on Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m. 1 College Place.
In the garden
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens and listen to some stirring sounds, with Old Westbury Gardens’ artist-in-residence Cross Island, Sunday, July 14, 3-4 p.m.
Clarinetist Joseph Rutkowski, cellist Suzanne Mueller, and pianist Elinor Abrams Zayas open the annual summer series at The Barn.
The program comprises duets and trios spanning centuries and styles, seamlessly blending beloved favorites and intriguing discoveries. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Negative Abstract Painting
Learn about the technique of negative painting with this summer workshop for adults at The Art Studio, on Thursday, July 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This workshop will look at how objects can be created by applying color, texture and shading elements surrounding an object rather than within the objects themselves. All materials are included. Dress for mess. $40. For registration and more information visit TheArtStudioRVC.com. 221 N. Long Beach Road.
Afternoon tunes
Visit Eisenhower Park’s Field #1 for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, July 17, noon-2 p.m. Relax and enjoy the styling of vocalist-dancer Louis Del Prete, known as the “ultimate entertainer.” Bring seating. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Summer gymnastics
John A. Anderson Recreation Center offers an introduction to gymnastics, a four-week session for children who are entering kindergarten. The program is held Wednesdays, July 17, July 24 and July 31, 12:30.-1:15 p.m. 111 N. Oceanside Road. For more information visit RVCNY.gov.
Having an event?
Best of
the
‘90s Rock Camp
Learn how to play grunge and alternative hits from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Weezer and many more at The School of Rock in Rockville Centre. Students from age 7-18 will spend the week, Monday through Friday, July 15-19, rehearsing, practicing and participating in fun musicbased games and activities centered around rock hits from the 90s, all culminating with a live performance on Friday. For more information and registration, visit SchoolOfRock. com. 197 N. Long Beach Road.
Reading night on the lawn at Covert
Enjoy a good book this summer at William S. Covert Elementary School. It hosts the Rockville Centre School District’s summer reading night on the lawn, on Wednesday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. 379 Willow Street, South Hempstead.
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.
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.
Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. It opens July 20 and is on view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Fireworks Celebration
The annual fireworks celebration and concert is set for Saturday, July 13, 7- 9:30 p.m., at Pette and Barasch Fields by the Mill River Park Complex. Viewing will not be permitted on Lister or Tighe Field. The South Shore Symphony performs before, after and during the show in coordination with the Gucci pyrotechnic display. In case of rain, the show will take place on Sunday, July 14
Summer playground program
Students in grades 1-7 are welcome to take part in the 70th annual summer playground program, daily through Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to noon. The daily program consists of athletics, arts and other activities. The program will be held at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center and Wilson Elementary School. Full and partial sessions are offered. Registration is ongoing. For registration or more information, visit RecDesk.RVC.com or call (516) 678-9238.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PARTNERSHIP
LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY. NAME:
Propaws Veterinary Services PLLC, Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 04/15/24_. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 379 N Village Ave. Rockville Centre, NY11570
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.
147374
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Mortgage Assets Management, LLC,, Plaintiff AGAINST
Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Yolande E. Bayard-Gaston a/k/a Yolande Gaston; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 17, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 22, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1180 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 38 Block 105 Lot 153. Approximate amount of judgment $506,388.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607221/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP
f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff
175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: May 10, 2024 147541
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE
SERVICING, Plaintiffagainst- ARAGANOEM PANCHU, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of
Foreclosure and Sale dated May 7, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Village of Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 38 Block 189 Lot 106. Said premises known as 11 GRAND AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570
Approximate amount of lien $233,022.98 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.
Index Number 610290/2022.
RONALD J. FERRARO, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. DLG# 38836 {* ROCK CEN H*} 147461
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000481-1 147687
LEGAL NOTICE
Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 147661
LEGAL NOTICE
Residents learn how to prep against scams
By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern
Assemblyman Brian Curran recently hosted a scam prevention seminar at the Rockville Centre Public Library to help prevent vulnerable residents from being victimized by online and phone scams.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against DOUGLAS MELGAR, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 29, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 563 Maude Street, South Hempstead, NY 11550. Sec 0036 Block 00186 Lot 00291. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $653,368.99 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 616634/2022. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES
TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, -againstFRANCISCO M. RODRIGUEZ, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 13, 2023, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES
TRUST, SERIES 2006-1 is the Plaintiff and FRANCISCO M. RODRIGUEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 30, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 394 PINEBROOK AVE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570; and the following tax map identification: 35-415-895.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 011891/2008. Mark Ricciardi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz,
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CATHAY BANK, Plaintiffagainst- 222 SUNRISE LLC, et al., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2024 and entered on June 10, 2024, the below-referenced Referee will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau County Courthouse located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY, on August 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., the premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau, State of New York, bounded and described as follows: Section: 38, Block: 318, Lot: 338; Said premises known as 222 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY. While there is no current mask or distance mandate in effect, auction attendees are requested to practice social distancing whenever feasible. Approximate amount of lien $1,855,808.59, plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Index Number 607648/2023. BRUCE R. HAFNER, ESQ., Referee; Pryor Cashman LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 7 Times Square, New York, NY, 10036.
{*ROCKVILLE CENTER HERALD*} 147753
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. PATRICK MARINELLI, ET AL., Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 342 WILLOW STREET, SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York,
Since online access has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, there are unfortunately many individuals who are seeking to take advantage of Nassau County residents through technological means.
To help the residents of Nassau County become more resilient to such deception, Nora Durand, the deputy director of Nassau County’s Office of Crime Victim Advocates, and Eugene Messmer, an officer with the Nassau County Police Department, provided residents with insight on a number of different types of scams, how to identify them, and how to avoid falling prey to such illicit tactics.
Widentity and assets. These have been used to swindle people out of thousands of dollars.
She explained that it is the priority of the Office of Crime Victim Advocates to provide residents with detailed information about potential dangers online, in the mail and other avenues, in order to prevent them from occurring.
“We want everyone to act with confidence,” Durand said, “this is why we’re doing this.”
e want everyone to act with confidence, and this is why we’re doing this.
Durand shared information on some of the most common types of phone scams her office has dealt with, which are designed to catch vulnerable residents when they are off-guard. She said one of the most common scams come from callers claiming to be a representative of a government department such as the Internal Revenue Service. Another commonly seen scam comes from someone pretending to be a relative or a representative of a relative who is in need of help and money quickly, often requesting it be send through wire transfer, a means in which the transaction can not be prevented or easily recouped.
Some of the prevention methods shared during the seminar included refraining from sharing personal information with unknown callers and unconfirmed entities, avoiding phone calls from unknown or potential spam numbers, being hesitant to rely on caller ID, never paying for bills with gift cards, reviewing all financial statements, and shredding documents with important credit card and Social Security information on it.
NoRA DuRAND Deputy director, Nassau County Office of Crime Victim Advocate
Officer Messmer also informed attendees about a new scam that has been reported in the county, where people pose as police units asking for donations. He assured residents there are no such units that handle donations over the phone and urged that anyone interested in donating to the police or any organization do so over a secure website.
During the seminar, Messmer provided information from all eight police precincts in Nassau County and where they could seek further advice on dealing with potential scams.
She said that spoofing is one of the most dangerous ways these phone scams can be conducted. This occurs when the scammer manipulates the caller ID on the phone to appear as a familiar name or number.
Durand said that there are other scams which are often initiated through physical mail or email, which can include phony charities, fake lotteries, and fake forms that collect sensitive information that can be used to compromise one’s
Section: 36, Block: 283, Lot: 85. Approximate amount of judgment is $157,988.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 606958/2022. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return
of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. MATIN EMOUNA, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for
He said that when faced with a potential scam, residents should remember the acronym, “SCAM,” which stands for stop, check, alert authorities and mention the danger to others. He also recommended downloading the Smart911 mobile app, which is used by NCPD to respond to different reports and emergencies.
Following the presentation, both Durand and Messmer provided pamphlets and flyers containing information on how to avoid different forms of identity theft, data breaches, and other phone and internet scams.
CSC Holdings, LLC seeks a Lead Software Developer to design and manage settop box (STB) main software stack in various languages including HTML, Javascript, CSS, Bash and Python. Collaborate with other leads and architects to manage and design software integration in the STB stack. Develop video front-end components such as UI and Middleware. Design STB diagnostic tools and implement methods for troubleshooting. Provide technical and professional guidance to more junior team members. #LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field, and 5 years of experience with software development, including analyzing user requirements and defining functional specifications. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience with converting business requirements into functional and application system design documents; 5 years of experience participating in effective design, development and testing phases of project implementation; 5 years of experience with Java technologies; 5 years of experience with HTML 5 technologies, including CSS and JavaScript; 5 years of experience with Bash or Python; 5 years of experience developing with Linux; 5 years of experience working with backend and embedded systems; 2 years of experience in ADB, web debugging, and GCC debugging; and 2 years of experience with set-top box development. Part-time telecommuting may be permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $169,229.00 – $179,229.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com, and enter Job Requisition ID 6144. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Altice USA, Attn: Erin M. Berry, One Court Square West, Long Island City, NY, USA 11101. Altice USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Altice USA, Inc. collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRAcompliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
FULL TIME - PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE Garden City Childcare Center Immediate Start $16-$22 per hour Call 516-572-7614
HANDYPERSON WANTED
Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211
The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2024-25 school year.
We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage
If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516)379-4245.
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MERRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OUTSIDE SALES
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PERSONNEL CLERK/ ACCOUN T CLERK ASSISTANT. $20-$23 per hour. 17 hours per week. Monday and Tuesdays 9:30-3:30. (remaining shift TBD w/ candidate) Occasional Saturday may be required depending upon payroll schedule Duties include Payroll, Benefits Administration, assisting Account Clerk. Necessary skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, strong math skills. Email resume to jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Software Engineer: Analyze, Design, Develop, Maintain, Test complex full-stack software solutions leveraging Java technologies, UI/UX designs, Angular, React, Express, JavaScript, JSF, Couchbase, Node JS, SQL Server, Mongo DB, Cassandra, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Cloud Security, Agile, CI/CD pipelines, Microservices, SOAP and REST API, Graph QL, Kubernetes, TDD, BDD, CQRS Pattern, Kafka, JMeter, Mockito, Selenium, AI, Machine Learning. Requires: Travel within the USA + Bachelors in Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Engineering, Technology Management / Information Technology min. 36 Months experience. Salary $115,918. Send resume by mail to: American Software Resources, Inc., 4 Brower Avenue, Suite 4, Woodmere, NY 11598
Oceanfront Beauty
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private EnModern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
LYNBROOK: 2 BR, 1 Bath, Second Floor, Off Street Parking, No Pets, $3,100. 516-599-3174
WANTAGH 1 BEDROOM, Full Kitchen, Full Bath, Livingroom/Kitchen Combo, No Smoking No Pets. $1650. 516-731-3763.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE SUNNY Private Entrance,Walk In Closet, Walking Distance South Nassau Hospital, Share Bath, 516-913-0804.
Enjoy the fresh salt air in this magnificent home right on the oceanfront. Amazing views of the Atlantic abound from private decks on all 3 levels, including one right off the primary suite, one on the main level and one right at beach level. The primary suite features a fireplace and a brand new bathroom with radiant heat flooring, and there are
BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY.
3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $3999; Purchase Together $9999. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316
ONE BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE at Beth David’s in Elmont. Asking for $6,500. Please contact Michele Flanigan at 518-546-9550
HIRING?
Place Your Ad in the Herald Help Wanted Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.
Kirkman Avenue. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Spacious home conveniently located in the heart of Elmont. Ideally situated on 50x118 lot, perfect for multi-generational living.
Taxes: $10,639
Hewlett $999,999
Raymond Place. Antique/Historical. 7 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.
Taxes: $25,754.73
Long Beach $888,000
Taft Avenue. 2 Story. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Large living room with vaulted ceiling, 2 skylights and fireplace. Attic for storage. Legal 2 family. Side yard with additional backyard. Covered front porch and back terrace.
Taxes: $14,658.97
Merrick $1,465,000
Northridge Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Walk out basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with waterfall island with second sink and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom.
Oceanside $720,000
Foxhurst Road. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Custom eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Ensuite master bedroom walk-in closet. First floor bedroom. Updates include new roof and windows, central air conditioning. Large property. Convenient location near shopping, restaurants and Silver Lake Park.
Taxes: $15,390.59
Rockville Centre $830,000
Driscoll Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.
Taxes: $13,931.71
Valley Stream $650,000
Decker Street. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. New kitchen. 60x100 lot. Convenient location in heart of Valley Stream close to all amenities and park. Taxes: $10,787.24
Woodmere $1,230,000
E. End. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom. Guest quarters. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Taxes: $20,131.29
Permits?
What permits?
Q. I read your column all the time and am aware that you always recommend getting permits, but I realize that nobody around me has one for any of the things you mention, and I want to put in a low deck, just two steps off the ground. It seems like a lot of extra expense to have plans and pay for a permit, especially because my neighbors have a two-story deck, a hot tub and a pool and no permits. I’m weighing this out because I wonder if a building inspector will notice everyone else’s work and catch them. I don’t want to be the one they all suspect of being the tattletale. What advice can you give?
A. Yes, by law, we are obligated to do any work in the prescribed legal manner, which, as licensed professionals, includes informing people that they are required to follow building codes, zoning restrictions and general law. Anything else would be aiding someone in the commission of a crime. It would be like asking your attorney to advise you in the planning of a bank robbery, even though that is probably an extreme example. It is still a crime, too.
Your proposed deck seems simple enough, but may be full of problems if not built to code, including not putting in the right depth footings, the correct connections or the correct structure. I once had a situation with an examiner who insisted that the main support beam — sitting on the ground, no less — didn’t pass the test of calculations as a main beam. (Yes, they actually check the strength of beams, in some cases by doing their own calculations.) The owner was appalled that the beam, sitting right on the ground, wouldn’t pass. The examiner explained that the beam has to be supportive on its own, in case the ground washes out from underneath.
I know that you just want to hire someone you assume knows all the rules, but I can tell you that I spend 50 percent of my time trying to undo or rethink how to solve a bad decision by someone who guessed that what they were doing would be all right. This usually happens when no plans were done by a professional, and there was no review, and the owner is desperate to get through a process either because they got caught or have a sale pending, awaiting this problem to be solved.
Check to see if your jurisdiction is one that lets you draw the plans yourself, because the deck is so close to the ground and under the 3-foot limit that requires a professional. As for the inspector, I can only recommend that you follow the procedures. The inspector has to follow their best judgment. Many have told me they generally only respond to complaints, and that they often don’t issue violations unless the problem is really obvious, and not one where they’re thought to be peeking over fences. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect Monte Leeper
Stuff HERALD
BOSCH Stove- $800, Bosch Dishwasher$500, Coffee Tables (2)- $200, Floor Lamps-$150, Paintings- $50, Bar Height Stools (6)- $500. Great Condition. Please Call 516-743-5016.
*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*
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opinions
NUMC is on the road to financial recovery
The treatment is working. For the past year, the leadership of Long Island’s largest safety-net hospital has buckled down to demonstrate that this beacon of hope for so many residents can survive, and thrive.
That may not be the message of some politicians, Albany bureaucrats and media often content to push misinformation, but the facts tell a story of resilience. The Nassau Health Care Corporation and Nassau University Medical Center are demonstrating the power of strategic reform and unwavering dedication in the face of intense financial strain.
The comprehensive reforms implemented over the past year have been nothing short of transformative. We overhauled NUMC’s ancient billing and collections processes, updated financial standards and practices, strengthened quality controls, and upgraded our information technology systems. All were longstanding areas of deficiency in hospital management that needed reform.
Today NUMC boasts on-time budgets, comprehensive audits, greater transpar-
ency and daily financial reporting that have enabled us to identify more than $100 million in savings in the past year.
The recent audit by Grant Thornton confirms that our reforms are working. NHCC is on a path to long-term fiscal sustainability. The numbers speak for themselves.
Despite what has been reported by Newsday, our cash on hand increased from $23 million to $67 million in just the first six months of 2024.
We’ve identified more than $100 million in savings in the past year.
Net patient service revenue saw a significant boost, rising by $76 million to $536 million in 2023. We also managed to reduce our operating losses by $30 million, and reduced overtime costs by $4 million. These aren’t just dollar figures; they represent our commitment to responsible stewardship and our dedication to providing quality health care.
For 2023, NUMC was projected to have a $179 million budget gap. We’ve closed that projected deficit by more than half.
This remarkable progress underscores the efficacy of our Financial Sustainability Reform Plan, initiated last year, and highlights the potential for more success if health care is prioritized over political gamesmanship.
This dramatic reform program has
Tbeen a team effort led on a daily basis by our interim president and CEO, Megan Ryan. Her leadership, combined with the tireless efforts of our new chief financial officer and the entire NHCC management team, has been pivotal in demonstrating that despite chronic challenges, the hospital can thrive, giving peace of mind to future generations.
It is important, however, to acknowledge that our journey is far from over. While the audit results are encouraging and key metrics are positive, there is an underlying and inescapable truth that seems inconvenient for some Albany leaders. As a safety-net hospital, NUMC cannot continue to serve its more than 275,000 patients per year without state aid and higher Medicaid reimbursement rates. We serve a diverse community, including Nassau’s most at-risk patients, many of whom cannot afford to pay for care.
Even though the Legislature just increased the state budget by $8 billion, there continues to be reticence to commit to ensuring that our hospital survives. Our progress shows clearly that our stated goal for NUMC of relying on less aid over time is achievable. But we still need help to provide care for those
who cannot afford to pay.
Claims that the state doesn’t have the money are nonsense. Claims that management isn’t making reforms are patently false. Cutting our staff by 90 percent, which was recommended by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority in 2020, would be an insult to the people who rely on us for care. Caring for our most vulnerable should be government’s top priority, not political jockeying for control over vital institutions.
Nassau needs NUMC. No other hospital can serve our patients. There simply isn’t enough capacity. Other local hospitals are disincentivized from treating Medicare and Medicaid patients and won’t treat the uninsured. While we wait for Albany to recognize that, our team will continue to protect this vital institution. We are determined to address the challenges we face head-on, with the same commitment and resilience that have brought us this far.
Despite what you’ve heard, the future of NHCC is indeed promising. The hospital is treating what has ailed it for decades. This success should be a rallying cry for bipartisan support now for a healthier tomorrow for all we serve.
Matthew J. Bruderman is chairman of the board of directors of Nassau Health Care Corporation, which operates Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility.
Cars, vintage and new, test the young and old
his story is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty and the woefully inexperienced. That’s because I’m related to all the players and, in fact, am a character in the story myself. Please don’t judge.
As you may know, since you were probably a teenager yourself at some point, there comes a time, after your last Big Wheel, after driver’s ed and before your brain matures, when you want to drive. You burn with the desire to hit the road.
In our family, it has been a tradition to help the younger generation get their first cars. Our son got our old Oldsmobile when he was 17, which he drove without incident — except for the very first day, when he got out at a railroad crossing to check a tire and forgot to put the car in park. He got lucky.
Next, we gave our daughter our aging powder-blue Chevy Nova, but she refused to drive the “Mom car” any-
where she might be seen. The shame of it was too much.
They grew up. They got smart. They had kids of their own.
Some weeks ago, as one of the grandkids approached their time to hit the road, a related party, not to be named, gifted said child with a fancy-shmancy automobile so that they “would be safe” on the road, you know, surrounded by tons of metal. First day out, the kid stopped at a light and another driver slammed into them, totaling the car, but thankfully causing no injuries. It was a traumatic launch to a driving career.
out to find where the kid was stuck, realized the problem, and explained: Cars of a certain vintage had hand brakes that had to be released. Brake was released. Car moved. Problem solved.
W hat we learned: Don’t get your emergency driving tips from Instagram.
Said teen now had no car, and needed to get to school and sports and such. So we stepped up and gave the kid our 15-year-old Honda sedan — not very cool, not fancy, but a helpful gift for which the teen was grateful.
We drove our two cars to our son’s home, turned the Honda over to the grandchild and watched as they drove off for the inaugural ride. A half hour later they called to say the car was stuck, making groaning noises and lights were blinking. My husband drove
That night, second time out with the Honda, the grandkid, who was sleeping at a friend’s house, called home at 2 a.m. and told their dad the teens at the sleepover had decided to go out for pizza at midnight. Again, the car was dead. Had the teen left the lights on? We’ll never know.
But teen and friends, ever resourceful, looked up what to do on Instagram, and read that you can push a car down the road and it will start. Somehow, in the magical world of automotive miracles, the engine will just engage.
But that wasn’t what happened. Because it can’t happen with an automatic transmission. They pushed the car down the road and it didn’t start, but it did take off like a rocket and crashing into another car that belonged to one of the other kids’ parents.
Major damage.
Full confessions and remorse all
around. We realized we had some responsibility for not giving the grandkid a lesson in how to drive an old car with no automatic anything. Contrition abounded, and financial arrangements were made for kids to pay for damages from their jobs. For the next decade. Remarkably, none of the adults stroked out.
Next day, still visiting our son, I had no car to drive to the market, so he gave me the key to his new fancy-shmancy automobile. I opened the door and slid behind the wheel, and that’s where my outing ended. The seat and mirrors started adjusting themselves, and I had no idea where to stick the key, how to turn on the car, or what the humming noise was telling me. I couldn’t even find the A.C. This car was so space-age that, for me, it was functionally undrivable.
Is there something to learn from this? Not much, I guess, except that no one, young or old, should get behind the wheel of an automobile unless they know how to start, stop, turn on the lights, and put it in park. Also, if the car is older than 10, mind the handbrake. And never, ever get your emergency driving tips from Instagram.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
RAnDi KREiss
HeraLd editoriaL
Summer brings a greater risk of fires
With summer in full swing, Long Islanders are enjoying warm, sunny weather and creating memories with barbecues, lazy afternoons by the pool and gatherings of family and friends.
Summer weather, however, also brings an increased risk of fires.
HERALD
Whether it’s a backyard grill or a campfire, fire hazards are more prevalent at this time of year, which is why it’s critical to be aware of fire safety practices.
Barbecuing is one of the most popular summertime activities, but grilling outdoors can pose risks if not done properly. Use common sense and fire up propane, charcoal or wood pellet grills outside only — and resist the urge to do so in a garage, even with the garage door open — to avoid any possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Grilling should be done a safe distance from your home, deck railings or any overhanging tree branches, and you should maintain a three-foot safe zone around the grill to keep kids and pets safe. Make sure your grill is on a level, stable surface to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep a close eye on what’s cooking, especially when there are children or pets nearby. After the meal, when using charcoal,
Letters
We need to realize what we’ve got, or it’ll be gone
To the Editor:
This year, patriotism plays a larger role than ever before in my life. The events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the radical Supreme Court made me realize how fragile our democracy really is. Funny, but just like life. You take relationships for granted. You don’t realize how good you have it until they’re gone. Same thing with our constitutional democratic republic.
The Greatest Generation understood that. Thousands went to Normandy to fight for democracy abroad. In contrast, we sound like spoiled brats who don’t appreciate the freedoms our ancestors fought and died for. Some want a dictator in office, a “unified Reich,” as a Trump video suggested. I fear, as does the entire world, that we may no longer be that “city on a hill.” That unpatriotic Americans either do not understand what is at stake, or want the authoritarian regime that Donald Trump promises to rule. Now, substantial immunity and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 would give a president free reign to destroy the American experiment.
once the coals have cooled, put them in a metal can with a lid.
It’s important to clean your grill to prevent a buildup of grease, which can lead to flare-ups and larger grease fires. In case of a grease fire, don’t attempt to put it out with water. The best method is to cover the flame with a metal lid to eliminate the oxygen that fuels it. If a lid isn’t handy, two other alternatives you can reach for to help douse a grease fire are baking soda and salt.
Fireworks are a quintessential part of summertime fun, but they are also extremely dangerous — and illegal in the hands of private citizens. They are also one of the leading causes of summer fires and injuries, as many of us read and heard last weekend, as we do after every Fourth of July. Instead of putting yourself, your family or your friends at risk, attend a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
Fire pits are another summertime tradition. In your backyard, proper fire safety practices are essential. Check for local regulations on the legality of fire pits, and obtain a permit if you risk violating them.
Keep the fire in a fire pit small and manageable, and clear the area around
it of anything flammable, including leaves, dry grass and extra firewood. Never leave a fire unattended, and before you go inside for the night, make sure the fire is completely extinguished by pouring water or sand on it and stirring the ashes until they are cold to the touch.
Check the weather forecast the day you’re planning to use a fire pit, and if there’s any mention of wind, wait for another night. Flying embers can endanger other parts of your property, to say nothing of your house, or your neighbors’ homes.
Finally, summer heat can also increase the risk of fires in your home. Test your smoke alarms, and replace their batteries if needed. Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and in good working order. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with air conditioners, fans and other seasonal appliances, and don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture. Outside, trim trees and shrubs regularly, and dispose of yard waste properly.
Common-sense precautions will go a long way when it comes to preventing fires and ensuring that your summer activities will be memorable for all the right reasons. Be safe this season.
iopinions Like President Reagan said, trust but verify
confess that once you’re in your 80s, you suffer from a variety of ills, major and minor. i’m lucky that the major ones are under control and that i am happily dealing only with a few minor ones, such as an arthritic knee. it’s that knee that triggers this discussion about knees, and fantasies. a few weeks ago, i crossed paths with an old friend from my long Beach days. he noticed me limping down a nearby flight of stairs and asked about my health. i told him that i was dealing with the pain of arthritis in the knee, and was undergoing some treatment. i thought that was the end of the discussion until two weeks later, when i met a friend who happens to be in the same business as my old long Beach buddy.
The first words out of his mouth were, “i heard you were in a wheelchair because of some knee issue.” i assured
him that the rumor was just that, but for that instant i felt sorry for President Biden, who on a daily basis is dealing with these types of gross exaggerations. in my case, my ailments will in no way interfere with my political career, because it is long gone. But poor Biden must deal with this stuff and it isn’t funny.
Jin the course of one week — well before last week’s debate with donald Trump — Biden had to face multiple false claims about his sanity, made by a political underground that thrives on destroying reputations to help Trump. during his trip to Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of d-day, Biden, surrounded by european officials, left the group to greet some paratroopers, and the opposition cropped his photo and claims he wandered off in some type of lost moment.
By now, the much-heralded first presidential debate will have taken place, so i am in no position to have handicapped that event to determine who came off the worst. i leave that decision to the political pundits.
oe Biden has had to face multiple false claims about his sanity. And Trump?
in another photo of the president that got the attention of the opposition, he stood in a crowd swaying to music, and because he didn’t sway, he must have be caught in some type of moment.
Letters
ed our love of this country on July Fourth, and never take it for granted again!
Claudia BoreCky President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club
Laura Gillen employs the usual euphemisms
To the editor:
reading l aura Gillen’s pro-abortion op-ed, “i’m running to fight for women’s freedoms” (June 27-July 3), i’m struck by the question of why we use such euphemisms when it comes to abortion. “Women’s freedoms,” “reproductive health care,” “bodily autonomy.” i s it possible that, deep down, we know how unspeakably wrong abortion is, and we use these slogans to ease our consciences, or to convince ourselves that it is noble?
When a woman wants to have a child, she celebrates the life growing within her from the moment she gets her first positive test. our daughter told us she was pregnant by showing us an ultrasound image taken just weeks into her pregnancy. She was so excited about this new life. What changes if the child is unwanted? is it no longer a life just because it is unwanted? is it not still a developing human child?
We are constantly lectured by the left to “follow the science,” but that argument seems to disappear when it comes to abortion. o ther than conception, there is nothing that happens during the pregnancy that is anything other than a matter of development. of course a baby is not “viable” at 10 or 12 weeks gestation, but a newborn infant is not viable, either. They both need considerable development before they are self-sufficient to any degree.
Women have all the “freedom” in the world — before another life comes into play. Where else in our society do we allow one person to take the life of another with impunity? i f that’s “freedom” or “autonomy,” we should have none of it. What bothers me most about abortion is that we would not treat our pets that badly. Surely we spay and neuter our pets, but if there was a clinic where vets were cutting open those poor unfortunate dogs and cats that found themselves in the midst of unwanted pregnancies and destroying the litters, there would be a public outcry against such a place. That vet would find him or herself in jail before they could blink an eye. Why do we not do that for our children?
PhiliP PreSTamo Pastor, Cornerstone Church Freeport
Which leads me to the case of Trump. in recent weeks he has made more than his share of missteps, but somehow his acolytes can see no wrong. he can rant endlessly about washing machines, electric submarines and sharks and it attracts no criticism from his supporters. he recalls beating President Barack obama in the 2016 election and his defenders claim it’s just donald being donald. he recently spoke about getting migrants to take part in a “migrant league of fighters,” and suggested that the champion might beat the champion of the ultimate Fighting Championship. his remarks do bring back memories of his involvement in the World Wrestling Federation, which became World Wresting entertainment, but that’s just more word salad from the
master word chef.
Trump’s repeated call for Biden to take the montreal Cognitive assessment, which Trump claims he “aced,” are totally off base, because, according to dr. daniela lamas of Boston’s Brigham and Women’s hospital, it isn’t an aptitude test, but rather a screening test for dementia or other cognitive decline. Picking out a whale a dog or a cow doesn’t reflect genius.
There are countless other examples of the gotchas that the candidates can roll out to cut the legs off of their opponents. Some observers claim that Trump’s missteps far outweigh and outnumber Biden’s. To his credit, Biden has not taken on the strange Trump antics, leaving that to the media police.
We still have months to go before Nov. 5, so for now, don’t swallow everything you see on the political scene. in the words of the great President ronald reagan, “Trust, but verify.”
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
We can feel the cool breeze from here — Pryibil Beach, Glen Cove
JerrY kremer
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