Hinman, executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers. We’ve been bringing hometown news to communities just like Uniondale across Long Island since 1924. And while too many villages, cities, towns and hamlets across the county are sadly losing newspapers, we’re proud to buck that trend, bringing much-needed hyperlocal coverage of Uniondale with its very own paper, and a new website to go with it: LIHerald.com/ uniondale.
Since its inception nearly a quartercentury ago, STRONG Youth has been at the forefront of eradicating young people’s involvement in gangs and gun violence on Long Island. And the Uniondale organization does it by providing essential resources and support to underrepresented and underfunded neighborhoods and communities.
STRONG — short for Struggling To Reunite
Our New Generation — stands out from other organizations in its unconventional approach to helping young people at-risk. Rather than simply providing temporary clinical support, STRONG instead creates a nurturing, family-
like environment, resulting in what Executive Director Rahsmia Zatar describes as a deep and lasting connections of more than 100,000 people.
“You don’t get discharged from a family,” Zatar said.
That powerful familial unit is paramount to STRONG’s success. The proof lies with the countless people who have gone through the program, grown up, and now have families of their own — lovingly calling STRONG staff members their “moms” and “aunties.” This enduring bond is a testament to the organization’s triumph in fostering a supportive community that extends far beyond a child’s time in the program.
“That’s what we aim to build, a sense of
MICHAEL HINMAN Executive Editor
And that’s where the Uniondale Herald Beacon comes in. We have combined the great journalism at the Herald with the deep community roots of the Uniondale Beacon to create this new publication. It’s led by Reine Bethany, a historian in the neighboring Hempstead village who has done great work for us in the past for our Freeport Herald publication.
We’re in the process of expanding our editorial team at the Uniondale Herald Beacon so we can bring you more news about all that matters to you and your community — your civic groups, your schools, your parks, your neighborhoods, and your shops.
But we can’t be the best local news source for you without your help. We want to hear what isn’t getting covered in Uniondale. We want to hear your news tips. We want to share stories about the people who make a positive impact, and make Uniondale the amazing community it is.
Reach out to Reine at rbethany@liherald.com. Or you can call me anytime at (516) 569-4000, Ext. 203.
You’ll keep getting issues over the next several weeks, but after that, the only way you’ll keep getting the Uniondale Herald Beacon in your mailbox is by telling us you want it, Doing that is easy — and it’s free!
Visit us online at LIHerald.com/freelocal. Call us at (516) 569-4000, Ext. 7. Fill out and return the enclosed response card. Or if you are good with technology, just scan the QR code here. Let us know, and we’ll add you to our mailing list. That way you’ll keep getting the Uniondale Herald Beacon each week — absolutely free. Don’t miss an issue. And thanks for reading your local newspaper!
The $256 million Uniondale school district budget for 2023-2024 school year was approved by voters 623 to 244 on Tuesday.
Incumbent Trustee Mary Bediako, who currently serves as the Board of Education president, defeated challenger Olga Moreneo-Hernandez 490 to 356 for the three-year term. Bediako is a retired educator with more than 40 years of experience. Moreno-Hernandez is a local activist.
Bediako said her mission remains the same. “[To] lead and help achieve the district’s goalsm” she said.
Noting there is much more to do, Bediako said, “This board is actually working, we’ve achieved so many things it seems like.”
She called the students in the district “stars,” adding, “We want them to shine and we are going to help them shine, and they are going to be the light of this nation.”
Hernandez said she was hoping to advocate from the inside, but insists the election losss will not keep her from fighting for her community, the students in the district and working to combat the “closeted racism” they face daily.
A proposition was also approved — 636 to 177 — that will allow the school district to spend $907,000 from the reserve fund. Upgrades are planned to multiple school buildings and include removing and replacing gymnasium dividing walls at several schools, replacing the gym bleachers at the high school and installing new entrance doors to replace damaged doors.
The approved fiscal plan will also allow the district to offer a variety of new resources such as after school programs, a new autism program at California Avenue Elementary School, and a new career and technical education program featuring courses on construction systems, CAD (computer aided design), CAP (computer aided production), small engines repairs, and welding courses in partnership with the Lincoln Institute.
Superintendent Monique DarrisawAkil said these programs are aimed at helping children learn the skills necessary to succeed in the outside world and have the opportunity to compete for good, highpaying jobs after graduation. She also boasted about Uniondale’s recent academic performance, saying that 93.9 percent of seniors in the district applied to at least one college or trade school.
Akil also noted that out of that number,
10 students received full scholarships with nine seniors being awarded the Dream.US a national scholaship for high school and college students that helps fund the education of undocumented students, also known as Dreamers. The other student received the Simon Scholarship, which focuses on helping economically disadvantaged teenagers by guaranteeing them a pathway to a doctirate degree.
Bediako said that statistic of nearly 94 percent is merely a testament to the work that the board and the Uniondale student body have done.
“It’s impressive, it has never been accomplished before in this district,” she said, noting that the student success will continue. “I only want the best for the students, we are going to put Uniondale on the map.”
Reine Bethany/Herald olga Moreno-Hernandez, left, lost to incumbent Trustee Mary Bediako, the current school board president.I only want the best for the students, we are going to put Uniondale on the map.
Mary BedIako board trustee
By REINE BETHANY rbethany@liherald.com
Should anyone doubt that Uniondale’s seniors are rebounding from the Covid-19 pandemic, they need only visit the Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center and the Townhouse Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.
The Uniondale-Hempstead center at 840 Uniondale Ave. is one of 14 senior housing complexes run by the Town of Hempstead. Its community center is a popular location, Town Supervisor Don Clavin said, noting that it was recently expanded, with a new outdoor gazebo, so activities can be inside or outside, with barbecues and lunches.
Buses are provided to the Sands at Lido Beach from each of the housing complexes.
“The Sands was redone to become a year-round senior center destination,” Clavin said. “It has a large tent with entertainment, a private pool, food service, all at a beach setting. It’s like a private country club for seniors, and it’s free.”
The whole idea is to provide activity and services for seniors, but even more, to combat isolation.
“During the pandemic shutdowns,” Clavin said, “our seniors were literally trapped.” The town brought its Vaxmobile to the senior centers to provide testing and vaccinations for Covid. Later, the town’s team of doctors and EMS technicians enabled its senior centers and beaches to reopen comparatively early.
On a sunny day in the Uniondale-Hempstead community room, several seniors expressed what the gathering and activities meant to them.
“You have a place to socialize with other people,” said Oliver Saunders, 73, who has lived in town senior housing since 2014, “and almost all of these people are very sociable. Humans in general don’t want to be isolated.”
“I come because I live alone,” said Hempstead Village resident Cassie Webb, 83. “Every day I look forward to coming to the center. The [Town of Hempstead] bus picks us up and takes us back home.”
Annie Maltie has lived at the Uniondale-Hempstead senior complex since 2016.
“I’m a person that likes to be involved,” Maltie said. “They have exercise classes here, they have Tai Chi, wood carving, arts and crafts.”
“You know the Sands?” said Saunders. “There’s a lot of events that they have down there and they bus us to it. So that’s nice. It’s a day away.”
“This is a very open and wholesome atmosphere here,” Maltie said. “We’re like family.”
Maintaining the family atmosphere was a different problem for Townhouse, a long-term care facility where many seniors reside whose mobility is very low.
“We have a vulnerable population,” Townhouse administrator Meredith Ritchie said.
During the pandemic shutdowns, Townhouse kept its residents’ families updated with daily texts. The staff made appointments for five-minute video chats, so families and residents could see each other’s faces and hear each other’s voices. Reopening came with testing and masking mandates for visitors.
As of May 5, following the World Health Organization announcement that Covid-19 is no longer a global threat, masking and testing became optional. But both the Town of Hempstead and Townhouse are carrying forward certain aspects of pandemic protocols.
“We now know how to be aware of taking precautions,” Clavin said. “Our food service staff are wearing gloves, and we have standbys in case someone is not feeling well.”
The town has refurbished its emergency medical service, which is now headquartered in a building attached to the senior center at the Sands. Meanwhile, the Vaxmobile still visits the housing complexes, administering flu shots and blood tests for illnesses like diabetes.
At Townhouse, Ritchie said, “The main thing is to keep social distancing as much as possible when we have activities. Also, all visitors have to sign in and get their temperature taken because visitors come even if they are not feeling well. If they have a temperature, we can turn them away.”
Visiting is certainly encouraged, Ritchie said, “but nobody here is 100 percent bedbound. If family members want to bring a group of relatives or friends, they can call their resident’s social worker and make arrangements to take turns sitting in the resident’s room, or on nice days, visit outside in our courtyard area.”
It all adds up to preventing diseases more successfully than before the pandemic, while providing vital companionship.
“All of us are shining bright, coming out of the pandemic,” Clavin said. “We want our seniors to keep going. They made Long Island what it is.”
“We all need each other for something,” said Oliver Saunders, “even if it’s nothing to do but socialize and talk.”
East Meadow’s Eisenhower Park was abuzz with excitement earlier this month for what was both the starting and finishing line for the Jovia Long Island Marathon.
The weather was warm and sunny as some 1,900 participants lined up for their races.
Warming up in windbreaker wrappers and lightweight sweatsuits near the starting point not long after sunrise, the runners were exuberant, yet relaxed. Winning the race was less important than what they had already gained: endurance sufficient to run a 13-mile half marathon or a 26-mile full one. And then, of course, there was the wide fellowship of other runners.
Nearly 500 people ran in the full marathon, with another 1,400 looking to compete in the short race. Spectators held signs and flowers, many yelling words of encouragement to the passing runners. The route started and ended in Eisenhower Park, but runners traversed outside to the surrounding communities as well.
Race director Corey Roberts was everywhere, greeting the athletes and answering questions. Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker, speaking from a temporary stage, recalled that the Long Island marathon started as the Earth Day Marathon at Roosevelt Raceway, directed by her late husband John.
Nassau County Parks commissioner Darcy Belyea, North Hempstead town supervisor Jennifer DeSena, and county legislator Tom McKevitt belted out words of encouragement as the start time approached.
Jordan Daniel, 28, of Westhampton, won the marathon portion with a time of 2 hours, 21 minutes. Jennifer Zopp, 38, of Westchester County, came in first for women with a time of 3 hours, 9 minutes.
nina KuScSiK, a retired longdistance runner and Long Island native show her support for runners at the Jovia Long Island Marathon. The 84-year-old was the first woman to officially win the Boston Marathon back in 1972, and has run in more than 80 marathons in her lifetime.
Dylan White, 23, from Wantagh, finished ninth among 19- and 24-year-old men at the Jovia Long Island Marathon.
JorDan DanielS, 28, of Westhampton, was the winner of the Jovia Long Island Marathon. He clocked a time of roughly 2 hours, 21 minutes.
Jennifer Zopp, 38, of Westchester County, came in first for women with a time of 3 hours, 9 minutes.
Reine Bethany/Herald photos Some 2,000 runnerS hit the pavement last weekend as part of the Jovia Long Island Marathon that started and ended at the center of Eisenhower Park. –Mallory Wilson and Reine Bethany Courtesy Sixto Sanchez Tim Baker/Heralddylan reyer
Baldwin Senior Softball
a tWo-tiMe all-CoUnty selection and likely well on her way to a third, Reyer recently became the first player in Baldwin softball history to record 100 career stolen bases and is looking to lead the Bruins to a conference title.
Dating back to last spring she has swiped 65 consecutive bags without getting caught. The star defensive center fielder and leadoff hitter batted .700 last season. “She’s the ultimate leadoff hitter,” coach Tom Llewellyn said.
thursday, May 18
Class A first round at higher seed
saturday, May 20
Class AA and A quarterfinals at higher seed
Monday, May 22
Class AA, A and B semifinals Game 1 at higher seed
tuesday, May 23
Class AA, A and B semifinals Game 2 at higher seed
thursday, May 25
Class AA, A and B semifinals Game 3 at higher seed
saturday, May 27
Class AA, A and B finals Game 1 at Mitchel Complex
Monday, May 30
Class AA, A and B finals Game 2 at Mitchel Complex
tuesday, May 31
Class AA, A and B finals Game 3 at Mitchel Complex
by tony bellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com
Created to keep games competitive between programs of close to the same ability level, the Nassau Countywide baseball conference has been an ideal fit for Uniondale as well as others.
Over the past three years the formula for coach Ciro Gentile’s Knights has been simple: if they play well enough to win, they usually do. Dating back to a Covidshortened 2021 campaign, they’re combined overall record is 23-23-1.
“We had a mix of seniors and juniors along with some young kids and they meshed well,” Gentile said after Uniondale concluded this spring with a 9-6-1 record against Countywide foes with a shutout loss to Valley Stream South May 11.
Uniondale played a couple of wild
games down the stretch, including a 12-11 extra-inning victory over Valley Stream South in the series opener between the teams May 8. Senior catcher Kevin Calderon singled home junior Jaden Acosta in the bottom of the eighth inning for a thrilling walk-off win. All nine batters in the Knights’ lineup recorded at least one hit, led by senior and winning pitcher Lexter Jiminez (4-for-4, two RBIs and two steals), Calderon (3-for-4) and senior Arismendy Almonte (3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs.)
Almonte led the team with 21 RBIs and 15 runs and earned All-League honors. Calderon batted .444. Junior leadoff hitter and center fielder Pineda set the offensive tone all year, Gentile said.
That win took a little sting away from a blown six-run lead four days earlier when Uniondale was forced to settle for a
12-12 tie with Valley Stream Central. The teams ended up splitting the three-game set as a result. “We had the winning run on third base but couldn’t get it home,” said Gentile, in his 15th year at the helm. “Then it became too dark out to continue.”
The Knights opened the campaign with a sweep of each of the four Countywide 2 opponents (Hempstead, Westbury, Lawrence and Roosevelt) and were able to rebound from being swept by Malverne to finish over .500.
Jiminez, who played shortstop when he wasn’t on the mound and has an AllConference resume, had a five-inning nohitter with 14 strikeouts against Riverhead. He led a starting rotation that included freshman Carlos Vasquez and junior Jesther Lara.
“These kids love playing baseball and I love being around them,” Gentile said.
environment, resulting in what Executive Director Rahsmia Zatar describes as a deep and lasting connections of more than 100,000 people.
“You don’t get discharged from a family,” Zatar said. That powerful familial unit is paramount to STRONG’s success. The proof lies with the countless people who have gone through the program, grown up, and now have families of their own — lovingly calling STRONG staff members their “moms” and “aunties.” This enduring bond is a testament to the organization’s triumph in fostering a supportive community that extends far beyond a child’s time in the program.
“That’s what we aim to build, a sense of
bad place,” Zatar said. “It’s unfortunate because systemic racism and injustices, it’s ingrained, to a big extent. And it’s not going away.”
According to one study commissioned by STRONG, more than 70 percent of Uniondale students are economically disadvantaged — nearly double the Long Island average. The school district itself is also underfunded, receiving $10,000 less per student than other districts.
“It sounds like an interesting partner ship, but their probation department has been very forward-thinking as far as understanding how community and law enforcement could — and should — partner for the best outcome possible,” Zatar said. “They recognize that locking up and monitoring kids isn’t the correct answer.”
STRONG University — the organization’s groundbreaking initiative centralized around disconnected 14- to 21-yearolds who have been through the criminal justice system — aims to help young people reintegrate themselves back into their neighborhoods, and society as a whole. They also want to make sure none of them return to incarceration by combatting the so-called school-to-prison pipeline by offering essential services like education, family aid, case management, advocacy, mental health support, and promoting positive identity formation.
Gangs simply have great appeal, Zatar said. They offer a false promise of love, protection and fulfillment — which is often “everything these kids are looking for, that the community isn’t generally giving them. And that’s where we come in.”
It’s important to address the root causes pushing young people toward gangs, Zatar said, such as deep-rooted inequalities and systemic issues faced by that very vulnerable population in Uniondale. Addressing gang violence requires collaboration from legislators, community leaders and school districts.
Zatar also emphasized the urgency for politicians to recognize the need for equitable funding, bridging gaps in essential services and addressing the needs of the communities they represent.
“The disadvantages that poverty and institutionalized racism bring just exacerbates the possibilities for ending up in a
If that weren’t bad enough, there are more than 3,200 students for every one guidance counselor. Across Long Island, each guidance counselor is responsible for fewer than 400 students, meaning they can more effectively help each of them plan for life after high school, compared to the vastly overworked counselors in Uniondale.
“Money is always an obstacle,” Zatar said. “Getting the powers that be that control the purse strings to understand not only the value in our kids, but the work that we’re doing,”
STRONG receives nearly a quarter-million in funding from Nassau County each year — the cost to incarcerate one teenager for a single year. The group is advocating for a seat at the table, increased funding, and for politicians to be wellinformed and courageous enough to prioritize the needs of the communities they represent
With gun violence the leading cause of death among American children, Zatar emphasizes it is “absolutely” more urgent than ever for organizations like hers to receive the funding and resources necessary for effective intervention.
At a rally last year immediately after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, STRONG’s founder Sergio Argueta said “it is easier for young people to get their hands on guns than it is to get their hands on jobs.”
That same rally also included renowned civil rights attorney Frederick Brewington called the current system broken.
“There is an issue in our country, and it is sickness,” said Brewington, a STRONG board member. “And the sickness is that we allow people to take our voters, then allow people to peddle poison in the form of government, monies that are used for guns, and used for drugs, and used for everything except for what it should be, which is to uplift the young people. And we allow that to happen.
“We need to be in people’s faces. Every single one of us.”
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting the Town of Hempstead (TOH) and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.
By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, Long Island youth are better prepared for careers of the future.
Career Exploration: Hone your research skills and uncover exciting new career possibilities.
Structured Work-based Opportunities: If you're a TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20, you can get paid to learn about different careers and make a positive impact in your community through work-based activities.
Work Experiences: TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 can develop job readiness skills and explore diverse career pathways through paid summer jobs in various industries throughout Nassau County.
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Partner with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at HempsteadWorks and provide valuable work experience to youth while expanding your business's staff at no cost. The program pays participant wages in full, so there's no financial burden on the hosting employer. As a SYEP worksite, you can play a vital role in the region's economic development and access a pool of talented, hyperlocal youth who are the future workforce.
Please review the important information below for details on this summer's program.
SYEP 2023:
Participants can work up to 30 hours per week
Rate of pay is $16 per hour, paid by the TOH Participants go through physical clearance and drug screening
Worksite Responsibilities:
Ensuring youth time and attendance procedures are followed, and the timesheets are complete and accurate Supervision of participants, along with guidance and training as appropriate Monitoring youth attendance, punctuality, and job performance
“All students, no matter who they are, can always use someone to talk to,” said Samantha Kahn, a social worker at Woodland Middle School in East Meadow. “Some extra support.”
Kahn and other social workers from 11 Nassau County schools choose the students in grades six through eight who will take part in the Nassau County Bar Association Student Mentor Program.
For 26 years, the Bar Association has mentored students in the late-elementary and middle school levels at Woodland and Clarke middle schools in East Meadow; Great Neck North and South middle schools; Schultz Middle School in Hempstead; Jackson Main and Barack Obama elementary schools in Hempstead; Jericho Middle School; Turtle Hook Middle School in Uniondale; Grand Avenue Elementary School in Uniondale; and Westbury Middle School.
Twice a month, each participating attorney heads to a school in the morning and chats with a student for roughly 30 minutes. The goal is to establish a rapport between mentor and student, to motivate the student to set positive goals and work toward them.
Alan Hodish, an East Meadow resident and a personal injury, criminal law and education law attorney, is the man behind the idea. He taught for 20 years at Jackson Main and Ludlum Elementary School, which is now Barack Obama.
After he transitioned to being an attorney, he reached out to the association to see if it would be open to starting a mentor program.
“It has nothing to do with math, science, the subjects,” said Hodish. “It’s just connecting with an adult —non-
judgmentally —and the conversation can be about anything they want.”
The schools usually reach out to the Bar Association and say they want to participate. The association then recruits lawyers in the school’s area to be involved in the program. Hodish said that roughly 90 attorneys, judges and other people from the association are involved.
Between eight and 15 students participate in the program, depending on the school district. The school’s guidance counselors or social workers are responsible for choosing which students would be best served by the program.
“The program has definitely been successful for our students,” Kahn said. “On Fridays before the weekend it’s nice to just get everyone in the right mindset after a long week, and having a trusted adult for these students to talk to is always great.”
The mentor program is growing, with Grand Avenue becoming the most recent addition last year.
Josh Brookstein, a partner with Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC, has been a part of the mentor program for roughly eight years. He now is the coordinator for the Uniondale schools mentor program.
“It’s such an amazing program, and youngsters are just so amazing,” Brookstein said. “You’re just there to be a consistent positive role model and to share your story.”
For Ted Rosenthal, an attorney from East Meadow, participating in this program was one of the best things he could have done.
“You sit down, you talk to people, and you don’t even know you’re having an effect,” Rosenthal said. “You don’t even know the background of these children, and I don’t look at my job as prying, it’s just to have a conversation that gives them an opportunity to talk freely, no judgment, just conversation.”
Rosenthal recalled running into someone two months
ago in a parking lot. The person asked him if he was Ted Rosenthal, and explained that he had been his mentor years back.
“You really don’t know if you’re having an effect,” Rosenthal said. “But I like to think if he recognized me, that sitting and talking to him for a little bit and giving him my time was worth it.”
The culmination of the program is a big luncheon, taking place this year on May 25. All of the mentees from the schools meet at Domus, an area within the association’s headquarters in Mineola that has conference rooms and a fine restaurant.
I t’s just to have a conversation that gives them an opportunity to talk freely, no judgment, just conversation.
Ted ROSeNThAL attorney, mentor
“Being here and sharing what has happened is a very important step.”
Those words were shared by Avi Posnick. He’s the Oceanside-based executive director of StandWithUs Northeast & New England, an international nonprofit Israel education organization. The “here” he mentioned? It was a public forum held by the Nassau County’s Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, a group first assembled in 2021 made up of six county legislators, five members of the public, and a representative from the county executive’s office.
The recent meeting at the county legislative building in Mineola was designed to allow those from the community to share their experiences involving antisemitism.
“We hear about it, we read about it, and some of us may be experiencing it,” said Rabbi Eli Weinstock of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, who chairs the task force. “It could not be ignored without trying to take some action.”
There were 580 antisemitic incidents reported in New York last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League — a record high since 1979, and the highest in the country. Half of those incidents occurred in public spaces, while others took place at Jewish institutions, private residences, secular schools, and business establishments.
The most alarming number, however, was 42: the number of antisemitic incidents reported in Nassau County. There were found in a number of places, and include flyers that circulated last year in communities like Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Long Beach and Huntington reportedly promoting Jewish hate. There were also reports of students experiencing antisemitic bullying at school, and finding swastikas in buildings and parks. Students across the county came forward to share
their stories.
Sofie Glassman says she’s experienced antisemitism since she was 5 and on the school playground.
“A girl told me I wasn’t allowed to play with her because I was Jewish,” she said.
Glassman is now a sophomore at East Meadow High School, but the level of hate is still there. Like one time when she was eating lunch in the school cafeteria and overheard a group of students saying they wanted to throw things at her so they could “knock out my Judaism.”
Glassman told her mother about what happened, who in turn, called the school demanding the situation be addressed.
The punishment? Two months of in-school suspension.
Most recently, Glassman was informed that swastikas were found in the school’s boys bathroom. They’ve also
CAROLiNE KRONENfELD, A senior at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, joined junior Yoav Muscal to share their experiences of antisemitism in their school district to members of Nassau County’s Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, during a public forum held earlier this month in Mineola.
been found elsewhere in the county, including in a Five Towns-area public school.
Another student, Caroline Kronenfeld, says the Holocaust is taught in schools like hers — Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School — but very little is discussed about the racism Jewish students face. The senior recounted one experience in the school library where she overheard a group of students saying “Kanye was right.” That Kanye being rapper Kanye West — now known as Ye — who was accused of making antisemitic statements on social media platforms that some say outright threatened violence against Jews.
“We learn about the Holocaust and the severity of that,” Kronenfeld said. “We don’t learn about the severity of casual antisemitism.”
And that’s important, East Meadow’s Glassman said. “School is a place that I am supposed to feel safe in,” she said, “and feel supported by the administration.”
Every Uniondale Scholar is empowered, responsible, resilient and prepared for leadership, college and careers.
Enrolling your children in public schools provides them with the opportunity to receive a well-rounded education in a diverse and inclusive environment, with a range of programs and resources. Uniondale Public Schools are also accountable to the community and operate under strict regulations, ensuring that every child receives a quality education regardless of their background or circumstances. With highly qualified teachers, a commitment to academic excellence, and a focus on equity and inclusion, our schools offer a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life.
A Uniondale man faces murder and gang assault charges over a pair of killings last year in the communities.
Gerson Hernandez, 21, pleaded not guilty last week to second-degree murder and second-degree gang assault. If convicted, he could face 40 years to life in prison.
Nassau County Attorney Anne Donnelly accuses Hernandez of walked into a Uniondale park with two other men on July 19, 2022, and cornered Walter Ochoa.
One of the other men — who has yet to be apprehended by police — allegedly shot Ochoa in the chest, while Hernandez and the third man slashed him in his neck, and stabbed him in the abdomen.
Ochoa died at the scene.
Then, two months later, Hernandez and another man was reportedly arguing with two other people outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Hempstead village when a friend of his allegedly rode by on a bicycle. The friend, according to prose-
cutors, pulled out a gun and shot one of the men multiple times.
While he laid on the ground dying on the curb, Hernandez’s companion allegedly took out a large knife and struck him. The victim, who later died, was not identified.
Prosecutors have accused Hernandez and his accomplices of being members of the MS-13 gang.
“In less than two months, Gerson Hernandez allegedly participated in the kill-
ings of two men in Uniondale and Hempstead, who were surrounded and slashed with knives after they had been shot,” Donnelly said, in a release. “MS-13 has wreaked havoc across Long Island and taken too many lives. We will continue to dismantle this criminal operation one member at a time, and ensure our communities are safe from the gang’s unspeakable violence.”
Hernandez is due back in court June 6.
Nassau police are looking for a man who allegedly performed a lewd act in front of a 16-year-old girl in Uniondale on May 12.
The young woman was walking on Henry Street near 1st Place at 3:10 p.m., when a man pulled up in a dark blue, fourdoor Mercedes-Benz sedan with tinted windows and no front license plate, police said.
Sitting in the car, the man tried to talk with the teenager, police said. As she looked into the vehicle, the man allegedly performed what the police called “a lewd act.” The girl ran and hid behind a bush. The man drove away.
After getting home, the teen called 911 and reported the incident.
The man is described as Black, with a skinny build and was wearing a white T-shirt, blue and green shorts, and he spoke possibly with a Jamaican accent. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-8477 or 911. All calls are confidential.
— Jeffrey BessenResponding to an alarm in Bloomingdale’s at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Nassau police found Robert Ardoin allegedly tampering with a cash register in the upscale department near 11 p.m. on May 9. The subsequent investigation found that Ardoin was allegedly responsible for damaging 15 cash registers and taking roughly $3,000 during the May 9 incident. Police also said that they have linked Ardoin to other alleged burglaries in the mall: Bloomingdale’s on May 2 and at Macy’s on March 4, 2021.
He is charged with five counts of burglary, two counts of menacing a police officer, two counts of criminal mischief, criminal possession of a weapon, and possession of burglar tools. Ardoin is in custody after not posting bail. — Reine Bethany
earlier this year, Las Vegas Sands, the world’s most valuable integrated resort company, announced its intention to pursue the development of a multibillion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project on Long Island.
The move came after the recent release of the New York State Gaming Commission’s Request for Application for three downstate New York gaming licenses.
The company has entered into agreements to purchase the long-term lease of the site currently home to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. These transactions would grant the company control of up to 80 acres in Nassau County.
In April, Nassau County, came to terms on a lease agreement with Las Vegas Sands, which would give the Sands control over the land where it plans to spend $4 billion on a resort.
“Our company’s track record of driving significant economic benefits to the communities in which we operate and the meaningful relationships and partnerships we have created in each of those communities gives us a unique perspective on what it takes to develop transformative tourism destinations that positively impact the local community. Based on that experience, we strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments” said Robert G. Goldstein, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer.
The resort would include outdoor community spaces, luxury hotel rooms and a
world-class live performance venue honoring the long legacy of live music at the Nassau Coliseum.
The resort property would also feature celebrity chef restaurants, experiential events and venues and flexible meeting and conference space including ballrooms. Other amenities would include high-quality casino gaming, which is planned to represent less than ten percent of the project’s total square footage, a luxurious day spa, swimming pool and health club, and a variety of other entertainment programming.
Building upon years of community outreach at the site by RXR Realty, Sands is working with local Long Island communities to co-create a development plan and bid that ensures that the new integrated entertainment and hospitality resort maximizes economic opportunity, helps to build stronger communities, and protects the quality of life for all Long Islanders.
The project would also provide thousands of quality union jobs in both construction and operations. Through the company’s well-established and industry-leading environmental sustainability program, Sands ECO360, the Long Island development would also utilize cutting-edge sustainable building and operating practices.
The company will seek guidance from Long Island’s environmental leaders on its ambition to achieve LEED certification and its goal of being the “greenest” building on Long Island.
Sands is also committed to creating a development that is uniquely Long Island through investments in existing community and cultural projects and organizations and partnerships with local celebrities and sports teams. The project would also honor the site’s legacy as a veteran memorial and pay tribute to Long Island’s beloved community of military service members – past and present.
“This project will truly be transformational for our community. It will create so many jobs and the career opportunities it will provide will change the lives for so many in such positive ways.”
“We’re welcoming The Sands resort with open arms. We firmly believe they will actively work with local small businesses and just be great neighbors in our community. The chamber is thrilled they’ll be coming to Long Island.”
The Sands — since the very start of this project — has proven that they are committed to creating a unique and innovative development that will serve our community well. We're excited to work with them.
Mariano Ugalde, Uniondale Chamber President
A 5-star hotel containing at least 500 rooms and amenities, including a 24-hour reception, a concierge, valet parking, and suites;
A high-end luxurious day spa, swimming pool and health club.
Celebrity-chef restaurants including concepts from Rao’s, Jean-Georges and estiatorio Milos. A Celebration of Local Dining with Poll Restaurants, whose current Long Island offerings include Bryant & Cooper Steakhouse, Majors Steakhouse, Cipollini Trattoria & Bar, Toku Modern Asian, Bar Frites Restaurant and Hendrick’s Tavern.
A world-class live performance venue will honor the long legacy of live events at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Outdoor community spaces, experiential events and venues.
Ballrooms and flexible meeting and conference spaces to accommodate corporate retreats and special events.
High-quality casino gaming will represent less than 10% of the project’s total square footage.
Local businesses will have new opportunities through a robust procurement program, which has already launched, providing information and internal Sands contacts to hundreds of local business owners.
Thousands of union jobs during construction and thousands more long-term career opportunities for Long Island residents.
Robust workforce training programs and college degree programs with Nassau Community College and Long Island University in hospitality including: hotel and casino management, security and surveillance, meetings and banquets, entertainment, and food and beverage.
Implement diversity and inclusion strategies to foster an environment of collaboration and economic equity.
Fulfill supply chain needs from local businesses, including MWBE’s, as well as veteran and disabled entrepreneurs to ensure all Long Islanders have opportunity to participate in the project’s success.
Honor the service and sacrifice of all Long Islanders who served in the United States Armed Forces with a minimum $1 million investment in a new Veterans Memorial.
Singapore's most iconic building, Bay Sands is home to the rooftop SkyPark with the world's longest pool, the Sands and Convention and the lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum.
These properties the finest in luxury accommodations and retail offerings, including Macao's and largest luxury at The Plaza Macao.
To learn more about the Sands as the world’s preeminent developer and
Las Vegas Sands has made agreements with several leading restaurant groups as the foundation of a premier dining experience that will put Long Island on the culinary map for global tourism and drive significant visitation to local restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions.
most building, Marina home Sands the longest infinity Sands Expo Convention Centre lotus-inspired Museum. properties offer luxury accommodations erings, Macao's first luxury mall Macao.
Located at the center of the Cotai Strip, The Londoner Macao is Sands' latest destinationthemed resort, featuring five leading hotel brands; an array of retail, dining and meeting offerings; a 6,000-seat arena; and British-themed attractions.
Sands plans to deliver a carefully curated collection of food and beverage venues that augment the local landscape and lift the entire Long Island area with an influx of global tourists looking for a variety of experiences – from on-property offerings to regional flavor. Integral to the company’s plans is a five-star concierge program that will funnel visitors to local restaurants, bars and attractions.
Restaurant brands that have entered into agreements to explore dining concepts with Sands at the planned Long Island destination include:
NY trendsetters & local offerings
Raos
Poll Restaurants
Borrelli’s
Macao's first Integrated resort and the anchor property of the Cotai Strip, The Venetian Macao brings the Italian opulence of their flagship Las Vegas property to China.
Grand Stage Diner
Global flavors
estiatorio Milos
Zuma
Amazonico
Coya and Nusr-Et
Maximal Concepts
Lettuce Entertain You
World-renowned celebrity chefs
Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Lorena Garcia
Tetsuya Wakuda
and operator of world-class integrated resorts visit sandsnewyork.com
Former New York State Governor David Paterson represented Sands New York as a corporate sponsor of the Little League Parade in Uniondale. He was joined by Art Shamsky of the World Series Winning NY Mets as they walked and talked with aspiring baseball players, coaches and parents. Good Luck to all the teams this season.
Las Vegas Sands brings in former New York Jet D’Brickashaw Ferguson to hand out awards and scholarships
Las Vegas Sands invited former New York Jet D’Brickashaw Ferguson to distribute scholarships and awards, and take photographs with the Uniondale Knights Youth Football players and mentors.
Sands Youth Empowerment Initiative hosts international soccer legends Carli Lloyd and David Beckham
Las Vegas Sands hosted inspiring and legendary soccer stars Carli Lloyd and David Beckham as they met with Long Island soccer clubs and over 400 students aged 9-12 at Mitchell Field in Uniondale to share an empowering experience focused on teamwork, sportsmanship and fitness. The event was part of Sands Cares and its Sands Youth Empowerment Initiative here in New York. The initiative reflects a tradition and history of dedication and commitment to communities where Sands properties are developed.
who we are: The developer of a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project on Long Island
By the Numbers
$7.9 million in charitable giving
2.7 million jobs created since 1996
$13.7 billion gaming tax contributed to host regions since 2017
Acclaimed singer/actor Ciarán
Sheehan and his friends appear on the Tilles Center stage for an intimate musical journey, Beautiful, soaring Broadway favorites balanced with heart-tugging Irish melodies and humor are on full display with Dublin-born Sheehan, whose rich tenor voice and performances have been described as touching the soul. Sheehan made his Broadway debut as Babet, Marius in ‘Les Miserables,’and shortly thereafter in ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ After a year of playing Raoul on Broadway, he moved into the coveted starring role of The Phantom, which he sang in more than 1,000 performances. His performances easily capture an audience, with the requisite charisma and magnetic stage presence. Don’t miss this lovely evening of Broadway, Irish music and mirth! This concert will lift your spirits and have you humming along to your favorite tunes.
By Karen BloomIf the idea of longer, warmer days has you reaching for the tongs, you’re certainly not alone. Whether it’s a graduation party, a Memorial Day celebration, or simply to while away the hours with your gang, get outside and get your grilling game on.
From versatile chicken to meats, tender seafood, veggies, and even fruit, it’s never been more fun to incorporate new flavors into grilled cuisine. Find some inspiration with these recipes.
Skirt Steak with Roasted Corn Salad
• 1-1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 large garlic clove, crushed
In a large bowl, combine chipotle pepper sauce, cumin and garlic; add skirt steaks. Toss to mix well; cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Preheat grill to high. Grill skirt steak about 5 minutes, or until of desired doneness, turning once. To serve, plate steak with corn salad.
Corn Salad:
• 4 ears corn on the cob, shucked
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
To prepare corn salad: Preheat grill to medium. Grill corn about 5 to 10 minutes, turning frequently, until tender-crisp. When cool enough to handle, cut corn from cob. In medium bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, basil, lime juice, olive oil, chipotle pepper sauce to taste, and salt; toss to mix well.
Chicken Skewers with Mango and Pineapple
• 3/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from can above)
• 1 tablespoon honey
Saturday, May 20, 8 p.m. $59. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. TillesCenter.org, or (516) 299-3100.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound chicken tenders, each cut into 3 equal pieces
• 1/2 pineapple, rind and core removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 large mango, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 small red onion, quartered and separated into layers
• Oil for grilling (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, quartered In medium bowl, combine dressing, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, honey, lime juice and salt for marinade. Stir well.
Assemble 4 skewers from ingredients in following order: onion, chicken, mango, chicken, pineapple, chicken, onion. Repeat twice more to complete skewer.
Lay skewers in shallow pan. Pour 1/4 cup marinade into small dish; set aside. Brush remaining marinade over skewers, coating all sides evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate about an hour.
Set the grill to medium-high heat. When grill is quite hot, remove skewers from marinade (discard excess); brush lightly with oil. Lay oiled skewers on hot grates and grill until marked on all four sides and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes total.
Arrange skewers on serving platter, drizzle with reserved 1/4 cup marinade, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), scrubbed well
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Cover potatoes with cold salted water in a large pot, then bring to a boil. Simmer until slightly resistant when pierced with a sharp small knife, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain well. When cool, slice potatoes lengthwise. Mix together salt, spices and apple cider vinegar; add oil in a slow stream. Brush this mixture on sweet potatoes.
Grill potatoes on a lightly oiled grill rack over medium heat, until grill marks appear and potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve potatoes warm.
Renowned Swedish pianistcomposer-teacher Niklas Sivelöv gives a rare New York-area recital. He has an extemsive repertoire that highlighs works by a number of contemporary Swedish composers along with the classics. He continously enchants audiences with his artistic temperament, impeccable technique, and spellbinding stage presence. Sivelöv describes himself as a bridge builder and part of a living tradition. He challenges both himself and that tradition by extending its cornerstones, for example by entering into unusual collaborations, such as with the jazz pianist Carsten Dahl. Sivelöv is one of the few classical pianists to master the art of improvisation. A sought-after soloist, his repertoire ranges from Bach, Beethoven and Schubert to Bartók, Prokofiev and Per Nørgård, in addition to his own compositions.
Sunday, May 21, 5 p.m. $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444, or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
Get fired up! Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, and with it barbecue season is upon us.Skirt Steak with Roasted Corn Salad Chicken Skewers with Mango and Pineapple Spiced Sweet Potatoes
It’s time for some sizzle
‘round the
Renowned Swedish pianistcomposer-teacher
Niklas Sivelöv visits the Landmark stage, Sunday, May 21, 5 p.m. This is a rare New York-area recital by Sivelöv, who enchants audiences with his artistic temperament, impeccable technique and spellbinding stage presence. He has a repertoire extending from Beethoven to Lutoslawski and Ligeti, also including works by a number of contemporary Swedish composers. Sivelöv describes himself as part of a living tradition. He challenges both himself and the tradition by building upon its cornerstones, for example entering into unusual collaborations, such as with the jazz pianist Carsten Dahl. He is one of the few classical pianists to master the art of improvisation. This program includes Beethoven, Bach and Skriabin, also compositions by Queens College professor Dr. Edward Smaldone. Smaldone offers commentary during the concert. $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet. org.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure a spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Chinese acrobat Li Liu performs at Uniondale Public Library, Saturday, May 20. See hand-balancing, plate spinning, ribbon dancing, Chinese yo-yos and foot juggling. 400 Uniondale Ave., in Uniondale. To sign up visit UniondaleLibrary.org.
Uniondale Public Library offers ESL classes, Friday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to learn English through the Nassau literacy program. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more info visit LiteracyNassau.org.
AARP
Uniondale Public Library offers an AARP driving class, Friday, May 19, 9 :30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $25 for AARP members and $30 for nonAARP members. 400 Uniondale Ave., in Uniondale. For more info contact the adult reference desk at (516) 490-2200 ext. 204 or 205.
New adults ages 18 and up join a step dance session with Keturah Lee, at Uniondale Public Library, Tuesday, May 23, 7 to 8 p.m. Attendees will perform at the Caribbean Heritage Month/ Black Music History Celebration in June. 400 Uniondale Ave., in Uniondale. To sign up visit UniondaleLibrary.org.
There will be a cemetery map unveiling and cemetery cleanup at St. George’s Epsicopal Church, Sunday, June 4
Anyone interested can arrive at 12:15 p.m. 319 Front St., in Hempstead.
Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, May 23, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss ‘Balthus and Neo-Classicism,” in a session that is keyed to Balthus, along with Derain and such figures as Nijinsky and Prokofiev, who were experimenting with the re-invention of classical forms and motifs, notably those of the Renaissance. A decadent in the manner of Wilde, an Old Master painter among the Cubists (Picasso considered him a great talent), Balthus also became associated with the fiction of Nabokov, a literary connection that will also be consideredarticipation is limited; registration required. $40, $20 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.
Support PFY, a division of Long Island Crisis Center, at a 30th Anniversary Benefit celebration, Tuesday, June 13, 6-10 p.m. With drag bingo and performances by Ivy Stalls and Syn; also special guest honoree actor-author-activist Maulik Pancholy. The event, honoring PFY’s 30 years serving Long Island/Queens’ LGBTQ+ communities, is at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury. For more information and tickets, go to tinyurl.com/ pfyevent2023.
Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn fascinating facts about turtles and meet the museum’s special “resident” Franklin the box turtle, Saturday, May 20, 12-2 p.m. Also make a turtle friend to take home at the drop-in program. Suitable for ages 3+ Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
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.
Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, May 19, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, May 21, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, May 24-25, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, May 19, noon-1 p.m.; Monday, May 22, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday, May 24, noon-1 p.m. and 1:30-2 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
Craft Beer, Cocktails, Wine & Spirits.
Lunch & Dinner Menu, Sushi and Brunch with Weekly Specials!
Trivia Tuesday Nights & Taco Tuesday Specials. Happy Hour ½ off Apps 4-6pm Weekdays. Inquire for Your Next Private Event on our Website. Tasting Room & Dining Room with dock & dine access. Visit Us on Open Table to make a reservation.
Taproom Hours: Mon-Thurs: 2pm-9pm | Friday-Saturday: 12pm -11pm | Sunday: 12pm-9pm
Restaurant Hours: Monday: Closed | Tuesday-Thurs: 5pm-9pm | Friday: 12pm-10pm | Saturday: 12pm-10pm | Sunday: 12pm-9pm
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
AUTO TECHNICIAN FT
Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus. Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641
BEACH MANAGER : Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-6pm. Handle Chairs/ Umbrellas/ Towels Accomodations Of Members. 516-835-2819
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
CLERK FULL TIME
Needed For Garden City Law
Firm. Responsibilities Include Filing, Ordering And Stocking Office Supplies, Mail Distribution, Photocopying, Scanning, And Errands To Banks, Post Office And Courts.
Must Have A Vehicle And Valid N.Y. Driver License.
Please Email Resume To mjagnandan@albaneselegal.com Or Call 516-248-7000 Ext.2212
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma
NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000
Help Wanted
EDITOR/REPORTER
The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
FRONT DESK
Summer Weekend Position Available at Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway, Hewlett Saturday Hours 10am-1pm Sunday Hours 10am-3pm Call 516-374-0100 Today To Schedule A Meeting!
FULL-PART TIME BOOKKEEPER: Autostat Corporation is seeking an experienced Accounts Receivable/ Payable Bookkeeper, minimum 5 years experience working for small/ medium business in Manufacturing, Wholesaling, or Bookkeeping Fields. Must be Windows proficient, experienced with Quick Books, Bank Reconciliations, Comfortable Handling Phones, Speaking to customers, vendors. Hours Flexible- 3 days (M,W,F Pref.) 20 hours minimum per week. Full Time off Benefits include: all major holidays (8) plus 5 Sick Days. Vacation time accrues after one year. Liberal salary based on experience, Serious/ Qualified only need apply. Qualified Retirees welcome. Forward resume w/References & Salary History: orders@autostatcorp.com
JOB FAIR! NOW HIRING BARTENDERS * WAITERS ALL RESTAURANT STAFF! Sunday May 21st 10:00-12:00 (please arrive by 9:45). Come and be interviewed on the spot and stay for orientation. Those offered positions will have specific position orientation at 1:00pm! Come work with the best team on the beach at Long Island's premier private beach club here in Atlantic Beach NY. Make this a summer to remember!! (516) 371-0750 New York Beach Club 1751 Ocean Blvd Atlantic Beach NY www.newyorkbeachclub.com newyorkbeachclub@gmail.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com
Call 516-569-4000 X286
H ebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:
Lev Chana Early Childhood: Early Childhood Assistant Teachers
HALB Elementary School: Assistant Teachers
Part Time Morah
Middle School Morah
Full Time Rebbe
Middle School Math Teacher
DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys: English Teacher Science Teacher
Learning Center Teacher
Assistant College Guidance Counselor
SKA High School for Girls: Graphic Design Teacher Ivrit Teacher
Halacha Teacher AP Computer Science Teacher
Multiple IT Positions : Software Developers needed to design, develop, and maintain software solutions and applications.
Database Administrators needed to conduct requirements gathering, feasibility study, design preparation and effort estimation for database architecture and data migration supporting Oracle,MS SQL, PostgreSQL, and MySQL server databases. Systems Administrators needed to conduct end-to-end administration of enterprise backup and recovery environments. Positions based in Hicksville, NY, but require travel and/or relocation to unanticipated locations throughout U.S. Email resume to sridhar@mahimasoft.com, Srivin Infosystems, Inc. dba Mahima Soft, 25 Newbridge Rd, Suite # 303, Hicksville, NY 11801. No walk-ins.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Receptionist (full-time) needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule:
Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm
Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm
Friday 8am to 5pm
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay, plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Job Type: Full-time.
Salary: $15.00 /hour
Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com
Shapiro & Assocs. seeks Project Engineer to work w/contractors/construction mgrs on high rise buildings/structures, primarily in NY Metro. Duties: lead/oversee/plan/manage/perform assignments involving mean/methods for construction/demolition per NYC/local building codes, modeling/analysis of existing/alt. load paths in historic structures, conduct on-site training/supervision for staff engrs/interns, communicate w/architects/engrs/ construction mgrs to plan/execute projects & troubleshoot. Reqs: M.S. Civil Eng/Structural Eng/sim + 2 yrs’ training/internship/exp.(or B.S. +5 yrs’ exp.) w/eng. design/analysis for demolition & means/methods incl. AutoCAD/RISA-3D/analytical models/programs to analyze stresses/loads. Lynbrook, NY worksite. Resumes: hiring@hisassoc.com; Ref: HR/VS
UP TO $20.70 NYC, $20.00 L.I., $16.20
Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553
Eldercare Offered
EUROPEAN ELDERCARE Takes Special Care Of Loved Ones. Full Month Livein L.I. Stroke, Parkinson, Alzheimers. Jean Or Eka 914-357-0398; 845-567-6359
Center Hall English Colonial-style home located in the desirable Bryn Mawr neighborhood. The property boasts an oversized lot and features an elegant and gracious design. The large eatin kitchen includes an island and a spacious breakfast area, while the banquetsized dining room has an original stainedglass window. Other notable features of the home include a den, 3-season room, and a new powder room. The primary bedroom is an en-suite and there are three additional generous-sized bedrooms. Plus a bonus third floor with finished rooms and a large finished lower level. Additional amenities include new central air conditioning and a
REAL ESTATE
Open Houses
EAST ROCKAWAY BA,101 EMMET101 Emmet Ave NEW TO MARKET! WATERFRONT BEAUTY! Rebuilt in 2010 This 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bth Split Features Open Layout. 2 Story EF, Soaring Ceilings, LR,DR, Gran/Wood EIK & Family Rm Overlooking Water View.Resortlike Yard Has Pool, Deck, Outdoor Kit, Dock & 110'Bulkhead. Priv Primary Ste w/ Marble Bth &WICs. SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr, NEW!
4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Tree Lined St in SD#14. Spacious LR, DR & Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship...$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
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Q. We just moved into our first home on a hilly property, and now we see that the bottom of the wall in the corner of our walkout basement is wet. I opened the drywall, and the bottom wood is black, rotted, crumbling and soaking wet, too. While we’re fixing this problem, we want to add a half bathroom and take out the columns to make the family room open and larger. What should we do to stop the water in the corner of the basement, and what do we need to know about taking out the columns? The contractor says he can put in mi-lams, which I think are some kind of wood beam.
A. The water problem, the bathroom, and the changing of structure are three different issues that can be addressed at the same time but require more than a little knowhow. First, water getting in is caused by openings, and it was helpful that you included pictures with your question. On the outside of the basement, where the floor of the basement is actually about five inches above the ground, I notice a raised planting bed. The soil and fresh mulch hides an avoidable problem: The edge of the floor is now at or just under the height of the planting bed.
I am certain the artistic intentions did not take into account the fact that water seeks its own level, and most people don’t realize that when we get heavy rain like we’ve been experiencing lately, it can’t flow away as fast as it accumulates, meaning that you can have, temporarily, 2- to 4-inch-tall walls of moving water at a given location. You must lower the flowerbeds and slope the land away from the foundation so a pond of rain can’t work its way under the wall base plate — that rotted wood sill you now see.
After clearing back the mulch and soil, clean the exposed concrete and siding, cut out the wood sill plate as long as you temporarily support the wall. As far to each side as you can, remove the wood and bottom of the siding, then install a new wood sill over a polystyrene sill sealer on the concrete with a copper termite shield above the sill sealer. Then apply liquid roll-on waterproofing membrane so that it bridges the gap of the concrete and wood wall base.
The internet has contradicting details showing sill sealer foam incorrectly above the copper shield. Logically, the foam sealer fills rough concrete surface gaps. Copper sheet flashing, called the termite shield, goes over the foam.
The half-bath may require an ejector pump. You need a licensed plumber who knows what permit requirements must be met for your building permit. Never guess what beam is required. Without a professional applying load paths, material and people weight, snow and wind loads, guessing is going to cause extra cost, either from overbuilding or replacing the wrong choice beam. Be safe!
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He called us the “Herald Firing Squad.” That was fair, I guess. When Republican congressional candidate George Santos first visited our Garden City office last fall, there were nine reporters — including me — sitting around the conference table waiting for him.
This time, however, it was just three of us. A senior editor, Laura Lane. A senior reporter, Michael Malaszczyk. And me. We didn’t meet on Long Island. Instead, we traveled on May 5 to Queens, where now-U.S. Rep. George Santos works when he’s not in Washington. A few days later, he would face federal charges — charges he reportedly did not know about when he sat with us.
Unlike his office on Capitol Hill, there were no reporters waiting outside his door trying to ask questions. Instead, it was just the three of us, walking into a cramped space, past a sign on the door warning against using audio devices and video equipment. Staff members had to move around a bit just to seat us at a conference table outside the congressman’s office.
Santos arrived just moments after we did, wearing a fresh suit and a light blue tie, and carrying a small food pack from Starbucks that he called his breakfast. A lot had happened to him between that October afternoon he visited our offices, and this chilly Friday morning.
Reporters spent months asking Santos questions about his past. Where he worked. Where he went to school. What happened with his mother. Whether he was ever arrested. Whether he was truly “Jew-ish,” as he had previously claimed.
Law enforcement officials at all levels announced investigations into different aspects of Santos’s life. Even the Republican-controlled House Ethics Committee wanted a chance to weigh in.
But sitting there, across from George Santos, none of that seemed real. The congressman outlined what seemed very much like a busy schedule dealing with constituents, introducing bills, and even seeking a place in history that didn’t make him an easy target for latenight talk show hosts and banter for news outlets.
There’s his bill intended to cap state and local tax exemptions beginning at $50,000 instead of $10,000. Or the bill
intended to waive the early withdrawal penalty for certain types of distributions from a retirement plan.
And then there’s a bill Santos said I’d personally appreciate, because it would prohibit the United States from providing any sort of financial aid to countries that target members of the LGBTQ community.
“Some of them kill you just for liking someone of the same sex,” Santos said. “That’s not an American value, right? That’s not something we share.”
In fact, in his first four months on Capitol Hill, Santos has introduced nearly a dozen bills. An impressive slate that almost makes everything else happening around the congressman feel like background noise you can tune out. That is until you realize that he doesn’t have a single co-sponsor for any of these bills. Not one.
“Usually people work one bill at a time, and then go work the floor,” Santos said. “I’m too impatient to do it that way. So I just put the first set of ideas in the first quarter down, and now this quarter, I’m going to be doing less of bill introduction and more of working these bills.”
The congressman’s Republican colleagues have indeed stepped up to offer
initial support for these bills, Santos said. But he wouldn’t share who any of them were, because he feared “the firing squad” would “do follow-ups” — like reporters ought to do — putting those House members “under pressure.”
“And then they might buckle,” Santos said, “and then you’ll ruin my bill.”
It’s surprising, with the walls closing so tight around Santos, that he hasn’t buckled. He’s already looking toward reelection — at least before federal criminal charges, although that may not deter him now. And there are many who truly don’t believe he’ll survive his first term.
But then again, few expected he would still be donning his congressional lapel pin in May — six months after the original New York Times exposé that punched significant holes in Santos’ claims in the first place.
It’s hard not to be impressed with that perseverance. It’s a trait that is far less common in Congress than it should be, and something Santos apparently has in abundance.
Yet, the rocky road he has had to traverse was one of his own making. Which is unfortunate, because if he hadn’t built such a house of cards around himself, who knows what kind of good George Santos might have done in Washington?
Michael Hinman is executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? mhinman@liherald.com.
In “Hamlet,” Polonius said to Laertes, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.”
I have always thought books were an exception to the lending rule, since they offer an opportunity to share the immense joy of a great read, but I may have to turn the page on that.
Someone out there has a copy of my “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” by Olga Tokarczuk. For a year I thought it was my friend Sharon, but she’s an upright sort of woman, and she swears she searched her house and does not possess, nor did she ever possess, my book. I would like to believe her. The novel is a mind-bending challenge, translated from the Polish. But it did land the Nobel Prize in literature, and I want it back.
The book is MIA, and Sharon has a history. She has borrowed other books,
and returned most of them. Once she “found” a book of mine in her house that she had borrowed two years before. See what I mean by wanting to believe her?
I can’t quite go with Shakespeare on being neither a borrower nor a lender because sharing a much-loved book weaves a powerful connection. And it adds to my pleasure to know that someone I care about will be reading the same book without having to pay for it. There is a particular pleasure in having my friends or loved ones read the very pages I read, as if the laugh I laughed or the tear I shed might linger in the spaces between the words, also to be shared.
The experience has become even more precious in the days of e-books, when most of what we read is on our devices.
Years ago, I lent books out all over the place. I never even wrote my name inside the cover. Then I realized that my book collection was dwindling, and it was all my favorites that were gone and forgotten. I had no idea who had them or
for how long.
A friend of mine who borrows books frequently and always returns them promptly suggests that I keep a list of my lending, so I can ask for a book back after a reasonable amount of time. That works when I remember to jot down the transaction, but more often it’s a casual deal and soon forgotten by both the borrower and me.
That’s the other thing. I’m not a really responsible borrower, although I try very hard. I’m pretty good about books, because they’re so important in my life. But I’m terrible with, say, wrenches. I have a collection of wrenches in my basement that I borrowed over the years and never returned because I have no idea who they belong to. Somewhere out there I have friends to whom wrenches are very dear, aggravating their hearts out because they lent them out and haven’t gotten them back.
Still, a wrench is just a wrench. Sharing a book is like holding hands and jumping onto a fast-moving train, seeing the same words and feeling them differ-
ently.
On rare occasions I’ve borrowed a shawl or gown for an event. Most times, though, I don’t like to borrow clothing, because I’m bad with red sauce. I don’t borrow money (except when I forget my wallet), and I never borrow jewelry.
Perhaps we need to track our books with digital tags so we can find them when they go missing. Or perhaps I shouldn’t be a lender if I can’t deal with the occasional delinquent borrower. The funny thing is, I was hounding Sharon so much that she offered to buy me another copy of “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead.” She doesn’t get it. I don’t want another one. I want that one, the one with the spaghetti sauce stains on Page 35 and the dog’s paw print on the back cover, the one I remember reading while lying on the beach. For me, the books I have read and loved have a life, memories of which linger in the mind and heart.
There may be a gazillion copies of “Drag Your Plow” out there, but there’s only one copy that shared my pillow and my comforter for three weeks last summer.
Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
Sharing a book is like holding hands and jumping onto a fastmoving train.
If he hadn’t built such a house of cards, who knows what kind of good he might’ve done?MICHAEL HINMAN
it feels like so many drivers are in a constant rush these days, but that’s no excuse to ignore the posted speed limits.
Traffic safety laws exist so our children can walk to school safely. So that pedestrians and cyclists don’t have to take their lives in their hands. So other drivers make it to their destinations in one piece and unharmed.
Nothing is so important that it warrants putting others at risk. Traffic congestion, long lights, distractions, aggressive behavior, and acts of reciprocation — none of these are a valid excuse for causing an accident, or worse, taking the life of another person.
Speeding is an epidemic that impacts everyone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, speeding was responsible for the deaths of 11,258 people across the country, some 29 percent of all traffic fatalities that year.
Yet on any given day in suburban communities like ours here on Long Island, people will hit the gas in order to whiz through traffic lights and intersections at 20 mph or more over the speed limit.
Police tend to enforce moving violations based on routine observations, tips
To the Editor:
Jerry Kremer and I are on opposite sides of the political aisle, but I enjoy reading his opinions. His most recent column, “Biden’s decision was an easy one” (May 4-10), however, was quite one-sided.
I do agree there have been accomplishments Biden should be very proud of. The infrastructure bill was great and well overdue! America needs to be a global leader in microchip production, and his efforts to get us there are needed, too.
The effort to control insulin pricing is another wonderful thing. Unfortunately, Kremer and his fellow Democrats neglect to point out that it’s only for seniors on Medicare. This isn’t helping the working class, or young kids whose families still struggle with those bills.
Now let’s talk about the obvious things Kremer ignored. Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal — my goodness, could that have gone any worse? The chaos, loss of lives, loss of equipment and abandoning our allies was unconscionable. Don’t say that was Trump’s doing.
Decades-high inflation? The Biden administration told us it was transitory. Biden’s spending has helped inflation increase to its highest rate in over 40 years. That affects the working class every minute of the day.
We can’t forget the border crisis! Biden put
from neighbors, and patrolling known hot spots and problem areas with higher traffic accident numbers.
Directing patrols to certain roadways certainly has its benefits, but it also comes with challenges. On some major thruways where there is a lot of traffic, it’s not easy to check speeding. Many of these roadways are narrow, making it difficult for police to pull anyone over to the side of the road.
While the data indicates there has been an increase in the volume of motorists cutting through side streets and residential areas thanks to directions they get with GPS tracking systems like Waze, police understand that this is a major issue that they do not take lightly.
The most common requests from residents of busy streets are for speed bumps or stop signs, which aren’t always possible because of state law. Crosswalks and turn signals also can be problematic on thoroughfares too narrow to accommodate them.
Cameras have been shown to work in addressing speeders, but some question whether they are intended for safety, or as another way to raise money. In a matter of months at one point, Nassau County issued more than 400,000 traffic tickets,
raising $32 million from the fines alone.
One — albeit less favorable — solution could be for local police to implement a ticketing blitz. The fear of being issued a hefty moving violation would certainly make those wishing to turn local streets into their own personal racetracks think twice about it. And simply by seeing an increase in enforcement, drivers will react by slowing down.
Another alternative is to consider hiring traffic engineers. Since many roadways shift among local, county and state jurisdiction, having one person designated to address the flow of traffic through a community could be a real asset. It would also provide residents with an advocate when it comes to issues like long waits at traffic lights, and illegal turns that can also prompt people to rush.
At the end of the day, everyone needs to play a part in order to make our communities safer. Be aware of your speed. Slow down when you feel you’re going too fast. Stay alert, and always keep your cool at the wheel.
Let others drivers pass, and give them plenty of space. Take extra precautions when driving in inclement weather or at night. If a driver is following or harassing you, contact the police immediately.
Vice President Harris in charge, and that hasn’t worked out well. Border communities are overwhelmed.
Biden declared war on fossil fuels at the beginning of his administration. That’s fine — no one wants global warming. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a plan in place. Thanks to that, gas prices skyrocketed, and at one point were higher than they had ever been.
Finally, we all can see his cognitive decline. It’s downright scary. He has held fewer news conferences per year than any president since Ronald Reagan, and gave fewer interviews during his first two years in office than any president in even longer. It’s sad, and at times hard to watch.
It’s time to move on from Biden, from Trump, from Pelosi and McConnell and Max-
there are so many things to write about these days, so many new headlines. But I can’t help writing about the state of Florida, because it seems more detached from America than any of the other 49 states.
I keep thinking it must be the water that’s making the state’s politicians go crazy, but I’m convinced that the issue is much bigger than H2O content. And the craziness doesn’t begin and end with Gov. Ron DeSantis, because he needs a state legislature to go along with his daily menu of new laws that make Florida look more and more like Russia.
The six-week ban on abortions is designed to help DeSantis win Republican primaries for the White House. I know DeSantis is married, but any clear-minded politico should know that the average woman has no idea that she is pregnant during the first six weeks. In addition, every poll taken by either the far right or the far left shows that the majority of Americans don’t want abortion banned.
It’s almost as if there are no television stations or other forms of media in Florida, because if there were, DeSantis would have learned that a bipartisan group of South Carolina women legislators were blocking a bill that would ban all abortions. In addition, many red states are being told by the courts that their bans are going too far. To show how crafty DeSantis thinks he is, he signed the abortion ban late on a Thursday night, apparently with the hope that the media wouldn’t find out about his latest political gambit.
Another issue is DeSantis’ battle with Disney World, which is the state’s second-largest tourist attraction, after the cruise industry. The theme park accounts for more than 20 million visitors a year and billions in tourism dollars. When you have such a good thing going, why would any sane governor start a fight that he is destined to lose?
DeSantis’ battle with Disney began when Disney spoke out against the governor’s fight with the LGBTQ community. The First Amendment protects free speech, and Disney is entitled to the same protections as any ordinary citizen.
ine Waters. America needs new leadership, young blood to lead us going forward. Tell Joe it’s time to go home.
PAuL WAGneR Island ParkTo the editor:
May is Mental Health Awareness
Month, a time set aside for reflection on mental illness and things that might be done to improve the lives of those afflicted.
It’s been said before: The brain is an incredibly complex organ — one we still know so little about. Just as things can go wrong with the thyroid gland or the pancreas or the liver, the human brain is periodically subject to any number of ailments.
The situation may be complicated by a variety of behavioral or social factors. The underlying reality, however, remains true: Things can go wrong with the human brain.
We can only be thankful that in 2023, much is known about how to treat such forms of illness. A broad range of effective prescription drugs is now available. Yes, there is a lot of money in it, but it is for this reason that the improvements continue. These medications are there to be helpful.
One of the first, and perhaps most
influential, was lithium carbonate, used to treat bipolar disorder — or, as it was then known, manic-depression. This was the very same clay found in the european springs where the suffering regularly went to “take the waters.”
The clay was packaged for easier use. This natural substance was no less effective in that form.
Certainly, all forms of psychiatric medication must be treated with the highest degree of respect. Increasing or decreasing the dosage amounts without the assistance of a trained professional is the highest form of recklessness.
Still, help does exist.
The case can also be made that our own human emotions carry a corresponding power to alter our own brain chemistry. Fits of anger, worry, blame or fear can alter the chemical makeup of the human brain. Here, too, however, psychiatry is making great advances. With hard work and commitment — and the assistance of a psychotherapist — it is possible to maintain a more hopeful and humorous outlook, day by day.
We don’t have all the answers. Still, many good men and women are working to improve our understanding of this most human form of affliction, and to find help for those in need. If the rest of us can set aside our unnecessary prejudices and open ourselves to the help already available, we can all come out ahead.
JOSH GReenFIeLD BronxAngered by Disney’s position, DeSantis has tried to strip it of its special tax district status, to stop Disney from having a say over the sprawling community that lives off of the entertainment empire’s success. Without Disney, hundreds of thousands of people would lack adequate fire, police or sanitation services.
To add to the craziness in Florida, the governor has announced that a whole series of textbooks will be banned from use in the state’s public schools, because of his and school parents’ objections to some of the content in those books. He has further ordered that a number of books have their language revised, because the words “are not truthful.” Mentions of the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement have been removed from one middle school textbook. Apparently, DeSantis believes that the Floyd tragedy was some sort of fake news.
If you’re not out of breath yet, here’s another scary fact of Florida life. Thousands of schoolteachers have left the state for other regions, out of fear of prosecution for accidently discussing some sub-
ject that the governor thinks is objectionable. It is estimated that Florida will need thousands of new teachers to make up for those losses, and it doesn’t look like those new teachers will be coming in the near future.
Recent opinion polls show former President Donald Trump with a wide lead over DeSantis early in the race for the Republican nomination for president. That lead isn’t a tribute to Trump, but rather a sign of growing dissatisfaction with DeSantis, which could leave the door open to any number of candidates, many of whom have yet to announce their availability.
Many Republicans are hungering for a fresh face to take on Trump next year. But the events in Florida over the past two years make it seem as if voting for DeSantis could be the equivalent of voting for Vladimir Putin. Somehow, the only people who haven’t caught on to DeSantis’ weaknesses are Florida residents. Maybe it is the water.
Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
It seems as if voting for Ron DeSantis could be like voting for Vladimir Putin.