Uniondale Herald 06-01-2023

BEACON BEACON

Scouts exercise some girl power

They gather to honor the fallen

Hundreds march in — or watch — annual Memorial Day Parade

By BRANdoN CRUZ Correspondent

Hundreds of Uniondale residents gathered along Uniondale Avenue on Monday for the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony, paying tribute to those who gave their life in service to the country.

The parade began at Uniondale High School, where the district’s marching bands, cheerleaders and junior Reserve Officers Training Corps as well as the Uniondale Fire Department’s junior firefighters and other first

responders gathered and marched just over a mile to Uniondale Park, where the ceremony was held.

Community members lined the parade route, waving and cheering as student musicians played marches, and others danced. A phalanx of fire trucks and ambulances blared their sirens to the beat of popular songs, while spectators joined in singing along and filling the air with laughter and cheers as first responders marched down the street, basking in the vocal admiration of the residents they

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Neighbors assess the impact of county’s Sands decision

Latest move opens door for Coliseum development to move forward

By REINE BETHANY rbethany@liherald.com

Now that the Nassau County Legislature has approved the transfer of the Hub lease to Las Vegas Sands, Uniondale organizations and residents are assessing the potential impact, especially if New York state approves a casino license for the planned integrated resort.

“This particular developer has the capacity and the will to really strengthen the community,” said Jeannine Maynard, a recently retired social worker and a proponent of the Sands

project.

Opponents, however, say they believe the Sands development’s impact on the community could be a negative one.

“The casino makes money by taking money,” said Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, “and Sands is going to recoup that money from the people who can least afford that money.”

Uniondale has seen nearly 15 years of developers’ efforts to reshape the unused 71-plus acres surrounding the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, includ-

ing the $4 billion Lighthouse project proposed by co-developers Charles Wang and Scott Rechler of RXR in 2009. The Lighthouse proposal struggled to get past environmental and zoning issues. In 2020, Florida developer Nick Mastroianni II took over the Hub lease, but the Covid pandemic eviscerated his plans.

Visions for the Hub have included a major convention center, a five-star hotel, renovation of the Coliseum, and expansion of retail, business and residential space.

To those visions, the Sands proposal would add a high-end

performance venue with at least 3,600 seats, as well as a casino that would be open 24/7 hours, with an expectation of 20,000 visitors per day.

“From the local community viewpoint here, I see it as being unmanageable traffic,” Uniondale Community Council member Kathleen Lyons, a retired

teacher, said. “Unless we do Disneyland monorails, I don’t know what we’ll do about the traffic on Hempstead Turnpike and other streets in the area.”

Lyons said she didn’t think that businesses in Uniondale would benefit from the develop-

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Brandon Cruz/Herald

THE UNIoNdAlE FIRE Department marched in the community’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

Living in a world after the Covid-19 pandemic

By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@liherald.com

The country officially returned to normal on May 11 with the end of the federal public health emergency surrounding Covid-19 — but for many, it’s been pretty close to normalcy for months.

Virtually no one asks for proof of vaccination. Masks, while occasionally seen, have found themselves primarily back on the faces of medical professionals. And the floor markings intended to help people put six feet of distance from their neighbors have almost faded into time.

Yet, the federal end to the emergency is far from ceremonial. Washington has stopped buying vaccines and treatment, although plenty of supplies already purchased remain on-hand. It once again became more difficult to qualify for Medicaid — something that has loosened significantly at the height of the pandemic. However, states like New York isn’t expected to address eligibility at the more local level until later this summer.

And, of course, many of the financial assistance programs that had almost become commonplace are long gone, but free vaccines for children remain thanks to efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer and Moderna — the two major pharmaceutical companies that supplied most of the country’s vaccine doses — vow they’ll continue providing free vaccines to those who can’t afford it, or don’t have the insurance to cover it.

Much closer to home, government officials with Nassau County as well as the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay, had nothing to say about the pandemic. County Executive Bruce Blakeman went after mask mandates — especially in schools — within minutes of being sworn in more than a year ago.

“The governor should adhere to the law, follow the science, and allow local officials to decide what is best for their hometown communities,” Blakeman said at the time. “Nassau is not in crisis, and shouldn’t be painted with the same broad brush as the rest of New York state.”

This week — and in the coming weeks — the Herald is exploring local life in a post-pandemic world. We’re following up on the heroes and the stories that filled these pages from the very beginning of the pandemic lockdown, to the height of the virus invasion, to the aftermath. All with the hope we never have to experience such troubled times ever again.

And more local programs, like the Household Assistance Program that offered a $375 per household grant from federal funds, as well as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program — ended last fall, with a lot of the money unclaimed.

In the end, nearly 6.7 million positive cases were reported statewide, with New York City accounting for nearly half of that with 3.1 million cases. Long Island reported 1.1 million cases, while 5,346 people in Nassau County died.

Nearly 85 percent of people in Nassau received at least one vaccine shot, representing more than 1.1 million people — the best overall percentage in the state, behind the 88 percent from Queens and Manhattan.

One woman the coronavirus would not defeat was Nancy Casale of Wantagh. Last year, the then-95-year-old walked out of the Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation on her own power, after months of fighting Covid-19 and its aftermath.

“Nancy is a wonderful soul, said Lynda Torel from the Glen Cove center. “At 95, she’s energetic, eager and willing — all the qualities that make her a fighter. She’s been on a fantastic journey. She never said ‘no.’”

Laura Lane/Herald file

NANCy CAsALE stops to thank pulmonary rehabilitation director Lynda Torel outside the Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation last July, after battling Covid-19 and its aftermath for months. Nancy never let her age — 95 — stand in the way.

Mentors, mentees gather for lunch at Domus

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

Meaningful connections between students and mentors were celebrated during the Nassau County Bar Association Mentor Program luncheon wrapping up the 26th year of the program that helps local elementary and middle school students.

The event, hosted at Domus, the bar association headquarters in Mineola, included a menu suitable for youngsters and the young at heart featuring macaroni and cheese, pizza, chicken fingers, french fries and lemonade,

For 26 years, the Bar Association 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.

“This program has been in existence for more than a quarter of a century,” Rosalia Baiamonte, the president of the Nassau County Bar Association told the students. “I want you all to know students, that it is a joy for us to have you here and for us to be conducted in your lives in the way that we are, and we hope that you derive as much joy and learning from this as we do from hosting you here.”

Dorian Segure, a law and civic responsibility teacher at Schultz Middle School in Hempstead, was given an award recognizing his outstanding service to the mentor program.

“I have the most pleasing opportunity at this moment to present an award to a man who thinks like a man of action, but acts like a man of thought,” Dorian Glover, an attorney who mentors students at Barack Obama Elementary School in Hempstead, said. “He’s one who on a daily basis shares our beloved profession of law and courts to young people, and if he has touched one person — and we know he has — he has improved our lives in our community.”

Segure brought two students from Hempstead High School, juniors Angie Rivera and Glendy Hernandez, who have gone through the program as middle school students and are now mentoring students in high school.

“It’s really inspirational,” Rivera said. “It’s great work to help students. It’s amazing and me honestly, I love it just being able to see the students grow.

“My brother is a part of the program now in middle school and it’s really nice to see him mature and grow as a person.”

The program has some important names on its roster taking on the roll of mentors. Maxine Broderick, a judge for the Nassau County District Court in the 10th judicial district, has been a mentor at Barack Obama since the beginning.

“I grew up in and was born and raised in the village of Hempstead so I wanted to make a contribution to my local neigh-

EAch SchOOL hAd its own table, and kids and mentors alike from the Nassau

enjoy a menu with favorites such as macaroni and cheese, pizza, french fries and more.

borhood,” Broderick said. “There can be a lot of negativity about young people in the Village of Hempstead so when I actually got into the schools; I found out that these kids are great, they’re very eager.”

Randi Bernstein, a guidance counselor at Clarke Middle School said she loves to see the connections the kids make with their mentors.

“I believe it’s a wonderful thing,” Bernstein said. “Students need someone who is a good role model, and talking to someone who’s been successful — it works.”

Grand Avenue Elementary is a recent addition to the program.

Nadine Patterson, a social worker at the school shared that there is heavy emphasis on mentoring in the building, and they’ve had other mentor programs for over 20 years.

“Mentoring is always good, and it’s always a great opportunity for kids to meet outsiders from the school,” Patterson said. “We were so happy to have this collaboration.”

StudENtS

thE 11 schools that participated in the Nassau County Bar Association Mentor Program got to enjoy a special luncheon on May 25.

MENtORS,

ANd school officials from East Meadow’s Clarke Middle School enjoyed their lunch.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

County Bar Association Mentor Program got to

ALAN hOdISh IS the founder of the program that has now finished its 26th year.

fROM

MENtEES

Remembering those making ultimate sacrifice

serve.

Once the parade reached Uniondale Park, participants lined up shoulder to shoulder and onlookers gathered at the podium in front of the baseball fields.

Parade Chairman Steve Doherty, an Army Reserve veteran and a Uniondale firefighter, led the ceremony, and solemnly recited the names of Uniondale natives who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Wreaths were placed in front of the park memorial.

Doherty stressed the importance of commemorating Memorial Day. “Being a veteran of the Army Reserve, I’m grateful for the time I served,” he said, adding that his military service helped him become a better person.

He noted the participation of the high school’s Junior ROTC and the Fire Department’s Junior Firefighters. “They’re great kids with very bright futures ahead of them,” Doherty said. “They’re the future of not just our com-

munity, but our nation.”

The ceremony featured a guest speaker, U.S. Army Deputy Inspector General Houng Lee, who focused on the importance and significance of Memorial Day, as well as sacrifice and selflessness.

Lee told the Herald he was honored to be invited, and happy that so many residents showed their support. “Having

friends, personally, that gave the ultimate sacrifice, it just means so much to me to be here, and to be able to speak in front of everyone about how important today is and what it really signifies,” he

said.

After the ceremony concluded, the crowd was invited to stay Uniondale Little League baseball’s season-opening scrimmage.

Brandon Cruz/Herald photos The TurTle hook Middle School marching band moved along Uniondale Avenue.

u.S. army depuTy Inspector General Houng Lee spoke at the memorial service after the parade.

Being a veteran of the Army Reserve, I’m grateful for the time I served.

STeve doherTy parade chair

New window to history at historic St. George’s Rock

Hall provides permanent map of ancient graves

By REINE BETHANY rbethany@liherald.com

A cemetery that dates to the 18th century will have a historic marker containing a map of the graves surrounding St. George’s Episcopal Church will be unveiled on Sunday.

Known for the 522-foot white picket fence surrounding its cemetery, St. George’s is a historical touchstone, not only for historians, but for everyone living in Hempstead Village and its environs.

The cemetery has graves dating to at least 1738. The creation of the map is a fascinating story.

Sadly, on many of the cemetery’s 500plus headstones, the engraved names have become too weathered to read. Founding settlers’ names, like Hewlett, Bedell, and Carman, are fading, and many headstones are broken.

Several years ago, historian Amy Vacchio discovered that original inhabitants of historic Rock Hall in Lawrence were buried at St. George’s.

Rock Hall was built in 1767 by a retired Antigua plantation owner named Josiah Martin. Martin’s home became a Town of Hempstead museum in 1953. Vacchio is the current director.

Every week, Martin and his family worshiped at the only Anglican church around—St. George’s, a two-hour journey

by horse and carriage. Eventually, Martin himself was buried there.

“There is so much history here,” Vacchio said, “not only of Hempstead and Nassau County, but of the American Revolution and the history of our country. For years I have watched the stones deteriorate and thought, if I don’t do something, we will lose this important historical and cultural resource.”

Restoring St. George’s disintegrating grave markers would be an expensive,

long-term project. Mapping the names on all of the graves, while difficult, was much more within reach.

With Matt Longo, a colleague at Rock Hall Museum, Vacchio obtained a grant and got started. During 2021 and 2022, in concert with then-rector Rev. Ajung Sojwal, Vacchio and Longo plumbed old documents contained in the church, including a graveyard map done by Boy Scouts in 1935.

“These families provide the genesis story of the Town of Hempstead, and

their gravestones are primary sources that resist archival control,” Longo said. “A graveyard allows the community the opportunity to take a stroll through history. I want my research to be as available to the public as these gravestones.”

The result of their efforts, in addition to the physical map to be unveiled on Sunday, is a website called HistoricStGeorgeCemetery.org.

The physical map includes a QR code that takes visitors to the website.

The website explains the mapping project, provides an alphabetical list of the names on the headstones, and shows the location of each grave.

Visitors can also access the website either at HistoricStGeorgeCemetery.org or through FriendsofRockHall.org.

The parish of St. George’s has welcomed the project.

“It will be good because we do have visitors coming to visit the area for its history,” said facilities manager Bill Johnson. “It’s especially helpful for people who come to look for their ancestors among the headstones.”

“Every tomb is a story waiting to be told,” said Vacchio, “and I hope to tell it.”

The unveiling will occur just after noon at St. George’s, 319 Front Street, in Hempstead, on June 4, where the map has already been installed beside the church building.

Reine Bethany/Herald

THE HIsToRIc sIgN created by Rock Hall Museum for St. George’s graveyard was installed by members of St. George’s. It will remain covered until it is unveiled on June 4.

Hofstra softball regains championship form

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra softball team captured its first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title since 2018 in dramatic fashion and in the process kept a tradition alive for the storied program.

The Pride, aided largely by five fifthyear players who used an extra year of eligibility due to the canceled 2020 season at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, made sure the freshman class from 2019 experienced the taste of a championship and an NCAA regionals appearance after knocking off Towson with a 5-4 walk-off victory on May 13. The come-from-behind win on Hofstra’s home turf of Bill Edwards Stadium in which the Pride trailed 4-2 in the sixth inning, kept the program’s streak going of every freshman class since the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in the early 1990s hoisting a championship trophy.

“We had a very special fifth year class who really wanted to be part of that championship culture,” said second-year Hofstra coach Adrienne Clark, who as a player led the Pride to four straight CAA titles from 2002 to 2005. “It was really incredible.”

One of Hofstra’s fifth-year players, Angelina Ioppolo, stepped up in the clutch with Hofstra trailing 4-3 with two outs in

the bottom of seventh when she delivered a two RBI bases loaded single to left field setting off a raucous celebration. The hit scored fellow fifth-year player Kasey Collins with the tying run with senior Chelsea Manto then crossing the plate to clinch Hofstra’s 13th CAA title and 21st conference championship overall.

Hofstra faced adversity in the 2023 CAA title run when it fell to that same Towson team 2-1 the previous day to put the Pride in the losers bracket of the double elimination tournament. After staying alive with a 9-8 win against Long Island rival Stony Brook on the evening of May 12, Hofstra forced a deciding game with another elimination win, 6-4, against Towson.

Fifth-year player Meghan Giordano stepped up in the CAA championship run with a key three-run homer in the first Towson win to produce some key insurance when the Pride were clinging to a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning. She then blasted a solo homer in the decisive game to tie the game 2-2 in the fourth inning.

One of the biggest hits in Hofstra’s CAA championship journey came off the bench from junior Brianna Morse when the Mepham High School graduate hit a leadoff double in the bottom of the seventh with the Pride trailing 4-3 to help spark the eventually winning rally.

“She is such an amazing athlete and

person,” Clark said of Morse. “We had a lot of unsung heroes on the team.”

Morse’s younger sister, Alanna Morse, had a standout freshman season starting at third base and produced three hits in Hofstra’s NCAA regional losses to Oklahoma and Cal.. The game against topseeded Oklahoma, who entered the tourney at 54-1, on the Sooners’ home field was broadcasted nationally on ESPNU.

Another local talent who shined in the postseason was sophomore pitcher Anna Butler of Seaford, who threw two key innings of relief in the 9-8 Stony Brook win and also got time out of the bullpen in both of Hofstra’s NCAA regional games.

“She is extremely competitive in everything that she does,” Clark said of the Seaford High School graduate. “She did an incredible job of mixing up her pitches.”

While Hofstra was shut out in both of its NCAA tourney games against stiff competition, Clark hopes the experience pays dividends as she looks to grow the program back to when she was an assistant coach with the Pride decade ago and the team reached the NCAA super regionals.

“They were fearless in how they approached those games,” she said. “The experience of competing in a regional sets up the success of future teams.”

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

ThE PRiDE CAPTuRED the Colonial Athletic Association softball title in walk-off fashion, beating Towson, 5-4, after trailing late by two runs.

ChElsEA MANTO CElEBRATED after crossing the plate with the CAA championship-clinching run.

Scouts aim to empower girls, build community

By KATHERINE SANTOS Correspondent

Trumpets howling. Flags waving. With each swipe of red, white and blue fabric, residents painted the sidewalks of Uniondale Avenue with the spirit of patriotism during the annual Memorial Day Parade.

Respected community members and organizations marched toward Uniondale Park to honor the fallen. Uniondale’s Troop 1570 of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County was among the participants on Monday. In observation of the national holiday, the girls crafted a wreath to be laid in the park as a symbol of respect for heroes lost.

As a multilevel troop, representing different age groups and backgrounds, the girls were a walking testament to fostering unity through diversity.

“Girl Scouts are important [to the parade] and always involved,” parade chairman Stephen Doherty said. “They represent good principles and lead by example. Kids need that and these organizations strive to uphold moral values.”

During Women’s History Month in March, the girls hold a women’s forum aimed at empowerment, enabling members to see themselves as leaders. This year’s speakers, all women, included a school principal, a village trustee, a 911 operator, and a director of nursing.

Junior-level scouts Tiyana Baron (Miss Elite Image of America Pre-Teen 2022-23) and Rheinai Bailey (Miss Supreme Elite Image of America 2022-23) represented both their girl scout troop and Miss Elite Pageant in the parade.

“My troop helped me build confidence and lose my shyness once I got to the competition. Then, I won,” Baron said.

Under guidance of troop leader Theudia Chambers and co-leader Tanya Baron, the troop comprised of 13 girls, organizes various initiatives to give back to their community. Most activity occurs during the school with some summer activities.

In early June, Troop 1570 will be partnering with the Town of Hempstead and the Nassau police department to host a Community Swim Day. There will be water games discussions on water safety. A day, date and time will be

unveiled in the near future.

Hometown Heroes, a tradition adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, transcends the Girl Scouts’ usual military support, aiming to recognize all essential workers. Members thanked local heroes, including the Uniondale Fire Department and the Navajo County Department of Sanitation, by writing letters of appreciation and donating cookies.

Annual cookie sales run from December through April. Individuals can buy a box for themselves or purchase as donations to be allocated to different departments or community members.

Chambers, a nurse practitioner, and former Girl Scout, founded her troop in 2019 alongside Baron, a 911 operator. Having struggled to find diverse and empowering local opportunities for her daughter, Chambers nurtures a vision of developing a safe space for girls to grow into women who serve their community and employ leadership skills to promote equity and inclusion.

“I encourage all girls to join GSNC, it gives them a safe space to have a voice,” Chambers said.

“Some girls don’t have sisters or can’t participate in sports, this troop fulfills that need for sisterhood. “I want people to understand that Girl Scouts is open to all girls. I understand how to work with children at different levels and am happy to work at their pace.”

Troop 1570 is in high demand for their consistent community outreach. Despite the group is at maximum capacity, Chambers remains open to discussing potential membership. New members are welcome anytime, however, joining in August is ideal before troop meetings begin in the fall.

To join Troop 1570 or learn more about GSNC, visit GSNC.org or contact Theudia Chambers at tjamc28@hotmail.com.

UNIONDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT Our Promise

is empowered, responsible, resilient and prepared for leadership, college and careers.

Our schools have a stable, highly qualified and experienced staff that is committed to the success of all scholars.

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.

Katherine Santos/Herald

UNIONdAlE-BASEd TROOp 1570 took part in the community’s Memorial Day Parade. In front were Amena Noel and Brielle Noel and behind them were co-troop leader Tanya Barons, Claudette Edwards and troop leader Theudia Chambers.

State parks prepare for busy summer of sharks

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

Excited about summer, but nervous about sharks? There are a few things to know.

Above all, state officials have a comprehensive plan they say will ensure swimmers and boaters will be safe from sharks this summer. Joining forces to make that happen are the state’s parks, recreation, and historic preservation office, along with the environmental conservation department and the state police. All will increase surveillance along every state park beach.

“With New Yorkers and visitors alike preparing to enjoy our beautiful Long Island beaches all summer long, their safety is our top priority,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said, in a release. “I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities, follow guidance, and take precautions to ensure a safe and responsible beach trip this summer.”

How state officials will patrol parks deserves a big thanks from technology. Some 18 drones will monitor beaches for sharks — up from eight last year, Nearly three-dozen state staffers — from police to lifeguards — have or will be trained, all by Fourth of July weekend.

Two new Yamaha WaveRunners — what many might know as jetskis — have been assigned to lifeguards to patrol both Jones Beach and Robert Moses state parks.

To keep swimmers away from high levels of fish activity — where sharks are more likely to prowl — buffer zones will be created between swimming areas and surf fishing areas.

“The action being taken along the South Shore of Long Island will give us eyes in the sky and along the coastline,” state parks commissioner Eric Kulleseid said. “Over the past two seasons, we’ve learned that drones are the most effective mecha-

nism to detect environmental conditions that could attribute to shark activity.”

Those environmental conditions include areas with seals, schools of fish, diving birds, and murky water. Shark activity also can be higher at dusk, night and dawn, according to experts.

Should a shark be sighted at any beach, swimming will be suspended for at least one hour. That sighting then will be referred to the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group,

an environmental organization which consists of more than 200 people from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators from Queens and Long Island.

There was higher-than-usual amount of shark activity off of Long Island last summer, including one documented shark attack on Jones Beach. Other places on the island with confirmed shark attacks included two on Smith Point Beach, and one each on Ocean Beach, Seaview Beach, and Fire Island.

The Ocean Beach attack was identified as a sand tiger shark, which is native to Long Island’s waters. Typically docile, these are the sharks one might see on a trip to the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.

One of the attacks at Smith Point Beach was confirmed to be a tiger shark — most likely a juvenile.

None of the attacks were fatal, but the increased activity prompted the environmental conservation department to ease fears. State biologists Jim Gilmore and Chris Scott made two things clear to reporters last year — shark activity is not as dangerous as “Jaws” might lead you to believe. And shark activity means the environment of Long Island waters is doing well.

According to Gilmore and Scott, Long Island beachgoers may have let their guard down in recent years because the environment had not been thriving enough to support normal levels of shark activity.

“Many of our coastal shark species are protected now because they had declined,” Gilmore said, at the time. “And they were an important predator in the marine environment. So overall, this is good news for the marine environment and our ecosystems.”

Scott emphasized that seeing these ocean predators at Long Island beaches is completely normal.

“If you went to the woods in Alaska, you might see a bear,” he said. “If you go to the ocean here on Long Island, you might interact with a shark.”

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Elder Law Misconceptions

One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved.

There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.

Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The five-year look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for expensive nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.

Despite the five-year look-back, New York law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw.com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.

The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.

Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and the family home in some cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save.

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald file

THErE CouLd BE sharks lurking in this choppy water off of Jones Beach’s West End. But if there are, there’s a few things to know — like the state is putting resources into protecting swimmers from sharks, and that shark activity is a sign of a healthy environment.

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STEPPING OUT

Mamma Mia

Celebrated South Shore

Some final notes: music director bids farewell

By Karen Bloom

t’s the end of era. The South Shore Symphony’s distinguished music director and conductor Scott Jackson Wiley will pass on his baton after the orchestra’s performance at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Sunday.

Broadway comes to Long Island with Plaza Theatrical’s staging of ‘Mamma Mia,’ based on ABBA’s timeless songs. Journey to the Greek Isles in this jukebox musical. ABBA’s greatest hits are woven into the sunny tale, an ultimate feel-good show. On the eve of her wedding, a bride’s quest to discover her father’s identity brings three men from her mother’s past back to the place they last visited 20 years ago. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs — from ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Take A Chance On Me,’ to ‘Super Trouper’ and ‘Thank you For the Music’ — an enchanting story of family and friendship unfolds. Relive those ‘70s melodies in a joyous show that’ll have everyone humming along.

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

The annual concert at the majestic church is a fitting finale to Wiley’s 25-year tenure. The full orchestra — all 80 musicians — demonstrate the breadth and depth of their musicianship performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” The Diocesan Choir with guest soloists — along with organist Michael Bauer, director of music at St. Agnes — also participate. The vast work, lasting nearly 90 minutes, commands a complete orchestra, with extra brass, choir, soprano and contralto soloists.

“This is the third time in 25 years that we’ve played it,” says principal cellist Wayne Lipton, who is delighted the orchestra has another opportunity to perform Mahler’s masterpiece with Wiley at the podium.

“It’s an overwhelming experience with the sound of so many musicians. The music is just incredible,” he says. “It’s a very dramatic piece. Each time we do it, the audience jumps to their feet at the end.”

He expects a similar reaction yet again.

“The organ in the last movement is very powerful. Plus, we have a huge amount of brass, five trumpets and 11 or 12 French horns. So that’s a lot of firepower, plus two harps and the organ. You add it all together and it’s a powerful statement. If I were going out as a conductor, this is the piece I’d want to conduct. We’re so pleased to play it as his swan song.”

By Karen Bloom

WHERE WHEN

• June 4, 7 p.m.

From their roots in the Five Towns back in 1983, the South Shore Symphony has grown and flourished as a regional orchestra of note. For much of that time, Lipton — as the orchestra’s president since 1991 — and Wiley, who came on board in 1997, have been a forceful presence in guiding the orchestra through its many phases of growth.

Thursday, June 1, 2 p.m.; Friday, June 2, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 2:30 p.m., $49, $45 seniors. Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For tickets, visit PlazaTheatrical.com, or call (516) 599-6870.

Pat McGann

• Free admission; $20 per person suggested donation

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

• St. Agnes Cathedral, 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre

“When Scott arrived, we were playing at South Shore Middle School. Since then, we’ve grown exponentially,” Lipton says. “For me, I’ve learned the orchestral repertoire as principal cellist. He took his time with us and challenged us. One of his greatest attributes is as a teacher.” (Wiley taught at Mannes College and as a diction coach in Italian, French, Spanish and Catalan, among his other roles).

• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum

“I’m proud to have been the music director of the South Shore Symphony for these past 25 years and to be named its Conductor Laureate,” Wiley says. “It’s been immensely rewarding to have worked in close collaboration with Wayne Lipton, an important leader in the community. Through the orchestra’s residency at the Madison Theatre and under its director Angelo Fraboni, we have established an enduring bond with Molloy University, and have forged extraordinary musical partnerships.

• Visit SSSymphony.org for information

“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.

“I am also proud as well to have founded and directed Long Island Lyric Opera, under the sponsorship of Marty Bevilaqua, and to have brought operatic masterpieces by Mozart, Bizet and Puccini to the Madison Theatre. A home for all serious orchestral musicians, I am particularly pleased that the South Shore Symphony continues to draw an ever-increasing number of its players from the ranks of the gifted and dedicated music teachers of Long Island, who are the true stewards of music in the community.

Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

The orchestra’s move to the then-newly opened Madison Theatre on the Molloy University campus in 2012 brought Wiley and his orchestra to greater prominence. New collaborations included a yearly performance of “The Nutcracker” with local dance company, Leggz Ltd. Dance. There was also opera and musical productions with University’s CAP21 theatre arts students, and special guests.

“I’m honored to pass the baton to maestro Adam Glaser, of Hofstra University and the Juilliard School, and I look forward greatly to following the orchestra under his leadership.”

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

“It’s been a long and successful trip with Scott,” Lipton adds. “I’m thrilled to have been a part of his life all these years.”

As for Wiley, an accomplished French hornist who also plays the violin, the piano, and the flamenco guitar, it’s a time of transition. But not certainly not “retirement,” in the traditional sense.

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

Wiley will remain active as music director of the Centre Symphony Orchestra in Manhattan and as a guest conductor. He will also continue as a conducting teacher and coach, and with his own studies.

His musical journey continues, as it surely does for the South Shore Symphony. “It’s been a wonderful year,” Lipton adds. “This the best orchestra we’ve ever had and a nice way to end our run with Scott. We’re a wonderful family of people creating together and there’s much more to come.”

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to

Jessie’s Girl

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

It’s time to drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back— as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that ‘Back to the Eighties’ vibe with a 10th anniversary edition of their popular concert experience. It features a lineup that includes four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, backed by a dynamic band. Throw on top of that dynamic choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Jessie’s Girl has mastered over-the-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theatre meets live music, covered in ‘80s glitz.

Friday, June 2, 8 p.m. $45, $35, $30, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com.

Photos courtesy South Shore Symphony

Maestro Scott Jackson Wiley (top right) will pick up his baton one more time as conductor of the South Shore Symphony Orchestra for its annual concert at St. Agnes Cathedral.

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

Your Neighborhood

THE SCENE

Iris Dement

The Americana singersongwriter visits the Landmark stage, Friday, June 9, 8 p.m., with her timeless songs that blend traditional folk, country, and gospel influences. Iris DeMent is considered one of the finest singer-songwriters in America today, with an inimitable voice as John Prine described, “like you’ve heard, but not really.” Her unforgettable melodies are rooted in hymns, gospel and old country music. Praised for her storytelling and songwriting abilities, her career has spanned over three decades, seven studio albums and collaborations with John Prine, Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, among others. On her transcendent new record, “Workin’ On A World,” DeMent faces the modern world — as it is right now — with its climate catastrophe, pandemic and epidemic of violence and social injustice — and not only asks us how we can keep working towards a better world, but implores us to love each other, despite our very different ways of seeing. Her songs are her way of healing our broken inner and outer spaces. $43, $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

June 1

Breastfeeding Support Group

On exhibit

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.

Hope Day

Enjoy a Hope Day, Sunday, June 3, starting at 10 a.m., at Hempstead Assembly of God Church. With food, activities for children, free medical resources and more. 656 Front St., in Hempstead.

Gospel fest

The Uniondale High School Show Choir will be having a gospel fest on June 9 and 10, at 7 p.m., at Uniondale High School. 933 Goodrich St., in Uniondale. $20 for adults and $10 for students in advance; $30 at the door.

Local colleges, the Sands creating world-class hospitality program

Global resort developer Las Vegas Sands, Nassau Community College (NCC) and Long Island University (LIU) will partner to create a new, comprehensive hospitality program for Long Island’s college students.

Here’s what you should know about the program’s potential impact on the Long Island area.

It would create new career opportunities

The strategic partnership will generate new career opportunities for students and graduates interested in hospitality management and culinary arts industries, both of which are expected to see significant local job growth if the proposed Sands resort and entertainment center is built.

“We are extraordinarily proud to be working with Long Island University and Nassau Community College to build a world-class hospitality program, creating new pathways to success for Long Islanders,” said Ron Reese Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs for Las Vegas Sands. “We want to make sure that any Long Islander that has the desire to be part of this exciting new industry can build the skills and confidence to join us.”

Together, this collaboration will support sustainable job growth, economic development, and new career opportunities for students on Long Island and throughout the New York metropolitan region.

Who We are:

It would bridge a gap between LIU and NCC

The partnership is helping build a bridge between the two colleges, empowering NCC graduates to advance their two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees at LIU’s nearby campus.

NCC is recognized for outstanding associate’s degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs in hospitality, culinary arts, business, humanities, nutrition, theater, and technology. The collaboration is expected to lead to programs in hotel and casino management, security and surveillance, meetings and banquets, entertainment, and food and beverage. Sands and NCC will explore a variety of learning models, including internship and experiential learning components for students.

With its proximity to the proposed Sands resort, the partnership makes plenty of sense for Nassau Community College.

“Our students will have the opportunity to master the craft of culinary arts inside a modern learning laboratory that is opening next year at 108 Duncan Avenue on the NCC campus in Garden City, New York,” said Dr. Maria Conzatti, acting president of Nassau Community College of the State University of New York. “NCC alumni with an associate’s degree who wish to further their education toward a bachelor’s degree in business hospitality and related majors can seamlessly transfer to one of the nation’s leading private institutions, Long Island University Post campus in Brookville, Nassau County. Locally educated students with convenient access to professional job

Continued on page 2

Nassau Community College’s proximity to the proposed worldfamous Sands resort and entertainment center would place our students at the forefront of the hospitality, culinary arts and business industries.

op-

The developer of a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project on Long Island

Dr. Maria Conzatti, Nassau Community College Acting President

Photo by Sands New York

Photo: Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs for Las Vegas Sands, Ron Reese, announces its partnership with Long Island University (LIU) and Nassau Community College (NCC). Reese was joined by Dr. Maria Conzatti (far left), acting president for NCC, and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, LIU President.

The creation of new studies specializing in hospitality management and culinary arts will offer unparalleled experiential learning and access to professional opportunities that will launch students to successful careers.

Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, Long Island University President

portunities will translate into a wide range of economic and societal benefits to the Long Island community.”

It would add new areas of study at LIU

Through the partnership, LIU will also seek approval for additional Bachelor’s and Master’s degree offerings that support in-demand careers in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts.

Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline supports the project because it will help create new areas of studies within the university.

“We are proud to partner with the Sands Corporation and Nassau Community College to build a stronger economic foundation for our region and create pathways to numerous career opportunities in hospitality and culinary arts,” she said.

It’s nothing new for Sands

This partnership is an extension of Sands’ long history of partnering with educational organizations, investing to build a strong local workforce, and advancing the skills of the hospitality industry in the communities it calls home. The company’s hospitality education initiatives span contributions to higher education

saNDs Macao

institutions, scholarship programs, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship support from company leaders and experts.

Other examples of Sands’ collaborations with educational institutions include its relationship with Northampton Community College near its previously-owned resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In Las Vegas, the company also co-founded and continues to support the Sands Center for Professional Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Harrah College of Hospitality. In addition, the company recently established a $1 million scholarship program to help advance hospitality careers in Singapore in conjunction with its iconic Marina Bay Sands resort, which also regularly hosts, trains and employs hospitality students onsite through a variety of developmental programs.

About the project

The project: Sands is proposing a Long Island integrated resort development that 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 Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

There’s more: The resort also would feature celebrity chef restaurants, experiential events and venues, and ballrooms with flexible meeting and conference space. Other planned amenities include high-quality casino gaming, representing less than ten percent of the project’s total square footage; a luxurious day spa; a swimming pool and health club; and a variety of other entertainment programming.

This public-private initiative would be contingent on the Sands being successful in securing the opportunity to develop a multi-billion-dollar resort complex on the site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. To learn more about the Sands as the world’s preeminent developer and

The ParisiaN Macao reSOrTS arOUND THe WOrLD

The first Las Vegas-style casino in Macao and the first American-based hospitality development in Asia, Sands Macao blends entertainment and gaming amenities with easy accessibility from Hong Kong near the Macau Ferry Terminal.

The Parisian Macao is the shimmering beacon of the Cotai Strip, inspired by the magic and wonder of the famed City of Light, including a half-scale authentic re-creation of the world-famous Eiffel Tower.

Nassau County Legislature OKs Sands land lease deal

Last week, plans by Las Vegas Sands to redevelop more than 70 acres at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale took another leap forward as the Nassau County Legislature voted 17-1 to approve the land lease agreement the county unveiled last month.

"The overwhelming bipartisan approval of lease terms with the Sands by the County Legislature affirms that Nassau County has made the right decision," County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, in a statement. "This is the first hurdle to overcome to provide a world-class entertainment center with a luxury spa and hotel, creating thousands of jobs and economic prosperity for Nassau County."

It is an agreement that gives the Sands control over the land, where it intends to build a resort that would include hotels, a casino, outdoor community spaces, meeting and conference space, a performance venue and restaurants for $4 billion.

Within 60 days, the Sands will give the county an additional $54 million. After the casino opens, the county will be guaranteed $25 million in the first three years of operations, and $50 million per year thereafter, Blakeman said at the April news conference announcing the lease agreement.

New York State still needs to approve a gaming license to Las Vegas Sands.

"The approval granted today by the Nassau County legislature is an important step in our company's efforts to secure a New York gaming license and ultimately develop a worldclass hospitality, entertainment and gaming destination," Robert Goldstein, Sands chair and chief executive officer said in a statement.

LI TODAY

CareS BriefS

More than just philanthropy, Sands Cares manifests Sand’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with communities to inspire positive impact. Through Sands Cares, the company integrates corporate giving, nonprofit capacity building and team member volunteerism to address the priorities they’ve identified in communities. Below is a sampling of Sands Cares recent work in Nevada.

What to know about Green Our Planet’s hydroponics program

Las Vegas-based Green Our Planet is the latest graduate of the Sands Cares Accelerator, a global initiative aimed at advancing nonprofits to deliver greater community impact. Coming out of the three-year journey, Green Our Planet is emerging with sustainable growth in its three Sands Cares Accelerator focus areas: growing its school hydroponics garden program, launching the HydroHealth corporate hydroponics garden program and improving its marketing capability.

Green Our Planet’s hydroponics program blossomed from 20 schools in Nevada to 200 schools in 33 states over the past three years, in part due to its work in the Sands Cares Accelerator. The nonprofit’s other two focus areas of strengthening marketing and launching the corporate hydroponics garden program also contributed to this growth. As part of the new corporate program, every hydroponics garden purchased by a company funds a school hydroponics garden.

“We are now the largest science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) school garden and hydroponics program in the United States,” said

Ciara Byrne, founder and co-CEO of Green Our Planet. “We have been able to mature our organization and infrastructure to meet this growing demand in large part due to the financial support, guidance and mentoring we received through Sands Cares Accelerator.”

Inspired by Sands’ founder Sheldon G. Adelson, the Sands Cares Accelerator marries his legacies of creating successful businesses and giving back to communities through meaningful philanthropic involvement. During the threeyear membership, nonprofits focus on building their capacity in a strategic area or enhancing a program offering to better serve the community. Sands serves as a catalyst and mentor for helping organizations achieve their goals.

“Sands and the Sands Cares Accelerator provided valuable partnership and inspiration during a crucial stage in our organization’s lifecycle,” Byrne said. “Because of the resources we received in this program, Green Our Planet is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth.”

By the NuMbers

7 Number of properties worldwide

1990 Year their first property was opened

42,000

Number of team members worldwide

Las Vegas Sands announced it will contribute $100,000 through Sands Cares to Dress for Success ® (DFS) Southern Nevada. The commitment will support the organization’s core program and its free workforce development services for women who are unemployed and underemployed, as well as fund renovation of its Career Center and computer lab.

Sands’ Team Member resource group for women and their allies, EmpowHER, is consulting on and will provide volunteer support for the Career Center renovation effort.

DFS Southern Nevada is the local affiliate of the leading global nonprofit employment resource for women. The organization empowers women in Southern Nevada to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the develop-

ment tools to thrive in work and in life. Since its founding in 2009, DFS Southern Nevada has helped more than 13,000 women of diverse backgrounds and experiences on their road to achieving economic independence.

“We are honored that Sands has become a key partner in our efforts to empower underserved women to plan and achieve economic independence, putting them and their families on a path to a better life,” Norma Intriago, executive director of DFS Southern Nevada, said. “This critical funding from Sands Cares funding will help us reach more women in Southern Nevada to let them know they are not alone and that they have support to sustainably transform their lives, as well as bolster our Career Center, ensuring we can offer these critical services for years to come.”

Las Vegas Sands Announces a $100,000 Sands Cares Donation to Dress for Success

Colin Jost

The SNL star brings his standup act to The Paramount stage, Thursday, June 1, 8 p.m. As one of SNL’s main writers, he’s never at a loss for words. $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticktmaster. com or ParamountNY.com.

Nostrand Gardens Civic Association

There is a meeting for the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, at the Uniondale Library, Wednesday, June 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. 400 Uniondale Ave.

Art talk

Passion for Pride

Cemetary cleanup

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.

June 20 June 3

Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, June 20, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss “Baldessari and the Making of the Avant-Garde.” John Baldessari’s roster from Cal Arts featured famed artists, from Eric Fischl (who never technically took a class with him) to David Salle, James Casebere, Tony Oursler, Ericka Beckman, Ross Bleckner, Carrie Mae Weems, James Welling and so many other art stars. Examine not only Baldessari’s own art but some of the famous assignments offered by the man many consider the most influential art school teacher of the 20th century. Participation 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.

Having an event?

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-authoractivist 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.

Broadway on Long Island

Plaza Theatrical goes to the Greek Isles with this enchanting tale, based on ABBA’s timeless songs, Friday, June 2, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 3, 2:30 p.m. With “Dancing Queen” “Super Trooper,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” and more. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

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

On stage

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Thursday and Friday, June 1-2, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, June 3, 2 p.m. 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) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, June 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Arnold Lobel’s “Frog and Toad Are Friends.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

‘The Beautiful and Damned’

Enjoy a musical interpretation of the classic novel at Westbury House, Friday, June 9, 7-10 p.m. Before there was Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote “The Beautiful and Damned”: a story that delves into the psychological tribulations of, at first, having everything you’ve ever wanted. What first presents itself as a beautiful love story quickly turns harrowing as the characters struggle to keep themselves afloat. As New York City tumbles into the Jazz Age, Fitzgerald’s characters tumble down a financial and psychological spiral they may never recover from. This adaptation by Long Island native, Brooke Di Spirito combines Fitzgerald’s meticulously detailed novel with the elements of a stage musical: a brand new script, score, choreography. Reservations required. $40. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

June 9

Minority Millennials declare they are future

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

They come from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and even more diverse plans for their individual futures. They are Minority Millennials, and they visited Hofstra University recently as a way to prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders.

The summit — which took place at the school’s David S. Mack Complex — was known as “We are the Future,” featuring sessions and presentations from a lineup of today’s thought leaders that included elected officials the state’s lieutenant governor, a number of New York City councilmembers, and Assemblywoman Taylor Darling.

The summit featured workshops and panel sessions designed to emphasize the importance of civic power, financial literacy, and taking on leadership roles. It featured live programming aimed to promote civic power and economic freedom, all while educating and empowering Black and brown young people from across the five boroughs and Long Island.

Minority Millennials is a nonprofit civic and youth development organization founded in 2017, and serves as a resource for emerging generations of color as they seek equity in social, political and economic developments.

“We created Minority Millennials and

now the We are the Future summit to bridge the gap between policy culture,” said Dan Lloyd, founder and president of Minority Millennials, in a release.

“We firmly believe the fundamental piece to economic freedom is ensuring young people of color are educated about the value of civic engagement.

Once a person understands their role in society and how powerful their voice is within a larger democracy, their leverage of power shifts, and their ability to develop both personally and professionally dramatically increases.”

In an effort to access inter-generational networking opportunities, the summit

included panel sessions and keynote presentations from New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams, as well as Suffolk County police commissioner Rodney Harrison, and Gen-Z activist Chelsea Miller.

“Coming up, the people who had the biggest impact on me and my future were the people who looked like me. Who gave me a chance. And who led by example,” said Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso, in a release. “I’m glad to see the We are the Future summit creating this opportunity, not just for young adults, but for the adults who have a responsibility to empower the next generation of change-makers.”

AT&T was a major supporter of the summit, providing 1,000 free tickets for Long Island, Bronx, and Brooklyn high school students to attend.

“AT&T is proud to support such an important and meaningful summit, and applauds the organizers and all of the esteemed presenters for their commitment to engage in meaningful conversation about the importance of civic responsibility,” said Magdalonie ParisCampbell, a spokeswoman for AT&T, in a release. “As a company that connects people across all aspects of life, we are thrilled to support this effort to engage so many New York City and Long Island youth with the opportunity to inspire them to be the next generation of changemakers and civic leaders.”

Courtesy Daniel Lloyd

MINoRIty MILLENIALs fIRst We are the Future summit at Hofstra University, emphasized to Black and brown young people the importance of civic power, financial literacy and taking on leadership roles.

22.

With the lease transferred, neighbors are speaking out

ment, because the casino would aim to keep its patrons inside, or encourage use of restaurants and entertainment that would be part of the resort.

“People aren’t going to come down Uniondale Avenue from the Sands resort to the businesses along Jerusalem Avenue,” she said.

Jacobs said she was deeply concerned about safety, despite Nassau County Police Commissioner Pat Ryder’s detailed assurances that the county could handle the heightened security requirements of a massive daily influx of visitors to the Hub.

“Ryder is a top-notch commissioner,” Jacobs said. “We don’t rate as the safest county in America for no reason. But this is a whole new scope of what’s going to happen to our community.”

Some crimes, Jacobs said, are more likely to occur in the area surrounding a casino. “I’ve done my research,” she said. “A casino that has a hotel on site tends to be a magnet for human trafficking, especially trafficking young women for sexual work. Lower-income and minority women fall more prey to human trafficking.”

Maynard pointed out that Sands has been cognizant of the resort’s unique safety needs, and has taken part in discussions with the same community organizations that were involved when RXR proposed the Lighthouse project. The talks with Sands officials, she said, had been comparatively reassuring, especially their recognition that the entire development area is part of Uniondale, not Garden City or East Garden City, which no longer exists.

“From the residential point of view,” Maynard said, “the attempt to cut off the southern side of the Uniondale community and give the northern portion a different identity has tremendous risks for the southern portion. … We have a diverse identity throughout the community, but we are one community.”

pearl JaCobs president, Nostrand Gardens Civic Association

Maynard said she appreciated that RXR claimed a Uniondale address for its Omni building and RXR Plaza, along Hempstead Turnpike, rather than distancing itself based on perceptions of Uniondale as a lower-income area with higher crime — perceptions that Maynard said were unfairly bolstered by media reports.

Though she is in favor of the project, Maynard said she was aware of safety concerns. “It’s been a tough struggle in many ways, especially with my background in social work,” she said. “I worked with the Uniondale Youth Project until the county cut its funding … but the state has approved a casino to be regionally present, so the risks will exist to some degree somewhere in the community.”

“Sands has come in, and they get it,” she said. “The 99-year lease with Sands secures the name of Uniondale on both sides of Hempstead Turnpike.”

A lengthy, expensive process of obtaining the casino license and passing regulatory challenges is still ahead before the project can become a reality.

The Nassau CouNTy Legislature approved the transfer of the Hub lease from Nick Mastorianni II to Las Vegas Sands on May

happen to

June 1, 2023 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON 16

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

ROUNDPOINT

MORTGAGE SERVICING CORPORATION, Plaintiff against MARIE BRIFIL A/K/A MARIE C. BRIFIL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 11, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 13, 2023 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 698 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 50 Block 120 Lot 119. All that lot or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $502,480.18 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 003074/2017 F/K/A 17-003074. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Suha, Rosales earn $40K scholarships from Amazon

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 24, 2017, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein CIT BANK, N.A. F/K/A ONEWEST BANK, N.A. F/K/A ONEWEST BANK, FSB is the Plaintiff and GRADY H. HAMPTON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s).

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA NY 11501, on June 21, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 808 NORTHGATE DRIVE, UNIONDALE, NY 11553: Section 55, Block 532, Lot 8: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK, Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 003853/2012. George Esernio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

139568

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, PANCAP, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANNIE JETER AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ALBERT JETER, ET AL., Defendant(s).

subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 011600/2014. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

George P. Esernio, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 170591-1

139565

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L

ASSOCIATES HOLDING

CORP., Pltf. vs. MARITZA FUENTES et al, Defts. Index #606537/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 17, 2022 and order to substitute the referee entered May 1, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 29, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. prem. k/a Section 36, Block 140, Lot 8. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale.

MALACHY LYONS, JR., Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100407

139726

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

NATIONSTAR HECM ACQUISITION TRUST

2016, WILMINGTON

AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 27, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 273 WARREN STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553: Section 44, Block 38, Lot 191: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK,

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 010031/2009. Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

139724

An internship while in high school can be extraordinary. But an internship and a scholarship?

That’s exactly what Shadia Suha and Hilary Rojas Rosales were awarded recently, the Sacred Heart Academy seniors named winners of the $40,000 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship for 2023 — and a paid summer internship with Amazon.

Returning home from school one afternoon, both young women were surprised to find the award waiting for them. The scholarship is good for $10,000 each year toward an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science. The 12-week internship will come after their freshman year in college.

That means both Shadia and Hilary will have a chance to work on some of Amazon’s groundbreaking technologies and core platforms, like Alexa voice technology, Amazon Web Services, and the Amazon retail platform.

new friends each year in the program, while still finding time to take care of two parakeets, Bella and Jacob.

Shadia, who lives in West Hempstead, cites the friendships she’s made at Sacred Heart, as well as a research project she worked on with Brookhaven National Laboratories, which helped reinforce her passion for the study of medicine through engineering and robotics.

And somehow she still finds time to play the violin, the piano and the guitar — just for fun.

Shadia Suha

Hilary Rojas Rosales

Students from historically under-represented and underserved communities represent just 18 percent of computer science bachelor’s degrees across the country, according to Victor Reinoso, global director of philanthropic education initiatives at Amazon.

“We believe that connecting students to computer science education and opportunities help create a more equitable and inclusive future — across all industries and sectors — for generations to come,” Reinoso added, in a release.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee NY-13300040-16 139474

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

CIT BANK, N.A. F/K/A ONEWEST BANK, N.A. F/K/A ONEWEST BANK, FSB, V. GRADY H. HAMPTON, ET.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 16, 2022 and a Short Form Order duly entered on March 9, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 21, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 1010 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 372 and Lot 107. Approximate amount of judgment is $88,522.38 plus interest and costs.

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ,

V.

CARLA BRADFORD A/K/A

CARLA MICHELLE BRADFORD AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES BRADFORD, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 19, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein

NATIONSTAR HECM

ACQUISITION TRUST

2016, WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and CARLA

BRADFORD A/K/A CARLA

Hilary, a Hempstead village resident, has always had a passion for computer science. She plans to attend SUNY Binghamton’s Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science in the fall. Aside from the challenging science and research program, Hilary says she’s made

Those winning Amazon scholarships were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, work experience, future goals and financial need. In all, Amazon handed out 400 such scholarships across the country.

Public Notices

masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Matthew Vishnick, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-084796-F00 76170 139674

Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 6/07/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video

Premises will be sold

MICHELLE BRADFORD AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES BRADFORD, ET

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Frank Romanek; Lynda Romanek; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 30, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 27, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 688 Beck Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 050, BLOCK: 385, LOT: 21-22. Approximate amount of judgment $141,107.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #015270/2011. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 364/23. UNIONDALEArely Bran & Jose A. Salazar, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen)., E/s Northern Pkwy., 255.38’ N/o Nassau Rd., a/k/a 416 Northern Pkwy. N.C.P.C. Local determination. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Uniondale within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

139790

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT:

NASSAU COUNTY. U.S.

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232 Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

2023 at 2:00 p.m., prem. k/a 1300 Pembroke Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, a/k/a Section 50, Block 03901, Lot 221. Approx. amt. of judgment is $454,709.54 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed LUNI1 0602 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

The internet address of

BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF CVI LCF MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

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

To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org

Assistant Secondary Principal

The successful candidate should possess: Knowledge of research-based instructional programs & practices; exp. w/ teacher supervision & evaluation; a record of successfully improving learning experiences and enhancing school to home communication; and can provide a supportive environment with knowledge of social-emotional competencies, restorative practices, and promote a culturally responsive educational climate.

NYS RICHNER Printing Services

SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus 3 yrs. exp. as a classroom teacher preferred. Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE choose

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School High School Principal

The Monticello CSD is seeking forward thinking and dynamic School Building Principal who can lead MCSD’s highly engaged faculty, staff, parents, students, and community. The successful candidate will have a vision of educational excellence, be highly motivated, and demonstrates an ability to impact student learning.

Starting Salary: $150,000

NYS SDA/SAS/SBL Certification Required plus 2 yrs. of previous administrative leadership and 3 yrs. exp as a classroom teacher preferred.

Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE 1134561216569

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School

Assistant Elementary Principal

The successful candidate should possess: Knowledge of research-based instructional programs & practices; exp. w/ teacher supervision & evaluation; a record of successfully improving learning experiences and enhancing school to home communication; and can provide a supportive environment with knowledge of social-emotional competencies, restorative practices, and promote a culturally responsive educational climate.

Salary Range: $95,000 to $105,000

NYS SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus 3 yrs. exp as a classroom teacher preferred.

Administrative Opening Check out our Service Directory for all your repair, decorating, party planning, cleaning or moving needs, and much more!

Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE

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

Childcare Offered

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

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Candidate must be windows proficient and experienced with Quick Books, bank reconciliations, and be comfortable with handling phones and working with customers and vendors. The position is three days per week (M, W, F, preferred), hours are flexible minimum of twenty hours per week. We offer the same time off benefits as with our full-time employees, including all major holidays (8) plus Five (5) sick days per year. Vacation weeks accrue after one year service. Liberal salary based on experience. (minimum of $30.00 per hr.) This position is available immediately. Serious and qualified applicants only need to apply. Qualified Retirees are welcome to apply. Kindly forward resume with references and salary history to: President @ orders@autostatcorp.com

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,190 Meadowview Ave 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!..$3,200,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

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HomesHERALD

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

Rockville Centre

Stunning One Of A Kind

Enjoy the summer breeze from your inviting porch, then step inside and be greeted by a stunning formal living room, spacious formal dining room, and eat-in kitchen which features an island and room for a full dining table with a convenient laundry room beyond. Continue on to the oversized den with a cathedral ceiling, skylights, and cozy woodburning stove you can enjoy on a chilly night. Swinging French doors open to an inviting paver patio overlooking the expansive, fully fenced-in yard, large enough for you to add an inground pool, sport court, and more. The second floor boasts a king-sized primary bedroom (once two separate bedrooms) with a jacuzzi-tub en suite plus two additional bedrooms. Hall stairs lead to the thirdfloor attic which is perfect for storage. With a detached 2-car garage, this property has it all. $1,149,000.

Christine Ferramosca

Lisc. R. E. Salesperson

Cell: 516-835.8468

Office: 516.669.3700

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 304 Merrick Road Rockville Centre, NY 11571

The finer points of roofing

Q. We finally found a home and have fixing-up to do. The first thing is new roofing. We interviewed roofers. One told us he “cuts” in the valleys where the roof meets, and another said he would not recommend that. What do you recommend, and are there other things we should know? The gutters are old and sagging, and not really draining, either.

A. A roof is one of the first things any home buyer should look at before a purchase. The slope of the land and the roof condition are very important.

Roof shingles are chosen depending on the slope of the roof. For example, a steeper slope will get greater wear due to the velocity of the running water, so a heavier architectural shingle is my first choice. Thinner shingles can be used on less sloped roofs, although I recommend the longerlasting, more heavily constructed shingles for steep and low slopes anyway, because they tend to last longer.

If the slope of the roof is less than 3 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally, called a 3-in12 pitch, then you should pay more attention to the underlayment. You should pay more, and get the self-adhering, flexible membrane, often referred to as “ice and water shield,” although that is actually a trade name of W.R. Grace. The code refers to the membrane as “ice barrier underlayment.”

The current building code allows for roofing shingles on a 2-inch to 12-inch pitch, but be mindful that building codes establish the minimum requirement, and failure can easily occur on a lower sloping roof when ice forms and water pools and backs up under the shingles and through the hundreds of nail holes that were made when the shingles were nailed into place. Flexible membrane underneath has performed very well over the life of roofing, and grips the nails to limit leaking, but be safe and have the membrane installed across the entire roof. The code requires only that the membrane be installed around the perimeter edges of the roof and on either side of the roof ridge.

As for cutting the valleys — the troughs where the roofs join — I understand that many roofers like the look and believe that seeing the clean metal valley is better because the water runs faster, but the tradeoff is that any time you cut a material and create a joint, the possibility for water penetration is increased. Ice and snow buildup in the valley can cause water to dam and get into the roof.

I recommend weaving the valleys by alternating the shingles and not exposing the valley trough, which should still be installed underneath the woven shingles, over membrane, because, as I have often written, redundancy is the most important thing in construction to prevent leaks. Have the gutters installed so that the downspouts are attached at corners, on trim. It’s a cleaner look. Good luck in your new home!

© 2023 Monte Leeper

to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

MERCHANDISE MART

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Long Islanders have all kinds of non-romantic love affairs. They love their school boards, their teachers and their garbage collectors, and they even show some love for their utility companies. But when things go wrong, the love affair is over. That applies especially to the companies that provide electricity, gas or cable service.

The shortest of the love affairs is when the lights go out for a long period of time.

The problems with lighting companies date back to the early 1960s, when the Long Island Lighting Company was Public Enemy No. 1. Those of you who were living on Long Island at the time should remember that just uttering the word LILCO would get somebody mad. It was a powerful organization that had many friends in high places, but it made mistake after mistake, and its ratepayers wanted heads to roll. The company’s biggest calamity was when power was knocked out for weeks while its chair-

OpINIONS

The PSEG love affair is over

man was in Italy. He didn’t come home until it was too late, and that was the moment of truth.

For the following 20 years, ratepayers demonstrated, howled, screamed and went to war against LILCO, demanding that the state take it over. In 1988, Gov. Mario Cuomo signed a bill establishing the Long Island Power Authority, whose sole purpose was to take over LILCO and keep the lights on forever. LIPA bought out LILCO, and took over its workforce and operations. LIPA did a decent job, but it was always understood that someday the Long Island operation would be contracted out to a larger utility company.

Around 2010, LIPA decided to publicly ask the utility industry to consider operating on the island. Two companies, Con Edison and Public Service Electric and Gas, offered to become the power provider. Con Ed was well known, but many new arrivals from New York City had a bad taste in their mouths from its service, and PSEG began to get serious consideration. It had a lot of friends in high places, and in a short time won the con-

tract to provide electrical power to Long Island’s 1.3 million residents. The utility got a bad break when, two days after its contract took effect, the Island was hit with a major snowstorm, but we Islanders can be very forgiving, and PSEG was spared any criticism.

The romance with PSEG continued for quite some time, until we had three 100year storms in one year. Thousands of ratepayers were without power for weeks, and the company’s response was slow and inefficient. Part of the reason it was unable to get its customers post-storm relief was the aged power system. Its communication operation, as well, was antiquated, and the grid had to be made stronger and more efficient. That took money, and that meant rate increases. PSEG began taking long-overdue steps such as massive tree trimming, but the bonds of love had already broken.

Over the past few years, there has been a new effort to get the state to consider letting the power system be managed locally again, but with a whole new approach: municipalization, which means that LIPA would be overseen by a

whole new bunch of local citizens who would be responsible for its operation. The state created a commission and gave it $2 million for hearings and consultants. To date, the process has fallen flat, and it will be some time before it gets moving ahead again.

There are two things wrong with the drive to let John Q. Citizen run the power system. First of all, why not sit down with other power companies and see if they are willing to be the operators? It’s possible that we can find a company with the credentials to keep the lights on without jumping into some untested, citizenrun operation.

Second, even if we can’t immediately find a suitor, giving a group of local neighbors the power to dictate to professionals is a very dangerous move. Long Islanders don’t ask for much in the course of the average day. They need their lights to stay on, and the best way to accomplish that is to have people running our system who know what they’re doing.

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.

Summer reading: To escape or go deep?

Of course, we must have a summer to take up the subject of summer reading. Which reminds me of a great book about Krakatoa, which was blown to oblivion in 1883 when a volcano erupted, creating what became known as the year without a summer. The book “Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded,” by Simon Winchester, explains that the massive volume of debris thrown into the atmosphere darkened the world for months, not just in Indonesia, but around the globe.

of those people who eventually combusts from the pressure of awful news in the world and starts screaming at the TV or running down the street with my hair on fire. When I was a kid, my escape from stress was reading, and it still is. Still, it’s so hard to concentrate when I see with my own eyes glaciers the size of Rhode Island breaking off the Antarctic continent.

Possibility of Life,” by Jaime Green, on the search for other life in the universe. Think of it as the ultimate escape: Who’s out there, and how can we make contact? Spoiler alert: They won’t come in human form.

nonfiction account of an American soldier who goes back to Afghanistan after the war. His mission is to find the man who worked with him in country and help him escape.

RANDI KREISS

Anyway, what I was saying is that we’ve had plenty of chill winds this spring, but the days ahead look promising. If you’re still in indoor mode, you might pick up Winchester’s book and commiserate with the millions of people in the 19th century who lived in the shade of Krakatoa.

I would put that book in the category of “escape,” and I would add a few to the list for those reading to run away. Heaven knows, many of us have our traveling pants on. I feel as if I could become one

But we must persist. Add to the escape literature a blockbuster by a prince of a guy, Harry, the Duke of Sussex. He narrates “Spare,” the audible version of his memoir, in a warm and ironic voice. His tone is intimate and his affect is humble. The royals are an endless source of skullduggery and palace intrigue. This book is infused with tasty morsels of delicious gossip.

Also, pick up “Priestdaddy,” by Patricia Lockwood, the comic memoir of her childhood in a rectory as the daughter of a priest. She uses her own life as copy, and she gets why it would be an entertaining subject even for those of us whose fathers aren’t priests but just fathers.

One more on that list would be “The

If distraction and escape aren’t possible, if you’re too consumed by the political and cultural moment, then just give in and read deeply and widely so you can broaden your base of information and at least understand why the world is going to hell.

I’m leaning toward nonfiction and short stories these days. Try “The Great Leveler,” by Walter Scheidel. In this wellreviewed nonfiction book, he argues that only catastrophes like pandemics and great, violent upheavals like world wars can ever address economic inequality. Hey, you’re depressed anyway — might as well be educated as to why.

“The Soul of America,” by the great Jon Meacham, is a glorious history that basically asks, over many illuminating pages: How do we save our democracy?

“The Naked Don’t Fear the Water,” by Matthieu Aikins, is a timely and telling

“Tenth of December,” on the other hand, is both escapist and deep. The short stories by George Saunders — author of the popular and weird “Lincoln in the Bardo” — are challenging, but you can do it. They require concentration and focus, and that’s a good thing, because it means you may be able to tune out the news. I can’t begin to explain the stories; they defy summarizing. But I urge you to read them and absorb what Saunders has to say about our American culture.

Finally, you can read any number of books about the rise of Donald Trump, the end of civility in America, the undermining of our democracy and the threat of totalitarianism. But if you truly want to examine the real possibilities of the past serving as prologue to the present, try a nonfiction masterpiece, “Hitler,” by Ian Kershaw. One critic called it “mesmerizing,” and said that what was most amazing was the number of opportunities when Hitler might have been stopped in his mad rise to power. Nuf said.

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

Broaden your base of info, and understand why the world is going to hell.

But giving neighbors the power to dictate to professionals is dangerous.

JERRY KREMER

Learn about dementia, for your sake and others’

Memory loss is common as we get older. Going to the grocery store and forgetting what you went there for. Trying to remember the name of an actor from your favorite movie. Even panicking because you have no idea where you left your keys.

These are experiences many people can relate to, especially once you reach your 50s.

But memory loss may be more than just a sign of aging. It can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. More than 55 million people worldwide live with the disease or another type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Now is a great time to get checked, because early detection could make a major difference in how the disease progresses.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but doctors recommend medications like galantamine, rivastigmine and donepezil. They’re helpful, according to the National Institute on Aging, because they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning.

Put simply, the drugs help nerve cells communicate.

There are opportunities for everyone to observe Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Spreading the word about the

letters

D’Esposito punted on Santos

To the Editor:

importance of being tested for the disease as well as learning about the different types of dementia is something everyone should do.

And knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s can help you help others. The most obvious, of course, is memory loss — specifically about recent events. Difficulty completing tasks that were once part of your routine is another. And sometimes people’s personalities change, and they may become more aggressive, angry or hopeless.

Not being able to find the right word to express oneself is often another sign, as is an inability to do tasks that were once routine.

And while it might not seem related, it really is important to prevent and address hearing loss, even if it involves buying hearing aids. According to Johns Hopkins, hearing loss is estimated to account for 8 percent of dementia cases. Scientists believe hearing loss may actually be a cause of dementia. When you can’t hear, your brain works overtime as it strains to hear and fill in the gaps, which comes at the expense of other thinking and memory systems.

Researchers are also finding that hearing loss causes people to be less engaged. We can all think of a relative who sits in a corner and doesn’t participate at family functions, complaining they can’t hear

The Herald seemed intent on misleading its readers as to the actions of U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in last week’s story “D’Esposito wants George Santos out of Congress.”

The article stated that D’Esposito “spoke out in support of a resolution to expel his fellow Long Island Republican representative,” leaving the impression that he did all he could to remove Santos from Congress.

What the article left out, however, is that D’Esposito did not vote to expel Santos. Instead, he introduced the resolution that resulted in the matter of expulsion being referred to the House Ethics Committee, which has been investigating Santos since March.

D’Esposito disingenuously defended this vote by claiming that it would be the “quickest way” to rid Congress of Santos. Of course, that is false. The quickest way would have been for the majority of House Republicans — including all those who have called for Santos’ removal — to vote for his expulsion.

Instead, a direct vote on expulsion was blocked by the D’Esposito resolution. While D’Esposito’s rhetoric on Santos is welcome, actions speak louder than words. The people of Long Island and the nation deserved better.

JAy K. GOLDBERG Woodmere

This Floridian agrees with Kremer about DeSantis

To the Editor: Re Jerry Kremer’s column “Something’s going wrong in Florida” (May 18-24): I totally agree with his observations. Back in the 1970s, I was a Nassau County

what’s being said.

Don’t ignore them. It’s important for them to be socially engaged, because they need to remain intellectually stimulated in order to avoid dementia. A little patience and encouragement from those around them can go a long way.

If you do find out you have early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, don’t give up. Find ways to train your brain to fight the disease. Do crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku. Play chess, or even video games. Challenge yourself to learn new information or skills, like how to knit. Enroll in a class.

And for those who can still find their keys, reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia by getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing your blood sugar.

Looking for a way to make a difference? Help people with Alzheimer’s by volunteering. The Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center, in Westbury, often has volunteers helping at its day program. They act as companions, and help people with memory loss be creative in arts and crafts. It can be a very rewarding experience.

Until there is a cure for Alzheimer’s, it’s important to take care of yourself by being tested and helping those around you who may need that little push. And it’s important to take care of yourself, too.

Democrat. I spent many days at headquarters in Mineola. Today I’m living in St. Augustine, Florida. When we moved to this area, Ron DeSantis was our congressman. Then, amazingly, Trump propelled him to the governor’s mansion.

I agree totally with Kremer’s assessment of the person I call “DeMentis” because he’s so crazy. With a compliant and willing legis-

Why Nassau needs a strong inspector general’s office

as a legislator who served during the height of corruption in Nassau County and witnessed the indictment of former County Executive Ed Mangano, I know firsthand how important it is to have mechanisms in place to protect taxpayer money from the pitfalls of waste and fraud.

Over the past few years, I have worked closely with my colleagues in the County Legislature’s Democratic minority caucus to strengthen the integrity of Nassau’s procurement system and make the process of awarding contracts as fair and secure as possible. We did so by increasing the rigor of our contract reviews; requiring vendors to submit the names of all principals and any political contributions they have made; and mandating the disclosure of any violations an applicant may have been issued.

Soon afterward, we created the Office of the Inspector General and appointed the county’s first inspector general, Jodi Franzese, with unanimous bipartisan

support following an extensive search. After the fights and scandals of the previous years, this was a truly proud moment in my legislative career, and represented real progress in our ongoing efforts to root out corruption in the county.

Operating as an independent official, the inspector general and their team promote transparency and increase the accountability of county operations by reviewing each contract to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and the abuse of taxpayer money in county procurement. Continued support for the office is critical to ensure the integrity of our procurement system — one that encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

At a time when the county has received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and tens of millions more in settlements from the opioid manufacturers and distributors who flooded our communities with dangerous, addictive prescription drugs, I believe this function is especially vital. And with the Legislature’s vote on May 22, the county is also likely to face an array of substantial contracts in the not-too-distant future relat-

Letters

lature, he is turning Florida into our country’s leading autocracy. This state is a stark contrast to what it was when we first moved here in 1992. At that time it was affordable, safe and sane. Today it is expensive, dangerous and crazy.

Kremer is correct in his commentary on the sad social and political conditions in Florida in 2023 under the misguidance of Ron DeMentis. I do not believe he can or will win the 2024 Republican nomination, but I am fearful that he can persuade the state legislature to change the twoterm governorship limit. That would be devastating to a state his policies have already crippled.

RICHARD CORTELL St. Augustine, Florida

Post-pandemic, we need a new way forward

To the Editor:

During the coronavirus pandemic, New York froze. In particular, health care services froze in their tracks under the strain and demand, and shifted to responding to the new threat to the population’s health.

Unfortunately, health care services and interventions not related to Covid-19 were put on the back burner. As a result, nonCovid health issues were not prioritized, resulting in people getting sicker for a variety of reasons.

Although the pandemic was a prioritizing focus for health departments and the government, other issues did not need to be pushed to the side.

One issue that was left behind was the focus on reducing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, with an increase in infections reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020. Due to the pandemic restrictions imposed to make people safer, many sexual health clinics and health care providers reduced service or close entirely.

Additionally, government resources previously dedicated to reducing STD rates were redirected to address the pandemic.

This allowed rates of STDs such as syphilis and gonorrhea to increase. This scenario is most harmful to adolescents and young adults, who are at disproportionately greater risk of testing positive for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as the CDC recommends routine testing for this age group. But the pandemic disrupted this routine for many.

In addition, disparities for marginalized communities, such as people of color and men who have sex with men, were exacerbated, with men of color who had sex with men disproportionately testing positive for STDs during the pandemic.

Although the government was required to redirect national health initiatives to address the crisis, a new way forward is needed, because these disparities persist, and there are proven methods of

ed to the redevelopment of the Nassau Hub in Uniondale, the outcome of which will profoundly shape our county for a generation.

However, it appears that there are efforts being made to weaken this crucial government watchdog at a time when I believe it is needed the most.

After her four-year term expired at the end of 2022, Franzese worked for months without being reappointed by the Legislature, putting herself and the entire office in an uncertain position. Without the protection of being formally appointed by a bipartisan, 13-vote supermajority, her ability to accomplish her mission of serving as an independent watchdog was inherently weakened. Our minority caucus introduced legislation in April to extend her contract through 2026. Unfortunately, the majority rejected our proposal.

I can’t help but wonder whether political considerations were a factor in the decision to stall Franzese’s reappointment. Consider this fact: If Republicans capture just one more seat in November, they will establish a 13-vote supermajority in the Legislature. With that, they

would have full control of every arm of county government, and could feasibly install an inspector general who would rubber-stamp whatever contracts come before the Legislature, undermining its ability to provide checks and balances as a truly coequal branch of government.

Such an atmosphere would be a tremendous disservice to county taxpayers. I fear it would also create a fertile breeding ground for a return to the troubles of our recent past at a time when those taxpayers simply can’t afford to go backward.

For all these reasons, I am passionate about preserving and enhancing ethics safeguards like the inspector general’s office. Not only do such entities protect taxpayer money from waste, fraud and abuse, but they also deter future bad actors and help to ensure that elected officials have all the information they need to reach informed decisions. The minority caucus will continue to fight tirelessly to improve the procurement process to make it more open, inclusive and cost-effective, because it is essential for Nassau County to continue down the path of good government and transparency.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

Framework by Tim Baker

addressing them. Targeted interventions are required to eliminate these disparities, making better use of our local communities to keeping us healthier going forward.

Redirecting funding back to local organizations and health care providers that are addressing these issues is an impor-

tant start. Go get tested, and stay safe!

DANIEL MORALES

The author is studying for his master’s degree in public health and management at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.

Illuminated art, projected onto a wall of the high school — Baldwin

I

t appears there are efforts to weaken this crucial government watchdog.

DeLIa

DerIGGI-wHItton

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

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.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

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.

Earn Money: Don't miss out on the chance to earn money while gaining valuable experience and exploring your career options!

WORKSITE PARTNERS

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

Don Clavin Supervisor