Oyster Bay Herald 03–29-2024

Affordable Care Act’s birthday

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Pride ready to prove themselves

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Mad for Easter eggs at Bailey

Groups of children gathered at Bailey Arboretum last Saturday with some wearing their finest Easter bonnets. Buckets in hand they waited patiently for the annual egg hunt to start. The brightly colored plastic eggs lay all over the lawn ready for the taking. When they were permitted to, the children ran as fast as they could to grab as may candy-filled eggs as possible.

Afterwards, children like Georgia Bubbico, 3, decided not to wait until she was home to enjoy some of the candy in the eggs.

Bailey is known for its towering trees, marked trails and peaceful gardens.

Once the home of Frank Bailey, a horticulturist and philanthropist, the 42 acres are open to the public to enjoy. It’s the perfect location for an Easter egg hunt providing much beauty to enjoy for families after the hunt. More photos, Page 3.

Arrest of man with weapons

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Will ‘blanks’ decide outcome of fall election?

This is the fourth story in a series exploring the complexities of elections, to provide a better understanding of one of Americans’ most precious privileges, the right to vote.

The number of unaffiliated voters — people who do not belong to a political party — has been on the rise in recent years, and those voters have sometimes determined the outcomes of elections. In Nassau County, the number of unaffiliated voters, or blanks, as they are called, is almost equal to the number of registered Republicans.

the number of votes each candidate receives, James Scheuerman, the Democratic commissioner of the Board of Elections, explained.

“It’s more of an art than a science,” Scheuerman said. “The thought is that the Democrats do well on the Democrats and the Republicans do well on the Republicans, and the blank voters go where they go.”

Although there is no space to vote as a blank on a ballot, as there is for a Republican or Democrat, the Nassau County Board of Elections can nonetheless calculate how blanks vote, and what effect they have on a race. Election officials do so by calculating who voted by party affiliation, and by comparing the overall turnout with

The majority of voters in the 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses the North Shore of Nassau County and parts of Queens, have traditionally been registered Democrats. So when Republican George Santos won the race for Congress in 2022, handily defeating Democrat Robert Zimmerman, political observers were unsure what happened.

“Voters who are unaffiliated can swing elections,” Scheuerman said. “Blanks had an effect on the outcome of the Zimmerman-Santos race.”

It’s important to pay attention to the unaffiliated voters,

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Gratitude for years of affordable health care

ramid@liherald.com

Rebecca and Craig Castronovo can’t imagine a time where their two children, Ella, 11, and Juliette, 10, won’t have needed health insurance. For Ella, a diabetic, and Juliette, who is diagnosed with Tracheomalacia, an underdeveloped windpipe, medicine and doctors’ visits would cost thousands of dollars per month if the Affordable Care Act hadn’t been enacted in March of 2010.

The couple attended a news conference organized by Congressman Tom Suozzi last Saturday at Glen Cove Hospital.

“There wasn’t time really to think about the long-term issues with diabetes or anything like that,” said Rebecca Castronovo, after the news conference. “It was just we have to take care of our daughter. We need to get all the medical supplies and prescriptions everything that we need and learn as much about this as we can in order to keep her healthy.”

Rebecca added that many people don’t realize that diabetes is a “24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a week condition, and there is no time off from diabetes.” Ella now monitors her glucose levels through a phone application.

access to employer-sponsored insurance or government programs like Medicaid or Medicare, who can purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Diagnosing both Ella and Juliette with their conditions was an uphill battle. At first, doctors believed Ella had a viral infection, but Rebecca was skeptical, saying the symptoms of excessive thirst, urination and irritability were clear signs of diabetes, which they saw in the family’s diabetic cat. Juliette was first misdiagnosed with asthma, until last year.

Rebecca became a stay-at-home mom to monitor her children’s medical needs. Craig had worked in the finance industry prior to the 2008 recession but was unemployed.

“Not being gainfully employed, I would have had no idea how to pay for everything prior to the Obama Care plan,” said Craig, after the news conference. “I don’t know how we would have made it financially.”

But for families like the Castronovo’s, the Affordable Care Act, enacted by former President Barak Obama 14-yearsago, aims to make health insurance more accessible and affordable through various provisions and programs. Across coverage groups, a total of 45 million Americans are enrolled in coverage related to the ACA, the highest total on record. This represents 14.1 million more people enrolled than in 2021 and 32.5 million more people enrolled than in 2014.

Eligibility for ACA programs includes individuals who do not have

Medicaid expansion under the ACA extends coverage to more low-income adults, with eligibility based on income and household size, though it varies by state. Subsidies are available to individuals and families with incomes between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level to help offset premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Marketplace plans. Additionally, young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26, and insurance companies are prohibited from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on preexisting conditions.

During a press conference on March 23, the anniversary of the ACA, Congressman Tom Suozzi, of Glen Cove, highlighted the significant impact of the ACA in New York state, emphasizing its success in reducing healthcare cost for both children and adults, while contrasting it with states like Florida and Texas.

Suozzi emphasized the ACA’s prohibition of discrimination based on preexisting conditions, and highlighted its many benefits, such as eliminating annual or lifetime coverage limits and allowing children to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26. Suozzi acknowledged the ACA’s imperfections, particularly regarding high health care costs, but advocates for its preservation. He also spoke of efforts to address issues like excessive prescription drug prices.

Suozzi warned against ongoing threats of ACA repeal and stressed the importance of celebrating and safeguarding its achievements.

“In New York, we have the lowest of uninsured children, and the lowest rate of uninsured adults in the country because we use the Affordable Care Act,” Suozzi. “This is something we need to celebrate because this affects real people’s lives, and the idea that even now, 14 years later, that there are folks that think we should be doing away with this, it’s just unfathomable to me.”

WHAT’S UP NEXT DOOR AND AROUND THE CORNER

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Another egg-cellent egg hunt at Bailey

When it was time, the children ran to collect the Easter eggs like they were running a race. Their little hands grasping as many colored plastic eggs as they could manage, they placed them in colorful buckets quickly, before running to grab more.

The annual ritual at Bailey Arboretum is a popular one in which many children participate each year. Surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum, which boasts dawn redwoods, the egg hunt was pleasurable for adults too, who might not have been able to resist taking a walk along the many trails before leaving.

Thoughts for holiday season

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Easter to you and your families! Thank you for your love for the inspired Word of God. Thank you for your love for the Resurrection appearances of our Lord in this Easter season and the way your lives are set on fire in your meditation and contemplation of these mysteries.

Thank you for your fidelity to the Eucharist and the Sunday Mass and your Catholic spirit of evangelization. Thank you for being instruments of Eucharistic Revival.

In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis states:

storms of history” and we rely on the Risen Lord and his glorified wounds to touch the wounds in Ukraine, the Middle East, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the region of the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Sudan, as well as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and so many other troubled areas of the world. We ask the Risen Lord and his glorified wounds to touch the wounds experienced in our own country.

“Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated the world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresist-

In The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton captured the power of our Lord’s Resurrection experienced in the cycles of history. He wrote: “Christendom has had a series of revolutions and in each one of them Christianity has died. Christianity has died many times and risen again; for it had a God who knew the way out of the grave.”

This Easter and every Easter we celebrate this Everlasting Man who knew his way out of the grave and who invites us and the Catholic Church on Long

Oyster Bay-East Norwich fourth graders from James H. Vernon School showcased their knowledge of the American Revolution through a group project which they presented to family members on March 22.

Some fourth grade classes created games which family members had fun playing, from Wheel of Fortune to Deal or No Deal. The students worked in groups and created these games to test others on American Revolution facts. Other classes created their own dioramas, slideshows and posterboards and presented on one topic about this important time in history.

Aside from the group projects, each fourth grader also completed a bottle buddy project where they crafted an important individual from the American Revolution out of a bottle. Students created notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Hancock and Paul Revere. The projects were proudly on display outside the fourth grade classrooms for families to view.

Both projects allowed students to express their creativity and dive deep into the fourth grade American Revolution unit.

Science Research Program celebrated at L.V.

The Locust Valley Science Research Program, led by dedicated educators and fueled by the curiosity of young minds, is empowering students at Locust Valley High School to explore complex scientific inquiries, paving the way for future innovators and problem solvers. The project, which includes students from 6th to 12th grade, also recently received a grant worth $2,500 to help fund students’ projects.

During the March 20 Board of Education meeting, the Science Research Project, overseen by Louis De Rose, the district’s science research coordinator, was one of several standout programs celebrated by the board. Kirsten Turnow, the district’s superintendent, said she is thrilled she was at the remarkable work accomplished by the students and their mentors.

De Rose, along with students like ninth-grader Christopher “CJ” McKenzie and eleventh-grader Sam Zarou, discussed the grant and presented their research. The grant comes from the Citizen Campaign Fund for The Environment, a nonprofit environmental organization, which chose the program as one of the select recipients from among high schools across Long Island.

“Our research program is much more than just an honors elective,” De Rose emphasized. “Our job is really to cultivate their curiosity. We do research, and the students get the chance to overcome challenges that are very unique to the research process.”

The students’ projects, which had to advance the restoration and protection of the Long Island Sound to qualify, exemplified the depth of inquiry and the innovative spirit fostered within the program. McKenzie’s project on the potential of rotor sails to reduce fossil

fuel emissions and Zarou’s investigation into environmental noise pollution exemplify the caliber of research undertaken by students.

In their presentations McKenzie and Zarou both pointed out some of the challenges facing the sound, and explained in scientific detail how their respective projects could address some of the issues. They also discussed how excited they were that their research could have a real-world impact.

“It is my hope that with research such as this more companies will produce commercial vessels that will begin to include rotor sails in their production to reduce overall emissions,” McKenzie said.

The Science Research Project extends beyond typical classroom activities, offering students the opportunity to delve into topics of their choosing, ranging from environmental sustainability to cutting-edge technology. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors like De Rose, students develop essential research skills, critical thinking abilities, and the confidence to articulate their findings with poise and clarity.

Turnow spoke of the importance of cultivating a generation of thinkers capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world. By engaging in handson research, students learn to grapple with real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to scientific discourse, she said.

The program, she added, not only equips students with technical knowledge, but also fosters essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability — qualities vital for success in any field.

”A lot of kids, they don’t just want to read something. They want to dig deep,” Turnow said. “I think this research is real, and it means something to these kids.”

The program’s impact extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by the recent grant awarded to support research focused on the restoration and preservation of the Sound — a testament to the initiative’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

As Turnow emphasized, the Science Research Project is about more than just academic achievement; it’s about nurturing a generation of “empathetic, globallyminded individuals equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.” By instilling in students a love of learning and a commitment to inquiry, the program is laying the foundation for a brighter future — one driven by curiosity, innovation, and a passion for discovery.

Elder law estate planning provides for (1) your care in the event you become disabled as you age, and who will be in charge of that care, and (2) the passing of your assets on death to whom you want, when you want, the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. These are the five steps to creating such a plan.

Step One: Understanding the Family Dynamics. Clients often overlook the inestimable value of getting to know the family dynamic. We are firm believers that the social goes first and the legal should serve the social. Too often it is the other way around. Once we understand who’s who and everyone’s interpersonal relations with each other, we are far better able to craft a plan that will work socially as well as legally. The failure to address the social aspects has led to many a plan tearing the family apart.

Step Two: Reviewing the Client’s Assets. IRA’s and other “qualified” assets (i.e. tax deferred) are treated quite differently, on death or disability, from “non-qualified” assets. The determination of the amount and value of all assets, who owns them, and whether they have named beneficiaries are of the utmost importance in planning correctly, including

saving legal fees and taxes.

Step Three: Reviewing Existing Estate Planning Documents: Not having been prepared by an elder law estate planning attorney, clients’ documents rarely have adequate provisions to take advantage of the many benefits the law provides for our aging population. Wills instead of trusts have often been prepared either because the client was considerably younger and a trust was not needed or a trust was needed but the general practice lawyer was unfamiliar with the specifics of preparing a trust.

Step Four: Developing the Elder Law Estate Plan. We are now in a position to determine which persons are best suited to handle your legal, financial and medical affairs on disability or death, what type of plan should be used and how the estate should be distributed -- keeping in mind the preservation of harmony in the family.

Step Five: Executing and Maintaining the Plan. Legal documents are explained and executed, assets are retitled and beneficiaries on assets changed in keeping with planning objectives. The client is called in to the law firm every three years to ensure the plan meets the client’s current wishes and conforms with any law changes.

Hofstra baseball swings for the fences

The Hofstra baseball team missed out on a chance to defend its conference title last year and is fueled for a return to the championship stage in late May this spring.

After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history during a magical 2022 season, the Pride bats were driven back to earth in 2023 with an eighth-place finish that left the team just short of qualifying for its league’s sixteam double-elimination tournament held Memorial Day weekend.

This season the Pride were picked ninth in the 12 team Coastal Athletic Association and is looking to prove the doubters wrong to have an opportunity to once again compete for the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAAs.

“We got off to a slow start and then towards the end of the season we started playing better and we just missed out on making the tournament,” said third-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player from 1997 to 2010 with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets. “It’s a motivating factor for not only the coaching staff, but also for the student athletes to be ready to play these games.”

Hofstra began the 2024 season with two narrow losses to then 14th-ranked Virginia before taking two of three from Liberty and New Mexico on the road the following two weekends. The Pride entered the start of CAA with two close losses at Columbia and Fordham.

Senior catcher Matt Pelcher, a Merrick native, has emerged as one of Hofstra’s leading hitters this season with a .328 average entering the CAA schedule. Pelcher, who played high school baseball at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, hit a home run in an 10-8 season-opening loss at Virginia and went 3-for-4 in a narrow 3-2 defeat at St. John’s on March 8.

“He’s made big strides with his swing and has really bought into what we’ve been teaching,” said Catalanotto of

Pelcher, who registered an RBI double in Hofstra’s 12-8 loss at Columbia on March 19. “He’s a big part of what we do and his versatility helps us out quite a bit.”

Pelcher is among four starters hitting above .300, including sophomore Dylan Palmer at a team-leading .450 starting the conference schedule. He earned Second Team All-CAA and CAA All-Rookie honors as a freshman. Senior outfielder Alex McCoy and graduate student third baseman Santino Ross are also shining offensively so far with .364 and .386 batting averages, respectively.

Catalanotto is also hoping two of his other top hitters, Will Kennedy and Steve Harrington, can produce during the CAA schedule after hitting slumps in March.

The pitching staff is led by senior Michael O’Hanlon, who recorded seven strikeouts in a 9-1 victory against Manhattan College on March 15. O’Hanlon

has stepped into the ace role after serving as the closer the last two years.

The Pride has a number of pitching options out of the bullpen including Rockville Centre native Danny Kelleher, a former South Side High School standout who tossed three scoreless innings in a 9-6 loss at New Mexico on March 3. Catalanotto is hoping Kelleher can continue to make strides on the mound and live up to his full potential.

“He’s been doing a good job and he’s gotten much better from last year,” Catalanotto said of Kelleher. “He’s throwing a lot of two seam fastballs that sink and also a good change-up so he’s keeping the ball down and getting ground balls.”

Another local arm on the roster is freshman Nick Apollo, who earned All-

County accolades at Seaford High School last year and led the Vikings to a county title. The versatile Apollo, who Catalanotto sees potential in for a strong future, received playing time at first base in a 17-6 loss to Manhattan on March 16.

Hofstra travels to longtime CAA foe Towson this weekend before hosting Delaware in another critical three-game conference series from April 5-7. The CAA regular schedule concludes at home against Monmouth on May 18 before the conference tournament commences from May 22-28 at UNC-Wilmington.

“It’s a really tough conference,” Catalanotto said of the CAA, which added last year’s 22nd-ranked team Campbell this season. “We are going to have to bring our best every single game.”

Service begins with Amazing Grace played by Bagpiper Robert Lynch

Bilingual (English / Spanish)

Toda la Comunidad Están Invitados al Servicio del Amanecer de Pascua

Morgan Park, Glen Cove NY

7:00am-7:30am / Easter Morning / March 31, 2024

St. John's of Lattingtown Episcopal Church Glen Cove Christian Church

Calvary A.M.E. Church of Glen Cove

Hosted by / Auspiciado por

Iglesia Ciudad de Refugio

Asambleas de Dios de Glen Cove

Iglesia Ciudad Casa de Dios Internacional

First Baptist Church of Glen Cove

St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Glen Cove

First Presbyterian Church of Glen Cove

Leading the Service / Dirigiendo el Servicio

Rev. Roger C. Williams

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tommy Lanham Glen Cove Christian Church

Pastor Alfredo Fuentes

Embajada Cristiana Internacional New York

Rev. Fr. Shawn Williams

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Evangelist Claudette Bryan

Calvary A.M.E.

Assisting with the Service / Ayudar con el Servicio

Merle Richards

Choir President / Evangelist

Calvary A.M.E Church

Margaret Darson Soloist

Minister Carol Buchanan First Baptist Church

Donna Brady Guitarist / Vocalist

The member churches of the Community Easter Dawn Service Committee thank Stylish Dog Woof Woof for underwriting this advertisement.

Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews Elder

First Presbyterian Church

Annette Stephens Soloist

Lawmakers, publishers rally to save local news

An advocacy group determined to save local news in New York rallied in Albany in an effort to bring more lawmakers to their cause.

The Empire State Local News Coalition — a statewide advocacy group of more than 150 local news outlets — joined elected officials at the state capital last week to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

OThe bill — sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner — is intended to provide tax credits to local news outlets that employ journalists in their communities. HoylmanSigal joined the rally, along with colleagues like Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, state Sen. Monica Martinez, and Assemblyman David Weprin.

ur local papers are here. They are objective. They provide information. And we need to preserve that.

“This is a full-blown crisis,” HoylmanSigal told those who gathered for the rally in the halls of the capital building. “We live in a deliberative democracy. That means our voters need to be informed to make wise choices. How are they informed? Largely through local news.”

The senate included the Local Journalism Sustainability Act in its One House budget resolution, which organizers describe as a major sign of the bill’s growing support in the legislature.

Both the senate and the Assembly release preliminary One House budgets in response to the governor’s own preliminary budget, which was released earlier this year. The state’s final budget is due April 1, and policies in the final budget almost always must be in one of the three preliminary budgets.

“It is time that New York state steps up and supports one of the most important industries — not just to our economic well-being, but to our democracy,” Hoylman-Sigal said. “The Local Journalism Sustainability Act, which is part of the senate One House budget, will assist in that regard.”

The rally was intended to signal growing pressure on lawmakers to offer much-needed benefits to the local news industry, which has experienced a significant downturn over the past two decades.

The state has lost hundreds of newspapers since 2004, resulting in the loss of not only thousands of jobs, but also thousands of stories that helped keep communities informed. In fact, there are a growing number of communities with little to no access to local newspaper coverage, according to coalition officials. More than a dozen New York counties are down to just one newspaper.

Capped at $20 million statewide, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act is a bill with bipartisan support that provides payroll tax credits for the employment of local news journalists.

News organizations would receive a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of each newsroom employee’s salary — up to $200,000 per outlet.

The benefit would be limited to print and online newspapers and broadcasters, with 100 employees or less, that cover local community news. This, sup-

porters say, ensures that only truly local news outlets will qualify for this assistance.

“Someone once said that ‘newspapers are the textbooks of democracy, and the lifeblood of freedom,’ and that’s a responsibility newsrooms like ours take very seriously,” said Michael Hinman, executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers, which employs more than 30 journalists across 24 newspapers on Long Island and in New York City.

“Communities depend on their local newspaper, because there is nowhere

else you’re going to get the news about and for your neighborhood, written by someone who knows your neighborhood. Time and time again, it’s been proven that the best communities in America are communities with a strong, local newspaper. And if we don’t do something now, those great communities will be lost to history.”

But in order for this particular bill to move forward, it needs to be supported not just by the senate, but also by the Assembly and by Gov. Kathy Hochul, so that it is included in the final state budget.

“The fight to save local news is a fight to save our democracy,” said Zachary Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition and director of Richner Communications — the parent company of Herald Community Media.

“Hometown newspapers deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being. As local news declines, critical stories are lost, and communities become more polarized.

“We’re proud to have the senate’s support, and we call on Gov. Hochul and the Assembly to support this industry-saving bill and protect critical newsroom jobs.”

Michaelle Solages says she’ll continue to push for the bill’s inclusion in the final state budget with her colleagues in the Assembly.

“We’re continuing our work on Long Island making sure the local story — the story that matters to individual New Yorkers — are heard,” Solages said. “But we really need to make sure we are investing into our community, investing into local journalism, and combatting this growing social media that is spreading misinformation.

“Our local papers are here. They are objective. They provide information. And we need to preserve that.”

Parents angry over basketball game fallout

Tensions ran high at the end of the Locust Valley Central School District’s March 20 board meeting as parents expressed their frustration and disappointment over the handling of a recent altercation at a boys’ high school varsi-

as a whole. Brown’s family have lived in Locust Valley for over 100 years. He said games between Locust Valley and Oyster Bay have been contentious in the past.

enough was done by the administration to prevent the situation from escalating into a brawl.

“They were robbed of school spirit and their morale was destroyed,” she lamented. “There was no separation of fans by athletic supervisors at that basketball game, and there seems to be a shortage of at every sporting event I’ve attended.”

Others, such as parent Pete Brown, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the negative repercussions of the incident on the students and the community

“This is not the first time this has happened between Locust Valley and Oyster Bay, and this is where my problem is,” Brown said. “At last year’s basketball game the exact same thing happened, but it didn’t result in a physical altercation. The administration should’ve been prepared for that.”

Superintendent Kristen Turnow addressed the concerns raised by parents, emphasizing the importance of promoting respectful behavior and fostering a sense of community within the district. She said there will be more district administrators attending games going forward, and then added that the students were removed due to their poor sportsmanship prior to the altercation.

“Whether it’s a musical, whether it’s an athletic game, doesn’t matter what it is, a five-year-old should be able to be present and an 85-year-old should be able to be present,” Turnow said. “There’s never a reason to be mean. There’s never a reason to argue. There’s never a reason ... for them to chant. You can clap. You can cheer, but you never have to be disrespectful.”

Francesco Ianni, superintendent of Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District, declined to comment.

Unaffiliated voters can swing elections

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

he added.

According to a 2020 Gallop poll, there are more unaffiliated voters nationwide — 40 percent — than either registered Democrats, who comprise 31 percent, or Republicans, who make up 25 percent.

Why voters register as blanks

Voters often choose to be unaffiliated because they are dissatisfied with politics, so much so that they are discouraged or even angry.

“The problem with blanks is they tend to be non-ideological,” said Bill Biamonte, vice chairman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee. “They only think of what’s best for them because of that anger for who’s in power. In a presidential election, 70 percent of them turn out.”

There are other reasons why voters may choose not to register with either major party.

“People don’t want to register to vote because they think that they’re going to be called for jury duty,” Scheuerman said. “And you never know what these voters are thinking one day to the next. They think if they register blank, they won’t be bothered by petitions or emails soliciting money.”

Unaffiliated voters quickly learn the opposite is true. Both parties spend a great deal of time and money wooing them.

“The parties are looking at the blanks they feel are persuadable,” Scheuerman said. “So in the end, the blanks actually probably end up getting more information from the respective parties that they maybe were trying to avoid.”

Unaffiliated voters cannot vote in primaries in New York, as they can in Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina and

Facts about political independents

In 2019, a Pew Research report found that nearly four in 10 people identified themselves as unaffiliated voters. Of those who did:

■ Most lean toward one of the two major parties.

■ Unaffiliated voters, especially those who don’t lean toward the major parties, are less engaged in politics than those who belong to one of the parties.

■ Unaffiliated voters’ opinions on political candidates are generally more negative than those of people who belong to a party.

■ An unaffiliated voter is generally younger and more likely to be male.

Rhode Island, where primaries are open. But Scheuerman said that being barred from voting in a primary may not be important to New York’s blanks, who may only care about voting in general elections.

In presidential years, blanks tend to swing Democratic, Scheuerman added, and in other years “they kind of go with the breeze.”

Some may be interested in seeing political ads before they decide on whom to vote for, or reading analyses of the candidates and their positions, or watching debates.

Michael Berg, of Huntington, has always been an unaffiliated voter. He didn’t vote much in his 20s, he said, but when he turned 30, he started paying more attention to politics.

“I’m an independent, because this way I’m free to do whatever I wish and won’t be influenced by others’ thoughts,” Berg said. “And I don’t care that I can’t vote in a primary.”

Berg said he is dissatisfied with the two parties, but these days he is leaning toward the Democrats. “That’s because they’re human beings who want to solve problems,” he said. “But I’ve voted in the past for Republicans. But now I feel like the GOP say and do outrageous things and get the Democrats angry, and then they say, ‘Look how angry the Democrats are.’”

Berg added he doesn’t disapprove of Republican policies.

The Independence Party of New York

There has been some confusion among unaffiliated voters when registering to vote. Not wanting to register as

3rd Congressional District, by the numbers

■ 418,891 people are registered to vote.

■ 259,943 are unaffiliated with a party.

■ 31,113 unaffiliated voters cast ballots in the February special election — 21 percent of the turnout.

■ 27,417 voters switched to ‘unaffiliated’ since 2020 — 48.89 percent former Democrats, and 37.14 percent former Republicans.

How people identify politically

In 2020, Gallup interviewed more than 19,000 people across the country, asking if they identified as a Republican, Democrat or independent. In 2021 Gallup asked 12,000 people the same question.

2020

■ Unaffiliated — 39 percent

■ Democrat — 30 percent

■ Republican – 29 percent

2021

■ Unaffiliated — 42 percent

■ Democrat — 29 percent

■ Republican – 27 percent

Republicans or Democrats, many check the box to join the Independence Party of New York, believing they are registering as independents.

But the Independence Party, which gained inclusion on the ballot in 1994, is not for unaffiliated voters. It endorses the major parties’ choices and does not nominate its own candidates.

“There was a lot of confusion when voters thought they were unaffiliated,” Scheuerman said, “but they were registering to be in the Independence Party.”

The confusion ended in March 2022, when the party lost its ballot-qualified status.

New York’s voter registration form gives people the option to check a box that says, “I do not wish to enroll in a party,” which allows unaffiliated voters to participate in elections other than primaries.

Who are the unaffiliated voters?

Blanks often lean Republican nation-

ally, but in 2006 they joined Democrats, voting against President George W. Bush in a midterm election. They also supported President Barack Obama in 2008, but two years later, they favored Republicans in the next midterm election, giving them control of the House of Representatives.

A Gallop poll conducted in March 2023 found that 49 percent of Americans see themselves as politically independent, which would mean that unaffiliated voters, rather than Republicans or Democrats, are in the majority.

Gallup analyst Jeff Jones attributed the rise in blanks to young voters.

“It was never unusual for younger adults to have higher percentages of independents than older adults,” Jones said. “What is unusual is that as Gen X and millennials get older, they are staying independent rather than picking a party, as older generations tended to do.”

STEPPING OUT

The Chocolate Expo returns with an exciting Wonka-twist

Everyone has a golden ticket to the Chocolate Expo

or the love of chocolate, there’s a sweet treat awaiting everyone at this year’s Chocolate Expo.

The popular event — proclaimed as one of the largest chocolate showcases in the United States — is back, ready to tantalize all on April 14.

Chocoholics will delight in the day-long food paradise. An array of 90-plus vendors — including those representing Long Island, New England and even international purveyors — will share their sweet and savory wares with the public during this unique food-centric festival at the David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University.

So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience

Robert Neary honors an icon with a tribute show like no other. With more than 35 years as a Broadway, television and film actor, Neary brings a special flair to his tribute show. With his powerful presence, from the moment he struts on stage wearing trademark black, gray, and silver sequined jacket, Neary, uncannily resembles Neil Diamond at the height of his touring career in the ‘90s and 2000s. His wit and mannerisms on stage are spot on, especially when he plays his guitar. When he speaks and tells the stories and trivia behind some of Neil’s most popular songs, his rich baritone gravelly voice can easily be mistaken for Neil’s own speaking voice. The title says it all. It is the quintessential Neil Diamond concert experience that concludes with a mind-blowing finale.

Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. $49.50, $39.50, $35, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

“We have a wide variety of interesting products,” says Marvin Baum, the Chocolate Expo’s founder and creator. “It’s like going to a wine tasting. You’re trying something different and exploring. That’s really what it is, for people to come and explore all kinds of culinary delights. In this case, it’s with chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, wines, cheeses and other products as well.”

Celebrate and indulge in delicious gourmet goodies — even treats for your beloved pooch. Of course, tasting is very much a part of the event, starting from the moment you enter.

• April 14, 10 a.m.-6

• Hofstra’s David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex, Hempstead

The scrumptious combination of savory and sweet includes chocolate-covered pretzels, artisanal chocolates, bonbons, fudge, rum cakes, hot chocolate, and even chocolate-covered bacon.

And, certainly, no chocolate event would be complete without big chocolate fountains. Guests are greeted by fountains overflowing with dark, white and milk chocolates, which can deliciously drench a selection of fresh fruit, marshmallows pretzels and Rice Krispies Treats.

Visitors will surely enjoy another special treat: An appearance by actors from the original 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), and Rusty Goffe (who in addition to playing an Oompa Loompa, has also been in five of the Harry Potter movies and in Star Wars ), are the festival’s special guests. Baum proudly proclaims this is the first Wonka cast reunion at a chocolate event.

“We found that there was a true emotional connection for a lot of people, between the movie and their own lives — whether it be with good memories with the family or as being part of an escape,” he says. “And so, for that reason, we think that a lot of people on Long Island are going to respond to and be really excited to see this get-together of the Wonka characters.”

If your palate reaches sensory overload, take a break to check out some of the many activities that round out the day. Shows and demonstrations include chocolate smashing, where participants can break a part of high-quality chocolate molds with hammers. There’s also a demonstration with DJ Chef, the first winner of Food Network’s “Cuthroat Kitchen,” known for spinning tunes while cooking.

The youngest “fun-sized” visitors will enjoy Kidz Zone, enticing them with face painting, balloon twisting and crafts.

The festival, according to Baum, has now taken on a life of its own.

“I said, ‘We need to do something where New York businesses can actually make some money. Instead of just doing tastings, let’s do something where we’re tasting and have sales.’ And basically, that became the first New York Chocolate Expo.”

Participating chocolatiers, bakers and related purveyors offer a mindboggling collection of goodies.

Among the enthusiastic local returnees, Wantagh-based Uncle Jeff’s Pecan Pies is not to be missed. Owner Jeff Church participated for the first time last year, and enthusiastically reports the response to his offerings was “beyond belief.” He’ll offer both his all-natural chocolate and regular pecan pies again this year.

“As soon as they opened the doors, people swarmed the tables saying ‘one of these,’ ‘one of those,’” he says. “It was insane.”

Another bakery, Valley Stream’s Chez Hedwidge, caters to folks with dietary restrictions. All products are gluten-free and soy-free, with vegan options available. Edwidge Oriol — who owns the business with her husband — has been involved with the Chocolate Expo for five years.

“Those who have these (dietary) challenges, they deserve a good treat,” she says.

Among the items Oriol will ll bring is her gluten-free chocolate tart, which won third place in a Culinary Federation of Long Island competition.

Whether you’re looking to grab your local faves or find a new delicious obsession, the expo is the place to indulge in some chocolatey fun.

“Everybody is welcome,” Baum says. “All the noise of day-to-day life, all that’s pushed to the side. We want to get together, have a good time, share memories, share some good food, and support local businesses.”

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is recognized for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music.

Formed by Sir Neville Mariner in 1958 from a group of London’s leading musicians, it’s become one of the world’s most respected orchestral ensembles. Joshua Bell, music director and Grammywinning violinist, has performed with virtually every major orchestra in the world, and is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. Led by violin virtuoso Bell, this performance showcases Mendelssohn’s deeply emotive Violin Concerto, with Bell himself taking the stage as both soloist and leader. The program also includes Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia Overture, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61. Set out with Bell and the orchestra on a passionate musical journey of passion and triumph as the extraordinary ensemble demonstrates their artistry.

Friday, March 29, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $80. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

THE Your Neighborhood

April 6

Jaime Lozano y La Familia

Mexican

musical multi-hyphenate and Lincoln Center regular Jaime Lozano appears on the Tilles Center stage with his Familia, an all-star Latin lineup of Broadway and OffBroadway performers, Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Heralded by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda as “the next big thing,” Lozano’s newest work, “Songs by an Immigrant,” is a musical journey about diversity and integration.

Lozano honestly portrays the challenges of the first- and second-generation middle class U.S. immigrant experience: finding a new home, learning a new language, dealing with discrimination, pursuing the American Dream, and searching for ways to build bridges instead of walls. His Familia includes Mauricio Martínez, Shereen Pimentel and Mayelah Barrera, as well as a nine-piece orchestra. The spectacular celebration of Latin talent includes special guests who are students from Long Island University’s Theatre Arts Department, which adds an exciting dynamic to the performance, showcasing the next generation of rising stars in the industry. The collaboration between these seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talents is sure to create a truly unforgettable experience for all who attend. “Songs by an Immigrant” is an inspiring celebration of the immigrant odyssey. Tickets start at $50; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

‘Listen to the Music’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance, Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre. In this spirited show music is on the menu as the cast travels back to different years in the past to find clues and knowledge to save the Melody Diner from demolition. A cast of 35 keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers performs current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 3545280 or LICabaret@aol.com.

Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club

Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club is looking for members. The group plays 18 holes every Tuesday, starting in April through October, at the Glen Cove Golf Club. Play is weather permitting. Membership is open to all women regardless of residency. 109 Lattingtown Road. For more information, visit GCWomensGolf.com.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

April 6

Country Jukebox

The North Shore Symphony Orchestra is joined by Broadway and New York cabaret stars for “Country Jukebox: Kenny, Dolly & Friends,” Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m., on Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage. Your toes will be tapping and your hands clapping during this evening of country classics from the 1950s to today’s hottest contemporary hits.

The dynamic performers, with North Shore Symphony, salute such greats as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, The Judds, Carrie Underwood and more. Tickets start at $45, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Life of Roosevelt

Join former Sea Cliff mayor Ed Liberman for a slide presentation on the life of President Theodore Roosevelt, at Sea Cliff Village Library, Thursday, April 4, 4 p.m.. 300 Sea Cliff Ave. Registration required. Visit SeaClifflLbrary. org to register and for more information.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 30, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Culinary Delights

Glen Cove Chamber’s 26th

Annual Culinary Delights is set for Monday, April 15, 6-9 p.m., at Glen Cove Mansion. This gourmet event introduces the community to the area’s restaurants and food businesses. 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove. Visit GlencCoveChamber.org for tickets.

Having an event?

South Shore

Symphony in concert

Enjoy the popular orchestra,as it continues its season,with special guests Deborah Lifton and the Adea Quartet, Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Madison Theatre. Program includes Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” Op. 45; Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” Op. 24; and Robert Schumann’s “Concertpiece for 4 Horns”, Op. 45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or (516) 323-4444.

Game Time

Drop by Bayville Free Library, Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m., for casual table games. Bring your own games or use games offered by the library such as; cards, Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, chess, checkers, backgammon, and jigsaw puzzles.No registration required. 34 School St. For more information, visit BayvilleFreeLibrary.org or call (516) 628-2765.

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.

Forest Bathing

Sands Point Preserve offers another in its series of Forest Bathing walks, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35 members. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Artist showcase

Sea Cliff Arts Council member Kaylin Burger’s paintings are on view at Sea Cliff Village Library, through April. She embodies a distinctive perspective shaped by the diverse cultural landscapes of both the east and west.

Enriched by her experiences, Burger integrates elements from both worlds into her work, creating a harmonious fusion of influences that captivates the viewer. Immersed in the familiarity of coastal living, Burger finds boundless inspiration in the ebb and flow of the sea, inviting all to experience a sense of calm. 300 Sea Cliff Ave. Visit SeaCliffArtsCouncil.org.

AARP Tax Assistance

Free tax help is provided by AARP trained volunteers at the Glen Cove Public Library on 4 Glen Cove Ave, Glen Cove. Wednesdays, through April 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to bring your tax package, W-2 forms, your real estate property tax bill, a copy of your tax return and any other information that might be helpful in correctly filing your tax return. Both spouses must be present for married couples filing joint tax returns. Masks are required to be always worn while receiving tax assistance regardless of vaccination status. 4 Glen St. Visit GlenCoveLibrary.org or (516) 676-2130.

Book signing

Theodore’s Books hosts mystery thriller author Kemper Donovan, Thursday, April 11, 7 p.m. He’ll discuss and sign copies of his latest novel, “The Busy Body.” 17 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information and to register, visit TheodoresBooks.com.

Cricket World Cup looks to ‘hit for six’

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is starting to take form in Eisenhower Park.

The temporary 34,000-seat venue will serve as one of the hosting locations for the 2024 International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place this June in locations that also include Florida, Texas and the West Indies. And Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman emphasized Eisenhower Park’s involvement by joining ICC officials and renowned professional cricketers at a parade last week to officially bring the World Cup’s trophy “home.”

The trophy was displayed underneath an American flag arch, set up by the East Meadow Fire Department, and escorted by the Nassau County Police Department, dozens of emergency vehicles, bagpipers, and the county’s mounted unit to the stadium site.

“We are in the process of constructing this beautiful stadium that will be here for the duration of the tournament,” Blakeman said. “It’s going to be a great venue for everybody to enjoy cricket. There’ll be so many countries that will be here with their teams — we will have fans from all over the world.”

Eight games are slated for Nassau over the course of 12 days. Eisenhower Park will actually host one of the most highly anticipated games of the tournament — India vs. Pakistan — which both consistently fielding some of the best cricketers in the game.

The Cricket World Cup is the third-most popular sporting event across the globe, only behind the FIFA World Cup and the Tour de France.

“We call it the Super Bowl on steroids,” Blakeman said.

The stadium was designed by Populous, an architec-

Jordan Vallone/Herald

At the construction site of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park, Ali Khan, a professional cricketer on Team USA, spoke about the excitement surrounding the Cricket World Cup in June. The tournament’s trophy traveled to stadium last week in a ceremonious parade.

ture firm also responsible for creating Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and the UBS Arena, among others. The initiative is privately funded, and the stadium is being built in the open space behind the park’s aquatic center, adjacent to Field 6.

Tickets for games have been hard to obtain, but ICC officials say fans may still be able to secure some.

“The levels of interest in being part of the event are huge, with more than 3 million ticket applications in

the initial ballot,” Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s chief executive said. “I’m delighted to confirm today that we’ve worked closely with our partners to release more tickets to 51 of the 55 games of the event.”

For those unable to purchase tickets, Blakeman says the county will set up watch parties in various locations details of which will be announced at a later date.

Allardice also thanked the county and Blakeman for their support, saying the ICC had “found a true partner” that supports the council’s “vision and ambition.” The stadium had originally been planned for the Bronx, but moved to Nassau County after considerable resistance from neighbors surrounding Van Cortlandt Park there.

“It’s fantastic to stand here today and see our vision come to life,” Allardice said.

Ali Khan, a Pakistani-born American cricketer who plays for the United States, says he’s excited about returning home for the upcoming games.

“It’s really good to be here in Nassau County this morning — good to see all the people coming out,” Khan said. “We cannot wait to take the field here.”

Team USA will compete against India on June 12 in Eisenhower.

“That’s going to be a huge game for us as a host country,” Khan said. “I wish (that) a lot of people come, especially local supporters. Get your tickets now and come support your home team, Team USA.”

As part of county’s negotiations with the ICC, the stadium will be disassembled after the tournament, but the state-of-the-art cricket field will be left in place, along with practice facilities in Cantiague Park in Hicksville.

Local cricket teams and leagues will be able to use the fields when the tournament ends.

“Cricket,” Blakeman said, “is here forever now.”

Mini picnics to go ON THE ROAD WITH A TAKEOUT QUEEN

In early spring, it’s nice to grab a sandwich from a café, sit on a park bench, and welcome the birds as they return from Boca Raton. Since March can be windy, it’s best to bring along a sandwich that’s neatly packed. That way, your lettuce and sliced tomatoes won’t blow in your face while you try to balance your lunch on your lap. This month, I found three compact sandwiches on menus in new and popular cafes, plus a new dessert treat. All the ingredients will hold together well on a mini picnic.

Ichiddo Ramen (1018 Willis Ave., Albertson) This light, bright, authentic Japanese restaurant just opened its doors. Though there are 14 creative ramen soups to choose from, five ramen stir fries, and a host of colorful appetizers, I went straight for the tofu bun sandwich. Very lightly fried tofu sits atop crisp lettuce, a bit of house made sauce and Japanese mayo. A soft, steamed bun holds them together with elegance and style. It’s a mini-picnic dream come true.

vors. The ingredients held together perfectly as I munched in the park. I also brought along the fagioli avocado salad filled with romaine hearts, sauteed black beans, roasted corn, quinoa, avocado, cilantro, hot peppers, onions, and sundried tomatoes. It was a wonderful mixture, and the ingredients sat together tightly and politely in their container.

Panera Bread (1 Village Square, Glen Cove) There are two new spring sourdough sandwiches on the menu: the bacon avocado melt and the southwest chicken melt. I chose the former, made with melted gouda, chopped bacon, avocado, chipotle aioli, and everything bagel seasoning. The ingredients sit between slices of country rustic sourdough bread. I give full credit to the melted gouda and aioli for doing an outstanding job of holding the other ingredients in place. It was compact, the flavors blended beautifully, and the sandwich tasted like “the day your mom packed you a great school lunch.”

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, V. GENE SCHAEFER, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hearing on the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library Budget for 2024-2025 will be held at the Library on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Michele Vaccarelli

The ramen soups deserve a shoutout as well. They’re vibrant and filled with the freshest ingredients. For example, my vegetable ramen soup included thinly shredded cabbage that resembled pasta. The next time I stop by, I’m thinking of asking if I can replace the ramen noodles with cabbage for a “light” version. Go me.

La Bottega (190 Glen St., Glen Cove) Yay! A new La Bottega has just joined the other locations on Long Island. In this casual, Italian café, the menu features fun varieties of pizza, paninis, entrees, salads, vegetarian dishes, soups, and more. For my mini-picnic, I ordered the LB eggplant sandwich: grilled eggplant, sauteed onions, and Gaeta olives on focaccia bread. It was compact and a lovely combination of fla-

Sea Cliff Gelateria (198 Sea Cliff Ave., Glen Cove) This family-friendly gelateria opened just in time for spring. Welcome gelato, cakes, cookies, and chocolates! Check out these unique gelato flavors: peanut butter Oreo, wild cherry vanilla, espresso almond, strawberry cheesecake, and more. There are 20 homemade flavors in all, and additional flavors will rotate. My creamy wild cherry vanilla was filled with mouthfuls of juicy cherries. If you pick up a cup of gelato to go, it will come in a neat container with a lid. There’s no way this dessert will drip on your jacket during your mini picnic.

Happy eating! See you next month!

Cathi Turow can be reached at: cturowtakeout@gmail.com

CRIME BRIEF

Man with weapons arrested in Brookville

In a recent bust, the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Squad brought in a Lindenhurst resident on charges of weapon possession, following an incident in Brookville on March 14.

According to detectives, the driver of a car making a series of traffic infractions along Route 107 near Wheatley Road was spotted by police. Deciding to investigate, the officer pulled the vehicle over near Equestrian Court, leading to a thorough search.

During the inspection, law enforcement uncovered what appeared to be a

replica Glock 9 mm pistol and subsequently apprehended the driver, Robert Abruzzese, 49, who complied without resisting arrest.

Upon further examination of the vehicle a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 revolver was found hidden inside the car.

Abruzzese is facing serious charges, including two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon, and numerous traffic violations.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 19, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and GENE SCHAEFER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 19, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 959 RIPLEY LANE, OYSTER BAY, NY 11771: Section 24, Block E, Lot 328: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF UPPER BROOKVILLE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 001852/2017. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 145616

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF LIBRARY

BUDGET HEARING

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library

Library Director POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA, que la reunión de consideración para el presupuesto bibliotecario 2024-2025, se realizará en la biblioteca pública en Oyster Bay-East Norwich el martes, 7 de mayo de 2024 a las 7:00 de la noche.

Michele Vaccarelli Directora de la Biblioteca 145619

LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS JERICHO WATER

DISTRICT CONTRACT NO. C7-24

REMOVAL OF CAUSTIC

TANKS AT WELLS 5 & 7 Sealed Bids for Contract No. C7-24 Removal of Caustic Tanks at Wells 5 & 7 will be received by the Jericho Water District office, located at 125 Convent Road, Syosset New York 11791 until 9:00 a.m. (Local Time), on Friday, April 12th, 2024, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. This project is located at two (2) separate locations and generally consists of removal and safe disposal of sodium hydroxide solution, cleaning and disposal of tank bottoms, removal of piping and tanks, removal of spill containment pad and drywells, backfilling and restoration of surrounding areas as shown and called for in conformance with the contract documents. The Contract Documents, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Instructions to Bidders, Bidder’s Checklist, Bid, Bid Bond, Statement of Surety’s Intent, Agreement, General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, Drawings, Specifications and Addenda mat be examined at the following location: Jericho Water District 125 Convent Road Syosset, New York 11791

Complete sets of Bidding Documents, and Specifications, may be obtained by emailing Peter Ranaldo, Assistant Superintendent at pjranaldo@jerichowater.o rg.

Each Bidder must complete and submit with their bid the “Iranian Investment Activities Certification” provided in the Bid Form in compliance with General Municipal Law 103-g, Iranian Energy Sector Divestment. Each Bidder must complete and submit with their Bid the “Certification of Compliance with New York State Labor Law Section Two Hundred One-G” provided in the Bid Form regarding the implementation of a written policy addressing sexual harassment prevention in the workplace.

The Bidder to whom the Owner proposes to award the Contract will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds and the necessary insurance certificates as prescribed in the General Conditions and the Supplementary Conditions upon the execution of the Agreement within 10 (10) days of the Notice of Award.

Bidders are required to execute a non-collusive bidding certification required by section 103-d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all of the Bids received, to re-advertise for Bids, to abandon the project, to waive any or all informalities in any Bid received and to accept any proposal which the OWNER decides to be for the best interest of the OWNER.

Each Bid must be accompanied by a certified or bank cashier’s check made payable to OWNER, or a Bid Bond issued by a surety licensed to conduct business in the state where the project is located and having a Best Rating of A- or better from A.M. Best Company and named in the current list of “Companies Holding Certificates of Authority an Sureties on Federal Bonds and an Acceptable Reinsuring Companies” as published in Circular 570 (amended) by the Financial Management Service, Surety Bond Branch, U.S. Department of Treasury, in an amount no less than five (5) percent of the amount of the Bid Submitted. The list may be ordered from the Government Printing Office Bookstore, 26

Federal Plaza, Room 110, New York, NY 10278, (212) 264-3825.

A public meeting may also be held at the time and place noted above wherein the District will conduct such regular and other business which is properly brought before the Board of Commissioners. The Bid TOTALS for each submitted Bid will be posted on the District’s website immediately following the bid opening.

Note: All questions must be submitted, in writing, to Peter Ranaldo no later than 3:00 p.m. on Monday April 8th. 2024. Questions must be sent via email to pjranaldo@jerichowater.o

rg.

Board of Commissioners Jericho Water District

Date: March 29th, 2024

By: James Asmus, Secretary 145761

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW -- BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that a public hearing and meeting will be held by and before the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Inc. Village of Laurel Hollow, Nassau County, New York, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at the Village Hall, 1492 Laurel Hollow Road, Laurel Hollow, NY. ZV5-2023: The continuation of the public hearing on the application of Sarfraz Hajee to construct a fourcar garage at 1480 Laurel Hollow Road, Laurel Hollow, NY where the proposed structure does not comply with the following section of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code:

1. Section 145-5(B)(2) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code states that an accessory building or structure having a building area of more than 500 square

OPINIONS

In spring, all eyes turn to the diamond

It has arrived. Baseball’s opening day.

When I was a kid growing up in Queens, this greatly anticipated moment was my reassurance that all was well with the world. Coinciding with the coming of warm spring weather and the sale of the new season’s edition of baseball cards, it focused the attention of my friends — whether Dodgers, Yankees or Giants fans — first on the upcoming pennant races, and then on the World Series.

This was the golden age of baseball in New York. During the 11 seasons from 1947 to 1957, the Yankees won nine pennants; my team, the Dodgers, six; and the Giants, two. In every year but one, there was at least one New York team in the World Series, and both teams in the fall classic were from New York eight times.

As far as we were concerned, baseball was New York, and New York was baseball. There was nothing like going to Ebbets Field, Yankee Stadium or the

Polo Grounds and being struck by the colors of bright green grass, white baselines and players’ uniforms that were so intense compared with what we saw on our 12-inch black-and-white television screens. No other sport during that era generated such attention. The football Giants often played before a lot of empty seats in the Polo Grounds, and the Knicks actually played NBA championship games in a National Guard Armory because the circus was using Madison Square Garden.

My friends and I had to take the train to Flushing Meadow to play on grass.

Because there was no grass anywhere in our Sunnyside neighborhood, we adapted with our baseball simulations of stickball, curb ball, stoop ball and punchball or softball on the concrete field in the nearby city park. When we reached age 11, we formed our own team, enrolled it in the PAL and took the Queens 7 line train to Flushing Meadow, which had grass fields. The team’s equipment consisted of two bats and a catcher’s mask. Batting helmets were nonexistent, as were parents, or any adults at all. We were on our own. And if we lost or played badly, there was no one to console us.

Much had changed, of course, by the

time my son, Sean, started playing Little League ball at Seaman’s Neck Park in Seaford in the late 1970s: There were Opening Day parades, grass fields, uniforms, umpires, adult coaches, team batting helmets and stands filled with parents, grandparents and neighbors. That was all new to me, but made for great memories. I really noticed the differences when, starting in 2013, my grandson Jack began playing, first in the Wantagh Little League and then on Long Island travel teams, including the Chiefs and Titans. The changes that struck me most were the equipment — individual batting helmets and customized bats — and the level of play — 11- and 12-year-olds routinely turning double plays and catching high fly balls. What was unchanged was the level of family support and community enthusiasm, with no Bad News Bears adult tantrums or boorishness. Travel team baseball was a whole new experience. Not just the higher level of skill, but playing across Long Island and traveling to tournaments in upstate Cooperstown as well as Connecticut, Maryland and even South

Carolina. At every destination, the Long Island kids played well and distinguished themselves.

Now a new baseball season is upon us, from Little League to the major leagues. Much has changed over the years. The Dodgers and Giants abandoned us for California over six decades ago. Major League Baseball, which at one time never played west of St. Louis, has expanded from two eightteam leagues to 30 teams and six divisions, and plays regular-season games in Asia and Europe. There has been a diffusion of intense fan interest beyond baseball to the NFL, NBA and NHL. And there is now an overlap of sports seasons, with the NBA and NHL cutting into months of the baseball schedule.

At the local level, the travel team phenomenon draws away from Little League and high school play. Still, baseball remains strong in New York, with the Mets and Yankees, and especially on Long Island, with our outstanding facilities and, most important, supportive families and communities. I know I’m still enthused and ready.

Play ball!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

We need regional solutions to protect our environment

While many public policies often divide us as a nation, the protection of Mother Earth unites us with a common goal as a society. As Long Islanders, especially Town of Oyster Bay residents, we cherish the surrounding environment and value the importance of clean air, waterways, locally grown food, natural resources, and amazing open space for recreation.

For decades, New York state has been a global leader in recycling and proper waste management. In recent years, however, recycling markets in the United States and worldwide have experienced volatility, leaving recycling operations struggling to find suitable markets for material and impacting solid waste recycling efforts.

Glass is one of the heaviest components of the municipal waste stream, and is extremely costly to transport and process. As a result, many local governments across the country began removing glass from recycling bins, instead

putting glass back into the regular waste stream. In the Town of Oyster Bay, we continue to collect glass curbside in recycling bins, but we believe that all towns on Long Island must partner to advocate for more sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges we face today.

Now is the time for Long Island’s 13 towns to develop a regional approach to better recycle and/or beneficially reuse glass. Together with the Island’s largest towns, we have requested that Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature allocate $1 million in funding to be earmarked in the fiscal year 2025 state budget for this purpose.

Finitiative that could speed up development of a centralized processing plant to increase recycling rates, save local governments tens of millions of dollars annually and protect the environment.

or instance, finding a way to better recycle or beneficially reuse glass.

That said, money isn’t the only answer. Due to strict Department of Environmental Conservation standards for use of recycled glass, we asked that the governor direct the department to take a leadership role in coordinating such a regional initiative for Long Island. In September 2023, Newsday reported that the Glass Packaging Institute, a trade group based in Virginia, had expressed an interest in working with Long Island towns to develop an

Chapter 742 of the Laws of 2021 directed the Department of Environmental Conservation to study alternative municipal uses for recycled glass. Since then, the state has invested millions of dollars in research on new glass production and reuse at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. With years of academic research at the Center of Glass Innovation and DEC studies underway, we are hopeful that a regional approach for Long Island municipalities can be developed to achieve our environmental commitment to reducing landfill waste and CO2 emissions. For instance, the construction of a ground glass pozzolan plant for construction concrete production and product commercialization in the public and private sectors could truly make Long Island a leader on climate action and greener region. For that reason, the aforementioned funding request would assist the state in the initial scoping, sit-

ing and design phases for such a regional facility.

By working collaboratively with the Department of Environmental Conservation and using all available resources, Long Island towns can save taxpayer money and enhance residents’ ability to recycle glass — an important objective in the effort to promote sustainability and deliver innovations to serve people everywhere. Together, we must find sustainable solutions for Long Island’s environmental challenges today, and for the future.

Preserving our environment isn’t just a local concern, but a global responsibility. It requires concerted effort, innovative solutions and collective action. With the proposed funding and support from state authorities, we aim to pioneer a model for glass recycling and reuse that can serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. Long Island has the potential to lead the way in sustainable waste management practices, setting an example for communities worldwide. As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that every small step counts, and that, together, we can make a significant difference for generations to come.

Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.

HERALD EDITORIAL

Have you got the fire(fighter) in you?

They’re good people. They’re strong. And they’re heroes.

That’s how people in New York describe volunteer firefighters, according to a survey conducted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. And nearly half of all people who were asked said they would love to become one of these strong, good heroes.

And now they have their chance.

Volunteer fire departments — like the one in your hometown — are opening their doors the weekend of April 13 to not only remind our neighborhoods of how important those fire departments are, but also to help bring more firefighters to the fold.

It’s called RecruitNY weekend, and leading up to it, the firefighters association is asking businesses, government buildings and anyplace else where exteriors are lit to make those lights red to show solidarity with our firefighters.

“The lights symbolize our commitment to a tradition of community help, and a need for more volunteers,” Edward Tase Jr., president of the association, said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is doing his part, lighting the dome red on the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola in the first two weeks of April. The hope is that other major landmarks across the region and state will light up

LETTERS

Why isn’t the LIRR’s work at Jamaica finished?

To the Editor:

Long Island Rail Road riders have to ask why Phase 2 of the LIRR’s $168 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements wasn’t completed prior to the initiation of full-time service for the $11.6 billion East Side Access to Grand Central Madison in February 2023.

Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. The work will raise maximum allowable train speeds, increase train throughput — the number of trains that can pass through a section of line in a given time — as well as parallel routing capabilities, implement universal 12-car platform capacity and ensure a full state-of-good-repair throughout the Jamaica Station complex. It will include critical work on bridges carrying trains, and expansion of the Hall Interlocking.

Prior to this, there was the $450 million Phase 1 of the Jamaica Capacity Improvements, for which funding was approved in 2010, using grants from the Federal Transit Administration. It included capital improvements in and around the station, encompass -

red as well.

Being a volunteer fire department has been getting tougher. Membership has dropped, while calls have increased. And not because people don’t want to be firefighters — it’s just hard to make that commitment in our busy lives, amid a turbulent economy that requires many of us to work more than we may have in the past to pay the bills.

But there are benefits beyond simply making a difference — and potentially saving lives — to being a volunteer firefighter. And those are benefits worth considering. For example, volunteer firefighters get free training and free equipment, as well as tax breaks and essential insurance coverage — all provided by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefits Law, first passed in 1957.

Some of those tax breaks include income tax credits of $500 to $1,000 per year, as well as property tax reductions of up to 10 percent, assuming your local government has opted in.

And, depending on what individual departments have set up, there could be pension opportunities as well, established through the state’s Length of Service Award Program.

For younger people, there are scholarships and tuition reimbursement available, too.

Of course, becoming a volunteer firefighter isn’t about the financial incentives, although they help. What really

draws most people to serve is a chance to give back to the communities they love in ways they simply can’t do otherwise.

Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in protecting their homes and neighbors from emergencies and disasters beyond simply putting out fires, although there is nothing simple about that. They are also there for medical emergencies and natural disasters like major storms, always contributing to public safety and well-being.

These days we see firefighters needed to respond to flooded basements, lithium-ion battery fires, downed power lines and car accidents.

Volunteers also get to fulfill a dream many of us have had since the moment we saw a firefighter for the first time. We knew that’s what we wanted to be, too. So why not do it?

Visit your local volunteer fire department next month. See what it’s like to be a firefighter, and how you can make a difference. And then ask where you can sign up.

President George W. Bush once said that “the willingness of America’s volunteer firefighters to risk their lives for others is a testament to the spirit of service that pervades our nation.”

Let’s continue prove him right. Find out how — and where — you can volunteer today. Visit FireInYou.org/volunteer.

ing tracks, signals, third-rail power and interlockings, designed to support increased operational capacity necessary for future service to Grand Central Madi-

son. When the FTA grants were approved, this proposed new service was many years away. Thirteen years was ample time to complete both Phase 1 and 2.

OPINIONS

We must understand what antisemitism is, and isn’t

The American Jewish Committee recently released its annual State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, which revealed that 63 percent of American Jews say the status of Jews in the U.S. is “less secure than a year ago” — a 22-percentagepoint increase in just one year, and a 32-point increase over two years.

Forty-six percent of American Jews say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism, a jump from 38 percent last year.

While these numbers are daunting and cause for concern, several of the key takeaways from the report, on Holocaust and antisemitism education, are positive.

state offer varying degrees of Holocaust education, in accordance with State Education Department regulations, and we also know that quality Holocaust education has been shown to reduce antisemitism and all forms of hate.

ERIC POST

AJC’s report found that 92 percent of American Jews, and 89 percent of all U.S. adults in the Northeast, believe it is important for public schools to invest more resources in teaching age-appropriate lessons about the Holocaust to all students. There is also overwhelming support among both the Jewish community and the general public for teaching modern manifestations of antisemitism in public schools. We know that schools in New York

Jewish students, however, should not be seen solely through the lens of the Holocaust. We should incorporate the Jewish community in any diversity efforts, and encourage the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month in May, to promote awareness and appreciation of Jewish contributions to American society.

In addition, over the past several years, school districts across Long Island have implemented character education initiatives to address all forms of hate and racism, and help students understand the consequences of actions and words on others.

It is critical that we also teach about the modern manifestations of antisemitism, not just the historical ones. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, we have seen a steep increase in antisemitic graffiti and incidents in Long Island public schools. This is on top of an already growing problem with anti-

LETTERS

Why wasn’t Phase 2 completed before the service to GCM began? And will its completion increase overall rush hour capacity, including additional Atlantic branch Brooklyn service, and reduce travel time between Jamaica and Penn Station, GCM, Flatbush Avenue, Hunters Point or Long Island City? LIRR commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups and elected officials deserve a detailed explanation from MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Acting LIRR President Robert Free for why this work was delayed so long.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

Mistake-free Medicare?

You’re dreaming, Jerry.

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column “Check your Medicare statement carefully”: I think Jerry is naïve to think Medicare will have the time and manpower to investigate billing

semitism here and nationwide.

Given that antisemitism is often not well understood, education is crucial in fostering an environment with zero tolerance for anti-Jewish bigotry and all forms of hate. It is also critical to reassure Jewish families that districts see them in this moment, and are prioritizing their children’s safety and well-being. Several Jewish organizations, including AJC, offer training for students, teachers and administrators.

In these moments of uncertainty and anxiety for American Jewry, it is also important to consider what is being reported when Israel is in the news more than usual, as has been the case since Oct. 7. Criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic. In fact, it is a feature of its democracy, and Israelis do it all the time. But there are occasions when antiIsrael rhetoric can become antisemitic, including statements that deny the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

sau and Suffolk counties, New York state and the federal government, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic, but, for example, “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation” does cross that line.

The IHRA definition can be helpful in evaluating whether antisemitism exists in school settings. Establishing a system to report antisemitism and all forms of hate, reviewing and publicizing key school policies, including social media, and communicating with families when antisemitism and hate occur are also vital.

The more we all know about antisemitism, the more we can identify it, fight it and keep it on the fringe of society. When that happens, not only Jews will feel more secure, we all will.

scams, like the one he detailed involving catheters, when they are devoting resources to denying reimbursement for preventive services that are listed in their handbook. I will explain.

I recently had a PSA test whose reimbursement was denied because of a billing code error. I am 77 years old, and per Page 49 of the Medicare handbook, this is a preventive service to which I am entitled every 12 months.

I did not have this test for several years. I called Medicare to get the service reimbursed, and was told I had to get a letter from my doctor explaining the need for the service, and with that document to file an appeal. This meant the doctor had to send me a letter, and I had to fill out a claim form and mail it to Medicare. Medicare now has to evaluate the appeal and rule on it.

The request for an appeal for coverage of this preventive service couldn’t be approved with a phone call, even after I was transferred to two different people with hold times of roughly 20 minutes. Everyone I spoke to on the phone agreed that it didn’t make sense, but they had no authority to approve the service, even though it’s listed in their manual as one that’s covered.

As noted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, which has been adopted by the AJC and major American Jewish organizations, Nas-

FRAMEWORK by Tim

Eric Post is the Long Island director of the American Jewish Committee. Bob Vecchio is the executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association.