Students JJ Santiago, andrew donohue, Luca Martone, Benjamin poplardo and Rocco Marino volunteered to help plant trees outside of Merrick avenue Middle School. the plantings mark Wild ones,’ an environmental organization, first partnership with the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School district.
By JOSEPh D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Students, educators and environmentalists gathered on Aug. 14 to plant 22 trees at the Merrick Avenue Middle School before classes are back in session, in just a few weeks.
“It’ll bring the kids outside so they can learn about the species of plants,” BellmoreMerrick Central High School District’s director of school facilities and Operations Jon Simpkins said. “We’re definitely looking to get them involved when they come back to school, to come on out here and talk about the importance of trees.”
The planting will not only help the children during the coming school year, but for
generations to come. “These trees will be here for hundreds of years,” Simpkins said.
“It’s great to be part of something that we’ll be seeing for decades.”
The planting was made possible by a partnership between Merrick Avenue Middle School, plant nurseries, the environmental organization Wild Ones and the ecological landscaping business Wild by Design.
Wild Ones is a national organization that replants trees in areas affected by plant removal. Fred Nass, president of the Wild Ones New York Metro Region Chapter, described the project as having educational value that goes beyond the classroom.
“It can become an educational experience, not only for students, but for the parents to
Three-year increase to be implemented starting Sept. 1 for 120,000 customers
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The New York State Public Service Commission has approved a rate increase for Liberty Utilities, which provides water service to some 120,000 customers in Nassau County.
In May 2023, Liberty filed a notice with the commission, seeking rate increases of 42 percent and 39 percent in its Merrick and Lynbrook service areas, respectively. The company also requested a 13 percent rate hike in the Sea Cliff service area on the North Shore.
Aford and Wantagh. The Sea Cliff service area encompasses Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Sea Cliff and parts of Glen Cove, Old Brookville and Roslyn.
In those areas, the commission approved a rate increase of 9.2 percent in the first year, and 4.5 percent in both the second and third years.
doption of this rate plan ensures critical investments that are good for the rates customers will pay.
In the Lynbrook service area, which includes numerous villages and hamlets in the Town of Hempstead, the commission approved a 17 percent rate hike in the first year, 15 percent in the second year and 13 percent in the third year.
RORy ChRIStIAN Chair, Public Service Commission
Communities in the Merrick service area include Baldwin, Bellmore, East Massapequa, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Seaford, North Wantagh, Sea -
The new rates go into effect on Sept. 1, and the rate plan will be effective through March 31, 2027. Depending on the service area, a typical residential customer using 8,000 gallons of water per month will pay between $54.51 and $87.32 in the first year.
Last year’s proposal came after a rate freeze, which Liberty had agreed to after it purchased New York American Water, the previous water service company, in January 2022. The proposal stated that the company sought the rate hikes to offset the cost of “necessary plant investments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure, proposed low-income and
Continued on page 5
go back home and say, ‘I need to be doing this to my own property,’” he said.
“We see it as a win-win: the district cooperates and gets beautiful trees, we volunteer to plant them and maintain them, and the people in the community benefit because of all the benefits of trees,” said Wild Ones volunteer Louis Paolillo.
Wild Ones has succeeded with tree-planting partnerships before with small businesses, but this recent planting marks an important milestone.
“This district’s department is the first major organization to agree to work with us to save Merrick’s trees, and we really appreciate that,” Paollilo said. “We’re hoping that this will start a snowball effect in other districts, in Merrick first, and then in other towns.”
Wild Ones formed a Long Island chapter a few years ago, in response to an increase of tree removals. Around the school, Paollilo said he noticed several areas of land where trees have been cut down.
“I counted, within one mile of the North Merrick Public Library, I counted over 95 trees cut down in the past, I personally counted five coming down here and another six on another piece,” Paollilo said. “It adds up.”
“If we continue at this rate, there will be no trees left very soon,” local environmentalist Andrea Martone said.
Tree removal is often done due to fears of tree limbs falling, annoyance with leaves, or for aesthetic purposes. But, with every stump left behind, the leaf canopy shrinks, said Greg Fine, owner of ecological landscaping business Wild by Design.
“We’re just trying to replenish some of that lost canopy so that we don’t lose more wildlife,” Fine said. “If we keep removing habitat, then we keep taking away
their places to come and we will no longer have them.”
Trees play several important roles in suburban areas, he added. Trees catch dust and other particles kicked up by wind and blunt the impact of flooding by absorbing rain. Their presence can mitigate effects of climate change by providing much-needed shade for houses and roads in increasingly warm summers.
“It’ll turn into a hotter environment, because we’ll just have more cement, more pavement, more light pollution,” Fine said. “Trees help prevent flooding, increase our oxygen levels, provide habitat for our native wildlife and birds, and bring us beauty.”
The community will gain from these benefits for as long as there are trees in the community, Fine explained.
“One tree is going to provide all this habitat long after we’re gone,” Fine said. “If we collectively take on that job as shepherds of our planet, we make it a much better place for all of us, not just our generation, but for generations to come.”
Matt Walden, a volunteer at the planting, recently retired from tech-industry entrepreneurship in New York City. Since then, he became an active member in local environmental movements.
“We want the neighborhood to have the nature and character of the neighborhood we moved into,” Walden said. “I think the school’s a great start.”
For Walden, plantings like these are a perfect opportunity for the community to rally around a great cause.
“I’m somewhat of a tree hugger,” Walden said. “I proposed to all the schools in the neighborhood, on Arbor Day and Earth Day, they should do a $2 collection from all the students, and I personally said I would match the trees that they plant.”
The planting was made possible through working with Claire McNair of Bell Nursery, a New Jersey plant growth facility, who worked with Home Depot to give the district discounted trees. They provided pin oaks and red oaks, which are indigenous to the area’s ecosystem.
For more on Wild Ones, and to learn about future initiatives, visit WildOnes.org, or email wildoneslongisland@gmail.com.
UB40, a British
and pop band,
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Among slews of cover bands and various types of entertainment acts this summer, Nassau County has also welcomed popular bands that most people recognize, to its lakeside concert venue in Eisenhower Park. Last week, the county welcomed UB40, a British reggae and pop band that formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, drawing a huge crowd of fans, who came out to see the group, and listen to many of their hits, which were released throughout the 1980s and 90s.
Today, UB40 features Robin Campbell, a guitarist and vocalist, who’s a founding member; Duncan Campbell, who joined UB40 in 2008; saxophonist Martin Meredith; trumpeter Lawrence Parry; keyboardist Tony Mullings; bassist Earl Falconer; percussionist Norman Hassan; and drummer Jimmy Brown.
UB40’s music is characterized by its blend of reggae rhythms with pop sensibilities, and they have been credited with helping to bring reggae into mainstream popular music. Two of their biggest hits are actually covers — “Red Red Wine,” a Neil Diamond song that UB40 covered and made popular in 1983, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” an Elvis Presley classic, that topped the charts in numerous countries in 1993. Signature songs that play into the group’s style include “Kingston Town”, a 1990 hit, and “I Got You Babe,” a duet with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders — which was also a cover of Sony & Cher song. Whether people were hitting the lawns of the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre to hear hits that were reminiscence of their childhood, or just wanted to have a good time on a warm, summer evening, there was not a space to be found among the hundreds of seats.
Concerts in Eisenhower Park are free of charge, and sponsored by NYU Langone. For more information on upcoming shows and entertainment nights in Nassau County, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
A 21-year-old Wantagh man was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Thursday morning after crashing his car into a vacant building on Old Country Road, according to police.
Aidan Schwartz, of Jules Lane, was driving a 2019 Honda Civic when he collided with the unoccupied structure at 1137 Old Country Road in Westbury around 2:40 a.m. Responding officers removed Schwartz from the vehicle for his safety and took him into custody. He
was charged with DWI, as well as operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.
The building sustained extensive damage, prompting a response from the Town of North Hempstead Building Department and PSEG. Schwartz was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and will be arraigned once medically practical.
–Jordan Vallone
A 13-year-old boy was arrested early Sunday morning after attempting to burglarize Merrick Bicycles on Merrick Avenue, according to police. The juvenile suspect tried to break into the store around 2:41 a.m. but fled before gaining entry. After investigating, officers determined the teen was also responsible for two previous bur-
glary attempts at the same location on Aug. 13 and Aug. 16.
The suspect was arrested without incident and charged with burglary, two counts of attempted burglary, criminal mischief, and possession of burglar tools. He was issued an appearance ticket for Nassau County Family Court on Aug. 21.
A farmer came in to see us recently with this dilemma. He had a working farm where his twenty something daughter and her husband were engaged full-time. His other daughter worked in the arts in New York City. He wanted to keep the farm in the family, but didn’t know how.
He initially wanted to leave the farm and his other assets to the two daughters in equal shares. We cautioned against this since, we advised, no one likes to do all the work and then split the profits. Additionally, real estate prices could be considerably higher on his death and there might not be enough money in the estate for the working daughter to buy out her sister. We also had to consider the sweat equity the young couple would be building up over the years working the farm. Here’s how the matter was ultimately resolved to the client’s satisfaction.
We deeded the farm now to the working daughter (not her and her husband quite yet) reserving a “life estate” in the farmer so that he had a right to live there for the rest of his
life and preserving his senior tax exemption on the property. We established the value of the property today, and made a bequest on his death, from the farmer’s living trust, of a like amount in cash to the sister before the balance of the trust was divvied up.
Now the young working couple are secure in their future, the non-working daughter gets her fair share of the estate and the farmer is protected in his rights for life. Most important of all, he has the peace of mind in knowing that the farm will stay in the family.
If you’re a business owner, and have one or more children working in the business, you have the same issues. We generally like to see the “working” children take over the business and other assets used to even out the estate distribution with the “non-working” children. Where there are not enough other assets to make the distribution even, then life insurance or a mortgage can be used for this purpose, or the “working” children can pay off the “nonworking” children over a period of years at a rate the family business can afford.
arrearage management programs, and a fee-free program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices.”
Liberty’s proposal also stated that the rate hike would help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as the “implementation of a low-income program,” to aid customers in need.
While rate proposal negotiations were under way, two public entities, the South Nassau Water Authority and the Water Authority of the North Shore, have been discussing the possibility of municipalizing Liberty’s Long Island districts. The SNWA includes the Lynbrook and Merrick service areas, while WANS includes the Sea Cliff service area. The public authorities were created by Gov. Kathy Hochul in November 2021.
Virtual hearings at which the rate proposal was discussed began last fall, and those who spoke against the increase asked that it be delayed until it was known if the public entities could properly execute a public takeover of Liberty, which is a private company. Ultimately, the commission agreed to delay its decision on the increase.
Another set of hearings were held in July, and the decision came at last week’s PSC session on Aug. 15.
The commission decided that the rate increase would benefit Liberty Water’s customers.
“With this three-year plan, the com-
the state public Service Commission approved a rate hike for Liberty utilities’ customers in nassau County, to be rolled out over the next three years. the increase will begin on Sept. 1.
pany will be able to continue to provide its customers with clean, safe water and to save money by promoting and encouraging conservation and reducing leakage,” Commission Chair Rory Christian said. “Adoption of this rate plan ensures critical investments that are good for the rates customers will pay, and good for their assurance of safe and adequate service.”
At last week’s session, Commissioner David Valesky said he found “no evidence” that a rate increase would prohibit the public authorities from continuing to work toward municipalization.
“I also found no evidence in this record that would show a potential rate
increase … would impact any municipalization negotiations in any way,” Valesky added. “So to those who continue to be interested in municipalization in Nassau County, I see nothing in this order that will impede those efforts.”
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who represents areas in Liberty’s jurisdiction, noted that the increases that were approved last week are significantly lower than those Liberty originally sought. The company was initially seeking a cumulative 34 percent increase across its Long Island water districts.
Even though the approved hikes are lower, Solages said, the fight for public water is not over.
“Liberty Water customers will still have hundreds of dollars added onto their bills over the next few years, and will continue to pay considerably more than neighbors serviced by public water,” Solages said in an emailed statement. “Now, we must press the South Nassau Water Authority to expedite their efforts toward a public takeover of Liberty Water. Our community deserves an affordable, reliable water service — not the current system where rates are dictated by a private company beholden to shareholders.”
“It is long past time for the South Nassau Water Authority’s board members to do their jobs by breaking Liberty’s monopoly on this essential resource,” Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow said, “and delivering on our collective demands for affordable, high-quality public water.”
For more on the rate increase case, and to see the public filings related to the decision, visit DPS.ny.gov, and search case No. 23-00979.
■ Rate hike begins Sept. 1 and ends March 31, 2027.
■ A typical residential customer using 8,000 gallons of water per month will pay between $54.51 and $87.32 the first year.
Corbett, left, out of Longwood High School, keys Nassau’s ground attack. At right, Jayden Taylor, a Walt Whitman High School product, tops the depth chart at quarterback for the Lions, who play five of their first six games on the road.
By TONY BELLISSIMO
tbellissimo@liherald.com
Jhaleel Oswald, a former Nassau Community College football captain and key member of its 2013 Toro Bowl-winning team, is the Lions’ new head coach after running the defense/special teams under predecessor Jamel Ramsay for the past two seasons.
The Lions, who tackled plenty of adversity in 2023 and finished a disappointing 5-5, have more than 80 in the program and kick off the Oswald era with a trip to Cleveland to face Rochester Community and Technical College this Saturday at 4 p.m. The Yellowjackets are coming off a heartbreaking loss to DuPage in the NJCAA National Championship game.
“Last year we went through a lot of trials and tribulations and didn’t play up to our standards,” said Oswald, a free safety during his playing days at Nassau and LIU. “Our expectations are to put out a product that gets us back on track with our foundation and culture,” he said. “I’m not sure if we can measure that with wins and losses this year since we have a very young team with about 60 freshmen, but I know these guys are going to play hard and also work hard in the classroom.”
With five of the first six games on the road, Oswald likes the idea of a youthful team spending lots of time together and building camaraderie.
“It’s both a blessing and a curse,” Oswald said of the challenging schedule that includes visits to Navy Prep, Hudson Valley CC and Hocking in September. “We’re going to find a lot out about ourselves early,” he
Aug. 24 Rochester CC Away 4 p.m.
Sept. 7 Navy Prep Away
Sept. 13 Army Prep Home 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 Hudson CC Away 1 p.m.
Sept. 28 Hocking Away 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Wagner JV Away 11 a.m.
Oct. 12 Eric CC Home 1 p.m.
Oct. 19 Monroe Home 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 Hudson CC Home 1 p.m.
Nov. 2 Louisburg Away 1 p.m.
added. “At the same time, it’s a good opportunity to grow the chemistry. We’re trying to look at the schedule in a positive way and we’ll have a bunch of home games in the second half of the season.”
The Lions’ home opener at Mitchel Athletic Complex is under the lights against Army Prep on Friday, Sept. 13. They’ll then play three consecutive games at home in October, versus Erie CC, Monroe and Hudson Valley CC. “We’re playing all respectable programs with quality coaches,” Oswald said. “Every week is going to be a battle.”
Some key new faces to the offense are former Suffolk County high school standouts Jayden Taylor (Walt Whitman quarterback) and Caleb Corbett (Longwood running back.)
Taylor, a lefty with a strong arm, mobility, leadership qualities and knowledge of the game, improved every day in camp, Oswald said, to win the starting job. “He’s a great kid who can do a little bit of everything and I’m really looking forward to him leading our offense,” Oswald said.
Corbett will lead a backfield that includes transfer Eric Harris and serve as one of Oswald’s targets. “Caleb is a powerful runner with good hands and he’s stood out in camp,” the coach said.
A pair of sophomore receivers, Elijah Porter and Andre Mottas, 6-foot-3 and 6-1, respectively, are primed to up their production and make their presence felt downfield. “They’re similar players who run well, have good size and excellent hands,” Oswald said.
The offensive line is one of the Lions’ top position groups and can go eight deep according to Oswald. Sophomore Kenroy Hutchinson anchors the unit at center, with sophomore Jaeden Davis-Samuels of Hempstead and freshman Jayden Jagmohan other confirmed starters
On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Ja’quevios Sam comes off a 49-tackle campaign, sophomore cornerback Dwayne Shulters picked off 2 passes and broke up 6, and could form a shutdown tandem with Abdul Somo.
On special teams, kicker Igor Rzasa and punter Danny Iobo will take care of the legwork.
“Your school district has a multitude of resources to which your child may be entitled. I can partner with you to design an effective, long-term plan to ensure that your child gets all that he or she requires to achieve academic success.”
We attend all meetings about your child and assist parents whose children attend private or charter schools, obtain services from their home district.
Office: (516) 791-1324
Cell: (516) 445-1705
Helene@Agatstein.com Website: schoolingadvocate.com
By Diane Schlindwein
Summer is waning and you’ve been out shopping for new shoes, clothes and backpacks. The school supplies are labeled, packed up and ready to go — but what about your kids?
Chances are most children and teens are feeling a bit anxious about going back to class. Will math be more difficult this year? Will I fit in? What if someone tries to bully me?
Empower Your Child’s Voice
As a parent, it is your job to help your youngster study hard, stand up to adversity and, most of all, feel confident that he or she will succeed and do well in school. Keeping in mind that parents want their offspring to have a positive approach to education, here’s what a few professionals have to say about building confidence in children as the new school year gets under way.
Ask your children for their advice, instructs Rabbi Roger E. Herst, the author of “A Simple Formula for Raising Happy Children.” “This is an exercise to encourage independent thought,” he says. “Asking children for their advice lets them know you care about and respect their perspective, which tells them their voice matters. It also lets them know they are responsible for their opinions, which have impact on the real world, and not just in their minds.”
Our kids are amazing and it is important that they understand that, says veteran psychologist Dr. Sherrie Campbell. “They are amazing just because they are. They don’t have to do anything to be amazing,” she says. “They are a gift, deserve to be loved and treasured and need to be disciplined to think and believe in their own greatness. When we see them start having low self-esteem we must remind them nothing can stand the way of their greatness.”
Foster Intelligence And Self-Belief Children need to know that they are both smart and significant, says Campbell, the
author of “Loving Yourself: The Mastery of Being Your Own Person.” “When we raise our children, we must raise them to see, believe in and use their intelligence. When our children hear they are smart, and we find every opportunity to reflect this to them through their own actions, we help them to believe it about themselves. When they believe they are smart they behave smartly, perform smartly, communicate intelligently and they make wiser choices.”
“Your child needs to learn how to deal with life on his or her own terms,” says Dr. George S. Glass, co-author of “The Overparenting Epidemic.” “Circumstances change, communication varies and children respond differently as they grow older. This means that all of us will continue making mistakes.
From
“Let your kids fail, beginning with the first time they fall down on the playground,” he says. “They need to learn early on that life is full of bumps and bruises, and that they have the wherewithal to overcome them.”
“No one is perfect and having confidence doesn’t come as a result of being perfect,” says Campbell. “Confidence comes from learning to love themselves in their not-soperfect moments.” They also need to be powerful, she adds. “It won’t matter what people say about them because they know what they think of themselves.”
Still sometimes mistakes are a good thing, concludes Glass. Rough spots help children gain the confidence needed to succeed first in school and then, later in life. “Work with your kids on how they can learn from their mistakes,” he instructs.
Finally, be sure to let them take pride in their schoolwork and their creations, even if you think that they should be “better” or that you should help out. “It’s their science fair,” says Glass. “You had yours.” Back-to-School
When being an involved parent becomes helicopter
By Diane Schlindwein
Overseeing your child’s academic life is essential, but if you find yourself constantly hovering over him or her at homework time, recalculating every math problem and editing every essay, you might be what educational and psychological experts call a “helicopter parent.”
Being overfocused on your child’s performance and behavior can stem from a few things: anxiety, compensation, fear of consequences or peer pressure, as Kate Bayless writes in Parents magazine. Surely, behind that is a commitment to your child succeeding and being taken care of, though it can have consequences. But how do you be an involved parent without smothering your kids?
Dr. Bill Moredock, a longtime licensed psychologist who is also an elementary school principal, says helicopter parenting isn’t good, but neither is total uninvolvement. Parents should be involved with their children’s academic life but need to act within reason, he says. In other words, constant hovering isn’t necessary, and some involvement is important.
“Parents should monitor their children’s
progress in school starting from day one,” he says. “From preschool through graduate school parents should have a stake in how their children are progressing at every level. Of course, the degree of involvement should vary depending on factors such as age, grade, special circumstances, transitions, and the specific needs of the child.”
“It is an empirically proven fact that children with parental support have a higher probability for success in school than children who lack support,” he says. “Parents who are completely uninvolved set their children up for academic failure. Parents need to set the expectation and standard (for school work.”
Understand your child’s personality and learning style
But when it comes to monitoring schoolwork and overseeing homework time, parents also need to consider their child’s personality and learning style. “Each child is different,” he says. “Ask any parent who has had more than one child. Each child has his or her own set of inherited traits. Some children need a lot of support on school-related endeavors. Others seem to need very little.” Take the time to observe
what kind of support would benefit them before just jumping in.
Dr. George S. Glass, who co-authored the book “The Overparenting Epidemic” with David Tabatsky, says helicopter parents are often invasive, overly attentive and competitive and have trouble separating themselves from their offspring. “Our children are not extensions of ourselves,” he says. “Each of them is his or her own person, no matter what stage of development the individual is at.”
“Children need to be given the space to try things out and experience failure as well as success,” Glass says. “That should begin at an early age and certainly by the time they go to school.”
Give them a break
Moredock adds that no matter what the grade level, having some down time is also important. “Kids do need breaks — time to exercise and have some fun,” he says. And even when children are under extreme pressure to get homework finished and out of the way, parents should not do the work for them. “Parents who do their children’s homework are fostering dependency and perhaps even encouraging cheating,” he says.
Photo: PParents want their children to thrive, be happy and succeed. If you feel you’ve been hovering a bit too much, look for opportunities to take a step back from solving problems
Youth musicians had an opportunity to showcase their budding talent at a recent event, created just for them.
The North Merrick Public Library was transformed into a lively music venue on Aug. 8, as it hosted its inaugural teen concert, Rock the Stacks. The event, held outside at the library’s pavilion, provided a picturesque backdrop for an evening of energetic performances by local teen musicians.
Teens in grades 7 and up, including recent high school graduates, took to the stage to showcase their talents in both solo acts and band performances. The variety of acts ranged from acoustic solos to full-band ensembles, each bringing their unique style and enthusiasm to the event. The pavilion setting created a vibrant atmosphere, with the audience enjoying the music as the sun set over the library grounds.
In addition to the performers, many teens volunteered behind the scenes as roadies, assisting with setup and earning community service credits in the process. Their efforts ensured the smooth running of the event and added to the sense of camaraderie and community.
Information sessions for the event were held on July 1 and July 8, where interested participants and volunteers had the chance to learn more about the showcase and how they could get involved. The anticipation built during these sessions culminated in a successful and enjoyable concert that highlighted the musical talents of the community’s young performers.
The North Merrick Public Library’s Rock the Stacks provided a platform for teens to express themselves creatively and connect with their peers through the universal language of music. The Rock the Stacks concert was a celebration of youth talent the library’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and community engagement.
— Jordan Vallone
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The Gateway Inn on Sunrise Highway has long been a source of community concern due to building violations, noise complaints, safety concerns and numerous other issues. The Merrick Community Civic Association, which has long brought awareness to the issues at the inn, hosted a meeting on Aug. 13 to update community members on changes that will impact the area.
The civic association welcomed area police offices, several government officials at the town, county, and state level, as well as representatives from the county’s department of social services. Each group was able to interact with over 100 residents who attended the meeting, and ask questions about several situations that have affected Merrick residents who live near the inn.
According to a letter, which was sent out to Merrick residents from the Town of Hempstead last week, Supervisor Don Clavin said, “The Gateway Inn is a source of frustration for Merrick neighbors, and a recent incident that involved a resident of the motel brought community concerns into clear focus.”
The incident involving a resident of the hotel drew police attention, as well as a helicopter search over the area. The Gateway Inn has served as a housing location for the county’s department of
The community met last week to discuss issues regarding the Gateway Inn, which has long been a source of concern due to building violations, noise complaints, among many other issues.
social services clients.
“Over the past several days, we had an opportunity to interface with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, working collaboratively to respond in a positive and meaningful way to concerns voiced by Merrick homeowners and businesspeople,” Clavin said in his letter. “The county executive shares our commitment to the quality-of-life and safety of people just like you. Accordingly, we are happy to report that there will be some welcome changes at the Gateway Inn on Sunrise Highway.”
Most importantly, as it was announced at the meeting, Blakeman has asked that the inn no longer be used as a housing location for social services clients.
Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider, who represents the 5th Councilmanic District, attended the meeting and wrote on his Facebook page, “Updated members of the Merrick Community Civic Association about efforts the Town of Hempstead is taking in the Merrick community to protect quality of life, including at the Gateway Inn,
working together with our partners in Nassau County government and the Nassau County Police Department. The town and county will continue to prioritize quality of life and safety for residents.”
Seth Koslow, a Nassau County legislator said he was happy to hear that the department of social services would no longer be using the hotel for housing.
“Following months of collaborative work, I was glad to hear DSS officials publicly commit to the Merrick community that they will no longer be using the Gateway for emergency housing,” he said. “This is a step in the right direction, and I will continue working closely with Nassau police, Merrick civic leaders and all levels of government — including the Town of Hempstead, which has zoning and code enforcement jurisdiction over the Gateway — to enhance the community’s safety and quality of life.”
The Town of Hempstead said that it has instructed its building department to work closely with Nassau County and the police department.
“Strict compliance with building ordinances and codes will be enforced,” Clavin wrote.
Excessive noise and unsafe conditions should be reported to the building department at (516) 812-3052. Criminal activity should be reported to the police by calling 911.
Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.
Performing a life-changing brain surgery— without a single incision.
Helping a new mom give birth and receive a new liver.
At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
North Shore University Hospital
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The water quality in Hempstead’s Western Bays continues to show progressive improvement, according to a report presented Aug. 15 by officials from the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the Town of Hempstead, and Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies.
The report, shown at a briefing held at the Town of Hempstead Marine Laboratory, revealed significant decreases in nitrogen, ammonia, and other harmful pollutants that have historically degraded the water and damaged local coastal wetlands.
“Hempstead Bay and its major tributaries, known as the Western Bays, help drive a multi-billion-dollar economy,” said Richard Guardino, executive director of the LIRPC. “It’s fueled by recreation, bathing, boating, fishing, and seafood harvesting. The Western Bays contribute greatly to the quality of life we enjoy right here in the Town of Hempstead, and it’s one of the most beautiful coastal areas in all of the nation.”
Despite the promising results, officials cautioned that work remains to fully restore the bays’ health. They emphasized that multi-level efforts to
An Aug. 15 briefing at the Town of Hempstead Marine Laboratory illustrated a significant decrease in nitrogen pollution in Long Island waters.
leading cause of water quality deterioration in the region, contributing to toxic algal blooms, low oxygen, fish kills, and the destruction of vital marine habitats. It also poses a significant risk to Long Island’s drinking water, because groundwater serves as the island’s source of freshwater.
The Hempstead Bay Water Quality Monitoring Project, initially launched in the 1980s and revived in 2019 under the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan, ty issues in the area. The project collects
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across the Western Bays. These stations help track pollutant levels in the water. In addition, three continuous monitoring sites provide real-time data, and 20 deep-water locations allow researchers to assess conditions below the surface. There are also 12 inland sites to monitor nitrogen deposits from atmospheric conditions and rainwater.
“We’ve seen that the water is becoming cleaner. We’ve seen lately less nitrogen in the water,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said. “And it’s through all these combinations — people committed to making sure that the future is bright for their children, programs we run through the town — but it’s through the ability now to test it here that’s going to be most beneficial, and we are so grateful to have this.”
water samples from various locations in the bays and inland areas to measure levels of nitrogen, ammonia, and other pollutants.
“This is an investment in the environment. This is an investment in the economy,” Councilman Chris Schneider said. “It’s an investment in our safety, and the results we’re seeing, the fruits of the results of that investment, they are terrific, and we’re going to continue it.”
Testing is conducted using a network of 40 surface water stations located
Hofstra Professor Steve Raciti presented data comparing water quality from 1980 to 1985, which showed high levels of nitrate marked in red on the charts, to the period from 2020 to 2023, when the water had largely transitioned to blue, indicating much lower nitrate levels. Areas near wastewater-treatment plants showed the most significant improvements.
With an additional $5 million invested by the state in the Long Island Nitrogen Action plan since 2015, the program aims to continue reducing nitrogen levels across the Island, beyond just runoff and treatment plant discharges.
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
STANLEY M. BERGMAN
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CEO
SPECIAL AWARDS
DISTINGUISHED VISIONARY
STANLEY M. BERGMAN
Chairman of the Board and CEO Henry Schein
ORGANIZATIONS OF EXCELLENCE
BRIGHTVIEW SENIOR
LONG ISLAND SELECT HEALTHCARE
PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION
EXCELLENCE IN NURSING ADVOCACY
NEW YORK STATE NURSE’S ASSOCIATION (NYSNA)
CN GUIDANCE COUNSELING & SERVICES
MICHELLE BALLAN, PhD
Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Welfare
Professor, Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Health Services
KIMON BEKELIS, MD
Director
Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island
MICHAEL BROWN
CEO Fellow Health Partners
JORDAN BRODSKY, MD
Medical Doctor & Rheumatologist Rheumatology Consultants
HENRY SCHEIN SPECIAL THANKS TO
ALANNA M. CARCICH, MBA
Senior Director, Joints, Spine & Orthobiologics Northwell Health Orthopedics
CATHERINE CANADEO Founder & CEO
Catherine Candeo Health & Wellness Corp
NICOLE CHRISTENSEN
Founder & CEO Award-Winning Patient Advocate & Care Coordinator Care Answered
TODD J. COHEN, MD
Chief of Cardiology, Director of Medical Device Innovation New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
TORI COHEN
Executive Director Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center
CAROLYNN EIPEL
Director of Home Care Services CareFirst Home Solutions
HEIDI FELIX
Vice President of Sales LifeVac
NICK FITTERMAN, MD, MACP
Executive Director Huntington Hospital Northwell Health
MARY GMITEREK-APAT, D.C. Chiropractor Dr. Mary's Chiropractic and Wellness Center
DOUG GOLUB President Data Potato
AARON GROTAS, MD
Board-Certified Urologist PRINE Health
LORI GOOSTONE, DHEd., RN Professor, Department of Nursing Farmingdale State College
RENEE HASTICK-MOTES, MPA
Senior Vice President/ Chief External Affairs Officer & President St. John's ICARE Foundation at Episcopal Health Services
ROBYN JOSEPH, MD
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery / Founder Northern Ankle Foot Associates
FELICIA KASOW
Director of Marketing & Operations PURE Mammography
NANCY C. LEGHART Executive Director St. John's Episcopal Health Services
BRIAN MAYRSOHN, MD CMO & Owner
Maywell Health
PARUL DUA MAKKAR, DDS Owner PDM Family Dental
TINA MORENO
Vice President of WORC Force Capital Campaign Life's WORC
DENIS NANKERVIS, DO, FACS, FACOS Trauma Medical Director/Assistant Professor of Surgery at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health
LILLIAN PALEY
Vice President of Clinical Services & Recruitment Silver Lining Homecare Agency
CAROLYN K. QUINN
Executive Director, Cohen Children's Center; SVP Pediatrics, Northwell Health Cohen Children's Medical Center Northwell Health
MEG C. RYAN, ESQ. Interim CEO & President Chief Legal Officer NHCC Nassau University Medical Center
DEAN RISKIN
Co-Founder & CEO Hair We Share
MELISSA SCHACHTER, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD Speech Language-Pathologist & Director The Speech Language Place
LISA STERN AVP of Senior & Adult Services Family & Children's Association
AMYEE ST. PIERRE Vice President, Senior Consultant, Health & Performance HUB International
JOSEPH VERDIRAME Manging Partner & CEO Alliance Home Care
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO & WILL SHEELINE of the Herald
The smell of marijuana has sparked division across New York state ever since its legalization under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act on March 31, 2021. While some residents celebrate the change, others express frustration over the strong odor infiltrating public spaces.
According to the New York State Cannabis website, it is legal to smoke or vape cannabis in most areas where tobacco use is permitted, such as private homes or backyards. However, landlords can still ban smoking — both tobacco and marijuana — in apartment buildings. Cannabis consumption is prohibited in motor vehicles, hookah and cigar bars, businesses, restaurants including patios, federal property including public housing, and most public and state parks as well as beaches.
Even with cannabis legalized across the state, the Town of Hempstead has taken measures to restrict its availability. Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board unanimously voted to opt out of marijuana sales on Dec. 8, 2021, preventing businesses from selling it within the town’s borders.
This decision is in line with the state’s Cannabis Law, specifically Section 131, which allows towns, cities, and villages to prohibit cannabis businesses if they passed a local law on or before the later of Dec. 31, 2021, or nine months after the effective date of the section.
Medical marijuana dispensaries can only operate in specific zoning districts, and they must be in buildings with active medical offices and receive authorization from the State Department of Health.
No more than two medical dispensaries are allowed in the town at any time. They cannot be within 1,000 feet of schools, child day-care centers, parks, or places of worship, and must be at least 500 feet from residential areas, with some exceptions. They must operate between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and consumption or use of marijuana on-site is prohibited. People under 18 are not allowed on the premises unless they are patients or accompanied by a guardian.
The Town of Oyster Bay and the City of Long Beach also opted out of permitting cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites in December 2021.
Despite these laws and restrictions, the smell of marijuana still seeps into prohibited areas, demonstrating the ongoing difficulty in controlling its impact on public spaces.
Avita John, a 24-year-old from Wantagh, has faced significant challenges due to her severe asthma, which is exacerbated by marijuana smoke.
“Smell is something that could trigger anything for me, but especially with, like, weed, since it’s a type of, like, smoking and vaping, you could say, that
use of marijuana, its odor seems to be wafting almost everywhere
triggers my asthmatic tendencies more,” John said. “And what happens is that when I smell it, I just want to puke. My lungs, everything, my throat just closes up. So, it’s very hard for me to breathe.”
The problem is particularly evident in her work environment, where customers are often under the influence of marijuana. The presence of smoke in the air makes it difficult for her to interact with them, and exacerbates her health struggles.
In addition to the problems caused by the smell of marijuana, John highlighted broader concerns that affect lung health, suggesting that while laws and designated smoking areas are designed to reduce health risks, they may not fully address the broader challenges of environmental pollution and secondhand smoke.
“I don’t think legislation or governments could do anything, per se, because
they will have to interview us, or they’ll have a form for the insurance company to fill out saying that we’re asthmatic, we have lung issues, and we can’t be around smokers,” she said. “We can’t be around air pollution. But then, there’s air pollution everywhere. We don’t have clean air technically. I would say maybe they could help with our medication causes or give us some monetary incentive to help us with our health care, because they can’t provide a safe space for us. They already have spaces designated for smokers, but there are a lot of people who don’t abide by that.”
The potential problems linked to the smell of marijuana aren’t just limited to health concerns. Alison Camardella, president of the North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse, emphasized that the risk of normalizing marijuana smoking can risk the normalization of its use by young people.
“The dramatic increase in marijuana
smells in our parks, at our beaches and even, you know, sporting events normalizes the use of drugs for our kids, and that’s our concern,” Camardella said. “So regularly seeing and smelling it gives our kids the wrong message that this is safe and that this is OK and that it’s socially acceptable.”
CASA is a nonprofit that focuses on reducing the abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco among students in the North Shore School District. Camardella emphasized that while the dangers of alcohol and tobacco are well-publicized and acknowledged, the potential risks of marijuana abuse by young people are often underreported and brushed aside.
“The more that they see adults using it, the more they’re at risk of using it at a younger age,” Camardella continued. “There is no question that marijuana use in the teen years is not only bad for their developing brains, but it also increases their risk of addiction later in life.”
Not everyone agrees that this is a public issue however. Anthony G., a construction worker who buys marijuana products from the dispensary Strain Stars in Farmingdale and requested anonymity, argued that smoking marijuana in public is legal. Furthermore, he made a contrast between the smoking of cigarettes in public versus smoking marijuana.
“I’m not breaking any laws — I’m not smoking in people’s faces,” he said. “It feels like a double standard, because people are still smoking cigarettes everywhere.”
As marijuana continues to become more accessible and its smell spreads through public areas, finding solutions to maintain comfort and well-being for everyone in these spaces is becoming increasingly important.
vigilant of scams and
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Following several reported scams, that have led to arrests in Nassau County, including an elder scam in East Meadow on July 31, the county is reminding residents to be vigilant and know the warning signs of potential scams.
According to a news release shared by the Nassau County Police Department and Patrick Ryder, commissioner of police, the county is urging residents, particularly seniors, to remain vigilant as numerous scams continue to circulate in the area.
Just last month, two Bronx men were arrested after attempting to scam a 73-year-old East Meadow resident. The men allegedly called the East Meadow man, and told him his bank account had been compromised. Police were called and the men were arrested without incident. A subsequent investigation revealed that they were responsible for numerous additional scams.
Fraudulent activities by scammers are designed to exploit vulnerable individuals, costing them thousands of unrecoverable dollars.
One of the more prevalent scams is the home improvement scam, where fraudulent contractors approach homeowners with unsolicited offers for home inspections or repairs. In some cases, these individuals even cause damage themselves to justify their services. Residents are advised not to let unknown persons into their homes and to avoid paying for work that wasn’t approved or completed. To protect themselves, they should try to pay by check or credit card to ensure a record of the transaction.
Another scam that has been reported is the flat tire scam. Victims are often targeted shortly after exiting a bank or shopping center. The scam involves a staged flat tire, where a seemingly helpful person offers assistance. While the victim is distracted, an accomplice enters their vehicle and steals property.
The relative arrested scam is also a common tactic used by scammers. Victims receive a phone call informing them
that a relative has been arrested or involved in an accident. The caller demands bail money, often arranging to meet the victim in person or instructing them to pay with gift cards.
In the social security scam, scammers claim that the victim’s Social Security number has been used in fraudulent activities. They threaten financial loss unless the victim provides their bank account information or sends gift cards.
The IRS scam involves callers imper sonating IRS agents, claiming that the victim is in danger of being arrested or fined due to tax discrepancies. Victims are pressured to make immediate payments, often via gift cards, which the IRS would never request.
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Other scams include the lottery scam, where victims are falsely notified that they have won a cash prize but must pay a handling fee to claim it, and the computer scam, in which victims receive a message while online stating there is a problem that requires remote access control to fix. The scammer then gains access to personal information and online banking details, stealing funds.
Additionally, the arrest warrant scam sees victims receiving a message from supposed law enforcement officers requesting gift cards to void an arrest warrant, while the PSEG Scam targets residents and small business customers, demanding immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.
The Amazon scam alerts victims to fraudulent activity on their accounts and instructs them to pay off the balance with gift cards.
Illegal scams are costing honest citizens significant amounts of money, the county says. Nassau County officials are urging residents to stay informed and share this information with family members, neighbors, and particularly the elderly, to help prevent further victimization.
Those who believe they’ve been a victim of a scam should call 911 immediately. Residents with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible are encouraged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-8477.
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Iremember a storybook wedding at the Waldorf Astoria that I attended many years ago. The bride was radiant; the groom was beaming. She was exuberant as she spoke about her new husband as a special person who “is wonderful, caring, sensitive and makes me feel so good about myself.” He in turn, was passionate as he spoke about his new wife as a remarkable woman who “is loving, bright, beautiful and my best friend.”
psychWisdom
It was a wondrous evening. This couple was glowing. They felt mutually appreciated, valued, esteemed, treasured, safe and loved. How superb, fantastic! We were witnessing couple heaven!!
And then, some crass woman on the reception line muttered (in much too loud a voice) “Just wait. She’ll wise up and see. Marriage is for the man’s benefit. Women get the raw end of the deal.” Her mate took the bait. “What do you mean for the man’s benefit? Women suck men dry. Marriage is a woman’s game. He’ll turn into a pansy soon enough.”
Everyone rolled their eyes. They motioned to this couple to shut up. They were spoiling the moment. Romantic weddings appeal to the deepest instinct in all of us who still believe in fairytale love that’s magical and wondrous. Romantic love is nature’s anesthesia, a time of infinite hope, when lovers are fully conscious of their passion and devotion toward one another, unconscious of the difficulties that are yet to surface.
Why, oh why was this crass couple intruding on the moment? And yet, many people in the room knew what they were talking about. Romantic love changes. The anesthesia wears off!
As change begins, starry-eyed lovers don’t wish to acknowledge it. Despite themselves, they get annoyed about things they previously glossed over. Still, they’re patient with one another, minimizing differences and apologizing for their judgments. “He’s tired”; “She had a hard day.” Problems are emerging, but so what, they tell themselves. No relationship is perfect!
As time elapses, however, romantic love typically recedes further from consciousness. Awakening from anesthesia, both husband and wife feel less tolerant of behavior that triggers anger, hurt, and disappointment. She
may speak about him as “selfish, uncaring, egocentric”; he may speak about her as “controlling, manipulating, never satisfied.” Instead of gazing into each other’s eyes, now they sit in silence as they gaze at the TV.
Nagging differences may blossom into fullblown annoyances. He wants to watch the games on the weekends; she wants to go shopping with him. He can’t sleep unless the TV is on; she needs quiet to doze off. He orders from a menu without regard to cholesterol or cost; she focuses on diet and dollars. Romantic partners all right---like Michael Jordan and Mother Teresa!
If romantic love is fading from your relationship, don’t panic! Just because you’re in another stage of love does not mean all is lost. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to see if you can love this imperfect person, for whom he or she really is, not for whom you imagined your spouse was. Instead of feeling betrayed, dwelling on the reality that “you’re not the person I thought you were,” do what you can to grow the relationship.
Remember, you were under nature’s anesthesia at the beginning of your relationship. You wanted to believe that the two of you were like one. Your life together began as a romance novel, now it feels like a case study in a marriage help book. Bummer!
Though the snags in your relationship are difficult to manage, I hope you don’t end up being like that crass cynical couple at the wedding. Sure, you’d love to magically wish away any relationship troubles, but listen up! Your current struggle with your spouse presents a fuller picture of who you both really are. Though these struggles may be the last thing your conscious mind desires, unconsciously, it may be just what you need to heal, expand, grow and truly accept your spouse for who he/she is. ©2024
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the Pakistan Flag Raising Event, celebrating the 77th anniversary of the nation’s independence, on earlier this month outside Hempstead Town Hall. The event was hosted by the Town’s Department of Community Affairs. As the largest and most diverse township in America, Hempstead Town hosts many independence and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Boogie along with Disco Unlimited at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will — when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, the exhilarating band will draw you in with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show that creates an unforgettable concert experience. Close your eyes and you will truly believe you are listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. This group of unique musicians love and live this era of music. As always, bring seating.
Saturday, Aug. 24, 7-9 p.m. For information, visit NassauCcountyNY. gov/parks.
By Iris Wiener
Al Jolson was considered the “Greatest Entertainer” of his day, so it is no surprise that the annual Long Island Jolson Festival
is celebrating 25 years next month, Sept. 7.
The unique and lively remembrance of the icon, who was a pioneer in many genres in the 1920s — including music, film (“The Jazz Singer”) and theater (“Hold on to Your Hats”) — will be filled with nostalgia, the musical stylings of beloved Jolson entertainer Tony Babino and by “Mr. Tin Pan Alley,” Richard Halpern, along with many memorable surprises.
The festival, which returns to Lambrou’s Catering Hall in Island Park, will also treat guests to comedic performances, an auction and the camaraderie of being in a space shared with like-minded Jolson enthusiasts. Jan Hernstat, the International Al Jolson Society’s longtime president, says that fans travel to Long Island for this special experience from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and even Virginia.
“Jolson was the biggest star of the ‘20s, ‘30s and much of the ‘40s,” says Hernstat. “The problem is people don’t remember him anymore because there’s no outlet for his work. He was a star before radio, television and talking movies. There was no internet, and yet people all over the world knew who he was! The Al Jolson Festival is our way of letting people know the kind of talent that he was, and the kind of things that he did. There’s still a lot of people who want to come and celebrate him.”
Hernstat has been organizing the event since its inception. “It’s amazing, and we’ve had a lot of different people join us over the years. Soupy Sales, Margaret Whiting, Sheldon Harnick,” he recalls.
• Sept. 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tickets are $49.95, which includes entertainment and meals; tickets for show only are $29.95
• Information and tickets available at Jolson.org or call Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524.
• Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park
To everyone’s delight, mainstay Babbino — aka “The Heart of Al Jolson” — is always the grand finale.
“I’ve had the great honor of being a part of it all these years,” says Babino as he considers his history with the festival. “It’s a great tribute to one of the greatest entertainers, and it’s something special to me because I’ve been paying tribute to Jolson my entire life. To be able to do it continually for the people who appreciate it, it’s really an amazing thing for me to experience.”
Hernstat wanted to focus on comedy this year. He’s brought in impressionists taking on Groucho Marx, Rodney Dangerfield and Laurel & Hardy.
“We’re going to recreate a radio skit that was done on ‘Kraft Music Hall’ between Jolson and Groucho,” Hernstat says. “We have an actual script!”
And, of course, there’s memorabilia available for sale, as always. This year’s selection includes items from a long time collector who passed.
“There are many things you couldn’t get otherwise. Between the auction and the sale, there’s going to be an awful lot of things Jolson fans can take advantage of,” Hernstat adds.
“It’s important to keep Jolson’s legacy alive for so many reasons, besides his one-of-a-kind, unique voice that’s easily recognizable,” Babino says.”He came to the U.S. as a little kid and went on to live the American dream. He did it all on his own. He became the biggest star in the country — on Broadway and then in the movies. At a time when it was very difficult to get to New York from other places, Jolson came up with the idea to take a full Broadway show on the road. That became the forerunner of the touring companies we have today. He was the first guy to go overseas and sing for the troops in World War II. He accomplished all these things [and many more] and he was kind of a forefather of modern show business.”
Participating yearly is truly a labor of love for the vocalist.
“We get such joy out of making it fun and interesting, performing some of the great and familiar music that people still love. We make a great day of it,” Babino says.
Hernstat remains intent on keeping Jolson’s legacy front and center in the public eye.
“If you are a lover of old time nostalgic stars of the past, you should not miss this,” he says with enthusiasm. “You’re going to want to come back again and again. We hope to continue to do this year after year, but don’t miss this one. It’s one for the ages!”
‘Good
times never seemed so good’
Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by the musicians who perform as Neil Forever. The 14-piece band delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. Founder David Jacobson (lead vocals/guitar), has a great passion for Diamond’s music and legacy. Jacobson, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey only recently, in January of 2023. The band is already forging an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic Neil Diamond hits, especially“Sweet Caroline,” of course.
Saturday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.
Guitarist Dweezil Zappa brings the aptly named “Rox-Postrophy” Tour to the Paramount stage, Friday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m. Zappa is celebrating two of his father Frank Zappa’s landmark albums, “Roxy & Elsewhere” and “Apostrophe.”
The tour commemorates the 50th Anniversary of both albums and Zappa has curated a setlist highlighting fan-favorite tracks from each record, replete with unique hybrid arrangements.
“The songs you think you know, may just end up surprising you with parts you’ve never heard before” according to Zappa. A Grammy-winning musician, Zappa has left an indelible mark on the music industry with over 2,000 concerts performed worldwide.
Known for his masterful performances and deep connection to his father’s music, he returning to concert stages for the first time since the 2020 Hot Ratz Live! Tour, continuing to guide fans through the thrilling and sophisticated world of his father’s music. His virtuosity on the guitar is matched only by his prolific compositional skills, which have generated numerous original works spanning multiple albums including “Confessions of Deprived Youth” (1991) and “Via Zammata” (2015). His music effortlessly traverses genres, seamlessly weaving together elements of rock, fusion, and experimental sounds, all while maintaining a signature style that is unmistakably his own. In addition to his solo work, Zappa has collaborated with an impressively varied roster of artists, including Edward Van Halen, Deep Purple, Lisa Loeb, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Steve Vai, among others. $89, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49. 50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com. Aug.
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, Sunday, Aug. 25, starting at 9 a.m. The group meets at the gazebo. The park is on the north side of Merrick Road, four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.
Adopt your “fur-ever” friend this summer. There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during the ”summer of love” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Now through Sept. 1, all pet adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. There is a $10 license fee for dogs. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cats before stepping foot in the shelter online at HempsteadNY.gov/179/ Animal-Shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page at Hempstead Town Animal Shelter. For more information, contact (516) 7855220.
Rockin’ Labor Day
Rock on at Point Lookout for a rousing Labor Day weekend celebration, at Town Park Point Lookout, with Mike DelGuidice, Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. The free concert, hosted by the Town of Hempstead, concludes with a fireworks show.
DelGuidice, known for his appearances with Billy Joel, captivates audiences all over with his renditions of the Joel hits, along with his own tunes. 1300 Lido Blvd. in Point Lookout. For information, visit toh.li.
The widely popular Bellmore Family Street Festival returns to Bedford and Pettit Avenues, Broadway and in the LIRR lots, Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 26-29. With crafters, vendors, live music, food, entertainment and carnival rides. The carnival is open 6-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday. Street festival is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit BellmoreChamber. com. for more.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28ST | 12:00PM-2:00PM ON
Interested candidates are invited to submit the
FREE ADMISSION | Bring Blankets or Chairs
Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.
Before the event, be sure to check out Nassau’s top-notch Restaurants, Golf Courses, Beaches and Shopping. Nassau is back and open for business!
1. Resume: Highlighting your photography experience and relevant skills.
Requirements:
2. Portfolio: A link to your online portfolio or social media.
• Own professional-grade camera
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Reliable transportation.
• Strong work ethic, punctuality, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to interact with subjects and collaborate with our editorial team.
Enjoy a film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, at the closing screening of the season, Wednesday, Aug. 28, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See “Wonka,” the prequel based on the Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” It tells the story of how the world’s greatest inventor and chocolate-maker became the Willy Wonka we know today.
Want to learn how to make people laugh?
Sign up for a seven-week course at the Brokerage in Bellmore, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10, to learn the art of stand-up comedy. Fee is $295. Register online at standupu. com. Classes are only held at the Bellmore location, 2797 Merrick Road. Call (516) 8105447 for more.
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, the big screen spectacle introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores holds its Friday Night Car Show, through Oct. 4, at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot. Show opens at 6 p.m., closes at 10 p.m. Free for all spectators; admission for cars is $5. For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts its annual Walk in the Park fundraiser, at Eisenhower Park, Thursday, Sept. 28. The walk kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the park’s Field 6. Those who raise $100 or more will have an opportunity to meet retired baseball player Dwight Gooden, who’s joining the walk’s efforts as an ambassador. For more information, visit ALZFdn.org/ walk.
Having an event?
East Meadow Beth El Jewish Center hosts the Herald/ RichnerLIVE Senior Health Expo, Friday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. Seniors and family members will benefit from informative panel discussions, with raffles, vendor tables, and more. Free lunch included. 1400 Prospect Ave. For sponsorship or additional information, contact Anna Graci at agraci@ liherald.com or call (515) 5694000 ext. 224.
Mercy Hospital offers a peerto-peer breastfeeding support and resources, Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. Call counselor Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure your spot. St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Visit CHSLI.org fore more.
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.
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans.On viw through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum, Thursday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the in-depth program and also participate in a guided exhibition tour following the lecture. No registration required, but limited seating. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Rewind time and immerse yourself in iconic tunes with Radio Flashback, outdoors, at Bellmore Memorial Library, Friday, Sept. 6, 6-8:30 p.m. The four-piece band’s signature harmonies along with their legendary high-energy performances, will captivate everyone. Rock on with ‘70s and ‘80s his, including Journey, Aerosmith, The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, and more. Registration required. Bring seating. 2288 Bedford Ave. Visit bellmorelibrary.org to register and for more info.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 4th day of September, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations:
BETHPAGE
COURTNEY LANE (TH 325/24) - STOPAll traffic traveling north bound on Elder Lane shall come to a full stop.
LEVITTOWN
COLLECTOR LANE (TH 326/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling north bound on Wheelwright Lane shall come to a full stop.
NORTH BELLMORE
OAK STREET (TH 237/24)
- STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Brook Place shall come to a full stop.
OAK STREET (TH 237/24)
- STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Brook Place shall come to a full stop.
SEAFORD
PETER STREET (TH 302/24) - STOPAll traffic traveling south bound on Dianne Street shall come to a full stop.
PETER STREET (TH 302/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Brian Lane shall come to a full stop.
PETER STREET (TH 302/24) - STOPAll traffic traveling south bound on Priscilla Place shall come to a full stop.
WANTAGH
BLUE POINT COURT (TH 319/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Riverside Drive shall come to a full stop.
BLUE POINT COURT (TH 319/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling north bound on Riverside Drive shall come to a full stop.
BARRIE AVENUE (TH 321/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling west bound on Kinloch Road shall come to a full stop.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: August 6, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 148529
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-D, Plaintiff, Against MICHAEL BROWN, ET Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/09/2018, 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 on 9/26/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1855 Madison Avenue, Bellmore, New York 11710, And Described As Follows:
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 L Lot 21
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $992,729.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 5261/09 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 7/25/24 File Number: 17-300073 SH 148543
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR OCWEN LOAN ACQUISTION TRUST 2023-HB1, Plaintiff, vs. LEE NORA E. PARKER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2810 Genesee Street, North Bellmore
a/k/a Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 367 and Lot 234. Approximate amount of judgment is $511,598.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615780/2022. 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. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 148553
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-5, Plaintiff, Against KEINO M. KORPELA A/K/A KEINO KORPELA, KOSTANTINA PASCULLO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/15/2023, 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 on 9/25/2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2597 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore
A.K.A. South Bellmore, New York 11710 And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore (Unincorporated Area) In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 0063 Block 00230-00 Lot 00003 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $649,489.06 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 611459/2022
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 7/25/24 File Number: 17-302209 SH 148540
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Home Equity Asset Trust 2006-7, Home Equity Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-7, Plaintiff AGAINST
Robert Cullen a/k/a Robert J. Cullen; Barbara Cullen a/k/a Barbara L. Cullen; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 11, 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 September 12, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2032 Bergen Street, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the west side of Bergen Street, Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 56 Block 142 Lot 819 & 820. Approximate amount of judgment $867,267.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011407/2014. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Jane Shrenkel, 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: July 29, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 148313
Courtesy Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation Anders Lee, captain of the New York Islanders, is bringing his beloved Jam Kancer in the Kan fundraiser back to Eisenhower Park on Sept. 14. Inspired by his teammates, who had made a difference on Long Island, the Kan Jam tournament raises money for families affected by cancer diagnoses.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
New York Islanders captain, and King Clancy Award winner, Anders Lee, will be bringing his beloved fundraising initiative back to Long Island next month. Lee will hold his “Jam Kancer in the Kan” fundraiser at the Northwell Health Ice Center, located off Merrick Avenue in Eisenhower Park on Sept. 14 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
At the event, teams of two players will be paired with an Islanders player, and compete against other teams and players in a Kan Jam tournament. Kan Jam is a backyard frisbee game, in which teams attempt to score points with a disc, by aiming their throws in the direction of two goals.
The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation was founded in 2014 by Jamey Crimmins, who came up with the idea while training for the New York City Marathon. He was running as a member of “Fred’s Team,” a group that fundraises for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center every year. Crimmins had lost his father-in-law and a close friend to cancer. Alongside his wife and friends, he decided to organize an inaugural Jam Kancer in the Kan tournament in New Jersey. With 24 teams participating in the tournament, they raised $14,296 for families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Lee, who has played for the Islanders since 2009, learned of the foundation in 2016, after seeing a video featuring Fenov Pierre-Louis who participated in Crimmins’ third-annual tournament in New Jersey. Pierre-Louis was a 15-yearold cancer patient, and Lee decided he wanted to help him and other young patients in his position.
Lee and Pierre-Louis formed a close friendship, and Lee hosted his first Kancer Jam fundraiser in March of 2017 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where the Islanders were playing at the time. Two additional fundraisers were held in 2018, and last year, the fourth Kancer Jam event was held outside the ice rink in East Meadow, where the Islanders train.
The 2023 event in East Meadow raised $155,000, including a $30,000 contribution made by Lee. For his efforts, Lee was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, a sports award given annually to a National Hockey League player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice, and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution.
“It was successful beyond even my wildest dreams,” Crimmins said of last year’s event. “We raised $155,000, so obviously my goal is to exceed that, because the more money we raise, the more we’re able to help families.”
Because Lee won the King Clancy award, the NHL designated $25,000 to a charity of his choice — which was the Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation. Crimmins said they expect to sell out all available team spots this September, as they did last year, but the added donation from the league will greatly help their overall amount raised.
Lee said he was inspired by several former teammates, who he had seen make a difference on Long Island throughout his time on the Islanders. “I was very inspired by them and what I saw them doing and the impact they were making,” he said. “I wanted to do something similar, but just didn’t know exactly where.”
But then, Lee said, he saw the video of Pierre-Louis speaking at Crimmins’ event.
“My friendship with Fenov — you know, you have these people that come into your lives, whether it’s a long term relationship, a short term one, or whatever it is, they kind of come in and change your perspective on things or really make an impact on you,” Lee said. Pierre-Louis succumbed to the disease in 2018, and Lee spoke at his funeral, saying: “When I met Fenov, I became a better person, a better friend, a better son, a better husband — I had a purpose.”
Lee said Pierre-Louis drives his inspiration and his motivation to continue to give back.
There are 32 team slots available, and each team that registers will agree to donate or fundraise a minimum of $2,700. Upon the completion of registration, a team will get its own fundraising page with a unique URL that can be shared to solicit donations. Those who donate can do so through the link with a credit or debit card, or via a check, made payable to The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation.
Those who cannot participate can still make donations to the event, by visiting JamKancerInTheKan.com, and clicking on Lee’s page. There will also be an auction, with a wide array of items including autographed memorabilia, such as player sticks, jerseys, pucks and more. Details regarding the auction will be announced soon, and it should go live around Sept. 7, Crimmins said.
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EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team.
If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
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Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
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Speech-Language Pathologist MHH Psychology and Speech Language Pathology Therapy Services, PLLC (New Hyde Park, NY) seeks a Speech-Language Pathologist. Responsibilities: Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorder. Requirements: Bachelor of Science or Foreign Equivalent in Speech & Hearing Science or related plus two years of relevant experience in job offered or similar occupation such as Speech Therapist, Audiologist, or any suitable combination of experience/education/training. Must be licensed by New York State Education Department to practice Speech Language Pathology. $71,115.00/year. Send resume to CEO –MHH Psychology and Speech Language Pathology Therapy Services, PLLC., 76-49 Hewlett Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
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Welcome to your exclusive oceanfront retreat, where luxury and coastal living converge in perfect harmony. This magnificent townhouse offers four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, providing ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by hardwood floors and captivated by the panoramic views of the ocean that grace every corner of this exquisite home. The main living area features a spacious and inviting layout, complete
Q. We have been told that when we add to our second floor, over our one-story garage, we will have to change every window in the house so we can meet the “egress” code. This is going to make our project out of budget, so we have to ask somebody else to know whether this is the case, and whether there’s any way we can keep the windows we have. There is nothing wrong with them, and it seems like a lot of cost when, if we left everything alone, we apparently wouldn’t have to do this. Can you explain this?
A. You don’t need to change every window in your home. You got the easy, simple answer, which was wrong or, at best, only partially right, and misleading. If everything could be explained with a simple answer, like the black-and-white, all-ornothing answer that you received, the world would be a simpler place. But nothing is simple, and, unfortunately, regulations on windows, which make sense, were not explained to you correctly.
First, the building codes exist for occupant and public safety. You need to be able to escape in an emergency, and you also may need to be rescued. Picture a big firefighter with his equipment strapped to him, trying to get in to save a child who is huddled, as many will do, in a closet.
Window size regulations in the building codes for escape and rescue were changed with the issuance of the 2003 version. In that updated code, the previous clear opening size was 4 square feet, but it was changed to 5.7 square feet for floors above or below the first floor. The first-floor windows for habitable spaces were then upgraded to 5 square feet clear opening from 4 square feet. This became required if more than 50 percent of the building was being physically altered, or if the occupancy use of a room changed, such as changing a den to a guest room. All bedrooms are now required, in new construction, to have 5.7-square-foot openings with a minimum height of 24 inches and a minimum width of the clear opening, with the window in the open position, of 20 inches.
Now that you have processed that information, the key is “habitable” versus “non-habitable.” Your bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen are not habitable rooms and are not sleeping rooms. The windows in those non-habitable rooms do not have to comply, and need not be changed. Rooms like your dining area, living room and family room may have access to the outside by doors, so those windows do not need to be changed. This leaves the bedrooms, which may need to be changed, but if the area you are adding over your garage does not constitute 50 percent of the dwelling, the new windows need to be 5.7 square feet, but the ones in the old bedrooms do not. Appendix J allows for the existing windows to remain. Calculate the new areas and compare. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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On June 28, the driver of a speeding SUV plowed into a Deer Park nail salon, killing four people, including off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack. Authorities say the driver of the car, a 64-yearold Dix Hills resident, was intoxicated, and had consumed 18 beers just the night before.
Sadly, this tragedy is not unique, as fatal traffic collisions involving intoxicated and impaired drivers have surged on Long Island since the coronavirus pandemic.
KARL A. VALERE
Last Aug. 7, an 18-year-old Freeport man was intoxicated when he raced through a red light in West Hempstead and crashed into a parked car, killing Katerine Vanges Hernandez just two days before her seventh birthday.
Just a day earlier, a 33-year-old man from Lindenhurst was under the influence of fentanyl and cocaine when he rocketed his car into a vehicle stopped at a traffic light. The violent collision killed U.S. Marine veteran Patrice Huntley, his 13-year-old daughter, Hannah, his 10-year-old son, Jeremiah, and, eventually, his 6-year-old step-granddaughter Chantel, who succumbed to her injuries
six days later. The driver reportedly reached a speed of 120 miles per hour, and failed to brake until a half-second before impact, hitting the Huntley family car at 95 mph.
Each of these tragedies was devastating, and perhaps even worse, they were all preventable. As news headlines remind us daily, families will have to live the rest of their lives with the physical, mental and emotional trauma and irreparable loss caused by someone else’s poor judgment.
AAccording to a recent report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, the pandemic had a negative impact on traffic safety in New York. From 2019 to 2022, the report stated, the state saw a 45 percent increase in the number of fatalities involving drivers with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit, which is 12 percentage points above the national average. In 2022, about two-thirds of traffic fatalities in New York involved a combination of unsafe speeding and alcohol.
U.S. changed significantly. Of the drivers who remained on the roads, some engaged in riskier behavior including speeding, failure to wear seat belts, and driving under the influence.”
recent increase in fatalities on the road has been attributed to riskier driving.
According to a recent Newsday report, lawmakers and safe-driving advocates are renewing calls to lower New York’s legal blood alcohol content level from 0.08 to 0.05 percent. But this policy change would place a disproportionate burden on law enforcement. Traffic stops, checkpoints and arrests have their place, but are just one piece of the traffic-safety puzzle.
The state Department of Motor Vehicles and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee could and should be doing more to promote programming and resources to ensure driver, pedestrian and road safety. Culturally, the DMV has been reduced to a bureaucratic, inconvenient, soul-sucking entity, and appears to be divorced from proactive efforts to ensure safety on the roads.
ter promoted and advertised, and made more accessible.
Safe-driving advocates such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving are also calling for the widespread implementation of driver assistance, monitoring and alcohol-detection systems in vehicles across the U.S.
Driver-assistance technology enables a car to take action such as lane-keeping assistance and collision intervention. Driver monitoring systems include cameras or other sensors that monitor such things as eye movement without compromising privacy, advocates say. Alcohol-detection sensors in the vehicle determine whether a driver is drunk, keeping the public safe while ensuring privacy.
Many of these technologies are on the way, as the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 authorized the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete a rulemaking process and issue final safety standards for impaired-driving-prevention technology on all new cars by November 2024.
A better
YThe recent increase in fatalities has been attributed to increased risks taken by drivers. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, “After the declaration of the public health emergency in March 2020, driving patterns and behaviors in the
For example, the DMV has an Impaired Driver Program available not only through court mandates, but to anyone who wants to join voluntarily. The IDP offers in-depth education on alcohol and other drugs to help participants identify and change high-risk behavior. The program needs to be bet-
No matter your preference or politics, it will take a comprehensive, allhands-on-deck effort to ensure that more children and families are not harmed, and that the victims of these fatal collisions did not die in vain.
Karl A. Valere is chief of staff and senior policy adviser of Assemblyman Khaleel M. Anderson. He lives in Baldwin.
es, I think we can all agree that New York City’s roads are too crowded, the air is too polluted, and a lot of money is needed to improve mass transit, but the plan to charge commuters $15 to enter Manhattan — on top of the tolls they’re already paying — that was recently put on hold by Gov. Kathy Hochul isn’t the way to go. The additional expense wouldn’t affect the rich, but it would clobber the middle class and working poor, who are already overburdened by high taxes.
Proponents say that the plan would push commuters to take the train. Well, have you seen how much train tickets cost these days? From my village of Sea Cliff, a round-trip ticket to Manhattan
is $29. And, of course, that fee doesn’t include parking. And for some folks, like my friend Charlotte Abelson, who owned an upholstery business and worked into her 80s, commuting daily into the city, it was not feasible for her to lug her wares onto the Long Island Rail Road. And there are some communities that don’t have train service at all.
HThe original congestion pricing plan would create a staggering bureaucracy. Since it was announced, more than 130 groups have petitioned to be exempt or to be charged a reduced fare. (If their claims are accepted, who would make up the difference for revenue lost?). Small businesses and Broadway producers have testified that the plan would hurt. Companies have declared that they would send their trucks through Bronx neighborhoods to avoid paying the new tolls — which I am sure would not delight the people
living there.
But there is a solution: Instead of the original congestion pricing plan, let’s severely cut the price of a train ticket. I can testify from personal experience how this would be a success. I’ve always loved Manhattan, but the cost to go into the city became too prohibitive, so I limited my jaunts to special occasions.
ow about drastically reducing the price of an LIRR ticket instead of hiking tolls?
But then, three years ago, I turned 65. While I wasn’t ecstatic about becoming a senior citizen, it did have a nice benefit: half-price tickets on the LIRR! So my old $29 ticket is now $14.50 — still a tad high, but much better. I go in to Manhattan at least once a week now. And I’m helping the city’s economy: I see a show, I eat in a restaurant, I attend concerts and book signings. Indeed, since I’m going in more often than I did before, I’m adding more money to help rebuild mass transit.
And it seems that Governor Hochul likes my plan — though she might not realize it. Traffic around Kennedy Airport has gotten worse because of construction going on, so Hochul has cut the price of an AirTrain ticket in half, from $8.50 to $4.25, as a way to induce travelers to leave their vehicles at home and reduce the traffic around the airport. And it’s working. Way to go, Governor!
So let’s extend this idea to the railroad: Dramatically cut the price of an LIRR ticket. Commuters would leave their cars at home, traffic entering the city would be reduced, air pollution would decrease, and there would be lots of revenue to improve mass transit. A win-win for everyone.
Saul Schachter is a retired social studies teacher and freelance writer whose essays have appeared in Newsday, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Miami Herald as well as in a 2020 collection entitled, “Why Does My Social Life Pick Up When I Leave the Country?”
For years, Long Island’s seniors have faced a daunting challenge: the ever-rising cost of prescription medications. In a region where the cost of living already stretches many budgets to the breaking point, our elderly neighbors have often been forced to make impossible choices between their health and their financial stability. now, however, there is a ray of hope on the horizon for nassau and Suffolk counties’ substantial senior population.
The federal government’s recent announcement of negotiated prices for 10 commonly prescribed medications under Medicare marks a significant turning point. For Long Island, where nearly one in five residents is over age 65, this change promises real, tangible benefits.
Consider the impact on our community. The price of Eliquis, a blood thinner used by thousands of area seniors to prevent strokes, will be slashed by 56 percent. For a retiree on a fixed income, that could mean a savings of nearly $3,500 a year — money that can now go toward other essentials like food and utilities, or even small luxuries that improve quality of life.
Similarly, a 66 percent price reduction for Jardiance, a crucial medication for diabetes and heart failure, could be life-changing for many of our neighbors. With diabetes affecting a significant portion of the elderly population, this price cut could mean the difference between managing the condition effectively and facing severe health compli-
cations.
And the benefits extend beyond individual savings. By reducing the financial strain of medication costs, we may see improved adherence to prescribed treatment plans among our senior population. That could lead to better health outcomes, and potentially reduce the burden on our local health care systems, including hospitals like Mt. Sinai South nassau and northwell.
Moreover, these savings could have a ripple effect throughout our local economy. When our seniors have more disposable income, they’re more likely to patronize local businesses, contributing to the vitality of our communities.
It is crucial, however, to address the concerns raised by some about the potential impact on pharmaceutical innovation when the federal government steps in to negotiate drug prices. Critics argue that negotiated prices could stifle research and development, potentially depriving us of future breakthrough treatments.
While this concern is valid, it’s important to put it in perspective. The pharmaceutical industry remains highly profitable, with margins that far exceed most other sectors of the economy. Many breakthrough drugs have been developed with significant public funding through institutions like the national Institutes of Health. And the negotiated prices, while lower, will still provide these companies with substantial revenue.
Furthermore, we must weigh the hypothetical loss of future innovations
against the very real, immediate benefit to our community. For the senior you know who has been cutting pills in half to make them last longer, or the retiree next door who has been skipping doses to stretch their budget, these price reductions aren’t just numbers — they’re a lifeline.
Long Island has always valued innovation, but we also believe in taking care of our own. We can and should continue to support pharmaceutical research, but not at the cost of our seniors’ health and financial security.
As these new prices take effect in 2026, we encourage our senior readers to stay informed and discuss the changes with their health care providers. Those who are concerned about how lower prices might affect their medications can reach out to local resources like the nassau County Department of Human Services for guidance.
This step toward making medications more affordable isn’t just a win for our elderly population — it’s a win for all of us who believe in the promise of a compassionate, equitable health care system. It’s a reflection of our values as a community, showing that we prioritize the well-being of our neighbors over corporate profits.
So let’s continue to advocate for policies that benefit our local seniors while also supporting responsible innovation. Long Island has always found ways to balance progress with compassion, and this is one more opportunity for us to show what makes our community truly special.
Momalas — and more — unite
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s column in the Aug. 8-14 issue, “Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us”: So many of us are also hoping that “all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement to elect (Kamala) Harris president,” as Ms. Kreiss writes.
In the meantime, I humbly add another “mini cell” to the body in case folks are unaware: Seniors for Harris, who, in the interest of protecting our Social Security and Medicare benefits, are holding regular Zoom calls.
JoSIE MARIno Lynbrook
Harris’s
policies will ‘sink this country!’
To the Editor:
In “Momalas for Kamala,” Randi Kreiss listed a few
Amajor societal shift always brings questions. The shift we are making to renewable energy is on a scale rarely seen in history, and questions are welcome and a part of the process of understanding. What are renewable energies? Why is the energy industry trending toward these energy forms? What are the options for Long Island when it comes to renewable energy? What are the risks? What are the benefits? It is clear that there needs to be more information and education about the industry. Renewable energy is the energy derived from natural sources that are replenished on a human time scale — sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, water currents and geothermal heat. They are abundant, and produce little or no emissions. The sources that have been harnessed so far by humans are solar, hydropower, geothermal, and wind, and Long Island has a unique opportunity, because of its location, to harness offshore wind. Why do we need renewable energy?
Climate change is no longer deniable, and Long Island is affected by sea level rise, flooding, stronger storms and more rain. The number one reason: fossil fuels. The largest contributor to the thickening of our atmosphere, trapping carbon dioxide, is the burning of oil, gas and coal. The fastest way to stop climate change is to stop using fossil fuels. An easy answer — not really, which is why I’m writing this — is transitioning to renewable energy to power our lives.
We have a unique opportunity, because of our location, to harness its power.
Long Island sits just north of a continental shelf called the New York Bight, with shallow seas, strong winds and a large, dense population close to the coastline. The shallow water allows for structures to be built without the complications and expense of deep diving to build them. The strong winds help turbines turn consistently, producing energy needed to power homes, charge electric vehicles and operate businesses. And with a dense population close to the coast, energy can be delivered over a shorter distance without much loss of power, and at lower costs.
You may ask, why offshore wind? Why not solar or onshore wind? Solar power is being generated on Long
of the groups that would support Kamala Harris in a kind of “political wave . . . a tsunami of relief and joy” that will push people to support her. Kreiss mentioned Black women for Kamala, White Dudes for Kamala, White Women for Kamala.
A few groups obviously were not mentioned: Antisemites for Kamala, Defund the Police Crowd for Kamala, Open Border Supporters for Kamala, Pro-Hamas Rioters for Kamala, Antifa and BLM Rioters and Looters for Kamala. Did I not mention the Free College, Health Insurance and Social Security for Illegals Crowd for Kamala? How about the Abortion Anywhere and Anytime Supporters for Kamala? Yes, Randi. It’s a real tsunami of love and support for Kamala Harris that will sink this country!
ROBeRT KRALICK Glen Head
To the editor:
Nassau County passed a mask ban two weeks ago, just as everyone I know is getting Covid-19 again, and I have to wonder what we stand to gain from this. There are people who have genuine
Island, but not on the scale that we need to power the number of homes here. According to the Census Bureau, Long Island has just under 8.5 million housing units. That is where offshore wind comes in to meet our energy needs. There is growth in solar power through ground mounts, or on existing structures that don’t require open space, but it still doesn’t have the capacity to generate the power we need. And onshore wind requires large plots of land, which are few and far between in downstate New York.
Renewable energy is the only way for our future. We are seeing more cases of asthma, warming of the oceans, rising sea levels, stronger seasonal storms, and economic volatility due to the excessive use of fossil fuels to produce power. Moving to renewable energy will clear air pollution and slow the warming of the oceans, protecting ocean life, and slow the rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities. In turn, cooler water bodies will decrease the frequency of seasonal storms that flood our streets and erode our beaches.
Offshore wind provides a stable and reliable energy source without the volatility of rising fuel prices. It also cre-
ates thousands of good-paying jobs to build, maintain and operate its facilities. Beyond those working in the industry, utility stability is how offshore wind will benefit all of Long Island.
Most of the Island’s population now relies on fossil fuel generation to power their homes, workplaces, community centers and infrastructure. This means that electricity bills fluctuate with global geo-political events, because we are buying the fuel to run the power plants connected to our electric grid, mostly from other countries. With offshore wind, there is no need to buy “fuel.” The fuel is infinite, and not a commodity that’s for sale. The wind blows no matter what. This means that the costs of delivering electricity are fixed.
I want to see the renewable energy that we need come to Long Island. I want to ensure that we are delivering safe, reliable, responsible and clean energy to residents. Not only is this a critically needed change, but it will also improve our communities by stopping rising costs, and creating an economic engine with the added benefits of clean air, clean waters and fixed utility costs.
Melissa Parrott is the deputy executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island.
reasons to wear masks to protect their health. I’m one of them. I have asthma, and I do not welcome the notion of being questioned by police for protecting myself from viruses that could destroy my quality of life. I do not trust anyone but my doctors to determine if my exemption is “legitimate,” and that’s not something I should need to worry about.
The county mask legislation claims to have exemptions for religious and medical reasons, but it’s very unclear how that will be enforced. In America, we shouldn’t even be talking about enforcing rules for what people can wear. That is the very antithesis of freedom.
AMANDA MuLLeN Oceanside
To the editor:
Sixteen years ago, my daughter and her husband were trying to get pregnant for the first time, and after several years they had to use in vitro fertilization. After several rounds, we were blessed with a beautiful baby, my first grandchild. Without the science behind in vitro fertilization, my daughter would not have children, and I would not have had the joy of a grandson.
I recently learned that my congressman in the 4th District, Anthony D’esposito, is pushing an extreme agenda to restrict reproductive freedom. I cannot vote for him this November. Families deserve to be able to have children, and government needs to mind its own business! I will be voting for Laura Gillen for Congress this year, because she will support women’s rights for reproduction freedom.
