Wantagh Herald 06-08-2023

MacArthur wins county, loses lIC Page 3

Flag football is a success Page 6

Stephens is a ‘Master Teacher’ Math instructor hopes to grow computer science

By MIChAEl MAlASZCZyK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

Ryan Stephens, a math teacher at Seaford High School with a particular interest in computer science, has been named to the New York State Master Teacher program.

The four-year program brings science, technology, engineering, and math teachers together to come up with innovative strategies for teaching their material. Stephens is one of 221 educators selected this year for the program. It is sponsored by the State University of New York.

“I’m surrounded by so many wonderful educators at Seaford, but our community is

Wantagh’s senior awards

Page 10

D’Esposito votes to refer Santos to ethics panel

By MIChAEl MAlASZCZyK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

Republican Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota have been outspoken about the need to expel their Long Island colleague, George Santos, from the House of Representatives.

In early January, D’Esposito, whose district includes the South Shore of Nassau County, was the first House Republican to call for Santos’ resignation, at a time when most Republicans had been silent on the matter.

LaLota, whose district encompasses the North Shore of Suffolk County, then joined D’Esposito in the call for Santos’ expulsion.

LaLota and D’Esposito agreed that referring Santos to the Ethics Committee is a much better way of handling the matter because the votes needed for expulsion are lacking.

“I was one of the first members of this body to call on the subject of this resolution to resign,” D’Esposito said prior to the vote. “And I am personally in favor of this individual’s expulsion from this house. Regrettably, however, I’m in the understanding that we currently do not have the twothirds support from members in this house to expel that individual.

NICK lalotA

U.S. representative

only so big,” Stephens said. “There are great things going on at districts all across New York state and all across the country. So it’s an opportunity for me to broaden my own horizons and bring that to Seaford.”

Stephens has been teaching in Seaford for five years, and he currently leads classes in geometry, Introduction to Game Design, and LIU Java Programming. He created the game design course, which teaches the Python programming language.

Stephens’ efforts on the computer-programming front are already bearing fruit for Seaford High students. Last year, his student James Toscano won the Congressional App

Continued on page 8

But they have now decided to refer him to the House Ethics Committee instead.

Last week, House Democrats offered a resolution to expel Santos, but when the measure reached the floor, the House voted, 221-204, to refer the matter to the committee.

“I believe that this individual is a stain on this institution, a stain on the state of New York, a stain on Long Island and a stain on the beloved Nassau County,” D’Esposito added.

LaLota openly backed D’Esposito after the vote had passed, and said that the Ethics Committee should have Santos gone within 60 days.

Continued on page 16

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald

tEAChEr ryAN Stephens has been accepted by the New York State Master Teacher Program. Principal Nicole Schnabel said that students and teachers look up to Stephens.

I would have preferred there to be enough votes to expel the sociopath scam artist.

Herald Sc H ool S

Skyler Secondino pitches perfect game for Seaford

Skyler Secondino, a sophomore at Seaford High School on the varsity softball team, pitched a perfect game for the Vikings in the Nassau County semifinals.

Originally hailing from Seaford, Secondino got her start in softball when she was only four years old, playing T-ball with Seaford Little League. She attended Seaford Harbor School and continued to play throughout elementary and middle school, eventually trying out for Seaford High School’s junior varsity team when she was in seventh grade. Although she made the team, the season was unfortunately cut short due to Covid-19.

Despite this setback, Secondino was able to try out and secure a spot on the varsity team the following year, where she’s been playing ever since.

When asked about her inspirations in softball and baseball, Secondino mentioned that she looks up to quite a few college softball players and teams, like the Florida Gators, but she noted one baseball player in particular that she admires.

“I like Kris Bryant,” Secondino said. “He doesn’t play on the Mets — I’m a Mets fan — but I just really look up to him.”

Secondino plans on playing softball in college, but only being a sophomore, she doesn’t have any specific schools in mind just yet.

“I’m keeping my eyes open,” the star pitcher said. “You know, wherever life takes me.”

Not only did Secondino pitch a five-inning perfect game in the Nassau County semifinals, but she pitched with the same results in the Vikings’ previous game, carrying out two fivestraight innings with no hits.

“In the moment, the first game I wasn’t really thinking about it,” Secondino said. “I just was pitching, doing my job, hitting my spots, just doing what I normally have to do.”

It wasn’t until the end of the game that Secondino realized the weight of what she had done; she had just pitched the first-ever perfect game of her career.

However, in the semifinals, Secondino revealed that her way of thinking on the mound was certainly different compared to the previous game.

“I knew I was going for it,” Secondino said. “I knew I had already faced Locust Valley once, so I knew I could definitely do it again. And I definitely realized halfway through, ‘Oh, I just need to keep it up.’”

When she’s not on the softball field, Secondino likes studying English and math in school. Additionally, in her free time, she likes to exercise.

–Natalie Difusco

Courtesy Seaford Schools

Skyler Secondino, a sophomore on Seaford’s varsity baseball team, pitched a perfect game in the Nassau County semifinals.

MacArthur wins Nassau title, drops LIC

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Top-seeded MacArthur entered the Nassau Class A softball championship series undefeated and riding a 23-game winning streak including a pair against Clarke, but the Rams won the opener in impressive fashion and put a notch in the Generals’ loss column for the first time since 2022.

However, MacArthur rebounded in a big way behind senior pitcher Taylor Brunn, and after it stayed alive with her Memorial Day shutout secured the county title May 30 with a 12-5 win at Mitchel Athletic Complex.

MacArthur, in capturing its first Nassau crown since 2017, trailed in the decisive third game before taking its initial turn at-bat as Clarke senior Olivia Wanser blasted a grand slam in the top of the first. The Generals answered with a four-run first to tie and exploded for five runs in the fourth and added three more in the sixth.

“After we lost the first game, Taylor talked about the possibility of wearing a MacArthur uniform for the last time,” Fehrenbach said of Brunn. “That kind of struck a chord with everyone and they all rallied around each other.

“Clarke came into the finals almost as hot as we were,” he added. “They outplayed us in the first game. Fortunately, it’s a three-game series and takes two to win.”

Senior catcher Sofia Anderson’s three-run double in the bottom of the first tied Game 3 at 4. Senior Hailey Feiler (3-for-4, three RBIs and three runs) had the big hit in the fourth, a two-run double to the gap in right-center that gave MacArthur a 7-5 lead. Brunn allowed only one run on three hits after Wasner’s grand slam.

In the series opener May 27, the second-seeded Rams handed MacArthur its first loss this spring with senior pitcher Emily Brown starring in the circle and with the bat in a 5-1 decision. Her two-run homer in the third and clutch pitching in the fifth and sixth, when the Generals loaded the bases with two outs, was the difference.

Junior Madeline Millman reached base three times and scored twice.

MacArthur stayed alive May 29 with a 1-0 victory behind a determined Brunn, who struck out 11 and got all the support she needed in the top of the sixth thanks to some heads-up baserunning by junior Nicole Stuckenschneider.

Stuckenschneider led off the inning with a single and moved to second when senior Colette O’Brien reached on an error. After two flyouts to Clarke’s Michelle Diaz in center, junior Savannah Brennan delivered a hard-hit single to left to put the runners in motion.

After rounding third, Stuckenschneider hesitated to continue home and O’Brien was stranded between second and third as a result. As the Rams attempted to cut down O’Brien for the final out of the inning, Stuckenschneider bolted for the plate and beat the throw for what proved to be the game’s lone run.

“We have a lot to be proud of,” said Clarke coach Rachel Barry, a 2008 MacArthur graduate who played four years of varsity softball for Fehrenbach. “At one point during the season we were ninth out of 10 teams in Conference 1,” she added. “The girls never looked back and just kept working.”

Generals lose marathon L.I. title game

It took nearly four hours and 12 innings to decide the Long Island Class A softball title last Friday at Farmingdale State College.

MacArthur forced extra innings on Brunn’s RBI double in the bottom of the seventh but was blanked over the last five innings in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Bayport. Renee McGowan drove in three runs for the Phantoms, including the eventual game winner with a single in the top of the 12th. She scored the insurance run on pitcher Erin McMahon’s single.

The Generals finished 25-2.

“It was a great game and an incredible season,” Fehrenbach said. “We staved off some threats and had opportunities. The kids showed up every day and I had a front row seat for it.”

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photo

ThE GENEraLS cELEBraTEd their first county championship since 2017 by defeating Clarke in the best-of-three finals.

Ron Manfredi/Herald haILEY FEILEr waS a key bat this spring for MacArthur, which won its first 23 games and finished 25-2.

Crime watCh

Larceny

■ A woman in North Bellmore reported that her car’s catalytic converter was stolen on May 21.

■ On Northridge Avenue in North Merrick, a man reported that his cell phone was stolen from his parked vehicle on May 24.

■ A North Massapequa woman reported that her catalytic converter was stolen while parked on North Broadway on May 24.

■ On Gerose Court in East Meadow, an individual reported that their leaf blower was stolen on May 25.

■ On May 27, a man reported that his key fob was stolen from his vehicle while parked on Barrie Avenue.

■ On Raspberry Lane in Levittown, a

man reported that various items were stolen from his vehicle on May 30.

Arrests

■ Erika Alvarez Naranjo, 29, and Domenica Alvarez Naranjo, 20, both from Massapequa, were arrested on May 27 for allegedly shoplifting from Macy’s on Old Country Road in East Garden City.

■ Consuela M. Barbetta, 38, of North Bellmore, was arrested on May 30 for alleged criminal mischief at 1961 Bellmore Avenue.

Criminal Mischief

■ At Tutor Time, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, a woman reported that two of her parked car’s rear view mirrors were damaged on May 25.

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.

Learn and have fun at Jones Beach

Summer is coming soon, but swimming isn’t the only thing to do at Jones Beach. The state-owned Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, located on Bay Parkway, has plenty of fun and informative activities for the whole family all summer.

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting the Town of Hempstead (TOH) and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, Long Island youth are better prepared for careers of the future.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

Career Exploration: Hone your research skills and uncover exciting new career possibilities.

Structured Work-based Opportunities: If you're a TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20, you can get paid to learn about different careers and make a positive impact in your community through work-based activities.

Work Experiences: TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 can develop job readiness skills and explore diverse career pathways through paid summer jobs in various industries throughout Nassau County.

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

WORKSITE PARTNERS

Partner with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at HempsteadWorks and provide valuable work experience to youth while expanding your business's staff at no cost. The program pays participant wages in full, so there's no financial burden on the hosting employer. As a SYEP worksite, you can play a vital role in the region's economic development and access a pool of talented, hyperlocal youth who are the future workforce.

Please review the important information below for details on this summer's program.

SYEP 2023:

Participants can work up to 30 hours per week

Rate of pay is $16 per hour, paid by the TOH Participants go through physical clearance and drug screening

Worksite Responsibilities:

Ensuring youth time and attendance procedures are followed, and the timesheets are complete and accurate Supervision of participants, along with guidance and training as appropriate Monitoring youth attendance, punctuality, and job performance

Don Clavin Supervisor

sports

MacArthur flag football thrives in first year

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

MacArthur was essentially an expansion team during the 2023 Nassau County flag football season but played like champions.

And the Generals almost became the champs.

In MacArthur’s first year in the recently formed girls flag football league that contains 18 Nassau teams, the Generals posted a 16-2 record and made the county championship game. It ended in a 7-6 loss to Plainedge but not before MacArthur memories were made in its historic inaugural year. The squad was made up of 37 players – many from other sports teams. Some that hadn’t even participated in a varsity sport. MacArthur weaved a 16-game winning streak, outscoring its opponents 276-100.

“They took to it tremendously,” said first-year coach Steve Fazzolari, the 17-year defensive coordinator of the school’s football team. “The reaction to our success with on-field celebrationshugs, smiles ear to ear - all the way to the tears when we lost in the Finals. They took this and ran with it as if they played the sport forever.’’

The Generals’ best player was quarterback/linebacker Lexie Thompson, the superstar goalie for the powerhouse soccer team in the fall who has committed to Buffalo. She passed for 2,242 yards and 36 touchdowns in this 7-on-7 sport. She also was defensive demon at linebacker with 11 interceptions and 69 flagpoles (tackles).

“She approached this game of flag football like it was here No. 1 sport,’’ Fazzolari said. “But they all took to it.’’

The flag football team had to share players with other spring sports and everyone accepted the new order. On the roster were four players from the softball squad, one from badminton and a golfer. There were also fall-sport athletes from the soccer, cross country and basketball teams.

“It was a special group of girls from all walks of the school,’’ Fazzolari said. “We had star athletes, musicians, dancers, scholars. They all came together and became a team and cared so much about each other. It translated to success on the field.’’

Senior Lauren Paulich never played a sport but was on the dance team. She became a two-way flag star, earning AllCounty Honorable Mention as wide receiver and defensive lineman.

Emma Hoesten, a golfer, was the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, racking up 94 flag poles. Thompson and Ava Anguili tied for the club lead with 11 interceptions.

In the championship game, the Generals’ lone score was on a Thompson “Pick-6’’ but the conversion failed. Plainview won the title when it rallied to score a touchdown and kicked in the extra point.

While the offense fizzled in the title game, it sang the rest of the season. Junior Sara Kealey was a key cog with 677 reception yards and 14 touchdowns.

Hailey Metzger caught passes for 466 yards with six touchdowns. On defense, Jovi Bennett led the team in sacks with 10 and showed leadership in the mostly passing sport.

Over a year ago, Fazzolari attended his son’s Massapequa lacrosse practice and saw girls on a field with the pigskin. He was informed a flag football league had started up in 2021-22. Fazzolari went to his school administrators and got the green light to form a club for 2023.

“We didn’t base our success on the record,’’ Fazzolari. said. “Our motto was: “If I ask you at end of the year would you do it again and you say yes, it’s successful.’’

Wantagh’s run ends in hard-fought final

By DAViD pATALANo sports@liherald.com

The Wantagh boys’ lacrosse team ended its season with a hard-fought 15-9 loss to Manhasset in the Nassau Class C championship game May 31 at Hofstra, but the Warriors have plenty of reasons to keep their heads held high.

“Last season we finished in the semifinals and this year we made it a step closer to the championship,” coach James Polo said. “Hopefully the next step is to win it. We’ve got the groundwork and we’ve got the potential with the younger players returning to be successful again.”

Key wins for Wantagh (13-6) were victories over Kellenberg, Farmingdale, and Port Washington. The Warriors were seeded No. 2 in the playoffs and eliminated North Shore and Plainedge on the way to the final.

“I pride my team on playing a tough non-league schedule because that’s the only way we’re going to get a chance to beat a Manhasset or a Cold Spring Harbor,” Polo said. “It’s my job to get these boys prepared and that was my goal this season. I think that we did a good job by getting them prepared with one of the toughest non-league schedules out there.”

Leading the charge for Wantagh were Nick Capelli, Antony Tsakos, Danny Fien, Brian Dardy, and Michael Aufiero. Tsakos led the team with 50 goals and added 25 assists, while Fien led the team with 49 assists. Capelli, Fien and Dardy were notable for scooping up ground balls, their grittiness, and all- around hard-working play.

“[Aufiero] was one of our captains this year. He

was more of the, get out there, work his heart out and just leave it on the field every single day players,” Polo said. “When your better players are your leaders and they work hard day in and day out, that sets the tone for all the younger kids and they follow the lead. The leadership by the senior group was great.”

Wantagh carried nine seniors, eight of whom will be playing at the collegiate level. In 2024 the Warriors will need their current juniors and underclassmen to follow in the footsteps of this year’s senior leaders. Four expected to lead the charge next season are Jake Martini, T.J Carlo, returning goalie Kyle Conklin and face off man Will Greaves.

“[Greaves] is obsessed with it,” Polo said of draws. “He works all the time. When you’re trying to perfect your craft and other people see that they want to start perfecting their craft. It’s all contagious.

“Once people buy in and they see what’s going on, that’s the only way a team can be successful,” he added. “The individual goes aside and the team buys in.”

Polo is hoping to continue the string of getting better every year. The next step would be winning a county title.

“I think the seniors laid the groundwork for the next crop of players coming up,” he said. “I’m going into my sixth season now as the head coach and we’ve made great strides. It’s been a bit different than the way that it had been in the previous regime. I want nothing more than to win a county championship, that’s my goal. That’s been my goal since I started.”

Paul Grassini/Herald photo SENioR LExiE ThoMpSoN passed for 2,242 yards and 36 touchdowns and was also defensive star with 11 interceptions and 69 tackles.

Eric Dunetz/Herald photo

ANToNy TSAkoS ToTALED 50 goals and 25 assists this spring to lead the Warriors, who won 13 of 19 games including a pair in the playoffs.

Challenge for creating the app DailyBuddy, which allows students to express their feelings on a day-to-day basis, receive feedback, and get motivational tips.

Toscano learned to code the app in Stephens’ class, but submitted it for the award and won without his teacher’s knowledge — a testament to Stephens’ teaching skills.

Stephens is a native of Bayport, and still lives there. He earned a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science and a master’s in school leadership — as well as his education certificate — from St. Joseph’s University, in Patchogue.

Stephens found his passion for teaching in college, where he worked as an academic tutor in the math lab.

“I graduated and began working in an accounting office,” he recalled. “I didn’t realize how much I liked teaching until I was no longer doing it — I loved tutoring. I went back to the St. Joseph’s education department and they helped me expedite the process of getting certified.”

Before coming to Seaford, Stephens was a per diem substitute at Sayville Schools, and then took a job as a leave replacement in Eastport-South Manor. He was also a leave replacement in the Connetquot School District, where he taught Algebra II, and then he started at Seaford.

He said he likes to make math as fun and hands-on as he possibly can, and does that by relating it to real-world experiences. “It’s hard for students to get on board with math sometimes,” Stephens said. “So for example, the unit we just finished in geometry was polygons and solids, and one of the shapes is a sphere. So — I’m a big Disney fan — I did examples with the Epcot ball.”

He added that Seaford’s cheer team just went to Disney World, and thus that real-world experience came through.

But given his past success in teaching coding, and the new opportunity of the Master Teacher program, it’s Seaford’s computer science program that Stephens hopes to expand. The class itself is still an elective for now, and he

is the adviser for the Computer Science Club.

“I believe that computer programming will be a requirement sometime in the future,” Stephens said. “Because if you think about it, everybody uses a computer, but many people don’t know how to read or write code. So I think that in this program, it will be great to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the computer science community and how to bring those new ideas to the classroom.”

Stephens’ accomplishments in just five years at Seaford have not gone unnoticed by the school administration. “He’s an aspiring leader here in the district,” Princi-

pal Nicole Schnabel said. “He’s involved in so many things, and we count on him for a lot of things. So many students look up to him, and his colleagues really respect him and look up to him. We’re looking forward to seeing how he continues to grow with the district, and this program is going to be able to enhance that.”

And Stephens is equally grateful for the opportunities Seaford has given him.

“I feel exceptionally lucky and fortunate to be to be a member of this community,” he said. “I don’t think I would be where I am today as a teacher if it weren’t for all of the support that I’ve received from Seaford.”

Courtesy Seaford School District Ryan StephenS teaching a geometry class at Seaford High School.

Liberty Utilities plants seeds for new garden

Liberty Utilities recently donated a new garden to Merrick, in the small town square next to the gazebo near the Long Island Rail Road station.

On May 24, volunteers from Liberty worked to lay new plants into the ground, further beautifying the area which has undergone some renovations over the last year, thanks to the efforts of local Boy Scout troops and the Merrick Chamber of Commerce.

To see the renovations done to the area, stop by the gazebo, located at the intersection of Broadcast Plaza and Merrick Avenue.

Katherine concepcion, a communications specialist with Liberty, got a new plant into the ground. The town square near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road Station has recently undergone many beautification renovations.

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald Sc H ool S

Wantagh seniors in the spotlight at Awards Night

Dozens of students from the Wantagh High School class of 2023 were recognized for their accomplishments over the last four years during the annual Senior Awards Night on May 30. With the school and town community brought together, more than 50 awards and scholarships were presented during the festive ceremony.

Presenters included Board of Education trustees, administrators, teachers, PTA leaders, alumni, community residents, officers of local service organizations, and business owners. Darlene Thompson, the senior scholarship coordinator, was the master of ceremonies. General organization co-President Sean Browne and Miss Wantagh Lilly Sloves led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Principal Paul Guzzone stated that the award recipients include students who have focused on academics, made a positive difference in the school and global community, and found innovative ways to put their skills on display.

Class of 2023 valedictorian Katherine Killian was the recipient of the Board of Education’s Paideia Award for leadership, scholarship, and service. It was presented by Board President Laura Reich.

Salutatorian Nora Toscano received the Superintendent’s Excelsior Award for achievement and dedication, presented by Superintendent John McNamara. Katherine and Nora also both earned the President’s Award for Outstanding Educational Excellence.

Markus King and Lilly Sloves received the Wantagh High School Assistant Principal Award, chosen by assistant principals Nick Pappas and Christopher Widmann.

Scholarships were presented to graduating seniors

Joanna Valvo earned the Black and Gold Award, and Sean Browne was recognized with the Board of Education Appreciation Award for his service as a student liaison this year.

from several parent-teacher organizations including the PTA Council, 6-12 Association, Forest Lake, Mandalay and Wantagh elementary PTAs, and SEPTA. Awards night concluded with memorial scholarships in honor of former Wantagh staff, students, and community members.

Courtesy Wantagh School District StudentS received ScholarShipS from Wantagh’s PTA units, including the PTA Council.

Tim Baker/Herald photos liberty utilitieS planted a new garden last week by the police booth near the Merrick gazebo.

STEPPING OUT

by the basketful

Adventures await in local strawberry fields

By Karen Bloom

Get outside and get pickin’. Strawberry season has arrived, and those luscious berries beckon. So gather up your gang and venture out to one of the many “u-pick” growers for a day in the berry patch.

Strawberry season reaches its peak here with the transition from spring to summer, as the fruit grows and ripen throughout May and June. Of course, local is always best, so skip the California and Florida fruit from the supermarket and pick your own.

When you return with your bounty, settle in to whip up some yummy strawberry treats. These fresh gems are always terrific on their own, of course. But when used in a recipe? They’ll jazz up any meal.

in strawberry puree until blended. Pour batter into cooled pan. Bake cheesecake about 1 hour 20 minutes, or until edges are just set and center jiggles slightly. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack 5 minutes.

Stir together sour cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Spread sour cream mixture on top of cheesecake in an even layer. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes longer. Turn oven off and prop the door ajar with the handle of a wooden spoon. Let cool in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely. Place in refrigerator and chill until cold throughout, 4 to 6 hours, or overnight.

Using the remaining strawberries, halve them and arrange in concentric circles on top of cheesecake to serve.

Iris DeMent

The Americana singer-songwriter Iris DeMent visits the Landmark stage with her timeless songs blending traditional folk, country and gospel influences. With an inimitable voice as John Prine described, ‘like you’ve heard, but not really,’ and unforgettable melodies rooted in hymns and old country music, Iris DeMent is considered one of the finest singer-songwriters in America today. Praised for her storytelling and songwriting abilities, her career has spanned more than three decades, seven studio albums, and collaborations with Prine, Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, among others. On her new record, ‘Workin’ On A World,’ DeMent faces the modern world — as it is right now — with its climate catastrophe, pandemic and epidemic of violence and social injustice — and implores us to love each other, despite our very different ways of seeing.

Friday, June 9, 8 p.m. $43, $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky

Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444, or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1-1/2 cups sugar

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 2 pounds rhubarb, strings removed, stalks cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

A classic cheesecake takes on added flavor with the addition of some luscious berries.

Graham cracker crust

• 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9-1/2 crackers)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling and topping

• 16 ounces strawberries

• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

Prepare graham cracker crust:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar together in a medium bowl. Press into bottom and at least 1-inch up sides of a 9-inch non-stick springform pan (if pan is not nonstick, brush first with melted butter). Bake until crust is golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 300° F.

Then prepare filling and topping:

Hull 1/2 of the strawberries and puree in a blender or food processor. You should have about 3/4 cup puree. Beat cream cheese and 1-1/4 cups sugar in an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla until well combined. Add eggs, 1 at a time, on low speed, beating well after each addition, and scraping sides of bowl as needed. Beat

• 4 pints strawberries, sliced

Preheat an oven to 375°F.

In a food processor, pulse together 1-1/2 cups of the flour, 3/4 cup of the sugar and the salt until combined. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Add the oats and pulse to combine. Transfer to a bowl.

In another bowl, stir together the rhubarb, strawberries, the remaining 1/4 cup flour, and the remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Spread the fruit filling in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Using your fingers, press the topping into large clumps and scatter it over the fruit. Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden and crisp, about 1 hour. Alternatively, divide the fruit and topping among eight 1/2-cup ramekins and bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 6 to 8.

Strawberry

Smoothie

• 1 cup coconut milk (or almond milk or your preferred milk)

• 1 cup strawberries (tops removed)

• 1 banana

• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

Combine all of your ingredients in your blender in the order that they are listed (liquid on the bottom and frozen on top). Blend until smooth.

His ‘Bronx Tale’

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his solo version of ‘A Bronx Tale.’ The powerful one-man stage play depicts his bruising childhood, which included witnessing a gangland killing in the Bronx when he was 9. Palminteri plays 18 characters — friends, enemies and family all come alive on stage. ‘A Bronx Tale’ became a hit after he wrote it in 1989, and the most sought after property since ‘Rocky.’ This is the original show he wrote and performed that made him an in-demand character actor and served as the basis of the acclaimed movie and Broadway musical. In the tradition set forth in the 1970s by such icons as director Martin Scorsese and actors Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, Palminteri has brought grit, muscle and an evocative realism to the sidewalks of his New York neighborhood, violent as they are and were.

Sunday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Visit Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com for tickets/information.

THE SCENE

The Bacon Brothers

That ‘Footloose’ feeling comes alive when Kevin Bacon takes to the stage, Friday, June 23, 8 p.m., as one-half of the Bacon Brothers, at The Space at Westbury. Bound by blood and a mutual love of American roots music, Michael and Kevin Bacon have spent the past quarter-century in a creative whirl, funneling their shared DNA into a genre-bending sound. They call that sound “Forosoco” — a blend of folk, rock, soul, and country influences, delivered by two songwriters who were born to collaborate — and it’s taken the siblings across the world, from shows in Japan to performances at American landmarks like Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. The Bacon Brothers turn a new page with their 11th release, “Erato,” whose five songs showcase the duo’s dynamic contrasts: quiet moments and big payoffs, organic instrumentation and electronic textures, self-penned songs and high-profile collaborations. Ticket are $45-$80; available at TheSpaceAtWestbury.com. The Space, 250 Post Ave. Westbury.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Weekly Mah Jongg

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.

New hours at the Seaford Museum

The Seaford Historical Museum, on Waverly Avenue, has new hours, and is now open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Both admission and any activity on these Saturdays are free. For more information email President Judy Bongiovi at judybongiovi@aol.com.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers peer to peer breastfeeding support fwith 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. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 .Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

On stage

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, June 9, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Wednesday through Friday, June 14-16, 10:15 a.m. and noon. This musical comedy adventure stars Willems’ beloved character The Pigeon, who is eager to try anything and everything. When a bus driver takes a break from the route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take the driver’s place — a pigeon. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, June 20, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss “Baldessari and the Making of the Avant-Garde.” John Baldessari’s roster from Cal Arts featured famed artists, from Eric Fischl (who never technically took a class with him) to David Salle, James Casebere, Tony Oursler, Ericka Beckman, Ross Bleckner, Carrie Mae Weems, James Welling and so many other art stars. Examine not only Baldessari’s own art but some of the famous assignments offered by the man many consider the most influential art school teacher of the 20th century. Participation is limited; registration required. $40, $20 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.

Having an event?

Celebrate Israel

Patriot Award Dinner

June 20 Whale of a Drink fundraiser

June

Salute Israel and celebrate the nation’s 75 years of independence, while welcoming Eisenhower Park’s summer concert season, when Sid Jacobson JCC joins the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island for IsraelFest, Sunday, June 11 Enjoy family activities, 4-6 p.m., followed by concert with Israeli pop singer-songwriter Harel Skatt, 6-8 p.m. The Long Island Cantors Ensemble also performs. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For more information, visit SJJCC.org/israelfest.

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.

Every year, the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee gives out awards to five outstanding Seaford High School seniors, as well as two or three members of the Seaford community for service, character, and commitment. According to the committee, these were the values held by the five Seaford High School alumni that died on 9/11. This year’s Patriot Award dinner will be held Monday, June 26 , at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. For more information, contact Lynda Schachner at lschachner@ seaford911.org.

Through June

Support The Whaling Museum by participating in Sandbar restaurant’s Whale of a Drink, Whale of a Cause fundraising effort, now through June 21. Enjoy the Sandbar’s iconic cocktail, the Whalebone, and a portion of the purchase will be donated to the museum. A “mocktail” version is also available. To help promote the fundraiser, mixologist Dan Leopold will offer a mixology demonstration and Whalebone tasting at the Museum’s Whales & Ales event on June 3, 2:30-3 p.m. Funds will support the Whaling Museum’s community education programs during its 2023 summer season. 55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor. For information, visit SandbarColdSpringHarbor.com.

‘The Beautiful and Damned’

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

June 9

Wantagh honors the fallen on Memorial Day

Fallen soldiers were honored all around the country on Memorial Day, and Wantagh hosted its on Memorial Day Parade last Monday. Tons of local groups marched in the parade, and hundreds of Wantagh residents were in attendance. Those groups included — but were not limited to — the Wantagh American Legion, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, Miss Wantagh and her court, the Knights of Columbus, the High School Marching Band, various Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Cub Scout troops, pipe bands, the Wantagh Fire Department, and more. A short ceremony at the Wantagh American Legion on Park Avenue followed the parade.

–Michael Malaszczyk

Qualifying for Medicaid to Pay for Long-Term Care

Spend-down. Look-back. Penalty Period. Uncompensated Transfer. These are just some of the terms Medicaid uses to determine eligibility for long-term care coverage. Medicaid is a combined federal and state program that pays for long-term care at home (community Medicaid) or in a nursing facility (institutional Medicaid). Asset, income and gift rules vary for community Medicaid versus institutional Medicaid.

To qualify for community Medicaid, an individual cannot make more than about $1,700 per month and cannot own more than about $30,000 in assets. A married couple cannot make more than about $2,300 per month and cannot own more than about $40,000 in assets. Applicants can “spend down” excess income to the allowed amount by paying for medical expenses.

To qualify for institutional Medicaid, an individual can keep $50 per month (the excess goes to the nursing home) and cannot own more than about $30,000 in assets. For married couples, the spouse at home can keep about $3,700 per month and can own between about

$75,000 and $130,000 in assets. If the spouse at home makes more than $3,700 per month, she may have to contribute some of the excess to the spouse’s cost of care. For married couples, the residence, up to value of about $1,000,000 and one car are exempt (not counted as assets). Everyone can have a burial trust worth up to $1,500 or any amount in an irrevocable pre-paid funeral trust.

Community Medicaid and institutional Medicaid also differ in “look-back” and gift rules. An institutional Medicaid application asks if you transferred (gifted) any assets in the last five years, hence the “five-year look-back period.” If the answer is yes, the transfer creates a penalty period, which causes a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.

Community Medicaid does not currently have a look-back period, so you may transfer assets out of your name this month and qualify for Medicaid next month. New York is considering imposing a new thirty month lookback for community care in 2024. Now is the time to act to protect your assets.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The WanTagh high School Marching Band was another one of the groups to march from Beltagh Avenue all the way down to Park Avenue on Memorial Day.

LiLLy SLoveS, The current Miss Wantagh, rode along with her court in the Wantagh Memorial Day Parade on May 29.

Are you an ambivert?

As with any dual classification system (smart-stupid, shy-out going), most people don’t defini tively fit into one category - even if others believe they do. You may be a smart psychologist, yet a really stupid physicist. (Umm, do you imagine I’m talk ing about me?) Or, you may be shy in one environment, yet outgoing in another.

Personality traits exist on a spectrum. It’s true that some people fall closer to the extremes, most of us, however, are somewhere in the middle. Hence, though others may perceive you as an extrovert, you alone – since you know what’s going on inside of you – may identify as an introvert.

It could be that:

■ You enjoy being social. You like spending time with friends. But every night? Not a chance. It’s simply too much people time, not enough alone time.

■ You may be enjoying yourself, still yakety, yak, yak talk drains your energy. As the conversation goes on, you’re think ing about how to make a quick exit. Calm environments appeal to you. Loud noise, frenetic energy, and lots of people overwhelm you.

■ You often feel anxious before an event, worrying about who will be there, who to talk to, what to wear, etc. This anxiety may stretch out to the event itself. Yet, as the event progresses, you usually warm up to people. When people respond positively to you, you relax and reveal more of the extraverted part of your personality.

■ Though you like people, you don’t have

middle. An excellent place to be, I believe, since those who occupy the extremes create problems for themselves and others. So smile, you ambivert! And appreciate who you really are!

©2023

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives and overcome procrastination and fear. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Hebrew School registration open

Registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year at the Chabad Hebrew School of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh. For registration and billing questions, email office@chabadjewishlife.org, or call (516) 833-3057 ext. 107. Visit ChabadJewishLife.org/chs in order to view more on the curriculum, schedule options and registration information.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST GINA CIPOLLA, ROBERT CIPOLLA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 2, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 20, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 19 WHISPER LANE, 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 359, Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment $350,842.70 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613262/2019. 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”. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-003740 75921 139520

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL

SUMMONS-SUPREME

COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstDOMINIC R. GRECO, IF HE BE LIVING AND IF HE BE DEAD, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS AND PARTIES

HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH DOMINIC R. GRECO, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; ROSE M. DONADIO; RALPH JOSEPH GRECO; TIFFANI AYN MOREA; MICHAEL R. GRECO; DOMINIC R. GRECO, JR.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT), DefendantsIndex No. 614346/2022

Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants- YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the date of service or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. If you fail to so appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated May 4, 2023.

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 (U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P. Sullivan J.S.C.

Dated: May 4, 2023

Filed: May 5, 2023. The object

of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 4 Elizabeth Drive, Bethpage, NY 11714. Dated: May 16, 2023

Filed: May 16, 2023

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP., Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Richard F. Komosinski, Esq., 565 Taxter Road Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523

Phone: (914) 345-3020

139812

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Board of Education, Levittown Public Schools, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, hereby invites the submission of sealed proposals for the following services:

RFP # LPS-23-005 “LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE”

BUILDING LEASE

The District will receive sealed proposals on, or prior to 11:00 a.m. on June 20, 2023, at the Office of the Purchasing Department, Levittown Memorial Education Center, 150 Abbey Lane, Room 316, Levittown, New York, 11756. Specifications may be obtained at the same office. Proposals shall be irrevocable for a minimum period of sixty (60) days from the date of proposal opening. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in the proposals, or to reject any or all proposals, or to accept any proposal which in the opinion of the Board of Education will be in the best interest of the School District. For further information call (516) 434-7014.

By: Bonnie Pampinella Purchasing Agent, Levittown Public Schools

139918

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, vs. HARRY LAGONIKOS A/K/A

HARILAOS I. LAGONIKOS A/K/A HARRY J. LAGONIKOS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 22, 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 July 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2957 Curtis Place, Wantagh, NY 11793 a/k/a 2957 Curtis Place, Bellmore, NY 11793. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon

erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 411 and Lots 441 & 442. Approximate amount of judgment is $461,899.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609058/2018. 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 Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 231006-1 139941

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST

2018-HB1, Plaintiff, vs. NANCY BENGYAK A/K/A NANCY FRISCH, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF GLEN FRISCH A/K/A GLEN T. FRISCH, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report, Amending the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 16, 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 on July 12, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3680 Carlisle Court, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 509 and Lot 35. Approximate amount of judgment is $452,326.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611722/2019. 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

D’Esposito, LaLota still oppose George Santos

continued

“While I would have preferred there to be enough votes to expel the sociopath scam artist, Congressman D’Esposito has spearheaded the next best option — to refer this matter to the ethics committee, where we expect a result within 60 days for the terrible liar to be gone, by resignation or expulsion, before August recess,” LaLota said in a statement.

Andrew Garbarino, their other Long Island colleague, who represents the South Shore of Suffolk, has been silent on the subject of Santos because he sits on the ethics committee and must abide by its policy. But Garbarino expressed support for LaLota and D’Esposito, saying that sending it to the committee is the right move politically.

committee set up to review said expulsion resolution,” Garbarino said in a statement. “The Ethics Committee is best positioned to investigate this matter. I’m reserving all other judgment until the investigation is complete.”

AnDRew GARbARino

U.S. Representative

“No previous vote for expulsion of a member from the house has occurred without an accompanying report from the ethics committee or another select

Occasionally referred to as the “Long Island Three,” D’Esposito, LaLota, and Garbarino have actively refused to work with Santos on anything. When Santos introduced a bill — the SALT Relief Act — that would raise the state and local tax cap to $50,000, the trio would not cosponsor it. Instead, they introduced their own relief bill, the SALT Deductibility Act of 2023, because SALT relief has been a cornerstone of Garbarino’s tenure.

Santos has pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal charges, including fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements, and has reportedly said that he would not resign.

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald file Rep. Anthony D’esposito, far right, and Rep. Nick LaLota, at podium, have been outspoken about expelling George Santos from Congress, but voted last week to refer the matter to the House Ethics Committee. Rep. Andrew Garbarino, far left, serves on the committee and supports their votes.

the Ethics Committee is best positioned to investigate this matter.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS NOW HIRING !!

No Experience Necessary. Flexible Hours. Paid Training.

Requir ements: Valid NYS Driver's License

High Sc hool Diploma or GED

Complete Bac kground Screening

Community Mainstreaming (CMA) www.communitymainstreaming.org | 516-683-0710, ext 256

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School

Assistant Secondary Principal

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

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

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

DRIVING

OUTSIDE SALES

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School High School Principal

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

Starting Salary: $150,000 NYS SDA/SAS/SBL Certification Required plus 2 yrs. of previous administrative leadership and 3 yrs. exp as a classroom teacher preferred. Please apply online by June 15th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire or OLAS EOE

Assistant Elementary Principal

The successful candidate should possess:

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

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

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

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

LINE COOK: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-6pm. Sandwiches/ Salads. Beach Restaurant. Great Summer Job. 516-835-2819

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

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

UP TO $20.70 NYC, $20.00 L.I., $16.20

Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553

Childcare Offered CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

BR, 2 Bth Coop in Garden Town. Gourmet Kit W/Thermdore St Steel Appl Opens Into DR & LR. Primary BR w/Bth Plus Spac 2nd BR. W/D in Unit. New Self Controlled CAC. Oak Flrs, LED Lights. Near LIRR. Parking Avail. SD#14. You Don't Want to Miss This...$359,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA 1534 Broadway #205, Open House By Appt, BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!!Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA 1638 RIDGEWAY DR.

FIRST TIME ON MARKET Well Maintained 6 BR, 3.5 Bth 3500 Sq Ft Exp CH Colonial on Beautiful St. LR/Fpl, Spac Fam Rm/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sun Rm Overlooking 1/3 Acre Resortlike Prop w/ IG Lap Pool, Hot Tub,Bar & Gazebo. Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#20...$1,149,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..$3,200,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

HEWLETT HARBOR BA 1299 Seawane NEW! Move Right Into This Beautiful 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch with Open Layout in Prime Location. LR, FDR, State of the Art Kit & Great Room Overlooking Magnificently Landscaped æ Acre Property. SD #14...$1,799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14.Near

Administrative Opening Monticello Central School

Want to Miss This REDUCED! $359,000

1599 Lakeview Dr, BA, 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 REDUCED! $799,000

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!! $599,000

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

Removing a deck to add a room

Q. We started planning a project to add a room, 303 square feet, in 2015, and due to many delays, we received approval for a permit only in January of this year. The costs from when we originally started planning until now increased from an estimated $80,000 to almost $200,000. Part of the work was to remove the previous owner’s handicapped-accessible deck with a permitted roof, which, thankfully, we don’t need. We got an alternative estimate for a paving-block patio, which we understand doesn’t need a permit in our town if it’s on the ground. The contractor even said we could cover the entire yard. We still want to keep the roof, so do we need a permit for the patio, and do we need a permit for the footings to continue supporting the roof we want to keep?

IA. You can see, firsthand, what has happened with the economy and costs. Fortunately, you have an alternative to save money. People who are planning enclosed rooms aren’t as fortunate in the economy we’re now facing.

Avenue Rockville Centre NY, 11570 516.678.1510

I have always recommended patios, properly drained, supported and finished, over the other choice of decking, where possible, not just because many jurisdictions don’t require a permit for the paving, but also because the maintenance is less for a patio, and it will last much longer than a deck system. Some communities have regulations for a permit to be filed for paving to show the authorities that the paving is “permeable” — that it still allows rain to seep into the ground to recharge the water supply deep in the earth below. Your location is in a town that doesn’t require a permit for anything that’s built less than 8¼ inches above the ground. Incidentally, the magic of 8¼ inches isn’t arbitrary; it’s the maximum height of a step in the building code.

I just returned from a trade fair where I had the opportunity to discuss material pricing with many suppliers, and the consensus is that prices for commodity materials such a raw lumber and cement will begin to fluctuate downward, but many said that they don’t anticipate manufactured items to come down again. Just as real estate has seen a dramatic increase, so now have materials and construction in general.

The biggest concern we should all have, if we care about the next generation and the health of our economy, is whether they will ever be able to afford what their parents had. Currently, only 9 percent of the next generation of American families own or have a mortgage on a home, while the majority of the generation has had to find alternatives, such as multi-generational living arrangements or apartments, trailers or recreational vehicles as permanent living, according to Building magazine, among other building information resources. I hope the existing deck roof already has a correct supporting footing in the ground. If not, good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper

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Now pitching, after five weeks on the injury list ...

Last week I had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch before a Long Island Ducks game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game was played at the Ducks’ home field, the Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. The Ducks played well, and won 9-2. A normal person reading this might say, that’s nice, but no big deal.

Real baseball fans, however, don’t fit the definition of normal.

For one thing, they never really grow up, and being on a professional baseball field, even just to throw one pitch before the game has even begun, is for many a childhood dream.

But living this dream includes living through and overcoming incredible tension and fear of failure. This is especially true if you happen to be a politician who knows that no matter how beloved you think you might be, there are thousands of fans just waiting to see you suffer the ignominious fate of bouncing the

pitch before it crosses home plate and settles into the catcher’s mitt. I know of several otherwise courageous politicians who will never accept the offer (or challenge) to throw out the first pitch. Or if they do develop some nerve, they throw the ball from well in front of the rubber, which, of course, is atop the pitcher’s mound, 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate.

To me, that shortened version doesn’t count as a real first pitch, so I always summoned the courage — more than I ever needed to deliver a major speech on the floor of Congress — to pitch from the rubber, and always succeeded, except for the one time, which I will never forget and always regret, when the ball faded away at the last instant and drifted off at the front of the batter’s box, forcing the catcher to make what looked like a hockey goalie’s acrobatic save.

Last week’s first pitch was particularly stressful. I had been successfully operated on for stomach cancer less than five weeks before, during which part of my stomach was removed and I was left with a 9-inch-long incision that

had to heal. The surgeon, who probably considered referring me to a psychiatrist, consented to my first-pitch antics if I threw it “softly” from in front of the mound. Reluctantly I agreed to those terms and conditions. Walking to the mound, I felt more tension than when I was being wheeled into the operating room.

But both times, my prayers were answered. The surgery had been successful, the pitch was over the plate, and the incision didn’t reopen.

Separate from my baseball delusions, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate being able to associate with the Ducks organization. The team and its owner, Frank Boulton, have been a Long Island institution for a quarter century. Playing in the Atlantic League, the Ducks bring a solid, high level of baseball to Long Island.

Their roster invariably includes future and past major leaguers, the most current and prominent being their designated hitter, former Mets great Daniel Murphy. Also notable is their manager, Wally Backman, the star second base-

man on the Mets’ 1986 World Series champion team. No one, though, has been more beloved in Ducks history than Bud Harrelson, the Mets’ All-Star shortstop when they won the 1969 Series, who was a Ducks coach and team vice president for so many years until he had to step aside because of Alzheimer’s.

The Ducks are an integral part of the Long Island community, being active in charitable and veterans events and making their home games family-friendly and affordable. Being at a Ducks game is like viewing a Norman Rockwell painting depicting real America: kids, parents and grandparents enjoying an afternoon or evening of baseball; members of local organizations singing the pre-game national anthem; veterans, police officers and firefighters being honored on the field. All this and so much more makes me appreciate the Ducks and what they mean to Long Island.

Boulton initially invited me to throw out a first pitch at a game back in 2002, and it has been an honor to be invited back over the years. I’m proud to call Frank my friend and proud to be a loyal Ducks fan. Play ball!

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

No, I don’t have time to answer your survey

You don’t have a moment, and neither do I, but what does that matter? Ubiquitous, intrusive and endless surveys are a good idea gone rogue.

Suddenly, all of life’s experiences are followed up with an emailed questionnaire asking you to rate your doctor, car rental, pet groomer, colorist, breakfast cereal, political candidate, wine, motel, coffee or underpants. Have a moment? Have a moment? Have a moment?

vey popped up on my phone before I even left the premises. It was pages long and asked my input on everything from the hygiene of the location to the friendliness of staff at all levels and my thoughts about ever returning to that center or recommending it to others.

meal

The basic idea of soliciting people’s opinions about service and products and experiences is sound. But, as with many decent ideas today, folks are beating it to death with overuse. You can’t make simple purchases without the inevitable survey landing in your inbox.

RANDI KREISS

Let’s agree that there are surveys you will consider answering and some you delete immediately for very good reason.

Example: I hurt my wrist last week and went to a local urgent care. The sur-

I was impressed with the place, the efficiency and the kindness of the staff and the thoroughness of the doctor. I was not so happy with one of the medical support people who poked around my wrist with some indifference to my pain level, and there was a place on the form to say so. I gladly filled out the online survey and happily signed my name. I will probably not go back there again, because I have my own doctor. That’s why I felt safe to relinquish anonymity.

A few days later, I had a follow-up appointment with my physician to check my wrist. I see him twice a year. I chose him as my doctor because I like him and the way he works with patients. By the time I got into my car, swish, the survey popped up.

In the most suspicious part of my

brain, I believe my doctor somehow can access the surveys and find out who threw him under the bus. I can imagine him in the evenings, poring over the surveys, tracking the patients who mentioned how freezing the examining rooms are or how frustrating the office phone system can be. He’s the guy with the needles and potions and sharp instruments at his disposal; I would never put anything online that wasn’t in the order of high praise. No. No surveys for me at my doctor’s office.

Open Table, the restaurant reservation website, sends surveys all the time, soliciting consumers’ opinions about everything from food to service to ambience. In one happy exchange, I wrote a seriously negative review of a restaurant we frequent, explaining that our experience seemed to be an anomaly but it was awful, and I wanted the owner to know. I signed my name.

The owner called me and invited us back for a free dinner. We went. It was great. I said so in a follow-up survey. Good. Good.

Now, if I had nothing to do in my life

but fill out surveys, I would be giving feedback to Chukar Cherries, my food gift outlet of choice; Optum RX, my mail order drug company; Amazon; The Washington Post; BridgeBase, my online game site; UPS; Marriott Hotels; Chewy, my go-to store for pet supplies; American Airlines; and every magazine to which I ever subscribed.

But I have a busy life, and in order to discover how well I’m doing in my own arena, I developed a small survey for my son and daughter to complete. Just five easy-to-answer questions, which I emailed to them last week:

1. Did you have a happy childhood?

2. Do you have any memories of the time I flipped out, took the car and ran away from home when you were 5 and 2?

3. Why don’t you call more often?

4. Have you ever told a therapist any family secrets?

5. What are your feelings about adult children taking in their parents?

No surprise: There has been a complete communication blackout. I guess answering anonymously wasn’t an option.

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

But we got a free

when I complained about an eatery we frequent.

This time I had no choice but to throw from in front of the mound.

Our armed forces need your help

there were more than a dozen of them — some wearing caps denoting their military service, others in full uniform. They were veterans of various conflicts over the past several decades, many of them members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2736 in East Meadow. They paid a visit to East Meadow High School ahead of Memorial Day to ensure that the true meaning of the annual observance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom was not forgotten.

“We wanted to come here and tell the high school students what it was like to serve,” one veteran, Frank Belardo, said. “We wanted to do this before Memorial Day to teach the students, and honor those who did not come home.”

But that wasn’t the only thing on the minds of the veterans as they met with social studies classes that day.

“It seems like less kids are going down that route of joining the military,” Navy veteran Tom Kelly said. “So you just have to keep reminding them about the commitment to America, and how proud we are. It’s something that should be carried on. It seems like it’s a dying art these days, but I hope not.”

Kelly wasn’t exaggerating. America’s military forces are struggling to recruit new members. The Army, for example, missed its recruiting goal by 25 percent last year, according to the military industry news outlet War on the Rocks. In fact, the Army believes its overall forces will be reduced by 20,000 soldiers by September — part of an overall downward trend across the branches.

Young people just don’t see the military in the same light that previous generations did. They are bombarded by images of war, death and gruesome injuries, as well as many soldiers returning home and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Yet that’s not the only factor causing a drain of personnel in the armed forces. The nation’s low unemployment rate means there’s less incentive for many to seek out the military. And the sheer number of people eligible to serve is lower than ever.

A Pentagon study last year determined that 77 percent of America’s 17- to 24-yearold population wouldn’t qualify without some kind of waiver. Many are overweight. Others abuse drugs and alcohol. And then there’s the growing number of young people who wouldn’t qualify because of mental and physical health issues, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 44 percent, the study concluded, would be disqualified for more than one reason.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, a ranking Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, shared during a hearing last year that “every single metric tracking the military recruiting environment is going in the wrong direction.”

“To put it bluntly, I am worried we are now in the early days of a long-term threat to the all-volunteer force,” Tillis said, according to Military.com. There is “a small and declining number of Americans who are eligible — and interested — in military service.”

So, what can be done? Many military leaders and lawmakers are trying to figure that out. The branches already offer a number of incentives to new recruits — from signing bonuses to education funding, solid (and free) medical care, room and board allowances, and a month of vacation every year, among other things.

But we must do more — and maybe we can, right here, closer to home. The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps has been a fixture in thousands of high schools — and even some middle schools — across the country since 1916. It gives young people a taste of what it’s like to serve, without leaving home. And it has been instrumental in not only providing stability for many young people over the decades, but recruiting for military service as well, since nearly half of them eventually do that.

The problem? There aren’t enough JROTC programs, especially in New York. Especially on Long Island. The vast majority are concentrated in the Southeast, according to the Rand Corp. South Caroli-

na and Georgia, for example, boast JROTC programs in far more than half their schools. New York? It’s less than 10 percent.

JROTC has been great at addressing demographic representation by being in many schools with larger ethnic diversity, Rand says. But geographic representation is severely lacking. Just 16 percent of young people live in states with high numbers of JROTC programs, while more than half of the total population of teenagers are in 28 states like New York where such programs are lacking.

More schools need to offer JROTC, but they can’t do it alone. Congress needs to expand JROTC overall — and pay for that expansion, retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David Barno and Johns Hopkins professor Nora Bensahel say. At the same time, members of Congress — on both sides of the aisle — need to stop using the military as a political football.

“Painting the entire U.S. military as either woke or extremist undermines public support for the institution and the people in uniform, and often deflects examination of concrete problems that are affecting military capabilities and readiness,” Barno and Bensahel told War on the Rocks. “Elected officials should stop making broad assertions about the entire force, and instead focus their legitimate oversight role on the senior officials who testify in front of Congress.”

The brave men and women — like those who visited East Meadow High School — should forever be honored by all of us. But let’s not let their service and sacrifice become part of a dying breed.

Why I voted for a casino at the Coliseum

since 2014 I have had the privilege of representing the residents of the 2nd District at the Nassau County Legislature. Throughout that time, I have contemplated and made decisions on a full spectrum of controversial and consequential issues. Deciding whether or not to execute a lease transfer agreement between the county and Las Vegas Sands was one of the most difficult decisions I have been confronted with to date.

What made it so challenging is the fact that I don’t have the luxury of analyzing this or any other issue that comes before me as a lawmaker through a one-dimensional lens.

Because I am entrusted with overseeing and safeguarding Nassau County’s fiscal future, I had to carefully considering the tax revenue, economic development and job creation opportunities presented by the resort and casino Las Vegas Sands has proposed building at the

Nassau Hub. The last two factors are especially vital for the economically disadvantaged communities that I serve as a legislator.

As a policy maker, I must always be aware of the legislative atmosphere in which I am operating — and in New York state, legal gambling is a growing reality. Online sports betting became legal in January 2022, and in a 2013 statewide referendum, 67 percent of Nassau voters cast ballots in favor of the siting of seven new casinos throughout the Empire State.

As a community advocate, I researched, vetted and deliberated on the heartfelt concerns my constituents expressed about potential impacts of the Hub development on public safety, traffic and behavioral health. One especially important element of advocacy is robust community engagement.

To get the pulse of the communities I represent, I took part in numerous events in Hempstead, Uniondale and Westbury. In Uniondale — the host community for any development at the Hub — I met with leaders of the public

Letters

Give neighbors a chance to manage L.I.’s electricity

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column last week, “The PSEG love affair is over”: Mr. Kremer opposes “giving a group of local neighbors the power to dictate to professionals” operating a Long Island power company.

“Dictate” may be hyperbole, but it identifies the general problem: unaccountable power. The history provided — LILCO, LIPA, PSEG — demonstrates consistently inadequate infrastructure, a focus on shareholders over ratepayers, the interference of friends in high places, and the general disdain for customer concerns characteristic of near-monopolies. We can agree that “John Q. Citizen” ought not “dictate” to professional operators, but Mr. Citizen is also a ratepayer, dissatisfied by the “professionals’” history of mismanagement, and now seeks greater transparency, accountability and responsiveness.

Dictatorship by professionals is well known, and is what must be curbed. So long as the primary interests remain short-term corporate goals, the future delivery of Long Island’s electrons will replicate its past. Municipalization may not be the answer, but our history of failures suggests we try a new arrangement.

BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

Clearing the air about marijuana

To the Editor:

Since the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act was enacted in New York in March 2021, confusion remains about marijuana’s legal and medical realities. As part of the North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse efforts to reduce the use and abuse of substances by our youth, we offer below some information on marijuana so you can inform yourself and your family.

The law allows those 21 and older to use cannabis wherever smoking tobacco is permitted, except in a motor vehicle or where the Clean Air Act is in effect. Specifically, it allows for adult possession of up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. An adult may grow up to three marijuana plants at home, and homes with more than one adult may grow up to six plants (three mature, three immature).

So, does that mean that adults can purchase adult-use marijuana locally now?

The answer may surprise you: no. Most Nassau County municipalities have opted out of permitting retail sales of marijuana in their jurisdictions. For a complete review of what is legal and illegal, go to government sites including NewYorkStateCannabis.org.

As important as legality is to the conversation about marijuana, equally critical is the discussion of its impact on teen health. Marijuana potency has steadily

library, the Fire Department, the Nassau County Land Bank and other key stakeholders to ascertain the community’s concerns and needs. I listened intently to public commentary presented through various media, and read dozens of emails we received from across the county to gain a fuller understanding of public sentiment.

During the Legislature’s May 8 Rules Committee hearing, it became abundantly clear to me that the lease transfer agreement would pass on May 22 with or without my vote. Given that fact, my charge was to ensure that the communities that would be most directly impacted by development at the Hub would not have to wait until its completion to receive the public benefits they were promised.

Following extensive and fruitful negotiations, I was pleased that Las Vegas Sands agreed to enhance its community benefits package by $25 million — $10 million for Uniondale, $10 million for East Meadow and $5 million for Hempstead Village. At least half of these funds would have to be disseminated during the construction of the proposed inte-

grated casino resort. Throughout that process, the collaboration with my legislative colleague Tom McKevitt, who represents East Meadow, which directly abuts the Hub, was invaluable in navigating the issues related to securing this funding for our respective constituents.

After balancing the array of public comments, completing a painstaking review of the more laudable elements of the Las Vegas Sands proposal, and factoring in the company’s agreement to invest tens of millions of dollars in bolstering crucial services and activities in the most directly impacted communities, I decided to vote in favor of the lease transfer agreement.

While the Legislature’s action on May 22 represents an important benchmark, there are many steps that must be completed before any construction begins. As this process continues to unfold, make no mistake: I will remain vigilant and focused on the series of actions to follow, and I will hold the entities associated with this project accountable for meeting their contractual obligations and fulfilling the commitments they made to the residents of Nassau County.

Siela A. Bynoe, of Westbury, has represented the 2nd District in the County Legislature since 2014.

Framework by Tim Baker

increased in the past decades, up from about 4 percent THC levels in the 1980s to an average of 15 percent today. More disconcerting is that marijuana extracts, used in dabbing and edibles, contain, on average, 50 percent THC, and can go as high as 90 percent.

Research suggests that kids who use cannabis may face greater mental health risks, such as worsened depression and anxiety, poor attention and memory problems. Specifically, using a cannabis product with a THC potency of over 15 percent

is linked to a three-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing mental health and other problems. Studies also suggest that 17 percent of those who start using marijuana in their teens will become dependent on it.

Given these risks, it’s important that parents know the facts and talk to their kids. For more info, go to NSCASA.org.

Rocco, Myles and Lily Pad hanging out at the Memorial Day Parade — Wantagh

Iwanted to ensure that the communities most impacted would receive promised benefits.

ALISON CAMARDELLA KEVIN McGILLOWAY President and vice president, NS-CASA