‘Warriors for a Cure’ still going strong
By MICHAEl MAlASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.comWantagh High School is doing its part to knock out cancer, with two groups of students raising more than $45,000 combined for cancer research.
Warriors for a Cure is the high school’s chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a New York-based charity that raises money to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Continued on page 10
WHS senior Natasha Meagher is a National Merit finalist
By MICHAEl MAlASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com
Wantagh High School senior Natasha Meagher found out that she was in competition for a National Merit Scholarship in a most unusual — and surprising — manner.
Principal Paul Guzzone, Meagher said, told her while she was in her calculus classroom, catching her totally off-guard.
“Dr. Guzzone walked in and said, ‘Congratulations.’ And I was like, ‘What?’” she recounted.
The Illinois-based National Merit Scholarship program is a nationwide competition for both recognition and college scholar-
ships. Students can qualify as semifinalists by taking the Preliminary SAT and scoring in the top 1 percent in their state.
They then must submit a detailed application, which includes personal essays and information about their extracurricular activities, any awards they have received and leadership positions they have held. In addition, they must have an endorsement from a school official, and their SAT score must align with their PSAT score, as a confirmation of their qualification.
Once they are finalists, they receive Merit scholarships.
“Some of them are corporate
scholarships,” Meagher said. “Some of them are from the actual Merit Corporation, and some of them are from individual colleges.”
Meagher took the PSAT during her junior year, and found out that she was a semifinalist in September — the start of her senior year. In February, after the application process was completed, she learned that she was a finalist.
She said she wasn’t necessarily in search of a Merit scholarship. One day in September, she was sitting in Kali Psihos’s calculus class when the principal walked in and wished her congratulations.
“It’s kind of a funny story, both times,” Meagher said of finding out about her status as both a semifinalist and finalist.
“The first time, Dr. Guzzone walked in and said, ‘Congratulations,’ and I was like, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Congratulations on your award.’ And then I was supposed to get a letter saying that I was a finalist, but I never got one. I
checked the status of my application in February in that same class, and saw that I made it. So I found out both of the big updates in that classroom.”
Meagher is a lifelong Wantagh student — prior to attending the high School, she went to Wantagh Elementary. Always having a knack for science, she Continued on page 5
Imagine Awards honors Long Island nonprofits
A couple dozen groups and community leaders are set to be honored later this month as finalists for the 11th annual Long Island Imagine Awards.
Created by Ken Cerini, managing partner of Cerini & Associates, the Imagine Awards honor nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes, as well as the people behind them.
Finalists for the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility award are LGBT Network, Harmony Health Care Long Island, Spectrum Design Foundation, and The Viscardi Center.
Up for the Cerini & Associates Social Impact Award are ECLI Vibes, FCA-Family & Childrenb’s Associates, Girls Scouts of Suffolk County, and the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Association.
Finalists for the Certilman Balin Leadership Excellence Award are Eileen Minogue, executive director of Book Fairies; Neela Mukherjee Lockel, president and chief executive of EAC Network; Jeffrey Reynolds, president and chief executive of FCA; and Joe Salamone, founder and executive director of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.
For the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts & Culture Award, it’s Gold Coast Arts, Landmark on Main Street, The Long Island Children’s Museum, and the Spirit of Huntington Art Center.
Up for the Signature Bank Innovation Award are ACLD-Adults & Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, and United Way of Long Island.
And for the Vanguard Insurance Agency Rising Star Award, finalists are Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, Hair We Share, Rebuilding Together Long Island, and Winters Center for
Autism.
The awards are handed out beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. More than 190 nonprofit applications were submitted to win a $5,000 grant in each of the six categories. Other finalists will receive $1,000 each.
“With the addition of SterlingRisk as a platinum sponsor providing $1,000 to each of the 24 finalists, the addition of the new DEIA award, and the anticipation of more than 400 people coming together to celebrate the
nonprofit sector, this has the makings of one of the best award programs to date,” Cerini said, in a release. “With all of the struggles the nonprofit sector is grappling with, it is awesome to have a night like this to really highlight all the amazing work our incredible finalists are doing.”
To learn more about the Long Island Imagine Awards, visit ImagineAwardsLI.com, or for sponsorship information, contact Hillary Needle at hillary@hillaryneedleevents.com, or at (516) 993-4056.
‘Hope for L.I.’ store offers quality thrift shopping
By LAURA LANE llane@liherald.comPeople come to Hope for Long Island Thrift Store for a variety of reasons, says its manager, Joe Scibelli. Sure, they’re looking to take home a treasure or two, but often they leave with so much more. Because Hope is the type of business where employees and volunteers tend to know their customers’ first names, there is feeling of responsibility to satisfy their needs, whatever they may be.
“Some customers talk about what’s going on in their lives — some are just looking for someone to talk to,” Scibelli said. “I love the social interaction with the customers, and they seem to love us. They tell me coming here is a nice escape.”
Hope, which is run by Oyster Bay’s North Shore Community Church, originally set up shop in the hamlet’s Buckingham Old Fashioned Variety Store in 2006, renting a portion of the store. But when the variety store closed in 2015, Hope moved to a larger space around the corner, on Audrey Avenue, behind the original location of the Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum.
North Shore’s pastor, the Rev. John Yenchko, had the idea of opening a thrift shop, having done so at his previous church in Philadelphia. All of Hope’s profits go to the church’s Benevolent Fund, which serves single mothers, youth ministries and community outreach programs.
“Hope for Long Island is offering, well, hope, for those who need help, and a shopping adventure for those who love a good bargain,” Yenchko said. “There is a delightful thrift store subculture on Long Island, and people are always looking for a bargain. They’re glad to donate their gently used clothing and household items when they know it’s going to a good cause.”
Seven of the nine people who work at the store are volunteers, one of whom is Barbara Groff, of Syosset, who said she is committed to organizing the racks of clothing and the wide variety of items on the shelves. A retiree, she said that volunteering at Hope is a great way for her to be with people, but it provides even more.
“Here I’m blessed to be a blessing to others,” Groff said. “To know that the money being raised is for those in need makes me want to be here.”
Doris Minogue, of Hicksville, a staff member who started out as a volunteer, feels much the same way. “For me, being here is a ministry for God,” she said. “And I hear a lot of interesting stories here, because people are interesting.”
Scibelli has been managing the store since last July, after Karen Connolly, who had been in charge since Hope’s beginnings, moved to Tennessee. Scibelli is a retired New York City program manager, and managed the A&P grocery store in Great Neck in the 1970s.
He and his wife, Cathy, had donated to Hope for years. When Cathy was diagnosed with cancer, Joe, who was depressed, wandered into the thrift store.
“Karen asked me what was wrong, and when I told her about Cathy, she prayed with me,” Scibelli said. “I had signed up to be a volunteer, and a couple of months after I stopped in, Karen called me up and asked if I could be a volunteer.”
When Cathy died in April 2018, Joe donated her clothing to Hope. He increased his volunteer hours, because he found that being at Hope was therapeutic. When Connolly said she was moving, Yenchko asked Scibelli to take over.
“He had huge shoes to fill when Karen
moved,” Yenchko said. “We’re absolutely delighted that Joe is the new leader of our thrift store. He has a great background in retail, and even more than that, he loves serving people.”
Scibelli remains impressed by the variety of items that are donated. Someone once donated a Fender guitar, and someone else gave the store a piece of African art. An entire collection of vintage comic books was a recent gift.
“The nice thing is, things are being reused instead of landing in a landfill,”
Scibelli said. “Thrift shops used to have a bad connotation, that it was for poor people and sold garbage. There’s a whole community out there that go from one thrift shop to another. We even have tourists who have a free day and come here.”
High school and college students stop by, too. The clothes are cheap, so they save money, Scibelli continued. And people planning yard sales drop by as well.
The biggest change since Scibelli took over is the opening of the second floor. Once a storage area, it is now filled with racks of summer clothing. He also made cosmetic changes that included adding shelving units. And Hope is now on Facebook, where upcoming sales are posted.
“Sales have increased over the year as word of mouth about the quality of our store gets out,” Yenchko said. “Satisfied customers are Hope’s best advertising.”
The coronavirus pandemic helped sales, too, Scibelli said. “People are looking for deals,” he explained. “Our new customers are saying they have discovered thrift shops.”
Hope carries toys, books and household items as well as clothing. Scibelli said it sells everything from soup to nuts, adding with a smile that he has received cans of soup and hardware.
He is highly complimentary of the volunteers who have made Hope a success. Last Friday night, the store was robbed. “One of the volunteers called today and said, ‘I’m going to replace the money stolen,’” Scibelli marveled on Tuesday. “We are definitely more than four walls here.”
Hope accepts gently used clothing, DVDs, books, toys, glassware and household items. Located at 98A Audrey Ave., in Oyster Bay, it is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (516) 800-2871 or email hopethrift@nscc.live.
Receptionist
Needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office.
Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule:
• Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm
• Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm
• Friday 8am to 5pm
Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Answering phones, greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments, updating the customer files/data base and other administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis.
For immediate consideration, please send cover letter and resume to careers@liherald.com
RICHNER
telescope program is stellar
The Wantagh and Seaford libraries are allowing patrons to get a glimpse of the stars by lending them the use of a telescope.
Library members can borrow giant Jenga and pickleball sets for up to a week through the “Library of Things.” But one of the most popular and useful tools is the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector, a compact yet capable telescope that is ideal for beginners or experienced
Frank McKenna, director of the Seaford Public Library, said that since the program included the telescope, it has been one of the items patrons have checked out most
“The patrons are beyond the moon with our telescope program and enjoying seeing the planets and the stars,” McKenna said. “It’s a very popular program. We have a 38-week wait for the telescope, and they were extremely pleased that the library has offered this program.”
Lynbrook resident Tom Lynch first introduced the telescope to the library. Lynch is a member of the Library Telescope Task Force, an international group of amateur and professional astronomers who provide libraries throughout the country, and the world, with telescopes to inspire and develop the next generation of stargazers.
Since 2015, Lynch has been sharing that passion with Nassau County libraries, helping them purchase and maintain simple and easy-to-use telescopes that are lent to cardholders, just like books.
A self-described amateur astronomer, Lynch, 66, is a retired accountant who works with the International Library Telescope Program. Marc Stowbridge and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society launched the program in 2008, and its popularity caught on in other states, countries.
Lynch, who’s also a member of some local astronomical organizations, decided to join the initiative and help libraries in Nassau County obtain telescopes.
In 2021, Lynch reached out to McKenna about the telescope program, and after McKenna discussed the idea with his library staff, he invited Lynch to the library to demonstrate what the telescope could do.
Over the past eight years, Lynch has helped 15 Nassau County libraries obtain telescopes — including the Wantagh Public Library, Bellmore Memorial Library, and the North Bellmore Public Library.
“We have 19 people who have it on hold,” Ida Zaharopoulos, who’s in charge of reference for Seaford Library, said. “They can’t believe that the library has the telescope to lend them out, especially families and young children. They love the telescope and they can see the night sky.”
The library’s telescope is easy to operate and perfect for beginners. Depending on a library’s preference and budget, additional attachments are available to enhance a user’s experience.
Lynch often runs astronomy-themed classes at these libraries for children and families. Lynch has held two classes already at the library, discussing how to use the telescope, and will return in the fall for another tutorial and night of stargazing.
‘I’m a big fan of all of our science teachers’
continued from front page
hopes to study chemical engineering in whichever college she ends up attending.
“I’m a big fan of all of our science teachers,” Meagher said. “Mrs. (Valarie) Sebastiano, Mrs. (Samantha) Gordon, Ms. (Lori) Houde.”
Gordon is known in the Wantagh school community for her hands-on approach to teaching physics, which, according to Gordon, is a way of making a generally maligned class fun for students. Gordon was featured in the Herald in January when she was among 221 educators in New York State to be accepted into the Master Teacher program.
Additionally, Meagher took classes with Salvatore Mule, another recognizable name in the Wantagh community, known for his hydroponics lab, which teaches students how to grow food without soil.
“His classes are really fun,” Meagher said of Mule. “I had one of his classes fourth period, and it was nice to basically get a break during the day to water plants, feed fish, and learn about all of that.”
Meagher said she wants to study chemical engineering because of the wide variety of careers available in that field, from household products to energy sources, and the pharmaceutical industry.
“She’s just a fantastic student,” Guzzone said. “But more than that, she’s just a fantastic person. She cares a great deal about her work, she’s always involved in school activities, and she’s just committed to excellence. Being selected as a National Merit finalist is the outcome she deserves.”
Powers of Attorney Are for Everyone
What happens if you have an accident or an illness whereby you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs? Many people incorrectly believe their spouse is legally able to handle their affairs. Similarly, a parent has no legal authority to handle the affairs of a child, once the child attains the age of majority – eighteen years.
Without a power of attorney, you would have to apply to a court to be named a legal guardian. These proceedings are expensive, time-consuming and fraught with peril. The judge has no obligation to name the spouse or parent as legal guardian and may appoint a stranger. For example, the judge may feel that the spouse or parent has a conflict in that they are the beneficiary of the incapacitated person’s assets, or the judge may decide that someone else has more knowledge and experience in handling such matters.
Who should you choose as your “agent”? In our experience, the vast majority of powers of attorney name the spouse first and one or more of the children second. While on its face this seems reasonable, experience has shown it may not
be a good idea. We often need to use the power of attorney when the client is quite elderly and infirm. Often, so is the spouse at that time. Son or daughter wants to step in and help out with bill paying, etc. only to find they are unable to use the power of attorney for dad unless they can prove that mom can’t.
How do you prove she can’t? First you have to get the doctor to write a letter that mom is unable to handle her legal and financial affairs. Will the doctor write the letter? Will the letter be clear and unequivocal? Will each of the third parties you have to deal with accept the letter? These are not easy hurdles to overcome.
We believe there is a better way. We simply say either mom, or son, or daughter may act as agent. The problem is eliminated. You are protected from son or daughter misusing the power of attorney by the fact that they do not have the document – you keep it in your possession and make it available if and when they need to use it. Bottom line: all adults should have a power of attorney.
Courtesy Wantagh School District Natasha Meagher, a Wantagh High School senior, has been selected as a National Merit finalist.Being selected as a National Merit finalist is the outcome she deserves.
Paul guzzoNe principal, Wantagh High School
Hofstra sets sights on CAA softball crown
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra softball entered year two of the Adrienne Clark era determined for a better finish after a heartbreaking end to the 2022 season.
Clark, former standout softball player for the Pride from 2002 to 2005, led her alma mater to a second place finish in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) before the season ended suddenly with two one-run losses in the conference playoffs. This spring the Pride will have a chance to compete for the program’s first CAA title and automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament since 2018 in front of its home fans when Hofstra hosts the league’s tournament for the first time in 10 years.
“There’s nothing lat Pride Rock and getting that home field advantage,” said Clark, who was an assistant coach at Hofstra from 2012 to 2014 before holding coaching positions at Connecticut and Purdue. I do think it adds a little bit of extra motivation to want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to put ourselves in a position to be there at the conference tournament.”
The Pride jumped out to a 5-1 start in league play this season beginning with a
sweep of CAA newcomer Stony Brook on March 18-19. Hofstra then took two of three against another CAA addition, Monmouth last weekend capped with a 3-0 home win on March 26.
The bulk of last year’s roster returned led by senior center fielder Chelsea Manto, who led the team with a .358 batting average along with 21 stolen bases to earn First-Team All CAA accolades. Graduate student shortstop Meghan Giordano, brings power to the lineup after smashing seven home runs last season
Graduate student second baseman Kasey Collins leads the team in hitting with a .309 average in her final season of collegiate baseball. Junior catcher Becca Vaillancourt, a UMass-Lowell transfer, and graduate student first baseman Angelina Ioppolo were also among Hofstra’s leading hitters heading into April.
Hofstra’s lineup has a strong local presence that includes the sister duo of junior Brianna Morse and freshman Alanna Morse, who both starred at Mepham High School in North Bellmore. Brianna Morse knocked in four runs in Hofstra’s 6-5 win over Monmouth on March 24 while Alanna registered two RBIs in the team’s 4-1 victory at Stony Brook on March 19.
“I remember having them come to games when I was an assistant coach here and they they loved everything about the game of softball and Hofstra so it’s so cool to now see them living out what was once a childhood dream to them,” Clark said. “They are phenomenal athletes and even better people.”
Amanda Maffucci, a graduate student outfielder and Kennedy High School (Bellmore) product, is coming off a senior season in which she batted .300 to earn Second Team All CAA honors. Sophomore Anna Butler, a former three-time All Nassau County selection at Seaford High School, is also playing college softball in her backyard and recorded a pinch-hit RBI in a 3-2 win against Holy Cross on March 4.
The pitching staff is led by Nikki Mullin, Haley Venturini and Julia Apsel. All three are capable starters who Clark can turn to for key games based on who is pitching their best.
“We are really fortunate to have a staff of some really phenomenal pitchers that all bring something different to the table,” said Clark, who was a standout pitcher for the Pride in her playing days. “We spend a lot of time focusing on the staff element and not the individuality behind it, which we do because the message and the mindset and philosophy behind that is that it’s going to take all of them to be able to win a conference championship and all of
them will contribute along the way.”
After a road series at CAA newcomer North Carolina A&T, Hofstra returns to Bill Edwards Stadium on April 7 for a doubleheader against Towson starting at 1 p.m. Hofstra will also be home for a three-game series versus Elon on April 22-23 and Delaware April 29-30.
Hofstra will host the CAA Tournament for the first time since winning the conference title in 2013 from May 9-13.
LI’s largest hospital fundraiser tees off May 15
By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.comThere’s nothing bigger on Long Island — at least as far as annual hospital golf fundraiser goes, and it kicks off Monday, May 15 at three Nassau County courses.
Sponsored by Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, the 39th Annual Golf Outing raises money to serve patients and communities across the South Shore. And it will honor both the Long Beach fire chief, and a longtime facility vice president with the hospital.
Scott Kemins has spent more than 40 years as a civil servant, growing up in Long Beach “as a nice Jewish boy” whose mom wanted him to become a lawyer or a doctor. She did not conceive of him becoming a firefighter or a police officer. But that’s exactly what he did.
Now 60, Kemins, has been chief of the Long Beach Fire Department for more than two decades, joining the force in 1980. He was the youngest chief elected at the age of 26.
Kemins joined the Long Beach building department in 1995, becoming its commissioner in 2002. Kemins also earned Nassau County’s Bronze Medal of Valor for helping rescue someone from a burning apartment at an assisted living facility in Long Beach in the late 1980s. He also spent 40 years as a lifeguard.
Kemins — who is receiving the hospitals community service award at the event — shares twin 14-year-old daughters, Casey and Hailey, with his wife, Gayle. Both were born at Mount Sinai South Nassau, spending two weeks in the hospital’s neonatal care unit.
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to the hospital and its staff for the expert care they provided to our twins,” Kemins said, in a release. “We will never forget the kindness and expertise we witnessed first-hand when our girls were in the NICU.”
Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, said in a statement that Kemins’s leadership has helped emergency services on the barrier island improved significantly.
“He always works to better coordinate services in the field with area hospitals,” Sharma said. “He is an asset to our community, and it is our pleasure to recognize his
essential contributions to our community.”
Also earning recognition at the charity event is Andrew Triolo, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s vice president of facilities, design and construction.
“A builder, collaborator and problem-solver, Andy is always available to lend a helping hand, and has been essential to the growth of the hospital and the continuation of its excellence in the delivery of quality health care,” said Jeff Greenfield, co-chair of the golf committee, in a release. “And Scott is a first responder of the first order. He shows up whenever his community calls.”
Triolo also oversees construction of the hospital’s $130 million, four-story, 100-square-foot Feil Family Pavilion in Oceanside. Expected to be completed next year, the pavilion will double the size of the Fennessy Family Emergency Center, increase the critical and intensive care inpatient capacity to 40 beds, and add nine new operating rooms equipped with the latest surgical technologies.
Mike Sapraicone, who co-chairs the golf committee with Greenfield, says Kemins and Triolo are cut from the same cloth.
“They are built to serve,” he said, “and their service makes a measurable difference in the lives of our patients.”
The tournament itself will be held at three venues: The Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor, the Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence, and the Rockville Links Club in Rockville Centre,
Last year’s outing broke records, grossing just under $640,000, with $435,000 of that going directly to expand and improve hospital services across the South Shore. Sponsorships, journal ads and foursomes are available for the outing, as well as a pickleball tournament for those who don’t golf. To learn more about sponsorship, or to register for golf or pickleball, call (516) 377-5360, or email lynne.nordone@snch.org.
PRINTING PRESS OPERATOR OVERNIGHT SHIFT
The Printing Press Operator will be responsible for operating all machinery in the printing of newspapers/other products in a safe and sound condition. Responsible for regular maintenance/upkeep of the presses, roller settings, and maintaining the quality of product being produced off the presses.
Key Responsibilities: Setup/operate web printing presses to produce high-quality printed materials with speed, accuracy, and within established waste parameters; Monitor/adjust 4-color ink flow, registration, and pressure settings during production to ensure consistent quality output; Troubleshoot/resolve printing issues and folder operations to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency.
Requirements : Must have knowledge of printing techniques, understanding basic ink/water balance, press quality standards; Three (3) years of Press Operator experience is preferred; Demonstrated mechanical ability; Able to climb ladders to 2nd level of press repeatedly and work long hours on feet performing repetitive tasks.
Qualified candidates can send their resume to careers@liherald.com or call (516) 569.4000 x239
Flashfood is rolling out at numerous Long Island Stop & Shops
Stop & Shop is continuing its partnership with Flashfood, a digital marketplace that significantly reduces food waste at the retail level by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best by date.
It has expanded the availability of the program, with over 30 new Flashfood participating locations on Long Island.
Since partnering with Stop & Shop in 2021, over 30,000 shoppers across the northeast have used Flashfood, resulting in nearly $500,000 in grocery savings and more than 233,000 pounds of food being saved from ending up in landfills.
With over 30 stores in Long Island now offering Flashfood, sales through the app will further decrease food waste in the region.
With Flashfood, shoppers save up to 50 percent off items nearing their best-by date, such as meats, dairy, seafood, fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
Crime watCh
Larceny
■ A man told police that his New York State fishing permit was stolen from his vehicle while he was parked on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on March 16.
■ On Stuart Place in Seaford, a resident reported that one of their Amazon packages were stolen on March 19.
■ A & S Pork Store in Merrick reported that two unknown males stole tables from their store, which is located on Merrick Road, on March 23.
■ Rite Aid, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, reported that an unknown male stole various items from their store on March 26.
Arrests
■ Lan Jin, 55, of Fresh Meadows, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from the Walmart on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow on March 23.
■ Raphael Hernandez, 27, of Fresh Meadows, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from the Walmart on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow on March 24.
■ Elina Solomon, 59, of Jamaica, allegedly stole from the King Kullen located on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, and was arrested for it on March 25.
■ Henry Connell, 61, of Wantagh, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from Home Depot on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on March 27.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Shoppers conveniently browse and buy discounted items directly through the Flashfood app on their mobile phone, and then simply pick up their order from the Flashfood Zone located inside their participating store.
“Providing value and variety to our customers with a focus on reducing our carbon footprint is at the forefront of what we do,” regional vice president of operations Tarik Stewart said, “We’re proud to now offer the Flashfood marketplace to our Long Island, New York customers to help offer sustainable shopping
BY:
options with ways to also save significantly on groceries.”
Stop & Shop’s expansion throughout New York is part of the grocer’s 2023 rollout plans to make Flashfood available at more than 300 Stop & Shop locations across the northeast.
To learn more about Flashfood, visit Flashfood.com.
Stop & Shop is expanding the availability of the Flashfood program, rolling it out at over 30 Long Island stores throughout 20.
PRESENTS
FIGHTING AGAINST FRAUD: Learn
Help protect yourself from fraud and scams! This FREE webinar series will cover identity theft, elder fraud abuse and how to recognize the warning signs.
Representatives from AARP Long Island and United States Postal Inspectors will also provide information about scams targeting people age 50-plus and their families, tactics fraudsters use, and resources available to help prevent fraud.
Advance registration is required.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023
12-1PM
IDENTITY THEFT:
Each year thousands of Americans fall victim to Identity (ID) Theft. Consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 Billion to scams in 2022. This webinar will focus on:
• Understanding Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
• Scams that target your PII
• Tips to safeguard your identity
REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/identity
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023
12-1PM
ELDER FRAUD ABUSE:
Con artists don’t really care about your age or your needs. Their only goal is to separate you from your hard-earned money. Learn how to recognize scams. We’ll cover:
• Grandparent or Relative in Need scams
• Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams
• Investment Scams
REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/elder
FREE AARP LONG ISLAND IN-PERSON SHREDDING EVENTS
Shred your personal and financial documents at a location near you. Register and reserve your spot for a FREE drive-through contactless shredding event. (Limit 3 bags per car)
SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023
10AM-1PM • IN-PERSON
LOCATION: Nassau Community College
One Education Drive • Garden City, NY (Entrance to parking lot at Miller Place)
REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredGardenCity
SATURDAY MAY 6, 2023
9AM-12PM • IN-PERSON
LOCATION: Michael J Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Avenue • New Hyde Park, NY REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredNewHydePark
SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023
10AM-12PM • IN-PERSON
LOCATION: Farmingdale Library 116 Merritts Road • Farmingdale, NY
REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredFarmingdale
For more information regarding this program, contact Rachel Leoutsakos at rleoutsakos@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x242
Two Wantagh teams spearhead fundraising
The Warriors got started during the 2020-21 school year at the height of the pandemic. Then-seniors Nick Bifone, Ashley Reisert and Haley Leimbach formed the chapter and started out by raising more than $100,000 for cancer research that year. As a result, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society named them the 2021 Students of the Year.
Now led by seniors Caitlin Wiffler and Sean Brown, the group is still going strong. Skyla Marchesi, the 2021-22 salutatorian, and the rest of last year’s team nominated Wiffler to lead the effort this year.
“They nominated me to be a candidate for this year,” Wiffler said. “And when I thought of someone to do it with me, I immediately thought of Sean.”
In what has become the first post-pandemic school year, this year’s Warriors were able to do a lot more field work than past teams, who did most of their fundraising virtually.
“The original team did things like sell-
ing cookie dough, and running tents at local marathons to raise money in a Covid-friendly way,” Wiffler said. “We continued that, but were able to do a lot more inperson stuff.”
The official dates of the fundraising were Feb. 2 to March 23, but the team got a lot of work done before then.
“We had about 25 team members, which was more than past years,” Brown
said. “Each team member, of course, asked their family and friends to donate. But we also ran events at local bars and restaurants, and we also did one at the St. Patrick’s Day parade.”
The Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day parade is the largest one on Long Island, according to the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce. The Warriors had set up a tent across from the Wantagh Inn, and since the inn’s owner, Mike Dunphy, was the parade’s grand marshal, the effort paid off.
According to Wiffler and Brown, advocacy is also essential to the cause, so even if they weren’t able to get donations from everyone they spoke to, raising awareness was a crucial part.
One fundraiser was held at Ridgewood Station Tavern, owned by the parents of team member Gianna Paccione, Brown said. “We sold raffles, gave out wristbands, and just talked to people,” Brown added. “It was great to raise awareness even when we weren’t getting donations.”
Both Wiffler and Brown singled out the Ridgewood event as their personal favorite.
Wantagh High School also has formed a second team, called “Strike Out,” in an effort to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Justin Bifone — Nick
wantagh hIgh School has two teams raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society — Warriors for a Cure and Strike Out. Together, they raised $45,000 for cancer research.
Bifone’s younger brother — and Alex Bonanno of the high school’s baseball team have been chosen to lead that second group.
While the Warriors and Strike Out never held a joint event, they communicated effectively to spread the word and, combined, raised more than $45,000.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has three pillars — research, patient support, and policy and advocacy. The Warriors for a Cure won this year’s Mission Award for Policy and Advocacy, thanks to the amount of work team members accomplished in getting the word out about the society’s cause.
“I hope this has turned into a Wantagh tradition,” Brown said. “It has gone on for three years now, and we just hope it becomes an annual thing.”
School administrators have praised the work of the two teams.
“It brings out a great sense of pride to see what these kids are doing,” Paul Guzzone, principal at Wantagh High School, said. “It speaks to how great of a community Wantagh is. It shows that these kids are being raised to always do the right thing, and that both parents and students are motivated to do good things outside of school.”
I hope this has turned into a Wantagh tradition.
Sean Brown senior, Wantagh High School
STEPPING OUT
‘Little’ films in the spotlight
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Forty
years with the Asbury Short Film Concert
STEPPING
By Karen BloomCreative advocacy
Roll out that red carpet. After a three-year pandemic-imposed hiatus, those “small” films are back on the local stage, as presented by the Asbury Short Film Concert.
If you’re looking for that tentpole blockbuster, then Hollywood’s got you covered. But for those who crave films with a bit more heart and soul that strike an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase makes it way to the Madison Theatre on the Molloy University campus on Friday, April 21.
By Karen BloomWHERE
Pat McGann
The Benatar/Giraldo partnership is acclaimed as an unstoppable force. Pat Benatar’s staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with Neil Giraldo’s trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created some of rocks most memorable hits: ‘We Belong,’ ‘Invincible,’ ‘Love Is A Battlefield,’ ‘Promises In the Dark,’ ‘We Live For Love,’ and of course, ‘Heartbreaker.’ Together they have created two multiplatinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits — selling more than 30 million records worldwide, and winning an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy awards. Their stage presence is as undeniable as their more than three-decade rock-and-roll love affair. Benatar and Giraldo continue to share their special relationship on stage, selling out concerts everywhere. Their chemistry will undoubtedly be thrilling music fans for a long time to come.
His formula certainly has resonated with its audience. Asbury Shorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with an ever-growing national presence.
WHEN
With a diverse, yet focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — the audience gets a look at smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.
And, yes, think “concert,” not festival.
Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.
• Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
• All seats $15
• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
“We certainly have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, while also reaching out to new audiences.
• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For tickets, visit MadisonTheatreNY. org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum
The two-hour show moves along briskly. Up to a dozen films are on the program, ranging from the shortest of shorts at three minutes, to 20 minutes.
“A good short film is to the point, fast paced and most important of all is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”
Thursday, April 13, 8 p.m. $159.50, $99.50, $69.50, $69.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.
“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation and the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions. It’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”
“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.
As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.”
Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.
Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.
‘Come Sail Away ...’
LeClaire, who’s been involved in commercial and film production for more than two decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology.
“Our No. 1 priority is the enjoyment of our audience,” he says. “We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’s product. For us, it is all about the theatrical experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”
“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”
And these films sure do stick that ending. Among the highlights, LeClaire points to “Six Foot Scoundrel,” a brief comedy about two women who suspect foul play regarding a man’s death. “A widow is mourning her deceased husband, but there’s more going on than you might think. It moves along very quickly, but there’s a great payoff at the end.”
Another standout is “The Waiting Room,” produced, directed and written by former Nassau County film commissioner Debra Markowitz. The multiple festival award-winning 12-minute dramatic comedy reunites a woman and her ex-husband in heaven.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
“It’s a performance piece with smart dialogue,” LeClaire notes. “The ensemble cast does a great job.”
He and his team cull these films from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious South by Southwest, Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.
This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.
As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising some “unannounced surprises” in celebration of Asbury’s 40th anniversary.
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for a ‘Musical Cabaret Cruise,’ in this spirited show about a group of cabaret singers and dancers on a world cruise who encounter a rogue captain, a tropical island, a band of pirates, and many other surprises. ‘Cruise directors’ Barry Greenfield and Erica Iacono — with Capt. Keith, and a cast of 30 — keep the action moving along, with a live band. The ensemble of singers and dancers performs current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. It’s a lively afternoon that will take you away on a fantastic voyage.
“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”
“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”
Think of this show as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”
To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned
This is the Madison Theatre’s 10th year hosting Asbury, and LeClaire is grateful to have finally returned to what he considers their Long Island home.
“We’re very heartened by the audience at Madison,” he says. “It’s been a terrific relationship and we welcome everyone back after the hiatus, in true Asbury style. To celebrate our 40 years on Long Island means a lot. It’s where the show was born, and so to be here is extra special to us.”
Saturday, April 15, 2 p.m. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 354-5280, or licabaret@aol.com.
Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire.
its
THE SCENE
On exhibit
Weekly Mah Jongg
Wish You Were Here
Go over the moon with Wish You Were Here’s celebration of 50 years of the groundbreaking and iconic musical masterpiece “The Dark Side of the Moon,” on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m. With the iconic album as its anchor, the 10-piece band, known as “The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd,” continues its 28-year tradition as a leading Pink Floyd tribute act, combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience. The multi-media show’s unique setlist includes Floyd classics and obscurities of all eras — from “Syd” to “The Division Bell.” LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets are $59, $49, $39: available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
April 15
Nassau County Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
The JULIETS are back playing Mah Jongg and cards at Congregation Beth Tikvah, at 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh, every Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are optional, but proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for newcomers, as well as a contribution of $5 per person. For more information email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.
Spring Flowers
Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate National Garden Month, Saturday, April 8, noon-2 p.m. Create a beautifully blooming paper flower to take home at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Mobile office hours with Steve Rhoads
State Sen. Steve Rhoads will host mobile office hours at East Meadow Library, Saturday, April 29, 11-1 p.m. Visit EMPL at 1886 Front St., in East Meadow. Call (516) 882-0630 for additional info.
$5 Skate Night
United Skates of America in Seaford wants to make skating year round activity. Every Thursday, from 4 to 6 p.m., enjoy a skate night with only $5 admission; skate rental is available for an extra $6. For more information visit tinyurl. com/thursdayskate.
April 18
Art talk
Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, April 18, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss ‘Oscar Wilde and Decadence,” in a session that is keyed to Wilde’s influence on a generation of painters, poets and playwrights, including Lautrec, Aubrey Beardsley and the poet Algernon Swinburne, based on his reputation as a decadent aesthete. Reading his critical writings and excerpts from The Picture of Dorian Gray, along with the writings of Whistler, Swinburne and the journalists of the infamous Yellow Book, Riley examines Wilde’s place in the Modernist movement. Participation is limited; registration required. $40, $20 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.
Having an event?
Energy in nature
Join Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center for a beach walk, Sunday, April 9. An educator discuss energy in nature, with stops along the beach to perform small experiments. For more information visit tinyurl. com/energyinnature.
Movie time
Seaford Public Library shows
“The Bad Guys,” during spring break, Wednesday, April 12, 1:15 p.m., in its meeting room. 2234 Jackson Ave. No registration required. For more information, call (516) 221-1334.
Donation opportunity
Support the community. St Frances de Chantal in Wantagh is always seeking donations for
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On stage
Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Monday through Friday, April 10-14, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Carefully cautious Gerald and spirited playful Piggie share a day where anything is possible in an imaginative exploration of the meaning of friendship. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
‘The Wizard of Oz’
Journey down that Yellow Brick Road when the beloved story springs to life, presented
Plaza Theatrical Productions, Wednesday, April , 11 a.m. All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here.
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they make their way to Oz not knowing what awaits them. Share Dorothy’s epic adventure as she flees from the wicked witch and learns that there’s no place like home. Tickets $15; performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Visit PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.
Herald newspapers honored with state awards
Herald Community Newspapers took home nine state awards at the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest last weekend in Albany.
Long-time sports editor Tony Bellissimo earned first place in the sports feature category for his touching story of Dunia Sibomana’s amazing path from a victim of a near-fatal wild chimpanzee attack in the Congo, to an honor roll student — and a Nassau County wrestling champion — from Long Beach Middle School.
“Amazing story,” said one of the judges from the Colorado Press Association, which judged this year’s competition. “I couldn’t believe it as I read it. An incredible journey the young kid has been on.”
Sibomana was just 6 when the chimpanzees attacked his family near Virunga National Park, killing both his brother and cousin. Sibomana survived, but his lips were torn off, his cheek was lacerated, and he suffered muscle damage that made it hard to swallow or talk.
He has since undergone more than a dozen surgeries, beginning at Stony Brook University Children’s Hospital in 2016, to restore his appearance and facial functions.
Herald photo editor Tim Baker won two awards for his pictures — feature photo and sports feature photo, both for the East Meadow Herald.
“Loved this photo,” the judges said of
Baker’s photo of Andy Butera, captured in an emotional moment as the East Meadow Fire Department and American Legion Post 1082 celebrated his 100th birthday with a drive-by parade.
“Just perfect composition. Great lighting, and (Butera’s) face tells a story all itself. Raw emotion.”
Baker also earned honors for his photo of Peter Hawkins and Greg Waxman, who raced 50 miles through Malverne as part of “Operation Hero,” a charity event for veterans and first responders.
The Long Beach Herald — edited by James Bernstein — won an honorable
mention for the Past Presidents’ Award for General Excellence.
“The classified layout was very nice, as was the emphasis on community and culture,” judges said. “The pictures and art were very good.”
Laura Lane, senior editor for the Glen Cove Herald, won second place for her obituary coverage.
“Wonderful ledes take a reader straight into the stories of these two people’s lives,” the judges said about Lane’s stories high lighting the lives of Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor James Foote as well as Glen Cove teenager Penny Doerge.
The Franklin Square/Elmont Herald team of Robert Traverso, Ana Borruto, Brian Pfail and Kepherd Daniel earned an honorable mention for education coverage.
“The stories do not shy away from controversial issues, reporting them well and providing context and depth as to why the community should care,” the judges said. “The energy and thoughtfulness of the reporting shows in the coverage. Keep up the great local journalism.”
Herald art director Jeffrey Negrin won a pair of first places for best special section cover for the chain’s Great Homes special section, and best multi-advertiser pages for a Halloween-themed section for the Merrick Herald.
And the Nassau Herald won third place for advertising excellence, honoring Herald sales vice president Rhonda Glickman.
“The press room, production, finance, editorial, marketing and sales team all together put out great newspapers 52 weeks a year,” Glickman said. “So great for our team to be recognized for the work we do, and bring home awards.”
Stuart Richner, publisher of Herald Community Newspapers, said it’s “always a great honor to be recognized by our peers in the newspaper industry.”
“Congratulations to all our winners. But our real reward is making sure our readers get the best and most complete news in their neighborhood each and every week.”
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-AR8, Plaintiff AGAINST
STEPHEN HAUFF, CYNTHIA S. PATI-HAUFF, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale
duly entered December 20, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 18, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2960 MORGAN DRIVE, WANTAGH, NY 11793. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 318, Lot 34. Approximate amount of judgment $491,037.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608767/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT SALE.
Lisa A. Goodwin, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221
17-003662
137981
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
INDEX NO. 605836/2022
COUNTY OF NASSAU
MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC
Plaintiff, vs. BRIAN CURRAN, NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR, AS LIMITED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD G. NOVITSKY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF
EDWARD G. NOVITSKY, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises:
875 STRANG DRIVE, WANTAGH, NY 11793
Section: 51, Block: 354, Lot: 23
To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment
may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $469,342.50 and interest, recorded on January 04, 2006, in Liber M 29918 at Page 83, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 875 STRANG DRIVE, WANTAGH, NY 11793. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: March 9, 2023
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Veronica M. Rundle, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 137943
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Deborah Slade; Donald Slade, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 8, 2015 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 April 17, 2023 at 2:30PM,
premises known as 960 Barrie Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793-1702. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 51 Block 280 Lot 0036. Approximate amount of judgment $458,503.17 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 002092/2014. 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.”
Richard M. Langone, 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: February 13, 2023
137939
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, DRI MORTGAGE
OPPORTUNITY FUND LP, Plaintiff, vs. DALE ROBERTSON, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 30, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2442 Woodland Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 6 and Lot 97. Approximate amount of judgment is $653,715.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009529/2014. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Mark Stephen Ricciardi, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 190656-1 138122
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST
TERI A. WHITNEY, ANTHONY NACE, et al.
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on March 9, 2018.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 20, 2023 at 2:30 PM premises known as 1750 Lehigh Road, Wantagh, NY 11793.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 57, Block 244 and Lot 30.
Approximate amount of judgment $404,150.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #000839/2010. Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 138120
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-7, Plaintiff - against - JAMES D. KRULDER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 15, 2019. 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 2nd day of May, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, and being at Massapequa, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 4029 Dermont Road, Seaford, New York 11783.
(Section: 52, Block: 477, Lot: 17)
Approximate amount of lien $664,358.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 005191/2016. Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Xome.com
Dated: March 6, 2023
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.
138260
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST THE PUBLIC ADIMINSTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN J. GRILLO, MADELINE BARAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JOHN J. GRILLO, ET AL.,
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 15, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 2, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 785 WOODSIDE DRIVE, WANTAGH, NY 11793.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the
buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Wantagh, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 286, Lot 32. Approximate amount of judgment $341,777.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614734/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-004388 75299 138256
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of March 2023, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows:
The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Fund” in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the purchase of two (2) Emergency Response Vehicles and Associated Equipment (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is
deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve 6-G Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed Two Hundred and fifty Thousand ($ 250,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project.
This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law.
Dated: March 27th 2023
By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 138545
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff
AGAINST
Teresa Peden; Guy Peden; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 4, 2018, and Resettled July 19, 2019 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 May 8, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1554 Holiday Park Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 56. Block H04 Lot 105. Approximate amount of judgment $404,308.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 010068/2014. The auction will be conducted “Rain or Shine” pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Harold F. Damm, 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: March 6, 2023 138549
EMPLOYMENT
Administrative Assistant Various Office Duties
Must Be Proficient In Word And Outlook
Monday, Wednesday 12-6 Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 9:30-3:30
Will Train Right Candidate Email Resume To: jwpersonal@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com
No Phone Calls Or In-Person Inquiries
AUTO TECHNICIAN FT IMMEDIATE
Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus. Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000
EDITOR/REPORTER
The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time.
Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:
Lev Chana Early Childhood:
Early Childhood Head Teachers
Early Childhood Assistant Teachers
Administrative Assistant
HALB Elementary School:
Assistant Teachers
Part Time Morah
Middle School Morah
Full Time Elementary School Rebbe
DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:
English Teacher
Science Teacher
Ivrit Teacher
Math Teacher
Learning Center Teacher
Guidance Counselor
Assistant College Guidance Counselor
SKA High School for Girls:
Graphic Design Teacher
Ivrit Teacher
History Teacher
Halacha Teacher
AP Computer Science Teacher
Art Teacher
American Sign Language Teacher (ASL)
To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.
Will Consider Part Time.
Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
PROPERTY and OPERATIONS MAN-
AGER WANTED Freeport. Experienced
Professional in Property Management, Operations and Maintenance. 4pm-7pm.
Saturdays. 646-481-3076
EMAIL eagertoserve@verizon.net
https://eagertoserve.site/
RECEPTIONIST - FULL TIME
Receptionist (full-time) needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule:
Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm
Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 5pm
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay, plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Job
Salisbury Entertainer's Dream
fireplace and sliders to the resort style backyard with fully permitted outdoor kitchen and diamond pavered entertainment area. This home also boasts central air-conditioning, a 1 car garage and security system with so much more.
Open Houses
HEWLETT 1534 BROADWAY #205, Open House By Appt! Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETT BA, 1267 Peninsula Blvd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 2 Bth Exp Cape in SD#14 (Hewlett-Woodmere) Living Room, DR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. Det 1.5 Gar & Driveway for 4/5 Cars. HW Floors. Gas Heat. Near LIRR, Shops, Trans & Schools. A Steal!
.....$599,000 RONNIE GERBER 516 238-4299
HEWLETT BA, 1534 Broadway #103, REDUCED AND MOTIVATED! Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch
Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Renovated, 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 and the Garage Parking is Incl..$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr.,
FIRST SHOW! 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Tree Lined St in SD#14. Spacious LR,DR & Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship...$829,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429
Open Houses
HEWLETT BA 257 WILLARD Spacious 5 BR, 3 , open house 12-1:30, 4/2, Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.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!..$1,025,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETTE 1608 RIDGEWAY Dr, BA, Drastic Reduction! Motivated Seller!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 Htd Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20...$1,399,000
Stonegate Real Estate 2a Poole Street Oceanside, NY 11572 516-740-2777
info@stonegatere.com www.stonegatere.com
Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 1211059 happy holidays!
DR, Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship $829,000
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/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 DRASTIC REDUCTION! MOTIVATED SELLER! $1,399,000 ALSO FOR RENT $6,500 per month
1267 Peninsula Blvd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 2 Bth Exp Cape in SD#14 (Hewlett-Woodmere) LR, DR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. Det
1.5 Gar & Driveway for 4/5 Cars. HW Floors. Gas Heat. Near LIRR, Shops, Trans & Schools. A Steal! $599,000
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 REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $699,000
1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom
(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!$699,000 CE da RHURST
332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, 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. Pull Down Attic. SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $449,000
Making an old home newer
Q. Our new home is pretty old, from 1920. We want to update it and have a lot of concerns, with taxes if we enlarge it, cost if we get rid of walls, widening our driveway to park more cars and what you think about getting rid of our garage for more room instead of building up. It’s a one-story with low ceilings on the second floor that are really too small for bedrooms. My parents have been reading your column for many years and suggested you could help. What can you tell us?
A. It’s hard for me not to feel as old as your house when you put it that way, but after writing this column for 32 years, I’m often doing work for children of former clients, and have gotten your question thousands of times. First, almost anything you do that adds space to your home also adds value, and value increases taxes. Cosmetic changes like siding, windows or an asphalt or concrete driveway generally don’t affect the value, but luxury materials, such as stone facing or interlocking pavers, will.
Most of the time, people complain about taxation but rarely, if ever, do they collectively attempt to do anything about it. The methods for deciding value, or even using value as a gauge for tax increases, are questionable, especially because we used to be taxed based on square feet. As we transition into not leaving our homes, communicating digitally, the tax system perpetuates without challenge.
In many villages and towns, garages are required, and hard surfaces for any kind of paving are considered “impervious,” not replenishing groundwater. There are limits on how much of your total property you can cover. You will need to investigate your specific jurisdiction’s requirements. Sidewalks, patios and driveways are all impervious, but pools and decks generally are not.
You’ll need your property survey, which is a map of your lot, house size and location, but you’ll also discover that surveyors generally don’t provide the dimensions of porches, sidewalks, driveways or steps. Get out a tape measure and accurately document the property’s hard surfaces if you’re in a community that requires impervious-area information. When you hire an architect or engineer, that’s what we have to do.
The only way to answer questions about removing walls is to assess the whole house: where to disperse loads, how to brace exterior walls against wind shear, how to handle snow loads and wind uplift, where pipes and wires would be relocated, how the spaces function and will be finished.
Package all this to be reviewed by building officials and receive permission to build — sounds simpler than it is, especially when workers leave details out or change something and we start adjusting all over again, only after much discussion, time and money. That’s also part of the age-old process. Avoid changes once you decide, save money doing so and your old house will be like new again.
© 2022 Monte
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tag Sales
FREEPORT: FRIDAY 4/7/23 And SATURDAY 4/8/23 10am- 3pm. 270 North Columbus Avenue. Something For Everyone!
Garage Sales
MERRICK INDOOR SALE Saturday 4/15, Sunday 4/16. 10am-4pm. Sunrise Yacht Club. 1980 Bayberry Avenue. Multi Family.
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
Miscellaneous For Sale
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: EXCELLENT Condition. Joerns Hoyer Journey 340, Sara Stedy And Upright Walker. Negotiable. 516-593-6687
FINDS UNDER $100
Finds Under $100
CRYSTAL STEMWARE (WATER, wine, champagne). Macys, brand new, original boxes $99. (516)225-9191.
KARCHER POWER WASHER: Brand New, Never Used. Still in the box. $95. 347-512-1652
VINTAGE 1967 SILEX Juicer deluxe, working & clean. $35. 516-798-2098
VINTAGE ELECTROLUX MODEL G, working, brown metal canister. $30. 516-798-2098
YAMAHA SPEAKERS, OUTDOOR surround sound all weather model, NS-AW 592. In original boxes $99 (516)225-9191
Finds $100-$350
TREADMILL PROFORM GYM SIZE Great Condition. $250 516 668 8877
SERVICES
Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry
JB MASONRY : Driveways, Patios, Stoops, Sidewalks, Retaining Walls, Pool Areas, Stucco, Cultured Stone, Brick Work, All Types Pavers, All Concrete Slabs Restorations. FREE Estimates. 516-428-6388
Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry
*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*
Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates
516-354-5578
Decks
DECKS DECKS Our Only Business COMPOSITES/WOOD Excellent References & Many Photos Lic./Ins. Free Estimates C & S DECKS 516-729-5859
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates.
516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
Handyman
HANDYMAN: All Kinds OF Interior Repairs. Baths, Kitchens, Tiles, Plumbing, Sheetrock, Painting, Carpentry. Licensed And Insured. Emergency Work. 516-810-0067 l handynyman.com
Handyman
HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net
Home Improvement
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636
BRIAN CONNELLY
SEAMLESS GUTTERS
Cleaned, Repaired & Replaced Also Specializing in Roofing & Siding No job too big or small Lic. #H2709920000. Ins. Free Est. 516-234-4388 or 516-623-8447
DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $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
ROOFING GREAT PRICES ! NEW ROOF SPECIALS SIDING- Best Prices RENOVATIONS & ALL REPAIRS SUPER COMPETITIVE PRICES! Licensed / Insured. Free Estimates Nassau License. # H-0102710000 Call John - 516-852-9830
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
Power Washing
POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641
Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells
Satellite/TV Equipment
DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-595-6967
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. Call LUKE 516VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277
DONATE YOUR CAR TO BREAST CANCER RESEARCH RECOVERY! Tax Deduction Receipt Given Upon Pick-up, Free Towing.
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
DIRECTV. NEW 2-YEAR Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
New York is going to pot, very slowly
New York state is a big and complex entity. It provides services that meet the needs of millions of people, and at the same time, it creates law after law that is supposed to meet those needs. Sometimes the state trips over its own regulatory feet and falls flat on its face.
When it comes to the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, you can toss a coin as to whether it is a hiccup or a major bureaucratic headache. The MRTA law turned 2 years old last week. When you create a massive statewide undertaking, there are always fits and starts. But sooner or later, the whole process gets on track and almost everyone is happy.
There is no doubt that the legislators who sponsored the original MRTA law had the best of intentions, and were hopeful that the law would be in place and slowly but surely be producing rev-
enue for the state and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Regrettably, the state has gotten zero dollars from the program, and you can count the number of new jobs with your fingers.
I’m not pointing one of mine in blame at any officials in particular, because they have a tough and thankless job. But the visions of success have been premature. At present, there are hundreds of licensed growers around the state who will very soon have a product that is available, but no one to sell it to. There are only a handful of legal dispensaries, and they can’t handle the amount of cannabis that is being grown. So what should a pot grower do with tons of mature plants? Farmers must have a place to sell their products, but New York’s cannabis growers don’t. While the state has been in the process of getting the system functioning, one group has done very well. If you take a drive around New York City or many other parts of the state, you’ll see
an enormous number of mini-stores that call themselves “smoke shops.” You can be sure that they aren’t surviving on the proceeds from the sales of $12 packs of Marlboros. They do sell nicotine products, but their money comes from the sale of marijuana.
These days there is so much pot on the streets of our state that you can smell it on many street corners. I recently took our granddaughter to the American Museum of Natural History and smelled pot near the dinosaur exhibit. Gov. Kathy Hochul has introduced a bill that would shut down all of the smoke shops and impose massive fines on those that fail to comply.
When I was a member of the Assembly, we had an old adage: Where there’s a new law, there’s a lawsuit to follow. So far, the state has been sued twice by companies and individuals claiming that the licensing process for selling pot has either been “unfair” or “arbitrary.” Because my law firm represents some prospective licensees, I won’t comment
on the merits of those claims.
But suffice it to say that not everyone is in love with MRTA. Friends complain to me frequently about the legalization of pot, but I explain to them that it is now legal in more than 20 states, both red and blue. In its first year of legalization, the state of Colorado collected over $250 million in revenue, and now that revenue is closer to $1 billion annually. What state wouldn’t want to cash in on the pot business?
Sooner or later, the New York Legislature will help implement the MRTA more effectively, and the state might even see a few dollars that are now going to the smoke shops.
And if you think the pot law got off to a slow start, watch how the casino licensing process goes forward. No doubt that new headache will be like turning an aircraft carrier around, not once but multiple times.
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.
America, where have all the flowers gone?
We ponder big themes this week. Biblical plagues, miracles, resurrection, insurrection, and the elevation of false gods. And that’s just our political world.
We also mark the days of Passover and Easter. For those who observe, this religious week reminds us that nothing in our lives is unique. Kings have risen and kings have fallen. Democracies have triumphed and then failed, in cycles that repeat themselves over the ages.
TRUMP INDICTED.
The road ahead is unclear. The wheels of justice love a well-worn path, and this time around there is none. The presumption of innocence supersedes all other aspects of the case, but how the process unfolds, with Donald Trump exonerated or convicted, will grab headlines and social media attention for years to come.
tive spoke of the little girl’s favorite activities in her preschool days. That is how the lives of 9-year-olds are eulogized.
Nashville, of course, is just the most recent crime scene where murdered children were laid to rest. More than 6,000 American children were hurt or killed by gunfire in 2022, according to ABC News. No single issue in our lives is more important, and more demanding of our action than this: The leading cause of death among children in the United States is gun violence.
the deaths from firearms for those ages 1 to 18 are homicides, with about a third being suicide. In 2020 in particular and in recent years more generally, the number of firearm homicides within this age range spiked.”
Each of us has a voice and a pen and a vote. If we love our children more than we love the patronage of the NRA, we need to make those voices heard.
The people in Nashville who were murdered in cold blood with military style weapons were Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, all 9 years old; Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of the school; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian; and Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher.
RANDI KREISS
Still, last week was a remarkable one for those of us living on earth in 2023. After years of investigations and a multi-year media free-for-all, a former president of the United States was indicted by a grand jury in New York. I saved the front page for my grandchildren to preserve the moment, because it is historic and because I want them to know that everyone is equal under the law, even an American president. Almost all the headlines in all the big newspapers featured two words set in large bold type:
For me, the most distressing consequence of the former president’s indictment was that it wiped off the front pages the story of the shooting of six people in Nashville earlier in the week. This is how it goes these days: Horrific shootings of children have become bloody blips on our screens. The news feeds zap our devices with details of yet another crazed shooter, bodies in classrooms, police charging the killer, statements of sympathy, first ladies off to the funerals. And the world watches as tiny caskets go into the ground, and traumatized families and friends experience the first days of what will be a lifetime of longing and grief.
At one of the funerals of one of the 9-year-olds killed in Nashville, a rela-
Reflecting on the Nashville murders in The Washington Post, columnist Philip Bump quoted from a book by Ta-Nehisi Coates, remembering a child killed in a violent encounter. “Think of all the love poured into him,” Coates wrote, delineating specific ways in which parents invest in and show their love for their children: music lessons, birthday parties and kids’ books. Then, he added, “And think of how that vessel was taken, shattered on the concrete, and all its holy contents, all that had gone into him, sent flowing back to the earth.”
Mr. Bump went on to write, “Most of
If we take away anything from the last chaotic week, let it be a commitment to stop the killing of our children. This is a uniquely American abomination, our new American exceptionalism.
During this week of political drama and religious meditation, can we not use our voices and our votes to demand change in our gun laws? In my youth, we raised our voices to protest the killing of our kids in war. Pete Seeger’s lyrics resonated in that time and place.
They still ring out: “Where have all the flowers gone?”
Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
Horrific shootings of children have become bloody blips on our screens.
The handful of legal dispensaries can’t handle the volume being grown.JERRY KREMER
Wantagh
HERALD
Established 1990
Incorporating
Kids will lead, if we let them
What’s the best way to teach a child? The better question is, what’s the most effective way a child learns?
Lagging student achievement is not new. As schools grapple with declining test scores caused by the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, education leaders need to find a solution.
HERALD
Schools nationwide have been using project-based learning to better reach kids. Students identify real-world problems — like climate change or food scarcity — and then research solutions and present their findings. The goal is for students to acquire knowledge and problem-solving skills, instead of focusing on traditional learning by sitting in rows and memorizing facts.
Students make all the decisions. Teachers? They’re along for the ride.
Sometimes the best lesson is for adults to shut up, stand to the side and let kids take charge. Leaders in the Village of Malverne did just that when a group of high school students, following the model of project-based learning in curriculums across the country, sought to rename a street honoring a former Ku Klux Klan leader.
Over a few years, students researched the topic, petitioned school and village officials several times, and built a communitylevel outreach program. The result? Lindner Place was renamed Acorn Way in January. The new name is a nod to Malverne’s motto, “Oaks from acorns.”
Certainly, there were other people
letters
Where do you stand, Congressman D’Esposito?
To the Editor:
Every day last week, I called U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s office, inquiring about his stance on gun violence, while the TV hummed news of another school shooting, like an excruciating soundtrack to my calls.
Days 1-3: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to the congressman about this issue, but I will pass along your concerns on the matter.”
Day 4: “I’ve heard from others in the office that the congressman is working on a statement.”
Day 5: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to the congressman about this issue, but I will pass along your concerns on the matter.”
I kept hoping to hear the leadership and independence that Congressman D’Esposito was elected by my district to demonstrate. The freshman congressman from District 4, the one made famous by the LIRR massacre that brought Carolyn McCarthy to Congress, ran on a platform of “public safety.” Why, then, was it so hard to receive a response about his position on the ultimate pub-
involved, from civic leaders to community activists. And they came from nearby Lakeview and West Hempstead as well as the village. But children were at the forefront.
This wasn’t a school assignment or an application booster for college. Students came up with the idea. They did the research and spoke to village leaders at public meetings. No one told them they had to do this. Students identified and researched a problem, created solutions, and persuaded the public they were right.
Not only was the Acorn Way renaming a great example of students learning through project-based learning, but it also improved the community. Gone is a street sign celebrating a person who believed in hate. And while Paul Lindner was influential in the village’s history, the evil he promoted cannot be overlooked.
The Acorn Way street renaming garnered national attention, a clear indication of the impact children can have on the world. There are examples of children solving problems all around us by way of PBL — from a high school girl in Bellport who raised money and then helped build a water-filtration system for an all-girls school in Pakistan, to a high school boy in Las Vegas who created a nonprofit that collects and donates shoes.
There are virtually innumerable ways kids can volunteer at almost any age. Parents can reach out to local or national and international groups for ideas. Better still, ask a child what he or she would do to
make the world a better place.
Educators are deeply concerned about learning in the 21st century. American schoolchildren continue to lag behind those in dozens of other countries in math and science. Certainly there are other measures of student learning, but the decline remains troubling.
The latest focus is on what are called the 4 C’s of 21st-century Learning: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Project-based learning is the epitome of this concept. The Malverne students took it further by adding “community.”
Is the purpose of an education to get a job and make money? Or is it something more meaningful? By allowing students to guide their own learning, the greater Malverne community is a better place — not only now, but in the future.
More students will follow the example of those in Malverne, and more communities will be made better places. Schools can continue to expand PBL throughout all grades to encourage students to explore problems and solutions. Communities can offer competitions to entice students to solve problems. Parents can pose open-ended questions to push their child’s critical thinking.
There are more opportunities like this in every town. Schools, community leaders, and others should spread the story of Acorn Way to encourage more children to explore problems and solutions.
All we have to do is get out of their way.
It’s time to rethink windstorm insurance coverage
what is a windstorm? That might sound like a question with an obvious answer. And for the National Weather Service, it is.
But in New York, there isn’t a single answer — there are many. More than 100, in fact. And it all depends on your homeowners insurance policy. And even then, the answer might not be so clear.
This might not seem like a big deal, but it is. Which definition your policy uses could impact the amount you have to pay out of pocket if a windstorm damages your property. And really, none of the options are cheap.
A lack of a standard definition ultimately affects windstorm deductibles. If the wind speed doesn’t meet the definition of a windstorm outlined in your policy, you will likely see your standard deductible — anywhere between $500 and $2,000.
But if you have a policy where wind
speeds match its definition of a windstorm, say goodbye to that standard deductible, and instead look at opening your wallet to pay a percentage of your home’s value, typically 5 percent. That means if your home is worth $500,000, forget paying $500 or even $2,000. You’ll be on the hook for $25,000.
All while your neighbors might be paying much less, for the same storm. All because they have different policies than you.
It’s a roulette wheel of coverage — the kind where the odds remain in favor of the house. You know, the insurance companies.
New York isn’t the South, which is prone to storms like hurricanes. But that doesn’t mean our homes aren’t susceptible to wind damage. Hurricane Sandy may have taken place a decade ago, but there have been other storms since then that, while smaller, could still trigger the much higher deductible, and make it nearly impossible for many homeowners to afford the repairs they most desperately need after a storm.
This is hardly a new problem, and
Letters
lic safety issue of our time?
Despite the overwhelming pessimism and the sense that nothing will ever be done to change it, Congressman D’Esposito actually has an opportunity to make a difference and to lead on the issue of gun reform, beginning with an assault weapons ban, which a majority of the American public supports. He is a member of a narrow band of swing state representatives whom he can encourage to work in a bipartisan manner to solve this urgent problem.
All Long Islanders may not be on the same page, but our representatives owe us a clear statement of where they are on this issue so we might begin dialogue and seek solutions together. You can’t lead if nobody knows where you stand or where you are headed.
As a lifelong educator, I believe in the possibility of change and growth, and in this spirit I will keep calling the congressman’s office and hoping for a new response — a meaningful one.
DIANE CArACCIoLo West Hempstead
The lives those Nashville 9-year-olds missed
To the Editor:
As an elementary school teacher for 38 years, I taught almost 1,000 9-year-olds, so my heart goes out to the three youngest
Nashville school shooting victims, Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs. They’ve had a combined 200 or more years of life stolen from them, and I mourn them with these numbers: None of them ever got to celebrate a double-digit birthday.
If they had lived to graduate from high school, these three children would at least have had a combined 54 years of learning and laughter. Turning 22 and graduating from college would have afforded their mothers and fathers a combined 66 years of parental pride.
Had they reached 50, besides their AA r P memberships, they would have had 150 years in which to have marriages and children, not to mention providing their own parents with grandchildren to spoil.
Had they reached the Social Security age of 62, that would have meant a combined 186 years of life, including working at jobs that would have contributed to many aspects of American life. Getting to retire and earn Medicare benefits at age 65 would have meant a combined 195 years of living life to its fullest, including award-winning careers after which they’d receive their gold watches, and never need to worry about health insurance.
Given their actuarially expected life spans of 80 years, they would have had 240 years, in which they would even have had grandchildren of their own.
there is a solution: Establish a standard definition for windstorms that would apply to all homeowners policies with a windstorm deductible.
Defining windstorms for the purposes of insurance coverage would not upend the underwriting of coastal homeowners policies. Instead, it would make it easier for New York homeowners to understand when a windstorm deductible might apply.
Albany has tried to solve this problem since long before Sandy, but simply hasn’t gotten anywhere. Bill after bill has been introduced in the Legislature, and bill after bill has died there. Last session, a bill standardizing the definition of a windstorm passed the Assembly, but couldn’t make its way out of the Senate.
This session, lawmakers are trying again. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Sen. James Sanders Jr. have companion bills that are seeking a path to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk. A.2866 and S.4199 would require insurance companies to make clear how much financial exposure a homeowner would have to
windstorm damage.
It’s easy to mistake a 5 percent deductible as meaning a homeowner would have to pay 5 percent of the overall cost of repairs — not 5 percent of the home’s total value, which would be much more.
The bills would also standardize the “trigger” — the event that activates the policy in the first place. Uniform standards would make it easier for homeowners to compare different insurance offerings, and get the coverage they expect, and need. It’s something both New Jersey and Connecticut have recently accomplished, and it would also help make sure deductibles are reasonable, and not something that’s going to make the pain of dealing with a damaged home even worse.
Ask your elected officials if they will be a part of the solution. In the meantime, call your insurance agent and make sure you understand what triggers your windstorm deductible, and how much you could be paying out of pocket.
It’s a surprise — and an added expense — none of us needs.
Gary Slavin is president-elect of Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, and an agent with MassMutual in Massapequa.
rICHArD SIEGELMAN Plainview
the odds remain in favor of the house. You know, the insurance companies.GarY sLaVin
