Seaford Herald 02-22-2024

__________________ SEAFORD _________________ Enjoy the ride to saving s.

HERALD

Get Results.

Sign Up Today!

Never too old to dance

Page 5

Page 4

Vol. 72 No. 9

FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

THE LEADER IN PROP ERTY TAX REDUCT ION

Sign up today. It on ly takes seconds.

Apply online at mptrg .com/heraldnote or call 516.715.1266

$1.00

Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Grou p, LLC 483 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 Habl

1243244

Spreading love to others

DEADLINE MARCH 1ST

amos Español

Diving into the icy Atlantic for a good cause out to his teammates, who agreed to join him for a swim in the frigid Atlantic to help raise It requires mental fortitude money for the Make-A-Wish to sprint into the Atlantic Ocean Foundation. in the middle of February, but “As a team, we have chemisit’s easier to talk yourself into it try already,” Pascucci said, “but when you have friends to share when we’re there, outside of the experience swimming, doing it with. for a good cause, it Members of the feels nice knowing Wa n t a g h H i g h that we’re doing School boys’ varsity something bigger swim team took than a sport.” par t in the 24th The Splash tracannual Super Bowl es its origin to 1998, Splash in Long when Long Beach Beach on Feb. 11. friends Pete Meyers According to team and Kevin McCarmember Stephen thy took a bracing D’Amato, it was a dip in the ocean on memorable way to Super Bowl Sunday. bond.

StEpHEN D’AMAto The following year, “It was a great they invited their boys’ varsity swim experience, obvineighbors, two of ously, but it was team, whom were Mike more of just the fact Wantagh High School and Patty Bradley, that everyone was whose son, Paulie, t h e re t o g e t h e r, ” had died of leukemia at age 4 in D’Amato said. “It was mostly a 1997. Paulie always wanted to group thing.” swim at the beaches in Puerto The idea to participate in Rico, but never had the chance. what’s also known in Long To honor Paulie’s memory, Beach as the Polar Bear Plunge the swim became a fundraiser came from Wantagh swimmer for the Make-A-Wish foundation Andrew Pascucci, who took part in 2000, and thousands of brave last year with some of his swimmers now take the plunge friends. This year he reached Continued on page 9

By CHARlES SHAW

cshaw@liherald.com

Courtesy Danielle Sinacori

Making ’em laugh Comedienne Michele Fox perfoms onstage at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown. Community members gathered at the club last Sunday for a laughter-filled fundraiser hosted by the Massapequa Park and Long Island Pride Lions clubs. The event raised awareness, and donations, for suicide prevention, childhood cancer, and homeless veterans. Story, more photos, Page 10.

Salk students in ‘Pod Squad’ produce wide variety of podcasts

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Students at Salk Middle School, in Levittown, converted what was a fun club into a place for them to have meaningful conversations and reach out to other students about school life.

Michele DiLevo, a sixth- grade teacher at Salk, launched a podcast club for students last year to provide them with a space to discuss topics they care about. Also known as the Pod Squad, students in the club are given the freedom to create podcast focusing on subjects they’re passionate about, according to DiLevo.

“They’re podcasting about sports events outside of school, they’re podcasting about video

games, about Legos, about puppies,” DiLevo said. “Just pretty much anything they want to, they can have a conversation about it, and it just took off.”

Some of the podcasts encourage students to interact with teachers in a variety of entertaining ways. In one podcast, a student began a song and a teacher was asked to finish the lyrics.

Another podcast, which DiLevo described as “spilling the tea,” required students to ask teachers to reveal an interesting secret about themselves that students might not know.

“It was just nice for students to be able to get teachers involved,” DiLevo said.

During other podcasts, students interview one Continued on page 11

I

t was a great experience, obviously, but it was more of just the fact that everyone was there together.

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

2

“The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

45777_PSEG_AOR_LI_PrintAd_LI_Herald_EcoDev_FULL_v4.indd 1

1247554

psegliny.com/EcoDev

2/5/24 10:42 AM

3

What’s NEWs IN aND OUt OF thE CLassROOM

They didn’t travel abroad, but Seaford High School students learning French and Spanish were immersed in the cultures during a pair of restaurant trips.

About 100 students from Diana Arichabala’s Spanish level 3 classes went to Sangria 71 in Williston Park to taste the flavors of Spain. Plates of appetizers came out including chorizo, croquetas and Manchego cheese with honey. Each student could then select an entrée. A popular choice was paella, a classic rice dish. Following dinner, students were then treated to dessert.

“It was cool experiencing the Spanish culture in person,” sophomore Nick Kanellopoulos said, who has been studying the language since seventh grade. He added that it was great to taste the food and use the Spanish language in an authentic setting.

More than 30 students from Ina Ionescu’s Advanced Placement and pre-AP French classes traveled to Brasserie in Massapequa. After reviewing restaurant etiquette in class, students then put it into practice. They were also able to meet Brasserie’s owner and chef, who spoke to the students in French about the restaurant’s origins.

Appetizers include charcuterie, escargots, mussels and bread with sauce. For entrees, students could choose between a Nutella crepe with berries, quiche Lorraine, Croque Monsieur or Madame and a bistro-style burger with brie and bacon. Desserts were chocolate mousse and a lemon tart.

“We got to taste a little bit of everything,” said Ava Caruso, who went with

Photos courtesy Seaford school district

Juniors and seniors in French classes at Seaford High School traveled to the Brasserie in Massapequa for authentic dining experience. the burger as her meal. “It was really cool hearing the chef speak in French, and I understood it. I really enjoyed being there. It felt like I was in France.”

Patricia Foley, the lead teacher for the World Language department, said that authentic cultural experiences are an important aspect to learning a new language.

Students in Spanish level 3 courses used their knowledge of the language during a trip to Sangria 71 in Williston Park.

Assistant Principal Raphi Morey accompanied French language students on their trip to Brasserie.

Students enjoyed tasting authentic food from Spain on their visit to Sangria 71.

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

HERALD SCHOOLS Seaford students get a taste of cultures

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

4

Senior center hosts Valentine’s day party The Wantagh Senior Center, located at the Church of St. Jude in Wantagh, recently held a Valentine’s Day Party for around 85 seniors.

Last week, attendees enjoyed live music, dancing, singing, and a spread of pizza.

Under the guidance of program manager Lisa Pagliaro, the center has garnered a reputation for hosting engaging holiday events that create lasting memories among seniors.

Despite their age, the seniors showcased their vitality by dancing energetically throughout the celebration.

Operating Monday through Friday, the center offers a wide range of activities, which include crafts, bingo, exercise classes, shopping excursions, The senior center’s Valentine’s Day Party offered and themed parties. Addition- musical entertainment for around 85 seniors, ally, attendees benefit from who danced and sang throughout the event. daily lunch services and transpor tation assistance. This Community Service Centers in the event highlights the center’s role in area, Catholic Charities offers essenenhancing the well-being and social tial services such as transportation, interaction of its participants, provid- hot meals, recreation, entertainment, ing an environment where seniors can education, and health services, aiming enjoy meaningful connections. to meet the diverse needs of the senior The Wantagh Senior Center is part population and promote their overall of Catholic Charities of Long Island’s quality of life. commitment to supporting seniors in Nassau County. With three Senior –Charles Shaw

Photos courtesy Catholic Charities of Long Island

The event offered participants with drinks and pizza to keep them energized after dancing.

Friend • Get local news • Share your content • Comment on stories Follow the _________________

SEAFORD _________________

Program manager Lisa Pagliaro hosts parties at the senior center for most holidays.

At the Valentine’s Day Party, seniors enjoyed music, dancing and food.

_________________ WANTAGH ________________

HERALD

page today!

__________________ SEAFORD _________________

HERALD

HOW TO REACH US

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

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/wantagh ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: wantagheditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 287 E-mail: wantagheditor@liherald.com

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/seaford ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: seafordeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 287 E-mail: seafordeditor@liherald.com

The Wantagh Herald USPS 16790, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.

The Seaford Herald USPS 665800, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

Scan this QR code to visit the Seaford Herald’s Page

Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Wantagh Herald or Seaford Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $9.75 per quarter auto-pay or $50 one-time payment within Nassau County or $60 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2024 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

A purple wave of kindness in Seaford

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

The purple decorations around Seaford Middle School on Feb. 9 emphasized to students that they can have the greatest impact on their school climate. To mark P.S. I Love You Day, an initiative devoted to mental health awareness, there were purple balloons, chains and hearts filling the hallways as a visual reminder.

During A.S.K. advisory sessions the week prior, students learned about the history and meaning of P.S. I Love You Day, as well as actions they can take to spread kindness. Each student then wrote a positive message on a purple heart, which were hung throughout the building including on a kind- Seventh graders Jovie Hartmann and sixth ness wall, outside the main office grade Gabe Peters shared nspirational sticky and in the center staircase. Mem- notes that were place around the school. bers of the Service Club helped one was included, as they placed sticky with the decorating.

Staff from the pupil personnel servic- notes with positive messages around the es department visited sixth grade class- school and wrote kind letters to teachers es to share a video about P.S. I Love You and staff.

“Mental health is incredibly imporDay. They also discussed the negative impacts of spreading rumors, and stu- tant, so we’re bringing awareness to dents learned how words can be misin- that,” said social worker Amanda Robilotto, who coordinated P.S. I Love You terpreted during a game of telephone.

On Feb. 9, students and staff were Day with support from her PPS colencouraged to wear purple, which is the leagues. “We want students to undercolor that symbolizes P.S. I Love You Day stand the impact they have on the people and the message of spreading kindness. around them, and we want that impact The PPS department made sure every- to be a positive one.”

5

Photos courtesy Seaford school district

Seaford Middle School students helped spread kindness by filling a wall with purple hearts and positive messages for P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 9.

HERALD

W IN NER

GREAT MINDS TEACH ALIKE Step into Hofstra University’s world of opportunities with guidance from professionals dedicated to your success. Lead and inspire change with a Master’s in Education. A new chapter of your career awaits.

1245991

LEARN MORE

1248113 Ad Hof_SOE_GreatMindsTeachAlike_HeraldQtrPg_2024.indd 1

1/23/24 2:52 PM

February 22, 2024 — HERALD

6

Artificial intelligence through the years: OpenAI, an artificial intelligence and research company, publicly released ChatGPT-3 on Nov. 30, 2022. Now, a little more than a year later, the sophisticated chatbot — with more than 180 million monthly users — is seemingly developing faster than users can keep up. To understand how this language model became one of the most technologically advanced virtual assistants in the world, you have to go back nearly 75 years.

1952: The term ‘artificial intelligence’ is coined by John McCarthy.

1950:

Computer scientist Arthur Samuel develops a program called ‘Samuel’s Checker Players’ to play checkers, which is the first to ever learn the game independently.

Edward Feigenbaum and Joshua Lederberg create the first ‘expert system’ called Denral, which was AI programmed to replicate the thinking and decision-making abilities of human experts. The purpose of this program was to map the structure of molecules, and to help chemists identify unknown organic molecules.

1965:

1966: MIT professor Joseph Weizenbaum creates the first chatbot called Eliza to simulate human conversations.

The program was designed to mimic human conversation, utilizing words users entered into a computer, and then pairing them to a list of possible scripted responses.

Imagining classrooms — and a future

By Ben Fiebert, Parker Schug & Nicole Wagner First part in 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 — it all starts with an idea. One developed by a computer programmed to mimic the human intelligence process through learning, reasoning and self-correction.

AI is already deeply ingrained in society. Whether it be smartphones with virtual assistants like Siri and Bixby, search engines making suggestions for what we’re looking for online, to even the spam filtering and email categorization in email platforms like Gmail.

The fast-growing advancements of AI may be hard to keep up with, especially as more and more platforms develop that specialize in AI like ChatGPT and Canva.

Television and news outlets focus more on how AI can turn your dog into a Muppet, or how it can instantly write a sonnet about someone’s favorite desserts.

But AI is finding its way into more and more of our everyday lives — and it’s something that has institutions like our public schools racing to find the best ways to not only adapt, but to appropriately integrate AI into the classroom.

Ting Wang, a Stony Brook University associate professor who also directs its Algorithmic Learning, Privacy and Security Lab, describes the original conception of AI as “a feeble attempt to recreate intelligence and to help humans achieve specific tasks.” He believes developers have come a long way in achieving success doing just that.

ChatGPT is a popular example of this. Launched in late 2022, the software describes itself as an online interface that is “like having a conversation with a very knowledgeable and helpful friend — except this friend is actually a computer program.” It has been trained on swaths of data, making it capable of completing many different tasks ranging from gathering information, getting some helpful advice, or even looking to simply have a friendly chat.

“ChatGPT is designed for generating human-like text based on the input it

receives,” ChatGPT responded when asked what it was designed for.

It’s commonly used to answer a variety of questions, or brainstorm ideas. It can help draft emails and compose essays. It can help with extensive research, and even translate text from one language to another.

And for those looking to be a little less serious, ChatGPT can tell jokes, strike up a casual conversation, and even participate in storytelling and roleplaying scenarios.

But it can also write term papers, or essays. Or complete homework. And detecting when AI is being used is virtually impossible. That has created some concerns for school administrators, while at the same time tasking them to redevelop curriculum that prepares future minds for a future where AI is prevalent.

“From the academic perspective, I think one of the challenges is that it’s becoming harder and harder to obtain these AI models because they’re super expensive, the training costs, and have a requirement of huge amounts of data,” Wang said. “Those type of resources are not so accessible for the academia world.”

Where is AI? Google, Bing and other search engines have used forms of artificial intelligence for years, but more recently began making its integration more obvious. Google integrated what it calls “generative AI” into its systems some 20 years ago, which typically predicts the next word in a search phrase.

ChatGPT also can edit certain articles, blog posts or other forms of writing. If someone asks ChatGPT to write an email with specific requirements, for example, the AI can handle it because its “training” has covered these sort of scenarios. What makes ChatGPT unique from other AI platforms, Wang said, is the massive amounts of data that “trains” it.

“You can see many artists, especially digital artists, using this program to create content that you cannot easily create manually,” Wang said.

Brett Tanzer — a product management vice president for Microsoft’s cloud platform, Azure — says models created

by AI developers are installed in products like Bing and Microsoft Copilot, an

Nicole Wagner/Herald

A reporter asks ChatGPT to describe not only itself, but the artificial intelligence language model that powers it. AI has gone from science-fiction to science-fact, and schools are among a number of institutions around the world working to adapt.

AI companion technology which utilizes ChatGPT among other language models, to aid users in their day-to-day lives.

This helps users brainstorm alternatives for ideas on a given issue if they get stuck.

“It’s already being applied to help people reduce workforce time,” Tanzer said.

Creatives aren’t the only ones utilizing AI for their work. Many in the health care industries are using AI products like those offered by Microsoft to accelerate medical research for advanced treatment and diagnosis of diseases.

“That’s really helping practitioners and doctors in their day-to-day experiences with patients,” Tanzer said.

Educators are utilizing AI in classrooms around Nassau County. In Franklin Square, for example, a robot named Milo interacts with students to help them hone their social and emotional skills.

Pamela Taylor, Franklin Square’s pupil personnel services director, said at the time the school had done a lot of

training to bring Milo into the classroom.

While Milo is the first robot of its kind to be used in a Long Island classroom, its ability to work with students on their confidence in emotional skills is something Taylor is eager to spread throughout the district.

“We are looking to expand,” she said, “because he’s appropriate for all learners.”

An artificial intelligence elective course at Bellmore-Merrick school district’s Sanford H. Calhoun High School is teaching students about the basic principles of AI through exposure to machine-learning algorithms in Python computer programming language.

Danielle Caliendo, a math and computer science chair at Calhoun, says this course prepares students for careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“It also equips them with the skills necessary for today’s world where artificial intelligence is shaping the way we live and work,” Caliendo said, in a ConTInued on neXT PAGe

1980s: AI is booming. Government funding led to breakthroughs in research. The use of the expert system program becomes more popular, allowing computers to learn from their mistakes and make independent decisions. This leads to the development of the Fifth Generation Computer project, with a goal of creating computers that could converse in human language and express reasoning on a human level.

1970s:

2011: Apple releases Siri, the first popular virtual assistant, found primarily on the company’s iPhones.

1997:

Amazon releases the Echo, powered by a voicecontrolled intelligent personal assistant named Alexa. These devices are smart speakers equipped with microphones for voice commands.

2016: Google releases the Google Assistant and its voice-activated speaker: the Google Nest.

OpenAI starts beta testing GPT-3, a model that uses deep learning — a method of AI that teaches computers to process data in a way that mimics the human brain — to create code, poetry and other writing tasks.

2020:

2014:

Seeing artificial intelligence in daily life? ties to transform power in engineering, productivity, health care and cybersecurity.

Wang envisions ChatGPT becoming even What does the future hold for AI? more customizable and personalized than it is now. Although it’s already Overall AI research at Stony quite adaptable, users have their Brook is intended to maximize own individual requirements the practical impact of artificial and writing styles that ChatGPT intelligence. Wang works on AI’s is not necessarily trained to resilience against malicious understand. manipulations, preserving pri“You may want the program vacy among users, and making to draft an email in your own the data written by AI more style and have your own specific transparent and interpretable to writing requirements,” Wang users. said, “and currently, the chatbot “People don’t have a great may not be able to do that. understanding of what AI can ”It’s an ever-evolving landand can’t do,” Wang said. “I scape,” Wang said. “I think from think people use AI as a magical the perspective of classroom box, and it actually may not TIng WAng teaching, people are still trying work as expected for normal associate professor to figure out what is the best users.”

Stony Brook way to harness the power of AI, As AI models become more University and at the same time kind of sophisticated, Tanzer said, limit and curve the harmful Microsoft has its sights set on impact of this technology.” developing models with advanced capabili-

third-grade students at franklin Square’s John Street School learn how to hone their social and emotional skills with the help of milo the robot. equipped with adaptive artificial intelligence, milo is designed to read facial cues from those around him to teach students techniques to cope with their emotions.

Continued from PreViouS Page

recent interview.

Y

ou can see many artists . . . to create content that you cannot easily create manually.

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald file

CONNECT • COLLABORATE • CELEBRATE

are needed to see this picture.

Produced By

RICHNER

JOIN US TUESDAY • APRIL 16

6:00PM • THE HERITAGE CLUB AT BETHPAGE

NOMINATE TODAY at RichnerLIVE.com/Nominate For more information or to sponsor contact Amy Amato at aamato@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 x224

1248492

Long Island’s best and brightest legal professionals will be recognized at the Fifth Annual Herald Top Lawyers Awards Gala. Nominate yourself or another deserving legal professional who has achieved excellence and given back to their communities.

7

HERALD — February 22, 2024

The U.S. government showed little interest in continuing to fund AI research.

Deep Blue — a computer run by the AI program alpha–beta search algorithm and developed by IBM — beats world chess champion Gary Kasparov, becoming the first computer program to beat a human chess champion. This kickstarts an era introducing AI into everyday life through innovations such as the first Roomba and speech recognition software on Windows computers.

Hundreds unite to remember Beckwith

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

Bob Beckwith rushed out of retirement as a New York City firefighter to help a friend find his missing son at ground zero, three days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that shook New York City — and the country — to its core.

This selfless choice turned Beckwith into a beacon of hope for the nation when he stood on the rubble at President George W. Bush’s side — hope he embodied until the day he died on Feb. 4. He was 91.

Beckwith ultimately succumbed to a 9/11-related melanoma, and was remembered by family, friends, leaders and a large number of off-duty firemen during Beckwith’s Feb. 10 funeral in Baldwin, before he was buried at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale.

Some will remember Beckwith for the iconic photo and video featuring him with Bush on Sept. 14, 2001, while others recall how Beckwith was a humble man who would sit in the back row of St. Christopher’s Church in Baldwin every Saturday evening while still finding time to visit a Levittown diner with his friends each week.

Beckwith enjoyed playing the piano, fishing, watching “Jeopardy,” spending time with his grandchildren, and attending their lacrosse games. He also took part Irish step dance competitions, and spent time at the Baldwin American Legion post.

Beckwith was an ordinary man, he would proclaim, who by chance was given the opportunity to uplift Americans during one the country’s darkest times.

Beckwith was retired for more than a decade after 30 years of service with the New York City Fire Department when he learned the son of his old friend, Jimmy Boyle, was missing amid the ruins of the twin towers.

Christine Rivera/Herald

Firefighters salute the casket of Bob Beckwith as it is placed on top of a Baldwin Fire Department fire truck.

Having lost two sons of his own, Beckwith understood the grief Boyle was going through.

So, he sprang into action and headed to ground zero while the rest of the nation remained in shock.

Beckwith later described how he was just in the right spot at the right time. Bush was paying his respects to those lost at ground zero, and wanted to speak directly to those who were digging through the rubble looking for survivors.

The president spotted Beckwith, and had him stand next to him where, using a megaphone, Bush delivered

inspiring words, with his arm draped around Beckwith.

“America, today, is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, and for the families who mourn,” Bush said at the time.

Bush would remain close to Beckwith, and shared a statement for former U.S. Rep. Peter King to read at his funeral.

“Laura and I are saddened by the passing of Bob Beckwith,” Bush said, explaining how the retired firefighter raced toward danger, showcasing the resilient spirit of all Americans during 9/11.

“I want to say that no one is indispensable,” King said in his own eulogy. “Bob Beckwith is indispensable.

He was one of a kind.”

Beckwith was born April 16, 1932 in Astoria. After graduating from Rice High School in Manhattan in 1952, Beckwith joined the U.S. Navy n the tail end of the Korean war, before going on to study at LaGuardia Community College.

After graduating, Beckwith held various jobs like driving for UPS. But it was in 1964 Beckwith became an FDNY firefighter, kickstarting a 30-year career with the department.

Beckwith met his wife Barbara at a picnic in 1956.

They were married a year later, settling down on Fairview Avenue in Baldwin, where they raised their six children.

Beckwith retired from the FDNY in 1994. He would find himself enjoying time at home, entertained by his two great-grandsons with a smile across his face.

Besides his wife, Beckwith is survived by daughter Christine; sons Bob, Richard and Stephen; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons Joseph and Tommy.

WE MAKE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

ONE-STOP

PRINTING SOLUTION! LY OWN MI for

ED

60

FA

YEARS

• Quality printing • Full-service excellence • Reliable mailing • Unrivaled customer service • Fast turnaround • Innovative solutions

Elevate your business communication with

RICHNER

PRINTING

and MAILING SERVICES LLC

Where Excellence Meets Efficiency!

Michael Karff Senior Sales Executive 516-569-4000 (#288) mkarff@richnerprinting.com 2 Endo Blvd, Garden City

1247277

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

8

Wantagh varsity swimmers raise $2,000

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

Continued from page 1

N O R T H A M E R I CA’S

1 Selling

#

Charles Shaw/Herald

members of the Wantagh High School boys’ varsity swim team raised over $2,000 by taking part in the 24th annual Super Bowl Splash in Long Beach on feb. 11.

“We would all get out, then we would be freezing, and then ask who wants to go again,” he said.

After a couple of plunges, Panella said, he was charged with adrenaline, and barely noticed the cold as he walked back to his car, soaking wet and shirtless.

Teammate Thomas Taggart had a similar experience — but for his feet. “I had to walk back to the car, and it was a block away,” Taggart said. “I was like, barefoot, and I could not feel my feet.”

D’Amato said the experience brought the team together, especially because it took place at the end of their swimming season. D’Amato and Pascucci, who are both seniors, said they hoped their younger teammates

Attorney advertising

FREE Back by Pop SHOW ular De ER P mand!

AC K A GE !

Walk-In Tub

Protecting Your Future with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Featuring our Free Shower Package

New York and Federal Estate Taxes

Now you can finally have all of the soothing benefits of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package! ✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 13VH11096000

✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to offer a seated shower option ✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub ✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price

Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better, more aff ordable walk-in tub!

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Call Toll-Free 516-717-4717 With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase.

1-516-717-4717 FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT

The current exemption from New York estate taxes is 6.94 million, indexed for inflation. For most clients this presents no issue – their estates will never approach the exemption. However, for the fortunate few who have assets, including life insurance, that may exceed roughly seven million dollars, there is a significant tax liability.

Changes in New York estate tax law in the last few years introduced a “fiscal cliff”. Whereas formerly New York only taxed the amount over the exemption, if you exceed the limit today (by a mere 5%) they tax the whole estate. You’re over the cliff!

The tax is surprisingly large. On a roughly seven million dollar estate, the taxes payable to New York exceed five hundred thousand dollars. An estate over ten million would owe over a million in estate tax.

These New York estate taxes are avoidable if you have a spouse and you create an estate plan using two trusts, which doubles the exemption.

Another way to avoid the fiscal cliff is to use the “Santa Clause” providing that you gift to charities of your choice all amounts over the exemption. Gifts to charities are deductible

from estate taxes.

While the Federal estate tax exemption of 13.61 million is “portable”, i.e. if the first spouse doesn’t use their exemption or any part of it, it passes to the surviving spouse, New York does not allow for portability. It’s use it or lose it.

The Federal exemption is expected to be reduced from the 13.61 million exemption, passed by the Trump administration, to the 6.94 million, adjusted for inflation, that New York uses, at the end of 2025. For larger estates, there remains a planning opportunity by making gifts while the higher exemption is in place. You may use any of your Federal estate tax exemptions to make gifts while you are living. These gifts are reported to the IRS and get subtracted from what you may give at death.

One added attraction to gifting is that New York does not tax gifts -- so that gifts may also be used to avoid onerous New York estate taxes at death. There is a minor exception that gifts made within three years of the death of the donor are brought back into the donor’s estate for New York estate tax purposes.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991

Call Today for Your Free Shower Package

trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid

Visit us at trustlaw.com to learn more or search Ettinger Law on YouTube for our elder law estate planning videos

FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com 1246323

PLUS $1600 OFF

would come back next year, and make the plunge an annual tradition for the team.

Wantagh High Principal Paul Guzzone commended the swimmers for taking part in the event and raising money for a good cause. Guzzone himself has taken the plunge in the past, and knows exactly what they experienced.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them,” he said. “This is something that they kind of did on their own. They didn’t necessarily do it connected to a school-affiliated event. They’re just a bunch of young men that wanted to make a difference, have fun and make some waves, which they did.”

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

1248351

each year. Since its inception, the event has raised over $9 million to help make wishes come true for children with serious illnesses.

“Wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that can lead to better health outcomes for kids with critical illnesses,” Phil Lussier, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York, said. “The commitment and generosity of this community is making a life-changing difference for these children. We cannot thank them enough.”

The Wantagh swimmers said they raised over $2,000 for the cause. Each team member donated when they signed up, and asked friends and family members to do so as well. They said they recruited more than 20 people to participate, and those who didn’t want to take the cold plunge donated money instead.

Before the whistle blew to signal the start of the event, D’Amato said, he and his teammates huddled on the beach to pump themselves up. When they heard the whistle, the swimmers and thousands of other participants rushed into the ocean. In the moment when they dived in, D’Amato added, he and his teammates were one.

“It felt like we just jumped off the Titanic,” he recounted. “It was kind of a shock when I first jumped in. I couldn’t breathe, but after I was able to catch my breath, it was such an exhilarating experience.”

Pascucci said his body went numb when he jumped in, while teammate Joseph Panella said he felt the cold mostly in his feet.

“I went in and I was immediately numb, and my feet were just so cold, like a sharp pain,” Panella said. “You didn’t know if you just stepped on a shell.”

After he and his teammates made their way back to the beach, Panella said, some dived back into the water.

9

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

10

A night of laughter to help those in need The Massapequa Park Lions Club and the Long Island Pride Lions Club hosted a comedy night fundraiser on Feb. 18 at the Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown.

The event, organized by Sue Piccolo and Sharon Wozniak, was an opportunity to raise money and awareness for charities that affect the community. All donations went to charity, primarily suicide prevention, childhood cancer, and homeless veterans in the community.

The comedy night was complete with over 180 people in attendance, more than an hour of laughter, awards and raffles.

“We have three clubs in the area and we’re very focused on our clubs and giving back to the community,” said Piccolo.

Every August for five years, the Pride Lions Club and the Massapequa Lions help host a bowling fundraiser together, the money going to similar charities to help the marginalized. Over 300 people make it each year to give back to people in their community.

“They say where there’s a need, there’s a lion, and that’s what Sue and I do,” Wozniak said, “not just for our community but for everyone around as well.”

–Rachel Bamgbose

Danielle Sinacori/Herald photos

Comedians Ivory Fields @ivoryfieldscomedy, left, with FatJay @fatjaysworld, Tom McGuire @TomMcguireComedy, Michele Fox @ MicheleFoxComedian, Joe Crovella @Joe.Crovella, and Sean Brown @SeanBComedy.

A packed crowd showed up at Governor’s Comedy Club last Sunday for a night of laughter and to help those in need.

Jerry Truzzolino, left, and John Mollura looking to win big prizes during the raffle at the Comedy Night Fundraiser in Levittown.

Sean Brown performing at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown during a fundraiser to benefit the community.

President of Long Island Pride Lions Michael Caputo, left, with Massapequa Lions President Sue Piccolo and Massapequa Park Lions Club President Sharon Wozniak.

A raffle at the comedy fundraiser, which helped raise money for those in need. All donations at the comedy fundraiser went to charity, primarily suicide prevention, childhood cancer, and homeless veterans in the community.

Students build confidence in podcast club

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

Continued from page 1

Courtesy Levittown Public Schools

michele diLevo, far left, is the adviser of the Salk middle School’s podcast club, whose student members record episodes about their academic experiences. record have spurred students to use critical thinking skills, making them more comfortable to talk with each other.

“Talking about something that they’re passionate about with people that they’re familiar with kind of helps push them to be more confident in the way that they talk,” DiLevo said.

DiLevo said students are passionate about the podcast club, and she expressed hope that the content students create can benefit others. For a future project, DiLevo says she would like to reach out to elementary schools in the district to find books in their curriculum and have club members at Salk Middle School record

themselves reading it for a podcast, so elementary students can have an audio aid in class.

DiLevo said she wants the podcast club to be a safe environment where students can talk, think and collaborate on things outside of academics. The club provides students the opportunity to socialize and hold conversations with fellow classmates, preparing them for experiences later in life, according to DiLevo.

“It gives them experience with how to have conversations and how they should be formatted, and listening instead of talking over people and how effective it is,” DiLevo said. “I think in a bunch of different areas it can help them excel in the future.”

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

NASSAU COUNTY

SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM 2024

JULY 1 - AUGUST 8, 2024 AGES 5 TO 12 | PROGRAM DAY: 8:30am – 4:00pm LOCATIONS:

WANTAGH PARK & CANTIAGUE PARK

INFO AND ONLINE REGISTRATION:

www.NassauCountyNY.gov/Parks

Call: 516-572-0245 | Email: ncsummerrec@nassaucountyny.gov

1246029

another on topics related to mental health and what to do if they’re having a tough time. In one segment, called “Dark Answers,” students discuss relatable experiences while navigating middle school, such as test anxiety. DiLevo said that students relate better to these experiences when they hear about them from a fellow student, rather than an adult telling them everything will be OK. “It’s a totally different ballgame when you’re hearing people that are on your level,” she said.

DiLevo, who is the club’s adviser, said students follow a format to map out how they want to record each podcast episode. They fill out a form, writing down their thoughts, and what they plan to talk about in each episode. After the planning phase, they record, edit and then have it published.

The club uses an app called Spotify for Podcasters, which provides students with an easy-to-use recording and editing process. Using the app, they choose which parts of the recording they want to keep and which ones they want to delete, and even add background music throughout their podcast.

“They’re creating, they’re editing, and then they’re publishing it on their own,” DiLevo said. “So it is a pretty extensive process to publish it.”

DiLevo said she’s surprised how quickly the students are picking up on it, and sometimes they will show her something new about the app.

Through her club, students are learning important skills in communication and confidence building, according to DiLevo. She added that students don’t always have time for conversations with peers at school because there’s little time in class to talk with fellow students while teachers are carrying out their lessons.

Face-to-face conversations about what podcasts to

11

12

MEET THE 2024 HONOREES*

BROKER OF THE YEAR Ron Koenigsberg President American Investment Properties

CONSTRUCTION GROUP OF THE YEAR The Kulka Group FATHER & SON POWER TEAM Dan Pulatani Vice President MP Construction D, Inc.

Mel Pulatani

President MP Construction D, Inc.

ENGINEERING Christopher W. Robinson, PE President R&M Engineering

INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Beth Donner Founder Beth Donner Design

NOT-FOR-PROFIT Eric Alexander

HOST

KEYNOTE

ANTOINETTE BIORDI 4X AWARD-WINNING REPORTER NEWS 12 ANCHOR/REPORTER

SARA GORE TV HOST , NBC UNIVERSAL LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST, SERHANT.

02.28.24

POWER DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR Steven Krieger, Esq. CEO B2K Development

POWER REAL ESTATE DUO Kathy Kirby-Viard

RichnerLIVE’s third annual R.E.A.L. Awards will spotlight entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries in Long Island’s real estate and related industries who have achieved success in their respective roles while also being actively involved in community contributions and advocacy.

PURCHASE TICKETS richnerlive.com/realawards

RICHNER

A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit a local charity.

To sponsor or purchase a congratulatory ad, contact Amy Amato at aamato@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 Ext. 242

DAMIANOS 55 REALTY GROUP ®

YEARS

& CRONIN CCCRONIN Law Firm, PLLC &

Partner Harris Beach PLLC

Jacquelyn L. Mascetti, Esq. Partner Herman Katz LLP

BROKERS Paul Leone

Senior Vice President CBRE

David B. Sargoy

Director-Commercial Real Estate Division Brown Harris Stevens Commercial Real Estate

DEVELOPERS Pelops Damianos

Principal Damianos Realty Group LLC

Senior Manager, Economic Development Amazon

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

International Empire Electrical Corp.

ELEVATOR Donald Gelestino

President & CEO Champion Elevator Corp.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Lisa M.G. Mulligan

TRITEC Real Estate Shoregate Project

PROJECT REDEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR Michael F. Puntillo President PX4 Development, LLC

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT / DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR Joseph A. Farkas CEO & Founder Metropolitan Realty Associates LLC

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BROKER Gina Coletti Licensed Real Estate Broker GC Advisory Group Inc

CEO Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

Kelly Murphy

Acting Executive Director Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

TAX CERTIORARI Cara P. Cronin, Esq.

Partner Cronin & Cronin Law Firm, PLLC

TITLE INSURANCE Angelo Santomauro

Senior Partner & Vice President All State Abstract

RESIDENTIAL

RISING STARS Daniel Scarda

AGENTS Michelle Keegan

Marco Scarda

Julia Krispeal

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Director of Corporate Finance The Crest Group Director of Business Development The Crest Group

Jonathan Schuman

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson SERHANT.

Deborah Pirro

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

Vice President Breslin Realty Development Corp.

ATTORNEY Anthony A. Nozzolillo, Esq.

Senior Associate Cushman & Wakefield

BROKERS Michael Foley

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Stephen Cadorette TRAILBLAZER Sara Gore

Attorney at Law Anthony A. Nozzolillo, Esq.

Licensed Real Estate Broker Frontline Realty Group

Dr. Sharon R. Frank

TV Host NBC Universal Luxury Real Estate Specialist SERHANT.

Expert Realtor & Business Strategist Sharon R. Frank Real Estate LLC

COMMERCIAL

ARCHITECT Mark Stumer

Kevin Leatherman

Licensed Real Estate Broker Leatherman Homes

Connie Pinilla

Principal Agent The Connie Pinilla Team at Compass

Principal Mojo Stumer Associates

Natasha Williams

SILVER SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

Jack M. Martins, Esq.

President/LEED AP Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp.

Justin Breslin

are needed to see this picture.

Member Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC

Peter Morris

Licensed Associate Broker Blue Island Homes

PRODUCED BY

Elisabetta T. Coschignano, Esq.

ENVIRONMENTAL Chuck Merritt

Owner & Broker Signature Premier Properties

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale NY

Partner Cullen and Dykman LLP

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Brad Griggs

Director Vision Long Island

Owner & Broker Signature Premier Properties

6:00PM

ATTORNEYS Marna E. Bernstein, Esq.

Licensed Real Estate Broker Cornelius Group Real Estate

*List in formation

1248470

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

SPECIAL AWARDS

STEPPING OUT

13

Become a bookish

Discover Eric Carle’s tiny world of insects in new sensory adventure

By Danielle Schwab

In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.

That’s how the journey started for Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar, the beloved character from his acclaimed picture book of the same name. Now, Long Island Children’s Museum takes the magnifying glass to Carle’s curious bugs in its newest exhibit, “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.”

Created by the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, it’s a follow-up of sorts to last year’s popular Mo Willems exhibit, which also encouraged kids to step into the creative imagination of a beloved author-illustrator.

Visitors find themselves inside the pages of Carle’s colorful books. His “Very” series — all illustrated in his hand-painted tissue paper collage technique — introduces five special insects who take journeys of discovery. Each story is a testament to Carle’s love of nature along with his recurring themes of friendship, creativity, and the power of imagination.

The colorful picture books — more than 70 in all — have been captivating young children since Carle’s first publishing effort, the counting book “1,2,3 to the Zoo,” in 1968.

From there, his “Very” books took off the following year, beginning with the one that started it all, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” of course. Families were immediately captivated

by Carle’s little bugs with big emotions.

There’s a deep-felt connection to the insects, according to Ashley Niver, the museum’s education director.

“Children have a fascination with things that are even smaller than they are because they’re usually the ones looking up at the world,” she said. “I find that they have a lot of care and concern for these small living things. They enjoy the roleplay of being a friend of one or becoming one, like wearing the wings of a butterfly and flying around.”

And, naturally, the insatiable caterpillar holds a special place in everyone’s hearts.

“We’ve had parents mention that they read ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ as a child and now they are reading it to their child,” Niver says. “The messaging is something that resonates.”

The exhibit may be indoors, but the focus is fully on the outside world, exploring the diversity of the insect kingdom through Carle’s imagination.

“A lot of people relate to ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both singer and actor.

Experience her inimitable talent in a spellbinding evening of song that showcases her extraordinary vocal range. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Grammys and an Emmy, McDonald possesses a ‘lustrous lyric soprano’ (The New York Times) and an incomparable gift for dramatic truth-telling. This stage and screen icon lends her luminous voice and committed stage presence to an intimate concert of Broadway favorites, standards, seldomheard gems, and so much more, accompanied by pianist Jeremy Jordan. With Tony wins in all four eligible acting categories, countless other theatre honors — and a National Medal of Arts conferred

by President Barack Obama in 2015, among her other accolades — McDonald is among the most lavishly awarded performers of our time.

Friday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtesy Long Island Children’s Museum

From caterpillar to butterfly, spider and cricket beetle, Eric Carle’s insects hold a special place in everyone’s childhood. Each element in the gallery relates to specific books in the ‘Very’ series. but there are a lot of other lovely stories,” Niver says. “I don’t think that everyone is as well-versed in some of his other books, so I’m happy that this features some more of them.”

Tumble in the grass, weave a web, find a friend, and even become a butterfly during your visit.

• Now through May 12, Upon arrival, visitors can follow the Very Tuesday through Sunday, Hungry Caterpillar’s path on a journey through larger10 a.m.-5 p.m. than-life pages of the book, eating foods on the way to • $17 museum admission, becoming a butterfly. Once the end is reached, you’re $16 seniors 65 and older; now ready to spread your wings. additional fees for theater The Very Busy Spider component includes a programming giant, web-like structure to step through. This activity • View the events calendar at LICM.org for additional tests dexterity, strength and flexibility as kids move information, or call across the challenging surface.

(516) 224-5800 At the Very Busy Spider’s Weaving Wall • Long Island Children’s everyone can try to spin their own web on the large Museum, Museum Row, wall, experimenting with a variety of stringy materials.

Garden City.

Master new skills at the Very Clumsy Click Beetle Playscape. Here, visitors rummage across a pile of pebbles, crawl through tall blades of grass, step across stepping stones, and walk across the stem of a poppy flower in this playful landscape.

Step up to the challenge and persevere like The Very Clumsy Click Beetle.

Also try to catch some light at the Very Lonely Firefly “Find Your Light” interactive station. Move hands and body to lure a firefly toward you. Even work with others to attract multiple fireflies and try to form a group of the beautifully lit insects.

At another component, kids can touch The Very Quiet Cricket and his friends on a relief mural to trigger a sound and create a one-of-a-kind musical composition.

The various insect sounds harmonize together to make a “symphony” comprised of rhythms and sounds found in nature.

The exhibit’s studio portion offers up facts about Carle’s life and artistic process.

“Yellow was his favorite color,” Niver says. “Yellow was always the most challenging for him, which I thought was a cool fact. He only mastered four shades of yellow.”

After all that busyness being a bug, families may want to relax by taking a moment to read some books. The nook area is a cozy spot where everyone can nuzzle up in a reading cocoon and read the “Very” stories together.

Through his stories, Carle reminds us: “Simplify, slow down, be kind. And don’t forget to have art in your life — music, paintings, theatre, dance and sunsets.”

Flogging Molly Celtic-punk rockers Flogging Molly have hit the road with their ‘Road to Rebellion’ tour, sure to rouse audiences with their anthemic odes to the Emerald Isle. Formed in L.A. in 1997 by Irish expat Dave King, the band got its start (and its name) from local bar Molly Malone’s, where they performed, grew their following, and laid down the blueprint for eventual success.

Their infectious Celtic-tinged reels are perfect for dancing along to, for those who love their Irish heritage, and those who just want a good time. Expect an eclectic mix of old favorites, sing-a-longs, rare acoustic numbers and new material — all strung together by King’s cheeky tales and jokes and first-rate musicianship. With numerous latenight television appearances, a soldout Salty Dog Cruise through the Caribbean, and a yearly St. Patrick’s Day Festival in L.A., the band’s juggernaut continues.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. $79.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

Audra McDonald

Your Neighborhood

School budget workshops

THE

March

Tusk

Tusk goes their own way, visiting the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to Fleetwood Mac,, Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Since forming in 2008, Tusk has prided themselves on being the ultimate tribute to ‘70s supergroup.

No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note for note renditions With Tusk it’s all about respect and authenticity. A group of seasoned musicians that go back some 25 years, their attention to detail, talent and reverence of their subjects has been critically acclaimed, resulting in their accolades as the premiere purveyors of ‘Mac. Time, trust, and close friendship have cultivated an intimate familiarity with each other’s musical nuances, shaping each performance with such precision that even the slightest variation, virtually imperceptible to all but the five musicians sharing the stage, is met with a wink and a nod, and usually an inside joke.

Tusk is more than a band; they are a family. So if you’re jonesing for your fix of Fleetwood, you’re in the right place! Made up of Kathy Phillips (as Stevie Nicks on vocals), Scott McDonald (as Lindsey Buckingham, guitar and vocals), Kim Williams (as Christine McVie, keys and vocals), Randy Artiglere (as John McVie, bass) and Tom Nelson (as Mick Fleetwood on drums) the five-piece band will transport you back to the group’s glory days with a set list including hits such as the “The Chain,” “Dreams,” ‘Go Your Own Way,” and more, alongside rare gems fans will love hearing again. $63, $53, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

1

Family theater It’s a beautiful sunny summer day in the meadow. Leo Lionni’s beloved children’s books come to life once again, in “Frederick,” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6:15 p.m. (sensory-friendly performance); Saturday, Feb. 23 ,11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Mouse friends Nellie, Sunny, Baby, Ernest, and Frederick are playing their musical instruments and having fun singing, until a leaf falls from the sky — autumn is here! Winter will be coming soon. All the mice get to work gathering supplies for winter, except, where is Frederick? He is gathering supplies, too, in his own unique way.

With toe-tapping Americana music inspired by bluegrass, gospel, and folk, this is an engaging tale about the power of the arts, community, and that no mouse gets left behind. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only.

Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Wantagh School District will be offering four community workshops on the 20242025 budget. All residents are invited to attend the forums, which will include budget presentations and opportunities for comments and questions. Three evening workshops are held, Monday, March 11; Monday, March 18; and Tuesday, April 2, all starting at 7 p.m. in the Wantagh High School cafeteria.

A daytime workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at Wantagh Public Library. 3297 Beltagh Ave.

Movie matinee See a movie on Wantagh Library’s big screen, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2:30 p.m. Enjoy “Wonka,” the 2023 prequel to the classic Roald Dahl tale.

Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, “Wonka” tells how great inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka everyone knows.

With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.

3285 Park Ave., Wantagh.

Visit WantaghLibrary.org for information or call (516) 2211200

Direct Mail Specialists

516-569-4000 ext 288 mkarff@richnerprinting.com 2 Endo Blvd Garden City

Let us plan your campaign and heIp grow your business

1245497

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

14

Bird walk

Breastfeeding Support Group

Nellie McKay performs The effervescent multiinstrumentalist singer-songwriter returns to My Father’s Place with music from her recently released album, “Hey Guys, Watch This,” Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Recorded in Charleston, West Virginia with The Carpenter Ants and a roving retinue of musical compadres, her album traces the haunted sounds of Appalachia to a renaissance of revelry.

Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit MFPProductions. com or call (516) 580-0887.

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital.

Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For info, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital.

In concert Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Linda Ipanema and The Dixie Cats, Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m., at Seaford Public Library.

Their concert, “It’s a Great Day for the Irish,” features beloved Irish classics. Registration required. 2234 Jackson Ave. Visit SeafordLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1334.

Feb.

25

Art talk Join Scott Defrin, owner of European Decorative Arts in Greenvale for Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibit related program “Collecting Decorative Arts During the Gilded Age; Connoisseurship vs. Decoration,” Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.

New York was the center for collecting during the Gilded Age. More money was spent on fine art, decorative art and interior decoration than at any time in American history. From Carnegie to Frick, and Morgan to Vanderbilt, Defrin discusses the different approaches to collecting among these magnates and how their fortunes helped establish the permanent collections of today’s museums.

Limited seating with registration required.1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Having an event?

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.

A Taste of Thailand

Siam Emerald, Rockville Centre's new Thai Hot Spot, harmonizes traditional and innovative flavors, offering a delightful journey through ancient recipes reimagined for contemporary palates.

Princesses and other enchanting heroes and heroines take to the stage, when Plaza Theatricals presents its Winter Princess concert, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, 11 a.m. Take part in an interactive singa-long featuring an array of everyone’s favorite winter characters. $15. See it at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore (Friday) or at Elmont Memorial Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont (Saturday). For tickets, visit PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

The South Shore Audubon Society welcomes all to join its members for another in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Sunday, Feb. 25, starting at 9 a.m. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet in parking lot #3, off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway.

To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if it rains, snows or the temperature is below 25 degrees. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

15

On stage

AARP Tax Preparation Wantagh Library hosts tax preparation sessions aimed at low to moderate income taxpayers with simple returns. IRS-Certified AARP Tax-Aide Foundation tax preparers will be available most Tuesdays, through April 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required. 3285 Park Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit WantaghLibrary. org or call (516) 221-1200.

Valentine’s Day dance social Salsa Sensation Latin Dance Studio presents a hot new salsa session. Open to all levels, the salsa and bachata night, Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 p.m., will be a celebration of Latin culture with dance lessons. 3000 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown. Entrance fee is $15. To purchase tickets visit AllEvents.in/levittown/ dance-social.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Wantagh Chamber of Commerce hosts its 4th annual Wantagh St. Patrick’s Parade, Sunday, March 17. The parade will step off at 2 p.m. from Wantagh High School, 3297 Beltagh Ave. This year’s grand marshal is John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit WantaghChamber.

WildApricot.org.

Game time Join the JULIETS for Mah Jongg and card games at Congregation Beth Tikvah, every Thursday, noon-4 p.m. (doors open 11:30 a.m.). Open to women and men. $5 per person.

3710 Woodbine Ave. For more information email mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or contact Beth Tikvah office at (516) 7852445.

MORE UNBUBBLIEVAB LE

THAN EVER!

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL! ENJOY

10% OFF

“ IT WILL BLOW YO-OPURRAHMWINFINREDY ! ”

With coupon only. Expiration 3/3/24

www.siamemerald.com 88A N. Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

(516) 678-0886

1248349

Telecharge.com T elecharge.com or 212.239.6200 New World orld Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com

1243272

YOUR ENTIRE DINE IN CHECK

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

16

Nassau County PD says goodbye to K-9 Kai The Nassau County Police Department said goodbye to Kai, a retired K-9, on Jan. 4.

Kai was born on March 25th, 2011, joined the NCPD in March 2012, and retired in early 2020.

K-9 Kai, alongside handler retired police officer Chris Peters, dedicated his life to the NCPD and its citizens. The hard work, endless training, and dedication of K-9 Kai and Officer Peters lead to numerous apprehensions and arrests of dangerous subjects during his career. In addition to apprehending criminals, K-9 Kai protected the citizens of Nassau County by conducting well over 100 bomb sweeps and aiding in locating missing persons.

When K-9 Kai wasn’t busy with his police responsibilities, K-9 Kai and Officer Peters would visit and conduct demonstrations for various groups and people, including but not limited to school children, Boy & Girl Scouts, Police Explorers, and Community Leaders.

K-9 Kai, to those who didn’t know him, looked as if he was Courtesy Nassau County Police Department all business at all times. But K-9 Kai worked with Officer Chris Peters since he those who worked closely with K-9 Kai knew he was a mush at was a puppy. He died in January after 8 years of heart — except if you tried to police service and 3 years of retirement. take his ‘Chuck It ball’. Those in the unit say they can still sympathy to Officer Peters and his famihear the whistle of that ball through the ly. The department is extremely grateair as K-9 Kai gave chase. ful, they said, for the dedicated service The NCPD, along with County Execu- K-9 Kai provided to the NCPD and the tive Bruce Blakeman and Commissioner public. He will be sorely missed but of Police Patrick Ryder, expressed their never forgotten.

Public Notices

LSEA1 0222

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. ROGER DENNIS CHAFFEE, et al, Defts.

Index #612456/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 52, Block 302 Lot 743.

Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD L. FARLEY, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #101085 144678

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS TRUST, SERIES 2006-AF2, Plaintiff - against - PATTI SCIVOLETTI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 21, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 14th day of March, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate,

lying and being at Seaford, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 2404 Mattituck Avenue, Seaford, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11783.

(SBL#: 65-83-394-397) Approximate amount of lien $1,155,679.66 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 004107/2016.

Dominic A. Villoni, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 Dated: January 22, 2024 During the COVID-19 health emergency,

bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

144841

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

News briefs

Courtesy Ex-Captain Brad Field

Firefighters from the Wantagh Fire Department quickly extinguished a car fire on Wantagh Parkway on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Fire Department responds to car blaze The Wantagh Fire Department extinguished a car fire Thursday afternoon on Wantagh Parkway.

Firefighters responded to the incident on Thursday, Feb. 15 around 4:45 p.m. First Assistant Chief Bill Stevens and Second Assistant Chief Bill Van Leer arrived to find a car engulfed in flames on the parkway north of Sunrise

Highway.

Firefighters led by Ex-Captain Kevin Kefer extinguished the fire soon after arriving. Third Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann, and a Safety Officer were also on the scene, and no injuries were reported.

–Charles Shaw

Scholarship application deadline Mar. 15 The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is accepting applications for four $3,000 scholarships, two academic and two athletic.

The application is open to current college students and high school seniors who are residents of the 5th Senate District. The application deadline is Friday, March 15 and students can access and complete the application by visiting nyiacsl.org/apply-for-scholarship-form.

“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 5th Senate District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” State Sen. Steve Rhoads said. “With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young peo-

ple and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

Applicants considered should have a grade point average of 85 or higher; be active in community service and extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. In addition to these qualifications, students applying for an athletic scholarship must also be involved in an organized sport. Applicants do not need to be of Italian American heritage to apply.

The recipients will be announced in April, and the winners will be honored at a ceremony in Albany. The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.

17

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

HERALD

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

Civil Service FT

Full Benefits. Salary: $43,000 - $46,500 / Year

NOW HIRING:

dlawlor@malverneschools.org

DRIVERS FT/PT (Salary Range $17 per hour to $21 per hour)

Email Your Resumes to ext 200

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted

CAR PURCHASERS SENIORS WELCOME

P/T, Earn $1,000 Per Car

Contact Car Dealers And Place Orders. Valid Drivers License Clean Record And Basic Car Knowledge Necessary

Help Wanted

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will Certify And Train HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years $20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

Email: susan@omni-motors.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

DAY CARE ASSISTANT Full Time Needed Fun, Energetic, Reliable $16.00/ Hour

Call Nancy For More Details Serious Inquiries Only

516-426-2427

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

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.

H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave 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

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships.

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

Situations Wanted ADMINISTRATOR AVAILABLE

1243304

516-569-4000

*Outside Sales must have car

System Engineer: Analyze, Design, Develop & Test general computer applications MULTI MEDIA software using Power BI/Apps/Automate, ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Microsoft Project/Excel/Access/ViInside Sales sio/Sharepoint, Data Analytics, Business Looking•forClients an aggressive self starter • Malverne 5th_floor • m-Clients • 47691 Malverne Intelligence & Process Automation, Techniwho is great at making and maintaining 3.125x 3" • The Herald • p1 Management, Incident cal Project/Program relationships and loves to help businessManagement, Root Cause Analysis, es grow by marketing them on many difECommerce, Supply Chain, Financial, ferent advertising platforms. You will Cloud Infra. source new sales opportunities through Requires: Travel within the USA + Masters inbound lead follow-up and outbound in Computer Science, Applied Computer cold calls. Must have the ability to underScience, Technology Management or Instand customer needs and requirements formation Technology. and turn them in to positive advertising Send resume by mail to: American Softsolutions. We are looking for a talented ware Resources, Inc., 4 Brower Avenue, and competitive Inside Sales RepresenSuite 4, Woodmere, NY 11598 tative that thrives in a quick sales cycle

1234932

Careers@liherald.com

Software Application Developer: Participate in Full SDLC, documenting, implementation /testing. Design, Update software /technology. Create applications using Java / J2EE, Junit / Mockito, Databases: DB2, MySQL. required.

Requires: Travel within the USA + Masters in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science.

Send resume by mail to: American Software Resources, Inc., 4 Brower Avenue, Suite 4, Woodmere, NY 11598

1239662

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

MAILROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP FT/PT (Salary Range $16 per hour to $17 per hour)

or Call

1247545

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE FT/PT (Salary Range $16 per hour to $23 per hour)

(Salary Range $20 per hour to $30 per hour)

Results that Move You

Malverne UFSD Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565

Salary Range $33,280 to $100,000 including Commissions & Bonuses

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT/PT

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

1248334

Must hold the civil service title of account clerk in the case of request of transfer or be on the current civil service eligibility list for the title of account clerk.

All inquiries should be sent/emailed to:

SALES/MULTI MEDIA CONSULTANTS – INSIDE & OUTSIDE* FT/PT

REPORTER/EDITOR FT/PT (Salary Range $20,000 to $45,000)

Homes

Account Clerk

Be A Part Of A Growing Multi Media Company Based in Garden City

To Work For You FT/ PT Immediately.

I Am Experienced. RVC Vicinity. Call 516-536-6994

Eldercare Offered HOME HEALTH AID with 20 Years Experience, Looking to Care for Elderly Male or Female. Experience in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Private Homes. Day or Night.

No Live-in. Driver's License. 914-720-4426 or Email joyceprince990@gmail.com SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out. Gertrude 347-444-0960

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

REAL ESTATE Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 62 BULAIRE Rd, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, NEW TO MARKET! Move Right Into This 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch in Waver ly Par k Area of SD#20(Lynbrook). Open Floor Plan. LR w/Fpl, DR, Gran/Wood EIK Plus Family Rm w/ Vaulted Ceiling. Upper Level Has Huge Skylit Recreation Rm, BR, Bth & W/D. Beautifully Lanscaped Oversized Prop W/ Trex Deck for Entertaining. Multi Car Drvewy...$899,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT: 2/25, 2-3:30, 1267 Peninsula Blvd, 5 BR, 2 Bath Exp Cape in SD#14(Hewlett Woodmere)Living Room, FDR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK w/ Vaulted Ceiling. 2 Main Flr BRs & Updtd Bth. Upper Level 3 BRs & Updtd Bth. 1.5 Car Det Gar Plus 4/5 Car Drivewy. Priv Yd w/ Deck.HW Flrs, Gas Ht. Near Shops, LIRR, Trans & Houses of Worship...$599,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT BA, 1534 Broadway #213,.!

Move Right Into This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Spacious Corner Unit. Updtd Gran/Wood Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Garage Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living. Convenient to Shops, LIRR & Houses of Worship....$649,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 516-238-4299

Open Houses HEWLETT: 1267 Peninsula Blvd, Open House By Appt, NEW! 5 BR, 2 Bath Exp Cape in SD#14(Hewlett Woodmere)Living Room, FDR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK w/ Vaulted Ceiling. 2 Main Flr BRs & Updtd Bth. Upper Level 3 BRs & Updtd Bth. 1.5 Car Det Gar Plus 4/5 Car Drivewy. Priv Yd w/ Deck.HW Flrs, Gas Ht. Near Shops, L I R R , Tr a n s & H o u s e s o f W o r ship...$599,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 H EW L ET T 1 39 0 B ROA DWAY # 117 , OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, NEW TO MARKET! Move Right Into This Beautiful JR 4 Coop Apt in Luxurious Hewlett Townhouse.

Huge LR & DR, Renov Kit w/ Wood Cab/Quar tz Counters/ Stainless St Appl.Encl Terrace Overlooking Garden Can Be Rm. Spac BR w/ En Suite Bath.

W/D in Apt. 24 Hr Drmn, Elevator, Valet Pkg, Priv Storage. Redone IG Comm Pool.

Gar Pkg. Near Shops, LIRR & Houses of Worship....$359,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Houses For Rent HEWLET BA 1554 Moffitt Ave, OPEN , WHOLE HOUSE RENTAL! Updtd 4 BR Col w/ 2 New Bths. LR/Fpl,FDR, Den & Kit. Main Flr BR/Off. Newer W/D, Ductless AC Units, Gas Ht. 2 Car Det Gar. Enclosed Yard. SD#14(Hewlett-Wood). Great Location Near Schools, Park, LIRR & Houses of Worship...$4500 per month Ronnie Gerber.

Douglas Elliman 516-238-429hewlett

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

HERALD

18

Homes

HERALD

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

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

Q. Our house is large and very old, with a third story that was partially finished before purchase. We finished the rest of the attic and put in a few bedrooms and a bath. Recently we hired an architect to enlarge our kitchen into our backyard and make a nice entrance to a porch and patio with a fireplace.

The architect made the plans, after several meetings, changes, etc., and then put them into our building department to pull a permit. We next got a notice that our attic is in violation, and we had to either take out all the finishes and bathroom or file plans to get a state permit.

None of this has anything to do with the kitchen or patio, which we hoped to have by summer. We suspect our architect made this much more complicated for us, but now we can’t undo what he did. Naturally, he gets more money to do more plans and permits, which we also think is rather sneaky and uncalled for.

Can we report the architect for doing this to us, and can we pull back the permit so we can make all this go away and just do our kitchen?

Long Beach

HOME Of tHE WEEK

Luxury with Ocean Views

T

his mint upper duplex boasts beautiful ocean views, three bedrooms, and two full baths.

Features such as the fireplace, central air, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and a master bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and Jacuzzi tub add to the overall allure of the property. The two private terraces are a wonderful addition, providing outdoor space with a view. The presence of a skylight in the master bath is a nice touch, allowing natural light to brighten the space. The inclusion of a garage parking spot and two additional spots is a great convenience, especially in beachside locations where parking can be challenging. Proximity to the ocean boardwalk and beach is undoubtedly a major selling point, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate coastal living. Views of the ocean can be enjoyed from the primary bedroom and upper level terrace. The townhouse is also pet friendly and spacious for your pets.

EaST ROCKaWay

HEWLETT 1267 Peninsula Blvd, 2-3:30, 5 BR, 2 Bath Exp Cape in SD#14 (Hewlett Woodmere) Living Room, FDR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK w/ Vaulted Ceiling.

2 Main Flr BRs & Updtd Bth. Upper Level 3 BRs & Updtd Bth. 1.5 Car Det Gar Plus 4/5 Car Drivewy. Priv Yd w/ Deck. HW Flrs, Gas Ht. Near Shops, LIRR, Trans & Houses of Worship .................................................. $599,000 1534 Broadway #213, BA, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Spacious Corner Unit. Updtd Gran/Wood Kit, LR & DR. Washer/ Dryer in Unit. Gar Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living. Convenient to Shops, LIRR & Houses of Worship .... $649,000 1390 Broadway #117, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Move Right Into This Beautiful JR 4 Coop Apt in Luxurious Hewlett Townhouse. Huge LR & DR, Ren Kit w/ Wood Cab/ Quartz Counters/ Stainless St Appl. Encl Terrace Overlooking Garden can Be Rm. Spac BR w/ En Suite Bath. W/D in Apt. 24 Hr Drmn, Elevator, Valet Pkg, Priv Storage. Redone IG Comm Pool. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, LIRR & Houses of Worship ................................ $359,000 1554 Moffitt Ave, BA, WHOLE HOUSE RENTAL! Updtd 4 BR Col w/ 2 New Bths. LR/Fpl, FDR, Den & Kit. Main Flr BR/Off. Newer W/D, Ductless AC Units, Gas Ht. 2 Car Det Gar. Enclosed Yard. SD#14 (Hewlett-Wood). Great Location Near Schools, Park, LIRR & Houses of Worship .. $4500 per month Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

Rooms Wanted RESPONSIBLE PERSON LOOKING for Room to Rent in either Uniondale, Freeport, Hempstead or Baldwin.

Non-Smoker, Reliable, Quiet and Very Nice .

Please Call/ Text 929-620-9363

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978 ELMONT: 1 BR, Upper Level, All New, All Included, Near All, No Pets. $2,000.

516-547-8015

“Taking The Mystery Out Of Real Estate Since 1983”

A BETTER WAY TO BUY AND SELL REAL ESTATE! “Call A Realtor With Proven Experience!”

Rob Kolb Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Tripodi Shemtov Team

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

30 West Park Ave | Long Beach, NY 11561 Cell: 516-314-1728 • Office: 516-432-3400 Rob.Kolb@elliman.com • Elliman.com/RobKolb

1245284

HEWLETT Bay PaRK 190 Meadowview Ave, 12-1:30, Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14. Near All. Must See This Unique Home!.........................................................................REDUCED $2,700,000

Listing Agent : LIA MIELE Cell: 516-382-7037

1248407

Sold at $46,000

S Over Asking Price!

O Closing Date: 2/15/24 L 18 Days on Market Price: $579,000 D List Sold Price! $625,000

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 2/25/24 62 Bulaire Rd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Move Right Into This 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch in Waverly Park Area of SD#20 (Lynbrook). Open Floor Plan. LR w/Fpl, DR, Gran/Wood EIK Plus Family Rm w/ Vaulted Ceiling. Upper Level Has Huge Skylit Recreation Rm, BR, Bth & W/D. Beautifully Landscaped Oversized Prop W/ Trex Deck for Entertaining. Multi Car Drvewy .. $899,000

M

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

“Leading Edge Award Winner” Robin Reiss

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516.510.6484 Office: 516.623.4500 Robin.Reiss@elliman.com

Furnished Rooms/Apts.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON LOOKING For a Room to Rent or Apartment to Share in either Hempstead, Uniondale, Freeport, or Baldwin Vicinity. Non-Smoker, Reliable, Quiet and Very Nice.

Call/ Text 929-620-9363

Apts./House To Share HEMPSTEAD, UNIONDALE, FREEPORT, BALDWIN OR VICINITY: Responsible Person Looking to Share a 2 Bedroom Apartment or House.

Non-Smoker, Quiet, Very Easy Going.

Willing to Split All Expenses.

Please Call/ Text 929-620-9363 If No Answer, Leave Message

1247667

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

A. So you believe everyone is out to get you, including your architect, and you have the right to “pull back” your permit, ignoring the conditions of your house. It doesn’t work that way.

Unfortunately, even though most local governments know that most homes have violations, the governments choose not to prosecute every onte eeper homeowner, since it would be bad for the business of getting re-elected, so code violations go on without a word until you make the first move, which you did, by coming to the attention of the building officials whose job is public safety.

Every day of the week, people ask if we can’t just look the other way. We absolutely can look the other way, but eventually who will believe us for lying or not doing our job? The issues of your home easily come up by simply bringing up satellite images, on-line accessible documents, including tax department records, showing what is in the home and whether the third floor was finished. Your building official doesn’t need the architect or you to figure out the truth about the illegalities in your home. When your architect shows the actual conditions, which he is required to do, including walls removed, walls finished in rooms that the building department has no previous record of, or other changes, he’s only doing his job. Imagine the scrutiny an architect would receive if a building official walked in to check the conditions and discovered that you and the architect had lied.

I have stated in this column, many times, the statistic that only five people out of 100 will survive a fire on the third floor. Ninety-five people will die of smoke inhalation or burns. So do the right thing and follow through, whichever way you choose. I’m pulling for you.

Ask The Architect

Joyce Coletti Licensed Real Estate Sales Representative Douglas Elliman Real Estate 30A West Park Avenue Long Beach 516.313.2700 1246683

February 22, 2024 — HERALD

A kitchen leads to an attic

Call the One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price USA Classified Network to run your ad in any state, today! or across the country.

1-800-231-6152

L

Florida Real Estate DELRAY BEACH, FL - New On The Market. Beautiful Emerald Pointe Gated Community. 14418 Via Royale, UNIT 1, Single Story Ranch Condo, 1881 Total Sq Ft, 2 Bed 2 Bath, Eat-In Kitchen, 4 Private Parking Spaces, Club House, Tennis, Swimming, Pickleball, Walking Paths, etc. $324,900 Contact David at 248.240.8154

© 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.

19

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

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

1246780

1246744

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

HERALD — February 22, 2024

HERALD

CALL FOR YOUR

ANNUAL TUNE UP

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:31:01 AM

516-223-2951

1247144

HEATING OIL

10%

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

No service in Long Beach

FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

855-244-6880 • 516-830-0166

1245233

CALL FOR MORE INFO

Offers Valid Valid Through Offers Through12/23/23 3/15/24

TERMITE SERVICE

Why Not Print

Always Affordable Chimney Inc.

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

(516) 379-2727

www.beatofuel.com PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SERVICE OFF

HOME • COMMERCIAL

10% OFF

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

alwaysaffchimney@aol.com Fully Licensed And Insured

1246620

Exp. 4/20/24

1244737

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority Now Offering Seasonal Tune Ups Starting At $199 with FREE Chimney Inspection.

Beato Fuel Serving Nassau And Suffolk Counties For Over 115 Years

1245880

OWA_GotClutter_BW_Bold

www.alwaysaffordablechimney.com

WE GET YOUR SEWER AND DRAINS FLOWING AGAIN

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured

Free estImAtes...call Anthony romeo 1245888

$69 $49

$99

1244479

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” new

Sewer Drains Hi-Tech Jetting customers only

www.unclogitnow.com

JVR Plumbing & Heating - Nassau Master Plumber lic # 2520 Suffolk # 2111 /Ins

CALL NOW 888-777-9709

choose

RICHNER Printing Services

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

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds...

REAL ESTATE & MORE...

Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

20

HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements PUBLIC NOTICE WE, Edward & Lisa Castellano, bring forth our land patent benefits. The complete Patent can be viewed at landpatentpower.com

MERCHANDISE MART

SERVICES

Home Improvement

Antiques/Collectibles

Electricians

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100 SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

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

Finds Under $100 VINTAGE BUESCHER ALTO Sax with case, playable. $95. (516) 486-2363

CLUTTER

driving you

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas.

Services/Repairs. Violations Removed.

Free Estimates Low Rates.

516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated.

Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

CRAZY?

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

Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers.

24 Hour Emergency Response.

516-599-1011.

Satellite/TV Equipment DIRECTV SPORTS PACK – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some res t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. C a l l D I R E C T V 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Sell your merchandise in no time!

Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classified Department at

sales@liherald.com to run a FREE "Finds Under $100"

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Deals on Wheels

Health & Fitness ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit.

Call 888-514-3044 HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898 VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574

Legal Services INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer.

Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat?

Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

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

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Open the door to a bright future!

Check the

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

Job listings today!

Junk Cars Wanted

HIGHEST CA$H PAID

516-569-4000 Press 5

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

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

Call us at 516-766-0000

NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

21

opInIonS

F

ebruary is American Heart Month, and this is a story about my heart — literally and figuratively. It’s the reason I am where I am today.

I was born with a significant heart defect called dextrocardia, as well as a ventricular septal defect. Basically, my heart was on the wrong side of my chest cavity and inverted — and it had a hole in it.

When I was 3 months old, my doctors told my parents that I needed openheart surgery to SETH I. close the hole. At the time, however, KoSLoW my mother was pregnant with my sister. My parents decided to wait until my sister was born before I underwent surgery. But somehow, for some reason, my heart decided that it had to be whole, and the hole I was born with began to close. My heart could stay as it was — imperfect and misplaced, but untouched.

I

Growing up, I found that I was doing a lot of things half-heartedly, so to speak. Schoolwork wasn’t heartening, and there were few things that excited me. I dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but I couldn’t muster up the resolve to pursue that dream — LSATs, law school, internships, thousands of dollars in loans, six more semesters of school, and years of building a professional profile.

Deterred by these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I remained listless through my early 20s.

For a few years after college, I worked in sales. I was good at it, but my heart was definitely in a different place.

That is, until it wasn’t.

In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, also known as an irregular heartbeat. It’s fairly common among senior citizens, but as a 20-something in college, I was now a member of a not-so-enviable exclusive club. Over the next several years, I battled my irregular heartbeats, under-

A

went more than a dozen cardioversions to restore the heart’s regular rhythm, and tried various cocktails of medications, all to no avail.

Eventually I met a cardiologist who specialized in adults with congenital heart defects — adults like me. He informed my family and me that the hole in my heart had reopened, and that it was substantially larger than it was when I was a child. This was causing my irregular heartbeat, and it would at last need to be closed. At age 25, because of the placement of my heart, I was about to undergo a potentially first-of-its-kind open-heart surgery.

On March 15, 2007, after five hours of surgery, I awoke with a heart that was beating normally for the first time in almost five years. Making it through that operation sparked something in my soul. Instead of whining about what I had to do to get to where I wanted to be, I decided to ball my fists up, dig in and do it. After all, I had just made it through open-heart surgery. Was there

fter openheart surgery, I decided there was nothing I couldn’t make it through.

anything I couldn’t make it through? I finally sat for the LSAT and got myself into law school.

That’s the attitude that’s gotten me to where I am today. When I was burning the candle at both ends, cramming for law school exams and eventually the bar exams, I would remind myself that I was getting stronger. When I was struggling to build my own law practice while juggling my responsibilities as a husband and father, I would remind myself of all that my heart could handle.

Naturally, when I saw an opportunity to run for office, a chance to represent and fight for all the communities our local government has left behind, I knew that I could take the heartburn of an arduous campaign, and that I could win over hearts and minds. That’s the mentality that I bring to my law practice, and to my work with my fellow legislators.

The arc of my life’s journey is proof that we are all stronger than we know — that we are all more capable than we can comprehend.

Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

It’s Library Lovers Month — borrow a book

read “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” my first banned book, when I was 12.

My friend lent me the book, and I found the good parts by the dogeared pages. The experience did not compromise my moral compass or corrupt me in any way I can discern. I am not recommending the book for today’s 12-year-olds, because it’s a pretty boring read, but I am advocating that a broad spectrum of books be available to students who choose to read them.

This month, Library Lovers Month, I want to push back hard against the selfappointed literature vigilantes across our country, who are removing books from school RAnDI library shelves and banning KREISS them from classrooms under the guise of protecting children from inappropriate subject matter.

It’s called censorship, and the problem, of course, is who gets to decide what is appropriate or not. In the past, librarians have had full discretion in selecting books. They are trained for the job and trusted in their choices. In

the best libraries, the books reflect all the ways that children and teenagers can be in the world, including gay or trans or identified with any race or religion or socio-economic group.

For some young people, the school library is the only place they can read about kids just like themselves. They can learn that others share their confusion or anxiety or fear of being different.

I don’t believe that a teenager can “catch” being gay or trans from reading about it, the underlying prejudice being that there is something wrong with that identity. We can’t scrub young adult literature for references to slavery or minority struggles or even violence, because the best writing reflects real life.

A couple of weeks ago, The New York Times told the story of a librarian in Idaho who organized a “Rainbow Squad,” welcoming children of different backgrounds to read and talk about books. A local church group protested, and the community is battling over whether the Rainbow Squad should be banned, along with the books they’re reading.

I wonder how this group threatens anyone, even as it creates a support net-

S

work for vulnerable kids.

I don’t know if a book has ever saved someone’s life, but I know for sure that battles over books are endangering lives by keeping young people from information and stories that might validate their choices in important ways.

In The Washington Post last week, columnist Kate Cohen wrote about the school board in her hometown, Rockingham, Virginia, deciding to ban 57 books in the school library.

One-third of the books feature gay or trans characters. Cohen wrote, “Freedom to read is the closest thing we have to freedom to think.”

This month, there can be no more pressing public business than to guarantee age-appropriate, open access to all kinds of books by all kinds of writers, for students across the land.

What can we do? Each of us can become familiar with our school and community libraries, stay informed about the books available to teens and oppose efforts by any groups of book police to decide what teenagers should read. In some communities in Florida, a single parent’s complaint about a book in a school library can get it banned.

As Cohen wrote, “The books on any

tudents need open access to all kinds of books by all kinds of writers.

book-ban list, by definition, express feelings, experiences and political views that the prevailing culture prefers to pretend do not exist.”

I think how lonely and desperate teenagers trying to figure out their lives without access to books must feel. Wellwritten books on racism or sexuality or addiction are a far better source for our kids than TikTok. We read books for many reasons beyond wanting to be entertained — to solve the mysteries in our lives, to be dazzled or outraged by the way others live. Sometimes we can find our beliefs and lives affirmed in the pages of a new book.

The reason authoritarian entities, be they runaway school boards or governments, ban books is to limit access to ideas that might challenge their power.

We resist by reading and sharing.

The New York Public Library is offering free access to banned books for teenagers anywhere in the country through SimplyE, its e-reader app. The latest banned book pick is “All American Boys,” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. It is available to all readers ages 13 and older.

There are worlds out there to be explored. I have had this joy in my life, and I want the same for every reader.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

A journey of the heart

22

HeraLd editoriaL

Seaford

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

HERALD Established 1953 Incorporating Wantagh/Seaford Citizen

Charles shaw Senior Reporter rhonda GliCkman Vice President - Sales offiCe 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: seafordeditor@liherald.com offiCial newsPaPer: Seaford School District Levittown School District Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Assoc.

Copyright © 2024 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018 Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ sTUarT riChner Publisher ■ Jim roTChe General Manager ■ miChael hinman

Executive Editor Jeffrey Bessen

Deputy Editor Jim harmon

Copy Editor karen Bloom Features/Special Sections Editor Tony Bellissimo Sports Editor Tim Baker Photo Editor ■ rhonda GliCkman Vice President - Sales amy amaTo Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events lori BerGer Sales Director ellen reynolds Classified / Inside Sales Director ■

Jeffrey neGrin Creative Director CraiG whiTe Art Director CraiG Cardone Production Coordinator ■

dianne ramdass Circulation Director ■ herald CommUniTy newsPaPers Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Herald Glen Cove Herald Hempstead Beacon Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Seaford Herald South Shore Record Uniondale Herald Beacon Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald

memBer:

Americas Newspapers Local Media Association New York Press Association Seaford Chamber of Commerce

Published by richner Communications, inc.

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 LIHerald.com (516) 569-4000

i

Thank you for the snow day

n the past couple of weeks, we’ve been getting a lot of something we haven’t seen much of over the past couple of years: snow.

So much, in fact, that schools in our communities had no choice but to close.

And because of that, we have just one thing to say to our school districts in Nassau County: Thank you for the snow day.

Yes, education works best when it’s rigorous and on a schedule. If the young minds loading buses each day were robots, then we’d probably be hesitant to interrupt the routine. Thankfully, our children are living, breathing people.

And all of us can use a break from time to time — especially one we didn’t expect.

Anyone who grew up in a climate susceptible to winter almost assuredly experienced at least one snow day in their life, if not several. They go all the way back to the 19th century, when schools became gathering points children would flock to — and where safety would become paramount.

In places like Long Island, where crews are adept at clearing roads, even the best can be overwhelmed by significant storms and heavy snowfalls. And while it might feel like a free day off for many of our young learners, nearly all school districts have built snow days into the schedule — meaning any unexpected days off will be made up later in the spring.

We here on Long Island understand

the value of snow days, but not everyone shares those values. In fact, there is a growing contingent of education leaders right in our backyard who have been working hard to wipe snow days from existence.

It’s not that New York City has it out for an occasional unscheduled school closing. It’s just that the city’s education department has capitalized on the expansion of technology necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, which made remote learning for all not just possible, but practical.

For the 1.1 million students who attend more than 1,800 schools in the city, instead of sitting inside a classroom to learn on days when it snows, they are sitting in their living rooms and bedrooms instead. All while other people their age, living just a few miles away, grab their snowsuits and sleds and enjoy the winter beauty Mother Nature has delivered.

Learning is important, but snow days are valuable. Quite valuable, in fact.

Beyond safety, they provide a muchneeded mental health break — not just for students, but also for the adults responsible for their learning.

The pressure of academic demands and extracurricular activities can be intense. That can lead not just to stress, but even to burnout.

Snow days give all of us a chance to recharge and relax with some unscheduled playtime outdoors. And that’s important, too. We hear too much about

Letters In fighting fires, amateurs are pros To the Editor: We are professional firefighters!

I take exception to the comment made by writer Brandon Cruz in his article “Long Island needs more volunteer firefighters” (Feb. 8-14) that our volunteer firefighters are not “professionals.” Cruz reports that if new volunteers don’t join local fire departments, communities will need to hire “professional” firefighters.

Our volunteers are professional firefighters, just not paid for what we do for our communities. We, as volunteers, don’t just put on turnout gear and rush into a burning building without the needed, required and constant training provided by the Nassau County Fire Service at its training facility in Bethpage, and here in Lynbrook, our own department’s training and drills at our training facility in Wilcox Alley.

Back some 44 years ago, the Lynbrook Fire Department was facing a firefighter shortage, and formed the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department for youngsters 12 to 17, to interest them in firefighting, with the goal of becoming firefighters when they turned 18.

During their time as juniors, the youngsters learn basic firefighting methods without actually fighting

how video games, computers and television keep so many of our kids indoors.

But freshly fallen snow is irresistible, and will almost assuredly get them outside to have some fun. It’s good for their physical health in a way that sitting in front of a computer, watching a teacher on Zoom, just can’t provide.

And a snow day is a chance to build community. Families come together to shovel sidewalks, or maybe help neighbors in need. Children get together, working to build snow forts, or even a snowman, complete with a carrot nose and a top hat.

And who doesn’t love an impromptu snowball fight?

All of that comes with many parents still working remotely, which helps mitigate child-care issues and costs that might otherwise accompany snow days.

Just remember that these days are not breaks for everyone. Let’s not forget the municipal workers who wake up early to plow the snow, as well as the brave souls at utility companies, hospitals, and fire and police departments who, as first responders, are always prepared for the worst.

Each one of our children will spend more than 1,200 days in class through high school. Let them have a break. And let’s show New York City yet another reason why more and more people choose to live and work here on Long Island.

Because on Long Island, snow days are cool.

23

opinions

his bar is what you spend on things that no one ever, ever needs.”

That line is from an episode of the Tv comedy show “The office,” but it can easily be applied to some of the real-life decisions Gov. Kathy Hochul and the new York City politicians who control Albany are considering as part of this year’s state budget negotiations.

If you’ve never seen the episode, it centers on Michael Scott, the boss in “The steVe office” and one of rHoaDs the show’s main characters, who’s dealing with personal financial problems. one of the company’s accountants, oscar Martinez, creates a chart to help Scott analyze his finances and spending. one bar shows necessities, like rent. Another

bar shows luxuries, like vacations and going out to dinner, and the third shows things that “no one ever, ever needs” — like multiple magic sets.

Predictably, the final column is the highest, and Scott tries to justify misguided expenditures as things he has needed, instead of recognizing the role they played in creating his dire situation.

Albany is in an eerily similar predicament, which, unfortunately for all of us, isn’t Tv fiction.

The state faces an astronomical $36 billion budget gap by fiscal year 2026-27, according to a report issued by Comptroller Tom Dinapoli last July, who noted that “State leaders must take action to align recurring revenues with recurring spending, with an eye toward preserving the economic competitiveness of our State and equality of opportunity for all new Yorkers.” And Dinapoli’s not playing

r

ather than fiscal discipline, we see the governor’s misguided priorities.

Letters fires. When they turn 18, they join one of our fire companies, begin formal basic training at the county Fire Service Academy and are considered probationary firefighters for one year while they complete additional training.

Yes, we always need more volunteers, but our junior program is helping to fill our ranks.

Many area fire departments have also formed junior programs, based on ours, to help fill their own ranks. Admittedly, the juniors aren’t always enough, and some years are better than others. Lynbrook’s chief of department and three assistant chiefs came through our junior program. This isn’t the first time that all four chiefs have been former juniors.

Many of our current volunteers came through our junior program.

There are now 30 youngsters in the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department. Two former juniors joined fire companies last month alone when they turned 18. It is estimated that over 40 percent of our juniors go on to become Lynbrook firefighters.

STeve GroGAn Lynbrook Grogan is a 56-year member of the Lynbrook Fire Department and an ex-captain and honorary chief. He co-founded the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department, and is the department’s public information officer.

We need more governance, less politics To the editor: re County Legislator Delia Deriggi-

politics: He’s a member of the same political party as the governor and the Senate and Assembly leaders.

Yet rather than seeing the prudent fiscal discipline necessary to address this crisis, we see misguided priorities.

As an example, Hochul proposes spending over $2.4 billion on illegal migrants who are flocking to new York — new York City in particular — because of its sanctuary state designation and the generous benefits it entitles them to, including free health care. That’s on top of the nearly $2 billion spent last year. When looking to save taxpayer dollars and reduce state expenses, eliminating spending on noncitizens should be the first place to start. That one change would reduce the deficit by nearly 10 percent and, just as important, help solve the growing migrant crisis by removing a major incentive for them to

Whitton’s column “Stop playing petty political games with county resources” last week: The difference of opinion between the legislative minority leader and the majority leader illustrates the difference between governance and politics. nassau would benefit from more of the former and less of the latter.

The millions of dollars in American rescue Plan Act funds at issue, having not been spent as intended, present a “windfall.” Shall we have Bruce Blakeman billboards or firehouse funds? Are we improvident grasshoppers or prudent and ant-like? Shall we squander millions on a 125th-birthday party or prudently invest in libraries, cybersecurity and clean water?

BrIAn KeLLY Rockville Centre

come here.

Instead, Hochul plans to fund these expenditures in part by cutting state aid to Long Island schools by $75 million. every dollar of state aid that is lost has to be raised locally in the form of school property taxes, so not only are you funding benefits for noncitizens, but you’ll pay higher property taxes to make up for the lost state aid.

More than just bad public policy, that is inherently unfair to Long Island families, and an irresponsible misuse of their hard-earned tax dollars.

I will continue to fight against it, and invite you to join me by visiting my website, rhoads.nysenate.gov, and signing the petition to stop the Long Island school aid cuts.

Watching “The office” makes me laugh, but watching the comedy of errors brought on by one-party rule in the state Capitol brings me no joy. The alarm bells continue to ring. Albany needs to listen.

Steve Rhoads represents the 5th Senate District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Why impeach Mayorkas, Rep. D’Esposito?

To the editor: U.S. rep. Anthony D’esposito voted in lockstep with rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas despite having no evidence, as required by the Constitution, of “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

There is no question that the immigration situation is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. However, the solution is not to scapegoat Mayorkas, but rather to pass the bipartisan legislation to beef up border security and provide more assets to process asylum claims more rapidly.

I am sure that the vast majority of Mr.

A snowy morning on the Southern State Parkway, near Wantagh Avenue.

D’esposito’s constituents are in favor of the bipartisan legislation hammered out in the Senate that was endorsed by the Border Patrol agents’ union. However, it’s clear that Mr. D’esposito takes his marching orders from Ms. Greene. She, and the rest of the MAGA republicans, do not want to provide a solution to the border problem until after the november election, as former President Donald

Trump has explicitly admitted that it would hurt his chances of being elected again.

Mr. D’esposito owes his allegiance to our country, his constituents and the Constitution he swore to uphold, and not to Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump. roBerT ToLLe Cedarhurst

SEAFORD HERALD — February 22, 2024

“t

Albany’s ‘Office’-like comedy of errors

High-performing heart care, right here on the South Shore.

Get superior cardiac care at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside.

Our comprehensive care includes the latest diagnostic testing, and expertise in minimally invasive treatments—making us a top choice for Long Islanders seeking help with heart conditions.

Rated high performing in Heart Attack and Heart Failure by U.S. News & World Report®, Best Hospitals 2023-24, and recipient of the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, we’re the only hospital on Long Island connected to the renowned heart experts of the Mount Sinai Health System.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassauheart

1246542

February 22, 2024 — SEAFORD HERALD

24