The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce celebrated its installation dinner on Jan. 31, recognizing the successes of last year and looking ahead to what’s to come. Above, the incoming president, Roxanne Rose, with the outgoing president, Anthony Bott. Story, more photos, Page 8.
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
The South Shore Women’s Alliance, which reconvened last fall ahead of the 2024 election, has been meeting regularly over the last few months, forming committees and discussing important topics that affect a wide variety of people.
Originally founded as a democratic women’s caucus, the group has transitioned to what it is today — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for issues important to not only women, but also to all voters in general.
The alliance’s work is done through partnerships and activities with students, informative
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, of Bellmore, took his oath of office at the New York State Capitol in Albany last month, when he was sworn in to represent the 5th Senate District for a second term.
Rhoads, representing the communities of Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Merrick, Bellmore and East Meadow, expressed a dedication to making New York an affordable and safe state to live in.
panels, and fundraisers for causes that the group supports. Over its history, the alliance organized a response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018; hosted a speaker to discuss health care initiatives in New York; organized rallies against abortion bans; and held fundraisers for groups like Planned Parenthood.
During the group’s Jan. 15 meeting, held in the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, the alliance, led by president Claudia Borecky, updated attendees on some initiatives the group is currently working on. Members of the alliance come from Levittown, Wantagh, Seaford, East
He was reelected after defeating his democratic opponent Lisa Lin in the November election last year.
t’s time to liberate New York and build a better, safer, healthier, and more affordable tomorrow for all New Yorkers.
“Right now, whether it’s our seniors, young people — everyone seems to have their New York exit plan,” Rhoads, a Republican, told the Herald in a roundtable interview in October. “As a state government, as long as we continue to make New York state unaffordable and uncompetitive for businesses and for residents, we’re going to continue to suffer — and that has to change.”
STEVE RHoADS
New York
State Senator
Rhoads said he wants to continue to address the needs of district residents, ensuring their concerns are heard all the way up to Albany. Two days after taking his oath, his office announced the return of the mobile office hours program, where Rhoads engages in one-on-one conversations with residents at libraries throughout the district. During the past two years, Rhoads hosted more than a dozen mobile office hour sessions, speaking with residents about issues that matter most to them.
“From tackling issues from affordability to public safety and everything in between, I believe in transparency and open communication,” Rhoads said in a news release, “and it’s this connection to the commuContinued on page 20
NUMC’s new clinical services can help all Nassau residents focus on preventative health care in 2025. We’ve recently expanded these offerings and have longer hours to make staying healthy more convenient than ever before. GENERAL MEDICINE WOMEN’S HEALTH PEDIATRICS
Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings 6pm – 9pm
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In 2025 we’ll launch our new MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY CENTER
to reach thousands of women with across the county.
STATE-OF-THE-ART BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
WALK-INS WELCOME! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-296-2345 or visit NUMC.edu.
Ó NUMC is running out of money and could close its doors in days
Ó NUMC is poorly run and should be taken over by Albany
Ó NUMC’s staff should be slashed by up to 90% NUMC ended 2024 with more than $84 million cash on hand – a 600% increase
NUMC’s
NUMC’s leadership reduced the hospital’s projected deficit by more than $100 million
NUMC earned the coveted Gold Seal rating from the Joint Commission and increased its safety rating in 2024
NUMC opened it’s new MRI facility in 2024 and expanded clinical services
NUMC IS A VITAL RESOURCE FOR NASSAU’S RESIDENTS and we’re here for you and your family. We treat everyone – regardless of their
$0 in grants
The Hochul Administration and NYS provided for NUMC in 2024. NYS has now been exposed for breaking federal law through a massive Medicaid scam to cheat Nassau residents out of additional funding.
Runners from across the region gathered at Eisenhower Park on Jan. 25 for the annual Icebreaker Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K, braving the winter temperatures for a day of competition and camaraderie. The event began with the 5K at 8:45 a.m., followed by the marathon and half-marathon at 9 a.m. The looped course was designed to be spectator-friendly, featuring park paths and fully closed roads for a safe and scenic run.
Participants received tech shirts, finisher medals, and a range of perks, including live race updates, free finish-line photos, and personalized race bibs for those who registered early. The event attracted a diverse mix of runners from seasoned marathoners to first-time racers eager to test their endurance on Long Island’s winter racing circuit.
Competition was fierce across all distances, with impressive performances from both local and outof-state runners. In the 5K, Michael Martinez, 41, of the Bronx took first place in the men’s division, followed by Michael Volk, 35, of Rockville Centre in second, and Ashton Eloi, 18, of Hempstead in third. On the women’s side, Megan Everswick, 39, of Newton, New Jersey secured first place, with 13-year-old Victoria Hamilton of Wading River finishing second and 15-year-old Hannah Hanley of Miller Place taking third.
The half-marathon also featured a competitive lineup. Kevin Bartolotto, 41, of Bayville finished first among the men, with Scott Crane, 36, of Huntington Station placing second, and Joseph Connerty, 37, of Bellmore rounding out the top three. On the women’s side, Cristin Delaney-Guille, 43, of Long Beach claimed victory, followed by Margarita Wickard, 47, of East Northport in second place, and Kelly Maxey, 41, of Oyster Bay in third.
In the full marathon, runners from beyond Long Island joined the competition. Frank Dougherty, 34, of Philadelphia crossed the finish line first in the men’s race, while Iain Ridgway, 45, of Worcester, Massachusetts, placed second, and Kyle Mahoney, 43, of Ballston Lake, New York, came in third. The women’s marathon field saw Amy Demarco, 41, of East Setauket take the top spot, with Helen Huang, 55, of Cold Spring Harbor finishing second, and Courtney Connelly, 25, of Moriches securing third.
The event was organized by EliteFeats in partnership with the Greater Long Island Running Club. EliteFeats is an event management and timing company dedicated to organizing and enhancing running events. It provides a range of services, including online registration, live race-day updates via text and email, personalized race bibs, and professional timing systems. Participants can also access free finish-line photos and detailed race results in real time. EliteFeats partners with running clubs, charities, and community organizations to ensure seamless events that appeal to both competitive athletes and casual participants.
The Greater Long Island Running Club is a nonprofit organization based on Long Island that promotes running and fitness within the local community. GLIRC organizes a variety of races and events throughout the year, ranging from casual fun runs to large-scale marathons and charity fundraisers. The club provides resources and social opportunities for runners, hosts training programs, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Proceeds from the Icebreaker event supported the Greater Long Island Running Club and Medals4Mettle, a nonprofit that donates race medals to children and adults battling serious illnesses.
For more upcoming races, visit EliteFeats. com.
My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid. How does this affect funeral arrangements?
The latest Medicaid regulations now permit individuals to set aside a portion of their assets in an irrevocable trust account in order to have funds for future funeral expenses. When an individual approaches the time when Medicaid coverage seems likely, social workers generally advise families to look into this funeral pre-funding option.
Here’s how we can help:
• The Family will make an appointment with us to discuss just what we are to do when the death occurs.
• We discuss options and record their wishes not just about preferred funeral home services but cemetery, church, monument inscription, newspaper notices, etc. We inform the family of exactly what the funeral home and third party costs are at the present time.
• Funds to cover those expenses can then deposited in our FDIC insured PRE - PLAN Trust. The Trust pays sufficient interest to allow us to guaranty those future funeral home costs into the future.
• While the funds remain in the name of the individual going on Medicaid, eligibility to receive Medicaid coverage is not affected.
If we can help you with this important matter, call us and our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions. Moreover, there is no cost involved in establishing a PRE-PLAN Trust.
445 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow (across from the East Meadow Post Office) www.LEOFKEARNS.com
W“ho Do You Want to Be When you Grow Old,”
by Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro
examines that third stage in our lives –growing older. According to these writers, we grow up twice: first, from childhood to adulthood; second, from adulthood to elderhood.
Having no idea what was in store for me as I read this concise, little book I vacillated between being encouraged and being fearful. It was meant to be a candid, positive embrace of aging, with the takeaway to not get old but grow old. Growing takes on a new meaning. And purpose every day – the “why” to get up each morning sustains that growth.
Given my determination to finish what I started, I finally felt comfortable with two thoughts: “…the good life can be thought of as a life in which you are living in the place you love with people you love, doing work you love on purpose...”
A client came in to see us for their follow-up consultation. The client shared that, in between their two meetings with us, the husband‘s brother had suffered a stroke and was now in a rehabilitation facility. He was a bachelor. He had no power of attorney or health care proxy. He may or may not have had a will -- they didn’t know. Further, they were unable to get access to his apartment to clean out the fridge, get his clothes, and look for his papers, because he had failed to put them on the list of persons approved to enter in the event of an emergency.
One of the most overlooked areas in estate planning is the question of who you are responsible for. Do you have a friend or relative who you know will need to rely on you if something happens? Either they have no one else or everyone else is too far away. If you have the responsibility, then make sure that you have the documents you will need to carry out that responsibility. Otherwise, you may be facing a guardianship proceeding. Similarly, so many of our clients have adult
children with young families. Do you know whether your children have wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies?
There are serious pitfalls for young families if one spouse dies without a plan. Roughly half of their assets go to their surviving spouse and half to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian for the children’s money and the unused portion must be turned over to them at age eighteen, ready or not!
A potentially more serious problem for older adults is whether their sons and daughters who have families possess adequate life insurance. If your son or daughter dies without sufficient life insurance, you may be called upon to support and educate your grandchildren out of your retirement money.
Finally, if you are responsible for the care of an elderly parent, then make sure it is you who has the power of attorney and health care proxy and not another sibling who may end up controlling the situation from afar, much to your dismay.
1991 trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success
And the idea that “…finding purpose by getting to know what we stand for, what we won’t stand for and who stands with us..”
As for the “good life” definition, these gentlemen suggest that by spending adulthood earning and acquiring, elderhood is more about casting things off and embracing what is meaningful.
Love where you live? A matter of perspective, resolve and in these times, affordability. Surrounded by the people you love? We should all be that blessed. But doing work you love? Always the trickiest of the three as we spend so much of our early lives defining who we are by the work that we do and the title on our business card or LinkedIn account that when paid work is no longer a daily routine, what work can we finally do, that makes us proud but more importantly makes a difference?
As for getting to know what we stand for, what we won’t and who stands with us, has there ever been a time we have been more tested over these questions than 2025? I do not have answers, mainly because my thoughts are fluid, contingent on a moment, incident or even something as triggering as an unpleasant comment. All I know is if we use elderhood as a place to (re)establish our moral compass then the prospect of aging isn’t too bad after all.
A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.
Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh, is hosting a square and line dance on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. The event features a hot buffet dinner, desserts, coffee, snacks, and soda throughout the evening.
Attendees can enjoy live music from a three-piece band, with dance instruction and calling by Chart Guthrie. The
event also includes raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Singles, couples, and groups are welcome, with full tables available for groups of eight.
Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, contact Joni at 516-996-0948 or Brian at 516-781-4966, or email Brian at bellobl@gmail.com.
–Charles Shaw
Meadow, Bellmore, Merrick, Baldwin, Freeport, as well as other communities along the South Shore.
Through its immigration committee, the alliance is involved with a diverse array of immigrant organizations, and is seeking to assist with the immediate needs of community members. In a report distributed to attendees, the group said it is “addressing the need to change the narrative by ending harsh and dehumanizing language that permeates political discourse,” while also working toward encouraging language around immigration that “creates a more passionate society, where everyone is valued and welcomed.”
The alliance has been working with the Elmont Cultural Center to record human-interest stories, which could potentially be transformed into a comprehensive video. It is also working with interfaith organizations to collect and distribute personal and household items for families that live in shelters.
Through its education committee, the alliance is tackling book bans and has expressed interest in legislation in New Jersey that prohibits bans, and provides a “safe haven” where children can go to read banned books. The alliance’s hope is that a similar law could be enacted in New York.
During the alliance’s Jan. 15 meeting, Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York Inc., led a PowerPoint presentation on the language of gender in a session called “Gender 101.” Grey-Owens, who was born a male, has been a driving force on behalf of the transgender community over the last two decades.
She spoke about her personal journey, and zeroed in on specifics regarding inclusive terminology and ways to support the LGBTQ+ community. Maria O’Leary, a parent of a transgender child, joined Grey-Owens in the discussion.
“Everyone has the right to define their own gender and their sexual orientation, and that includes the freedom of creating, defining and using new labels that feels authentic and empowering and provides a way to express who they are,” GreyOwens said. “It’s constantly evolving.
“The important point is that not
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Juli grey-owens, executive director of gender equality new York inc., led a presentation called “gender 101” at the Jan. 15 meeting of the South Shore Women’s alliance.
everyone who aligns with certain aspects or concepts will identify with the labels that we discuss, because each person’s experience is unique,” she added.
Grey-Owens also discussed intersex individuals, often overlooked when it comes to discussions about gender and expression. Health experts indicate that up to 1.7 percent of the population is born with intersex traits — meaning reproductive organs, chromosomes or sexual anatomy different from their biological definition.
Grey-Owens said society likes to “put people in boxes”— but suggested it’s time to get away from that, describing the way people view themselves and categorize themselves as more linear.
“We want to get rid of boxes,” she explained. “The way that we’re going to represent a community of this continuum (gender or identification), of this characteristic, is by basically using a going line — going in both directions.”
The presentation opened up a civil dialogue between attendees and GreyOwens, who answered questions relating to themes, terminology, and broader ideas that were discussed.
The Jan. 15 presentation was only the first half of Grey-Owens’ “Gender 101” — she’ll be returning for a part 2, on a date that is still being scheduled by the women’s alliance.
The evening concluded with the read-
ing of a poem called “Sense or Censure,” by Harriet Pollack, a member of the alliance who attended the event.
“In essence, we are ‘Earthmates’ with a home on Earth to share — we can live together in harmony if we all choose to care,” she read. “Let’s show that we’re intelligent and also that we’re kind, and make our shared existence the best home humanity can find.”
To learn more about the women’s alliance, how to get involved, and its upcoming meetings, visit its Facebook page, South Shore Women’s Alliance.
Key initiatives and activities:
Immigration committee efforts
■ Working with diverse immigrant organizations
■ Collecting household items for families in shelters
■ Advocating for more compassionate language in political discourse
Education committee
■ Addressing book ban concerns
■ Studying New Jersey’s legislation for banned books
■ Exploring similar legislation possibilities for New York
Background
■ Operates as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization
■ Current president: Claudia Borecky
For more information:
Follow the South Shore Women’s Alliance on Facebook for meeting schedules and involvement opportunities.
Baldwin Senior Basketball
AFTER HELPING LEAD the Bruins to a historic 2023-24 season highlighted by a fourth straight Nassau Class AAA title, Timberlake joined a very short list of 1,000-career point scorers in program history. On Jan. 17, he reached the milestone previously achieved only by his head coach Darius Burton, a 1993 Baldwin graduate. Timberlake is well on his way to a second All-County selection, averaging a team-high 24 points per game.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Boys Basketball: Baldwin at G.N. North 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Carey at Roosevelt 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Elmont at Hewlett 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lawrence at West Hempstead 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: South Side at Manhasset 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Mepham at New Hyde Park 5 p.m.
Girls Baksetball: Jericho at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Kennedy 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Mepham 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Manhasset at South Side 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7
Girls Basketball: V.S. South at Lynbrook 4:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Syosset at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Clarke at Mineola 6:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Seaford at Malverne 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Floral Park at Wantagh 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Wrestling: Nassau County Division 1 qualifier tournaments at Farmingdale, Long Beach, Oceanside, Jericho, Massapequa and Kennedy 9 a.m.
Gymnastics: Coaches Invitational at North Shore 10 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hicksville 12 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com
Coming off a shocking run to win the Long Island Class AA championship last winter, East Meadow girls’ basketball is still attacking the floor with plucky determination and fearless shooting. After an 0-3 start, the Jets are now 10-6 and well on their way to another playoff berth.
“We’re not afraid to incorporate shooting into our offense,” head coach Pete Olenik said. “I give them free rein. I let them shoot. If they have an open shot, take the open shot. It’s a product of our offense and having good outside shooters.”
East Meadow’s slow start was the result of a tough non-conference schedule, which included games against Cold Spring Harbor and Lynbrook. Both teams are now 15-2. Since allowing 60 points in each of their first three games, the Jets have only allowed three such scores from opponents since.
The Jets’ offense fires at opponents in waves, and guard Allie Twible is invariably the first over the wall. Earlier this season, Twible became the third East Meadow girls’ basketball player to reach 1,000 career points. One of just two seniors on the roster, Olenik described her as an unshakable leader.
“She’s our glue right now,” Olenik said. “Where she goes, we go.”
Twible is the star of an expansive cast. Junior guard Kayla Lederer is an exceptional scorer and has proven even more impactful on defense, relentlessly hounding opponents from the very start of their possessions. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Angelina Cronin is the Jets’ boldest shooter, making 34 shots from beyond the arc so far.
Cronin is one of three sophomores in East Meadow’s starting five, along with Lila Doyle and Emily Zaradich. Both have made gradual progress competing at the varsity level. Doyle has already had a few big games, including 12 points in a crucial victory over Division on Dec. 30.
Several times this season, opponents
have simply run out of defenders trying to answer all of East Meadow’s threats.
On Jan. 16, MacArthur keyed in on Twible and Cronin, holding the Jets to 25 points through three quarters. It was a valiant effort, but the Generals caved in the fourth when junior Kate Barnett came off the bench and drained four three-pointers. East Meadow outscored MacArthur 22-7 in those final eight minutes and won 47-38.
Taking down MacArthur made up for a previous loss, but there are larger whales out there for East Meadow. Within the conference, Baldwin is the con-
stant, daunting presence.
“They’re a team I definitely put an asterisk next to on the schedule,” Olenik said. “They’re good, and if you want to get better, you have to play better teams. Every time we play them, we try to get a little bit better.”
The 13-1 Bruins, a heavy favorite in Nassau Class AA, already beat East Meadow, 82-47, Jan. 13. They will play one another again at the end of the regular season, and the Jets will likely have to deal with them at some point in the playoffs if they make another deep run.
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Laura Gillen celebrated joining the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, at a ceremonial swearing-in at the Elmont Public Library on Jan. 25.
Nearly 400 people gathered in the library’s theater to honor Gillen, who was officially sworn into office in Washington on Jan. 3. Former Rep. Steve Israel did the ceremonial honors, with the help of Gillen’s husband, Chris Gillen.
In 2024, Gillen announced she would run against Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito, whom she had challenged in 2022, losing narrowly. But voters chose Gillen by a margin of about 2 percentage points in last November’s election.
Congressman Gregory Meeks, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow also attended the library ceremony.
“As you are taking your oath, we could not be prouder of you,” Solages told Gillen. “This moment is really a testimony to your hard work, your dedication and the trust that you have earned from so many of us. Your vision in this district gives us hope and gives us confidence. And we know that the integrity, compassion and determination you have will resonate here, in D.C. and all over.”
Meeks recalled the uncertainty of the October election, particularly in the 4th C.D. But, he said, the Democratic caucus chose Gillen to run because of her character, her ability to connect with the community and her care for all citizens.
“You can’t be a leader if you’re not willing to serve,” Meeks said. “And we
saw in Laura one that served and one that listened. She’s coming and talking to all sides, and she’s looking for ways to bring people together to better the entire United States of America.”
“So, I made it to Capitol Hill,” Gillen laughed when it was her turn to speak, to loud applause. “I have gratitude for
the awesome opportunity to serve the people of this district, and gratitude to all those that made this possible.”
She thanked the elected officials who supported her campaign, expressed enthusiasm about working with them and thanked her family, who she said sacrificed so much in the months leading up to the election to help her campaign.
From 2018 to 2019, Gillen was the first Democrat to serve as Town of Hempstead supervisor in 112 years, which she attributed to her dedication to compromise and bipartisanship.
“Working across the aisle was a necessity,” she said. “It wasn’t always easy. But with a carrot and a stick, we made it possible.”
Among her successes during her time as supervisor, she continued, was the leadership she demonstrated in bringing down taxes, upgrading infrastructure, serving communities that had been ignored, challenging polluters and bringing vital ethical reforms to the town to ensure that public servants were accountable to the people they serve.
“Now, as your congresswoman, those lessons will continue to guide me,” she said. “I’ll always put Long Island and our nation first, and work to do what’s best for all the people in our community. It is the honor of my lifetime to be your congresswoman.”
The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Installation dinner was an evening that celebrated businesses, community relationships and meaningful partnerships throughout the year. It took place on Jan. 31 at Bayview on the Water, a catering hall and event space on the Nautical Mile in Freeport.
Roxanne Rose, of AFC Urgent Care, was installed as the chamber’s 2024 president. She assumes the role, following last year’s president, Anthony Bott.
The chamber named Taleen Krug or Coldwell Banker American Homes as its Person of the Year. Richard Krug Sr. was awarded the Silver Fox Award and Maureen Pye was presented the Marvin Bernstein Humanitarian Award.
On its Facebook page, the Chamber extended congratulations to incoming board members, and said it was excited to see what 2025 had in store.
Whether influential members of the community were being honored, or businesses that have gone above and beyond, the evening highlighted the good work of the chamber, and looked ahead to what’s to come. For more, visit EastMeadowChamber.com.
–Jordan Vallone
By Karen Bloom
It’s the biggest sports day of the year. The big game — on Feb. 9 — is great opportunity for casual winter entertaining.
Thrilling plays, must-see commercials and your pals are all quintessential elements of the perfect game-day get-together. Of course that game on the big screen is the main focus, but plenty of action takes place around the table — keeping everyone well fed is a sport in itself.
While crowd-pleasing Buffalo flavor-inspired foods and football always seem to go together, think beyond those traditional flavors for a new twist on your Super Bowl cuisine.
A tasty dip is always a winner. Try this flavorful, creamy variation — in addition to the guacamole.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped Heat oven to 375 F.
In microwave-safe medium bowl, add cream cheese and dressing. Microwave on high 30 seconds, or until cream cheese is soft. Stir to combine. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add chicken and stir to combine.
Transfer mixture to baking dish that holds at least 6 cups. Bake 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165 F.
Serve with crackers, bread or veggie sticks.
Note: If you like it spicy, substitute a chipotle ranch
dressing and add diced pickled jalapenos. To make ahead, prepare unbaked dip up to 3 days ahead; store covered and refrigerated. Bake prior to serving.
Instead of the pizza delivery, get creative with “garlic bread” version.
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mini pepperoni
• 2 (16 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta, cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt. Transfer mixture to a 9”-x13” baking dish then spread pizza sauce on top. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and pepperoni.
Halve biscuits and roll into balls, then place on top of dip.
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, and parsley. Brush on biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
Bake until biscuits are golden and cheese is melty, about 45 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake until biscuits are cooked
through, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Step up your chili with a barbecue twist.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 26-28 ounces crushed or chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
Chili fixin’s: shredded Mexican cheese, avocado, jalapeno, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, fresh tomato, corn chips, and salsa are all great additions.
Over medium heat, saute onion and carrots in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and spices and saute another minute. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth and simmer over low heat until thickened, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the corn, beans, and barbecie sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more chili powder and cumin to spice up if necessary.
Simmer another 5 minutes or until ready to eat.
Serve with your favorite chili add-ons.
With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special “Sweet & Juicy” produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedianactor-writer Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage. Wang is now truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Texas, Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and wrote for ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang now resides in L.A. and in his time explores botanical gardens and new ways to snack.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
R&B superstars Boyz II Men are always in the groove. They arrive at Tilles Center with their soulful multi-octave sound and incredible vocals, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Given the monumental success of their albums and the timeless quality of their vocals, it’s easy to see why they remain one of the most popular R&B groups of all time. Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B and continue to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across generations. Their four Grammys are just the tip of the iceberg. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group, with an astounding 64 million albums sold. And the reason is abundantly clear. For the past three-plus decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. And for Boyz II Men, the hits just keep on coming.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Guitarist/singer Junior Mack has fronted Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band for 12 years and starred in the acclaimed Broadway show “Lackawanna Blues.” Guitarist Andy Aledort played with Dickey Betts for 12 years, has recorded with Double Trouble and Band of Gypsys and toured with Experience Hendrix. Singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers Band biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth.
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.
East Meadow Library’s popular technology assistance program is still going strong. Help is available in the lobby area Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Feel free to drop in with your tech questions. No appointment necessary. For more information, visit EastMeadow.info. 1886 Front St., East Meadow.
Friends’ perform songs from every stage of Allman Brothers career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players, including drummers Dave Diamond (Zen Tricksters, Bob Weir, Robert Randolph) and Lee Finkelstein (Tower of Power, Blues Brothers), bassist Craig Privett (Half Step) and keyboardist Mike Katzman (Leslie Mendelsohn, The Electrix). Rock on! $38, $33. t Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org.
Get your game on at a weekly bingo game at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center, starting at 6 p.m. Prizes, progressive games, bell jar prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proof of vaccination is required. 1400 Prospect Ave., in East Meadow. For information, contact (516)
The Never Stop Running Foundation holds its Stoplight 5K, Saturday, Feb. 22, in Eisenhower Park. This foundation supports athletic and charitable events as they raise awareness and foster community involvement. Race begins rain or shine at 10 a.m. in Eisenhower’s Field 2. Visit EliteFeats.com/25StopLightLI for more information and to register for the run.
Dance, take a break, exercise and meet friends at St. Raphael Parish’s line dancing classes on Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 22. Light refreshments will be served; admission is a $7 donation to the parish. Call Maria Coz at (516) 781-9003 for more information. 600 Newbridge Road, East Meadow.
Enjoy an afternoon of Mah Jongg and canasta, every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at East Meadow Beth El Jewish Center. $5 contribution per person. Snacks are provided. No outside food allowed due to dietary laws. Bring your own games and cards. Mah Jongg lessons available. 1400 Prospect Ave. For further information
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Feb. 7, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 12-13,10:15 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.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church holds its 10th Annual Chili CookOff, Sunday, Feb. 23. It kicks off around 11 a.m. The Orthodox Christian community will gather and enjoy meet before The Great Lent begins. 369 Green St., East Meadow. Visit HTOCEM. org for more.
Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 5995705.
The band 4 Ways from Sunday returns to East Meadow Public Library for an afternoon performance, Sunday, Feb. 9, that is sure to bring people to their feet. Visit EastMeadow. info for more information. Show kicks off at 2 p.m. in the Community Room 1886 Front St., East Meadow.
Having an event?
The South Shore Audubon Society welcomes all to join its members for another in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, Feb. 8, starting at 9 a.m. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet The group will meet in parking lot #3, off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 8, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. Also enjoy reading and play ing the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
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.
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, 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.
Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 18, 2025, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 13, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges, against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per cent per six month’s period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 18, 2025 lien sale, Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at:
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February, 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2023 - 2024 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2024. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 3 in the Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2023/2024 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.
THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2023/2024 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER. TOwN OF HEMPSTEAd SCHOOL:3 EAST MEAdOw UFSd
BEECHWOOD EAST MEADOW LLC 1,138.42
50 B 0317UCA03070 UNIT 417
21ST MORTGAGE CORP 8,208.66
50 L 02240
BEECHWOOD MEADOW EAST 563.79
50 L 0262UCA03050
KHANNA SHAM LAL & RADHEY 5,380.80
50044 00230 23-24,133
LUCA ROCCO 19,412.68
50059 00570 57-59
CHOPYK BRYAN & JANICE 13,007.90
50067 04130
CAMARGO PROPERTIES CORP 16,149.51
50067 09670
FISHER DANIEL 13,335.92
50068 00360 36-39
DIDDEN DONNA & MCGRATH ROBERT M 13,098.97
50127 00730
ARIGO JOHN & CAROL 10,916.80
50147 00010 1-2
492 EAST MEADOW AVE REALTY CORP 4,751.15 50147 00080 8-10
J B I ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS 20,504.80
50160 00500 50-51
AITKEN STEPHEN 13,838.55 50162 07390 739-741
NASER SHAMIM & KANEEZ FATIMA 14,526.02 50176 01430
GONDAL SOHAIB RASOOL & INSHAL M 14,425.25 50178 07380
RAY-MAR HOLDINGS LLC 32,064.45 50181 00140 14-16
NEW ISLAND DEVELOPMENT LLC 9,587.35
50183 00190 19-21
BERGER BARBARA 815.72
50200 01770
BERGER BARBARA 5,587.94
50200 01780 178-179
MATTHEWS BRIAN & YVETTE 15,647.29
50208 01460
MARINO ANIELLO & MARION 3,372.61
50213 00100 10-13
ANTHONY MICHELLE & 14,566.98
50223 00800
VALLE JR JOSEPH TRUST 11,374.87
50223 00890
BILLINGS L FIELDSA & S 2,057.81
50228 00470 47-49
PETROSINI CARMINE 1,849.56
50241 00590
SACHS CELESTE 13,769.80
50244 01830
MONTANA REALTY LLC 84,452.02
50249 02620 262-263
RIZZO RAPHAEL M & NANCY J 3,369.23
50249 02640
KENT M.D. OSCAR A & RHODA 16,086.63
50252 00730
BRUNETTI ALFIO G JR 2,928.65
50254 02070 207, 208
BRUNETTI ALFIO G JR 362.09
50254 03980
MENDES SERGIO & VANESSA 5,498.55
50259 03690
ERMAN CLARA P 2,841.16
50319 00030
CAIOZZO ANTHONY & SHERRY 3,521.57
50319 00060
ZITZMANN ELIZABETH LIFE ESTATE 13,436.58
50321 01210
1927 PARK LLC 9,936.99
50325 00430
ZARRA ANTHONY 7,401.48
50328 01260
BAUER MARTIN & CECILIA 9,123.23
50328 01360
SHARMA AMIT & KUMAR ASHOK 8,429.80
50328 02640
MESSEMER DONNA & MESSEMER LAURE 8,834.55
50340 0509UCA02190 509 CA 219 UNIT 103
SHAH KOKILA TRUST 2,797.36
50340 0509UCA02190 509 CA 219 UNIT 113
GRUBIN LILLIAN 6,295.85
50340 0509UCA02190 509 CA 219 UNIT 405
MELWANI JAIKISHIN & LAVINA 12,589.07
50368 00370
MAIO VINCENZO P 2,454.25
50390 00010
FLANNERY JR JAMES W & MARIE R 13,609.93
50403 00170
PHILLIPS ROGER & KATHRYN 13,311.76
50404 00230
BOLTON AMOS & JOSEPHINE 13,882.72
50410 00110
50428 00070
50429 00120
51522 00230
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldier’s and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), 12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et. seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The rate of interest and penalty which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall beretained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase be of no further effect.
Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any
other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made, in connection with, said bid shall be forfeited. This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:
Town of HempsTead
Dist 1001
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK TREND
NEWSDAY
UNIONDALE BEACON Dist 1002
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK TREND
NEWSDAY
UNIONDALE BEACON Dist 1003
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEWSDAY Dist 1004
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEWSDAY Dist 1005
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 1006
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN Dist 1007
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1008
BALDWIN HERALD
BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1009
BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE
FREEPORT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1010
BALDWIN HERALD
BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD Dist 1012
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1013
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1014
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)
NEWSDAY Dist 1015
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1016
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
FRANKLIN SQUARE BULLETIN
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1017
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY Dist 1018
GARDEN CITY NEWS
GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY
Dist 1019
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROCKAWAY JOURNAL
Dist 1020
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
Dist 1021
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
ROCKVILLE CENTRE TRIBUNE
Dist 1022
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY
Dist 1023
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN
Dist 1024
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
Dist 1025
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Dist 1026
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
Dist 1027
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
WEST HEMPSTEAD BEACON
Dist 1028
LONG BEACH HERALD
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Dist 1029
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Dist 1030
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
Dist 1031
ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD
Dist 1201
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY
Dist 1205
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY
Town of norTH HempsTead
Dist 2001
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY
Dist 2002
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY
Dist 2003
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES
Dist 2004
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
PORT WASHINGTON NEWS
Dist 2005
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY
Dist 2006
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
PORT WASHINGTON NEWS
Dist 2007
GREAT NECK NEWS RECORD
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Dist 2009
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY
Dist 2010
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY
Dist 2011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 2122
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY Dist 2301
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 2315
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
Town of oysTer Bay Dist 3001
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3002
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3003
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3004
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3006
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3008
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3009
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OYSTER BAY ENTERPRISE PILOT
SYOSSET ADVANCE Dist 3012
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET ADVANCE
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3013
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET ADVANCE
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3014
Continued from previous page
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3015
JERICHO
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3017
HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3018
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3019
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3020
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3021
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3022
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3023
MASSAPEQUA POST
MID-ISLAND TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3024
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of formation of Cassandra NP in Family Health PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on September 19, 2024. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the PLLC 50 Dorothy Dr. East Meadow, NY 11554. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 150909
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 50 Block 546 Lot 27
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
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SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD Dist 3203
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES Dist 3306
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
City of Glen Cove
Dist 4005
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
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THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
City of lonG BeaCh
Dist 5028
LONG BEACH HERALD
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities.
Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in braille, large print, audio tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.
Dated: February 05, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1288755
TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. BERNADETTE O’ROURKE A/K/A BERNADETTE GONZALEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).
please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: December 30, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
151057
LEGAL NOTICE
of March 2025 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the East Meadow Fire Headquarters Building located at 197 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, New York. PLEASE BE ADVISED that only those persons who have registered with the County Board of Elections on or before the 18th day of February, 2025 shall be eligible to vote.
Dated: East Meadow, New York
January 20, 2025
ERIC BECKER
Secretary EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT 151443
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT
March 11, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU METRO CITY BANK Plaintiff, Against WILLIAM KISH, et al Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 07/05/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 2/25/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 1455 Rose Lane, East Meadow, New York 11554, And Described As Follows:
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $559,625.01 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 609251/2019 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Richard Lawrence Farley, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 1/15/2025 File Number: 19-301084 CA 151128
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF DWELLING SERIES IV
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 2, 2018 and an Order Extending Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on February 6, 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 February 25, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 218 Belmont Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 251 and Lots 308-310. Approximate amount of judgment is $669,424.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000501/2014. No cash will be accepted.
Ellen Savino, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 222451-6 151122
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC, Plaintiffagainst - HENRY CONWELL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 5, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 25th day of February, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 1771 Nostrand Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. (Section: 50, Block: 244, Lot: 186)
Approximate amount of lien $640,836.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 011513/2012. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information,
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. STEPHANIE DACUS, et al, Defts. Index #607556/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 31, 2024 and order entered Jan 16, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 11, Block 503, Lot 5. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will take place “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. KRISTIN MORO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102080 151277
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF REGISTRATION ROLLS FOR SPECIAL ELECTION OF THE EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT
PLEASE BE ADVISED, that the Board of Elections of the East Meadow Fire District shall meet on the 24th day of February, 2025 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Fire Headquarters Building located at 197 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, New York for the purpose of preparing the rolls of registered voters of the East Meadow Fire District. The Special Fire District to vote on a mandatory referendum to amend the Length Service Awards Program of the East Meadow Fire District will be held on the 11th day
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the Town Law and General Municipal Law of the State of New York, that a Special Election of the East Meadow Fire District will take place on March 11, 2025, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. (prevailing time) and 9:00 p.m. (prevailing time) at the East Meadow Fire Department Headquarters Building located at 197 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, New York, for the purpose of voting on a proposition.
All duly registered residents of the East Meadow Fire District who were duly registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections on or before twentythree (23) days before the date of the election shall be eligible to vote at this election.
The proposition to be voted upon at the Special Election shall be in the following form:
PROPOSITION
Shall the Resolution of the East Meadow Fire District in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, entitled:
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, ADOPTED JANUARY 20 2025; AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF THE DISTRICT SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM FOR THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS OF THE EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT BY CHANGING THE MAXIMUM YEARS OF SERVICE CREDIT THAT CAN BE EARNED BY A PARTICIPANT FROM FORTY (40) YEARS TO FIFTY (50) YEARS, AND THEREBY INCREASING THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT THAT CAN BE EARNED
BY PARTICIPANTS FROM EIGHT HUNDRED ($800.00) DOLLARS PER MONTH TO ONE THOUSAND ($1,000.00) DOLLARS PER MONTH EFFECTIVE ON JANUARY 1, 2026, STATING THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST OF SAID PROGRAM AS AMENDED BASED UPON THE PRESENT NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTERS WILL INCREASE BY THIRTYSEVEN THOUSAND ($37,000.00) DOLLARS, STATING THE ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION FEE INCLUDED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED FIGURES WILL REMAIN THE SAME BASED UPON THE PRESENT NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTERS; STATING THAT ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AND IN EFFECT; APPROPRIATE SAID AMOUNT THEREFORE, BE APPROVED?
Dated: January 20, 2025 ERIC BECKER Fire District Secretary East Meadow Fire District 151444
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of January 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Lifepack Replacement Project Phase 3 (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed OneHundrew Thirty Five
Thousand ($135,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project. This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law.
Dated: January 27th 2025 By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 151418
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of January 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Portable Radio Upgrade Project Phase 3 (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed One Hundred Ninety Thousand ($190,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project.
This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law. Dated: January 27th 2025 By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 151416
Students at Parkway Elementary School in East Meadow learned that greatness begins with good character during the school’s bGreat assembly on Jan. 15.
Brian Richards from Academic Entertainment held an interactive assembly with students as he discussed the key pillars of good character: Antibullying, trustworthiness, fairness, respect, responsibility, caring and citizenship. Students also joined Mr. Richards onstage as they helped him perform several magic tricks. The bGreat Show, presented Richards, a comic-magician combines entertainment with educational content to create an engaging experience for students and staff.
While students laughed and were amazed by his tricks, they were also inspired by the central message: “Do you want to be great? It begins with you taking the first step!”
–Jordan Vallone
LEGAL NOTICE
represents, during last year’s mobile office hours program. rhoads said he prioritizes common sense as a state senator, reaching out directly with residents of his district to address their needs.
Students at parkway elementary School in east meadow learned that greatness begins with good character during the school’s
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of January 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law.
An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to
Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and ApparatusCapital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Ambulance Replacement Project Phase 1(labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the
efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed Four Hundred Thousand
authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project. This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law. Dated: January 27th 2025 By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 151417
nity that truly drives my fight for common sense in Albany.”
According to his office, the senator will continue to “prioritize common sense” and build a better future for all New Yorkers. In Albany on Jan. 13, Senate Republicans joined Rhoads in unveiling the “Liberate New York” legislative agenda for 2025, prioritizing affordability and creating safer and healthier neighborhoods in the state. It proposes cutting taxes for residents and small businesses, reducing housing costs, and repealing congestion pricing. To enhance public safety, the agenda aims to reverse criminal justice reforms, prioritize victims over criminals, and combat hate crimes.
“It’s time to liberate New York and build a better, safer, healthier, and more affordable tomorrow for all New Yorkers,” Rhoads said.
The agenda also focuses on ending the migrant crisis by opposing “sanctuary status” and prohibiting taxpayer funds from benefiting undocumented migrants. Additionally, they advocate for protecting parental rights in education and implementing term limits to promote government transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt joined Rhoads and other colleagues in calling for a renewed focus on addressing the state’s affordability crisis and public safety concerns. Citing what he described as the detrimental impact of policies such as congestion pricing and unfunded mandates, Ortt criticized the current administration’s priorities.
“From endless taxes and migrant spending to out-of-touch energy mandates, we’ve seen Democrat-driven policies prioritize political agendas over the needs of hardworking New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “These policies have led
to affordability challenges, public safety concerns, and economic struggles across urban and rural communities alike.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul has outlined her own measures to provide relief to New Yorkers.
During her State of the State address on Jan. 14, Hochul proposed a middle-class tax cut to bring around $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8 million taxpayers in the state. According to her office, cutting the rates across five of the state’s nine tax brackets would bring rates down to their lowest levels in 70 years.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford to put food on the table because of the rising cost of groceries,” Hochul said in a news release. “Making New York more affordable has been one of my top priorities, and to continue this commitment, I am proposing a substantial tax cut for middle class New Yorkers to lighten the burdens of inflation.”
Hochul also has introduced the firstever inflation refund, designed to return $3 billion to 8.6 million taxpayers by the end of 2025. Under this initiative, joint filers earning $300,000 or less will receive $500, while single filers earning $150,000 or less will receive $300.
In addition, she proposed an expansion of the child tax credit, which will double or triple benefits for many families, according to the governor’s office. The plan offers up to $1,000 annually per child under 4 years old and up to $500 for older children. Hochul’s office claims these measures are expected to reduce child poverty by 17.7 percent and provide critical relief for middleclass families.
Exciting and growing Merrick company looking for a detail-oriented, motivated individual to join our team, part-time. Primary responsibilities include order processing and ful llment in a modern, comfortable o ce environment, not a warehouse. Opportunity to grow and take on more responsibilities as the business expands. Perfect for a stay-at-home parent.
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Blomdahl USA Call Dave 516-868-7149 9am-3pm M-F Resume: dave@blomdahlusa.com
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER : Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. $20-$30/ Hr. Send resume cbc@catalinabeachclub.com Call 516-239-2150
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send
Q. We were meeting with our contractor during our home reconstruction, literally tearing the entire house apart and adding a floor. He introduced his “framer,” who was polite but left us with concern. He said the beams going across our house were “overkill.” The beams support a new balcony and high ceilings, so our foyer and living room are two stories tall, very dramatic, and we love what our architect did. We started wondering if we had overpaid for beams that maybe we didn’t need, since the framer said the structure was much more than necessary. Should we ask our architect for an explanation, or just let it go? Construction isn’t cheap, and we understand that, but there is concern about spending more than needed. What do you suggest?
A. Let it go. What you’re experiencing is common and frustrating to hear, because there are so many aspects to designing a building, and I wonder if your framer understands. For example, beams are designed for much more than carrying material loads. Roof beams must carry what we call “dead” loads as well as “live” loads, such as wind and heavy snow.
I have asked framers who have made these statements if they were aware of the several different code-required load capacities a beam is subjected to, to which they either answer, honestly, that they aren’t sure, or make remarks like, “Well, that’s your job,” or “I just know this is overkill.” They just know. And they probably don’t, or they could explain.
Wind impacts buildings in many ways, and is considered a load with multiple effects, requiring calculations, for your safety, to keep the walls and roof from tearing away, or lifting off the house, or crushing down on you in a push-and-pull manner that wind naturally has. Then there are connectors to attach everything. These braces, stirrups and saddles keep structure from pulling apart, but each type comes with engineered calculations.
We often start selecting beams, rafters and joist sizes based on stringent energy codes, which dictate that you must have certain thicknesses of insulation, to prevent heat from escaping quickly or causing your air conditioning to work constantly from heat migrating inward. If you choose the more expensive compact foam insulation, which has greater resistance per inch to heat gain and loss, then we can sometimes reduce the size of some structure. But if you choose less costly fiberglass insulation, which looks like cotton candy, the structure must be deeper, taller, larger — however you can describe it — to accommodate the required insulation thickness.
Larger rafters and joists weigh more, and their angled end cuts require deeper-sized beams to join them. So now you know part of why those beams probably aren’t “overkill,” and why your framer should do a different kind of “home-work” before professing his knowledge. A building is a large jigsaw puzzle of custom parts, and “under-kill” can lead to disaster. Will the framer be there to take responsibility? Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
2 doors w/shelf. Formica top. W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $99. 516-320-1906
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Last month I traveled to Washington, joining many Nassau County Republicans, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman and GOP Chairman Joe Cairo, to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump as our 47th president. Beginning with Richard Nixon’s second inaugural in 1972, I had attended 10 previous ones, seven of them during my 28 years in Congress.
This year’s event was certainly memorable, and not just because the tundra-like weather forced the ceremony indoors. From the moment I arrived at the historic Mayflower Hotel, where many of New York’s elected officials and party leaders were staying, I was struck by the extraordinary level of excitement, enthusiasm and hope. This was significantly different from Trump’s first inaugural in 2017, when, though he had many strong supporters, there was an air of uncertainty about whether his administration would hit the ground running. There had been multiple leaks from the Trump camp and a number of his top cabinet officials, like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had no previous
connection to Trump or any political or governmental experience.
This time around, Trump was striding into Washington as a conquering hero who had made the greatest political comeback of any president in history. And he was as prepared for action as any of his predecessors. There was no doubt he would hit the ground running.
The cold and the intense security made getting around Washington more difficult than I remember for any previous inauguration. Cairo and I were in a car for almost two hours, encountering constant roadblocks and rerouting as we tried to get to a Newsmax event at the relatively nearby Andrew Mellon Auditorium, before we gave up and returned to the Mayflower, where New York was staging its Inaugural Party, featuring Elise Stefanik, the upstate congresswoman and the nominee for ambassador to the United Nations.
old friends and prominent officials gathered to reminisce and share the latest news and rumors.
Trump’s inaugural address was truly unique. No president has ever been so direct or detailed, as he laid out the specifics of his agenda and the myriad executive orders he would be issuing on everything from border security to energy production. He was unsparing in his criticism of what he saw as the terrible failings of the Biden administration — all of this as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sat just several feet away.
iwas struck by the extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.
But none of this dampened the spirit of hope and optimism. The Mayflower event, the day before the inauguration, drew an overflow crowd of hundreds, who heard powerful speeches from EPA nominee Lee Zeldin, Congressman Mike Lawler and Blakeman. And there was always action in the hotel lobby, as
Ordinarily I would consider it wrong to disrespect a former president at an inaugural ceremony, but these are not ordinary times. Trump strongly believes that the Biden administration and its allies abused the legal system in attempts to destroy Trump with criminal prosecutions and bankrupt him and his family. Ironically, Trump didn’t know that just moments before his term expired, Biden had pardoned five members of his family.
The main impact of Trump’s address was that he would do all he could to change the direction of the country. The days of woke progressivism were over.
After the ceremonies, the president went to the Capitol One Arena for an
indoor version of the inaugural parade. I was particularly proud that one of the bands taking part was the NYPD Pipes & Drums. By some mistake, the band hadn’t been included in the original lineup, but when its leaders came to me just weeks before the inauguration, I was able to reach out to the Trump team and get it done.
The almost frenetic energy of the inauguration continued in the days that followed, as Trump signed one executive order after another. (While I strongly agreed with most of them, I believe it was wrong to issue blanket pardons to those who carried out violence against police officers and other law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite all the injustice carried out by the Justice Department against Trump, and the department’s failure to prosecute violent rioters on the left, these pardons cannot be defended.)
Trump has promised America a new Golden Age — an age in which American economic, diplomatic and military power will be respected around the world. An America where we will no longer be subject to government censorship and strangling bureaucratic regulations or be defined by race, religion or sexual preference. If he succeeds, it will indeed be an American Golden Age!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
The beginning of a new year is a chance to clean the slate from 2024 and to look ahead to more positive things. If you have your health, when you aren’t at work, it’s a chance to enjoy taking long walks, squeezing in a vacation and maybe finding a good book to read. But to erase the 2024 board clean, it’s important to get some things off my chest. One of my pet peeves is our national airline system. These days it costs a lot of money to travel almost anywhere in the United States, and we’re often treated like cattle, unless you fly first class. Boarding the plane can be demeaning, and the seats are uncomfortable. For a round-trip costing $800, asking for an extra bag of pretzels shouldn’t be a big deal, but I’ve had a
few turn-downs on flights to Florida. My wife has designated me the family shopper, and I don’t mind the periodic trips to the supermarket. My parents had a grocery store, so I know how to move quickly from aisle to aisle. I’m sure many readers have heard the term “shrinkflation,” which is rampant in supermarkets. Almost every item weighs less and costs more. My favorite boxes of cereal not only weigh half as much, but their contents don’t taste anything like they did when I was a child. Especially Kix and Rice Krispies.
Tgains are anything but.
o get a fresh start in the new year, it’s important to get some things off my chest.
Department store shopping was once an adventure. You could go from floor to floor, and it would take hours to go from the ground floor to the top. The shelves were once stacked with many interesting items, and the quality of the merchandise was pretty good. These days, though, there seem to be many less items for sale, and the so-called bar-
I’ve been a loyal Yankees fan for as long as I can remember. I try to get to at least two or three games a season, but the ticket prices can be staggering. I truly feel bad for a family with young kids who make an annual trip to the ballpark. The hot dogs, pizza and ice cream are costly, and if the kids want a few souvenirs, the outing can costs hundreds of dollars. Baseball owners need the revenues to pay high-priced players, but not everyone can afford to be a talent sponsor.
Going to a movie isn’t what it used to be, either. I recall childhood trips to theaters with my parents that were affordable and frequent. Once upon a time, theatergoers would even get some type of premium for buying a ticket. A movie ticket today can cost over $20, and if you and your companion want popcorn, candy or soda, the price of this night out is pretty high.
There are more things that bug me. I look at Facebook from time to time because it’s nice to see people celebrating happy occasions, but there is no shortage of party-poopers who insist on posting political barbs that are of no interest to most viewers. We’ve just survived a period of intense political bickering, and I’m not anxious to see a Facebook testimonial to a politician who my crazy uncle worships.
I have bad feelings about a lot of people both in and out of the political arena, but we’ll save that for another time. There are things going on right now that I could talk about for hours. I’ve chosen the things that upset all of my friends and neighbors as well, with little or no dissent. I’m sure I skipped over some of your annoyances, but I have a whole year to write about them.
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 2001
Incorporating:
Jordan Vallone
Melissa BerMan Reporter
Joseph d’alessandro
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s newly unveiled plan to restrict smartphone use in schools across New York state has sparked robust discussion among educators, parents and policymakers.
With the goal of creating distractionfree learning environments, the proposal would direct schools to limit cellphone use throughout the school day while providing practical solutions for communication and storage. The initiative has notable advantages as well as challenges, warranting careful consideration as it moves forward and is considered by the State Legislature.
The primary argument in favor of Hochul’s plan is the undeniable distraction that the phones pose to students. Research consistently shows that smartphones can impede focus, reduce academic performance and foster excessive screen time. By eliminating unsanctioned use of the devices, students would be expected to engage more deeply with their lessons and their peers, improving their classroom experience, their grades and their interpersonal skills.
Hochul’s thinking also aligns with growing concerns about youth mental health. Excessive smartphone use, particularly on social media, has been linked to anxiety, depression and reduced self-esteem among adolescents. The governor’s effort builds on her earlier success in regulating addictive social media feeds for minors, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting the mental well-being of its youth.
The proposal also addresses safety concerns, a priority highlighted by law
To the Editor:
enforcement experts. Distracted students are more vulnerable to accidents and less likely to be aware of their surroundings during emergencies. A focus on reducing these distractions could enhance student safety.
Allocating $13.5 million for smartphone storage solutions — such as pouches or cubbies — would ensure that schools, regardless of budget constraints, have access to the resources needed to implement the plan.
Despite its merits, however, the proposal raises several concerns. Chief among them is the potential challenge of enforcing the restrictions uniformly across diverse school settings. Administrators and teachers may find it difficult to monitor compliance, especially in larger schools with limited staff.
The plan also risks alienating students and parents who view cellphones as essential tools for communication and personal safety. While the initiative includes provisions for parents to contact their children during the school day, it may not fully address the anxieties of those who rely on immediate connectivity, particularly in emergencies.
Another issue is the reliance on alternative devices, such as school-issued tablets and laptops, for instruction. While these tools are permitted under the plan, they, too, can be distractions if not properly managed. Critics of Hochul’s plan argue that simply replacing smartphones with other internet-enabled devices may not fully eliminate the problem of divided attention in classrooms.
Exemptions outlined in the proposal — such as those for medical needs or individualized education programs —
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time you read a book?”: As she stated, one of the great joys in life is having a wonderful book to read. I never go anywhere without one. I taught English on the junior and high school levels on Long Island for 39 years, and I loved it. I would do it all over again.
The exciting discussions I had with my students triggered by great literature were priceless. I loved teaching “Of Mice and Men”; “The Picture of Dorian Gray”; “Romeo and Juliet”; “The Great Gatsby”; my nominee for the greatest novel of all, “To Kill a Mockingbird”; and many others.
Randi’s statement that in some of the country’s “elite” colleges, many students are neither willing nor able to read the books they are assigned is scary. What does that bode for our future leaders? And presently we have one in the White House who I’ll bet has never read a complete book, including our Constitution.
I belong to a book club in which we read mostly nonfiction and sports, but I also enjoy mysteries and detective novels. I
highlight the necessity of accommodating diverse student populations. Ensuring that these exemptions are applied fairly and without reinforcing stigmas, however, could add complexity to the plan’s implementation.
A strength of the proposal is its flexibility, allowing schools to design their own storage and implementation strategies. This autonomy acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work across New York’s varied educational landscapes. However, the success of this flexibility hinges on clear guidelines and adequate support from the state to help schools navigate potential challenges.
The plan’s focus on equity, including ensuring that students without internetenabled devices are not disadvantaged, demonstrates an awareness of the broader implications of digital access. This consideration is crucial in preventing unintended disparities.
Hochul’s proposal is a bold step toward addressing the challenges of the digital age in education. While its goals are commendable —enhancing focus, promoting mental health and improving safety — it must carefully navigate the concerns of enforcement, equity and parental confidence.
As the state prepares to roll out the measure by the 2025-26 school year, ongoing collaboration with educators, parents and students will be essential to refine it, and ensure its effectiveness. With a proper balance of structure and flexibility, the initiative has the potential to foster a more focused, healthier and distraction-free learning environment for New York’s students.
or me and my fellow state legislators, the governor’s State of the State address and executive budget proposals are our blueprint for the year ahead, a map outlining where Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to lead New York, and how she intends to use taxpayer dollars to get us there. While I recognize the value of several initiatives in this year’s budget proposal, such as expanding child care and addressing public safety concerns, this year’s $8.6 billion spending hike only deepens our long-term structural challenges — a cycle we’re already struggling to break. Year after year, we see more spending, more taxes and more financial uncertainty for New Yorkers. Instead of doubling down on costly commitments, we need to take a hard look at where this money is going and whether it truly benefits you and your family. Hochul’s $252 billion spending plan is the largest in the state’s history. If the $8.6 billion increase sounds familiar, that’s because it is — another year, another massive spending increase. Her plan commits to billions in new spend-
ing without addressing the structural fiscal issues jeopardizing our long-term financial stability. And while some proposals may sound appealing, they rely on speculative future solutions that leave taxpayers footing the bill, such as billions of dollars for film, TV and Broadway, $13.5 million in funding to implement a school cellphone bans and $3 billion in “inflation reduction” payments to households making up to $300,000.
HThe governor’ catchphrase, “Putting money back in your pockets,” is disingenuous when she’s the one taking the money out of your pockets in the first place. Her focus on affordability rings hollow when her policies do the exact opposite. Long Islanders already face some of the nation’s highest property taxes, yet Albany continues to pile on costs. While investing in our schools and providing middleclass tax relief are priorities I support, those commitments must be made responsibly. Instead, Hochul’s budget increases spending without a stable financial foundation to support it.
into extra money, instead of saving or paying down what you owe, you spend even more. That’s exactly what Albany is doing. This cycle of unchecked spending isn’t sustainable. Just as responsible families make tough financial choices, so must our state if we want a stable and secure future.
er focus on affordability rings hollow when her policies do the exact opposite.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. I was encouraged to see Hochul address several key issues that the Assembly minority conference has been advocating over the years, including closing gaps in discovery reform, providing middle-class tax cuts and expanding access to affordable child care. Additionally, the long-overdue changes to the foundation aid formula to fund our schools are a welcome and positive step forward.
revised projections adding $8.3 billion in revenue through 2029, it won’t be enough to counter soaring costs in Medicaid and school aid. The state still faces a projected $27 billion budget deficit within three years. And with a new federal administration in office, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has warned about potential shifts that could impact the state’s finances.
Given these uncertainties, it’s critical that we prioritize long-term budget sustainability. That means making responsible fiscal decisions now — curbing reckless spending, reducing our reliance on temporary revenue boosts and ensuring that taxpayers aren’t left covering shortfalls for years to come.
To put this reckless spending in perspective, consider how it would play out in your household budget. Imagine continuously increasing your expenses, piling on debt, and whenever you come
am currently reading “All the Sinners Bleed,” by S.A. Cosby. A sheriff in Charon County, Virginia, with a very unpleasant case. Cosby is a terrific writer. Thanks to Randi for her other suggestions. I hope she has fun teaching the class.
JIM HAWKINS Baldwin
Randi’s given me some catching up to do
To the Editor:
I’ve been reading Randi’s columns in the Herald for years, and enjoying her take on everything, as well as her style. I am 81. Been reading since I was a single digit. My first novel was “Black Beauty,” by Anna Sewell, which I read when I was about 7.
I’ve read 135 books in each of the past two years, and I’m going to look into all the books in Randi’s curriculum, because I find I’ve read maybe one, “Of Mice and Men,” when I was way younger. Lol. No matter what, I’m going to tackle her list. I hope they don’t have to be read in that order, because I’ve chosen “The Wren, the Wren” to be my first.
RINA COHEN East Meadow
‘poorly handled,’ double-digit
To the Editor:
Town Supervisor Don Clavin’s proposed 12.1 percent property tax increase for 2025 represents a glaring failure of financial management. This steep hike places an unreasonable and unnecessary burden on the residents of the Town of Hempstead.
Such a dramatic increase reflects Clavin’s inability to implement sound, long-term financial planning. A more responsible approach would have been to distribute any necessary increases gradually over several years, avoiding the current financial strain on our community.
What is even more troubling than the tax hike itself is the lack of proper notice for town residents. Clavin’s administration failed to adequately inform citizens through mail, email or social media about this significant change. Ironically, the same administration had no issue filling our mailboxes with partisan mailers on other topics. This lack of transparency and accountability is both surprising and unacceptable.
It’s true that, given the inflationary pressures of recent years, modest tax increases may be necessary to cover ris-
But this progress doesn’t change the hard reality that the proposed budget significantly increases spending across the board. State operating expenses are set to rise nearly 8 percent, far outpacing inflation. While the state’s financial plan projects a $3.5 billion surplus this year, that’s largely the result of increased tax revenue and adjusted spending timelines — something that isn’t guaranteed on a yearly basis.
Even with the Division of Budget’s
In short, Albany’s spending addiction is unsustainable, and we can’t afford to ignore the consequences any longer. The governor’s plan gambles on higher tax revenues to justify even more spending, but fails to tackle the deep-rooted fiscal challenges threatening the state’s future. We need to reprioritize by making targeted, responsible investments rather than broad, unsustainable spending.
As we move forward in the budget process, I will continue to fight for a more responsible, affordable New York — pulling back the curtain on where your tax dollars are really going, and standing up for you. We deserve better.
Ed Ra represents the 19th Assembly District.
ing costs essential for maintaining services like trash collection, recycling, parks and water management. These are critical responsibilities of our town board. However, many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. To impose a sudden, substantial tax hike without sufficient notice is a disservice to the very people the town government is meant to serve.
Clavin owes the residents of the Town of Hempstead not only a detailed explanation, but also a sincere apology for this poorly handled tax increase. Transparency and thoughtful planning should be the standard — not afterthoughts.
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