HERALD BALDWIN
DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
Relay for Life set to return June 7,
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life will return to Baldwin Park on June 7, from 2 to 10 p.m., according to Baldwin residents Abby and Miguel Melendez.
Established in 1985, Relay For Life is now held in 31 countries, bringing communities together to honor loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate survivors and raise funds for cancer research, advocacy and support for those currently battling the
disease. Participants walk around a track or a designated path to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer.
Originally held at Baldwin High School’s track, the event was relocated to Baldwin Park, from 2014 to 2016, raising nearly $28,000 in the final year at that location. However, as participation began to dwindle, the Melendezes tried to revive the relay in 2020, but their plans were disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, and they were forced to host a virtual relay. Despite the challenges, they
Little League registration still open
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Late registrants still have time to sign up for Baldwin Little League this season, which promises to be an exciting year for players of all ages.
Founded in 1953, the Little League program offers baseball and softball for children ages 4 to 18, with divisions ranging from T-ball to Babe Ruth. Early registration began in the fall and ended last Friday, but late registration is open through Feb. 28, though late fees apply. Registration fees range from $75 for 4-year-olds to $210 for the
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with goal of $22,000
still managed to raise more than $12,000 that year.
Last year, the event raised $15,000, and the married couple have set a goal of raising $22,000 for this year’s relay.
“It was really nice,” Miguel Melendez said of last year’s event. “We anticipate a bigger turnout this year. It seems like more people are interested, and there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the event.”
As of press time, $675 has already been raised for this year’s relay. To raise funds, participants can organize creative
fundraisers such as car washes, online donation campaigns, sponsored walk/runs or team T-shirt sales.
In previous weeks, the Melendezes have been holding events leading up to the main June 7 relay. The Relay For Life’s First Lap was held on
Jan. 11 at the Baldwin Middle School track, which occurs on the first Saturday of each year, symbolizing a renewed commitment to fighting cancer. Joe Gillette, a Relay For Life Hall of Famer, launched the First Lap in 2018 to help kick off the
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Herald file photo
The Baldwin Royals, a local travel baseball team in 2022 celebrated their Long Island Hot Stove Championship.
Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake
This is how the elementary schools in Baldwin celebrated
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Ahead of the winter recess, Baldwin school district celebrated the Lunar New Year throughout its elementary schools with a variety of interactive and educational events, allowing students to learn about the annual holiday and its cultural significance.
Lunar New Year, a celebration marking the arrival of spring and the start of the new year on the lunisolar calendar, is the most important holiday in China. It is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and nations with large overseas Chinese populations. While the official dates of the holiday vary by culture, it is universally seen as a time to reunite with family, both immediate and extended.
In China, the holiday is commonly known as the Spring Festival and spans 15 days, featuring a variety of traditional customs and festivities.
In Sept. 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into legislature making Asian Lunar New Year an official holiday for public schools. However, last year, the holiday fell on a Saturday and students did not get an additional day off.
So for members of the Meadow PTA, they knew they wanted to make this year’s celebration extra special.
The school-wide celebration included a series of cultural performances and students were introduced to the Lunar New Year celebrations of multiple cultures, including the Chinese, Korean, and Cambodian traditions. An assembly featured a Chinese lion dance and a Korean fan dance, allowing students to explore the cultural practices associated with the holiday.
Students also learned how to say “Happy New Year” in Korean, Mandarin and Cambodian. In preparation, classrooms read books about the holiday and created crafts to welcome the “Year of the Wood Snake.”
The event was organized by Meadow’s PTA, parents Helen Singson, Sophea Sainsurin, Sandy Singh, teachers, and performers.
Meadow school alum Singson told the Herald she wanted to share the significance of the new year celebrated by many Asian cultures and communities. She celebrates Korean Lunar New Year.
“Meadow students really had a wonderful opportunity to engage with Lunar New Year traditions,” Singson said. “Experiences like these foster an appreciation for cultural diversity and illuminate the beauty of global traditions.”
PTA Co-President and Chair for School of Excellence, Sophea Sainsurin shared her vision behind the initiative.
“Our priority this year has been centered around fostering a sense of belonging, building a community that values diversity, and ensuring that our efforts align with Arts in Education,” she wrote to the Herald. “One of the key pillars of this initiative was the creation of a Parent Advisory Board, along with offering cultural assemblies and enrichment programs that celebrate the many traditions within our school community.”
“We wanted to create an engaging and educational experience,” she continued, “and it was incredible to see the students’ excitement and curiosity.”
For Sainsurin, the event was deeply personal. As a Cambodian American, it was meaningful for her to participate and contribute to the cultural representation at the school, especially with her daughter, Sothanee Sainsurin, attending and showcasing her nationality during the assembly.
At Brookside Elementary School, students wore red clothing, symbolizing good fortune and protection from evil spirits.
Steele Elementary School’s marked the occasion with a math activity that incorporated Lunar New
welcoming
Year themes. Students created representations of a lion dancer using pattern blocks, applying their math skills to calculate the total value of their creations. The activity also included videos, songs, and discussions about the holiday
In addition, second graders in Nancy Aquino’s class made lanterns, which symbolize people letting go of the past and welcoming the new year with good fortune. Additionally, students received red envelopes, a gesture symbolizing luck and prosperity.
Lenox Elementary School hosted a virtual visit from author Mei Li, who introduced her books highlighting her Chinese cultural heritage. Li’s interactive session promoted social-emotional learning and encouraged students to reflect on the importance of collaboration and cultural appreciation.
“Events like this help ensure that all students feel seen, valued, and celebrated, while also giving everyone an opportunity to learn about traditions outside their own,” Sainsurin stated. “It’s a meaningful way to promote understanding, unity, and a shared sense of belonging in our school community.”
The assembly featured a Chinese lion dance and a Korean fan dance, allowing students to delve into the significance of these traditions.
Photos courtesy Baldwin school district
Students across Baldwin’s elementary schools made lanterns, which symbolize people letting go of the past and
the new year with good fortune.
Demonstration of Sebae - the act of kneeling on the ground and bowing to their elders to wish them a happy new year.
Seeking sponsorships from businesses
Junior Baseball League.
Teams will be formed in early March, with games scheduled to begin in midApril. Last year over 200 players took part between baseball, softball and challenger leagues.
I’m going to do everything I can to always be there for the kids of Baldwin.
Kevin Smith, a Baldwin native and member of the Little League board of directors, is a product of the program. He played in the league as a child, and still lives in Baldwin.
KevIn
SmIth Little League board of directors
“Little League teaches sportsmanship,” Smith, 50, a mortgage loan officer, said. “Winning isn’t the only way, so you learn how to win, lose and work as a team. The camaraderie and brotherhood on the field carry over in life.
“You take your successes and losses and learn how to deal with both, because in baseball, there’s a lot of failures,” he added. “It’s a great learning experience for kids.”
At a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting, Smith told the attendees about the need for local business sponsorships
for the league, citing a drop in support this year.
“The costs of jerseys and uniforms
Pet Trusts
Bob and Laura were ready to move forward with their estate plan to save estate taxes and avoid probate. The only hitch was who would take care of their beloved pets, Samson, the dog and Delilah, the cat, after Bob and Laura passed away.
Under New York law, trusts for the care of our pets are valid and enforceable. You can set up a pet trust in either a trust or a will. A trust is a private document that generally does not go to court, so if you create a pet trust within your own trust, it’s a private affair. A will, once submitted to court, is a public document and the court oversees the directions in your will, including your pet trust provisions.
Bob and Laura created pet trusts in their own living trusts. After more searching and discussion, they chose Bob’s brother, Rich, to be the trustee, or manager, of the pet trusts, meaning Rich will oversee and keep account of the money allocated to care for Sampson and Delilah. Rich will also be the caretaker. The trustee and caretaker do not have to be the same person but often that is the arrangement.
According to their trusts, after Bob and Laura are both gone, they leave $10,000 for each of their surviving pets. The trust money is to be used for the “proper medical care, support and maintenance” of their pets until the last pet dies. Then, the remainder of the money, called the “trust balance,” is distributed according to Bob’s and Laura’s wishes.
Instead of leaving a specific amount of money, a technique developed by Ettinger Law Firm may be preferable. What we suggest is that an amount to care for the annual feeding and medical care of the pet be placed in a trust, based on the actuarial life expectancy of the pet as determined by a local veterinarian. After all, the amount needed varies greatly depending on the age of the pet. To that, an average of five thousand or more may be added for unseen expenses. Consideration should also be given as to what a fair fee may be for the trustee.
Our free review of your estate plan every three years assures that the pet trust will be updated as circumstances change.
or email info@trustlaw.com
have gone up, but we try not to pass that along to the players,” he said. “We rely on local businesses to donate and support us. We hang fliers around Baldwin Park, where we’re based, and we advertise on our website with links to businesses. That’s what makes the league work — the community.”
Smith emphasized the positive impact sports can have on children’s development, noting how many kids who have never played baseball leave the league with newfound confidence. He continues to support the program behind the scenes because he has seen how it helps children both on and off the field.
“I think it’s imperative to continue,” he said. “I’ll do everything I can to always be there for the kids of Baldwin.”
For more information on how to sign up, go to BaldwinSports.com.
t-Ball: $75
munchkins: $75
AA: $105
AAA:
: $195
baseball: $210
Free *Late fees apply
Herald file photo
the Baldwin Little League has developed players ranging from 4 to 18 years old. players like thomas alrey, with hat, are products of the youth baseball program.
DiMare remembered for his selflessness
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Steven Joseph DiMare, the founder and CEO of Unified Window Systems Inc., died following a stroke on Jan. 6 at the age of 60.
DiMare founded the family-owned Baldwin-based business in 1989 with a vision of providing high-quality home improvement services, and he prioritized building up communities and helping customers, according to his son, Steven Michael DiMare, who succeeds his father as CEO.
“He’s been committed to giving customers and homeowners easy options and affordable home improvements,” he said. “He didn’t want to rip anybody off. He didn’t want to take advantage of anybody.”
DiMare was an active member of the Rockville Centre community, where he had served as president of the Rockville Centre Links twice and remained on the board for 15 years. He has also been deeply involved with various charities to give back to the community, notably with New Ground, a charity dedicated to helping veterans and families break the cycle of homelessness.
His dedication to giving back was a hallmark of his life, and his son said that even at his wake, an overwhelming number of people paid their respects, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him.
“He always helped others and was selfless,” Steven said. “He loved to see others enjoy their time and be happy, and if he could make others happy in any way, he would.”
Starting his career as a young laborer in New York City, DiMare worked his way up from carrying windows up multiple flights of stairs to becoming an installer, foreman, and eventually establishing Unified Window Systems in
News briefs
Baldwin elementary schools send letters to veterans
Elementary students across the Baldwin school district created notes and letters of gratitude to veterans in hospitals and nursing homes through the Valentines for Vets programs organized by Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead.
The students created Valentine’s Day cards to express thanks to the men and women who have served the country. Councilwoman Laura Ryder
organized the program, while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman led a similar initiative for the county.
Roughly 1,000 valentines from Baldwin elementary schools were delivered throughout February in celebration of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.
–Hernesto Galdamez
Hempstead village. The company began with a single showroom and later expanded to become a trusted name in home improvement.
In 2019, with the help of his son, the company adopted a DBA as Unified Home Remodeling to reflect its growth into a full-service remodeling provider.
Steven, who began working for the family business in high school, now steps into his father’s role as CEO at the age of 28. With a background in marketing, he worked alongside his father for years, learning the business from the ground up.
Steven expressed confidence that his father’s legacy as a dependable and beloved home improvement provider will continue under his leadership.
“He’s built that trust within the community, and everybody kind of saw him as somebody they could trust and rely on and wouldn’t steer them in the wrong direction,” he said. “That legacy will live on and then continue, and I’m more than happy to do it as well because it’s something that will keep him alive.”
DiMare is survived by his wife, Gina, who he met in second grade and was married to for 40 years, as well as his son Steven and three daughters, Danielle, Brittani and Amanda.
The funeral mass was on Jan. 13 at St. Agnes Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Ground at NewGround.org.
Courtesy Steven M. DiMare
Steven Joseph DiMare, founder and CEO of Unified Window Systems Inc., died on Jan. 6 following a stroke. He is pictured surrounded by his wife, three daughters and son.
Courtesy Baldwin school district
Elementary students throughout the Baldwin school district wrote notes and letters of gratitude to veterans as part of the annual Valentines for Vets program.
HERALD SPORTS
Baldwin track well represented at states
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
Brandon Thweatt is returning to the New York State Track and Field Championships next month, and this time he will have a familiar face with him at the starting line.
After capturing the county championship six days earlier, the Baldwin junior won the 55-meter hurdles at the state qualifier on Feb. 10 by edging Hewlett’s Matt DeCicco by just .03 seconds at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington. Thweatt will be joined by teammate Patrick Appolon, who will be making his first trip to the state event after finishing third in the hurdles.
Also qualifying for states is the Bruins’ 4x200 relay team of seniors Prosper Prawl and Nigel Wright and juniors Darrell Turner and Mikhi Williams, who finished second at the qualifier. The state event will again take place at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island on March 8.
“It’s about execution when you get to the state qualifier,” Baldwin coach
Mike Higgins said. “All of the championships, the conference championships, and the county championships are done, so they can just focus on trying to qualify in their best event and Patrick and Brandon [did it].”
Thweatt clocked a time of 7.65 seconds and Appolon completed the trip in 7.78. Both times were slightly faster than what they ran during the Nassau Class A Championships at St. Anthony’s.
“Brandon has been leading the county in the 55 hurdles all year long,” Higgins said. “It was more along the lines of he just needed to get first, second, or third, so I don’t think there was too much pressure on him.”
Thweatt failed to get out of the qualifying round during last year’s state event but finished second in his last start at Ocean Breeze on Feb. 1 with a personal-best time of 7.56 seconds.
Cameron Ingram of Cicero-North Syracuse won with a state-record time of 7.18 seconds and will again be Thweatt’s top threat.
Appolon competed at Baldwin as a freshman but transferred to Holy Trin-
ity for his sophomore year before returning to the Bruins. “He picked up where he left off,” Higgins said. “He’s progressing nicely in the hurdles, so this is his first opportunity to go.”
The 4x200 relay team trailed Uniondale for most of the race before passing them late. Appolon was supposed to compete for the Bruins, but an injured calf suffered during the hurdles forced Higgins to replace him with Williams.
“We were pretty confident that if we got to stick around, that we had a good shot of beating the other teams to the second spot,” Higgins said.
Baldwin’s 47 points at the counties was the same as last year and good for third in the competition. Turner was third in the 300-meter dash and helped win a county championship in the 4x200 relay with Prawl, Appolon, and senior Christon Raysor.
The 4x400 relay team of Williams, junior Hayden Castello, senior Jeremy Rosario, and sophomore C.J. Graham finished third and Thweatt was third in the 55-meter dash. Junior Chinonso Ajomiwe’s leap of 40 feet, 3.75 inches was good for sixth in the triple jump.
Derrick Dingle/Herald Baldwin’s Brandon Thweatt won the 55-meter hurdles title at the state qualifier and helped the Bruins finish third in Nassau Class A.
Immigration policies spark anxiety on L.I.
By SCOTT BRINTON
Special to the Herald
First in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.
Sergio Jimenez, of Amityville, an activist with an immigrant rights coalition that includes the Workplace Project in Hempstead, was recently approached by an acquaintance with an unusual proposition: The man asked whether Jimenez would take over his car payments.
The Honduran man had had enough of the Trump administration’s treatment of the immigrant community, and planned to return to his home country. He needed someone to assume his car payments rather than abandon the vehicle.
“He’s going back to Honduras because he can’t stand all this suppression,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez spoke during a nearly twohour-long conversation on Feb. 5 that the Herald hosted at a restaurant down the street from Hempstead Town Hall, attended by 15 immigrants and advocates from the local community and beyond. They came to discuss President Trump’s immigration policy, with its increased focus on identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants.
To protect its owners’ privacy, the Herald is not naming the restaurant.
Trump, Jimenez said, is ignoring the potential economic impact of tens of thousands, perhaps millions, of undocumented and documented immigrants returning to their home countries, either because they are forced or choose to. If a growing number of immigrants leave, the economy will suffer, he said.
Immigrants comprise a third of Nassau County’s workforce and a third of its small-business owners, and New York’s immigrants, documented and undocumented, pay more than $3.1 billion annually in state and local taxes, according to the New York Immigration Coalition.
Nadia Marin-Molina, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, which has an office at the Freeport Workers Justice Center, said she believes the Trump administration aims to “make people’s lives miserable and to scare people, to terrorize people into leaving themselves, because they can’t deport everybody that they say they’re going to deport.”
As of Feb. 3, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported nearly 8,800 arrests of immigrants from 121 countries, with almost 5,700 deportations and removals since Trump took office. As of 2022, an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants lived in the U.S., 3 percent of the population, according to the American Immigration Council.
Many immigrants were already on edge and thinking of returning to their homelands before Trump’s increased enforcement, according to Deyanira Barrow, who immigrated to the U.S. 35
An increasing number of immigrants are considering returning to their home countries because of the Trump administration’s “suppression” of immigrant rights, according to Hempstead-area activists. Advocates and 15 immigrants gathered to talk with the Herald on Feb. 5.
years ago following the Nicaraguan civil war from 1978 to 1990.
Theft is often why “our people say, no, no, I’m going back to my country. They know some people spend a lot of money for nothing,” Barrow, a Workplace Project activist from Baldwin Harbor who owns a cleaning business, said. An attorney might charge $3,000 to $5,000 to process an immigration claim and provide no services, she added.
Local cooperation with ICE?
According to the National Immigration Law Center, on Jan. 20, his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders calling for, among other measures:
■ A recommitment to mass detention of undocumented immigrants.
■ Potential punishment of municipalities that act as “sanctuaries” for them.
■ A DHS review and audit of federal grants and contracts with non-governmental agencies that aid them.
■ Possible reinstatement of countrybased immigration bans.
■ An examination of Temporary Protected Status designations that allow immigrants fleeing violence and natural disaster to remain in the U.S.
■ Expansion of the expedited removal policy that allows the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants without their day in court.
■ Authorization for local municipalities to act as immigration enforcement agents.
This final point was most disconcerting for a number of the immigrants interviewed by the Herald. They wonder whether local governments, such as the villages of Freeport, Hempstead and
Westbury, and area school districts might cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, signed an agreement with the Trump administration on Feb. 4 that deputized county police officers to carry out immigration enforcement in tandem with ICE.
Blakeman’s policy has received bipartisan support. Freshman U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, issued a statement on Feb. 6, saying, “Violent criminals with no legal right to be here should be deported in accordance with the law. Nassau County detectives now being able to work directly with ICE agents on targeted enforcement against known noncitizen criminals will help keep Long Islanders safe.”
Whether local governments and school districts will cooperate with ICE is an open question. Last month, Hempstead Board of Education President Victor Pratt told Newsday, “We will continue to comply with federal mandates, and the law is the law, whether we agree with it or not.”
That prompted the immigrant rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF to respond. “Allowing ICE into our schools or working with this federal agency jeopardizes the safety, rights and wellbeing of the district’s student body,” Lourdes Rosado, the group’s president and general counsel, said.
Hempstead Schools Superintendent Susan Johnson posted a message on the district website last week to reassure concerned parents and students: “We understand that there are concerns circulating in our community regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During these times, it is important to know that our schools are safe spaces where all children are valued, protected and supported.”
No village or school district could be reached by phone for comment at press time.
‘The struggle continues’
“We are in a dire situation, as I see it,” Jimenez said. “Part of it is the lack of cohesion in the community. There’s no one representing, working with us, except organizations” like the Workplace Project.
The immigrant community was very active politically during the 1980s, “but then somehow the community fell asleep, and we remain sleeping,” Emilio Alfaro Ruiz, national advertising director for La Tribuna Hispana, a Hempstead-based Spanish-language newspaper, said. “It’s a state of mind. We have to tell the people that the struggle continues.”
Elected leaders of both parties have disappointed the immigrant community, Ruiz said, adding, “We always hope the Democrats will do more.” In particular, he said, the community had hoped that President Barack Obama, with a Democratically controlled Congress from 2009 to 2011, would push through comprehensive immigration reform, but that never happened.
Many immigrant activists have grown tired of the fight, Ruiz said. As they see it, the “politicians don’t give a damn about us,” he said, “and I’m going to do my own business — self-care.”
Miguel Alas Sevillano, a community organizer with the Workplace Project and a Salvadoran immigrant, said the organization is holding a workshop series to help immigrants understand their rights under the law. “We prepare people in the community how to act in case ICE comes to our homes or our workplaces or any public area,” Sevillano said.
To learn more about the workshops, call (516) 565-5377.
Courtesy Scott Brinton
things to know from the chamber meeting
Let’s recap the February Chamber of Commerce meeting
n New Vice President
Sean Gleason was announced as the vice president for the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Gleason, a financial professional at the Super Fantastic Nassau General Office at New York Life, is an active member of the chamber. He has served for over two years and was recently celebrated as an honoree of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Business Person of the Year Breakfast.
n New website in the works
Gleason announced the remodeling of the website for the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. It is expected to be more accessible for members and the community with the latest meeting dates posted and businesses advertised properly.
n Volunteer of the Month
Joseph Brown of Sanitation District 2 was named Volunteer of the Month. Brown received a certificate in recognition of his efforts in maintaining the area around the Baldwin LIRR train station during the holiday season.
Joseph Brown of Sanitation District 2 was named Volunteer of the Month by the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at its monthly meeting.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
Teens get creative with heart boxes
Baldwin Public Library hosted a Valentine Heart Box workshop in the Children’s Arts & Crafts Room on Feb. 12, inviting participants in grades 6 through 12 to paint their own heart-shaped jewelry boxes to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The workshop provided a hands-on opportunity for teens to engage in a festive craft, fostering creativity and community connections. Participants left with personalized, handcrafted jewelry boxes, making it a memorable Valentine’s Day activity.
For more information on upcoming events and programs, visit BaldwinPL.org.
— Hernesto Galdamez
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Victoria Vega, Autumn Kaiser and Aaliyah Allen created their boxes with some sweet treats inside.
Layla Felix has her hand crafted heart filled with chocolates for her mom - Amanda Bass.
Aaliyah Allen holds her colorful handcrafted heart filled with sweets.
Baldwin Public Library was in the ‘sweet’ spirit for Valentine’s Day.
1414 Jerusalem Ave. North Merrick, NY 11566 516-489-9005
Carefreetennis@gmail.com
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Attention
parents and students: De-stress for spring success
past, the onset of spring signaled to beginning of the end of the school this season has increasingly become most stressful times of the year due convergence of extracurricular activities, end-of-year assessments, projects and, high-school students, college admissions. builds for students during the second half of the school year, the best release to this ‘academic pressure cooker’ may also be the most simple —time,” says education expert Dr. Richard E. Bavaria. “Through effective time management and other strategies, students can create ‘found time’ and find themselves better prepared for all of the activities and challenges that come along with the final months of the school year.”
Inside and outside of the classroom, there are many ways that students can manage their workload and create time for stress-reducing activities at home.
Implement some recommended strategies to help your kids achieve academic success.
Spring cleaning: Organization both at home and at school will save students time by eliminating the need to search for homework assignments, books and other items necessary for spring success. Create a “homework zone” that houses study tools and allows students to study without distraction.
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Organized kids do better in school than haphazard kids. Help them to set up their planners (written or electronic), to keep their notebooks and backpacks neat and orderly, to break up large assignments into smaller ones so they don’t seem overwhelming, to maintain a work space at home that’s actually workable and not a disaster area, and to stick to the goals you’ve set together.
Also establish or re-establish helpful routines. Give your kids the consistency of fairly regular routines (weekends and holidays can be breaks). Bedtime, wake-up, study, homework, play, family time kids rely on these routines, and the structure helps them to feel safe, know what’s expected of them and be successful.
Spring check-up: Stay informed about the end-of-school activities for which your child will be responsible. Encourage students to use plan-
ners to create timelines, or place a large calendar with deadlines and test dates in a visible area of the house.
Spring tune-up: Help your child evaluate the subjects or areas that she finds most challenging. Assigning a priority to homework items according to their level of difficulty will save time by ensuring your child devotes the most energy to the areas that require extra focus and attention.
Spring in your step: Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and stimulate the mind. Taking short exercise breaks between assignments can refresh a student’s energy level and renew focus. Maintain healthy habits since healthy kids are better learners. Help your children by making sure they’re getting enough sleep, insisting on their good eating habits, and making sure they’re involved in regular and aerobic exercise. Spring break: Compressing study time into one all-nighter may seem like a good way to save time, but the brain is less efficient without taking a break to rest, and a student’s memory can be affected. A better alternative is to ensure your child obtains the recommended amount of sleep by spreading study efforts out over a period of time.
Spring forward: Use your family’s “found time” to celebrate spring successes! Show your child that you are confident in her academic abilities, and reward the little things, such as improved concentration while studying or proactively organizing her homework space. Recommit to learning: With your children, come up with one or two major goals that they want to accomplish for the remainder of this school year. Raising that algebra grade? Getting homework done on time and turning it in the next day? Organizing a study area at home? Using a planner regularly and efficiently? Agree on some age-appropriate rewards and consequences. Commit to a family-centered goal that education is important to all of you, and work together to support, encourage and help each other.
Photo: Help your kids manage the end-of-year school crunch.
Afternoon rush
not over once the school bell rings
Kids nowadays are certainly busier than ever before. The increasingly competitive nature of scholastic life combined with the increase of outside of classroom options available to kids means that kids nowadasys are much busier than their school-aged counterparts of yesteryear.
Can after-school programs give your children an academic boost? According to a recent study of after-school programs serving low-income elementary and middle school students, the answer is yes. Students who regularly participated in after-school programs surpassed their peers in academic performance. They also exhibited notable improvements in work habits and behavior.
“These findings underscore the importance of high quality after-school programs and activities for both elementary and middle school youth,” explains Deborah Lowe Vandell, PhD, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita, University of California at Irvine’s Department of Education, and the study’s lead author.
It’s no surprise that after-school programs can do much more than keep your children occupied during the afternoon. In fact, afterschool activities can help them in a variety of ways. Children develop time-management skills, build self-esteem, and practice goal-setting. While it may be tough to squeeze in afterschool activities for your children, the benefits
are well worth the extra effort.
Time management and prioritizing. Extracurricular activities teach children how to manage their time and prioritize various tasks and commitments.
Exploring diverse interests. The school band, drama club, or any sport may be an activity your children are interested in joining. By allowing your children the opportunity to explore diverse interests, you give them the opportunity to discover what they are passionate about. Once your children find an activity that they enjoy, succeeding in the activity could ultimately build their confidence and self-esteem.
Making a contribution. Extracurricular activities allow your children to make a contribution to their school or community, which is an important step in preparing them for life outside of academics.
Building self-esteem. Mastering new skills can help create confident kids. By participating in after-school activities, they can build their self-esteem in a relaxed setting as their activities provide the opportunity to be successful in something that they are passionate about.
Setting goals. Participation in extracurricular activities and programs present opportunities for your children to develop their goal-setting skills. Most involve reaching or
achieving a goal, whether it be the lead actor in the school play, winning the state championship or coming in first place in the science fair. As a result, these activities help encourage students to work toward achieving those goals, while having fun at the same time.
Teamwork. Sports teams, clubs and activities, like dancing and music, all require children to work together toward a common goal. By participating in these activities, your children develop the skills they need in order to successfully work with others. In addition, extracurricular activities let children to build
Give
relationships and socialize with peers who share their interests.
College applications. And, of course, after-school activities look great on college applications. In addition to academic performance, colleges want a well-rounded student and look at what activities students are involved in outside of school as a way to fully understand each student.
Photo: Recent studies show a correlation between improved grades, behavior and work habits as a result of students’ involvement in after-school activities.
Flu surges in ‘under-vaccinated’ population
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Anna Sequoia had never had the flu before. At 79, the Glen Cove resident thought she knew what to expect when she developed a sore throat while on a Caribbean cruise last week. But by the time she got home, the illness had taken a frightening turn.
“By the third night, I could barely sleep because of the coughing,” Sequoia recounted. “The coughing was so horrible my chest really hurt.”
Sequoia, who has asthma, went to an emergency room after struggling to breathe. “I told them that I was short of breath,” she said. “I immediately told them that I had been out of the country. They always want to know that. And at that point, everybody put masks on.”
Doctors diagnosed her with the flu and prescribed multiple medications, including Tamiflu, prednisone and a nasal decongestant. They also told her to use a nebulizer every four to six hours to ease her breathing. Now recovering at home, she remains shaken by the experience.
“I was scared, actually,” she said. “It’s frightening to me that people are walking around now without masks.”
Flu cases in New York have surged to more than 53,000, with Long Island recording 11,862 cases in a single week — the highest in at least two seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu-related doctor visits nationwide are at a 15-year high. The CDC estimates that, so far this season, 24 million Americans have had the flu, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths.
In New York, flu activity has reached its highest level in years. The number of flu-related doctor visits
the number of flu cases remains high.
climbed 7 percent in the first week of February, approaching levels last seen during the 2009-10 flu pandemic.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of epidemiology at Northwell Health, said this year’s flu is being driven by low vaccination rates and changes in the virus strains.
“Flu seasons vary year by year, depending upon minor drifts in the virus,” Farber said. “Secondly, the population is under-vaccinated. Flu vaccination rates are much lower than they have been in years previous
… And then, of course, the matchup of the flu vaccine to this year’s strains is also always a prediction, at best.”
In New York, flu vaccination rates among children ages 6 months to 17 have dropped from 60 percent in 2020 to 49 percent this season, according to the CDC. Public health officials stress that the vaccine reduces the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization, even if it doesn’t prevent infection entirely.
Health officials expect flu cases to remain high for several more weeks. “Rates have been very high the first week of February. They’re just starting to level off and fall,” Farber said. “It usually remains at high levels of infection for about eight to 10 weeks, and then slowly declines.”
Officials track the flu’s spread through hospital admissions, flu test positivity rates and emergency room visits.
The Nassau County Department of Health stressed the importance of flu vaccinations in an email to the Herald, noting that it is not too late in the season to get protected. In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Those who are not feeling well should stay home from work, school and social gatherings until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Those who need help finding a vaccine can call the county health department, at (516) 227-9697.
With between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths expected annually, Farber stressed the seriousness of the illness, particularly for vulnerable populations. “People should realize that this disease is responsible for a lot of mortality every year,” he said. “It’s not a cold.”
Courtesy Metro Creative
Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as
STEPPING OUT
Those ‘wild’ days
Director Billy Bustamante, whose credits include Broadway and off-Broadway, brings his flair to the Madison Theatre’s latest production.
The stage is set for a steamy
By Danielle Schwab
IProhibition tale at Molloy’s Madison Theatre
t’s “the party to end all parties” and everyone’s on the guest list. You’re invited to travel back to the decadent world of 1920s Prohibition-era Manhattan when the roaring musical production of Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party,” arrives on the Molloy University campus shortly, March 7-9.
Audiences can expect a lively show filled with vibrant jazz and eclectic guests — also some uninvited “surprises” — that’s sure to keep the joint buzzing.
Observing the talented young performers involved with Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, guided by Director-Choreographer Billy Bustamante, you’ll surelly be thinking: ‘Let’s raise the roof, let’s make a scene!’
Set in the Roaring Twenties, it tells the tale of two vaudevillians, Queenie and Burrs, as they throw the party to end all parties. Jealousy and decadence abound in this spicy concoction whose tasty musical stew of jazz, blues, gospel, and Tin Pan Alley sounds remarkably contemporary.
Vaudeville dancer Queenie, (played by senior Jessica Olexy) and her intense partner Burrs (senior Cade Eller) host an evening of delight only to see it spiral into chaos with every twist and turn.
• Friday through Sunday, March 7-9; times vary
• Tickets start at $35; available at madisontheatreny.org or the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Sondheim’s “Here We Are” (choreographer). Now Molloy’s theater students can benefit from his talents.
“I have history with this story,” Bustamente says. “I directed an off-Broadway production of the other version back in 2016, so this feels like a full circle moment, getting to explore this story again through different writers.”
There’s even a ‘show within a show’ musical number, “ A Wild, Wild Party,” a favorite of senior Angelo Domingo, who appears as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie.
The Pirates of Penzance
Shiver me timbers! Book your passage to the Madison Theatre when Molloy University’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, stages the classic musical, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony, Sail away to the whimsical world of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, where a merry band of parading pirates — led by their Pirate King — clash swords and nightsticks with the bumbling Bobbies on the shores of Cornwall. The story revolves around Frederic, who was apprenticed by mistake to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley, including Mabel, and the two young people instantly fall in love. With its humorous blend of romantic entanglements and memorable melodies, this delightful production promises an evening of laughter and theatrical magic.
Friday through Sunday, Feb. 2123, times vary. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
“At this party, everyone has a secret and something to hide. This show explores what happens when those secrets and the masks — that we all wear — get ripped off,” Bustamante says.
Based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 poem of the same name, the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its look into love in a messy and exciting fashion when it debuted 25 years ago.
the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music
While the narrative poem is almost a century old, Lippa’s adaptation brings a modern take to the story, blending the captivating allure of the 1920s with a modern feel.
“The music is a lot more contemporary and eclectic, all while being rooted in jazz. There are some really exciting pop, Latin and contemporary musical theater elements in the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music allows audiences today to engage with the story and see themselves in the characters’ experiences in a really impactful way.”
From larger-than-life dancing sequences such as “Juggernaut,” to soulful reflections as in “What Is It About Her?,” the production traverses the range of human emotions and complicated identities those vaudeville entertainers of that era.
“All these people at the party are people who don’t belong in other places. The nature of what it meant to be a vaudevillian performer was you were uplifted and applauded at one moment and then not allowed certain restaurants or rooms at the next,” Bustamante explains.
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the other hand, these are all damaged people because of the lives that they’ve had to leave, and that sets the stage for an evening where a lot can really go down.”
This isn’t the first time that Bustamante has helmed the story. In fact, he was involved with a different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa. His resume includes acting in productions such as Broadway Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” in addition to his directorial turns in “Here Lies Love” (assistant director) and Stephen
as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie. says.
“It was the number that introduced me to the show, and it has just a very fun, infectious vibe,” Domingo
an
opportunity to hone their performing skills before
For the cast of 25, this production is an opportunity to hone their performing skills before going forward professionally.
“The [CAP21] program teaches you a lot about how to be an individual in theater. Because we’re in New York, you get the experience of [being with] working professionals who are working on Broadway, Off Broadway and developing musicals,” Domingo continues.
[being with] working professionals who are
“I’ve grown in more ways than I thought I ever would. And when it comes to my training, I achieved things that I thought would take way longer to achieve already.”
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
So get ready to head to the theater — it’s time to join the party.
I thought I ever would. And when it head theater — it’s time to join the party.
audience Party” feeling
“I hope that our audience can leave “The Wild Party” feeling entertained, but at the same time a little educated and with a deeper understanding of themselves,” Bustamante
understanding of themselves,” Bustamante says.
masks serve you, and what masks might you
“And our version of the show can really help ask the question of our audience: ‘What masks serve you, and what masks might you be ready to let go.’
Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra brings its current U.S. tour to Long Island, under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio. Dynamic guest soloist Maxim Lando, an American pianist and winner of the 2022 New York Franz Liszt International Competition, joins CNSO. He and violinist Sandy Cameron perform beloved works from the Romantic repertoire — Jan Václav Hugo Voríšek’s Sinfonia Re Maggiore, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 and selected works from Antonín Dvorák, including Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 and Czech Suite.
The Wild Party contains mature themes.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy Madison Theatre Angelo Domingo and Mariposa Boyd step lively on stage.
different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa.
THE Your Neighborhood
Colin Jost
March 13
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! He appears on the Paramount stage, Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m. 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” coanchor, 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.” Jost and his Weekend Updatemate Michael Che have hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions as well as co-hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018.
Also, in 2024 they executive produced and co-hosted Peacock’s first live comedy event, “Colin Jost and Michael Che Present: New York After Dark,” which featured an evening of surprise dropin performances from stand-up comedians. As a writer, Jost has been published multiple times in the New Yorker and has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, among other endeavors. In 2020, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face.” A New York Times bestseller, the 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. And in 2024, he even appeared as a correspondent from Tahiti for NBC Sports for the surfing competition at the summer Olympic Games, plus last year he was featured entertainer of the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner. $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.
On stage
Adelphi University
Performing Arts students present the musical adaptation of “The Spitfire Grill,” Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 26-March 2. Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, this is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. It follows a troubled young parolee yearning for a fresh start who follows her dreams to Wisconsin, based on a page from an old travel book, only to find a small town with a gritty heart aching with longing and regret.
Unexpectedly discovering the healing power of community while working at the Spitfire Grill, Percy reawakens the entire town’s capacity for rebirth, forgiveness and hope. Set to a melodic folk-inspired score, it’s a joyous celebration of human kindness. $30. Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/ pac.
Giggles and Grooves
Bring the young ones, 6 months to 4 years to join Miss Rebecca for a fun, music-filled session at Baldwin Public Library. Use instruments, scarves, puppets a parachute and bubbles at the Giggles and Grooves session, Saturday, Feb. 22, noon12:45 p.m. Registration required. Register at baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228. 2385 Grand Ave.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 –11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art’s Manes Education Center. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 22, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators to explore and discover different materials to create original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and make art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum. org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21,22, 11 a.m and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26-27, 10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show the Prince her new hyper warp speed engine.
But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Oil Painting Classes
Let your creativity shine at painting classes offered by the Town of Hempstead, through May 5, at Baldwin Park. Registratiion ongoing now. Visit hempsteadny.gov/261/ Online-Registration for more information and to register. 3232 Grand Ave.
In concert
Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.
The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Having an event?
A Band Called Honalee
Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”
With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.
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
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 23, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Baldwin wins four medals at science tournament
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Baldwin High School students made history at the Nassau County Science Olympiad West Regional Tournament, held at Kellenberg High School, winning four medals—the most ever earned by the district in the event’s history, setting a new benchmark for the program.
Baldwin’s students competed in several events at the Nassau County Science Olympiad, a nonprofit founded in 1984 and incorporated in 1993, that aims to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or
STEM, through team-based, competitive tournaments across New York. Students showcase their skills, teamwork, and determination in a competition featuring 41 high school teams from across Long Island. The event included 23 challenging contests focused on STEM.
“This noteworthy accomplishment stands as a testament to the students’ dedication and the effectiveness of their preparation,” Susan Ferrigno, science supervisor for Baldwin school district said.
A standout event for Baldwin’s team was the “Write It Do It” competition, where students were tasked with following written instructions to build a
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model from a set of materials. Ariana Foster-Guy and Samantha Desantos earned third place in this event, while teammates Chad Henry and Neuville Brown secured second place.
Baldwin students also excelled in other challenging events. Paul Fleck and Lucas Lautan placed 6th place in the “Optics” challenge, which tests students’ understanding of light and its properties. Meanwhile, Ivan Barrera and Joseph Cruz achieved 7th place in the “Robot Tour” category, where students must design and operate a robot to complete a series of tasks.
Students were under the guidance of science advisors Joseph Denninger
Lindsey Stevens.
“Congratulations to all team members and especially to our medalists for their outstanding performances as well as teachers, Joseph Denninger and Lindsey Stevens, for helping to prepare them. Their success sets a new benchmark for our program and inspires future participants to aim even higher.”
Starting with a small group, NYSSO has grown into one of the largest state organizations in the country, with over 650 teams statewide. It now hosts 13 regional high school tournaments, 11 middle school tournaments, 2 state tournaments, 3 alumni chapters, and several invitational events.
Courtesy Baldwin school district
Baldwin High School students won four medals at the Nassau County Science Olympiad West Regional Tournament – the most earned by the district.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY.
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005NC1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Pltf. vs. ALISON KUPISZ, et al, Defts. Index #7427/2012. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Feb. 5, 2019 and order appointing substitute referee dated March 24, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on March 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 2164 Grove St., Baldwin, NY 11510. Said property located at the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Brooklyn Ave. with the westerly side of Grove St., being a plot 75 ft. x 125 ft. Approx. amt. of judgment is $619,491.71 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MARK RICCIARDI, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., 224, Syosset, NY. #102089 151407
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, Plaintiff against BAC REALTY, INC., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 31, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
Premises known as 3367 Harbor Point Road, Baldwin, NY 11510. Sec 54 Block 352 Lot 347. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,289,227.25 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 002520/2017. 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. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Keith LaVallee, Esq., Referee File # SPSJN381 151531
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Mortgage Assets Management, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as the Limited Administrator of the Estate of James McCory; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 12, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 13, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1354 Short Place, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section: 36 Block: 236-1 Lot: 32 and 255. Approximate amount of judgment $696,646.80 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 001173/2014.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Christine Grillo, 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: January 29, 2025 151533
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. REO LEND I LLC, Plaintiff -against- 128 FOREST AVENUE LLC, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 30, 2024 and entered on January 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 19, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Forest Avenue, distant 100 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Forest Avenue with the easterly side of Powell Street; being a plot 125 feet by 50 feet by 125 feet by 50 feet. Section: 55 Block: 342 Lot: 47
Said premises known as 128 FOREST AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575
Approximate amount of lien $437,898.90 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 604964/2024.
LISA B. SINGER, ESQ., Referee
The Camporeale Law Group PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 585 Stewart Avenue, 770, Garden City, NY 11530 {* BALDWIN HE*} 151450
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CARRINGTON D. BROCK A/K/A CARRINGTON BROCK, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1109 Cramer Court, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 523 and Lot 70. Approximate amount of judgment is $400,642.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600506/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Lisa S. Poczik, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151529
LEGAL NOTICE
The annual report of the Edelman Family Foundation for the year ended December 31, 2024, is available at the office of William Lee, CPA, located at 3925 61st Street, Woodside, NY 11377 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen who requires it within 80 days, hereof, principle manager of foundation is Alex Edelman 151691
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO BIDDERS
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
ROOFING
REPLACEMENT AT THE BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-001-024
PLAZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-007-028
STEELE ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-011-031
MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-013-028
CONTRACT G1 –
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – BROOKSIDE
CONTRACT G2 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – PLAZA
CONTRACT G3 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – STEELE
CONTRACT G4 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – MEADOW
Will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on March 21, 2025, at the Business Office of the Baldwin Union Free School District, located at 960 Hastings Street, Baldwin, NY 11510, at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read and where the identity of all offerors will be publicly disclosed.
The Owner has decided to solicit bids from one contractor in accordance with General Municipal Law §101, the Bidder shall submit with its bid a separate sealed list that names each subcontractor that the bidder will use to perform work in the contract, and the agreed-upon amount to be paid to each, for: (A) Plumbing and gas fitting, (B) steam heating, hot water heating, ventilating and air conditioning apparatus and (C) electric wiring and standard illuminating fixtures. After the low bid is announced, the sealed list of subcontractors submitted with such low bid shall be opened and the names of such subcontractors shall be announced, and thereafter any change of subcontractor or agreed-upon amount to be paid to each shall require the approval of the public owner, upon a showing presented to the public owner of legitimate construction need shall include, but not be limited to, a change to
sub-contractor status as determined pursuant to paragraph (e) of subdivision two of section two hundred twenty-two of the labor law or the subcontractor has become otherwise unwilling, unable or unavailable to perform the subcontract. The sealed lists of subcontractors submitted by all other bidders shall be returned to them after the contract award.
Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings, and specifications may be obtained online beginning February 26, 2025 from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990 Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Baldwin Union Free School District. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.
Please note REVplans (melville.h2mplanroom. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville.h2mplanroom. com Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for
hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.
Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and NOTICE TO BIDDERS
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BWSD 2403-2406 NB2 of 2
address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to:
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Roofing Replacement at the Brookside Elementary School, Plaza Elementary School, Steele Elementary School and Meadow Elementary School.
Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract.
Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening, except as permitted by General Municipal Law § 103(11).
Pre-bid conferences and walk-throughs are scheduled for the dates and times below:
Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District 960 Hastings Street Baldwin, New York 11510 Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT ROOFING REPLACEMENT AT THE BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-001-024 PLAZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED# 28-02-10-03-0-007-028 STEELE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED# 28-02-10-03-0-011-031 MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-013-028 CONTRACT G1 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – BROOKSIDE CONTRACT G2 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – PLAZA CONTRACT G3 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – STEELE CONTRACT G4 –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK – MEADOW
Will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on March 21, 2025, at the Business Office of the Baldwin Union Free School District, located at 960 Hastings Street, Baldwin, NY 11510, at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read and where
Brookside Elementary School: March 5, 2025, at 3:30 PM Meadow Elementary School: March 5, 2025, at 4:30 PM Plaza Elementary School: March 6, 2025, at 3:30 PM Steele Elementary School: March 6, 2025, at 4:30 PM Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance, at which time they will be directed to the areas of work. The pre-bid conferences and walkthroughs are not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. It is the Board’s intention, and it reserves its right to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, providing the required security who, to the Board’s satisfaction, meets the experience, technical, budget and all specification requirements and has references and responses from references that are deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives, to waive any informality and to accept such bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives which, in the opinion of the Board, are in the best interests of the School District.
Public Notices
the identity of all offerors will be publicly disclosed.
The Owner has decided to solicit bids from one contractor in accordance with General Municipal Law § 101, the Bidder shall submit with its bid a separate sealed list that names each subcontractor that the bidder will use to perform work in the contract, and the agreed-upon amount to be paid to each, for: (A) Plumbing and gas fitting, (B) steam heating, hot water heating, ventilating and air conditioning apparatus and (C) electric wiring and standard illuminating fixtures. After the low bid is announced, the sealed list of subcontractors submitted with such low bid shall be opened and the names of such subcontractors shall be announced, and thereafter any change of subcontractor or agreed-upon amount to be paid to each shall require the approval of the public owner, upon a showing presented to the public owner of legitimate construction need shall include, but not be limited to, a change to subcontractor status as determined pursuant to paragraph (e) of subdivision two of section two hundred twenty-two of the labor law or the subcontractor has become otherwise unwilling, unable or unavailable to perform the subcontract. The sealed lists of subcontractors submitted by all other bidders shall be returned to them after the contract award.
Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings, and specifications may be obtained online beginning February 26, 2025 from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990 Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Baldwin Union Free School District. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make
arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.
Please note REVplans (melville.h2mplanroom. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued.
All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville.h2mplanroom. com Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.
Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and NOTICE TO BIDDERS
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BWSD 2403-2406 NB2 of 2 address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to:
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Roofing Replacement at the Brookside Elementary School, Plaza Elementary School, Steele Elementary School and Meadow Elementary School. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the
total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract.
Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening, except as permitted by General Municipal Law § 103(11).
Pre-bid conferences and walk-throughs are scheduled for the dates and times below:
Brookside Elementary School: March 5, 2025, at 3:30 PM
Meadow Elementary School: March 5, 2025, at 4:30 PM
Plaza Elementary School: March 6, 2025, at 3:30 PM
Steele Elementary School: March 6, 2025, at 4:30 PM
Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance, at which time they will be directed to the areas of work. The pre-bid conferences and walkthroughs are not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend.
It is the Board’s intention, and it reserves its right to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, providing the required security who, to the Board’s satisfaction, meets the experience, technical, budget and all specification requirements and has references and responses from references that are deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives, to waive any informality and to accept such bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives which, in the opinion of the Board, are in the best interests of the School District. Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District 960 Hastings Street Baldwin, New York 11510 151615
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of Igloo Series V Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Dharmanand Latchman, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 712 Brook Court, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 32 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment is $432,130.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605715/2023. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 192580-5 151685
of raising $22,000.
Abby and Miguel Melendez
set goal to raise $22,000
Continued from page 1
year’s fundraising efforts and inspire others to join the fight.
The Melendezes have scheduled several events to help raise awareness and funds for Relay For Life. The first event is a kickoff at Sonny’s Canal House, at 1 Jefferson Place in Baldwin, on March 1 at noon. Monthly planning meetings are scheduled to take place at the Baldwin Public Library at 7 p.m. on March 5, April 2 and May 7.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to attend the kickoff event to learn how to sponsor, volunteer or form their own relay teams.
“If they have any questions about Relay For Life, please come to the kickoff,” Miguel Melendez said. “We’ll be happy to answer all questions about forming teams and getting involved.”
Plaintiff AGAINST
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2
ACQUISITION TRUST,
SATYAWATTIE DHARMANAND AKA SATYAWATTIE D. DHARMANAND, DHARMANAND LATCHMAN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 24, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 2746 Park Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and
Upcoming Relay for Life events
this year’s kickoff: Sonny’s Canal House, 1 Jefferson place, march 1, noon. planning meetings: Baldwin public Library, 2385 grand ave., at 7 p.m. on march 5, april 2 and may 7
— Hernesto Galdamez
State of New York, Section 0054 Block 00279-00 Lot 00101 & 00102. Approximate amount of judgment $495,983.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600766/2023. Referee’s Phone Number: 516-510-4020. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC
Courtesy Miguel Melendez this year’s american Cancer Society relay for Life is set to return June 7, with a goal
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Houses in flood zones had to be raised, but businesses?
Q. I am interested in leasing a building that I am certain was flooded during several recent storms. The landlord says the sheetrock and insulation were replaced, and there were only a “few inches of water.” I doubt that. The metal building is stained around the bottom 4 feet, in between tall weeds, since nobody takes care of it. It’s in an industrial area. I wonder why I had to lift my house, but these buildings, which clearly were seriously flooded, never had to make changes to deal with future flooding. I can’t risk losing inventory, and I don’t see where there was much done to prevent water from getting in. I probably won’t take the lease, but I still wonder why these buildings didn’t either have to be raised or make changes for better flood protection.
A. Most commercial buildings were not considered “substantially damaged,” a definition by the Federal Emergency Management Agency requiring flood-prevention implementation. In most cases, only when renovating, waterproofing materials were required to be added to either the inside or outside of buildings, but this was not enforced uniformly with required permits. Part of the reason that flood-proof materials were added was, just as you said, to prevent loss of inventory, but also because businesses can’t be out of commission for very long without losing money.
Flood protective panels that attach at the exterior doors and windows, membranes placed on interior walls behind new finishes, and waterproofing of exterior walls up to 2 feet above the flood elevation, designated by FEMA for your area, have become standard practice for projects where people are concerned about their businesses continuing to operate after the next serious storm. The owner or tenant has to be concerned enough to implement these safeguards, because most commercial buildings in flood-prone areas were either not considered damaged enough to lift or not required to flood-proof unless brought to the attention of officials.
The issue comes down to one thing: insurance. Many people think of FEMA as just a federal government program, but it’s much more than that. It’s a large insurance company, one of the largest in the world. Because there are so many disasters to handle each year — roughly $200 billion worth of damage — most insurance companies stopped insuring coastal communities around the country. There’s just too much risk. So FEMA is designated to cover the high risk, backed by taxpayers to pay for the gaps and losses. That falls to taxpayers because otherwise-thriving communities would cease to exist, tax revenue would be lost, bonds and debt failures would occur and the economy could collapse. It’s all tied together.
So even though evaluation or enforcement may not have been done, taking steps as a tenant may be your only recourse. Consult with experienced professionals to create a flood-proof building. Water gets through floors, gaps in walls and places you may not have thought of. Good luck!
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opinions
Recalling the presidents I’ve met
As we celebrated Presidents’ Day on Monday, I thought back on presidents I’ve had the opportunity to meet over the years.
Except for my first meeting with Richard Nixon in 1967, before he was president, all of those meetings resulted from my involvement in politics.
In the summer of 1967, between my second and third years of law school, I worked as an intern in Nixon’s Wall Street law firm. (The fellow intern I was assigned to work with that summer was Rudy Giuliani — who was then a liberal Democrat.)
In addition to the chance encounters we had with Nixon in the hallway or elevator, we interns had a long lunch discussion with him, during which he demonstrated his expansive knowledge of foreign and domestic issues. Surprisingly, he also displayed a certain shyness.
A quarter-century later, in 1993, the then former president was in Washington to address Republicans in Congress, where I told him how much I appreciated the long-ago internship. He was no longer shy, but seemingly at peace. The following year, I attended his funeral in
California.
President Gerald Ford was in the closing days of his 1976 campaign against Jimmy Carter when he spoke at a massive rally at the Nassau Coliseum. At a reception afterward, Ford was gracious and friendly, a class act.
The next time I saw him was in 1998, at Sonny Bono’s funeral in California.
From Nixon to Trump, there have been 10, and each left a different impression.
I had just two brief encounters with Jimmy Carter, the first an introduction at Yitzhak Rabin’s funeral in Jerusalem in 1995. The second was about 10 years ago, when I was on a Delta Shuttle, waiting to take off for Washington, when Carter got on the plane, recognized me, shook my hand and gave me a warm hello and a big smile — an awkward moment for me, since I had attacked him for something on national TV just the day before!
Except for a White House briefing for New York Republicans in 1987, my dealings with President Ronald Reagan consisted of handshakes and photos at political events in Nassau County and Manhattan. I was always struck by his sense of dignity and leadership. He never disappointed.
President George Bush 41 was the last of the old-school presidents, in the best sense of that term. He was very knowl-
edgeable and always respectful of his office. In addition to greeting him at political events before and after his presidency, I was invited, along with other newly elected Republicans, to meet with him in the Oval Office in his final days as president in January 1993. It was inspiring and memorable. He didn’t have a word of regret or complaint. True stature.
Though President Barack Obama offered to appoint me ambassador to Ireland, my dealings with him were infrequent and businesslike. He was always polite, and always “no drama Obama.”
My contacts with Joe Biden were when he was senator and vice president, primarily at social events in Washington. He was invariably cordial and humorous. Always greeted me with a big grin, and would kid me that Irish guys should always be Democrats. He was sharp; very different from how he was as president.
The presidents I spent the most time with were Bill Clinton, George Bush 43 and Donald Trump, all of whom are within two years of me in age. I worked closely with Clinton on the Irish peace process, traveling with him on his historic visits to Northern Ireland. I stood with him during his impeachment. He
couldn’t have been more gracious and friendly to my family. He and Hillary were the first to call the night my mother died. We remain friends.
I saw up close how dedicated the younger George Bush was to helping New York and defeating Islamist terrorism following the horrific Sept. 11 attacks. I was with him in the ruins of the World Trade Center three days afterward, and over the succeeding months and years was at numerous meetings he had with cops, firefighters and 9/11 victims’ family members. A true patriot. Great sense of humor.
Donald Trump was and is one of a kind. He and I grew up in Queens at the same time. Though we lived in different Zip codes, one on one he was like the guys I grew up with, totally down to earth. Despite his public persona, he could be caring and concerned, like when he reached out to my daughter when she was sick, or when he invited my grandchildren to the White House. Most significantly, I’ll always be appreciative of his visits to Long Island, where he led the effort to crush MS-13. These are just some of the recollections from my front-row seat of the 10 men who led our nation over the past six decades.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Somewhere, the Founding Fathers must be fretting
As best I can remember when I was in fourth grade, we were taught that there are three branches of government — the legislative, the judicial and the executive. And we were taught that they were co-equals, with each possessing powers that the other branches couldn’t interfere with.
To make it simple, our teacher stated that the legislative branch, represented by Congress, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, headed by the president, enforces laws made by Congress and oversees federal agencies. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures that they comply with the Constitution. In my lifetime, over many decades, I have seen how the wishes of our Founding Fathers were complied with. While I was too young to understand the maneuvers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when he stepped over the line, the
Supreme Court reversed a number of his actions. In blunt terms, he was told that some of his actions violated the Constitution.
Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama saw their controversial legislation overridden by a vote of three-fourths of Congress. And on quite a few occasions, the Supreme Court told Congress that it had violated the Constitution and its actions were null and void. That seemed to be in line with what I learned at Public School 26 in Brooklyn.
cal issues. Some are consistent with campaign promises Trump made, but others clearly step on the toes of the 435 members of Congress.
W e once learned that the White House, Congress and the courts were co-equals.
Having served in the State Assembly for 23 years, I am very much aware of how the systems work in both Washington and Albany. I have seen the Legislature in Albany flex its muscles and override the governor on many occasions. I have seen the courts tell the Legislature that it has stepped over the line and violated the state Constitution.
On Jan. 20, President Trump issued an avalanche of executive orders. Many of them have escaped public attention, because voters don’t spend all their time watching the news and following politi-
Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress is given the sole authority to appropriate money for the operation of the government. There is no language that allows the president to impound funding authorized by Congress. The president campaigned on the promise of abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, but only Congress can dissolve a federal agency.
Some of the most challenging developments in the new Trump term are the actions taken by Elon Musk. He may have been given a blanket direction to cut government waste, but he is not allowed to abolish any federal agency that has been created by Congress. Musk has effectively shut down one agency already by restricting funding, but his powers will no doubt be challenged in the federal courts.
The biggest surprise to me, as a former state and local official, is how civil service protections are being totally ignored. Notices have been sent to thou-
sands of federal workers offering them buyouts with no guarantees that they will keep their jobs if they don’t take them. Actions taken by the administration to force career employees out of their jobs defy what the civil service system is about.
The most eye-popping development is the failure of any Republican member of Congress to complain about the impact of the funding impoundments on their own home communities. Major cancer research hospitals in Louisiana, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas have made urgent cries about the loss of anticipated dollars. Special drugs for serious diseases can’t be purchased without assurances that the money will be available. Rather than free up these dollars, the White House is focusing on efforts like halting the production of pennies that are popular with the public. There seem to be no people in Washington who are echoing the voices of the Founding Fathers. That is our loss.
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.
Established 1994
Incorporating The South Shore Reporter
The Baldwin Citizen Hernesto
In civil discourse, everyone deserves respect
iFax:
HERALD
n February we celebrate Black History Month, honoring the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. In March we recognize Women’s History Month, acknowledging the pivotal role of women in shaping our society. Throughout the year, we take time to celebrate mothers, fathers, military veterans, educators, grandparents and others who have made an impact on of our lives, and continue to.
These moments of recognition remind us of something fundamental: Every person, the members of every ethnic and demographic group, and those of every faith deserve R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as the great Aretha Franklin sang. Yet in today’s world, respect often seems to be in short supply. This reality is magnified by the noise blasting from social media, the nonstop discourse on television and radio masquerading as news, and the constant barrage of opinions that seek to divide rather than unite.
We can, and should, engage in constructive discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, education, housing, economic opportunity and social justice without resorting to dehumanization. It is possible to stand firm in our
letters
How about taking on property taxes, Jerry?
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s op-ed in the Feb. 6-12 issue, “Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting”: While we don’t share the same political philosophy, I respect Mr. Kremer’s career and his accomplishments. He was known in Albany as a fellow who actually did the people’s business.
His piece had a regular-guy ring to it. His protestations were mine, as were the laments. I no longer go to Yankee Stadium. I do get to Citi Field for a game or two, but the Mets are moving into the high-priced arena as well. I’ll still go, but I do mourn the old days.
Supermarkets are on my canceled list. I have throwback moments at Costco now.
Jerry’s recollection of the movies took me back to a story my father told me when I was a kid. The son of Sicilian immigrants who didn’t have much, he told me that one day, as a 14-year-old, he found a quarter on the street. With that quarter he got a trolley ride, a hero sandwich and a triple feature. It was 1934, and a quarter got you somewhere in Brooklyn.
Jerry did skip over my major annoyance, property taxes. Last October, the Herald printed my op-ed, “Nassau is no county for old
beliefs while recognizing the humanity of those who see the world differently. Diversity of thought is essential to a thriving society. Healthy debate strengthens our communities, fosters new ideas and leads to meaningful progress. But progress is only possible when conversations are grounded in mutual respect.
As we address the challenges facing our nation, we must acknowledge that the path forward is not always clear. Intelligent, clear-thinking people will advocate different solutions based on their experiences and beliefs. That is to be expected. But what should never change is our commitment to engaging with one another as individuals deserving of respect, regardless of our differences.
It isn’t enough to simply argue about policies or demand that others see the world exactly as we do. True progress requires dialogue. It requires the humility to recognize that none of us has all the answers, and we must be open-minded enough to find solutions together, even when our collective problems seem impossibly difficult.
We must also reject the idea that disagreement makes those who disagree
into enemies. Too often, political and social divisions are deepened by rhetoric that seeks to demonize rather than understand. But a just and equitable society cannot be built on division. Rather, it requires the recognition that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family.
In the year ahead, let’s recommit to fostering a culture in which mutual respect is not an afterthought, but instead a guiding principle. Let’s teach our children — not just with words, but also with actions — that disagreement is not a reason to hate, but an opportunity to learn. Let’s model the kind of civil discourse that allows communities to grow stronger rather than splinter apart.
Black History Month, Women’s History Month and all the other days on which we honor those who have shaped our communities serve as indelible reminders of the R-E-S-P-E-C-T everyone deserves, every day. Despite the challenges we face, a just, equitable society remains within our reach — one in which opportunity isn’t determined by race or Zip code, where debate isn’t defined by hostility, and where respect is a cornerstone of its foundation.
men.” I’ll be 80 this summer, and my property taxes, which I’ve been paying for 47 years, are now north of $30,000. I hope that in his editorial role, Jerry can advocate
for seniors who want to stay in their homes.
PHIL COMO Sea Cliff
It’s time for the county executive to do his job
as I enter my 14th year as a Nassau County Legislator and reflect on my time in office, it dawned on me that I have served for all of those years as a member of the Legislature’s minority caucus. While there have been disagreements with county executives and my colleagues in the majority along the way, I have always maintained cordial and productive relationships, and worked with county executives of both parties to get things done for my district and the county’s taxpayers.
the Nassau County Charter, a capital plan must be adopted by Dec. 15 each year — but the Blakeman administration has achieved this only once in the past three years. The 2025 plan is once again running late, jeopardizing economic growth, good jobs and increased safety and quality of life generated by these projects.
Since Bruce Blakeman took office as county executive in 2022, however, progress on crucial initiatives, grants and capital infrastructure proposals has stalled — and minority caucus-represented areas have shouldered a disproportionate impact. To get all areas of the county back on the right track, I urge the Blakeman administration to begin addressing these key priorities:
■ Finalize a comprehensive, equitable capital plan that invests in the communities of all 19 legislative districts. Per
B■ Get the politics out of CRP grants. Since the beginning of 2024, the majority has received more than 30 Community Revitalization Program grants, and the minority has received none. Some grant proposals for volunteer firefighters, village police departments and other first responders in minority districts have been held up for years. These funds need to get out to our communities regardless of legislators’ party affiliation.
donate heavily to his campaigns and profit handsomely off a broken system. Until then, the best way to protect yourself from overtaxation is to grieve your home’s assessed value, and the deadline to do so is March 3.
ruce Blakeman has failed to deliver on his promises for three years.
■ We need real solutions to stabilize the future of Nassau University Medical Center. NUMC is an essential part of our regional health care matrix, a Level 1 trauma center with a state-of-the-art burn center and an in-demand drug detox facility. Moreover, it serves as a lifeline for some of the county’s most economically vulnerable patients. The Blakeman administration must stop treating this vital facility like a political football and have a serious conversation with the state about keeping it open.
accounts collecting interest, and the ordinance currently making its way through the Legislature to create a grant portal for agencies on the front lines of addiction, treatment, prevention and recovery services is long, long overdue.
■ Last, but certainly not least, disband the dangerous, illegal militia. Nassau County has one of America’s besttrained police departments, and it is instrumental in making us the safest county of our size year after year. An armed militia with minimal training by the county — regardless of its participants’ previous experience or background — is not something the public or police ever asked for or needed, and Blakeman has no legal authority to marshal such a force. End the militia and allow our outstanding law enforcement professionals to do their jobs without interference.
■ Blakeman promised to “fix” the county’s assessment system. He hasn’t and it’s only gotten worse. His administration has frozen the assessed values of our properties for three consecutive years. With each passing year, the tax rolls become even more unfair and distorted. The administration must live up to its promises and put the people ahead of the big tax-grievance firms that
LeTTers
There’s good news about younger readers, Randi
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time your read a book?”: I was happy to be informed about Randi’s impressions of the reading habits of children and young adults. This is a subject that I have a firsthand knowledge of.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, I have observed a tendency among my paying customers, most of whom are, in fact, 16 to 30 years old. Most come to me to fill a gap in their knowledge of classics, science fiction, general fiction, mystery and other literary genres. It seems that high schools and colleges assign them books that are online, but those who come to me seem to prefer hard copies. For me the trend is notable and rewarding, and boosts my hope that reading physical books, particularly classics, has not lost its luster in our over-technological, disgustingly over-computerized society.
AMNON TISHLER
Booklovers Paradise Bellmore
Alarmed at Blakeman’s ‘outrageous behavior’
To the Editor:
I am alarmed at the lack of alarm in Nassau County in response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s outrageous behavior.
First he organized an independent local armed security force, and denied it was a “militia.” It actually fits the dictionary definition of a militia, which means Blakeman is either uninformed or disingenuous — or both.
Then he declared that the New York Post, a tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch, is the official publication of Nassau County, because Blakeman doesn’t like the leanings of Newsday, which, for better or worse, has been a Long Islandcentric publication for decades.
Both moves are autocratic and partisan, and both are indefensible — but the public outcry has been muted, at best. I believe we need to react to — and reject — this sort of overreach, which I do not believe represent either the feelings or the interests of many Nassau County residents.
RICHARD SCHWARz Bayville
■ Distribute the opioid funding the county has been sitting on for years. In the past several years, the county has received nearly $100 million in settlement funds from the distributors, manufacturers and retailers of the addictive opioids that continue to devastate families. But the Blakeman administration has only spent roughly $3.3 million of that money to date. It is infuriating that so many people have died in the past year while settlement funds sat in bank
Blakeman took an oath to serve all of Nassau’s 1.4 million residents, but his hyper-partisan approach and failure to deliver on promises has been evident throughout the past three years. We deserve better, and addressing these key issues would be a step in the right direction for an administration that has routinely focused on matters far beyond its proper jurisdiction or control.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
DeLia DeriGGi-wHiTTon