Uniondale Herald 08-17-2023

BEACON BEACON

Women’s summit a great success

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Bynoe joins tenant protest

By REINE BETHANY rbethany@liherald.com

Though the protesting tenants of Fulton Manor, at 590600 Fulton Ave. in Hempstead, have won a year’s freeze on rent increases and prevented their gas from being turned off, they aren’t finished rallying.

They want promises from their landlord, Karen Singh, that those who complain about poor conditions won’t be subjected to intimidation, that ConTinueD on pAge 15

Uniondale Knights are building themselves a new home

By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com

The Uniondale school district has reached an agreement with Triton Construction and H2M Architects to build a new stateof-the-art track and artificialturf field at Uniondale High School.

For student athletes and the community at large, the replacement of a grass field that has been in use since 1949 will represent a dramatic facilities upgrade.

The $3.85 million project is one of the last being funded by a $158 million bond that was approved by voters in 2018, and included major allocations for

building expansions, new facilities, renovations and other upgrades throughout the district — including a renovated high school science wing, upgraded and modernized gyms, new libraries, and new locker and weight rooms. This bond was approved after a larger one, for $199 million, was voted down in 2017.

Construction is now underway and will continue through the start of the school year, so the Knights football team will host all of its home games at Cantiague Park, in Hicksville. The soccer teams join football on the new turf next year.

District Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil

explained that many students, parents and members of the district have been pushing for what they think their community deserves, and have offered their input on everything from what kinds of facilities the district should have to where they should have them, how to prioritize funding for expansion, and “anything else that they think is in the best interest of the children,” she said.

“The community has been a part of this every step of the way,” Darrisaw-Akil said. “We’re here to represent the entire community that has been pushing for this, fighting for it and paying for it for all these years.”

Peter Cardone, the district’s athletic director, said that students were “overjoyed at the announcement of the new field,” and that the project would boost not only their participation in athletics, but also the excitement and support of the community that supports them — and would, in turn, have a lasting effect on students’ development.

“When you give students the facilities to excel, they will bring pride and positivity to the community,” Cardone said, “and the effects of this will be monumental.”

Other improvements coming this school year to the district include a new tennis court and new bleachers at the high school, to complement the new

Tim Baker/Herald

The Rev. Arthur Mackey Jr., organizer Darinel Velasquez and Legislator Siela Bynoe, in white, rallied with Fulton Manor tenants.

Lawmakers push for anti-hate reporting awareness

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

When antisemitic graffiti was found at Merrick’s Chatterton Elementary School, a hotline was available to report the incident to the proper authorities.

But unlike 911 or 988 — well-known numbers to report emergencies or seek immediate mental health assistance — how to reach the bias hotline is not so well-known. And Nassau County Democrats are pushing their colleagues to change that.

Anyone can text messages and photos, or even call (516) 500-0657 if they see hate anywhere in their communities, All calls are returned during business hours, police said. And for those who prefer email, it’s combatbias@pdcn.org.

Siela Bynoe commended the Nassau County Police department for rolling out technology that allows people to quickly and confidentially report incidents of hate.

“But access is not awareness,” the county legislator told reporters outside of Chatterton School last week. “Access without awareness does not get what’s intended.”

Nassau County police officials say two swastikas as well as anti-police sentiments were spray painted at the Chatterton playground July 30.

That prompted an emergency meeting a week later by the South Merrick Community Civic Association, intended to be an open discussion with police, detectives, school superintendents and rabbis about how the community can combat hate.

The following day, police arrested a 14-year-old Freeport boy, charging him with two felonies and a pair of misdemeanors.

But the number of people across Nassau County who even know this hotline exists is small, Bynoe said. A public awareness campaign is needed to get that word out, because if more instances are reported, the county can

map out where there is an influx of bias incidents and direct resources to those communities.

“We must pull out all the stops and find and implement as many tools as possible to stem the tide of this wave of hatred we are witnessing,” said County Legislator Arnold Drucker, who added he’d also like to work with state officials to ensure justice is served when people are arrested for hateful acts.

“I intend to collaborate with our partners in state government to take a renewed look at our hate crime laws and evaluate the classification of these hate crimes,” Drucker said. That way, “they can be prosecuted as a standalone offense, and have them automatically charged as a felony — rather than a misdemeanor — to ensure that these individuals get more than a slap on the wrist.”

Putting a complete end to antisemitic acts is not an easy task at all, according to Rabbi Ira Ebbin.

“If you look at any Jewish history book — or any history book — you’ll know that it’s impossible,” the spiritual leader of Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, told reporters last week. “Since Jews have existed, there has been antisemitism. Since humans have existed, there has been hatred. Those who want to hate will always find ways to hate, and they do it in the most invasive way.”

Technology such as the hotline, Ebbin said, is incredibly important.

“It opens the opportunity and the portals of entry for people who see something, then they need to say something,” the rabbi said. “Our legislators, our leaders respond to data, and unless its reported, the reality is silence is compared to complicity. If you don’t say anything, nothing gets done.”

Education is key, according to County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, a Republican who represents Merrick and surrounding communities. Children, for instance, may not understand the seriousness of their actions when they commit acts of hate.

“I would like to use this latest example as a teaching moment, especially for our children, to better educate them on the dangers of these type of behaviors, and to re-emphasize that hate speech or any actions in that regard are not tolerated or accepted,” he said, in a statement. “Together, as a community, we must do what we can to stand together against this growing scourge.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald Rabbi Ira Ebbin of Merrick’s Congregation Ohav Sholom, spoke out about antisemitism during a recent news conference in Merrick, but also shared some of the technology available to combat it.

Town, county, nonprofit honor Adelina Blanco-Harvey

Three citations for community service in a few days

By REINE BETHANY

rbethany@liherald.com

Few people will ever receive three commendations for community service within three days of each other. But that’s what happened for Adelina Blanco-Harvey.

She was commended by County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office on Aug. 3, “in recognition of the vital and vibrant contributions that Salvadoran Americans have made to the quality of life in Nassau County and throughout the nation.”

She had helped coordinate the Aug. 3 Salvadoran Night, which was part of the Lakeside Theatre Concert Series at Eisenhower Park.

The recognition of Trustee Blanco-Harvey’s contributions echoes the sentiment of a community that values inclusivity and the celebration of diverse heritage.

Then, during the Aug. 6 Salvadoran American Day festival at Hempstead Town Hall, Supervisor Don Clavin handed her a citation for “untiring devotion and outstanding dedication to the residents of America’s largest township.”

MoNIquE

DARRIs Aw-AkIl superintendent, Uniondale Public Schools

At that same event, BlancoHarvey also received a plaque from the Comité Cívico Salvadoreño, Inc., the event host, thanking her for participation in the Festival Divino Salvador Del Mundo — Festival of the Divine Savior of the World — which was part of the Aug. 6 celebration.

What did Blanco-Harvey do to deserve such recognition?

A businesswoman, mother, and school board member, Blanco-Harvey is the regional manager for the five offices of Premier Endodontics of Long Island. She is also a dedicated supporter of education, with decades of participation in the Uniondale PTA and the Parent-Student-Teacher’s Association, as well as the PTA Council, which oversees all the parent organizations in the district.

Blanco-Harvey arrived in Uniondale with her mother and sister at age 8 in 1981, fleeing the bitter civil war in her home country, El Salvador. She is a naturalized American citizen.

Her mother, María T. Avelar, founded the Comité Cívico Salvadoreño, Inc., in 1997. The Hempstead-based organization advocates for transplanted Salvadorans and other Hispanic immigrants. Blanco-Harvey has participated in the Comité for more than a decade.

Blanco-Harvey’s business life took off

19 years ago, when she started working as a dental assistant at Premier Endodontics, founded by owner Dr. Albert Granger.

“During her time as a dental assistant I saw her potential,” said Granger, “and every task I gave, she grew into it.”

Granger took Blanco-Harvey and other employees for training and certification in public relations and management with the Levin Group, and her career with Premier grew.

But she also wanted to continue her academic education. With Granger’s encouragement, she attended Nassau Community College and SUNY Westbury.

“I graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s in Childhood Elementary Education, grades 1-6, with bilingual and special ed extensions,” Blanco-Harvey said.

She decided to continue her work for Premier rather than switch to full-time

teaching.

“I still do advocacy work with my degree,” said Blanco-Harvey. “I tutor special ed students and bilingual students for free. But I also love what I do for Premier.”

“She’s helped manage the practice until we’ve grown to five offices,” said Granger. “I’ve never seen somebody with so much energy in my life. It’s incredible.”

In 2022, Blanco-Harvey became a mentor in the New York State Latina Mentoring Initiative.

She learned that some of her mentees had no opportunity to see themselves pursuing education beyond a high school diploma.

“Through my role at Premier Endodontics,” she said, “I was able to bring our mentees to my office so they could see there is something else that they could aspire to.”

Her drive for advocacy pushed her in 2019 to run successfully for the Uniondale school board when its first Hispanic member, Bruno Cubas, stepped down. She felt Hispanic representation was important, given that the percentage of the Uniondale student body that identifies as Hispanic stands at 67 percent.

In 2020, Monique Darrisaw-Akil became the new school superintendent.

“With us hiring Dr. Akil, I have to tell you, our district is moving in a more positive direction that is almost like night and day,” said Blanco-Harvey. “We started working on a strategic plan, and looking at our data, which we hadn’t before.”

Blanco-Harvey said that Dr. Akil is not only innovative, but responsive to the needs of the student body. As part of outreach to the Hispanic sector, she established a yearly soccer jamboree, which will occur this year at the high school on Sept. 16.

“The recognition of Trustee BlancoHarvey’s contributions echoes the sentiment of a community that values inclusivity and the celebration of diverse heritage,” said Uniondale school district superintendent, Monique DarrisawAkil.

No one could be more proud of Blanco-Harvey than her own family.

“I’m so proud of my mom,” said Blanco-Harvey’s oldest daughter, Stephanie Conde, 31. “Her resilience is incredible. I am also proud of my Salvadoran heritage.”

“Creating Comité Cívico Salvadoreño was important for me so that I can help the Salvadoran community of Long Island,” Avelar said. “I am so proud of all my daughters, but on Sunday, I was especially proud of my daughter Addie and all of her accomplishments.”

Courtesy Adelina Blanco-Harvey

Blanco-Harvey’s mother, Maria T. Avelar, and two of Blanco-Harvey’s daughters, 11-year-old Mia Harvey and 31-year-old Stephanie Conde, joined her at the Salvadoran-American Day festival at Hempstead Town Hall on Aug. 6.

Courtesy Adelina Blanco-Harvey Blanco-Harvey was commended by County Executive Bruce Blakeman for her participation in Salvadoran American Night at Eisenhower Park on Aug. 3.

The John J. Byrne Community Center in Uniondale, New York, provides recreational, after-school and community development programs in one physical infrastructure to help promote youth and community well-being

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of John J. Byrne Community Center is to improve the quality of community and family life by creating and maintaining an intergenerational, multicultural, full-service community center.

Seniors learn how to identify, report, stay safe from scams

Scams of all varieties have found their way into the lives of many people, most notably senior citizens.

That has led to dozens gathering at the East Meadow Public Library last week to learn more about identifying scams, how to report being a victim of fraudulent activity, and how to seek reimbursement of money lost to a scam.

Nassau County legislators Tom McKevitt and John Ferretti presented a seminar on how to avoid scams alongside the Nassau Police Department’s community affairs office, the county’s crime victim advocate’s office, the aging office, and the Family & Children’s Association.

In recent years — especially following the coronavirus lockdown — the county has reported increasing numbers of seniors targeted by phone and internet scams.

“Covid changed the world in many ways, particularly (for) seniors, people who previously may not have used the internet before, may not have used cell phones much before,” McKevitt said. “Now, those criminals who are able to go hide behind the anonymity instead of going to their front door, they’re able to do it behind the scenes. and seniors have

more contact through those mechanisms than they did pre-Covid.”

FCA’s Manda Kristal told the crowd scammers either scare victims by convincing them a family member is in trouble, or excite them by leading them to believe that they are the recipient of a prize or award.

“They want to cut the cord that goes from your heart to your head,” Kristal said, “so that when you react, you’re reacting from your heart, and you’re not using your head.”

NCPD officer Eugene Messmer discussed the importance of reporting scams to police. Since last year, he said, there has been an 8 percent increase in the number of seniors impacted by fraud.

One big way to protect themselves from scams is an app called Smart911, where they can input personal information for emergencies. The app also allows seniors to receive drop-ins by local police officers if they opt to do so.

It’s “more or less just a well(ness) check,” Messmer said.

Scams can also be reported to the Nassau’s district attorney’s office as well as to the Federal Trade Commission.

—Parker Schug

Parker Schug/Herald Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt hosted his first Senior Scam Awareness presentation since before the coronavirus pandemic to inform senior citizens how to identify, report and recover from scams.

Car that killed Uniondale family allegedly hit 120 mph

By REINE BETHANY

rbethany@liherald.com

On the evening of Sunday, Aug. 6, Patrice Huntley, 60, of Flushing, was driving with five family members in his SUV westbound on Sunrise Highway through Massapequa.

His 18-year-old stepdaughter Brienna, 14-year-old stepson David, 13-year-old daughter Hannah, 10-year-old son Jeremiah, and 6-year-old step-granddaughter, Chantel Solomon, had accompanied him to a water park to celebrate his new job.

As they headed for an ice cream shop, a white car passed them, breathtakingly fast. Shortly after, across from a shopping center at 5598 Sunrise Highway, Patrice Huntley stopped his car at a red light.

Instants later, their car was rear-ended with unimaginable force by a white Hyundai Kona. It flipped onto the top of their SUV, also striking a Chevy Malibu sitting in front of them, and a Hyundai Elantra in front of the Malibu.

Huntley, Hannah, and Jeremiah were pronounced dead at the scene. Brienna, Chantel, David, and the 32-year-old driver whose car had smashed into them were taken to a local hospital. David’s injuries

were not life-threatening, but Brienna’s and Chantel’s were.

Hannah and Jeremiah lived with their mother, Tasheba Hamilton-Huntley, in Uniondale, as did little Chantel.

On Friday, at the Nassau County Police Department headquarters in Mineola, Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick, commanding officer of the Homicide Squad, announced that Michael Deangelo, of North Monroe Avenue in Lindenhurst, was responsible for the appalling crash.

Investigations revealed that Deangelo was speeding at 120.55 miles per hour when he crashed.

That section of Sunrise Highway has a speed limit of 45 mph.

Blood toxicology showed that Deangelo was driving with cocaine and fentanyl in his system.

“His behavior prior to the accident, his reckless driving, all contributed to causing this accident and killing three people,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick corrected the erroneous impression that Deangelo must have been drag racing with the car that first zoomed past the Huntleys.

In fact, Deangelo himself had sped by Huntley’s car, turned briefly into a Speedway station, then reentered the road after the Huntley car had passed. Moments

later came the fatal crash.

Deangelo remained in a local hospital awaiting surgery for compound fractures to a lower extremity and internal injuries. However, he was stable and alert, Fitzpatrick said.

“He’s been arrested three times prior,”

said Fitzpatrick. “He has two prior DWI arrests. He also has a grand larceny arrest back in 2015. The first DWI was adjudicated to a violation, the second was a misdemeanor, which makes this arrest a felony. He’s being arraigned right now as we speak at a bedside arraignment, and we’ll find out if he’s remanded or not.”

The charges leveled against Deangelo are three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, one for each fatality; three counts of manslaughter in the second degree, one for each fatality; eight counts of assault; two counts of driving while intoxicated with drugs in his system; and one count of reckless driving.

The 18-year-old had come through several surgeries and was conscious, said Fitzpatrick, but her condition remained critical.

“She’s undergoing certain scans and testing to see what brain activity is still left,” Fitzpatrick said.

“We’re still hoping and praying for her.”

Charges against Deangelo would be elevated if Chantel were to die, Fitzpatrick said.

Sadly, Chantel was removed from life support with the permission of her mother on Saturday afternoon, and pronounced dead. Further charges against Deangelo have yet to be announced.

The crowdfunding page started by Hamilton-Huntley and a friend, Raja Shah, can be accessed at tinyurl.com/ HuntleyFamily.

UNIONDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT Our Promise

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.

Reine Bethany/Herald

Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick of the Nassau County Police Department announced the formal arrest and arraignment of the driver who caused the deadly crash that killed a father and three Uniondale children.

H is reckless driving … contributed to causing this accident and killing three people.

STEpHEN FITzpATRIck

NCPD detective

like environment, resulting in what Executive Director Rahsmia Zatar describes as a deep and lasting connections of more than 100,000 people.

“You don’t get discharged from a family,” Zatar said. That powerful familial unit is paramount to STRONG’s success. The proof lies with the countless people who have gone through the program, grown up, and now have families of their own — lovingly calling STRONG staff members their “moms” and “aunties.” This enduring bond is a testament to the organization’s triumph in fostering a supportive community that extends far beyond a child’s time in the program.

simply providing temporary clinical support, STRONG instead creates a nurturing, family-

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Getting ready for tax season well before tax season

By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com

Few people like when tax season rolls around. What needs to be shared? What is exempted? Will any of this result in an audit?

There is no need to wait for April. In fact, many of those questions were answered this past week as Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe partnered with the Nassau County assessment department to host one of a series of property tax exemption workshops, including the most recent one in Uniondale. There, anyone who showed up were given help determining what they might be able to exempt from their future taxes — everything from veteran status, being a senior citizen, limited-income disability, even volunteer firefighter and ambulance workers. The goal? To draw

senior citizens and others who may qualify for those exemptions, and to learn about them by doing no more than stopping by their local library instead of hoofing it to Mineola.

“These workshops are a valuable tool

for ensuring that Nassau property owners get the level of tax relief that are entitled to receive and have earned through their service to our community,” Bynoe said, in a statement.

Those who attended one of the work-

shops also had the opportunity to get their Enhanced STAR applications processed — the state’s school tax relief program.

“We have constituents sign in, we give them a number, and then from there we call them one by one, and give them individualized help,” said John McQuade, assistant to the county assessor. “We have our computers here that provide us with internal resources that can verify a lot of the information that the constituents may not be fully aware of, such as the processing or the status of different forms, as well as just answering general questions about assessment.”

One couple, Rufino and Gloria Razu, said they were thankful and pleased with their experience.

“It was helpful, it was resourceful, and we’re just glad that they made themselves available and gave us this opportunity to come and get this done,” Gloria Razu.

Bynoe also expressed her own gratitude for the staffers from the assessment department “who assisted my constituents during our Uniondale event, and strongly encourage Second District residents to avail themselves of upcoming opportunities to potentially reduce their tax obligations to the county.”

Unhappy to have missed this workshop? There are more already scheduled. Get more information at NassauCountyNY.gov/assessment for future dates and locations.

Brandon Cruz/Herald Rufino and Gloria Razu sit down to speak with a tax expert from Nassau County about their best possible options for the approaching tax season as a married couple.

It was helpful, it was resourceful, and we’re just glad that they made themselves available and gave us this opportunity to come and get this done.

GlORIA R AZU Uniondale

“A SENSATIONAL SIDE- SPLITTING SCREWBALL COMEDY !”

HILARIOUS! You’ll laugh for two hours straight.”

COMEDY BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Herald Women’s executive summit

Networking, negotiating, keeping life on track

By Parker Schug

They were women from all kinds of backgrounds, but had one thing in common: They are the leaders of today — and tomorrow — and were all part of the Herald Woman’s Executive Summit, presented by Bank of America, Aug. 7 at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.

There — among coffee, breakfast and meditation — speakers with various areas of expertise shared how they reached their career milestones, and how those attended could reach them, too.

Among those sharing that wisdom were Liz Bentley, chief executive and founder of Liz Bentley Associates, as well as Aimee Kestenberg Elan, chief creative officer and co-founder of Affordable Luxury Group.

There was also Melissa Negrin-Wiener, a senior partner at Cona Elder Law, teaching attendees the importance of knowledge surrounding your assets.

“You’re never too young, you’re never too old, you’re never too rich and you’re never too poor to plan,” Negrin-Wiener said. “People think it’s just for millionaires and it’s not.”

Erin Ley, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and growth and success coach for Onward Productions, led the “Life on Track” workshop.

“Celebrate life and you’ll have a life worth celebrating,” she said.

Megan Ryan, executive vice president and chief legal officer of NuHealth/NUMC led a session on minority and women-owned business enterprise.

Another round of workshops featured Mimi Bishop and Jackie Ghedine discussing negotiations and knowing your worth. The two leadership coaches and consultants co-founded Modern Gen X Woman & MGXW, where they lead women who primarily grew up in the 1980s and 1990s to fulfilling careers.

“Stop waiting to be noticed and waiting patiently to get paid,” Ghedine said. “Go after and ask for what you want.”

Kenia Nunez-Leon shared how losing her husband to cancer helped her recognize the 4M system she used to sustain his life — which stands for mindset, mentorship, motivation and money.

Nunez-Leon also showed how these connect to other facets of life, like sitting on the board for the development of a new city.

The last round of workshops featured Valerie Nifora, a global marketing leader, branding expert and award-winning author, who spoke about embracing individual qualities.

“I just want you to know who you are and what makes you incredible and why you’re here on the planet,” Nifora said.

“I want you to be that, unapologetically, all the time.”

Donna Stefans of Wealth Advisory Associates, lead attorney and founder of Stefans Law Group, emphasized the idea that women need financial knowledge.

“I don’t hear people sitting around talking about their portfolios — it’s just not a fun, sexy topic,” Stefans said. “If they’re having the conversations, they’re learning from each other.”

Lisa Mirabile, chief executive and founder of Vertigo Media Group, advised on how to present digital information in a more effective manner, while closing keynote speaker Paisley Demby shared his experience going from homelessness to the state’s deputy secretary of economic development. It was through positivity he was able to bring himself — and now others — back up from hard

times.

“Tell your employees, anytime you come to my office with a problem, challenge, struggle or issue, you have to either present a solution, an opportunity or some idea — regardless of how zany,” Paisley said.

The event closed with giveaway prizes, cocktails and networking. A portion of proceeds will benefit Moxxie Mentoring Foundation.

“Everyone left really inspired and ready to tackle some tough conversations in the workforce, but really energized and powered to have success in their careers,” said Jennifer Porti, vice president and community relations manager for Bank of America.

Edwin Chavez/Herald photos

The Power Brunch Panel and keynote speakers at the Herald Women’s Executive Summit included, from left, Reena Jana, Talisa Flatts, Kristin Thorne, Jodi Seitler, Liz Bentley, Aimee Kestenberg Elan and Retha Fernandez.

Workshop host Melissa Negrin-Wiener from Cona Elder Law.

The Value of Volunteering & Mentorship Panel moderated by Christine Buscarino included, from left, Rande Bynum, Beth Meixner, Davi Tserpelis and Tammy Severino.

Workshop host Donna Stefans from Wealth Advisory Associates.

Summit attendees learn ‘work is love made visible’

By Ana Borruto

Breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings and stepping into their power are just some of the empowering traits the nearly 300 trailblazers had in common at the inaugural Herald Women’s Executive Summit, presented by Bank of America.

Although it was a gloomy day outside of The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, the spirit of girl power shined through as thought leaders, innovators and other extraordinary women shared their take on the event’s theme — “The Future is Now.”

“When my parents, Robert and Edith Richner, founded Richner Communications at a time when female executives were a rarity, my mother broke those norms,” said Stuart Richner, the chief executive of the company that is the parent to Herald Community Newspapers.

“We are not just celebrating the successful professional women amongst us, but we are also acknowledging the pioneering spirit of women like my mother — women who dared to pave the way in times less hospitable to their ambitions.”

Suelem Artzt, vice president and consumer banking market leader for Bank of America, shared how she faced many challenges along the way of her career since moving from Brazil in 2007, but still persevered.

“We all have different backgrounds and journeys that helped us all get here,” Artzt said. “But one thing we have in common is we’ve earned this seat here today. I think that it’s important for all of us to have strong women in our lives because they’re going to help you have that vision and really see what is possible.”

Keynote speaker Liz Bentley, chief executive of Liz Bentley Associates, broke down the ways women must override their “imprinted instincts” in order to step into their power.

For example, she said gender stereotypes are engrained into women as early as age 10. This includes being taught their key asset is their physical appearance, and that men are more successful, women are perceived as more vulnerable, weaker and in need of protection.

“These imprinting years are things you need to get over in order to go to the next level,” Bentley said. Women “don’t see themselves as equals. When they walk in the room — if you want to be equal, if you want more power, if you want to step into your power — you have to own it inside your body. It starts with you.”

The Power Brunch Panel featured five accomplished leaders — Google’s Reena Jana, Estée Lauder Cos.’ Jodi Seitler, National Grid Venture’s Retha Fernandez, AARP New York’s Beth Finkel and Amazon’s Talisa Flatts — shared how their lives were very much like anyone else attending the conference. Getting passed over for promotions. Learning from failure. Carving out their own opportunities. Or making sure to create a work-life-balance. It was moderated by WABC-7 investigative reporter Kristin Thorne, Finkel, AARP’s state director, said one in every three women have felt discrimination in the workplace, and 92 percent of all women have been told how to act, how to dress, or what to say.

“I was told early on in my career that I talk too much like a New Yorker,” Finkel said. “What they were really saying was, ‘You’re too competitive.’ I didn’t change who I was. I just kept going.”

Flatts, a human resources business partner at Amazon, explained how building relationships is key — no one can do it alone. Seitler, a global crisis and issue management vice president at Estée Lauder, said no matter how old you are, the learning process never ends.

Jana, head of content and partnership as well as responsible innovation at Google, urged others to get involved in causes they believe in.

Fernandez — who strategic engagement manager at National Grid — encouraged the women in the crowd to trust their personal power.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t qualified,” she said.

“Be around people who bring you joy. Work is love made visible.”

Edwin Chavez/Herald

The beach bag sponsor at the Herald Women’s Executive Summit — Air Charter Service — at their brunch table.

Tim Baker/Herald photos WE Summit presenting sponsor Bank of America takes a moment to pose at the photo booth, while at left, Suelem Artzt, speaks to attendees.

Summit attendees in the ballroom during the Power Brunch Panel.

Samantha Saman/Herald Megan C. Ryan of Nassau University Medical Center speaks at her WE Summit workshop.

For more photos from the Herald Women’s Executive Summit — and for a full list of sponsors — visit RichnerLive.com/2023wesummitphotos.

Uniondale street vendors stage impromptu protest

Vendors are frustrated, claim police are harassing them

By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com

Uniondale street vendors staged an impromptu rally on Aug. 9 to protest what they view as unfair treatment from the Nassau County Police Department.

The vendors displayed their Town of Hempstead vending licenses, clustering angrily around police officers who were demanding that they move along 200 feet every 15 minutes. Some carried signs containing messages such as, “We pay taxes,” and, “We just want to survive.”

“We find a spot not bothering anybody,” said vendor Amaury Rodriguez, “set up, and before we get anything done, they’re showing up and shutting us down, telling us it’s been over 15 minutes, whether it has been or not, and then they give you a summons and now you have to go to court.”

After shutting down Rodriguez’s fruit stand that day, police officers had moved on to another vendor who had set up shop down the block in front of the Glazed & Grill convenience store on Jerusalem Ave.

While police were confronting the vendor, Rodriguez quickly called other nearby vendors, asking them to come and protest what they described as a campaign led by law enforcement for their targeted harassment.

Fifteen to 20 vendors responded.

“I understand that there is the law, but there should be a way that we could all be happy,” Rodriguez said.

“Why issue street vending licenses if you’re not going to let us sell in the streets?”

Police said they were there to enforce Town of Hempstead law.

According to the website of the Hempstead town clerk’s office, the law “offers the public a measure of protection from unlicensed and unscrupulous vendors.”

To obtain a peddling and soliciting permit from the town, street vendors must pay a $55 fee, then undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check. They must also provide the town with a New York State Tax Certificate and proof of worker’s compensation insurance.

Peddlers’ vehicles must be registered in the state and inspected by the Nassau County health department.

The element of town law that appears to cause the most trouble for street vendors is Chapter 118, section 10, which explicitly states, “A peddler or solicitor shall not be permitted to stand in one place more than 15 minutes,” and “A peddler or solicitor shall not be permitted to stop within 200 feet of a previous stop.”

Police patrolling in unmarked cars cite this section of the law when demanding that street vendors move along.

Restrictions also exist on peddling near schools, during periods of high traffic congestion, or at any commercial establishment without written permission from the establishment’s owner.

A street

who asked to remain nameless out of fear of further retaliation, sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle next to the fruit they were unpacking on Jerusalem Avenue, and viewing the court summons the police just issued him for not moving 200 feet every 15 minutes.

According to a police report at the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association meeting on June 7 meeting that, in response to an influx of community 911

calls and complaints from members of the civic association, the NCPD was increasing its efforts to keep street vendors in check.

Brandon Cruz/Herald photos

A group of street vendors who stuck around after tensions died down and everyone was starting to disperse.

Demy Batista, a street vendor and organizer of the protest approaching police and the Town of Hempstead code enforcement officer, discussing what their issues with the current stand may be, which according to the police present, the booth was stagnant and outside of a convenience store, which the police said is not allowed.

A group of the protestors holding up their signs and legal vending licenses up in protest, while other vendors are arguing with the police over the shut down.

vendor

Street vendor Ambiorix Nunez-Tineo holding up a sign and his legal vending license documentation in protest.

STEPPING OUT

Everyone can be a Scot for the day at L.I. Ready for a Highland Fling

Disco fever

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

By Karen Bloom

ld Westbury Gardens will fill its lush grounds with the sounds of bagpipers and Scottish revelry as it welcomes the latest edition of the Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The annual spectacle on Saturday, Aug. 26, brings plenty of Scottish flair to the storied estate, presented by the Long Island Clan MacDuff.

With those bagpipes, traditional strength competitions and highland dancing — along with plenty of entertainment and assorted activities for lads and lasses — there’s plenty end-of-summer revelry for all ages. According to Scottish lore, the games were begun by the ancient highland chieftains to help them select the strongest men for their armies. Those ancient traditions continue today in the form of caber tossing, Putting the Stone, Putting the Sheaf, and arm wrestling competitions, piping and drumming.

“When the Clan MacDuff first came here in 1977, they knew they had found a home,” says Paul Hunchak, director of visitor services and public programs at Old Westbury Gardens.

And they’ve been back every year since — except those two years during the pandemic.

By Karen Bloom

Pat McGann

Long Island had once been home to five Scottish clans. Today only Clan MacDuff remains.

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

“We consider this to be like a gathering of the clans,” says Clan MacDuff’s Peter Burnside Sr. “This is what they used to do in Scotland all those years ago. Groups of families would come together for games and food and companionship. We’re replicating that. People come from all over to meet their families here. It’s the end of summer, a good time for everyone to gather.”

WHERE WHEN

• Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• $25, $22 senior citizens, $12 children

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

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

• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Free parking is available at Westbury High School, with shuttle bus service to and from the festival

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

• Tickets and information available at OldWestburyGardens.org, or (516) 333-0048

by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence. highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to them.”

Now in its 61st year, it has evolved into a family festival as much as a cultural event. “There really is something for everyone,” Hunchak says. “You can explore the gardens, and then there’s this whole other dimension. Many folks settle in for the day. They camp out on the lawn with their picnic and connect with family and friends. It’s almost like a reunion. This is something people put on their radar year after year. And we enjoy hosting it.”

While it has become a broad-based family affair — with birds of prey, falconry, vintage car show, Scottish dog parade, vendors offering Scottish wares, and so much more — those traditional elements continue to be a main attraction, especially the caber toss and pipe bands.

The caber is a long, tapered pine pole or log. The “tosser” balances it vertically by holding the smaller end, and then runs forward and tosses it so that it turns in the air with the larger end striking the ground first. Ideally, the pole strikes in a strictly vertical position, and the athletes are scored based on how closely the throw lands at a 12 o’clock position.

exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April. interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia our climate is now, this exhibit could not be more timely than moment,” Albert adds.

“The caber toss is always popular,” Burnside says. “People love to watch the strong men — and strong women.”

While athletes are generally the ones up to the challenge, the public is invited to participate. Keep in mind that pole is 150 pounds and 25 feet long, Competitors also can try their skills with Tossing the Sheaf, and Putting the Stone. Tossing the Sheaf involves flinging a bale of hay over a horizontal pole with a large pitchfork. Putting the Stone is similar to the traditional Olympic-style shot put, but uses a large stone in which the weight varies.

While the games are going on, a lively lineup of bands and dance ensembles — including those assorted bagpipers — provide a musical backdrop throughout the day. The opening ceremony at 12:30 is quite special, with a grand march down the North Lawn, and not to be missed.

This year’s entertainment roster also includes the high-energy Scottish Band, Albannach, with its heavily percussive sound. There’s also the Celtic rock band Bangers and Mash, with their blend of Celtic rock, southern Rock and folk. And, of course, dancers doing varied interpretations of traditional highland dance and step dancing, among others.

the highlights, she points to the series of prints from the Freedoms. Their four large scale photos are based on Rockwell’s 1943 oil paintings inspired by President Franklin D. 1941 State of the Union address that outlined what he essential four democratic values freedom of speech, worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. For interpreted these iconic works for our era. same composition,” Albert says. “From 1940s America,

Kids can find many activities just for them. They can try their skill at their own version of a caber toss, with light cabers (actually tubes), participate in sack races, and an old-fashioned tug of war.

When it’s time for a break, check out the Scottish products available for purchase and sample such Scottish delights as meat pies and haggis.

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.

Boogie along with Disco Unlimited as summer winds down. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes, and your very best dance moves. And dance you will — when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, this lively band will exhilarate you with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves — all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show. Close your eyes and you will truly believe you are listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. Joe Cool, Sista Soul, Funky Sista, Strat Cat, Wild Jerry and The MacDaddy comprise this group of unique and experienced musicians who love and live this era.

BALDWIN HERALD — February 9, 2023

Friday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m. As always, bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov/parks.

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.

Brit Floyd

Yarn/Wire

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire.

a tug of war.

The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with endlessly inventive collaborations, commissions and performances that have made a significant contribution to the canon of experimental works. The quartet features founding member Laura Barger and Julia Den Boer on piano and Russell Greenberg, also a founding member, and Sae Hashimoto playing percussion.

From those moments when the needle drops on side one with ‘Speak to Me,’ the alarm clock of ‘Tim,’ that sensuous vocal on ‘Great Gig in the Sky,’ the lunatics on the grass in ‘Brain Damage,’ and finally, the final heartbeats of ‘Eclipse,’ The Dark Side of the Moon pulls you in. Brit Floyd is back on the concert circuit with a new show celebrating 50 years of that ground-breaking and iconic musical masterpiece. Brit Floyd has become a phenomenon, widely regarded as the world’s greatest rock tribute show — faithfully recreating the scale and pomp of the final 1994 Pink Floyd tour, complete with a stunning light show, iconic circular screen, lasers, inflatables and theatrics. The nearly three-hour set list also includes other highlights from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums. Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. $149.50, $89.50. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com

Barger is a frequent guest with many top American contemporary ensembles. French-American Den

Photos courtesy Old Westbury Gardens

Colorful pipers and drummers prepare to step proudly around the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens honoring a cherished heritage.

A competitor prepares to toss that caber.

Competitions for the kids include an old favorite,

THE Your Neighborhood Aug. 25

Aug. 19

Voyage

The Journey tribute band visits The Paramount, Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80’s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike as the world’s top Journey tribute band, this group performs their music with chilling accuracy. Fronted by Hugo — a dead ringer for Steve Perry, both visually and vocally — he continues to delight fans with his miraculous resemblance, exact mannerisms and identical voice to Steve. Fans agree that Voyage delivers an experience to the original Steve Perry-fronted lineup. The band also features world class New York musicians; Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard and Dana Spellman who along with Hugo have brought the show to critical acclaim through the many sold out shows as well as private and corporate events throughout America. The talent of these five guys together has brought the meaning of tribute to a whole new level. See it to believe it! Playing all the hits including: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” ”Faithfully,” “Separate Ways,” “Anyway You Want It,”, “Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Lights,” “Oh Sherrie,” “Stone in Love,” “Send Her My Love,” “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Only The Young,” and more. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

On stage

Plaza Theatricals presents a tribute to the one and only Barbra Streisand, Saturday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Sharon Owens performs her acclaimed interpretations of Streisand’s songbook. It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $33, $35. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Dramatic Play

Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground (who visitors may already know from her role as “Piggie”!). In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop kids will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story. Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence. This week’s theme: Pirates and Princesses. Costumes encouraged. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Canyon Ranch is a major draw for tourists who have come to know the brand by its unparalleled reputation in experiential wellness.

Sands New York teams up with Canyon Ranch for luxury integrative wellness destination

Another world-class attraction has been announced for the planned Sands New York resort on Long Island.

Sands New York announced in late July a new agreement with Canyon Ranch to develop a premiere luxury wellness destination at its Long Island location.

Canyon Ranch has pioneered integrative wellness since 1979 through its luxury spa services, state-of-the-art fitness and sports performance resources, top wellness practitioners who provide expert coaching and guidance, and dining offerings specializing in indulgent, healthful cuisine with a spotlight on local produce and seasonal specialties.

Sands is no stranger to Canyon Ranch’s success, having previously partnered to design the award-winning wellness destination at the world-famous Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

“A New York Canyon Ranch location appeals to its loyal following as a new premiere destination, building Long Island’s reputation as a global tourism destination,” said Robert G. Goldstein, chairman and chief executive officer at Sands. “This partnership will provide a major lift for the entire local hospitality in-

dustry.”

Canyon Ranch guides its guests to their best life, throughout life, with its unique approach to wellness. Its pillars include:

• Health and performance — Go beyond symptoms with personalized plans for prevention from physicians and experts

• Mind and spirit — Pursue balance and purpose with behavioral therapy, coaching and spiritual guidance

• Fitness and movement — Enhance everyday mobility and athletic performance, guided by exercise experts

• Nutrition and food — Pinpoint strategies for optimal weight and holistic health informed by nutritionists and chefs

• Spa and beauty — Promote relaxation and energy with healing bodywork and therapeutic treatments

Spa and beauty — Promote relaxation and energy with healing bodywork and therapeutic treatments

Canyon Ranch’s long list of wellness experts lead the way in their fields, with more than 1,500 curated services designed to ensure depth and breadth of integrative solutions to serve guests individually, inspiring holistic healing and transformation, with comprehensive programming including wellness presentations, classes

Jeff

Who We Are:

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

Robert G. Goldstein, chairman and chief executive officer at Sands

Photo by Sands

Photo: Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Tucson Canyon Ranch includes a spa and fitness center, health and performance center, spiritual wellness center and pools and aquatic center.

We are proud to be in partnership with Sands to expand access to our unique approach to integrated wellness to the New York Metropolitan and Long Island area.

Kuster, CEO of Canyon Ranch

Continued from page 1

and demos designed to pique interests, old and new.

With world-class experts across a broad range of disciplines, guests are able to gain personal insight, skills, and motivation that can last well beyond their stay.

The company currently has resorts in Tucson, Arizona; Lenox, Massachusetts; and Woodside, California. Those resorts have become well known for their warm hospitality, luxurious spas, delicious cuisines and awe-inspiring nature and immersive integrated wellness.

“Canyon Ranch’s purpose is to inspire people to achieve a well way of life so that they can live better, longer,” said Jeff Kuster, CEO of Canyon Ranch. “We bring a complete well-being experience where guests can refresh their bodies and minds with integrated services from fitness and performance science to rejuvenating spa treatments. Our dining will feature our resort dishes that emphasize flavor and health benefits with delicious and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.”

CANYON RANCH TUCSON, AZ

To learn more about the Sands as the world’s preeminent developer and

Sands’ 360-Degree Approach to Team Member Advancement Prioritizes Overall Well-Being

Atop priority within Sands’ target to invest $200 million in workforce development by 2025 is empowering the success of the company’s 35,000 global Team Members. In Macao, Sands China has entrenched on a workforce development strategy to address the whole person, through a variety of mental and physical well-being initiatives that encompass a 360-degree approach to Team Member advancement.

“When our Team Members are healthy and feel satisfied with all aspects of their life, they are confident at work, and able to better succeed in their current roles as well as betterpositioned to aim for new development,” said Wen Hongyan, senior vice president of human resources at Sands China. “That’s why we’ve designed wellness programs that aim to inspire happy Team Members and promote a familyfriendly environment to encourage optimum work performance, job satisfaction and an overall sense of belonging.”

Work-Life Balance and Family Connection

Over the past year, Sands China has evolved its initiatives to better integrate Team Members’ professional and personal lives, with a dual focus on fostering healthy worklife balance and engaging families in fun and meaningful activities. Efforts to protect and nurture family bonds have delivered positive impact in Team Member satisfaction, engagement and well-being.

Highlights have included introduction of modified flexible work shifts that enable shortened work weeks, post-maternity scheduling benefits to help new mothers balance work and care for their newborns, and Happy 360, a month-long series of activities to encourage Team Members to develop a positive mindset and build a harmonious workplace.

To promote family engagement, Sands China hosted events that enabled Team Members to enjoy experiences with their loved ones. Examples include The Venetian Macao’s 15th anniversary carnival day and a junior-chef

workshop series in which parents and children learned to make seasonal recipes together.

Self-Improvement Tools

Promoting self-improvement is also a significant component of Sands China’s Team Member advancement efforts. As part of its Better Self initiatives, Sands China rolled out the “my” series, which encompasses the myWay training along with other platforms to enhance Team Member engagement and a sense of belonging.

Elements include myFITNESS to encourage good habits for health, physical fitness and well-being; myLEISURE, a recreational space featuring a reading corner, sports games, karaoke, massage chairs and more; myTV, a Heart of-House broadcast channel showing news, property information and leisure activities; and myDISCOUNT, which offers exclusive deals at more than 300 internal and external outlets in Macao and Greater China.

Well-Being in Retirement

Sands China’s commitment to the well-

being of its Team Members continues even as they retire. The company’s Golden Age Programme aids senior Team Members as they navigate post-career transitions. The voluntary retirement program offers comprehensive short-term, long-term and lifetime benefits to supplement formal retirement regulations. Launched in 2020, the Golden Age Programme featured eight celebratory events for seniors last year.

Beyond these Sands China initiatives, Sands’ properties and corporate headquarters offer Team Members a variety of training programs covering topics such as preventing burnout, digital health, sleep, self-care and open communication.

To learn more about Sands’ workforce development ambition, Team Member advancement initiatives and commitment to Team Member well-being, read the 2022 ESG Report on Sands’ website.

Photo provided by Sands

Photos: Over the past year, Sands China has evolved its initiatives to better integrate Team Members’ work-life balance, provide self-improvement tools and provide well being tools into retirement.

Tribute concert

Plaza Theatricals continues its tribute series, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2:30 p.m. The hits never stop with Tommy Lynn and his 10-piece band performing such classics as “Sweet Caroline,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Hello Again,” “America”, “Mr. Bojangles,” and “So Good!” It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $33, $35. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Ice Cream Dream

The Long Island Children’s Museum is hosting an Ice Cream Dream, Friday, Aug. 18, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum everyone to celebrate the close of summer by making a cool ice cream craft on The event is free with admission and is open to all patrons 3 and up. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Busy Bees

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn about hardworking bees, Saturday, Aug. 19. We all know that bees are amazing. While we often think of only the honeybee, Long Island’s native mason bee is an impressive little insect. Make a bee habitat to welcome them to your garden, at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Summer Empowerment Academy for Teens

The Uniondale Public Library is inviting all teens grades 6 – 12 who are in the empowerment academy to participate in a workshop where Emergency Room doctors will be in the building to discuss their experience and career path as well as answer any questions the teens may have. Register at UniondaleLibrary.org. or call Syntychia Kendrick Samuel at 516-489-2220 ext. 217. 400 Uniondale Ave.

Having an event?

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Senior concert series

Settle in for some summer tunes, with The Precisions, at Eisenhower Park, Wednesday, Aug. 23, noon-2 p.m. Bring seating. Parking Field 1, East Meadow. For information visit NassauCounty.gov/parks or call (516) 572-0201.

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.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, Aug. 18, noon; also Sunday, Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, Aug. 21, noon; Wednesday, Aug. 23, noon. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Enjoy an indepth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. Also Oct. 19. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 4849337 or NassauMuseum. org.

Back-to-School Giveaway

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, in partnership with BlueprintMD and TRIMZ Barber Shop owner Leon Levar Broughton, invites all residents of Uniondale to the 18th annual KUTZ FOR EDU back-to-school giveaway happening, Saturday, Aug. 19, at the TRIMZ Barber Shop parking lot located behind the shop. Backpacks and school supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and a medical van that will provide health screenings for attendees will be present. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to play games and enjoy a video game truck, face painters, an visit ice cream truck, and get refreshments and snacks as they receive free haircuts from TRIMZ Barber Shop, sneakers from Heeling Soles, school supplies and other essentials while supplies last. 20 A Guy Lombardo Ave. Freeport.

HIRING EVENT!

AUGUST 23RD 10:30AM TO 2:30PM

RICHNER COMMUNICATIONS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HEMPSTEAD WORKS CAREER CENTER

Located at:

50 Clinton Street, Hempstead, NY

Hiring for the Following Opportunities:

MULTI MEDIA SALES/ MARKETING CONSULTANTS

RECEPTIONIST

ACCOUNTING CLERK

CIRCULATION AND MAIL PROCESSOR EDITORS/REPORTERS

PRESS PEOPLE – OVERNIGHT SHIFT

WAREHOUSE HELP/ MAILROOM INSERTER DRIVERS

Don’t forget to bring your resume!

Questions? Call 516-569-4000 x286

in 1964, is a multi-media and commercial printing company located in Garden City.

Richner publishes award winning weekly newspapers in print and on-line, covering much of Nassau County along with an array of other specialty publications.

Richner Communications Inc. offers many benefits and flexible schedules. Join one of Long Island’s fasted growing companies.

Uniondale High breaks ground on new football field and track

field, an extension of the high school parking lot and, across the district, freshly painted walls, improvements to doors — including a better locking system — as well as fire alarms and electrical systems, new security vestibules, the installation of steam traps to improve district buildings’ heating systems, and a new irrigation system at the Grand Avenue School.

The field and track are expected to be completed in mid- to late December, too late for the football team to host any games on the new turf this season. Currently only two other high schools in Nassau County, Glen Cove and Oyster Bay, play their home games on grass fields. Hempstead High recently started construction on a new turf field as well.

“We have a phenomenal athletic program,” Darrisaw-Akil said. “Our track

When you give students the facilities to excel, they will bring pride and positivity to the community, and the effects of this will be monumental.

Peter Cardone athletic director, Uniondale school district

program actually made it to the state championship and placed. I think it says something about their sense of pride, their pride in their school district and community, and this investment also lets them know that we’re rooting for our kids every step of the way, not just in words, but in our dollars.”

Brandon Cruz/Herald School administrators, alongside representatives of Triton Construction and H2M Architects, breaking ground and celebrating the start of construction of the new stateof-the-art track and artificial-turf football field.

Dr. Mary Bediako, president of the Uniondale Board of Education, alongside colleagues and representatives of Triton Construction and H2M Architects, breaking ground and cheering the start of construction of the new state-of-the-art track and artificial-turf football field.

ConTinUED froM pAgE

Local electeds join Fulton Ave apartment tenant protest

apartment overcrowding will be addressed, that no unexpected fees will be charged for ordinary services, that when a refrigerator or stove breaks down, the landlord will replace it, and that when fresh paint is applied in common spaces, it won’t peel off.

Some 40 people rallied last Saturday afternoon in front of the building entrance at 600 Fulton, despite the noise of yard workers trimming hedges with motorized tools.

“Most of the time, they don’t even trim the bushes,” said a 20-year tenant who declined to be identified. “They only mow the lawn.”

About 25 tenants joined the rally, which was organized by New York Communities for Change and supported by the Party for Social Liberation, the Poor People’s Campaign and the Working Families Party. Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe and the Rev. Arthur L. Mackey Jr., pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Cathedral, in Roosevelt, also attended.

“We’re going to be here for many weeks,” Darinel Velasquez said, speaking in both English and Spanish.

Bynoe commended tenants for their courage. She pointed to the deteriorated paint on the facade above the building’s entrance, and to improperly fastened air conditioners in upper-story windows.

“I understand this situation from two perspectives,” Bynoe said, “because I was an agent for the Town of Huntington Housing Authority for 14 years, and I was deputy director for the Housing Authority for the Town of Hempstead. I dare you to go to any of their locations and find conditions like this. It wouldn’t stand because the federal government wouldn’t allow it. So now I’m

left to beg the question, why this landlord thinks that he can employ tactics to get rent increases disguised as fees — fees for parking, fees for the key that he gave you that malfunctions so if you touch this door and it doesn’t open, you have to pay him $50 to get it right.”

Tenant Janice Broxton said that Singh had called her into his office recently and demanded that she sign rental agreements that would have resulted in a $517 increase in Broxton’s rent. She refused, and took the documents with her to show her lawyer.

“He’s supposed to mail us our leases,” Broxton said. “We have 90 days to decide if we want to sign it. You don’t bully me and tell me I’m going to sign it or else.”

She added that she had caught five mice in her apartment in the past week.

“Never had mice in my life,” Broxton said. “And I lived over in the ’hood on Bedell Street” in Hempstead, she added angrily.

Singh has denied the charges, accord-

News briefs

Rep. D’Esposito opposes NYC traffic congestion pricing plan

A bipartisan resolution introduced in the House of Representatives last month opposes the controversial New York City congestion pricing plan.

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito introduced H.Res. 609, a bipartisan resolution that speaks out against — but cannot directly prevent — the newly approved Central Business District Tolling Program in lower Manhattan. The congestion pricing plan received approval from the Federal Highway Administration in June, and is expected to go into effect next spring, unless courts step in to block it.

The approved plan would charge commuters traveling by car or other personal or commercial vehicle up to $23 to enter New York City below 60th Street, with some exceptions. The idea is to create a downtown district with fewer cars, pushing more people to mass

transit.

“The new congestion pricing plan is an assault on the hard-working Americans commuting into New York City every day,” D’Esposito said, in a release. “Commuters should not be forced to bail out the MTA for countless years of mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility. Congestion pricing is a slap in the face to my constituents, who already must navigate record-high inflation, increasing property taxes, and MTA fare hikes.”

The resolution expresses Congressional disapproval of the Central Business District Tolling Program. Specifically, it acknowledges the severe economic burden the proposed program would pose on small businesses, strongly recommending the state conduct and make publicly available an economic impact report on the program.

ing to a previous Herald report. He did not respond to another call seeking comment by press time.

Inside the 57-year-old building, the barren walls and hallways looked fairly clean on Saturday. But red paint around the elevator doors that had been applied three months ago was peeling off in chunks. The insides of the entrance and exit doors looked filthy. A 20-year tenant who asked to remain anonymous said that Singh had fired most of the regular maintenance staff, leaving only a building superintendent.

Overcrowding, the noise of children running overhead, and continuous loud music have become problems since Singh became landlord, several tenants said.

“Tenants living with each other — there has to be some respect,” said Aaron Allen, a 20-year tenant and a former president of the tenants association. “All that stomping needs to stop! All that music needs to stop! Trash goes to the trash

compactor. Don’t let your children play in the hallways.”

Throughout the rally, the building’s front door opened frequently to let families with strollers, as well as other tenants, in or out.

Responding to complaints about noise and overcrowding is the responsibility of the landlord, according to Joe Simone, superintendent of buildings for the Village of Hempstead.

“There should be a system in place for management to handle complaints from the tenant,” Simone said. “I would think management would handle it internally with an attorney, and start eviction proceedings if the tenant is in violation of the lease. If the management wanted documentation from the village, then they could call us.”

For tenants to call the buildings department directly would be a last resort, Simone said.

“We can have quality buildings and revitalizations of our communities without discriminating against the poor,” Mackey said after the rally. “We have a responsibility to make sure that every brother and sister, whether they’re a millionaire or whether they’re on welfare, has quality housing.”

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2005, FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-E Plaintiff, Against REGINALD MATHONE, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/03/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Front Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 9/12/2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 622 Hillside Court, Uniondale, NY 11553, And Described As Follows:

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 36 Block 153 Lot 664-667.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $586,880.87 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 14881/08

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. Richard Lawrence Farley, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205 PORT CHESTER, NY 10573

Dated: 6/28/2023 File

Number: 17-300289 RS 141212

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, PS FUNDING, INC., Plaintiff, vs. BLUE ROCK CAPITAL HOLDINGS LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 3, 2022, 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 September 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 13 Charles Street, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate,

lying and being at Roosevelt in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 422 and Lots 174 & 175. Approximate amount of judgment is $287,328.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 601354/2021. 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.

Charles Casolaro, Esq., Referee Chartwell Law, One Battery Park Plaza, Suite 710, New York, New

York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff 141324

Longtime Fulton Manor tenant Aaron Allen demanded that the landlord end overcrowding and excess noise in the apartments.

County Legislator Siela Bynoe pointed out signs of poor maintenance in the apartment buildings.

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EMPLOYMENT

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443 Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518

(516) 887-8300, Ext. 1-441 • ddrakopoulos@eastrockawayschools.org

1225286

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL /COLLEGE /GRAD SCHOOL STUDENTS : Staff Needed Before School 7:00-9:00AM Afterschool 2:45-6:00PM. Experience with children preferred. Friedberg JCC Locations in Oceanside, Bellmore, Baldwin, Long Beach, Island Park. Send resume to: tcorchado@friedbergjcc.org or call 516 -634-4179.

Busy Rockville Centre Landlord/Tenant Law Firm seeking FULL TIME in office (not hybrid) administrative assistant to work with one of the Partners. Responsibilities include heavy client contact via emails and telephone. Landlord/Tenant experience a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. 401K, Medical/Dental benefits. Send resumes to: Kathleen@rosenblumbianco.com

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

Full Time And Part Time. Weekends A Must. Experienced. Long Beach. Call 516-431-5515

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must.

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DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Help Wanted

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Will Consider Part Time.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

RECEPTIONIST FULL TIME: Busy OBGYN Office Rockville Centre. Answering Phones, Filing, Checking Insurance. Maureen 516-764-1095

RESOURCE ROOM TEACHER, MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER, ASSISTANT TEACHERS For Yeshiva Of South Shore. Afternoon Hours. Competitive Pay. Please Send Resume To: monika@yoss.org

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Open Houses

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent

Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths,HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC,Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg,Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths,HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC,Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg,Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman

516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA,1534 BROADWAY #205, BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!!Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman

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Land For Sale

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!..REDUCED $2,700,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-4299

LYNBROOK B,A 239 ROCKLYN Ave, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Beautiful, Totally Renovated 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial on Magnificently Manicured .35 Acre Property. Open Layout. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Det Gar. Pavered Patio, Front porch. CAC. SD#209Lynbrook) Won't Last!...$949,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd.,

FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14.Near All!..$999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Land For Sale

Apartments For Rent

OCEANSIDE 1st Floor, 2Bds, 1Bath, Large EIK, Large LR, Fin. Basement/ Bath Yard, Oceanside SD. Call 516-476-8787

Garages For Rent

OCEANSIDE 2 CAR Garage.Great Location.Good for Classic Cars or Storage. Call For Further Informations. Must See! 516-476-8787

MoneyTo Lend

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

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FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

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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

Dream Property....

Nestled in the heart of the Westholmes area of Long Beach, a mere 1600 feet away from the enchanting ocean, this classic two-family dwelling exudes timeless charm and elegance. With seven spacious bedrooms and five full baths, this home offers ample room for all your desires and needs. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the first floor's fantastic open concept layout of living room, kitchen and dining room, all adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and soaring 9-foot ceilings, creating an ambiance of openness and grandeur. The amenities are many, including central air throughout the house, a generously sized back yard, all new windows, doors, gutters and stucco, a beautiful outside porch, and an oversized driveway with garage. This property is a gem!

The Fox Team Glen Fox

Kristin Altfather

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

30A West Park Avenue Long Beach 516-850-6437 818-679-8014

Are columns made in pieces?

Q. Our front porch is falling apart and we want to replace it, just as it is. The original columns are rotted at the bottoms and there are cracks where the columns were put together, vertical joints that appear as if the columns were made from many pieces. Is that common, that columns are made from many pieces? Do you have a recommendation for who can make new columns and what kind of wood is best? I’m not choosey, because they will be painted. What do you suggest? Also, I know you recommend getting permits, but I want to do the work myself, and it’s a direct replacement, so I want to just dismantle it and put it back. The roof concerns me most, so I plan to take a lot of pictures. Do you think this is as much of a problem as it would be if the porch were new?

A. So this is a column about columns. I remember working in a firm 40 years ago, when a renowned surgeon from Texas purchased 100-plus acres with a mansion on Long Island Sound, and I was assigned to design the additions and redesign the exteriors to be a modernized traditional shingle-style home. I was called into the firm’s principal, who chastised me for recommending synthetic trim and engineered shingles. The shingles I chose were pre-finished, and would still be performing well today, but instead, the house was finished in traditional wood, necessitating the expenditure of over $100,000 every three to four years for staining and painting. It was such a large expense that when I coincidently showed up 30 years later on that estate, to redesign for the new owner, they told me the surgeon grew tired of all the maintenance.

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 8/20/23 Ly NBROOK

239 Rocklyn Ave, BA, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Beautiful, Totally Renovated 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial on Magnificently

Manicured .35 Acre Property. Open Layout. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Det Gar.

Pavered Patio, Front porch. CAC. SD#209 Lynbrook. Won’t Last! $949,000 HEWLETT Bay Pa RK

190 Meadowview Ave, BA, Ever Dream of Living in A Castle?

This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14. Near All. Must See This Unique Home!

REDUCED $2,700,000

HEWLETT

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Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $579,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit.

Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch

Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOO dMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA , Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth

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Wood columns are made in sections and bonded together at vertical seams. The sections are made from either steam-curved or shaped planks, cut to develop the rounded segments. You will notice that there has to be a space at the bottom to allow humidity and rain to drain and evaporate. Without that air space, the rotting is accelerated.

Because the columns will be painted, you’re better off with fiberglass columns, which come in a variety of shapes, lengths and styles. They are structural, and you’ll never need to replace them. Due to their stability, they hold a painted finish much longer, requiring painting only once a decade or two, but they still require an air space at the base.

The main reason for a permit isn’t just to have a piece of paper or cover the local government for liability should anyone get hurt. The permit process also confirms the replacement construction is safe and will last. The roof attachment, porch floor, foundation and how columns are spaced to transfer loads is critical. Incorrectly placed fastening, and a lack of structural checking and code compliance can create water problems and cause the replacement porch to require premature replacement. Just do things safely. Good luck!

© 2023 Monte Leeper

with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

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Prosecuting Trump is not what America is about

Let me state up front that I was critical from the start of former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the result of the 2020 election, and strongly condemned his failure, until it was too late, to speak out against the disgraceful attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump’s shameful silence, inaction and seeming acquiescence during that horrific siege against the cathedral of democracy, and the brutal attacks that caused so many police officers to be injured and hospitalized, can never be explained away or defended. It will be a lasting shame and a blot on his record and legacy.

While I remain as outraged now as I was then by Trump’s dereliction of duty, which could well have warranted impeachment, I strongly believe that his recent federal indictment arising out of Jan. 6 and the events preceding that day is misguided, an abuse of prosecution and a threat to democracy.

Before the usual suspects accuse me of blind partisanship, I remind everyone that I voted against every article of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, incurring the wrath of many Republicans, some even to this day. I do not believe the Constitution or the criminal justice sys-

tem should ever be weaponized against political opponents. For democracy to survive and thrive, political struggles and battles should be fought in the political arena, not in the criminal courtroom.

What is being lost in much of the heated discussion about the Jan. 6 indictment is that Trump is not being charged with inciting violence against the Capitol or for failing to act to halt that violence. Instead, the indictment reads more like a political screed than a legal document.

It charges Trump with attempting to undo the results of the election through a series of lies, exaggerations and distortions. Assuming the validity of any or all of those allegations, they should be debated politically, not as a matter to be presented to a grand jury or a criminal trial jury.

Pursuing indictments on this basis will have a chilling effect on the political process. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech unless there is incitement to violence or riot. Yet Trump is not charged with incitement to violence or riot. As indefensible as lying or gross exaggerating may be, they are not crimes. And if they were, how would Trump’s statements be anywhere near as egregious as the lies perpetrated by Obama administration officials and so many leading Democrats who falsely charged that Trump’s 2016 campaign colluded with the Russians

— basically accusing the winner of the 2016 election to be a Russian operative?

I distinctly recall, as a member of the Intelligence Committee, sitting through endless closed hearings, and listening to testimony from numerous witnesses offering no evidence of collusion.

Yet I would see on the news, especially CNN and MSNBC, Democrats such as Rep. Adam Schiff racing to the microphones to breathlessly state that clear evidence of collusion had been revealed to the committee.

In fact, the only evidence of collusion was the Clinton campaign’s role in initiating the now discredited Steele dossier, which was based on misinformation provided to a retired British spy by a former Russian intelligence operative.

Even worse was the FBI and CIA’s use of the dossier to justify their finding of Russia-Trump collusion.

Similarly, Democrats made a folk hero and martyr of Stacey Abrams, who claimed for several years, with no credible evidence, that victory was stolen from her in the 2018 gubernatorial race in Georgia.

For Special Counsel Jack Smith to win a conviction of Trump, he must prove that Trump did not believe the election was stolen. This puts the prosecutor in the dangerous position of reading a candidate’s mind — not proving that Trump was wrong or mistaken, but that he knew he had lost. I believed then, and do now,

that while there were irregularities arising from the use of so many absentee and mail-in ballots because of Covid, Joe Biden was the lawful winner. But lawyers and advisers on whom Trump relied assured him he had won and that the election was stolen. Though misguided, reliance on that advice does not constitute a crime.

A presidential election is the ultimate expression of American democracy. It was wrong for Trump to cast doubt on the results in 2020. It is also wrong and dangerous for a special counsel appointed by the Biden administration to base a criminal indictment of Biden’s leading opponent in 2024 on a tortured, attenuated interpretation of statutes that require a reading of Trump’s mind. This can only lead more Americans to doubt our democratic process, especially at a time when there is mounting evidence that the Biden Justice Department is failing to fully investigate allegations of Biden family corruption.

Donald Trump may not be a sympathetic defendant or victim. But the Constitution and its protections apply to all Americans, popular and unpopular, sympathetic and unsympathetic. That is the essence of our democracy, which we should not further threaten or jeopardize by replacing the political arena with the threat of criminal prosecution. That is not what America is about.

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

President Obama sits out a dance with ISIS

instead, he dances the tango in Buenos Aires.

On a trip to Argentina last week, the president and Michelle Obama attended a state dinner in their honor, where they enjoyed a tango performance and were then invited onto the dance floor. Unfortunately, the long-planned trip last week to Cuba and Argentina coincided with a deadly ISIS attack in Brussels that killed 35 people and wounded some 300 others. No sooner had word of the attacks hit the media than critics began huffing and puffing about the president’s trip, his attendance at a baseball game in Cuba and particularly his tango debut as proof that he is too removed from world events that impact America and its allies.

Talking heads on multiple news outlets questioned the “optics” of the situation — how it looked for an American president to be seen having a good time when friends near and far were hurting.

I didn’t hear anyone complaining when Obama put on his game face, and his tux, went to the 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner and delivered a really funny stand-up routine, even as our Navy SEALs were preparing for their raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan. The president had given the “kill” order before the dinner. There was no hint of tension or stress in his demeanor that night. The man was completely cool and composed. He is a master of optics when he needs to be, but he is not a poseur.

The trip to Havana marked the first visit by a U.S. president in nearly 90 years, a remarkable gesture of friendship and a real beginning of political and economic rapprochement. The idea that the president should not appear to have a good time when he is on a political mission is absurd. He delivered exactly the right message. ISIS will not stop our lives or our travel or our laughter or our fun. We will deal with the terrorists here and abroad, but we will not allow them to alter our lives more than we have to. We will not give them that vali-

dation or power.

In fact, as he was gliding across the dance floor, orders were already in place to launch a U.S. commando raid in Syria that took out ISIS’s second-in-command last week.

In Cuba, the president commented on the Brussels attack. He commiserated and, more important, offered Americans support in the fight. And then he flew to Argentina, sticking to his itinerary, and he ended his visit not with the tango, but with a stop at a memorial for the tens of thousands of Argentines killed and “disappeared” during the brutal military dictatorship of the 1980s.

This was a diplomatic coup. This is what good presidents do. They don’t worry about optics, as defined by their critics. Had Obama abandoned his trip and headed home when the terrorists hit Brussels, it would have conferred a great deal of power on ISIS. They would know they can change world events, even the travel plans of an American president. It would have sent a terrible message.

But I get it. Every hour of every day, the

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published March 31, 2016.

president is forced to make impossible choices. He is required to make decisions that everyone else working for him cannot. He hears all the awful news from every available source around the world. With it all, he is still just one man, living one life.

I don’t for a minute believe that his baseball outing in Cuba or his dance in Buenos Aires deliver any message except that he is emotionally tough and able to compartmentalize sorrow and move on with the responsibilities of his office. I wonder what all those optics watchers would prefer. That he fly away home to D.C. and keen over the dead? Give ISIS the satisfaction of stopping the American president in mid-stride?

Obama can multitask. He can do standup while worrying about a high-risk mission to kill bin Laden. And it is my belief that he can dance the tango while carrying the worries of the world in his head and his heart.

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

RAnDi KREiss

Good presidents don’t worry about optics, as defined by their critics.

i remain outraged at his dereliction of duty, but his indictment is misguided.

HERALD

Replace appointments with special elections

interpreting the U.S. Constitution and applying the results to today’s America is like taking a tired and hungry toddler to a Disney store — no matter how many times you give in, the youngster will never be happy.

How do we “get” the Constitution right? Do we rely on the document itself, as originalists do? Should we consider the voluminous writings of the framers, such as the Federalist Papers? Do we pretend to surmise the intent of people who lived before the advent of canned food and apply it to our 21st-century society?

There is no easy answer. We must be able to hold conflicting ideas simultaneously to continue to rely on a document written by men from an era alien to us today.

So, to discuss the Constitution’s intent applied to elections and appointments to vacant political offices is inherently contentious. Should the Appointments Clause of the Constitution — which empowers the president to nominate public officials — be applied to state and even local governments? Are those appointments limited to certain situations, or do they include all vacancies?

And should a governor or supervisor — or even a mayor — be able to appoint legislators or trustees normally elected to office by the public?

The variations among how each state fills a U.S. Senate vacancy show how subjective the process is, even at the federal level. Most states permit the governor to appoint a temporary senator until a special election is held. Eleven states put restrictions on that appointment. And four states mandate that a vacancy be filled only by special election.

And there are further discrepancies between states when special elections are

Letters

Kremer is off-base on presidential relatives

To the Editor:

held.

At the local level — especially in villages — it makes little sense beyond political considerations to favor appointments over special elections. The era of waiting weeks for votes from across the state to arrive via dirt roads is long gone. Villages consist of much smaller electorates and geographical areas. Election results for villages are usually available an hour after polls close.

Many villages need but one polling location. Those that are large enough to warrant several locations don’t necessitate saving several thousand dollars at the expense of voters’ rights.

Sitting elected officials and political power brokers cite the cost of holding a special election as prohibitive, thus the need for appointments. That’s a false argument designed to distract the public from the real issue — elections are a gamble, and political parties don’t want to risk losing power.

The power of incumbency is difficult to overcome. Sitting elected officials benefit from mailings, photo ops and name recognition. They are often given special assignments to boost their profile. And they are not referred to as “acting” or “appointed.”

State law dictates that villages must elect a mayor, trustees and justices. All other positions are appointed by the mayor and approved by the trustees. The same concept applies to towns and even counties in New York.

Clearly, the intent is to let the public vote to select its representatives, while giving those elected officials the authority to make appointments to avoid bogging down government business with elections for every position.

But state and local laws are occasional-

ly written to favor incumbents. The U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged this in its 1995 decision in U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton, stating that the Elections Clause is “a grant of authority to issue procedural regulations, and not as a source of power to dictate electoral outcomes, to favor or disfavor a class of candidates.”

This is not an issue that favors a particular political party. Across the country, all parties are guilty in some way of having rigged the system. Parties, by their nature, don’t yield power. Four of the six Hempstead Town Board members were first appointed to the position. Throughout much of Nassau County, elected officials appear to lean heavily toward appointing colleague rather than letting the public elect someone to fill a vacancy. Americans crave local control over our government through elections. We don’t like being told by a faceless administrator halfway across the state how we should live our lives.

Appointments take that local control out of our hands. Yes, there are times when an appointment is necessary. Yes, those appointed to fill vacancies must still face the electorate in the next general election.

But there are ripe opportunities for political operatives to game the system and make it easier for their people to gain control.

What is the purpose of an election?

What is the purpose of an elected official? Do Americans pay for levels of government so we can elect representatives, or do we submit to rule by proxy?

It’s time for Nassau County, at all levels of government, to move to hold special elections instead of appointing people to elected offices.

In his column last week, “Two very hot political subjects,” Jerry Kremer failed to acknowledge that unlike Billy Carter and Jared Kushner, Hunter Biden broke the law and was about to be given a free pass by U.S. Attorney David Weiss. Weiss, who ignored whistle blowers and who cut Hunter’s “sweetheart” deal, which has fallen apart, is now special counsel in the case, which will probably change nothing, but prolong it.

Mr. Kremer shouldn’t accuse those of us who seek truth and justice, and hate corruption in government, of being “way too focused” and talking “night and day” about the Hunter Biden case. That’s insulting. Furthermore, juxtaposing climate change in the Biden conversation, as if to imply that we think cli-

Your Long Island is our Long Island

Long Island holds a special place in my heart, an unwavering home that draws me back no matter how far I may wander. Yet crafting a place into a genuine home is a process that demands more than mere happenstance; it requires deliberate effort. Just as one selects the perfect furniture and art to create a home, in our context, we carefully choose the bills to champion, the ones that amplify and uphold our voices.

Within our vibrant community, there are numerous aspects that stand as sources of pride, weaving a plethora of values and achievements that uplift the collective spirit. We have the capacity to uphold laws that safeguard every member of the community, as well as the integrity of our island itself. A crucial focus is on education funding, which must be adequately and equitably allocated to nurture the growth of future generations. equally important, we ensure that community safety is upheld through wellregulated law-enforcement methods and effective crime-prevention strategies, fostering a secure environment for all residents.

We have a commitment to consumer protection, ensuring that businesses adhere to just and transparent practices while safeguarding consumers against fraud and misleading advertisements. Anti-discrimination efforts thrive on establishing equality and shielding individuals from bias. The region’s diverse economic landscape provides a wide range of opportunities across various industries, contributing to its vitality and our beloved tax base.

A concerted dedication to environmental protection becomes evident through the preservation of long Island’s natural splendor, encompassing its renowned beaches, scenic vistas, and recreational parks, all of which contribute to the area’s distinctive charm and appeal.

Though we have much to admire in our community, it is not perfect. understanding and addressing concerns is essential for long Island’s sustainable development. Zoning and development policies require careful consideration to prevent problems such as overdevelopment, environmental deterioration, and inadequate suburban planning. Similarly, housing and affordability challenges, including shortages and high costs, underscore the necessity for increased attainable housing options. Additionally,

Letters

mate change is irrelevant, is absurd. As concerned citizens, we worry about both issues, and seek truth and pray for solutions to each.

Mel Young Lawrence

For Hunter Biden, it’s about time

To the editor:

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Kremer’s opinion in “Two very hot political subjects.” In my opinion, this is not a Republican fixation on the president’s son. This is a threat to our democracy when the blindfold of lady justice is removed to create a two-tier justice system. We end up prosecuting whom we dislike and favor whom we choose.

As a citizen of this country, am I to feel comfortable when someone with the right last name can use his influence to evade taxes, lie on an application to own a firearm, and get an unprecedented sweetheart deal to not only walk away from this, but to have future immunity from other investigations? Thank g od for the judge who saw through this sham. By the way, where is the curiosity of

the mainstream media? They once had a reputation of feasting on this type of story.

This is not favoring one party over another. This is about upholding what we are as a country. Attorney general Merrick g arland has now appointed u.S. Attorney David Weiss as special counsel. garland did what he should have done a long time ago. The problem is, he chose the wrong person. Weiss has been part of this mess, and has shown he is anything but independent. He was part of the aforementioned sweetheart deal that a citizen like you or me would never be offered.

TonY gIAMeTTA Oceanside

Where are we, and AI, headed?

To the editor:

Re Mark nolan’s essay “We don’t have much time — AI is coming!” in the Aug. 3-9 issue: The column was perfect. We need to talk about the future. If AI wrote nolan’s piece, maybe it wrote this email!

PATTI

while some public-transit options exist, long Island could benefit from expanded services to better serve its population density.

Achieving education equality across all areas is a paramount goal, ensuring that high-quality learning experiences are accessible in every neighborhood, irrespective of its circumstances. This involves implementing robust busing systems and allocating necessary resources to support all students.

Medicare and health concerns, spanning everything from health care expenses to substance abuse and the strain on health care professionals, underscore the need for comprehensive reforms and improved insurance coverage.

Finally, nurturing independent and small businesses cultivates economic diversity and resilience, fostering a thriving local economy for long Island’s sustained growth.

By reflecting on all that we have and want for our community, we can create a better future. The future of our community holds a tapestry of possibilities, woven together by our shared aspirations and collaborative efforts. As we envision it, our community will flourish as a vibrant and inclusive hub where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is valued. every-

one wins when the collective does well. With a commitment to sustainable development, we will harmonize modern progress with environmental stewardship, creating green spaces and ecofriendly initiatives that reflect our respect for nature. education will stand as a cornerstone, ensuring that future generations have access to innovative learning opportunities that empower them to excel and contribute meaningfully.

Through dedicated community engagement, we will bolster social connections, nurturing a sense of belonging and shared purpose that transcends age, background, and circumstance. our collective well-being will be safeguarded through accessible health care and support systems, fostering both physical and mental wellness. As technology continues to evolve, our community will harness its potential to enhance communication, accessibility and efficiency, creating a seamless and interconnected environment for all.

With a spirit of resilience, adaptability and empathy, we will navigate challenges and embrace change, ensuring that our community’s future is made with hope, unity and boundless potential. Please know that I will continue to remain a devoted advocate and champion in my every fight for your long Island — our long Island.

Framework by Tim Baker

BouRne

Glen Cove

Taylor Darling represents the 18th Assembly District.

within our vibrant community, there are numerous sources of pride.

taYLor

DarLinG