Amityville Herald 03_05_2025

HERALD AMITYvIlle

ReCORD

Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa

Clocks move forward one hour on Sunday, March 9

Obituary: Harold Olsen, AFD volunteer Page 8

Northwell nurses hold rally demanding fair contract and adequate staffing

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Northwell Health/South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore gathered outside the hospital last week to demand that Northwell negotiate a fair contract. The nurses and their union leaders have been pushing for months for improved staffing, higher wages, and better benefits to help recruit and retain nurses and ensure quality care.

“It is crucial that nurses have adequate staffing to protect both patients and the community,” said Joanne DeAntonio, president of the local union.

Nurses have raised concerns about the challenges of understaffing, especially during breaks when managers cannot meet minimum staffing standards. A July/August 2024 poll found that nurses reported lacking break coverage on more than 61 percent of shifts.

Ninety-nine percent p of union members voted in favor of authorizing a strike last week unless a fair contract is reached. Marie Boyle, a nurse for five decades and a member of the union’s board, said striking is a last resort. However, the vote gives elected nurse leaders

the authority to submit a 10-day strike notice to management, though negotiations will continue. Over 900 nurses could strike if no tentative agreement is reached.

“Of course,” Boyle said, “the goal is to settle.”

Entry-level nurses earn $99,000 annually. Northwell has offered a 2 percent raise, which Boyle said does not keep pace with inflation.

However, Boyle emphasized that the issue goes beyond money.

“The real goal is to secure a contract that encourages young nurses to stay in the profession,” she said. “We’re losing bright, young nurses because the job is too difficult, and maintaining adequate staffing is a challenge.”

Some nurses are concerned that staffing shortages could affect their ability to provide adequate care and jeopardize their licenses.

“The patients we see are sicker, and our emergency room is dramatically busier,” DeAntonio said. “Despite the increase in demand, Northwell has refused to hire more nurses and retain experienced staff. As a Level 1 trauma center, the hospital’s level of care is vital to a broader community. We’ll continue to speak up until we get the fair contract that nurses and this community deserve.”

Joanne Anderson’s Pet Column Page 4

Amityville voters to choose new leadership amidst debate on growth and fiscal stability

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Amityville Village voters will be able to choose from a crowded field of candidates running in the Village election on March 18. Seeking the office of Mayor are Trustees Kevin Smith and Mike O’Neill, and retired Amityville Police Officer and firefighter Eric Onderdonk.

Seeking election to two trustee seats are incumbent Owen Brooks, Peter Collorafi, Rob Russo and Santiago “James” Gallinat. The trustee election is at large, which means the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be seated.

In addition, Village Justice Joseph L. Calabrese is running for reelection and is unopposed. All the seats are for four years.

The election is Tues., March 18 and the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Incumbent Mayor Dennis Siry cannot run for reelection since the v illage adopted term limits for its mayor and trustee positions. Under the law, they cannot serve more than two terms.

MAYORAL

CANDIDATES

Michael W. O’Neill: Amityville For All party

Mike O’Neill served on the Village Planning Board for two years before being elected to the Village Board six years ago. “I always had it in the back of my head that I wanted to run for mayor,” said O’Neill, a lifelong resident of the village. “I believe I have the temperament and experience and that I am the right person for the job.” During his tenure on the board, he said, the village has increased tax revenues by more

than $1 million, largely the result of “approving the right kind of development, and giving Amityville an A-1 bond rating, which translates into lower interest costs on borrowing. “

He added, “We also retired three bonds, bringing significant fiscal stability to the village while maintaining tax rate increases that were always below the tax cap.”

O’Neill has 30 years of corporate experience managing multimillion budgets and working with hundreds of employees, and that experience has helped him work to move the Village forward. “With all our success, however, there are still things that need to be addressed, but I am confident working with all the departments in the Village combined with outside resources such as grants we will be able to accomplish many things. But those projects must be well thought-out,” he said.

For example, he added, he opposed the development of Avalon South, believing it was was too large a project. “I believed then and still believe now that we can’t rush into things doing too much too soon,” he said. Finally, he said he would like to work with the state and the DOT to address traffic on Broadway. “Ours is the only village in neighboring communities that has four lanes on its main north and south thoroughfares” he said.

“Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst has one lane north and one lane south, as does Deer Park Avenue in Babylon and Front Street in Massapequa Park,” he pointed out. “That’s because we have a state road running through our village and we have less control,

Carolyn James/Herald

Ryan Stanton of the LI Federation of Labor, left, and S.C. Leg. Sam Gonzalez, right, stand in support of nurses at rally. At left union officials Joanne DeAntonio, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans and Jenna Kuhn-Plaza address their members.

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County and Amityville Village Police departments and other law enforcement agencies: SERIOUS MVA IN COPIAGUE

Copiague: A pedestrian, identified as Elder Chub, 17 of Copiague, was seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash Feb. 22 in the westbound lane of Sunrise Highway, near Bayview Avenue at approximately 8:10 p.m. Police said Maryam Noor was driving a 2023 Cadillac XT6 westbound when the vehicle struck a pedestrian standing in the left lane.

Chubb was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip in critical condition. Noor, 22, of Bellmore, was not injured.

The Cadillac was impounded for a safety check.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the First Squad at 631-854-8152.

PETIT LARCENY

Deer Park: Someone stole approximately $4000 in miscellaneous detergent and laundry products from Walgreen’s at 1770 Deer Park Avenue of Feb. 20. The incident was reported at 11:50 p.m.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

West Babylon: Sometime between

CRIME WATCH

Jan. 31 and Feb. 14, a home on 9th St., West Babylon was vandalized. The owners were away at the time and reported that it appeared that furniture was stolen. Police are investigating.

GRAND LARCENY

Amityville: A 2022 Dodge Ram was stolen while parked on Maple Place. The theft was reported Feb. 19 at 3:23 p.m.

Babylon: A package was stolen off the porch of a home on Locust Avenue Feb. 15.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Erik Dominguez, 19, of Garden City Ave., Wyandanch; Alisson Castro Curinaupa, 25, of 1073 Bay Shore Ave., Baywood; Benjamin Liebstein, 25, of 28 Thompson Ave., Babylon; Estela Martinez Carballo, 29, of 41 Amity St., Patchogue; Cesar Quintanilla Hernandez, 31, of 234 Pinewood Ave., Central Islip; Carlos Abrego Gonzalez, 37, of 32 Jensen R., North Bay Shore; Brian Galvez Mendoza, 22, of 61 Monroe, Massapequa; Jake Deneke, 19, of 4211 Corporal Kennedy, Bayside; Shawna O’Connell, 48, of 155 Richmond Ave., Amityville; Walter Jarosik, 47, of 1580 6th St., West Babylon.

Petit Larceny: Natdaysia Dingle, 37, of 1225 Udall Rd., Baywood; Nikiea James,

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

41, of 70 Yarnell St., Brentwood; Peter Mehlinger, 56, of 36 Rankel Rd., Massapequa; Elias Ambrosi Guzman, 40, of 79 Chestnut St., Brentwood; Carla Blasruiz, 28, of 350 W. 88 St., Manhattan; Eduardo Benavides Ramos, 32, of 18 Meadowbrook Dr., Brentwood; Crystal Guthrie, 35 of 549 Monroe Ave., Lindenhurst.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance: Kayla McCallum, 30, of 248 Tree Ave., Central Islip; Ivory Tunisia,

48, of 13 Emerald La., South, North Amityville; Guillermo Barr, 35, of 422 4th St., Lindenhurst; Maurice Leake, 56, of 82 Park Ave., Amityville; Melvin Flores, 44, of 171 E 3rd St., Deer Park; Ulysse Gregory, 37, of 82 Sword St., West Babylon. Burglary: Isiah Bas, 23, of 16 East St., Brentwood.

Grand Larceny: Kenneth Harriott, 52, of 586 Georgia Ave., Brooklyn.

WI Class of ‘75 holding reunion

The West Islip High School Class of 1975 is holding a class reunion July 19 at Captain Bill’s restaurant in Bay Shore.

For details, visit/join the organization’s Facebook page: West Islip High School Class of 1975 Or call 516-456-3207 and leave a message.

Apply now for Future Leaders in Public Service award

The GRA Future Leaders in Public Service Scholarship will be awarded to exceptional students seeking degrees in government relations, public affairs, public service, advocacy, lobbying, public policy, public administration, or a similar field. Four $1,500 scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence; demonstrated leadership and service to community; a desire to work

FAITH-BASED BREAKFAST

in public service, government relations, advocacy, or a similar field; and demonstrated financial need.

Applicants must be a GRA Future Leader member in good standing to be considered.

The deadline for filing is March 21.For more information, go online to: www.GRAssociation.org for more information.

Memoir recalls Babylon’s glory days in basketball Panthers’ 1974-75 season was pure magic, author says

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

When memories from childhood linger for decades, they often find a way to spill onto the page, yearning to be shared and appreciated. For Tom McKeown, those memories of a historic year at Babylon High School flowed effortlessly into his new book, “This is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory.”

The memoir recounts the 197475 Babylon Panthers’ journey to the first-ever Long Island Basketball Championship under the leadership of visionary coach Roy Koelbel and star player Glenn Vickers. The Panthers faced both on- and off-court challenges, but each obstacle they overcame brought them one step closer to the elusive title. A highlight of their remarkable season was a fierce trilogy of games against the formidable Amityville team, who had their own championship dreams.

McKewon, who was 13 that year and an 8th grader in the district, remembers the sense of pride he felt as he and others were able to “hang out” with the older athletes. He also vividly recalls the struggles, and triumphs during that remarkable season, along with a snapshot of the time and community pride that surrounded the Panthers’ victory. It recounts how the small town high school rose above adversity to defeat some of the best teams of the year, including Amityville.

The Panthers, playing in League

5, competed in 23 games from November 1974 to March 1975, three of which were against Amityville. The last game in that trilogy was during the playoffs and went to triple overtime. McKeown titles that chapter, “ The Thrilla with the Villa.”

But McKeown’s memoir goes beyond the basketball court. It provides a glimpse into the culture and lives of the young athletes, making it more than just a sports story. It’s about perseverance, teamwork, and how those values united the entire town.

To ensure accuracy, McKeown reached out to several of the players, coaches and his family members who lived through the season. “Nobody remembers everything exactly,” he said.

Filled with memories and tributes to the people who shaped the Panthers’ journey, McKeown’s memoir will resonate with anyone who values underdog victories. The upcoming event provides an opportunity to revisit those memories and join a lively discussion about the people and times that made the 1974-75 season so special.

McKeown is a successful technology entrepreneur who founded and sold the software company TrenData. He is married and has two children. He enjoys reminiscing about his time growing up in Babylon and now spends his time working with other entrepreneurs and playing golf.

The Babylon Historical Society is located at 117 W. Main St. For more information, call 631-669-1756.

1974-75 Babylon Panthers Championship Varsity Roster

Coach: Roy Koelbel - Ass’t Coach: Don Bartsch

#42 Junior Glenn Vickers Forward

#1 Senior Gervais Barger Guard

#34 Senior Stanley Davis Guard

#22 Senior Charles (Chuck) Farley Guard

#32 Junior Barry Davis Center

#40 Sophomore Steven Farley Forward

#30 Freshman Brian Vickers Forward

#52 Freshman Chris Brust Center

#14 Senior Mike Fischer Guard

#12 Sophomore James Feeney Guard

N/A Sophomore Greg Berger Guard

Divine Beauty,

a women’s spiritual

retreat, scheduled in Amityville Saturday, March 15

Science of Spirituality will be hosting a Women’s Retreat on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn how to face life’s challenges by finding your center of inner strength, peace and love through meditation. The program will include a complimentary vegetarian lunch. Come for discussion, sisterhood, meditation and friendship.

Featured workshops include Meditation, Beautify Your Life with Emo -

tional Wellness with Ekta Kohli Portillo, LCSW; Yoga for Health and Inner Harmony with Ferlaisa Gomez, ALM, RYT; and Vegan Bites for One or More with Rosanna Jimenez, CHHC. To register, email infotristate@sos. org For more information, call (631) 8227979.

Science of Spirituality Meditation Center is located at 79 County Line Road, Amityville.

Author Tom McKeown

Coach Roy Koelbel

Star player Glenn Vickers

Many Felines Find a Game of Fetch quite Fetching

Although fetching is more commonly associated with dogs, a study by Mikel Delgado from Purdue University and colleagues found that 4 in 10 pet cats also engage in the behavior. The findings were published in the PLOS ONE journal on September 4, 2024.

While dogs are known for fetching, some cats also participate in the activity, which may stem from their natural hunting instincts. However, it remains unclear how domestication shaped this behavior into the play we see in pets today. To explore this, the researchers analyzed data from online surveys conducted between 2015 and 2023, which asked cat and dog owners about their pets’ fetching habits.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

Among the more than 8,000 cat owners surveyed, 41% reported that their cat would sometimes, frequently, or always retrieve toys or objects. This figure is significantly higher than previous estimates. The study found that cats are more likely to engage in fetching if they are active, playful, and live indoors. Although fetching is observed in cats of all breeds, it is more common in Burmese, Siamese, and Tonkinese cats—breeds descended from cats domesticated early in East Asia, which are genetically distinct from other breeds.

Of the nearly 74,000 dog owners surveyed, 78% reported that their dogs would sometimes, frequently, or always fetch objects such as sticks and balls. Dogs that engage in fetching also tend to score higher on overall trainability. Breeds that herd or hunt, like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and English Cocker Spaniels, are particularly likely to fetch. Fetching is less common in female dogs, older

dogs, and those with health issues.

This study is the first to estimate how common fetching behavior is in dogs, and it also highlights that fetching is more common in cats than previously thought. The authors noted, “Although fetching shows many similarities to natural hunting behavior, the results suggest that it is more closely related to play than predation.”

Over centuries of domestication, humans have selected for juvenile behaviors that persist into adulthood. This may also apply to playful fetching, a behavior that could have originally helped wild animals learn to hunt and retrieve.

The authors concluded, “Although cats and dogs are vastly different in many aspects of their behavior and in how they became companion animals, we find it fascinating that so many of them share this interesting behavior—fetching! We hope our study will encourage further exploration of how fetching is related to play, hunting, and social interactions in both cats and dogs.”

Fabulous Fetchers: At Last Hope Animal Rescue, many adopters take pride in how well their pets play fetch, but there are two standouts.

Seth’s story is particularly unique. In 2020, during COVID, Last Hope received a call from the Brooklyn Animal Care Center (ACC) about a cat surrendered there with a microchip that traced back to the organization. Although we had no record of the cat, we went to retrieve him. To our surprise, the shelter brought out a purebred Bengal—a breed known for its agility and ability to use its paws like hands. After some investiga-

tion, we learned that the cat’s owner had surrendered him when moving to Atlanta. Seth was an exceptional fetcher, capable of jumping and retrieving toys thrown up to eight feet in the air. Ironically, he was adopted by a woman in Brooklyn.

In 2015, Remington, a Shepherd mix, was living with a wealthy family in Kentucky. Every day, he roamed their vast property and swam alongside their kayak. Remington was particularly skilled at fetching objects tossed from the kayak and swimming to retrieve them. However, the neighbor’s chickens proved too tempting, and the family feared for his safety. A young couple from Long Island adopted him from Last Hope, where he became his dad’s running partner and hiked miles with the family.

Dogs for Adoption at Last Hope Animal Rescue 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

Bear is an adorable, three-month-old Lab mix who already knows how to sit on command—fetch should be easy for him to learn.

Nibble is a ten-month-old Collie/Shepherd mix, a lover-boy with a herding instinct. Given his background, he should excel at learning fetch.

For more information, call (631) 946-9528.

Last Hope Poster Pups:

WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: cjames@liherald.com

■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 329 E-mail: cjames@liherald.com

ereynolds@liherald.com

DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com

legalnotices@massapequapost.com

Seth, a Bengal cat, playing his sky high game of fetch.

BEAR- 3 month old male Lab mix puppy

NIBBLE- 10 month old male Collie/Shepherd pup

LONG LIVE

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.  Long Live You and Long Live

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Parrish-Brown removes stigma around trauma

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month.

Shanell Parrish-Brown is an attorney, author, professor, consultant, speaker and thought leader.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Shanell Parrish-Brown: I’m a child of domestic violence. My father was incarcerated for the early years of my life and came home with many issues that affected our family structure. But he gave me a gift. He would force me to read high-level texts, and it created my love of vocabulary.

I’ve always been a writer. So in 2017, I wrote a novel called “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages.” I didn’t set out initially to write a novel I would publish. In fact, what I set out to do, at the encouragement of my therapist, was process some childhood experiences that this therapist thought I should be talking about in our sessions. Those are things that certainly shaped me, but I didn’t want to be defined in that way. So my writing changed that.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Parrish-Brown: I run a business where I publish literary work, and I provide programming and education consulting for all audiences. I’m a resilience builder. I teach a course at Fordham University about trauma and family violence, which features my novel as one of the reference materials.

My premise is that if we’re not interacting with our youth from a traumainformed place, we can recognize that kids who are acting out are likely responding to trauma. If we’re not interacting with children from that perspective, they get lost. Mental health challenges in children, like suicidal ideation, have only been exacerbated. We really should be addressing these issues on every single level.

get the press that it needs. I’m also running a business as an independent consultant, and working with government systems is difficult. But I keep going, and I stay in the work. I continue to put myself in spaces where I can meet people and share my work. I do calls with anyone who’s interested in hearing about the work I’m doing, even if they can’t hire me. It puts me in a place where I have opportunities to spread awareness.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Parrish-Brown: Some of my proudest moments come out of my classroom. It’s every single time I leave a class, and a student comes up to me asking if they can hug me.

nated with them. We have more similarities as a human race, and trauma doesn’t have a Zip code.

Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?

Parrish-Brown: We need more trauma awareness. It’s a prerequisite to action. What we don’t know, or don’t seek to know, gives people the ability to keep their heads in the sand.

One of my goals is to open a resilience institute. It’s really about validating the need for us as a society to be promenading and dialoging around resilience, and that’s what I want to capture.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Parrish-Brown: The biggest challenge in my work is access. We have to normalize awareness of trauma, because it’s an area that doesn’t really

One of my proudest moments came from a two-hour resilience workshop I did in South Bronx. It was a Spanishspeaking audience, and I don’t speak Spanish, so I had an interpreter. These parents had tears in their eyes after leaving the session. They were fully engaged and telling me what I said reso-

Why are we not teaching about trauma? Many of my students say I’m the first person to inform them about it. Talking about it helps people realize their own experience with trauma. I’ll have students pouring out themselves in their papers, and I can sit down and ask them if they’re seeing someone about it. That’s why I want a platform and the ability to raise awareness around this work.

To learn more about Shanell ParrishBrown’s work, visit her website, SPBrownWrites.com.

Lauren Wagner leads Long Island Arts Alliance

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Wagner: I’m Lauren Wagner, an arts advocate, nonprofit leader and champion for the creative sector. I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, where I work to ensure the arts are recognized, supported and celebrated as essential to our communities. With a background in arts administration and museum studies, I’m passionate about connecting the arts with education, economic growth and community development.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

keeps you going/inspires you?

Wagner: One of the biggest challenges has been fighting the perception that the arts are expendable. Time and again, I’ve seen arts funding slashed, despite the undeniable impact of the creative sector. What keeps me going is knowing that when we equip organizations with the right tools — data, advocacy and visibility — they can thrive. Seeing the arts make a real difference in communities, in schools and in people’s lives fuels my passion.

Wagner: I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the arts through advocacy, education and resources. I do this work because I believe the arts are not just about creativity — they’re about economic prosperity, community identity and shaping the future. The arts are often overlooked when funding decisions are made, and I’m committed to changing that narrative.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Wagner: Professionally, one of my proudest moments was leading Long Island’s first-ever economic impact study on the arts. Providing hard data that proves the arts are a powerful economic engine — and watching organizations use that data to secure funding — has been incredibly rewarding. Personally, my proudest moments are raising my two young sons and instilling in them a love for creativity and learning.

Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?

are

Wagner: My advice? Advocate relentlessly. The arts need champions who won’t accept being sidelined. And never separate numbers from stories — data alone doesn’t inspire, and stories without facts don’t drive action.

There’s still so much work ahead. We need stronger arts education policies,

more equitable funding, and continued efforts to make the arts a priority in economic development. But I believe that with the right strategy, the right voices and the right advocacy, we can get there.

For more information, visit LongIslandArtsAlliance.org.

SHANELL PARRISH-BROwN

LAUREN w AGNER

Courtesy Long Island Arts Alliance

Lauren Wagner, executive director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, said she believes the arts

worth fighting for. She spoke to the Huntington Arts Coalition in 2023.

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Harold Olsen, who devoted decades of service to Amityville FD, at 88

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Harold Olsen, a longtime resident of Amityville, was a man who devoted his life to helping others, whether volunteer-

ing in the Fire Department or lending a hand to neighbors in need. His willingness to serve stood unmatched.

Olsen died Feb. 6, 2025. He was 88 years old.

“We’ve been friends in the fire department for 50 years, and Harry was always ready to do whatever needed to be done, from working on the fund drive to company drills,” said Ken Lang, a fellow firefighter in Amityville. “His dedication was unmatched.”

In recognition of his commitment to the fire department over five decades, Olsen had been given the honorary title of Ex-Captain of Hose Company #4.

Olsen had moved to the area in 1970. His neighbor, Michelle Camilleri, owner of Southside Florist, described him as “a wonderful man” and “our first friend” when her family moved in. She fondly recalled Olsen playing Santa Claus for her children and being known as “Mr. Fix-It” in the neighborhood.

“He worked at South Oaks Hospital, and if anyone in the neighborhood needed something, he was there with his tools,” Camilleri said. “He never sought accolades or recognition.”

Olsen was born in Brooklyn, later moving to Cambria Heights, Queens, where he attended school. He served in the National Guard and later worked at Southside Hospital as a groundskeeper. Following that he worked as a school crossing guard in Amityville.

“My dad was the big helper of the neighborhood,” said his daughter, Karen Litjes, of Amityville. “People came to

him if they had an emergency—he was the ‘go-to guy.’” Litjes and her brother, Eric, remembered how their father would often leave dinner or wake up in the middle of the night to respond to fire calls. “But he loved what he did,” she said.

Olsen was also an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amityville. He was predeceased by his wife, Gun-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Harold Olsen

Students

craft Valentine’s Day cards at Amityville’s Northeast Elementary

Prekindergartners at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville recently held an interactive unit on mail carriers and the service they provide to the community.

As part of the lesson, Maria Liev -

ano’s class crafted Valentine’s Day cards for Northeast’s STRIVE students. Students decorated their cards, placed them in envelopes, stamped them, and delivered them personally to the STRIVE students.

NEWS BRIEFS

GUMC hosting chef’s competition March 8

Grace United Methodist Church in Lindenhurst is holding a Chef’s competition on Sat., March 8. The event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Cook your favorite entree or des -

sert or just taste and cast your vote.

Grace United Methodist Church, is at 15 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. For information call 631-2268690 or email gumc.lindy@gmail. com

First Presbyterian Church of Babylon requesting items for food pantry

The First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry is in need of items this season. The church is requesting those interested in donating to please stop by with any of the following items: pancake mix, oatmeal, boxed macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, canned chicken, frozen beef patties, boxed potato, rice, canned

Home heating assistance opportunities for Suffolk’s veterans

The Suffolk County Veterans Emergency Assistance Commission is now accepting applications from veterans in need of home heating assistance. Consideration is given to all home heating options and minor home heating system repairs.

“With all the pressures facing our heroic veterans, staying warm at night should not be one of their concerns,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

If you are interested in learning more and/or applying for the Veterans Emergency Home Heating Assistance Program, please contact the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency at (631) 853-8387 or email veteransinfo@suffolkcountyny. gov

The application can be found at shorturl.at/N7MJM.

To meet the criteria, you must complete the application, DD Form 214 with Character of Discharge Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions, household income (W-2, disability rating, social security etc.), Proof of heating expenses (oil, electricity, gas) or boiler/plumbing estimate and a narrative letter describing your need for assistance.

All the above information must be submitted with the application to Keith O’Reilly, VSO, Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, P.O. Box 6100, Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099.

Harold Olsen, who devoted decades of service to Amityville FD, at 88

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

hild (Monica), who passed away in September 2019, and his brother, Robert.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen; his son, Eric, and his wife, Sarah, of Massachusetts; and his grandchildren, Jason, Allison, Chrys, and Alex.

Fire Department services were conducted by Rev. Father Randolph Jon Geminder, Fire Department Chaplain, at

Powell Funeral Home, 67 Broadway, Amityville. Interment followed at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Donations in Olsen’s memory can be made to AFD Cares or the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1025 Old Country Rd, Suite 115, Westbury, NY 11590, or online at lidementia.org.

soup and peanut butter.

Donations can be dropped by the church house Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The First Presbyterian Church is located at 79 East Main St., Babylon. For more information, call (631) 5875838.

Alzheimer’s Association and Holy Trinity Baptish Church to host morning breakfast

The Alzheimer’s Association and the Holy Trinity Baptist Church’s Health and Wellness Ministry is hosting a morning of breakfast, learning and self-care to discuss health for your brain, body, and soul. The event

is March 22, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Holy Trinity Baptist Church, 300 Albany Ave., Amityville. Register for the event at alz.org/longisland. or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

After 40 years of serving as your trusted financial advisor, I am excited to share an important update about my practice. I have joined Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc., an independent broker-dealer based in Jericho, NY, to better serve my clients with expanded resources and greater flexibility.

My commitment remains the same, guided by these core principles:

Understanding your unique financial goals

Researching and recommending the best solutions

Providing ongoing guidance to help you achieve financial success

By joining Lebenthal, I now have:

Access to a wider range of financial products and services

Financial planning services at no additional cost

Greater flexibility to select the most suitable solutions for you

A broader array of investment options to diversify and strengthen your portfolio

I look forward to this next chapter and continuing to help you achieve your financial goals.

Contact Me: 516-606-5752 | Email Me: GSlavin@lebenthal.com

Learn More: lebenthalfinancial.com | lebenthal.com

Photo courtesy of the Amityville School District

Heavily contested races for mayor and trustees in Amityville

CONTINUED FROM COVER

but I want to work with the DOT because we need to come up with a solution that will help revitalize our business district.”

The first major issue the board must deal with, however, will be the PBA contract that expires in June, he said. “I want to work toward a fair and equitable contract for the taxpayers and the PBA. And, as I have done over the last six years, I will continue to listen to the people, respond to concerns and complaints and handle the small things—as well as the larger issues,” he added.

Eric Onderdonk: People’s Party

Eric Onderdonk said running for Mayor of Amityville is a natural move for him because he has spent his entire career working for, helping and protecting the people of Amityville.

Onderdonk has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including 27 years in the Village of Amityville. He also serves as a 1st Lieutenant in the Amityville Fire Department and as a Captain. If elected as mayor, he pledges to bring the same dedication and leadership he has always shown to the residents of the village.

If elected, he said he would prioritize halting further construction of high-density housing, ensure that the police and fire departments get the resources they need from the village to serve the growing population and work to complete long-standing projects.,

“I want to continue to work for the residents, particularly since I don’t like the direction in which (the village) it is going,” he said. Onderdonk said the amount of high-rise residential units the village has approved has put significant pressure on fire department and police services, and the village has not provided the resources needed to respond adequately. He added, “I think the village rushed to get Avalon done and didn’t ask enough questions and as a result they are having a lot of issues there that are causing problems for the fire and police departments. It is simply too big for the Village—an eyesore. This is not how to run the village. They (village officials) must listen to their department heads.”

Onderdonk said he would also focus on cleaning and restoring the village’s streets, parks and fields. “They are in major disrepair,” he said. He would also look to complete unfinished projects, and work with residents to ensure the village “thrives for generations to come.”

Onderdonk is running with Trustee candidate James Gallinat of the People’s Party line and both men have agreed that they will forego salaries and donate the money back to the village for the community’s needs.

“The ultimate goal is to work for the community, give back and serve it well,” Onderdonk said. “I am not doing this for me; I am doing this for everybody’ I want to see a happy, friendly village working together, hand in hand.”

Kevin Smith: The Smith Party

Kevin Smith has been on the board since 2013 and when Dennis Siry could not run again because of term limits, he saw the chance to fulfill a dream: become Mayor of Amityville Village. Smith said he knew he had to work his way up to the position while learning along the way.

“When I was first elected, the downtown was hurting, businesses in Amityville were hurting and there was not a lot of activity in town,” he said. “People wanted change and were looking for something new.” That focus quickly changed, however, as Superstorm Sandy shifted the priorities of every local government. “We held many meetings

to figure out what we could do and how we could help our residents and our village,” he said. “There was money coming in from the state and we wanted to revitalize the village, stabilize the tax base and address all the financial issues we were facing.”

To do that, Smith noted, he recognized that the board had to set up a series of financial checks and balances, work on improving the village’s bond rating and set aside money for a rainy day, all of which he and the board have been able to do with Catherine Murdock, the Village’s ClerkTreasurer. “As Village Trustee, I have acquired a reputation of being an independent thinker, supporter of law enforcement with a focus on keeping taxes low,” he said. Smith works for the Town of BabylonMoving forward, he would like to lead the village to even better fiscal times, and through the completion of the many projects now underway. “I always envisioned a thriving downtown in Amityville,” he said. “I remember as a kid how active the village was, all the events we had and how the community talked to one another. We have done a lot to bring that back and I want to continue to make it even better as Mayor.”

And, he added, he believes he has the experience and dedication to do that with fiscal responsibility and full transparency.

TRUSTEE CANDIDATES

Owen Brooks: Amityville New Decade Party

Owen Brooks was elected to the board for the first time four years ago on the heels of retiring from Pfizer after 30 years. He said that on the campaign trail this year many people have asked him why he is seeking reelection. “My response is that I enjoy the work and it is not really very dif-

ferent from what I did for many years with Pfizer working on major projects, handling large budgets and making a positive difference,” he said. “And it’s fun.”

Brooks is a lifetime resident of the village. He and his wife have four children. For Brooks the decision-making process is simple but effective. “There are three things I consider every time we have to decide on something and my philosophy is to ‘keep it simple,’” he said. He outlined the three considerations: Is it something that will impact positively on the safety and security of the village? Is it achievable within the budget structure and financials? Is it an opportunity for other revenue streams or grants?

“If it lines up, it is an easy decision,” Brooks said. “Using this as a basis has been helpful in the village getting new equipment … for the fire department, department of public works and now being

able to do major renovations to the Bennett Place firehouse for our EMTs.”

A major issue that the board will have to address in the coming months is settling a. new police contract, which expires in June, said Brooks. “If I am reelected, I will fight for a fair and equitable settlement for the police and the taxpayers. And I will work also for a fair contract for the police chief, which is also up this year.”

Other initiatives that Brooks said he’d focus on is ensuring the village maintains a sound financial outlook with strong oversight that will enable it to provide additional modernization for the police and fire departments, the maintenance and upgrading of the senior citizen center, its parks and beaches. He’d also like to work

Kevin Smith, Mayoral candidate

Peter Collorafi, Trustee candidate Owen Brooks, Trustee candidate

James Gallinat, Trustee candidate

Robert Russo, Trustee candidate

Eric Onderdonk, Mayoral candidate Mike O’Neill, Mayoral candidate

Judge Joseph Calabrese, Village Justice candidate

Northwell nurses rally in Bay Shore demanding a fair contract

CONTINUED FROM COVER

Northwell/South Shore became a Level 1 trauma center in August 2024. “We know Northwell can afford to invest in their nurses,” said Jenna Kuhn-Plaza. “If they can spend hundreds of millions on building expansions, they can certainly afford to invest in a fair contract that supports quality patient care. Northwell is one of the largest employers on Long Island, yet instead of supporting nurses and safe patient care, they’ve ignored and bullied the voices of the nurses who care for the community.”

At the rally, state Assemblyman Sam Gonzalez, D-9th District, voiced his support. “I am a union man,” he said to the enthusiastic crowd. “I’m here to support those who deserve a contract and serve our communities.”

Ryan Stanton, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, told the nurses their work is essential. “You don’t do this to become millionaires,” he said. “I see how you often have to leave your families to help others.”

In response to the union members’ statements, Northwell provided the following response:

“South Shore University Hospital has met with the New York State Nurses Asso-

ciation (NYSNA) for 11 sessions since starting negotiations on November 22, 2024. We continue to bargain in good faith for a successor contract to the one that will expire on February 28. South Shore University Hospital is aware of the strike authorization vote. We respect our team members’ decision to participate in this vote. We are also proud of the longstanding excellent care our dedicated nurses provide and that our patients and community have come to trust.”

The statement added, “We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and look forward to respectful and productive negotiations, including at our session on February 26. Our goal always is to reach an agreement that continues to provide our valued nurses with competitive compensation, benefits and a safe, supportive working environment. “

Nurses from Northwell/Huntington Hospital also expressed solidarity with their South Shore counterparts. NYSNA nurses at Northwell/Huntington Hospital and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital are currently in active contract negotiations on Long Island.

Stanton said over 2,500 NYSNA nurses at the three hospitals are united for quality care for all Long Island patients.

Facts In Focus

1. Nurses Demand Fair Contract: Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Northwell Health/South Shore University Hospital are pushing for better staffing, improved wages, and benefits to recruit and retain nurses. They argue these changes are necessary to ensure quality care and protect patient safety.

2. Strike Authorization: Over 99% of union members voted to authorize a strike unless a fair contract is reached. The vote grants nurse leaders the authority to submit a 10-day strike notice to management, though negotiations will continue. Over 900 nurses could strike if no agreement is reached.

3. Concerns Over Staffing and Break Coverage: Nurses report issues with understaffing, particularly during breaks when coverage is often lacking. A poll conducted in July/August 2024 revealed that over 61% of shifts lacked break coverage, leading to concerns about patient safety and nurse burnout.

4. Challenges Beyond Wages: While Northwell has offered a 2% raise, which nurses argue doesn’t keep up with inflation, union leaders stress that the main issue is ensuring sustainable staffing levels and creating a work environment that encourages young nurses to stay in the profession.

5. Support and Solidarity: The nurses received support from local political figures, including Assemblyman Sam Gonzalez, and fellow nurses from Northwell/Huntington Hospital, who are also in active contract negotiations. Over 2,500 NYSNA nurses across three Long Island hospitals are united in their fight for quality patient care.

3 hopefuls for mayor, 4 for trustee in Amityville Village

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

with the rest of the board using his project management and engineering experience to complete some of the projects underway and obtaining grants for even more and to help negotiate with the DOT for traffic changes along Broadway.

“I think the bottom line is that I want to work over the next four years to make Amityville more attractive for businesses and residents. If I can help accomplish that then at the end of my term I will consider my work a big success,” he said.

Peter Collorafi: Amityville Always Party

Collorafi has been a resident of the village for 30 years.

If elected, he said, he would like to expand village recreation options including bringing pickleball courts to Amityville and bringing back Amityville’s ice rink. “I am running for Village Trustee for three reasons,” he said. “First, I would like to make some improvements to how village fiscal matters are dealt with. Second, I would like to upgrade local recreation options, and third, I would like to increase civic participation by residents.”

On the issue of finances, he believes the governing philosophy for village government must be to reduce the burden on local taxpayers and get better value for money, so that residents will want to stay in Amityville and not relocate. “It’s time to end the mantra of ‘vote for us, we didn’t raise your taxes as much as other places did’,” he said. One of his first steps would be to post the annual village finances on the Village website, as well as put the audits online. “The most recent audit (information) is for the year ending on May 31, 2022,” he said. “Residents must be kept up to date on the village’s financial situation.”

He would also establish a Citizen Watchdog Commission, consisting of local businesses owners and financial professionals who would be responsible for auditing village finances to identify any waste, fraud, or abuse, as well as finding ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers. “Along with reducing the burden on taxpayers, the vil-

lage must also provide people with better value for their tax dollars,” said Collorafi. “We are among the highest taxed people in the United States, yet village recreation options are less than optimal. This is unacceptable.”

He’d like to remedy that by working to bring back the Amityville ice rink, which used to operate seasonally at the Kiwanis Park, and keeping the Amityville beach open on weekends after Labor Day until the official end of summer, and add some pickleball courts to the village.

Rob Russo: Coastal Vision Party

Rob Russo has been a resident of the village since 2004. He is married and has two children. This month, he completed 25 years in law enforcement serving with the NYPD for 8 and a half years. He is currently serving in the Lake Success Police Department. He is also the owner and operator of Russo’s Landscaping and Design. Since moving into the village from Massapequa Park he has been active in St. Martin of Tours Church and its school, which his two children attended. He is also active in Amityville Little League and serves on its board. He is also a member of the Unqua Yacht Club.

His decision to run for office was prompted by his hope to do even more for the village, he said. “I want to continue to support the village in other ways,” he said. “I want to help bring greater safety and security for the residents and work to make sure the village is safe and that our police and fire departments have what they need to do their job.” And, he added that he’d like to use his experience in landscaping and design to make major improvements to the Village’s parks, its beach, ball fields and other open areas. “I drive down to the beach almost every day and I see things that I am not happy with and that can be improved,” he said. “I have heard complaints about how some of these areas are maintained. I have some ideas that can help bring more security, cleanliness and safety to these locations.”

Russo served on the Zoning Board as an alternate for two years and believes his run

for the village board is the next logical step for him. “I’d like to be part of continuing to help the village move forward and I believe I have a lot to offer in helping to do that,” he said.

“I believe I can work with whoever gets elected, working alongside them to make good choices and be responsible for taxpayer money and the village,” he said. “I have my own views which is why I am running as an independent, but I am willing to listen to others, look at all the facts and come up with a solution. That is how I live my live and how I run my business.”

James “Santiago” Gallinat: The People’s Party James “Santiago” Gallinat has lived in the Village for 15 years while running his business, Al’s Oil Service, in the Village for the last 30 years. He said he is running to help preserve Amityville as a small, friendly community.

If elected he would set priorities at stopping the construction of high-density housing to maintain the Village’s charm; ensuring that the police, fire and public works departments get the resources they need, and moving forward to complete longoverdue village projects. “I’m committed to putting our community first—keeping Amityville safe, beautiful, and thriving,” he said.

He said he has been thinking of running for office in the village for about a decade and he moved to Amityville because he recalls as a child growing up in Copiague how beautiful the village was with its impeccable streets, historical buildings, local events and thriving businesses. “Over the years we have lost that, while other communities like Lindenhurst, Patchogue and Bay Shore are flourishing,” he said.

He believes his “business know-how” can help the village accomplish that and while he now works 12-hour days, he’s ready to put those business responsibilities into the hands of his employees to devote time to the village. “I have been successful at business because I know how to listen to people. It is important to be focused,” he said, adding that local officials today do not listen closely to what people are saying and

do not have a strong business sense.

“I am not a politician but I know you can’t make promises to people you can’t keep,” he said. “I would be just one person on the board but believe that respecting different points of view and recognizing the concerns of others is important. It’s not a matter of ‘my way or the highway’; it’s gaining consensus to get things done.”

Gallinat’s concerns for the village include its fast population growth, the increased number of multi-family housing units and the pressure these changes have placed on the police and fire departments. “While we need growth for sustainability, it has to be done at a level that keeps pace with the services the village provides,” he said, adding that if elected he would work to hire more police and DPW employees to meet the Village’s needs and slow down the proliferation of high rise and large housing units. “I want to see a thriving downtown and more revitalization that will help maintain the character and charm of Amityville Village,” he added.

Village Justice Joseph Calabrese: Justice Party

Amityville Village Justice Joseph L. Calabrese was elected to fill the seat formerly held by Village Justice Debra Urbano DiSalvo on March 21, 2023. Now he is running for his first full term.

Calabrese, an attorney, has been in practice for 32 years and has 18 years of securities litigation/regulatory experience. He also served as an Associate General Counsel for five years at Citigroup. He spent the first 13 years of his career as a prosecutor with the Kings County D.A.’s Office in Brooklyn, most of that time as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Bureau.

He is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University Law School, where he teaches trial advocacy, and is co-chair of Bressler’s Pro-Bono committee. He is a graduate of St. John’s Law School. He and his wife, Mary, also an attorney, live in Amityville and have twin girls.

Reworld Honors Long Island’s Champions At Herald Sustainability Awards Gala

STAFF REPORT

Last week Reworld™ celebrated several of Long Island’s sustainability leaders, educators, and community advocates as part of its ongoing efforts to empower community and environmental advocacy initiatives and to raise awareness of sustainability locally. The honors were presented during the recent Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld, held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event provided a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing sustainable policies, protecting natural resources, educating future generations, and implementing community-driven initiatives to improve the region’s environmental landscape. In addition to honoring established community programs, Reworld also awarded two local students with $2,500 in prizes for their inspirational efforts to enhance quality of life in the region and encourage sustainability for generations to come.

“Our work helps Long Island communities reduce environmental impact while creating new opportunities for sustainability,” said Dawn Harmon, Director, Long Island Market, Reworld.

“Through our Long Island facilities, we eliminate the need for additional landfill space and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are so proud to support those leading the way in sustainability on Long Island and beyond.”

Among those honored were Don X. Clavin, Jr., Hempstead Town Supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor, for their leadership in environmental policy. John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E., of IMEG, was recognized for his contributions as an environmental engineering leader. Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest was acknowledged for her efforts in sustainable community leadership. Organizations such as the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Seatuck Environmental Association, and Cornell

Cooperative Extension Nassau County were highlighted for their community impact in sustainability. Leaders like Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Robert Weltner of Operation SPLASH, and the Rotary Environmental Action Coalition of Huntington (REACH) were also celebrated for their dedication to environmental preservation.

Additionally, educators Jennifer Lasher and Lissette Pellegrino from Barnum Woods Elementary School were honored as environmental stewards in education. Stony Brook

University’s Esther Poon was honored along with two younger student honorees who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. Louisiana State University freshman and 11-year-old Joseph Petraro received the award for his dedication to a range of community empowerment programs through Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, such as Clean Wells for Humanity which addresses global water scarcity. Desiree Mohammadi, a student at South Woods Middle School who is 12 years old, was honored for developing Seeds of Hope, an initiative that donates thousands of seeds to be planted at community gardens across Long Island to combat food insecurity sustainably.

As the presenting sponsor, Reworld is committed to supporting those at the forefront of environmental progress. With four facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport, and Ronkonkoma, the company processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycling 60,000 tons of metals and generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes each year. Through its efforts, Reworld™ reduces the need for landfill expansion, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and helps local communities adopt sustainable waste solutions.

Beyond this event, Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with year-round programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal partners.Through educational initiatives, community cleanups, and environmental awareness campaigns, Reworld continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

For more information about Reworld and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www.reworldwaste.com.

To view more pictures please visit www. richnerlive.com.

Holden Leeds/HERALD

Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld delivers welcoming remarks.

Jason Thomas/HERALD

Reworld Lead Community Relations Specialist, Maureen Early (left), with honoree president and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest (center) and Reworld Long Island Market Director, Dawn Harmon.

Holden Leeds/HERALD

Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. addresses the audience after receiving his award.

STEPPING OUT

Feasts, floats, festivities

Get ready for Carnival at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

Bring the family to join in the good times when the Children’s Museum opens its doors to Carnival this weekend.

As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of each community it touches. Especially significant to Caribbean and Latin American cultures, it’s a vibrant cultural showcase of creativity and self-expression. These themes are woven into every aspect of the museum’s festivities, with the support of New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, to make this occasion truly special.

“The holiday is a great entry point of learning for our community and for families. It’s so vibrant and colorful and just a happy event. So it’s fun to give opportunities for people to really celebrate,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president for programs and visitor experience, says.

Everyone can get moving to the sounds of drums with Samba and Salsa music guided by the dancers of the Brazilian Sama Novo troupe. Towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival

Louisiana Calling

From the deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas comes a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet. Louisiana’s calling — here’s your chance to answer. Landreth’s unique spin on guitar playing has made him legendary. This Louisiana based Blues guitar wizard’s slide playing is distinctive and unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. He simultaneously plays slide and fingers the fret board producing a sound that is often said to resemble many instruments playing at once. His music encompasses Mississippi Delta blues, zydeco and Southern rock. He’s joined by The Iguanas, a fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades.

Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m. $79, $69, $59. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

headpieces or even get their faces painted in elaborate designs to stand out in the crowd as they make their rounds through the museum.

“Costumes are often deep-rooted in cultural themes but are also a symbol of freedom and liberation, they often can mimic animals,” Terzulli says.

Guests can also create flags to show their cultural pride and represent the many countries that celebrate Carnival.

Before the parade kicks off, everyone will have a chance to decorate themed floats and even meet some very special party guests.

“We’ll have our animal specialists showing certain animals that are part of our collection and show them how some of these animals are connected to certain float themes, typically in the Caribbean or in Latin America,” Terzulli adds.

life celebration.

Plus, a special

• Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9

• Performances at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

True to Carnival’s festive spirit, a King and Queen will be crowned to lead the crowd with energy and flair. But don’t worry, there’s a role for everyone — both kids and adults — to involve everyone, according to Terzulli.

Jost

Plus, a special performance from the fourth and fifth graders at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School will get feet jumping to the beat.

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

“It’s about communities really coming together and celebrating different talents and roles that they have.“ she says. “Families that can learn together have tremendous value when you come together to learn something new.”

Although the holiday is celebrated at various times during the year, hosting it in March provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing seasons.

“In March, we’re still not quite in spring so it’s a great way to spend time with your family indoors in a very celebratory way,” Terzulli reminds everyone.

“The students have created lessons in different dances that are involved like reggae and calypso, typical for Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation to generation learning is powerful. We want kids teaching other kids.”

Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation

The event is part of a series of cultural festivals the museum is hosting to invite Long Island communities to learn and celebrate together.

“We want people to know about each other and celebrate all the great similarities and differences that make our cultures vibrant and alive here,” Terzulli says.

Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! From Saturday Night Live to standup to his appearances in film, other TV ventures and even authoring a memoir, Jost is seemingly everywhere. He is currently in the middle of his 11th season as SNL’s “Weekend Update” co-anchor, and his 20th as an SNL writer. His accolades are many: five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and 15 Emmy nominations for his writing on “SNL.” Among other endeavors, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face” in 2020, His memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more.

will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets,

Need some fuel after all that dancing? Delicious treats — both sweet and savory — will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets, marinades, tropical juices, and cocoa bread. And naturally, no Carnival would be complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Families can create wearable crafts such as beaded whistles and feathery

Photo on bottom: Be sure to create a parade-worthy headdress and design a whistle to toot some Carnival spirit.

Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m.

$129.50, $119.50, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Colin

Photos courtesy LICM

Photo on top left: Towering stilt walkers, known as Jumbies, are an iconic Carnival element.

Photo on top right: Ron DeFrancesco, Sama Novo director, creates the beats.

THE Your Neighborhood

Anthony Rodia

Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Til It Hurts” tour, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; also Saturday, March 16, 7 and 9:30 p.m. His allnew routine is refreshingly genuine and quick witted! A first-generation Italian-American from Westchester, Rodia’s comedy pulls from his razorsharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. He came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views.

Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. With the onset of quarantine, he made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “Road Rage Wednesday” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not). $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Prom Boutique Donation Drive

Help make prom a fun, fabulous and memorable experience for our Copiague teens. Drop off new and gently used formal wear, shoes, bags and jewelry to Copiague Memorial Library, any time during regular library hours from March 1 to April 12. For more information, call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Piano Duo at Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Bayard Cutting Arboretum’s free Winter Concert Series continues, Sunday, March 9, 1 p.m., at the Carriage House. Enjoy the piano duo of Elinor Zayas and Karen Baer. Parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis. Arive early and plan accordingly. 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. For more information, call (631) 581-1002.

Museum Pass

Book Signing

Former Babylon resident and author Tom McKeown visits Babylon Village Historical Society, Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m. He relives the magical season of 1974 when the first Long Island Basketball Champion was crowned, through his book “This is Panther Country,” a memorial of youth, underdog spirit and basketball glory. 117 W. Main St., Babylon. For more information, call the Historical Society at 631-669-1756.

Baby shower donations being accepted

Help Copiague Memorial Public Library help new parents and families ongoing now. The library will be accepting donations of new items for their Community Baby Shower, set to take place on Saturday, May 17. Bottles, pacifiers, onesies, swaddle blankets, pajamas, newborn outfits, baby wipes and diapers are among the items being collected. For more information, call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Copiague Memorial Public Library has a circulating pass to the 9/11 Museum. This pass includes free admission for two adults and two children, complimentary audio guides and a 20 percent discount at the museum store. You can reserve your pass online at shorturl. at/QHRou and pick up the pass at the information desk. For more information, call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Technology assistance

Amityville Public Library invites residents to meet with their tech and have all technology related questions answered. Bring in your cell phone, laptop, iPhone, Android or any tech-related questions for help navigating this everchanging world of technology. Call (631) 264-0567 or visit the reference desk to schedule an appointment. Amityville Public Library,19 John St., Amityville.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge

Any child who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten can join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge at Copiague Memorial Public Library. Your child will receive a prize for joining and small prizes after reading 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 books. To download the reading log, visit shorturl.at/14shH. To register, visit copiaguelibrary.org/books_ before_kindergarten/. For more information, please call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Divine Beauty Women’s Retreat

The Science of Spirituality hosts a Women’s Retreat for their 10th Anniversary, Saturday, March 15, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Learn how to face life’s challenges by finding your center of inner strength, peace and love through meditation. The program includes a complimentary vegetarian lunch. Come for discussion, sisterhood, meditation and friendship. To register, email infotristate@sos.org. For more information, call (631) 8227979. 79 County Line Road, Amityville.

LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival taking submissions

The inaugural Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival is set to launch Aug. 8-10. LIMEHOF is currently open to submissions up until Thurs., May 1. To learn more about entering, visit shorturl.at/VqmkM or call (631) 689-5888.

Having an event?

Annual Art Contest

The Town of Babylon holds its annual art contest. Submissions are due by Friday, March 14, 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “Town Pride.” Participants must be Town of Babylon residents. All ages are welcome; only one submission per resident. Photographs, drawings and painting are all accepted mediums.To access the application, visit shorturl.at/ xSIEo. For more information, call (631) 893-2100.

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, March 8, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation.Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

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

On exhibit

Suffolk County Community College presents the exhibition “Drone Beuys: Origins,” at the Sagtikos Art Gallery, through Friday, March 28. The collaborative project by artists Nick Bontrager and Adam Fung utiliz contemporary technology to reflect on the legacy of renowned artist Joseph Beuys. Through video projections, sculptures, and a large-scale inflatable structure, the exhibit transforms the gallery into a space of exploration, wonder, and experimentation. It features landscapes from various residency projects, including Iceland, West Texas, the Caribbean seas, Tasmania and Italy, along with animations and data points that traverse both real and imagined terrestrial layers. Visitors engage with the interactive works, contributing to the creation of a growing, collaborative origin story. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, contact Sagtikos Art Gallery at (631) 851-6380. Sagtikos Arts and Science Building on the Michael J. Grant campus in Brentwood, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood.

St. Martin of Tours religious education classes

St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville offers religious education classes for grades 1-8. Classes meet once a week and sacrament preparation is offered for all ages, including high school level. Religious education begins in grade 1 and First Communion and First Reconciliation is a twoyear preparation. Sacraments are received at the end of the second year. All are welcome to register. Online forms can be found at stmartinamityville.com/religious-education/ 41 Union Avenue, Amityville. For information, call (631) 691-1617.

Experiencing the Soul

The four essential practices of gratitude, contentment, compassion, and forgiveness are explored in an eight-part meditation workshop series at Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, continuing Tuesdays, March, 11, 18, and 25, 7-9 p.m. Each class is a stand-alone workshop. No prior knowledge needed. Speaker Andrew Vidich discusses how gratitude, contentment, compassion, and forgiveness deepen our meditations and open our hearts to our authentic selves. For information and to register, call (631) 822-7979, (888) 666-1990, or go to sos.org/location/amityville. 79 County Line Road, Amityville.

Amityville High School holds successful curriculum fair

Amityville Memorial High School’s students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of elective options during the school’s annual curriculum fair recently.

As they prepare to select their courses for the next school year, students engaged with teachers, attended presentations led by senior students, and gained valuable insight into courses that align with their interests and future goals.

The event began with an assembly, followed by the curriculum fair, where tables were set up throughout the hall-

ways for students to learn about different academic opportunities. In the auditorium, presentations covered course offerings and graduation requirements, ensuring students had the information they needed to make informed decisions.

Additionally, the high school’s seniors participated in an informative session on financial aid, including FAFSA, to help them navigate the college application process.

Later in the week, guidance counselors visited ELA classes to assist students in completing course selection sheets,

Babylon Village sets raffle auction May 1

The Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Raffle Basket Auction at The Piermont on Thursday, May 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The auction will include food for purchase, cash bar and hundreds of baskets. The cost is $45 per person and includes 3 sheets of 26 tickets and dessert.

Sponsored by Catholic Health Good

Samaritan University Hospital, this fundraiser will help pay for all the village events the chamber organizes.

To purchase tickets, visit, bvccbasketauction.eventbrite.com. For more information, email hello@babylonchamber.com

The Piermont is located at 494 Fire Island Ave., Babylon.

Show your veteran some love with a tribute banner in Babylon Village

The Village of Babylon will once again be hosting their Military Banner Program in downtown Babylon Village.

Honor the troops, veterans and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice

for our freedoms.

To honor a veteran you know, please email vobmilitarybanners@gmail.com.

The village will be accepting orders through Saturday, March 1.

Presented by:

which they will review in upcoming scheduling meetings.

The district would like to thank the high school’s teachers, counselors and staff for making this event a success and

for their continued commitment to guiding Amityville’s students on their academic journey.

Read the Amityville Herald Record for all your local community news.

Photo courtesy of the Amityville School District

with Deals!

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMTP TRUST, SERIES 2021 COTTAGE-TT-V, Plaintiff -against- RAFAEL ASTACIO, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH ASTACIO; TIMOTHY G. ASTACIO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH ASTACIO; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH ASTACIO; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT F/K/A SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE; "JOHN DOE" AND "JANE DOE" said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Index No. 615011/2024. Mortgaged Premises: 255 Meucci Avenue Copiague, NY 11726 District: 0100 Section: 199.00 Block: 03.00 Lot: 046.000. To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to

answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $$383,330.00 and interest, recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on August 13, 2012, in Liber Book M00022236, at Page 847, covering the premises known as 255 Meucci Avenue, Copiague, NY 11726. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above.

Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer

on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 25-224. 2/12, 19, 26, 3/5

Plaintiff designates SUFFOLK as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 823 VENETIAN BOULEVARD, LINDENHURST, NY 11757

District: 0100, Section: 228.00, Block: 01.00, Lot: 072.000, 073.006

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 620924/2024 COUNTY OF SUFFOLK SELECT PORTFOLIO SERVICING, INC.

Plaintiff, vs. DANIEL P. CRONIN, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plain -

Public Notices

tiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement to secure the sum of $202,300.00 and interest, recorded on June 07, 2004, in Liber M00020765 at Page 029, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises known as 823 VENETIAN BOULEVARD, LINDENHURST, NY 11757.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: February 5th, 2025 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 25-231 2/19, 26, 3/5, 12

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Mortgage Assets Management, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST

Suffolk County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Josephine Parrino; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 21, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on April 9, 2025 at 9:00AM, premises known as 240 Pioxi Street, Copiague, NY 11726. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Copiague, in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of NY, District 0100 Section 177.00 Block 02.00 Lot 072.000. Approximate amount of judgment $416,323.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607884/2015. Jeffrey Arlen Spinner, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: February 21, 2025 25-.249 3/5, 12, 19, 26

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD

Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of

the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/ or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s):

PUBLIC HEARING/SITE PLAN REVIEW/BAR/RESTAURANT JOB# 24-46AF; 265 Maple Corp.: SCTM# 0100-09402-006.001 and 0100-094-02-022: Zone – G Industry: SEQRA – Type II Action: Applicant proposes to demolish an existing structure in order to construct a 1,612sf, 18 seat Tim Hortons coffee shop with drive-thru, along with associated site improvements: Property is located on the northeast corner of NYS Route 110 and Allen Boulevard, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York

All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

Amityville Record: 03/05/25 25-250 3/5

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY THE STATE OF NEW YORK MORTGAGE AGENCY, Plaintiff against MARTIN ROBINSON AKA MARTIN D. ROBINSON, IF LIVING, AND IF DEAD, THE RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNORS, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE OF ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES, OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, AND EACH AND EVERY PERSON NOT SPECIFICALLY NAMED WHO MAY BE ENTITLED TO OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE VERIFIED COMPLAINT; ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE UNKNOWN, AND CANNOT AFTER DILIGENT IN -

QUIRY BE ASCERTAINED BY THE PLAINTIFF, ARLICIA ROBINSON AKA ARLICIA S. ROBINSON A/K/A ARLICIA S. AGARD, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 5, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on March 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Premises known as 254 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. District 0100 Sec 169.00 Block 02.00 Lot 032.000. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, North of the Village of Amityville, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $578,901.22 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615235/2018. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.

Sabita HajareeRamsaran, Esq., Referee File # 21001073-01 25 -230 2/19, 26, 3/5, 12

Public Notices

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -againstBERSHELL HALL AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF FREDERICA COOLEY WHO WAS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; KHADIJAH DUFF AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF FREDERICA

COOLEY WHO WAS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; BERNADINE COOLEY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF FREDERICA COOLEY WHO WAS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; CARL BOUCICAULT AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF FREDERICA COOLEY WHO WAS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY AND FREDERICA COOLEY’S unknown heirs at law, her next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein; WIHELMINA COLLIER AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; TANZA COOLEY

AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; THOMAS COOLEY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; TIMOTHY COOLEY AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS COOLEY; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; CITIFNANCIAL MORTGAGE CO., INC.; LANDMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.; NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS LLC; CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT COURT; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICAINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, JOHN DOE (REFUSED NAME), Defendants. INDEX # 614591/2024 Original filed with Clerk June 13, 2024. Plaintiff Designates Suffolk County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Suffolk County. Premises: 81 New Ave Wyandanch, NY 11798. TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFEN -

DANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not person-

ally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT The OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage in the amount of $129,000.00 plus interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of SUFFOLK on February 4, 2017 in book 22786 page 357 covering premises known as 81 New Ave, Wyandanch, NY 11798. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A

COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York, January 31, 2025 Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: /s/ Linda P. Manfredi, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556, 516-6998902

25-228. 2/12, 19, 26, 3/5

Notice of formation of ASK Health Care Service

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/17/2024 Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC    United States Corporation Inc  7014 13th Ave Brooklyn NY 11218 suite 202 upon whom process against it may be served.  SSNY shall mail a process served to:  The LLC, ASK Health Care Svc 737 Elmwood Rd., West Babylon NY 11704 Purpose: any lawful act.

25-229 2/19, 26, 3/5, 12, 19, 26

Attract winged friends with these bird feeders

Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene. Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home. Bird feeders are particularly important in colder climates and during wintertime when food may be scarce. Keeping birds well fed helps them survive over winter and continue to repopulate in the spring. Bird feeding isn’t all for the birds, either. Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, argues that feeding birds also is a benefit to humans because it stimulates compassion for the animals.

The type of bird feeder a person places in the yard determines which species may be drawn to the property. The following are various types of feeders to consider.

Suet feeders

Suet cakes are high-energy food sources that attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. They are particularly beneficial in colder months or regions where birds need extra fat for energy. These cage-like feeders snap around the rectangular suet cake and hang from a pole or tree.

Ground feeder

Ground feeders are simple screen-bottomed trays that sit several inches off of the ground or on a deck to help keep seeds and grain from coming in contact with droppings. Ground feeders are a favorite of juncos, sparrows, goldfinches, and cardinals, among others.

Sugar water feeder

These feeders come in different shapes, from tubes to round dishes, and are magnets to hummingbirds. They typically have red coloring to be more attractive to those highspeed flyers.

Nyjer bird feeder

Small birds like goldfinches love to dine on nyjer seeds, which are tiny, black thistle seeds. These feeders are tube-shaped mesh socks designed to hold this specific seed. The small feeding ports prevent seed waste and cater to the small beaks of finches.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE FOR TAXES DUE AND UNPAID TO THE VILLAGE OF AMITYVILLE FOR THE YEAR 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT WHEREAS arrears of taxes levied in the year 2024 by the Village of Amityville, charged and imposed pursuant to law, remain due and unpaid on several tracts, plots, pieces, or parcels of land, situate, lying and being in the Village of Amityville, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, and described in the following list indicating the names of those owners or occupants as the same upon the assessment roll for the said year and following said names are amounts, including tax fees, interest and charges against said properties for said year, to wit: (SEE ATTACHED LIST) AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to the powers vested in me by law, I shall on the 14th day of March, 2025 at 10:00 AM and the succeeding days until the sale is completed, sell at public auction at ten o’clock in the forenoon in the 3rd Floor Court Room located in the Village Hall at No.21 Ireland Place in the Village Hall, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, the above described tracts, plots, lots, pieces or parcels of land, until so much of each parcel shall be sold as will be sufficient to pay the tax for the year above specified, together with fees, interest and charges which may be due thereon at the time

of the sale; bids shall be for an amount sufficient to pay said tax, fees, interest and charges, and where no bid shall be of such amount, said premises shall be deemed to have been sold to and purchased by the Village. The purchasers at such sale shall pay the amount of their respective bids to the Village Clerk within ten days after the sale and upon such payment, the Clerk will give to the purchaser a certificate in writing describing the real estate purchased and the sum paid therefor. If any purchaser shall neglect or refuse to pay the amount of his bid or bids within the time prescribed, the Village Clerk may state an account such purchaser and may recover same together with costs from such purchaser, by an action brought in the name of the Village Clerk, or such Village Clerk may cancel so much of such sale to such purchaser and the parcel or parcels so sold shall be deemed to have been purchased by the Village. The owner, the occupant of, or any persons having an interest in any real estate sold for taxes to any party other than the Village itself, may redeem the same at any time prior to the filing of a Notice of Pendency of an action to foreclose the lien of such taxes or prior to the conveyance by the Village Clerk pursuant to the provisions of Section 1450 of the Real Property Tax Law, by paying to the Village Clerk for the use of the purchaser, his heirs or assigns, the sum mentioned in his certificate with the interest thereon at the rate of one per-

centum per month or fraction thereof, from the date of sale for which such certificate was given, together with the charges accrued at the time of such redemption, and the amount of any Village Taxes levied upon such real estate which have been paid by such purchaser subsequent to such a sale, with interest on such amount at the rate of one half of one percentum per month, or fraction thereof, from the date of payment, where such payment of taxes was made for the purpose of protecting the lien, of the said purchaser. If said real estate shall have been bid in by, or sold to the Village, the said owner, occupant or person interested in such real estate may redeem same at any time prior to the filing of Notice of Pendency of action to foreclose the tax lien, or prior to conveyance to the Village by the Village Clerk by paying the Village Clerk the amount of such certificate with such interest together with the expenses accrued at the time of such redemption, as if a certificate for such sale has been issued to an individual.

IMPORTANT....

THE NAME OF THE OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE ASSESSMENT ROLLS PREPARED AS OF APRIL 1, 2024 AND FREQUENTLY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE

Public Notices

OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER.

DATED the 13th day of February 2025, Amityville, New York.

Catherine Murdock, Village Clerk/Treasurer, Amityville, New York TAX SALE- March 14th, 2025 25-238. 220, 26, 3/5

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 622699/2024 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, vs KEVIN GRIFFIN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LOUISE GRIFFIN, KERWIN GRIFFIN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LOUISE GRIFFIN, KEITH GRIFFIN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LOUISE GRIFFIN, KERRY GRIFFIN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LOUISE GRIFFIN, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF LOUISE GRIFFIN IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED

IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CLERK OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY COURT, SLOMINS INC “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described

in the Complaint, Defendant(s). MORTGAGED

PREMISES: 22 Lupidia Street Amityville, NY 11701 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Suffolk. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Louise Griffin Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Susan Betsy Heckman Torres of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Tenth day of February, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk, in the City of Riverhead. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by

Louise Griffin (who died on March 14, 2024, a resident of the county of Suffolk, State of New York) dated the October 26, 2011, to secure the sum of $450,000.00 and recorded at Book M00022148, Page 396 in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk on December 14, 2011. The Reverse Mortgage (Home Equity Conversion) was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 30, 2012 and recorded on December 18, 2012, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book M00022284, Page 464. The Reverse Mortgage (Home Equity Conversion) was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 17, 2022 and recorded on March 24, 2022, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book M00023396, Page 427. The property in question is described as follows: 22 Lupidia Street, Amityville, NY 11701 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERV-

ING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: February 17, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 84676 25-240 2/26, 3/5, 12, 19

Legal notices are posted online and are available to the public at no cost. Go to amityville record. com to access all legal notices.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT

MEETING OF THE AMITYVILLE PUB-

LIC LIBRARY

BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE

ELECTION APRIL 8, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Amityville Union Free School District (the “District”), Town of Babylon, Suffolk County and Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York will be held at the Amityville Public Library, 19 John St., Amityville, New York 11701 (the “Library”) on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, between the hours of 10:00am and 9:00pm, for the purpose of voting on the following items:

•To adopt the annual budget of the Amityville Public Library for the fiscal year 2025- 2026, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District; and • The election of one (1) member of the Board of Trustees for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2030, as a result of the expiration of the term of office presently held by Sharon Tener.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of a statement of the estimated library expenses for the fiscal year 20252026 may be obtained at the Library (address above) and in the Office of the School District Clerk, located at 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, daily except Saturday and Sunday, beginning March 10, 2025, between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Library will host a public informational meeting for the

Public Notices

purposes of discussion of the proposed 2025-2026 Library Budget on March 24, 2025. All residents of the District are invited to attend at the Library.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that candidates for the office of Trustee of the Library Board of Trustees shall be nominated by petition. Petitions must be filed with the School District Clerk (address above), between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm no later than Monday, March 10, 2025. Forms of petition may be obtained from the School District Clerk. Each petition must be directed to the School District Clerk; must state the name address of the candidate; must be signed by at least twentyfive (25) qualified voters of the District and list each signer’s address.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not already appear on the register of said school district, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except as may otherwise be provided by the laws of the State of New York. Registration is available in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, through April 8, 2025. The register so prepared includes all persons who have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance herewith, and all persons who shall have been

registered previously hereunder for an annual or special meeting or election, and who shall have voted at any annual meeting or election, held or conducted at any time within four (4) years prior to the preparation of the register.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail or absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk (address above). Completed applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail or absentee ballots must be received by the School District Clerk, or in the polling place at the Library, not later than 5:00pm, prevailing time, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. A list of persons to whom early mail or absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays and Sundays and such list will also be posted at the polling place at the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons of permanent illness or physical disability, and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law, shall be entitled to receive an absentee

ballot without making separate applications therefore.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday March 14, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Office of the School District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

Dated: Amityville, New York February 19, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY AND TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK BY DISTRICT CLERK AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

DE SUFFOLK, CIUDAD DE OYSTER BAY, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

25-236A. 2/19, 3/5, 19, 4/2

Overcome seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies crop up at certain times each year, particularly in spring and fall. In 2021, approximately 81 million people in the United States were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation says between 20 and 25 percent of Canadians suffer from allergic rhinitis.

Tree and grass pollen are notable contributors to allergies, as is mold. Verywell Health says allergies can be worse in certain areas. In the U.S., certain areas of the East Coast have high rates of allergies, while cities on the West Coast tend to be less harsh on those with allergies.

Since allergies can make life uncomfortable, people want to know all they can do to overcome seasonal allergies. These strategies can help.

• Know the pollen count. Information is key, and knowing when pollen or mold counts are particularly high can help people take certain steps to avoid allergic reactions.

• Close the windows. When pollen levels are high, closing windows to prevent breezes that can bring pollen inside a home can be an effective strategy. You also can utilize a HEPA filter on the home’s air conditioning system.

• Remove clothes worn outdoors and

shower to rinse pollen off of skin and hair.

• While it can reduce energy usage, hanging clothing to line dry during high pollen counts can cause pollen to stick to freshly laundered items.

• Avoid gardening or other outdoor activities when pollen is high. If you must be outdoors, wear a mask.

• Try an antihistamine product that will reduce your body’s reaction to the seasonal allergen. WebMD says butterbar as well as a plant-based Phleum pratense could be natural alternative antihistamine products.

• Use a nasal rinse to clean allergens out of your nose. This can help ease congestion and itching. Select sterile saline solutions or carefully follow directions for preparing rinses in neti pots.

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays can improve nasal symptoms. Speak with a doctor about how to use these products and how long to use them.

• Consider allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy. These shots can help desensitize the body to common allergies by using very small amounts of allergens over time. Eventually the immune system will produce a reduced reaction to the allergen. Allergies can be troublesome. However, various strategies can help to diminish the often unpleasant effects of seasonal allergies..

The important role played by bees in lawns and gardens

A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal. Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of beers, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling populations. According to Scott McArt, an assistant professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population declines or range contractions over the last several decades. Individuals accustomed to seeing bees as unwanted guests may wonder why that’s a problem. Though declining bee populations pose a number of problems, perhaps none is more relatable than the link between bees and food production. A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences noted that declines in both managed and wild bee populations raise significant concerns about long-term food security. Authors of the study noted that crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more pollination. That’s a significant benefit as the global population continues to increase, but it’s also a notable benefit in the present-day from both a food security and economic perspective. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that commercial production of more than 90 crops relies on roughly 3,600 bee species. Declining bee populations could put that production in serious jeopardy and create a

domino effect that impacts food security and individuals’ livelihoods.

But all is not lost in the fight to restore bee populations. In fact, McArt indicated in a 2019 report that bee populations are thriving in agricultural and natural areas. But bee populations also must thrive in suburban and urban areas. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden is one step McArt suggested gardening hobbyists can take to help restore bee populations. When planting to combat declining bee populations, homeowners should always look for native plants, as they are well-adapted to local climates and unlikely to upset local ecosystems. Local garden centers can be great resources for anyone looking to plant native species. According to HGTV, the following are just a handful of the many bee-friendly garden flowers and plants homeowners can consider for their gardens:

• Bee balm

• Honeysuckle

• Sunflower

• Cosmos

• Strawberries

• Dahlia

• Butterfly bush

• Crocus

• Pot marigold

• Geraniums

Bee populations are in decline. If efforts to restore those populations are not embraced, the consequences for future generations could be dire. Homeowners can do their part by planting bee-friendly flowers and plants on their properties.

AVISO DE LA REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA

PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE

VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL FIDEICOMISARIO 8 DE ABRIL DE 2025

POR LA PRESENTE

SE NOTIFICA que una Reunión Especial de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Amityville (el "Distrito"), Ciudad de Babylon, Condado de Suffolk y Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville, 19 John St., Amityville, Nueva York 11701 (la "Biblioteca") el martes 8 de abril, 2025, entre las 10:00 a.m. (mediodía) y las 9:00 p.m., con el propósito de votar sobre los siguientes puntos:

• Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville para el año fiscal 2025-2026, y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito; y

• La elección de un (1) miembro de la Junta Directiva por un período de cinco años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025 y expira el 30 de junio de 2030, como resultado de la expiración del mandato que actualmente ocupa Sharon Tener.

ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que se pueden obtener copias de una declaración de los gastos estimados de la biblioteca para el año fiscal 2025-2026 en la Biblioteca (dirección anterior) y en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar,

Public Notices

ubicada en 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, todos los días, excepto sábados y domingos, a partir del 10 de marzo de 2025 entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m.

ADEMÁS, SE NO -

TIFICA que la Biblioteca organizará una reunión informativa pública con el fin de discutir el Presupuesto de la Biblioteca propuesto para 2025-2026 el 24 de marzo de 2025. Todos los residentes del Distrito están invitados a asistir a la Biblioteca.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que los candidatos para el cargo de Fideicomisario de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca serán nominados por petición. Las peticiones deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior), entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. a más tardar el lunes 10 de marzo de 2025. Los formularios de petición se pueden obtener del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Cada petición debe ser dirigida al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe indicar el nombre y la dirección del candidato; debe estar firmado por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito y enumerar la dirección de cada firmante.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que de conformidad con la sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en dicha reunión y elección cuyo nombre no aparezca ya en el registro de dicho distrito escolar, o que no se registre como se dispone a continuación, excepto que las leyes del Estado

de Nueva York dispongan lo contrario. La inscripción está disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior) de lunes a viernes, de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m., hasta el 8 de abril de 2025. El registro así preparado incluye a todas las personas que se hayan presentado personalmente para el registro de conformidad con el presente, y todas las personas que hayan sido registradas previamente en virtud del presente para una reunión o elección anual o especial, y que hayan votado en cualquier reunión o elección anual, celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años anteriores a la preparación del registro.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas anticipadas por correo o en ausencia se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior). Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante. Las boletas anticipadas por correo o en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar, o en el lugar de votación en la Biblioteca, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el martes 8 de abril de 2025. Una lista de las personas a las que se les habrá emitido una boleta anticipada por correo o en ausencia estará disponible en la Ofi-

cina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto los sábados y domingos, y dicha lista también se publicará en el lugar de votación en la elección.

ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que un votante calificado cuya capacidad para comparecer personalmente en el lugar de votación se vea sustancialmente afectada por razones de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física, y cuyo registro de registro haya sido marcado como "discapacitado permanentemente" por la Junta Electoral de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, tendrá derecho a recibir una boleta de voto ausente sin hacer solicitudes separadas por ello.

SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados. Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito de Bibliotecas pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y las solicitudes de boletas militares deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior) a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del

viernes 14 de marzo de 2025. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta militar a menos que sea recibida por la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección.

Fechado: Amityville, Nueva York 19 de febrero de 2025 POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE, LA CIUDAD DE BABILONIA Y LA CIUDAD DE BAY, SUFFOLK COUNTYOYSTERNASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK POR SECRETARIO DE DISTRITO DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DE AMITYVILLE, CIUDAD DE BABYLON, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, CIUDAD DE OYSTER BAY, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK 25-236B. 2/19, 3/5, 19, 4/2

Gardening safety for seniors

Longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures are hallmarks of spring and each of these variables do much to contribute to the reputation of a season that’s become synonymous with rejuvenation. After months spent confronting cold temperatures and huddling up indoors, people might find the welcoming conditions of spring irresistible, which compels many to spend more time outdoors. There’s no shortage of things to do outside in spring, and the season marks a perfect time to reestablish one’s green thumb and get down and dirty in the garden. Gardening is a rewarding and healthy activity, though some, particularly seniors, may need to approach springtime sessions in the garden with a heightened degree of caution. Seniors can keep these health and safety tips in mind as they celebrate the return of spring and what that means for their gardens.

• Recognize that gardening is exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies gardening as a good form of exercise, and evidence supports the notion that gardening is a particularly beneficial form of physical activity. A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry indicated that individuals who engaged in low levels of leisure time physical activities such as gardening are likely to have a lower risk of stroke than peers who are sedentary. It’s important to keep these findings in mind when gardening, which is perhaps more physically demanding than some may recognize. Seniors can approach gardening just like they would other forms of exercise, taking the same precautions, such as stretching before and after each session and making a concerted effort to remain hydrated, while out in the garden.

• Incorporate rest into your garden routine. Rest is vital for anyone engaged in physical activity, including gardeners. Frequent breaks during gardening sessions can help avoid strains and sprains and provide opportunities to hydrate and get out of the sun. If possible, seniors can identify a shaded spot on their properties and place a bench there so they have somewhere to rest during gardening sessions.

• Utilize ergonomic gardening tools and other specialized products. The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University notes that ergonomics studies movements of a person’s body during physical activities in an effort to produce tools that ensure a task has as little physical impact on the body as possible. Ergonomic tools are designed to lower injury risk, improve efficiency and increase satisfaction that stems from performing a particular activity. Before each gardening season, seniors can inspect their existing tools and replace them with ergonomic alternatives, if necessary. In addition, seniors can utilize specialized products, including long-handled gardening tools that reduce the need to bend over or kneel down, to further reduce their risk of injury while working in the garden.

These simple strategies can ensure seniors’ springtime gardening sessions are as safe as they are rewarding.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING COPIAGUE MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the qualified voters of the Copiague Union Free School District, Copiague, Suffolk County, New York, that a Special District Meeting will be held in the Copiague Memorial Public Library, 50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York on April 8, 2025, for the purpose of voting upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the Copiague Memorial Public Library for the 2025/2026 year, and the election of one (1) trustee of the Copiague Memorial Public Library. The term of said trustee shall be as follows:

July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030. The voting shall be by paper ballot, and the polls will remain open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., prevailing time.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Copiague Memorial Public Library Trustee must be filed with the District Clerk’s Office of the Copiague Union Free School District during regular business hours no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 30th day prior to the Special District Meeting. The Petitions shall be directed to the District Clerk; shall be signed by at least twenty five (25) qualified voters of the School District or two (2%) percent of the voters who voted in the previous annual election, whichever is greater;

shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate being nominated for the office of trustee of the Copiague Memorial Public Library including the name of the incumbent and the length of the term of office of the position sought.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not appear on the register of the said School District, or who does not register as hereinafter provided except as may otherwise be provided by the laws of the State of New York. The register so prepared includes all persons who have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance herewith, and all persons who shall have been registered previously hereunder for an Annual or Special Meeting, and who shall have voted at any Annual Meeting or Election, held or conducted at any time within four (4) years prior to April 8, 2025.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Copiague Memorial Public Library will hold a Special Budget Hearing on March 26, 2025 at the Copiague Memorial Public Library, 50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York, at 6:00 p.m., prevailing time.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that voters at the May 19, 1998 Copiague Union Free School District Budget/ Trustee Election ap-

proved Continuous Voter Registration. Qualified voters may register on a continuous basis for Copiague Union Free School District and Copiague Memorial Public Library votes/ elections as follows: Registration will be conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the school year, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday during school recesses at the Office of the District Clerk, Central Administration Office, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726 except there will be no registration allowed seven [7] days prior to the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early voting ballots and absentee ballots for the purpose of voting upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the Copiague Memorial Public Library for the 2025/2026 year, and for the election of one (1) Library Trustee may be obtained from the Office of the District Clerk of the Copiague Union Free School District, 2650 Great Neck Rd., Copiague, NY 11726. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. No early mail ballot or absentee voter ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. [prevailing time] on the day of

Public Notices

the election. A list of all persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the Budget Vote and Election of a Library Trustee, except Saturdays and Sundays. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are qualified voters of the Copiague Union Free School District may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, Central Administration Office, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726, by e-mail at dvanflorcke@copiague.net or by fax at 631-841-4614. In such request, the military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or e-mail. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail to the office of the District Clerk at Central Administration Office, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726. This application must be returned by mail or in person to the Office of the School District Clerk, or appropriate official designated by the school district public library, as applicable, not later than 5:00 PM on the twenty-sixth (26th) day before the election for all school districts and school district public libraries, except city school districts with less than 125,000 inhabitants in which case the application must be received not later than 5:00 PM on the fifteenth (15th) day before the election.

Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018 of the Education Law. The application for a military ballot should include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax or e-mail.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, Central Administration Office, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726. Military voters must submit a separate military ballot application for each election at which they wish to cast a vote, except any necessary budget revote. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. (prevailing time) on the day of the election, or showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received no later than 5:00 p.m. (prevailing time) on the day of the election and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election/vote.

By order of the Board of Trustees of the Copiague Memorial Public Library, Copiague Union Free School District, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York 25-248 3/5, 12, 19, 26

Pursuant to Chapter 213, Article II of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Babylon, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at TOWN BOARD ROOM

(Located in the East Wing) at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025 BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.

6:00 p.m.

1. Application #25027 Joseph Zito, 1716 Quarter Street, West Babylon, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 21.9’ (for front portico). All in connection with a proposed front portico, 2nd floor front dormer, and first floor rear extension. Property located on the west side of Quarter Street, 100’ north of Glendale Road, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-2094-94

Zoning District: Residence C

6:05 p.m.

2. Application #25029 Ryan Bartlett and Jessica Kristen Bajada-Silva, 362 Arnold Avenue, West Babylon, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 19.1’; diminish south side yard setback from 25’ to 5.4’; diminish total side yards from 25’ to 19.4’. All in connection with the erection of a second-story addition. Property located on the west side of Arnold Avenue, 118.75’ south of Weber Avenue, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-2094-118

Zoning District:

Residence C

6:10 p.m.

3. Application #25028 Kevin and Jessica Maher, 15 Harbor Court, Copiague, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 40’ to 36.12’ (for portico); diminish front yard setback from 40’ to 39.46’ (for 2nd floor addition); diminish rear yard setback from 40’ to 25.75’ (for roof over patio); diminish rear yard setback from 40’ to 31.6’ (for 2nd floor addition); increase total building area from 15% to 17.03% (over by 261.6 sq. ft.); diminish distance to south side lot line from 10’ to 2.20’ (for accessory building (shed)). All in connection with legally maintaining a front portico, roof over rear patio, onestory 1st floor addition, a shed, and to erect a second floor addition and a twostory addition. Property located on the west side of Harbor Court, 579.79’ west of Schooner Lane, Copiague, NY.

SCTM#0100-1851-2.002

Zoning District: Residence A

6:15 p.m.

4. Application #25025 MCM Reality LLC, 30 West Street, West Islip, NY. Permission to diminish width at front street from 125’ to 115.07’; increase area of garage from 500 sq. ft. to 544 sq. ft. All in connection with the erection of a single-family dwelling. Property located on the south of Old Farmingdale Road, 1751.95’ east of Belmont Avenue, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-2111-9

Zoning District: Residence AA

Subject Premises: 364 Old Farmingdale Road, West Babylon,

NY

6:20 p.m.

5. Application #25030 Bang’s Tow Service Inc. (tenant)/ MJLD Realty LLC (prop. owner), 20 Eads Street, West Babylon, NY. Renewal of a special exception permit to operate a public garage for an auto body repair shop. All in connection with an existing building (previously approved for three (3) years; expired January 27, 2025). Property located on the west side of Eads Street, 125’ north of Edison Avenue, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-742-23.009

Zoning District: Industry Ga ALL PERSONS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING. ALL CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNED CASES. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MICHAEL KANE, CHAIRMAN Dated: Babylon Town Hall Lindenhurst, New York

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Elementary students create heartfelt notes for local veterans and seniors

Love was in the air this past Valentine’s Day, and so were heartfelt messages of gratitude for local veterans and seniors who received hundreds of handmade cards, letters, and drawings from elementary school-aged students. Collected by New York State Sen. Monica R. Martinez, these thoughtful notes were distributed to older neighbors and veterans in the Fourth Senatorial District. The submissions showcase how sweet kindness can be, offering both students and recipients a meaningful reminder of the community’s appreciation for their contributions. This effort encouraged students to express gratitude and warmth to those who have made significant contributions to our country and their communities, reinforcing the importance of recognizing their service and dedication.

“A little heart goes a long way, and these students have certainly put their hearts into every card, letter, and drawing,” said Sen. Martinez. “These thoughtful messages remind our veterans and seniors that they are valued and appreciated, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. It’s inspiring to see young people take the time to share kindness, proving that even the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.”

Sen. Martinez has sponsored the card drive each year she has served in the Senate, partnering with libraries and elementary schools in the district to collect the notes. The effort resulted in over 1,700 cards and other tokens of appreciation being submitted for Valentine’s Day.

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101-13-18-3 Vincent Balbi and Claudine Cope-Balbi

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When someone stops selling, someone stops buying.

When someone stops buying, someone stops making.

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Celebrating dental hygiene at Amityville’s PAMES

Students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville are learning about the importance of dental hygiene.

As part of Park Avenue’s celebration of Dental Hygiene Month, Dr. Justyna Balicka of Amityville Orthodontics recently visited students to share tips about dental health. Students learned about losing teeth, the importance of brushing, and when to see an orthodontist. The students were able to ask Dr. Balicka and Dental Assistant Jesie Veliz questions they had as well after the presentation.

All photos courtesy of the Amityville School District

As part of the Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School’s celebration of Dental Hygiene Month, Dr. Justyna Balicka of Amityville Orthodontics recently visited students to share tips about dental health.

In the photos: Dental Assistant Jesie Veliz showed students how to properly brush their teeth.

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TYes, keep those pipes warm

Q. We just got over a lot of repairs from a burst pipe under our kitchen sink. The pipes under the sink are back in the outside wall, with insulation around them, but I’m wondering why they said it was still a good idea to let the water drip, even run a little when it gets cold out. It seems wasteful, and I wasn’t sure why they told me that. Is it because they’re not confident in the repairs, or does everybody have to run their water in the winter when pipes could freeze?

A. The work was not repaired correctly and should be redone before it gets too late to get anybody to return to the “scene of the crime.”

Water freezes, and supplyline water that’s buried in outside walls and not kept warm will turn to ice.

Several years ago, a client, who had work done in the summer, called the following winter to say he had no running water in his bathroom sink. The sink was on an exterior wall, but the rationale the installers used for where they put the insulation was that a roof from below came up to meet the outside wall behind the sink. They told the owner that the roof protected the pipe because of how far the sink was set in from the walls below, set back the way it was designed. They cut open the back of the finished sink cabinet and exposed the pipe, telling the owner that he just needed to let the water trickle and keep the cabinet doors open all the time in the winter. I was called after they told the owner that was a bad design. He was very frustrated by the time we spoke, because the plumber and contractor had already returned several times and this was their final answer.

The simple solution, which worked for him and will work for you, is that supply pipes need to be to the warm side of insulation. I saw that the coldand hot-water supply pipes were completely enclosed with insulation. I removed the insulation from the warm side and only kept the full thickness of insulation on the cold side. The roof cavity behind the wall, in drawings that are called building sections, showed that the roof was to be insulated directly behind the wall to create a full barrier of insulation. Because there was now a gaping hole at the back of the cabinet, sloppily cut, I was able to peer in with a mirror and see that there was no insulation in the roof space where it met the wall behind the sinks. None. Once the water supply lines were moved into the cabinet, under the sink, by the plumber, who fortunately did stand behind their work and did return, there was never a problem again.

Locate pipes neatly in the back of the sink cabinet, to the warm side of a fully insulated wall and there should be no more problems. Good luck!

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Yankees? Mets? Might they meet up in October?

spring training has begun. Another baseball season is on the way. The French-born cultural historian Jacques Barzun said that “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.”

That was certainly true for my generation. The golden age of baseball in New York, from 1947 to 1956, saw New York’s teams — the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants — win nine World Series and seven pennants among them during that 10-year span. The other 13 major league teams combined for one World Series and three pennants during those years. A subway series, with both World Series teams being from New York, became the expected norm. It was almost taken for granted. During the offseason months of mid-

Everybody has a wish list. I’d like to win the lottery, or take some exotic trip that’s on my bucket list. There are jobs that I would love to have, and there are jobs I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. The worst job I can imagine, the one I would dread having, is being in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the beginning of any Congress member’s career, there is the battle to get your party’s nomination, and then feeling the honor of being the party’s choice. You battle through the drudgery of a campaign and, if you’re lucky, you have the joy of being elected or re-elected. You celebrate with your friends and family, and then, on Jan. 1, you arrive in Washington, preparing for the challenge of being a member of the House.

In today’s Congress, being a majority member is anything but fun. You may have all kinds of ideas about how to help the people back home, but if

October through late February in those years, there would be hot stove league discussions of how our teams would do in the upcoming season, and arguments over whose players were better: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Duke Snider; Roy Campanella or Yogi Berra; Pee Wee Reese or Phil Rizzuto.

is a rivalry missed not just in the five boroughs, but on Long Island, with its plethora of Mets and Yankees fans.

W

Much of that interest lessened when the Dodgers and Giants were hijacked to California after the 1957 season. While there was a rebirth of excitement when the Mets arrived for the 1962 season, it has never been quite the same as during the glory years. Sure, the Mets had their World Series wins in 1969 and 1986, as did the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, and again during the Joe Torre years, at the turn of the century, and under Joe Girardi, in 2009, but except for the 2000 World Series — which the Yankees won — the Yankees and Mets have not faced one another in the World Series. That intraNew York rivalry has not been there. It

e Mets fans, so used to having our hearts

broken, believe this is our year.

All that could change with both teams now filled with superstars, led by Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who is accumulating home run titles and Most Valuable Player awards, and the Mets making their own run for superstar glory. This winter they hired Juan Soto, perhaps baseball’s most explosive hitter, away from the Yankees with a $750 million contract over the next 15 years.

The Mets already had Francisco Lindor, who finished second in the voting for National League MVP last season, and slugger Pete Alonso, who is second only to Judge in total home runs over the past six seasons, and is poised to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.

Last year the Yankees won the American League pennant before falling short against the Dodgers in the World

Series. Before the season, there were low expectations for the Mets. Then, after playing mediocre baseball for most of the regular season, they had an unexpected late-season surge, and actually made it to the National League Championship Series, which they lost to the Dodgers.

This preseason, things are looking very different. Both teams are considered strong contenders to win their league championships. The debates over the teams’ players have already begun, but instead of Mantle vs. Snider or Mays, it’s Judge vs. Soto.

We Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken over the years, now genuinely believe this is our year to supplant the Yankees as New York’s No. 1 team and win it all in the World Series — and that New York’s baseball rivalry is back. Barring the unexpected, 2025 should be a season for metropolitan-area baseball fans to enjoy and remember.

Play ball!

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

Here’s a job I’d turn down

your wish list doesn’t coincide with the priorities of your party leader, you can forget about your plan. It’s hard enough being away from your family for weeks at a time, but being told to fall in line and follow party dictates, or else, is a bitter pill to swallow.

Let’s talk about the Washington scene as it currently exists. An unelected multi-billionaire named Elon Musk is ignoring the duly elected officials whose job it is to create the budgets that fund our federal agencies. The Constitution says that the Congress is a separate body from the Executive, but in this case an appointee of the Executive is calling all the shots.

Being a member of the House majority sounds great. Believe me, it’s not.

As a representative of scores or even hundreds of thousands of constituents, you’re the one they turn to when they have a federal problem. For example, a decorated military veteran comes seeking your help after being fired from a federal job he held for 10 years. You can hold his hand, but you can’t get him back his paycheck to feed his family and pay his mortgage.

As a well-informed public official, you follow the media to find out what

they know that you don’t know. The latest reports say that your party leadership has proposed making $800 billion in Medicaid cuts to help pay for a tax cut for the rich. Those cuts will decimate the safety net that your constituents rely on to survive, and will affect more than 90 million people nationwide. You can threaten to vote against the package, but there are more nightmares coming.

You may be able to join a handful of other members to get some changes made to the Medicaid cuts, but there are more crazy slashes being proposed. The far-right members have suggested that every person with a student loan pay an additional $200 per month. That mean-spirited idea would affect 45 million Americans. How do you stop that?

Do you remember the state-andlocal-tax proposal that hit suburban homeowners hard when it was included in President Trump’s 2017 budget? Despite his support for eliminating the SALT cap, there has been very little discussion about that benefit in recent weeks. You want a complete repeal of the cap, but it’s out of your hands.

As we enter the final stages of the budget debate, I can’t help recalling the story of the late Assemblyman Lou Wolfe, of upstate Plattsburgh. Wolfe was part of a narrow majority. He enjoyed both Democratic and Conservative Party support. He was asked to vote on a multi-billion-dollar social program. His party leaders promised him financial support in the general election, and assured him he would be “protected.” Came November, Lou lost because of his “bad” vote.

It’s possible that by the time you read this, all of the budget misgivings of the few conscience-driven members will be satisfied. All they have to do at that point is to go home and explain the mass layoffs, the tax cuts for the rich and the hidden program cuts that were buried in the spending plan they voted for. But remember, they had the promise from the leaders that they had nothing to worry about. Oh, the joy of being in the majority.

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

HERALD

Long Island loses a civil rights pioneer

the death of Hazel Dukes, at age 92, last weekend marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in civil rights leadership, with special significance for Long Island. While Dukes will be remembered nationally for her tenure as president of the NAACP from 1990 to 1992, and for her remarkable 48-year leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1977 until her death, her deep connections to Long Island communities deserve particular attention.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was a neighbor of Rosa Parks, Dukes moved to New York in 1955. She lived in Roslyn Heights for decades, building a life and career that influenced civil rights efforts across the state and the nation.

Named president of the NAACP’s Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn branch in 1969, Dukes quickly emerged as a powerful voice opposing housing discrimination on Long Island. She was instrumental in bringing landmark housing discrimination lawsuits that challenged the entrenched patterns of segregation in Nassau County’s suburbs. These legal actions targeted discriminatory practic-

Advice

letters

es that kept minority families out of certain neighborhoods, even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 had made such discrimination illegal.

On Long Island, she worked for the federal Head Start program and became one of the first Black employees in the Nassau County attorney’s office. She also served with the county’s Economic Opportunity Commission, addressing poverty and inequality from within the system. She was the first Black vice chairwoman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, which gave her a platform to advocate for integrated housing throughout Nassau County. She also served on the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982.

Dukes’ own educational journey illustrates her belief in education as a path to opportunity. She studied at Nassau Community College before earning a degree in business administration from Adelphi University in Garden City in 1978. Her local educational experience strengthened her advocacy for quality education for all communities.

What makes Dukes’ Long Island connection so significant is that she addressed civil rights not as an abstract

from PSEG L.I.: Beware of scammers

To the Editor:

National Consumer Protection Week, observed through March 8, offers an important reminder for consumers to stay alert against fraudulent schemes that prey on our vulnerability. Recent guidance from PSEG Long Island has shed light on the alarming tactics employed by scammers, and we believe it is essential that our community take note of these warnings. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick unsuspecting customers. They frequently impersonate reputable companies, such as PSEG L.I., using advanced phone spoofing technology that displays familiar numbers on caller ID. In many cases, these fraudsters call with an urgent demand for immediate payment, falsely claiming that failure to comply will result in an immediate power shutoff. This tactic is designed to induce panic and force quick decisions without proper verification.

It is crucial for consumers to know that PSEG Long Island never requests payments through external webbased electronic services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. The only approved payment methods are those offered through our secure channels, such as My Account, the mobile app, or text messaging. Additionally, any request for a deposit in relation to priority meter installations is fraudulent, because we do not require a deposit for such services.

If anyone receives an unexpected call or email threatening an imminent power shutoff while demanding payment, it is imperative to pause, take a step back, and verify the authenticity of the communication. Instead of

concept, but rather as lived reality in suburban America. While much of the civil rights movement focused on urban centers or the South, she recognized that segregation and opportunity gaps were just as widespread — if sometimes less visible — in prosperous suburban communities like those across Long Island.

Her nearly five decades leading the NAACP’s New York State Conference allowed her to maintain consistent focus on issues affecting communities like ours. That persistence brought meaningful change to institutional practices and policies that had limited opportunities for minority residents.

As we look at Long Island today, we see both the progress Dukes helped achieve and the challenges we continue to face in creating truly equal opportunity. The diversity of our communities has increased, but disparities in housing, education and economic opportunity persist.

In the years ahead, let’s be sure to honor Dukes’ legacy by making Long Island — and the entire country — a place where discrimination is not tolerated, and where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity.

responding immediately, customers should contact PSEG Long Island using the phone number found on their billing statement, (800) 490-0025. This simple step can prevent a great deal of financial loss and stress.

As we have honored National Consumer Protection Week, we have urged all community members to share this important information with friends, family and neighbors. Together, by

remaining vigilant and verifying every unexpected request for payment, we can safeguard our community from falling victim to these scams. Staying informed and cautious not only protects our finances, but also strengthens community trust. Every action contributes to defeating these scams and preserving our service reliability.

Beyond the talking heads: the real path to financial success

in an age of constant media noise, financial advice shows have become a form of entertainment rather than genuine guidance. As Forbes wisely pointed out in 2021, turning off these programs and seeking professional advice remains the soundest approach to achieving your financial goals. Four years later, the advice remains more relevant than ever.

The talking heads on financial shows often serve up what can only be described as financial entertainment — flashy segments on hot stocks and market predictions designed to grab attention rather than provide personalized advice. These shows prioritize ratings and advertising dollars over your financial well-being.

During my early career in the investment business, I was asked by my manager to visit a client who was making trades online. In the previous week he had tried to make 15 trades, many of them in direct opposition to his risk tolerance. When I visited, I discovered that he had been injured at work, and for a week he had been watching the financial

Trump disrespects Teddy Roosevelt

To the Editor:

news channels.

When I asked why he had made the trades, he told me those were the hot stocks or sectors that the commentators were talking about. I reviewed his risk tolerance and goals with him, and then told him the bad news: Had we allowed him to make those trades, he would have lost each time, because he was buying at the high point of the stock or sector.

What the TV shows fail to point out is that successful investing isn’t about chasing the latest trend; it’s about building a portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon. A retirement portfolio for someone in their 30s looks dramatically different from one for someone approaching retirement in the next five years — context that gets lost in the one-size-fits-all recommendations of TV pundits.

More important, you need to arrive with clarity about your financial goals: education funding for your children; retirement timing and lifestyle expectations; geographic preferences for retirement; long-term care considerations; and legacy planning intentions.

W orking with a financial adviser is like working with an architect on your home.

The alternative to media noise is developing a relationship with a qualified financial adviser who can create a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique circumstances. That begins with an initial consultation, to which you should bring all relevant financial documents: tax returns, investment statements, insurance policies and employer benefits information.

LetteRs

Chainsaws aren’t toys,

Elon

To the Editor:

Will Sheeline was absolutely correct in his column last week, “Destroying Roosevelt’s legacy.” President Trump’s promised “golden age” is intended to recreate Mark Twain’s: golden for those having the gold, the gilt-edge securities, gold mines and gold $Trump cryptocoin.

Today’s golden children feel their glory has been stolen, and want it back, with interest, and with punishment for the thieves. But the demands go far beyond T.R.’s trust-busting and conservation crimes to include FDR’s New Deal “larceny.” Taft-Hartley, Social Security, and the rest of those alphabet agencies are being undone because they’re seen as obstacles to the promised land of corporate “free markets and personal responsibility,” as The Washington Post’s Jeff Bezos puts it.

Trump’s last-term hero was the genocidal, court-defying Andrew Jackson. This time it’s the empire-building colonialist William McKinley. This last is unfair to McKinley, but is how the ignorant Trump sees him.

BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

How will we calculate the number of lives Elon Musk will take with his comical chainsaw massacre?

What will the death count be in the United States, and around the world, from the withholding of food, drinking water, medical supplies and treatment, vaccinations, and emergency services for natural and manmade disasters?

From the removal of the guardians of public safety from food, drugs, diseases, fire, air pollution and workplace dangers?

From the debasement of services to our military veterans and the politicization of the military? From the disabling of the alliances and treaties that have kept a troubled world from World War III since 1945?

From the abatement of research in health, climate, defense, agriculture and countless other areas of vast public interest? From the defunding of early child care and education at every level, up through university and graduate studies — the very keys to hope and advancement that mitigate against social class ossifying into a caste system in which crime is the only outlet for deprivation?

Working with a financial adviser is comparable to collaborating with an architect on your dream home. The initial planning phase requires substantial effort, but it’s just the foundation of the journey. The real value emerges from implementing the action items identified in your plan.

The implementation phase typically involves fundamental but crucial steps: securing appropriate life and disability insurance, establishing automatic contributions to retirement accounts and education savings plans, and reviewing property and liability coverage. This way, your financial security won’t be compromised by an unforeseen event or inadequate coverage.

Financial planning isn’t a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process. Life rarely follows a straight line — career changes, family developments, health challenges and economic shifts all impact your financial trajectory. This reality necessitates regular reviews, typi-

cally annually, when your adviser can run projections to determine if adjustments are needed to keep you on track toward your goals.

Think of these reviews as similar to your annual physical. Just as your doctor monitors your health markers, your financial adviser assesses the health of your financial plan, making recommendations to strengthen areas that may have weakened or capitalize on new opportunities.

Financial success isn’t achieved through sprint-like approaches or quick fixes. It’s a marathon requiring patience, discipline and consistency. The financial media’s emphasis on day-to-day market movements contradicts this fundamental truth, potentially encouraging harmful behaviors like market timing and emotional decision-making.

Your journey toward financial wellbeing begins with a single step: scheduling an appointment with a qualified financial adviser who can serve as your coach throughout this marathon. With professional guidance and a welldesigned plan, you can tune out the noise and focus on the disciplined approach that leads to genuine financial success.

Gary Slavin is a financial adviser who serves on the boards of the New York State Professional Insurance Agents and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. Comments? Gslavin@lebenthal.com.

Perhaps the cost will be incalculable, but it is the responsibility of our remaining non-MAGA media to report these casualties and not to relate what’s going on simply as a streamlining of

government costs against the whining of a few disgruntled former sucklers at the public teat.

GARY sLAVin

FRAmeWoRk by Tim Baker

An avian get-together in Brady Park — Massapequa Park

GENE J. MANN Bayville