Valley Stream Herald 02-02-2023

HERALD

Town redistricting falls short

Memorial’s Room 107 takes on new role

By BRENdAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Room 107 at Memorial Junior High School was once a place where students piled in from a crowded hallway for health class. Now it’s a place to remember a teacher who taught there for 42 years, a decade after her death.

The room, now known as the Ginsberg Wellness Suite, was dedicated on Jan. 24 in memory of Stephanie Ginsberg.

Ginsberg spent countless hours in that classroom. She met, taught and assisted thousands of students

Continued on page 16

Central pitches $8 million capital project funding package

By JUAN lASSo jlasso@liherald.com

Board of Education members took a grand tour of the Valley Stream Central High School District’s four schools, hopping from classroom to classroom with building administrators in tow. Their mission? To assess the financial needs of each school and hash out an initial vision for the district’s proposed budget plan to meet those needs. In particular, they aimed to figure out, from their list of possible school improvement capital projects, which ones get funded and which ones get culled.

This budget season, board

members approved securing roughly $2.23 million in what administrators described as “must-have,” meat-and-potatoes school improvement budget items, as outlined by Superintendent Wayne Loper.

These budget items include repairing and maintaining blacktop and concrete, renovating faculty restrooms, buying an additional bus and replacing musical instruments.

Additionally, administrators aimed to add even more modernized furniture to classrooms in the district. Already, district students are learning in classes outfitted with triangular desks with flattened corners that can easily

be moved and joined together to create collaborative, friendly learning spaces. Science labs with ceiling-mounted charging cables. Libraries with cozy study pod chairs and swivel seats, which also serve as laptop holders.

Yet despite this trend toward modernity, traces of outdated and out-of-fashion architecture remain. Among the biggest eyesores, according to Loper, are the Venetian blinds used to shade classroom windows in all four schools, shades whose time he said has long passed and simply must go.

Beyond those items, board members were left to consider

seven potential large-scale projects totaling upwards of $7 million in price. The list largely reflected what principals in all four schools saw as priority renovations for their buildings.

And some items were more urgent than others — like the need for a new $1.35 million storage space facility at South after the district’s architect ruled that

South’s garage, its current storage place, is to be knocked down and must be rebuilt from scratch.

“There’s no basement at South because this school is built on a flood plain, so storage is at a premium,” said Loper. “The garage needs to be torn down and replaced with a butler-type building. It’s one of those large

Continued on page 9

Justine Stefanelli/Herald

FREd YUTkowiTz lookS into Room 107, the new wellness suite at Memorial Junior High School now dedicated in to his late wife, Stephanie Ginsberg.

Peter King debuts new opinion column

Former congressman has no intention of slowing down in retirement

By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@liherald.com

Not even retirement can slow down Peter King. After 28 years in the U.S. House — including a two-year stint as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee — as well as more than two decades serving on both the Hempstead town council and as Nassau County comptroller, King finds himself busier than ever.

He’s working with a Washington law firm, and does consulting work for Northwell Health. He makes regular appearances on the Newsmax cable channel, as well as John Catsimatidis’s 77WABC radio station.

But now King is adding one more job to that list as a new regular columnist for Herald Community Newspapers. The former congressman’s first official piece appears in this week’s Opinions pages.

“It’s not like I have to catch a plane to get to Washington, or I’m at the whim of what’s the last vote going to be on Thursday night or Friday night,” King said. “I pretty much plan my own schedule. And the best feeling I had — and it took me about a month to get used to — is waking up in the morning and knowing I can go back to sleep if I want to.”

These days, King finds himself solely

Jack Healy/Herald file

FORMER U.S. REP. Peter King has kept himself busy since retiring from Congress in 2021, from his regular appearance on 77WABC radio, to now becoming a regular opinion columnist for Herald Community Newspapers. His first official piece — singing the praises of freshman U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito — can be found in this week’s Opinions section.

focused on life here at home. But for nearly three decades, the congressman was caught between the two worlds of Washington and his district back in New York.

The trick in the beginning was making

sure he never lost sight of why he was on the House floor in the first place.

“When you’re in Washington, you’re still responsible for a lot of local issues, because the local mayors and supervisors

and town boards — they’re going to be calling you and reaching out for help,” King said. “I think with a number of members of Congress, they’re so concerned with the international and national aspects of it, they forget the guy living down the block.

“The guy that lives in Highland Park. The guy that lives in Seaford. That’s where you base comes from. So, really, the challenge is to keep all of those things in your mind, and be able to sort through them all.”

King has made no secret about his support of U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, whose congressional district covers much of what King’s did back in the day. In fact, his first column focuses on the high hopes King has of his protégé, and how the sky’s the limit for the former town councilman.

“I mean, Anthony, we talk several times a week,” King said. “I don’t want to sound like I am telling him what to do, or giving him some great advice. But maybe one thing I can be most helpful on is telling him early on which members of Congress you can pay attention to, and which others to just ignore.

“Some of them you try to take seriously, but then you realize after a month or two that these guys are cranks, and nobody else is listening to them, except you.”

Valley Stream 13 honors life and legacy of MLK Jr.

Throughout the week leading up to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valley Stream 13 students honored King’s life and legacy by immersing themselves in classroom activities and lessons that embraced the themes that the civil rights activist championed throughout his life: service, peace, and equality.

Wheeler Avenue Elementary School students learned about King receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to encourage peace among Americans. They also received their own Nobel Peace Prize describing their special attributes and considered how they could harness those characteristics to contribute positively to the world around them.

Willow Road Elementary School students’ parents sent in Nobel Peace Prizes for their children and described the qualities their children possess that could make the world a better place. Students also discussed Dr. King’s impact on the world and created an “I Have a Dream” poster.

At James A. Dever Elementary School, students watched videos about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on BookFlix, a digital literacy resource with hundreds of animated fiction and nonfiction stories. Through these videos, students learned about King’s life and the impact he made on history.

Students at all four schools in the district also celebrated Dr. King’s life by writing about their dreams based on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, creating collages and beautiful banners to decorate their school hallways, and drawing portraits of King.

Valley Stream spelling bee is all the buzz at 24

Valley Stream 24 schools recently hosted its Scripps National Spelling Bee competition. Formerly known as the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, it is a nonprofit organization founded by The E.W. Scripps Company that sponsors annual spelling bee competitions in the United States. First-place and runner-up students are qualified to move on to the regional Scripps National Spelling Bee competition.

Prior to the competitive event, Valley Stream 24 spelling bee participants studied the Words of the Champions official study booklet which contains 4,000 words and also includes the 450-word School Spelling Bee study list.

“Learning how to spell supports our students’ reading and writing skills which leads to their language development,” said Superintendent Don Sturz. “Congratulations to all the students who participated in the district’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. We are excited for our students who qualified to move on to the regional event.”

Spelling bee Winners

Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School

Adriyan De, First place

Zahra Majid, Runner-up

Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School

Shehran Choudhury, First place

Nigel Lian, Runner-up

William L. Buck Elementary School

Maximo Papandrea, First place

Jake Marlborough, Runner-up

Courtesy Valley Stream District 13

Wheeler Avenue elementAry School students held their Nobel Peace Prize medals in honor of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. in their aim to understand his deeds and activism in the civil rights movement.

Courtesy Valley Stream District 24

robert W. CArbonAro Elementary School students took part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition.

Valley Stream 24 honors Lunar New Year

Valley Stream 24 students recently celebrated the Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Spring Festival. While often associated with Chinese traditions, many Asian countries celebrate their own version of the lunar new year, highlighting the beginning of spring and the new year based on the lunisolar calendar.

Valley Stream 24 students learned about the lunar new year with educational and interactive activities. This year is the year of the rabbit which symbolizes peace, longevity, and prosperity. At Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School, a Chinese student spoke to his fellow classmates about his family’s traditions and how they celebrate the lunar new year. Afterward, the students worked on their rabbit worksheets and crafted paper lanterns.

At William L. Buck Elementary School, students worked on a week-long project creating spectacular moveable

dragons out of paper boxes and craft materials. After finishing their moveable dragons, students and teachers had a parade featuring their dragons.

At Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School, students celebrated the Lunar New Year by creating dragon puppets after learning that dragons symbolize

good luck, strength, and health. The Valley Stream 24 students also read and watched videos about the lunar new year and learned about the traditional dragon and lion dances typically performed during Lunar New Year celebrations.

–Juan Lasso

Photos courtesy Valley Stream 24 William l. Buck Elementary School students paint their moveable dragon. William l. Buck Elementary School students wiatch their finished moveable dragon to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

James A. Dever School is a bully-free zone

Officer Luis Serrano from the Nassau County Police Department recently visited James A. Dever Elementary School to speak to students in fourth to sixth grade about the dangers of bullying and cyberbullying.

James A. Dever Elementary School students learned about making smart choices for themselves and how to help others in difficult situations. The students discussed what they should do if they feel they are being bullied or harassed. Students were educated on laws such as New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act, also known as The Dignity Act, which was signed into law on September 13, 2010. DASA mandates that New York State’s public schools must provide students with a safe environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying on school property, on school buses, and at school events.

“Teaching our students about these topics is critical in the world we live in.

No child should be subject to bullying, whether from another child or an adult. And in today’s technology-driven world, understanding the nuances of cyberbullying becomes paramount. We thank Officer Luis Serrano for taking the time to

educate our students about these issues,” said Principal Darren Gruen. “It’s our responsibility to make sure that our students have the right knowledge and tools to keep themselves and others safe from bullying and cyberbullying.”

Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 13 Officer Luis serranO pose with James A. Dever Elementary students.

Officer Luis serranO from the Nassau County Police Department delivered an anti-bullying presentation.

spotlight athlete

VSS cruises past Lawrence

By toNY BellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com

Valley Stream South still has major work to do to earn a spot in the Nassau Class A boys’ basketball postseason tournament, but the Falcons sure looked like a playoff team Friday night at Lawrence.

BeNJaMiN VelasQUeZ

MacArthur Senior Wrestling

a CoUNtY seMiFiNalist last winter and eventual third-place finisher in the 189-pound weight class, Velasquez is looking to cap his high school career with a Nassau wrestling crown. Heading into this Saturday’s county qualifier tournament at Bellmore-JFK, he is ranked No. 1 in the county at 215 pounds. After winning 21 of 30 matches last winter, his record this season stands at 36-3.

gaMes to WatCh

thursday, Feb. 2

Girls Basketball: Carey at Roosevelt 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Mineola at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Freeport 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: West Hemp at East Rockaway 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3

Boys Basketball: South Side at Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Rockaway at West Hemp 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Port Washington at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Locust Valley at Seaford 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: North Shore at Clarke 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Mepham 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Westbury at Baldwin 7 p.m.

saturday, Feb. 4

Wrestling: Nassau County Division 1 Qualifying Tournaments hosted by Long Beach, Hewlett, Bellmore-JFK, Plainedge and Uniondale 9:30 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynbrook at Mineola 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Clarke at North Shore 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Long Beach at MacArthur 12 p.m.

Sophomore Brady DelValle (22) and senior Gavin Benavides combined for 37 points and shot the lights out from behind the arc as South snapped a four-game skid with a runaway 67-45 victory over the Golden Tornadoes to keep its faint playoff hopes alive in Conference A-V. Benavides nailed five treys and DelValle added four to lead what head coach Mike O’Brien said was by far the team’s best performance of the season.

“The kids know we have to run the table to make the playoffs and they just did everything right tonight,” O’Brien said. “It was the most balanced and complete game we’ve played.

It’s highly unlikely we’ll get in the playoffs, but it’s not impossible,” he added. “If we can bottle up this game and take it with us, it’ll help our chances.”

Despite a roster consisting of 10 seniors, the Falcons (5-11 overall, 2-6 in A-V) have struggled to put it all together much of the season, O’Brien said. They still need to win each of the last four conference games to make the playoffs as a record of .500 or better is required.

Lawrence, which defeated South in the first meeting by 13, would have clinched a playoff berth with a win but was unable to match the Falcons’ intensity level and trailed almost the entire game. Senior Dexter Robinson’s 18 points paced the Golden Tornadoes, who fell to 9-7 overall and 5-4 in A-V.

“I was concerned about this game because testing week is really difficult on kids,” Lawrence head coach Lou Robinson said. “We lose our composure very quickly and to their credit, they did everything better than us. Shooting, rebounding, passing, you name it.”

Seniors Robert Jones (10 points) and Andy Dorant (8) were additional factors for the Falcons, who built a 33-21 halftime lead.

“Jones missed the first Lawrence game

and he’s improved exponentially throughout the season,” O’Brien said. “He’s our energy guy. He never stops moving.”

Dorant (11.5 ppg) is the team’s secondleading scorer behind DelValle, who scored 10 straight points spanning late in the second quarter and early in the third.

“Brady’s the guy,” O’Brien said of DelValle, who averages 13 points. “I think he’s gaining more confidence with each game. He’s a captain as a sophomore and he’s Mr. Consistent with effort.”

South poured it on with a 19-point third quarter, closing on a 15-3 run to put the game out of reach. Senior Tyler Bowers and junior Avery Folawiyo chipped in 8 and 6 points, respectfully, for Lawrence, which travels to conference-leading Friends Academy next.

“We haven’t been shooting well from the outside and need to attack the basket more,” coach Robinson said. “We’ve got a tough schedule in front of us and we need to practice better and play better.”

Media Origin Inc./Herald gaViN BeNaVides, oNe of Valley Stream South’s 10 seniors, poured in 15 points in last Friday’s 67-45 victory at Lawrence.

Shaw Avenue celebrates Lunar New Year

Third graders at Shaw Avenue Elementary School in Valley Stream District 30 rang in the Lunar New Year with an individualized art exercise courtesy of the Long Island Children’s Museum.

A guest of the Children’s Museum visited Jan Granger’s class to open the curtain on the many traditions associated with the Lunar New Year, including a large celebration in China. A common tradition is a jovial parade, featuring dancers donning dragon costumes covered in a multitude of colors. Students were given a paper plate with the face of a dragon, which they decorated with feathers, streamers, cotton balls, and markers. Students showed off their individualized dragons as they danced in the classroom.

–Juan Lasso

the Lunar New Year.

FRom leFt, anniyah Adeel and Gabriella Ospina Caicedo celebrated the Lunar New Year at Shaw Avenue Elementary School. a coloRFul dRagon, like Zarwa Nadeem’s, is commonly associated with the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 30 RosaveRa Paulino was excited to learn about the many traditions of

Reese Paul Rang in the Lunar New Year with a decorated dragon.

All aboard for Grand Central Madison Limited — and temporary —Long Island Rail Road shuttle service from Jamaica opens

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

To the casual observer, it was just any other day at Jamaica’s Long Island Rail Road station.

But just after 10 a.m., commuters rushed aboard a shuttle train destined for Manhattan, the familiar busy choreography of squeezing through, wedging past, running in to nab a seat.

Families holding their kids in tow. Couples and solo riders clutching their baggage. All of them packed into train cars, filling the aisle seats within minutes. Other late arrivals stood standing. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

But the air — even for a late-morning train ride — was unusually abuzz with chatter. Some kept conversation below a whisper. Others, not so much. But everyone was alive with a quiet knowing that this was no ordinary train ride. Instead, taking place, was a moment in history.

A history that was finally connecting Long island with Manhattan’s East Side.

For the better part of a century, for as long as anyone can remember, LIRR commuters relied on Penn Station to get them into the heart of New York City. So long in fact, it seemed the day for an alternative would never come.

But within the span of 22 minutes, that would all become history.

As the train came to its final stop 150 feet below ground in the bedrock of Midtown Manhattan, the low rattling of the train cars stopped, followed by silence. No one dared to move. Breaking the stillness was the sound of the cheery conductor’s voice coming over the loudspeaker whose five words said it all:

“Welcome to Grand Central Madison”

Applause erupted from the train cars. It was a watershed moment for the MTA as passengers set foot for the very first time on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Manhattan East Side station. A moment that encapsulated six decades of planning, nearly 20 years of construction, and roughly $11.6 billion.

The opening came after a month of delays caused by a faulty ventilation fan. Yet, despite the acknowledged roadblocks, delays and missteps along the way, Grand Central Madison is finally here.

“Grand Central will dramatically change the transportation of the region,” said Janno Lieber, the MTA’s chair and chief executive. “It’s going to benefit Long Islanders with shorter commutes, 40 percent more service, and help Long Island business recruit people from the city with reverse commuting.”

And for Niurka Maldonado of Queens —riding with daughters Nora and Paulina — the prospect of having faster access to Manhattan’s East Side is nothing short of exciting.

“We have several friends that work in that area, and I love some of the restaurants in there,” she said. “So, we’re going to definitely be doing more trips to Grand Central and everything around there.”

Grand Central Madison direct LIRR schedule

For roughly three weeks, shuttle service trains between Jamaica and Grand Central Madison are running every 30 minutes during off-peak hours and on weekends, and once per hour during peak times.

Service runs between 6:15 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, and between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Long Island Rail Road riders looking to Grand Central Madison can use their Penn Station tickets, which are the same price.

It will likely be a month before full service comes online, replacing the simple commuter trains. For now, riders looking for a fast way between Jamaica and Manhattan’s East Side can find trains every 30 minutes during off-peak hours, and every 60 during peak times.

“I just want to see if it saves me time going to my office on the East Side,” said Francesco Giovannetti of Glen Head. “I’m hoping to save about 20 to 30 minutes being two blocks away from Grand Central. I want to get acclimated to the station.”

Then there was Ruthanne Terrero of Malverne, sitting placidly with her tote bag in hand, taking in the significance of the moment of new train service to Manhattan.

“It’s just really glorious to see that we have something really beautiful,” Terrero said. “I think a lot of people work on the East Side, and I think it’s also really important that people see that New York is progressing.”

And more progress is still to come. Whether this project was worth its price tag, worth the commuting disruption, and worth the extended wait will be up to the riders themselves. Some have already taken to social media to point out certain mishaps like escalators shutting down midway, and some finding trouble making their way into the LIRR concourse at Grand Central.

It is no doubt looking to be a work in progress.

But Mitchell Schwartz and brother Steven — two young MTA train enthusiasts from Roslyn — wouldn’t have wanted this once-in-a-lifetime moment any other way.

Phyllis Levine, pounced on the chance to hop on the shuttle train to Grand Central if it meant saving time getting to her pharmacology appointment.

“I’m not a subway person, and I gen-

erally like to drive everywhere,” the Queens resident said. “But the easiest way to get to Manhattan from Queens is the express bus or the Long Island Rail Road. So, I figured I should try the ride to Grand Central. See how it goes.”

“Just try wrapping your head around the fact that we are the first of millions to ride a train toward something that has been proposed for over half a century,” Mitchell said. “It’s just an amazing occasion.”

Additional reporting by Andre Silva.

Juan Lasso/Herald photos

COMMUTERS, ENVELOPED UNDER a glass ceiling, take the roughly 3,000-foot escalator between the Long Island Rail Road concourse and the mezzanine at Grand Central Madison station on opening day of service that will eventually create a direct link between Manhattan’s East Side and Long Island.

COMMUTERS FROM JAMAICA station boarded the first passenger Long Island Rail Road train to Grand Central Madison inaugurating the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s long-awaited East Side access that will soon provide LIRR service out of Grand Central Terminal.

Board plans to fund new lockers and clinics

continued from front page

projects that need to be done.”

But there were also more innovative, big-leap projects worth mulling over. These projects include giving Central High School’s decades-long, districtwide cosmetology program a nearly $1 million upgrade to its classroom and salon station and shoring up money for the district’s first barbering program. Another consideration: Riding the momentum of school districts like Baldwin in incorporating “smart lockers” that open with the swipe of a student’s smart card ID badge.

In the end, rather than selecting their top picks from the wish list, board members decided on taking from the district’s $2 million in capital reserves and using its current operating fund balance of $6.5 million to fund all seven of the proposed projects. The difference would be made up by pooling from the school’s lunch fund.

“Though I’m not recommending it, if the board chooses to vote on a capital reserves and fund balance proposition, even after that money is set aside, the district still has left over a fund balance of 5.8 million dollars in reserve,” said Loper at the Jan. 7 board meeting.

Despite some board members’ initial hesitation to propose extracting everything from the district’s capital reserve funds to pay for all of the pitched projects, that plan won out in the end.

“These projects take forever to actually happen, and it is a while before it hap -

pens,” said Board of Education President Kenneth Cummings. “There’s nothing frivolous on here. We saw that everything here will make the student experience better. It might be a stretch, but doing the right thing would mean doing it all and giving the taxpayers the opportunity to vote at no additional cost since these are capital projects.”

A clearer picture of how well the budget’s funding proposition holds up to reality and gains the confidence of voters will come into focus in the coming weeks with, among other things, word on how much the district receives in federal and state funding.

All eyes are on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget plan for the new fiscal year

■ Districtwide hallway locker corridor renovation

■ Central High School mental health clinic renovations

■ Central High School cosmetology suite renovations

■ Memorial Junior High School science classroom renovations

■ North High School cafeteria kitchen and serving line renovations

■ South High School cafeteria kitchen and serving line renovations

■ South High School garage and storage reconstruction

— which, as of press time, was set to be released on Wednesday — to see if she will inject a significant source of funding toward education or tilt toward more tightfisted spending.

“Hopefully our new governor comes through with their promises of aid that they put out last year and if so, the district should be in a fine position for the upcoming budget season,” said Loper.

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Special Needs Children and Grandchildren

Parents or grandparents of a disabled child should leave assets in a Special Needs Trust, to avoid the child being disqualified from government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid. The reasoning behind these Special Needs Trusts is simple — prior to the protection now afforded by these trusts, parents would simply disinherit their disabled children rather than see them lose their benefits. Since the state wasn’t getting the inheritance monies anyway, why not allow it to go to the disabled child for his or her extra needs, above and beyond what the state supplies.

These trusts, however, offer traps for the unwary. Since payments to the child will generally reduce their SSI payments dollar for dollar, trustees of such trusts should be advised to make payments directly to the providers of goods and services. Preserving SSI benefits is crucial since eligibility for SSI determines eligibility for Medicaid.

In other words, if SSI is lost the recipient also loses their Medicaid benefits. In addition, any benefits previously paid by Medicaid may be recovered. As such, one also has to be mindful of bequests from well-meaning grandparents. Similarly, if a sibling dies without a will, a

share of their estate may go to the special needs brother or sister by law. The Special Needs Trust must be carefully drafted so that it only allows payments for any benefits over and above what the government provides.

There are two kinds of Special Needs Trusts – first party and third party. The first party trust is set up by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court using the child’s own money, either through earnings, an inheritance that was left directly to them or, perhaps, a personal injury award. Recent changes in the law allow the special needs child to establish their own first party Special Needs Trust if they are legally competent to engage in contractual matters. These first party trusts require a “payback” provision, meaning that on the death of the child beneficiary, the trust must pay back the state for any government benefits received.

A third party trust is usually set up by a parent or grandparent, using their own money. Here, no “payback” provision is required because it was not the child’s own money that funded the trust and the parent or grandparent had no obligation to leave any assets to the child. On the death of the child beneficiary, the balance of the trust is paid out to named beneficiaries.

Tim Baker/Herald Valley Stream North High School Principal Robin Small, center, gives a tour of the school building to Central High School Board of Education members and Superintendent Wayne Loper, right, as part of their discussion of capital projects on Jan. 7.

Attorney advertising

D’Esposito gets to work on Capitol Hill

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It’s certainly been an interesting process getting acclimated to Washington, and his new role as a congressman. But U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is happy to finally get to settle down and tackle his new role on Capitol Hill.

From police officer to detective in the New York Police Department. An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter to fire chief. And now Hempstead town councilman to congressman, the 40-year-old Island Park native describes looking back at his journey as a surreal experience.

Orientation for incoming congressional members like D’Esposito began the Sunday after Election Day — a point where some candidates were still waiting for their races to be called. Still, freshmen members of the House undergo a two-week icebreaker period where they get to know one another and learn how everything we see on C-SPAN operates.

“In politics in general — but specifically in Washington — you look at where people sit on the (House) floor, and it’s literally divided by an aisle,” D’Esposito said. “When we went to orientation, you walked into the hotel or you walked into different events, everyone just had a nametag on.”

It said who they were and where they were from, but there was no “D” or “R” labelling them as Democrats or Republicans.

“I think it gave (us) the opportunity to really meet people with an open mind,” he said.

D’Esposito is now almost a month into office, serving on three House committees: Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure and House Administration.

When it comes to homeland security, the congressman believes the biggest issue the country faces is taking

place at the U.S.-Mexico border. There have been a large number of migrants coming to the United States seeking asylum, or at least a better life. While D’Esposito believes everyone should have the opportunity to come to America, it still must be “done correctly.”

That means more funding for border patrol agents and the resources they need to keep the country’s borders safe.

Getting onto the Homeland Security Community meant earning a top-secret security clearance. Before leaving the NYPD in his previous life, D’Esposito was in

BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES WITH CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS

the process of transferring to the department’s joint terrorist task force.

“In addition to my 20 or so years as a first responder, I think having someone from Long Island and New York on Homeland Security is super important,” D’Esposito said. “We need to carry that mantle of Peter King, who was the chair of Homeland Security following 9/11. And we need to make sure we are able to provide the resources that we need to our local law enforcement agencies — not only here, but throughout the country.”

D’Esposito’s responsibilities with the Committee of House Administration include overseeing management of House operations, federal elections, key congressional offices, and Capitol Complex security — which extends to supervising the U.S. Capitol Police and its management.

The former police officer expressed his excitement in the opportunity to utilize his law enforcement experience when collaborating with officers sworn to protect one of the nation’s three branches of government.

But even with all that work on his plate, D’Esposito still finds himself talking about one of his fellow freshman colleagues from a neighboring congressional district — U.S. Rep. George Santos, and the ongoing reports and investigations into his past and how he raised money for his campaign.

D’Esposito won’t back down on his calls for Santos to resign, and is prepared to provide whatever services constituents in Santos’ district might need, but not comfortable approaching the embattled congressman about.

“People voted for a George Santos that they don’t even know — they voted for the George Santos that George created,” D’Esposito said. “You call, you’re looking for help, regardless of where you live, regardless of where you’re from, what you look like or what party you’re affiliated with — we’re here to help you.”

to U.S.News&WorldReport. Northwell.edu/NoLimits

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer from novel chemotherapy techniques to first-in- the-nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there’s no status quo. There’s only “how far can we go?”

Tim Baker/Herald WITH THE HELP of his 3-year-old niece Sailor, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito takes the oath of office from former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato. The congressman finds himself on three House committees, including one for homeland security that requires him to get top-secret clearance.

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according

STEPPING OUT

Score big on Super Sunday on Get your

By Karen Bloom

It’s the biggest sports day of the year. Classic commercials, historic plays and friends are all quintessential elements of the perfect game-day get-together. Whether your gang includes football fanatics or just a few fans, the big game — on Feb. 12 — is a great excuse for casual winter entertaining.

And while there may be a game on the big screen, a lot of the action takes place around the table — keeping everyone well-fed is a sport in itself!

• 1/4 tsp. onion powder

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1 cup hummus

Whisk first seven ingredients together (vinegar through paprika). Add hummus and combine thoroughly. Be creative with your dipping options. Potato and tortilla chips go hand-in-hand with tailgating festivities, but beyond these standards is a whole world of other dipping options. For a Mediterranean touch, go with flatbread, pita bread or pita chips. Or opt for more texture with multi-grain crackers that include raw flax, chia or sesame seeds. Or go for double the Buffalo wing flavor by dipping your wing, instead of the traditional blue cheese.

Cajun Buffalo Chicken Wings

Here’s a zesty take on the football-watching favorite.

• 2-1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces

• 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tsp. Cajun seasoned spice blend

Bake wings in foil-lined pan at 500° F on lowest oven rack for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, turning once.

Mix buffalo wings sauce, ketchup and spice blend. Toss wings in sauce to coat.

Tip: You may substitute 1/2 cup red hot sauce mixed with 1/3 cup melted butter for the Wings Sauce.

Alternate cooking directions: Deep-fry at 375° F for 10 minutes, or broil 6 inches from heat 15 to 20 minutes turning once.

Darlene Love

Darlene Love is always a welcome stage presence. For more than 50 years, she’s been making rock and roll’s world go ‘round. Since the early ‘60s, as part of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound hit factory, this songstress has done it all — from movies like the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series to Broadway hits like ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Grease.’ She even starred as herself in ‘Leader of the Pack,’ credited as Broadway’s first ‘jukebox musical.’ Love’s career and legacy reached new heights, as a result of being featured in 2013’s acclaimed documentary ‘20 Feet from Stardom,’ when she became the best known ‘unknown”’ in rock history. She continues to captivate audiences with her warm, gracious persona and dynamic performances. Her timeless, soaring voice remains as powerful as ever. Rolling Stone magazine has proclaimed Love to be ‘one of the greatest singers of all time,’ and that certainly rings true, but perhaps Paul Shaffer says it even more concisely: ‘Darlene Love is rock and roll!”

Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. $88, $78, $68. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip

A warm batch of Buffalo wings pairs well with this smoky and spicy dip.

• 1 tsp. red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• 1 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Touchdown Italian Sausage Chili

• 1 package (19.76 ounces) Italian sausage links

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 tbsp. garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 large yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian recipe stewed tomatoes

• 1 can (16 ounces) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

• 3/4 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)

• 1 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

• 1 1/2 tsp. baking cocoa

• 1/2 to 1 tsp. pepper

Cook sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside.

In soup kettle, saute onion, celery, sweet pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

Sprinkle chili with grated asiago, romano, parmesan cheese — or any cheese of your choice — before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Lviv National Philharmonic

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was established in Lviv in1902, a city known as one of the great cultural centers of eastern Europe, The orchestra has evolved over the years to become one of that nation’s largest and most internationally known ensembles, now under the baton of principal guest conductor Theodore Kuchar. It reminds us of how music can bridge cultures and bring people together. Their 2023 American tour is a testament to the power of music to overcome adversity. Their program for this powerful concert includes: Ukrainian composer Yevhen Stankovych’s Chamber Symphony No. 3 for Flute and String Orchestra; Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92. Pianist Oksana Rapita is the featured soloist.

Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.; with 6:45 p.m. Arts Insider preperformance preview. $79, $59, $44. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter. org..

THE SCENE

Feb. 23

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Feb. 23 , 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Help and hope for single parents

Feb. 17

Zoë Keating

Cellist and composer Zoë Keating visits the Landmark stage, Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. Considered a “one woman orchestra,” she uses a cello and a foot-controlled laptop to loop layer upon layer of cello, creating intricate, haunting, and compelling music; Keating has spent the last 20 years exploring the landscape of sounds a string instrument can make. She coaxes sounds out of the very edges of her cello, adeptly layering them into “swoon inducing” (San Francisco Weekly) music that is unclassifiable yet “a distinctive mix of old and new” (National Public Radio). She is known for her use of technology — which she uses to record and sample her cello onstage and in the studio – and for her DIY approach — composing, recording and producing her works on her own terms, without the help of a record label. $41, $35, $27. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Navigating College Admissions

Waldinger Memorial Library hots a virtual talk held by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper at Stand Out for College to help students navigate the college admissions process, Wednesday Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Registration is required. For more information, contact Library Director Mamie Eng at (516) 825-6422 or send email at directorvs@ nassaulibrary.org.

Free Prom Attire Donations

Paradise Salon and Spa Suites will be collecting promware donations for its annual free prom attire giveaway starting Saurday, Feb. 4, at 164 N. Central Valley Stream. To register with your donation, message Karen Gocoul with your full name, contact number, and the school you’re affiliated with at (516) 770 -4416.

Bethlehem Assembly of God is hosting Single and Parenting group sessions starting Friday, Feb. 3, starting at 7:30 p.m., at their M2 building, 11 E. Mineola Ave. Valley Stream, NY 11580For more information, call (516) 2858585 or visit Bethlehemag.org.

District 24 board meets Valley Stream District 24 Board of Education meets Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m., for their regular business meeting at Wheeler Avenue School, 75 Horton Ave. For more information, send an email to district clerk Elizabeth Fleurimond at efleurimond@vs24.org or visit ValleyStream24.com.

District 13 board meets

Valley Stream District 13 Board of Education meets Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m., at James A. Dever School, 585 Corona Ave, Valley Stream for their regular board meeting. For more information, call (516) 568-6100 or visit ValleyStream13.com.

Village board meets

The village Board of Trustees meets Monday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at the Village Hall boardroom, 123 S. Central Ave. for their regular work session. For more information, call the village clerk at (516) 825-4200 Ext. 5 or visit Vsvny.org.

District 30 board meets

Valley Stream District 30 meets Monday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m., for their business meeting at Shaw Avenue School, 99 Shaw Ave. For more information, call district clerk Ashley Starna at (516) 434-3600 or visit ValleyStream30.com.

Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting

The Village Board of Zoning and Appeals meets, Tuesday, Feb. 7 , 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 123 South Central Ave. For info (516) 592-5142 or Vsvny.org.

On stage

Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon comes alive on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb.12, 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 15-17, noon. Pigeon is eager to try anything, with the audience part of the action. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Teen Book Club

Join Waldinger Memorial Library for the in-person teens book club, Friday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m., to discuss “Turtle Boy” by M. Evan Wolkenstein. For information, contact Faith Kenney at (516) 825-6422 or email VSteens@ nassaulibrary.com.

Having an event?

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

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

GUT- BUSTING HIT!

Feb. 3

In perfect harmony

The SingStrong A Cappella Festival returns to the New York area, hosted by Adelphi University, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 3-5

Professional a cappella groups perform along with collegiate and high school ensembles. A variety of musical genres are represented. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/ pac.

Feb.

VSCHD Board of Education meets

The Valley Stream Central High School District will meet Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m., at the Memorial Junior High School cafeteria. For more information, call the district clerk at (516) 872-5628 or visit Vschsd.org.

Pat McGann

Pat McGann, quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene, appears at The Paramount, Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing stand-up at age 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, his 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 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

RichnerLIVE is “Fealing” Good

(From left to right) Jodi Turk, event, marketing and brand strategist, and Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events, visited the Barasch & McGarry office to deliver a check to John Feal, founder and president of the FealGood Foundation, and Sara Director, partner at Barasch & McGarry who handles 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) claims and a Top Lawyer Honoree. RichnerLIVE donated a portion of ticket proceeds from the Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island Awards Gala to the foundation. The FealGood Foundation protects and assists all emergency personnel injured on the job or in their personal lives through offering financial aid, basic home utilities, medicine and more. On Sept. 12, 2001, Feal was called to assist in the cleanup of ground zero when his foot was crushed and forced to be amputated. After dealing with the hurdles that came with the accident, he decided that no one should struggle after helping with ground zero. Visit www.FealGoodFoundation.com for more information on the organization and how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of Barasch & McGarry

”

NCC union rallies after health care costs rise

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Demanding fair contracts with affordable health care costs, dozens of Nassau Community College faculty members rallied outside of the county legislature last week.

They were part of a broader protest from the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, an educators union representing NCC’s full-time faculty, speaking out against higher health care insurance premium costs. They gathered on the steps of the county legislature carrying signs like “We’d rather be teaching right now,” demanding better wages and fair contracts, targeting both the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees and the county itself.

They weren’t out on the steps long before some of the union members were ushered inside the Mineola building with a chance to state their case with county legislators.

The educators union and trustees board have been negotiating full-time faculty contracts since last July, hoping to work out a deal before their contracts expired in August. The union has rallied multiple times since then, expressing frustration with the negotiation process.

As recently as Dec. 13, Siminioff and the union asked the trustees to include salary increases to keep up with rising inflation, as well as include paid sabbaticals. But then, last week, health insurance premium costs jumped for full-time faculty at NCC.

The increase came about thanks to the trustees enacting an old clause in their contracts — written decades ago — allow-

ing the board to charge faculty members working under an expired contract with increased health insurance premiums. The insurance increases, Siminioff said, could cost faculty members between $2,500 and $5,000 — effectively acting like a pay cut.

“So, we’re not getting we’re not getting a wage increase. Our promotions have all been frozen. We’re not getting our sabbaticals. We’re not getting anything. But they’re imposing this on us,” Siminioff said. “I think this provision has been there for 30 years and they have never invoked it. They want to punish the faculty and force us through economic strongarming.”

John Gross, an Ingerman Smith attorney representing Nassau Community College, said the New York State Health Insurance Plan — which provides insurance to all college employees — raised premiums on Jan. 1 by 15 percent for family coverage. That’s about $5,000 each year. Individual coverage rose more than 12 percent, which could cost upward of $4,000 over the next 12 months.

A provision in NCC’s full-time faculty labor contract states if the cost of health insurance premiums increases after a contract expires, Gross said, it’s up to the individual employees to shoulder those costs through payroll deductions.

“The union knew it was in the labor contract because one of the proposals in our current negotiations is to remove the clause,” Gross said. “The board didn’t wake up one day and said, ‘You know what? We’re going to impose these increases on the union.’”

Siminioff said many faculty members

feel the college has strained them to their limits, and has not properly supported them financially. Aside from the imposed health insurance premiums, NCC’s faculty has experienced an average wage increase just over 1 percent in the past decade.

“The starting salary for an instructional faculty member is approximately $60,800, and the starting salary for a noninstructional faculty member is $55,900,” Siminioff said. “According to the MIT wage calculator, a middle-class family of three needs about $96,000 to be middle class in Nassau County.”

Faculty members are teaching more students in larger classes over the past few years, Siminioff said. When she first

started teaching at NCC some 25 years ago, she taught an average of 110 students each semester. Now, professors are being asked to educate an average of 160 students each semester — which Siminioff feels is unfair.

Aside from low starting wages, it typically takes 15 to 18 years for someone on the faculty to start earning $100,000, Siminioff said. Anyone hired now would earn $55,000, taking 15 years to climb to $100,000.

“By the time you get 15 years of employment, it’s still not enough to live middle class in Nassau County,” Siminioff said. “So, they’re condemning college faculty to never being middle class. That’s the bottom line.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

MEMBERS OF THE Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, an educators union supporting the school’s full-time faculty, gathered at the Nassau County Legislature to demand fair contracts after learning their health care insurance premiums were going up.

FAREN SIMINIOFF, PRESIDENT of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers union, gathered protesters outside the Nassau County Legislature, demanding better wages and fair contracts from the Nassau Community College board and the county.

T hey want to punish the faculty and force us through economic strong-arming.

FAREN SIMINIOFF president, Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTINA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, V. GLEN DIRECTOR, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 7, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTINA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and GLEN DIRECTOR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction

RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 7, 2023 at 4:30PM, premises known as 156 GORDON ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581: Section 39, Block

K-02, Lot 2: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 600934/2018. Hayley Greenberg, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

137074

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. KENDRA GARCIA, YVES PRISMY, ET AL., Defendant (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 18, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, on the North Side steps, Mineola, New York on

March 7, 2023 at 2:00

P.M., premises known as 97 HUNGRY HARBOR ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK 11581. 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: 39, Block: E, Lot: 251. Approximate amount of judgment is $482,674.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604480/2019.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. MARK S. RICCIARDI, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

137078

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-FRE1 ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Pltf. vs. DONOVAN RUSSELL, et al, Defts. Index #17-001892. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Oct. 29, 2019 and order substituting the referee entered Sept. 20, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 9, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 117 Martens Avenue, Valley Stream, NY a/k/a Section 37, Block 14, Lot 266. Approx. amt. of judgment is $780,261.11 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

JANINE LYNAM, Referee.

MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 165 Eileen Way, Ste. 101, Syosset, NY. #99798

137076

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of April 1, 2005 Park Place Securities, Inc. AssetBacked Pass-Through Certificates Series

2005-WHQ2, Plaintiff

AGAINST

Harisson William; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

duly entered June 26, 2018 I, the undersigned

Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 22, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 150 Ormonde Boulevard, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 431 Lots 350 & 351.

Approximate amount of judgment $336,196.36 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 005536/2014. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP

f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624

(877) 430-4792

Dated: January 6, 2023 136762

erected, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 124 Rockaway Avenue, Valley Stream, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11580.

(Section: 37, Block: 125, Lot: 132)

Approximate amount of lien $278,488.31 plus interest and costs.

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

Index No. 013895/2013.

Thomas A. DeMaria, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: November 17, 2022

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

136704

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. AUDREY SCOTT, IAN ALEXANDER, ET AL, Defendant. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 015460/2013 in the amount of $880,257.52 plus interest and costs.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Richard S. Mullen Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 136687

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff

AGAINST

Patricia D. Savage a/k/a Patricia Savage; et al., Defendant(s)

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff - against - HUGO GOMEZ A/K/A HUGO S. GOMEZ, JR., et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 20, 2015. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 16th day of February, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with buildings and improvements thereon

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on April 18, 2018, I, David Marc Shwartz, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 22, 2023 at The North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:00 PM the premises described as follows:

716 Golf Drive N. Woodmere, NY 11581 SBL No: 39-613-17 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 8, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 17, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 50 East Saint Marks Place, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 98 Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment $489,038.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011595/2014. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Pallvi Babbar, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: December 20, 2022

136760

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWALT 2004-5CB, Plaintiff, vs. ANTOUN A. HAMAWI, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 2, 2018 and an Order Extending Time to Sell duly entered on February 1, 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 February 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 84 Roosevelt Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 388 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $599,418.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 015252/2009. 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.

Patricia Latzman, Esq., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC, 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, New York 11556, Attorneys for Plaintiff 136738

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000211/2017. Charles Casolaro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 136924

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN) Millennium Trust Company, LLC; Plaintiff v. 25 Salem Road Corp, et al; Defendants

Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1408, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 8/30/2022, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in the EDNY-Brooklyn, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

On February 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 932 Bee Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. 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 37, Block 503 and Lot 126.

Approximate amount of judgment is $410,083.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 006543/2013. Cash will not be accepted. 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.

David Dikman, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 136908

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU NEW PENN FINANCIAL, LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, V. EASTON FORBES A/K/A EASTON A. FORBES, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 15, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein NEW PENN FINANCIAL, LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is the Plaintiff and EASTON FORBES A/K/A EASTON A. FORBES, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 28, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 145 COCHRAN PLACE, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581: Section 39, Block 386, Lot 36:

Premises known as 25 Salem Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580 Section: 37 Block: Q05 Lot: 5 All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.

Approximate amount of judgment: $405,240.00 plus interest and costs.

Case Number: 1:21cv-06636-WFK-LB

Susan E. Rizos, Esq., Referee 136795

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. GARY BALMIR, Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 11, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court,

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 21st, 2023, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 16th, 2023 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer

News brief

Forest Road school reopens following fire

Forest Road students returned to in-person learning on Monday after the school was closed following a fire in a custodial closet designated for the building’s solar transformer at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 25.

A Facebook post by the Inwood Fire Department showed plumes of black smoke billowing out from an entrance to the building, which houses over 300 elementary school students in Valley Stream District 30.

Valley Stream Fire Department

Engines 343 and 34 were first on the scene, where they discovered a small fire in the

closet that was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nassau County fire marshal’s office. All operations were under the command of Chief of Department Patrick Scanlon.

Students had switched to remote learning for the remainder of last week as the building underwent a “clean up assessment,” Principal Erin Malone wrote in an email to parents. “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.”

–Juan Lasso

Public Notices

the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 21st day of February 2023 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 08th, 2023.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, NewYork

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which

the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.

The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any

bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any

other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York 136839

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

Ginsberg’s old room becomes wellness suite

continued from front page

during her time at Memorial, and each one came out with a better understanding of themselves.

Her skin cancer was diagnosed in 2012. She missed multiple weeks of school during her last year at Memorial to undergo treatment, but her illness ultimately spread. She died less than a month after she retired as the school’s health teacher.

In 2013, a memorial garden was built in her honor, right outside her former firstfloor classroom at the south end of the school. She was honored again last Tuesday – this time with the new wellness suite in her name.

“We’re here to pay tribute to Stephanie Ginsberg, who played a huge part in the lives of our students, in the lives of our staff and the lives of our administration here at Memorial,” Bret Strauss, the principal of Memorial, said outside the new suite. “She did for decades here.”

Strauss recalled how he worked with Ginsberg for just one year, when he joined as an assistant principal during her last year. He said within that year alone, he could sense the impact she had on the entire building.

About 15 years ago, Ginsberg started the school’s BRAVE Club — Believe in the Rights and Values of Everyone — an organization that fights bullying and promotes positive behavior. She also helped to write the school’s anti-bullying curriculum, part of which she taught in her health classes. Strauss said she also started a character-building program, which still happens every morning. “We still challenge students every day to make it a great day,” he said.

Room 107 was her room, where she impacted so many lives. Even after she was no longer there, the classroom became almost like a shrine. All of her materials remained in the room; the filing cabinets stayed filled with her paperwork;

desk drawers remained locked and untouched.

“Stephanie was a hard-working, dedicated teacher,” said her husband, Fred Yutkowitz. “It was more than just a job to her; it was her purpose. She always had an open door and an open heart that allowed her to build deep connections with her students.”

Yutkowitz spoke about the BRAVE club, one of Ginsberg’s longest-standing impacts in the school. She was able to bring bullying awareness to the school and promote a safe environment for all students, he said. “She would be so proud to see how far the club has come and the impact it has had on her students, current students and future students,” he said.

Stephanie Haag, a social worker at Memorial, only knew Ginsberg for a short time, but she noticed the impact that she had. Haag said the school now has a strong view on mental health, which helped the new wellness suite come alive. The mental health staff has grown through the years at the school, she said, and shows how students’ well-being is prioritized.

“To be able to sit in the same space where Stephanie influenced countless students is an honor that is not lost in us,” Haag said about working in the new wellness suite. She and her colleagues are “honored to be here and blessed to have a beautiful space dedicated to the social and emotional growth” of the students.

Along with the space came a theme: plants and flowers -- with flowers on the sign above the door, the memorial garden planted in 2013 and the flowers and plants acting as décor around the room. Haag said they symbolize the mission of the space.

“They are a visual reminder of our mission to help students grow, flourish and blossom into their best selves,” she said.

Justine Stefanelli/Herald

MeMorial Junior HigH School Principal Bret Strauss addresses students, colleagues and friends and family of Stephanie Ginsberg outside the new wellness on suite Jan. 24.

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

BA, 1608 We HiRe tHe Best 1202116

Real estate IN BRIEF

V.I.Properties Welcomes

Erit Gridnev

Flood Insurance Req. MUST Employment HERALD 1128595

Houses BUSDRIVERSWANTEDDoN’T MISS The Bus! EDU c ATI o NAL BUS TRANS po RTATI o N 516.454.2300

Open Big Bus $27.18/hr. Non-Benefit Rate

Erit Gridnev is a savvy real estate agent with over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales. Specializing in relocations, she understands the importance of finding the perfect property for her clients. Because she knows that moving to a new house is a very big change, Erit takes the time to get to know her clients and their specific needs. With a B.A in Human Services, she is able to provide valuable insight into community life and what to expect from different neighborhoods. Her wit and humor make her an enjoyable person to work with, and her expertise ensures that her clients are always satisfied with their purchase. Contact Erit at 510-584-6350 or by email eritg@vipropertiesny.com

LYNBROOK is Seeking Part Time Experienced Servers, Bartender, Seasoned Line Cook for Upscale Italian Restaurant. Walk in interviews: Sunday , Tuesday - Friday Between 5 and 9pm or Call 63- 694-7515 Ask for Sammy.

to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att CLASSIFIED Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads. Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT RecRuiting a great team is Really simple. a growing multi media company Based in garden city is Hiring: • Receptionist • Reporter/editor • sales • multi media coordinator • Drivers • pressman/press Helper to join our team, please email your resume to careers@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000 ext #235

Dr, DrasVALLEY STREAM UFSD #13 WILLOW ROAD SCHOOL GREETER Candidate will be responsible for monitoring the main entrance of the school. NYS Fingerprinting required. $15-hour, candidate hired through Kelly Services Please email Résumé to: recruit@valleystream13.com Application Deadline: January 31, 2023 1202804

516-238-429 STARTING SALARIES Van $24.41/hr. Non-Benefit Rate

Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

Ronnie NEW

Loads of Updates!! SD#20(LynTo pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

CEDARHURST BA, 332B Peninsula Blvd, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

WOODMERE BA, 29 Woodmere Blvd, #3B, New To Market! Move Right Into This Sunny, Renovated 2 BR Coop Apt in Heathcote Bldg. Updtd Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl, LR w/Coffered Ceiling, Dining Area, Spacious Primary BR, Updtd Bth $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van $500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants Sign On Bonus *Some restrictions may apply. EOE One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country Call the USA Classified Network today! 1-800-231-6152

HomesHERALD

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

Rare Rooftop Aqua Penthouse

Arare, one of a Kind “AQUA PH.” This penthouse features private elevator to stone floor foyer, magnificent views of the city and Atlantic Ocean from expansive windows. This home boasts utility room with washer/dryer and laundry sink, recessed lighting, hardwood floors in great room and hallways, fire protection sprinkler system, individually controlled high efficiency air-conditioning and heating system, re-circulating hot water system, cable television and telephone outlets. The custom kitchen features European hardwood cabinetry with custom hardware, Quartzite stone floor, distinctive granite countertops and mosaic glass tile backsplash, Wolf gas stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler, Miele dishwasher, Dacor microwave, Undermount kitchen sink with dual compartments, under cabinet lighting. The luxurious master bedroom suite features spacious walk-in closet and terrace, designer Kohler bathroom fixtures including whirlpool tub, walk-in shower with mosaic tile accents, marble appointments, European hardwood cabinetry with custom hardware. There are two parking spots “covered” with bike room and storage. You will enjoy spending a relaxing time in the Hot Tub.

My pickup truck has damaged the garage floor

Q. Can you solve a debate I have been having with my contractor about replacing the cracked floor in my garage? The problem is that I want to have steel bars in the slab and make it extra thick, since the existing slab is cracked and damaged from my heavy pickup truck, sometimes filled with heavy construction items. The concrete guy keeps telling me it’s overkill and that just the concrete, 5 inches thick, with a rollout wire mesh, is enough. Can you explain which one I need, and why he keeps telling me that the driveway is concrete, not cement? I want to do this job as soon as it warms up.

LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20

(Lynbrook) No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS! REDUCED!! $1,025,000

1608 Ridgeway Dr, BA, Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR,

3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed

Porch. Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!!

SD#20

DRASTIC REDUCTION! $1,469,000

1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style

Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout.Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.Master BR Boasts Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet. Terrace Faces into Courtyard. Garage Parking Incl

The Architect

A. The first problem to solve is who should be designing the correct slab. Yes, we all know it’s just a slab, but you’ve already seen what happens when someone unfamiliar with the engineering design of even the simplest concrete slab doesn’t apply the correct preventive details.

Concrete is very strong in compression, meaning you can press on it to extremes before it even shows small signs of failure.

Unfortunately, concrete has no tensile strength. Zero. Zip. This means you can easily pull it apart, or bend it to the point of cracking without much force.

Structural engineers and architects, to a lesser extent, are trained to apply specific formulas that predict the success (and failure) of even a slab of formed concrete. Knowing how a slab fails allows professionals to apply the right reinforcement in the right places. Otherwise you’re just guessing.

There’s a difference in the description of the slab, which is made up of several materials, such as sand, lime, and something called “Portland cement.” Portland Cement is a mixture of mined calcium silicates and a lesser amount of calcium aluminates that form a chemical reaction in the presence of water. The chemical reaction causes the mixture to harden and give off heat, called the heat of hydration. It was patented in England in 1824 by bricklayer Joseph Aspdin, and got the name Portland because when it hardened, it appeared to look very similar to the white Portland stone quarried along the Portland Isle coast of Dorset in southern England. Sorry, Oregon, you get no credit here.

When other silicates, such as sand or different sizes of stone, are added, the characteristics change, and the setting times and strength change as well. Ash has been added in some mixes, and glass fibers, another form of silica, have made our latest bridge and roadway construction projects extremely long-lasting and stronger.

Portland cement can be a part of concrete. To determine the reinforcing, the loads need to be applied to formulas, along with the amount of time and other forces, such as expansion and contraction (due to temperature changes), support material strength, shrinkage and internal stress — in other words, it would be irresponsible to throw some guess at you without knowing more. Keep in mind, more concrete is not better. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Ask

Monte Leeper

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

COLE HAAN MEN'S Chelsea Boots Black Leather, 7W. Excellent $90 516-320-1906

HEALYS WHEELED SNEAKERS Boys size 7 black and yellow new in box $18. (516) 462-2656

NEW HYUNDAI SUV adjustable cross roof rails. cost $319. $99 firm (516)524-3617

ONE RECTANGULAR GLASS coffee table and two glass/brass octagon end tables, good cond. $99.99. 516-623-5696

STATIONARY EXERCISE BICYCLE -good condition -- $30. 516-826-3727

TWIN BEDROOM SET: Excellent Condition, Blonde Modern Headboard, 3 Dressers, Corner Piece. $99. 516-840-6081

TWIN WOOD TRUNDLE bed excellent condition $99 call/ text for pictures (516) 462-2656

Finds $100-$350 TREADMILL

Home Improvement

BATH

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE

*Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

$100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

* Full Or Partial Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

Miscellaneous

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price

Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011

GET DIRECTV FOR $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Education

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required

Health & Fitness

VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills

SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale

ACURA 2003, 3.2 CLS, 2 door, Silver, Black Interior, 160K Plus. Needs Battery. $1800 516-668-8877 runs great

Autos Wanted

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199.

The era of ‘Marcus Welby, M.D.’ is over

I’ll bet very few readers remember television shows like “Dr. Kildare” and “Marcus Welby.” Those popular shows featured physicians who made house calls and performed miracles of all kinds. There may be a few of these doctors left, but it’s only a matter of time until such dedicated physicians are no longer in existence. Like it or not, the business of medicine is changing rapidly, and not for the benefit of the average patient.

I recently experienced this sea change in medicine, when two of my doctors announced their retirement. One was my internal medicine doctor, who served me faithfully for 32 years, and the other was a neurologist who had monitored me for about five years. It was obvious from our parting conversations that they were exhausted and tired of the day-to-day stresses of serving patients.

If you visit almost any doctor’s office, you’ll notice that there are walls and

walls of files on display. They may signify how many patients your doctor serves, but they are also evidence of the amount of paperwork the average doctor must do to get paid by an insurance company. Once upon a time, insurance companies gave doctors an appropriate amount of money for the services they performed, but not anymore.

If you’re a doctor in New York City, you may get $1,000 for a medical procedure. But if you practice in, say, Smithtown, you may get paid $180, if you’re lucky. Geography makes a difference in reimbursement, and no rational observer of medicine will defend such an abominable system. These days, doctors need experienced staff members who have to deal with endless piles of documents, many of which are for small reimbursements. The daily practice of medicine isn’t a 9-to-5 operation. Many doctors take their charts home, to review medical histories and also to protect themselves from malpractice litigation. The business of suing doctors is a major enterprise, and the volume of litigation forces doctors to pay

outrageous fees for malpractice coverage. I’ve heard quite a few stories about doctors who quit the practice because they simply couldn’t afford the high premiums.

One way that a doctor can avoid some of these headaches is to become an employee of a hospital. That spares you the high insurance premiums, but life isn’t a bowl of cherries for the employed doctor, either. Large hospitals have rules upon rules, and they can mean plenty of paperwork, and having to handle a much larger caseload of patients then you ever had when you were on your own. One of my longtime, highly respected doctors has taken a leave of absence, because he’s now in his 80s and just can’t handle the caseload he’s been given. But hospitals are businesses, and they have every right to demand a high level of activity of their doctors.

There are many dedicated, newly minted doctors graduating from medical schools, but quite a few of them approach medicine much differently today than their forebears. Many young

doctors would prefer to work five days a week, with no weekend duty. They are willing to take less compensation and have more time for family, golf and vacations. They may be brilliant practitioners, but they don’t want to be so many Marcus Welbys.

And when we talk about medicine, we can’t forget about nurses. The recent strike at some major city hospitals was no surprise. I was in an ER recently, and found out that my nurse had 15 patients assigned to her. She was on the verge of a physical breakdown, but soldiered on, handling all of them with grace and patience. No doubt, she will get a large pay increase and a smaller patient workload, but it’s only fair to give her those benefits.

Like it or not, medicine is changing dramatically. In the next 10 years, we will see changes that we never dreamt of. Some will be good, and others bad. Let’s hope there are more good than bad.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

Folks scramble as the price of eggs soars nationwide

You can believe the hype. Last week, a boutique grocery on Manhattan’s Upper East Side was selling eggs for $17.99 a dozen. They weren’t Faberge eggs, dripping in diamonds and gilt. They were ordinary chicken-hatched, single-yolk, large “organic” eggs.

This news flash is courtesy of The Guardian newspaper in England, which loves to point out the crass and the crazy in American culture. It is given to gloating through stiff upper lips. Still, it has a point.

RANDI KREISS

Egg prices are heating up due to inflation, a surging avian flu epidemic and, some say, price gouging.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one year ago you could buy a dozen eggs for $1.72. Now, nationwide, the price averages $3.59. In some states like California, the average price is more than $7. Apparently in Manhattan, consumers have jumped from the frying pan into the fire. No more cheap, go-to weekday omelet dinners.

The current epidemic of avian flu is

the worst in history, according to NBC News. More than 53 million birds have died of the virus or been put to death. As so-far survivors of the coronavirus pandemic, we must wonder how vulnerable we humans are to this flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we’re probably safe. That’s not totally reassuring, but the avian flu has jumped to humans in only rare instances, and has passed from an infected person to other people in only extremely rare cases. Those who’ve contracted the flu after working around infected birds generally experienced mild symptoms, but the disease has been serious in a few people.

of Mexico to the U.S. I don’t know if it’s a Sinaloa cartel operation, but really? Smugglers in competition with the Easter Bunny?

Inflation?

I take my eggs very seriously. Omelets are a regular dinner in my home. I eat an egg every single day, over well, yolk broken. Lillybee the dog gets half a yolk.

Avian flu?

Price gouging?

No more cheap, go-to weekday omelet dinners.

Somehow, I want to believe human beings should be OK, but after the waves of half-information and misinformation informing our health decisions in the midst of Covid, I want to keep an eye on this H5N1 virus. Even though it might seem cost-effective now to start raising chickens in our backyards, nah, it’s probably not a good idea.

Last week it was widely reported that dealers have been running eggs out

I had to give up eggs recently and temporarily (for a month) after my friend cracked an egg and discovered a tiny, blackened mini-chicken inside. So gross! I didn’t actually see the monstrosity, but I can’t get the image out of my head. She was so traumatized by the visitation that she gave up eggs forever.

We move on. The most expensive egg product I ever purchased was a painted $25 ostrich eggshell I brought back from South Africa to present to my granddaughter on her 13th birthday. I was feeling quite high-minded about the symbolism of feminism and new beginnings and eternal life. But she sat on it, and that was that.

Two weeks ago, I cracked an egg and discovered it was a double yolker. According to Cackle Hatchery, double yolks are quite rare. They hardly ever

result in two chickens being born, because the eggshell can’t accommodate twins. Still, they are prized for eating. Some boutique chicken farmers specialize in double yolkers, the source of which is a genetic mutation. You can hold a candle to an egg and see what’s inside if you really need to know. If you really want to know.

Hardboiled eggs are worth a book of their own. I always have a few hardcooked eggs in my fridge, you know, in case of nuclear attack or tornado strike. I read about an 83-year-old hiker years ago who hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, eating hardboiled eggs he cooked on a tiny camping stove.

In the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke,” an outrageously defiant prisoner played by Paul Newman choked down 50 hardboiled eggs on a dare. A few people in real life tried to imitate the feat, and one died. But Joey Chestnut, the renowned competitive eater, consumed 141 eggs in eight minutes in a contest. Miki Sudo broke the women’s world record, eating 104 eggs.

Chestnut, who, remarkably, is still alive — I checked — took home a $1,500 grand prize, which seems not nearly enough.

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

It was obvious from chats with my retiring doctors that they were exhausted.

JERRY KREMER

The tricky balance of fear and openness

it was like having security cameras in every room of a house but one. That’s how Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone described to reporters the decentralized, hodgepodge security infrastructure of the county’s computer network, which more than 10,000 government employees, in dozens of departments, depended on.

It was a single unguarded entryway that let hackers in last September, essentially shutting down all operations and reportedly costing Suffolk millions of dollars.

Such an intrusion is enough to scare any business or government entity into fortifying defenses. But is there such a thing as being too scared?

In the days following Suffolk’s revelation that it had been hacked, Bellone’s counterpart, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, bent over backward to ensure that the same thing won’t happen here. Or at least we think he has, given that the details of those efforts are a closely held secret.

What we do know is that the Legislature has hired a cybersecurity consultant. And that’s about it. Who that consultant is, what they have to offer — and, most important, how much it’s going to cost taxpayers — is information only a very select few know.

Revealing too many details about the new cybersecurity efforts could be troublesome, of course. The more information hackers have, the more likely they can

letters

Offner was on the mark

To the Editor:

Re Daniel Offner’s column last week, “We must remember — and teach — the Holocaust”: Offner’s description of his grandmother, “When she was liberated by American troops from Dachau in May 1945, she weighed 45 pounds,” brought back an old memory to me. I remember my dad speaking of two cousins, who somehow made it to America after surviving one of those Nazi killing centers in Poland. He described them as two young guys, each over six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds — combined.

They didn’t last much longer than a year here. The Nazis killed them; they just didn’t die immediately.

And now we have Holocaust deniers, in spite of the films, photos and documents that exist, in addition to the survivors, and the living veterans who aided in their liberation and survival. We also have politicians in both parties telling us lies daily. Now we even have to be aware of a “journalist’s” political affiliations, agenda and beliefs. Sadly, as Offner pointed out, the same goes

find ways to slip past Nassau’s defenses. Yet county officials refuse to say how revealing simple bits of information — like who the vendor is, and how much they’re charging — would help these cyber menaces. And they aren’t budging.

As well, the Herald learned last week that a closed-doors executive session called by the Legislature produced an emergency cybersecurity declaration — its mere existence classified.

It’s perfectly understandable why county officials are on edge, and they should be commended for acting quickly to build Nassau’s technological defenses. And while many of those details should be kept secret, not all of them should be.

There is a reason why who our government does business with — and at what cost — should be out in the open, for all to see. We bear the financial cost of that business, and have every right to ensure that every dollar is being spent appropriately.

Everything about the county’s contract with this mystery cybersecurity firm could be perfectly fine. And it most likely is. But the taxpayers’ right is absolute assurance, not a preponderance of confidence. We have the right — by law — to make sure the Legislature is doing an arm’s-length deal with the right company for the right price.

How was the firm chosen? How was its compensation negotiated? What is the county getting in return? Even if we can’t have specifics, there’s no reason we can’t be clued in on at least some general

aspects.

Shoshanah Bewlay, executive director of the state-funded Committee on Open Government, shared in an advisory opinion last month that details of the contract — like information technology schematics, blueprints, pricing or systems methodologies, and the types of IT monitoring or remediation — can indeed be kept quiet. “However, in our view,” Bewlay added, “it is not clear how the disclosure of other information contained within the contract — such as the name of the selected vendor, or value of the executed contract — would enable a person to adversely impact an agency’s electronic information or IT systems.”

Don’t get us wrong — we honestly believe there is no ill intention on the county’s part to withhold this information. Officials are scared that revealing any of it — even if it’s deemed safe — could upend all their efforts to protect the network. But they have to lift the cloak just enough to let the taxpayers — their true bosses — get a peek to assure themselves that all of this is on the up-and-up.

Nassau County is letting all of its hard work to build these defenses get obscured by this simple request to know who it is working with, and how much they are being paid for that work. That’s basic information that taxpayers shouldn’t even have to ask for.

But they are asking for it, and the county must do the right thing and provide the answer.

D’Esposito will get the job done in Washington e

arlier this month I had the privilege of speaking at the ceremonial swearing-in of newly elected U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. Sitting on the stage that evening, I thought back to when I was first sworn in 30 years ago, and how different this night was from that one, and how different the world had become. This ceremonial event was held at the Nassau County police training center, in East Garden City, instead of in Washington, D.C., and the oath was administered by former Senator Al D’Amato instead of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

D’Esposito had been officially sworn in by McCarthy the week before, but that was at 2 a.m. on Jan. 7, following over four days and 15 ballots of voting in the most acrimonious contest for speaker since the 1850s, the decade preceding the Civil War. During my 28 years in Congress, I cast 14 ballots for speaker — one every two years. D’Esposito exceeded that total in his very first week in Congress!

This rancor and chaos is a sign of what Congress has become, and what D’Esposito must work through. Don’t get me wrong — Congress wasn’t all peace, love and harmony when I was elected. Soon-to-be House Speaker Newt Gingrich and President Bill Clinton were firing political rockets at each other, and fiery cable news shows were emerging. But there wasn’t this level of intra-party disunity.

Nonetheless, D’Esposito’s situation isn’t entirely different from what I faced. We have several things in common. We both won close, hard-fought races. I won by 8,000 votes, a margin of 3 percent; D’Esposito by 10,000, or 3.9 percent. The bulk of my district was in the Town of Hempstead and Long Beach. D’Esposito’s district is entirely within those boundaries. And the challenges he will confront are similar to what I faced during my latter 20 years in Congress: preventing another Sept. 11, and fighting to get New York and Long Island their fair share of revenue. Fortunately, D’Esposito’s committee assignments — Homeland Security and Transportation & Infrastructure — position him well for the struggles

Letters

for our educational institutions.

I was lucky. The U.S. Navy took me to dozens of foreign nations. If you were born here, count your blessings. There are many tougher places to grow up in. Our most precious resource is America’s children. If we give them our honest best, freedom will reign.

JOHN SCHULTz Oceanside

It’s Santos, for better or worse

To the Editor:

At a news event on Jan. 11, a parade of Nassau County Republicans took the extraordinarily courageous step of calling on their colleague, U.S. Rep. George Santos, to resign. They suggested that he was not welcome at either their headquarters or their events. They indicated that their other congressional representatives would take it upon themselves to provide representation to the people of the 3rd District — the people Santos was elected to represent.

On Jan. 18, I received an email from my old friend Rep. Andrew Garbarino, who represents the 2nd District, in Suffolk County, advising me that I was one of his “new constituents” and assuring me that I could rely on his office’s

resources. Along with everyone else in northern Nassau and Queens, I live in Santos’s district. I am not officially a constituent of Garbarino’s.

In response, I emailed Andy Garbarino, “While I appreciate you reaching out, you are not my Congressional representative and I am not your ‘new constituent.’ George Santos, with whom and for whom you campaigned, is my Congressional representative. That fact is truly shameful. Thanks again and wishing you well.”

So, to Congressman Garbarino, with whom I worked in the Assembly before he was elected to the House of Representatives, I simply say, “Thanks but no thanks.” For better or worse, Santos is our congressman, and I expect him, perhaps unrealistically, to make some effort to try to live up to his responsibilities.

I am not inclined to reach out to the same Republican politicians who offer assistance but are simply attempting to shield themselves from criticism. As the old saying goes, once bitten, twice shy.

Should Santos be unresponsive to any requests I may have for assistance to the people I represent, I will reach out to Senators Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand, or to any number of Democratic congressional representatives.

CHARLES LAvINE Assemblyman, 13th District

ahead.

The Homeland Security Committee was created in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 to coordinate federal, state and local counterterrorism efforts, and to provide necessary funding to areas at highest risk. Every threat analysis showed the New York City-Long Island region as the highestranked terrorist target in the country. Yet we had to fight off other states, which had zero threat levels, for every penny. As a former New York City police detective and Island Park fire chief, D’Esposito has the credentials and the gravitas to win those funding fights, and also to ensure that the committee’s legitimate concern about border control and illegal immigration doesn’t distract attention from the still very serious terrorist threat.

He will have similar struggles on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, to get fair and necessary funding for Long Island’s roads, highways, beaches and waterways.

Over the years, New York has been consistently shortchanged in federal funding, sending far more money to Washington than we get back. My short-

Framework

hand political analysis for this inequity was that Democrats took New York for granted and Republicans felt they couldn’t win it, so our hard-earned tax dollars were disbursed elsewhere — most notably, and disproportionately, to southern states. This shortfall in turn increased our state and local tax burden, which was exacerbated when a Republican Congress voted to dramatically reduce our SALT income tax deduction. D’Esposito has pledged to fight hard to restore that deduction.

Besides Homeland Security, infrastructure funding and restoring the SALT deduction, he will have to deal with countless other issues, including senior citizen and veterans benefits, 9/11 health care, tax relief for hardworking middle-income families and supporting law enforcement.

Being a member of Congress, and representing the people of Long Island and addressing their needs and challenges, was the experience of a lifetime for me. No one is more connected to his constituents than Anthony D’Esposito, and I know he will take their thoughts and concerns to the halls of Congress and get the job done. Good luck, Congressman.

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

by Tim Baker

a newcomer to Congress has two solid committee assignments.

THE TOP 3 FINALISTS IN

KIDS & EDUCATION

ADULT EDUCATION - CONTINUING ED:

Hempstead Adult & Community Education Program

Hofstra University

Molloy University

ART SCHOOL:

Hue Studio

Long Island High School for the Arts

The Art Studio

BEAUTY SCHOOL:

Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute

Long Island Beauty School

Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center

CHARTER/PAROCHIAL/PRIVATE:

Bellmore United Methodist Nursery School

Kellenberg Memorial High School

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

COLLEGE PREP SERVICES/ADVISORS:

College Connection

Lockwood College Prep

Pinnacle College Consultants

COLLEGE PRESIDENT:

Dr. Susan Poser - Hofstra University

James Lentini - Molloy University

Maria P. Conzatti - Nassau Community College

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:

Hofstra University

Molloy University

Nassau Community College

DANCE SCHOOL:

Dance Workshop

Hart & Soul Performing Arts and Dance School

Long Island Academy of Dance

DAY CAMP:

Big Chief Day School & Camp

Coleman Country Day Camp

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

Rolling River Day Camp

DAY CARE:

Big Chief Day School & Camp

Five Towns Early Learning Center

Our Kids Place

DRIVING SCHOOL:

Bell Auto Driving School

East Meadow Driving School

Prosperity Auto Driving School, Inc

GYMNASTICS CENTER:

All Stars Gymnastics Inc

Gold Medal Gymnastics Center

Platinum Athletic

B&B/INN:

Hampton Inn Jericho-Westbury

Holiday Inn Westbury

Ram’s Head Inn

Southampton Inn

EVENT VENUE:

Barnum Ballroom

Bayview Catering on the Water Venue

Epic Escape Rooms LI

HOTEL:

Allegria Hotel

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL:

Alexandra Greenberg - George W. Hewlett H.S.

Jennifer Lagnado-Papp - Lawrence H.S.

Richard Schaffer - East Rockaway H.S.

KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES:

Epic Escape Rooms LI

Long Island Children’s Museum

Royal Princess Prep Party Company

LEARNING CENTER/TUTOR:

Cornerstone Behavioral Services

Mathnasium

The Coder School

MARTIAL ARTS:

Champions Martial Arts

Uly Karate & Fitness

Warren Levi Martial Arts & Fitness

MUSIC SCHOOLS/CLASSES:

Our Kids Place Hewlett

School of Rock

The Children’s Orchestra Society

NURSERY SCHOOL:

Bellmore United Methodist Nursery School

Our Kids Place Hewlett

United Church Nursery School

SPORTS CAMP:

Hofstra University

Sportime Lynbrook

The Sports Arena

PEOPLE & PLACES

LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION:

Jones Beach State Park

Montauk Point Lighthouse

Nunley’s Carousel

MUSEUM:

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Long Island Children’s Museum

Raynham Hall Museum

PLACE TO HAVE A PARTY:

The Bayview

PLACE TO WORSHIP:

Temple Avodah

Temple B’nai Torah

Temple Beth El

WEDDING VENUE:

The Bayview

Swan Club On The Harbor

Westbury Manor

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

The Garden City Hotel

Epic Escape Rooms LI

Kombert Caterers

CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE TOP IN SERVICES AND SHOPPING!

Congrats to all the Top 3 Finalists in the 2022 Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island! Check back each week for the Top 3 Reveal in each category leading up to the Oscar-style awards ceremony in April 2023. Did your favorites make it to the top? Visit www.LiChoiceAwards.com! *Finalists are listed alphabetically, not in order of placement.