DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
Matthew Serrao, a third-grader at Washington Street School, enjoyed some “independent” time in class using amira ai to improve his reading skills.
How artificial intelligence helps students learn to read
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Since 2023, the Franklin Square School District has been piloting a new AI program in its three elementary schools Washington Street, John Street and Polk Street to help students learn to read by utilizing voicedetecting technology.
The Amira AI software is designed to assist both students and teachers in identifying problems in a child’s reading skills. The app, which can be downloaded to students’ iPads, provides literature for them to read aloud, ranging from fiction to non-fiction books.
The program “listens” to them as they
read their selections aloud, which generally takes about 10 minutes. It detects mistakes in students’ pronunciation of words, reading fluency and comprehension, and corrects them as they go.
District Superintendent Jared Bloom said he was introduced to Amira at a conference in September 2023, and decided to pilot it in third-grade classrooms that fall.
Last September, Bloom expanded the program to students in kindergarten through third grade. The program, he said, gives them a helpful reading buddy, and has gotten a lot of positive feedback from students and teachers.
He decided to launch the program to
Continued on page 7
A new era for civic league organization
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Angela Romano was inaugurated during an installation ceremony last night at VFW Post 2718 as the new president of Garden City South Community League, a civic association that serves Franklin Square, She was vice president of the league for the past two years under the leadership of Marge Kelly, who served as president from 2018 until Romano’s induction last night.
Ithe town.
She recalled receiving newsletters about Garden City South Community League, which were organized and sent under the league’s late president, Pat Friedman. She led the league for nearly 40 years before Kelly stepped into the role.
t’s time to do things together ... It’s better to be united together.
Romano, 70, grew up in Queens, but moved to Franklin Square 47 years ago shortly after getting married to her husband, Don Romano. As a longtime resident of the town, she has been heavily involved in the community, serving as president of the Garden City Kiwanis and former treasurer of the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce.
ANgEl A RomANo President, Garden City South Community League
Later in 2021, Romano decided to approach Kelly and ask if she could serve on the board. Kelly quickly agreed, she said, and immediately appointed her to the board. Romano served as secretary of the league until she was appointed to treasurer in 2022. As a result of her experience balancing books for the chamber, Romano quickly got to work improving the league’s record-keeping methods. She introduced a computerized system for maintaining and recording financial expenditures, which helped streamline the league’s process of reporting finances to their accountant.
When she stepped down from the chamber in 2021, she was determined to stay involved in
Eventually, in 2023, Romano was appointed to serve as vice Continued on page 9
Courtesy Franklin Square School District
HERALD SchoolS
Students celebrate MLK and Black history
Just before Black History Month kicked off on Saturday, Alden Terrace School hosted its annual “One Moment in Time” assemblies to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 17.
A news release about the event said students gathered in the gymnasium to honor King’s legacy, which included participants from every grade. The collaborative event invited the entire school community— staff, students and families to join the celebration.
Principal Shawnée Warfield began the program, the news release continued, leading the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” She then recited a quote from King about creating a “beloved community.”
“I believe we have an amazing community,” Warfield said. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about the beloved community, and that’s what I feel like Alden is a beloved community.”
Then, according to the news release, the entire room recited a promise to the school and its community.
“Alden Terrace is a beloved community,” participants recited. “We will continue to strive to partner with our
parents and our scholars to promote unity in the community, our beloved Alden Terrace community.”
During the first assembly, the news release said, students in primary grades shared tributes to King through poetry and songs. Pre-K students sang the “Martin Luther King Jr.” song, kindergartners sang “Rise Up,” first graders recited the “Love Each Other” poem and sang “Let Us Keep His Dream Alive,” and second graders performed “You Can Be Like Martin!” and “I Believe in the Dream.” Scholars also shared quotes by King to further spread his message.
The second assembly featured the upper grade levels, the news release continued. Third graders shared the poem “Dream of Peace” and sang “Together,” fourth graders sang “Believe in Yourself,” fifth graders performed “I Have a Dream/This is Our Moment,” and sixth graders recited the poem “Standing Tall.” A portion of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech was also played for the audience.
–Renee DeLorenzo
NewS brief
Elmont school honors diverse cultures
Covert Avenue School celebrated the diverse cultures and traditions practiced by their students during its 13th annual Cultural Diversity Day on Jan. 23.
According to a news release about the event, students from pre-K through sixth grade were encouraged to represent their cultures by wearing attire associated with their cultural backgrounds and traditions. The news release said students showed off their attire with pride during a parade throughout the school’s hallways.
In the afternoon, the news release
continued, students performed songs and dances onstage that represent the many cultures practiced by those in the school. The assembly began with pre-K scholars singing, “Hello to All the Children.” Then, students from third grade to sixth grade showcased Latin American, Punjabi and African Zulu cultures through individual and group dances. Students who performed are part of the Cultural Diversity Club, which is led by two teachers, Rachel Felix and Corinne Joyce.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Alden Terrace School fourth graders sang “Believe in Yourself” during the “One Moment in Time” assembly on Jan. 17.
Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Covert Avenue School students wore attire representing their cultural backgrounds on Cultural Diversity Day, Jan. 23.
Lunar New Year at Belmont Park Village
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Year of the Snake ushered in a brand new year of good fortune and prosperity at Belmont Park Village during the Lunar New Year festival last Saturday.
Bubble tea, dim sum, noodles and specialty macarons were available for guests to purchase, origami crafts were available for children to create, and guests were given an opportunity to participate in a $1,000 shopping spree giveaway for each purchase they made in the village.
At 3:30 p.m., guests were invited to observe a traditional Chinese lion dance, which was performed by a Chinatown-based non-for-profit organization called the Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club.
Instrumentalists dressed in traditional Chinese garments struck drums and percussion instruments in a synchronized rhythm as dancers, dressed as lions, performed to in the village’s central plaza, eventually making their way to the south entrance.
The lion costumes consisted of two pieces one dancer operated the lion’s head at the front costume, such as blinking its eyes and opening its mouth, while the other dancer carried the long, gold train fabric to act as the lion’s hind legs. Two sets of dancers created the two lions included during Saturday’s performance.
Another dancer, who acted as a clown-like figure, donned a mask and attempted to command the two lions, presenting them with bushels of lettuce and two oranges for each to feast on. The lions then began throwing the lettuce and oranges, spreading luck and prosperity to guests and the village.
Alan Ong, a senior member of the club, said Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Asian community due to its auspicious nature. Luck, prosperity and family mark the holiday’s weeklong festivities, he said, with some celebrations in China lasting two or three weeks.
The Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club was established 1956, and mostly consists of high school children who were born in America of Chinese heritage. The recreational center offers Chinatown’s youth the opportunity to learn martial arts, the lion dance and other athletics.
Ong, who is a first generation Chinese immigrant, said it’s easy for children born here to learn American culture, but they do not have that kind of exposure to Chinese culture. That is why, he said, he wants to continue practicing Chinese cultural traditions and passing it along to the next generation.
“We still come back to help because we don’t forget where we come from,” Ong said. “This dying culture, this dying art we want to continue to bring forth to the community, and to everyone around.”
Ong emphasized the importance of family in celebrating the Lunar New
a prosperous fortune.
A traditional Chinese lion dance, performed by the Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club, blesses the village and their guests with good fortune and prosperity for the Lunar New Year.
Year, which is something he believes all cultures share in their celebrations, as well.
“The significance of the Lunar New Year is being with family,” he concluded. “Family is very important, as we know, in all cultures and races. So for us, I think that’s the point.”
A clown-like character from the lion dance attempts to command and tame the auspicious lions, for which he’s laid out lettuce and oranges to feast on.
Drummers from the club beat a steady rhythm as guests are invited to follow the lions to the front of the village, where they will continue the traditional dance.
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
Members of the Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club and Belmont Park Village celebrate the Lunar New Year together, wishing the village
News brief
Student nominated for scholars program
In a news release, Sewanhaka High School District announced that Meerab Chaudhry, a senior at H. Frank Carey High School, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the State Education Department. Chaudhry is among 25 New York State high school seniors to receive the honor.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages recommended Chaudhry for nomination, the news release said, as a result of work Chaudhry accomplished during an internship she participated in through the Students Inside Albany 2024 program.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors, the news release explained.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Then, in April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews the applications of all semifinalists and selects up to 161 U.S Presidential Scholars.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald
UBS partnered with the producers of the FireAid benefit concert to help deliver much needed aid and disaster relief to those affected by wildfires in southern California.
UBS sponsors FireAid concert
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
UBS, the company that subsidizes UBS Arena off Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, was a sponsor for the FireAid concert that took place on Jan. 30. Proceeds from the concert were donated to communities in southern California that were devastated by wildfires earlier that month.
Planning for Those You Are Responsible For
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.
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 Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia
The concert, which was hosted at the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, was broadcast live on many streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. The concert featured a range of artists, from modern performers such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Lady Gaga, and classic performers such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder and Rod Stewart.
According to Annelise Mesilati, who is the head of brand activation and sponsorship for UBS, the concert was an opportunity for the company to exercise their existing corporate commitment to support communities they operate within.
“We just really felt that this is something we could get behind to support wildfire recovery efforts in LA, and to really help rebuild the community that has been devastated by the fire,” Mesila-
ti said.
The producers of FireAid reached out to UBS about two weeks before the performance, she said, and they pulled together the rest of the sponsors within a very short span of time. Luckily, she pointed out, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards were just around the corner, and many artists were in the area the week before it aired.
UBS has a large cohort of employees in California, she added, so the company was able to invite employees and clients who have been affected by the wildfires to the concert at no cost to them.
“This is kind of a moment of relief for them,” she said.
The disaster relief initiative, supported by the concert and their sponsors, is not only going toward alleviating victims’ suffering from the current wildfire disaster, but will also be contributing to future efforts for wildfire prevention.
A recording of the live concert is still available on many streaming services, and donations can still be made to the charity via cash transferring apps. Visit FireAidLA.org for more information and a full list of artists, sponsors, and streaming services that participated in the concert.
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Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District Meerab Chaudhry is among 25 New York State high school seniors nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
6,
CHASE TIMBERLAKE
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.
GAMES TO WATCH
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 Basketball: 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.
Carey enjoying taste of success
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
Regardless of what happens in the final three games of the regular season, or if there’s a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the 2024-25 season for the Carey boys’ basketball team has been a resounding success.
“I honestly feel like we are playing at such a great level right now,” first-year head coach Laurence Reid said. “From what the team was last year, to what they are this year, it is leaps and bounds above what I was expecting. They’re playing hard, they’re playing with such effort.”
The Seahawks are 8-9, 5-6 in AA-4 this season. That’s double the number of wins than the last three years combined. And that’s special for the seniors who endured a 1-win season last year to finally get to experience some success.
“All coaches say it, but I really enjoy these guys. It’s part of the reason why I took the job,” Reid said. “I knew the guys and I really liked them and they’ve embraced me and I’ve embraced them, and it’s been a great experience, so I’m over the moon for them just to get that taste of winning.”
What’s been the secret sauce for Carey? It’s not that much of a secret at all.
“I say it every day, I say it every halftime. I don’t care what the scoreboard says. I just care about effort,” Reid said. “If you can give a hard effort the whole time, then we’ll see what happens. Only good things come from that. I don’t care about wins and losses as much as I care about effort. That’s been my mantra and from day one they’ve been responsive to it.”
Kevin Colvin is one of the leaders, but the senior guard went down with an injury against Garden City on Jan. 8.
Helping fill that void has been junior Kelvin Persaud, a hybrid who brings grit and toughness from the football field where he helped lead the Seahawks to the Long Island Championship in the fall.
Senior David Yussuf brings it defen-
sively every game and Jack Degnan is a senior post player who has done well rebounding the ball and scoring inside.
Junior Ryan Kunkel is “all effort and all heart,” according to Reid, and regularly guards the opponent’s best offensive player, and senior Ethan Subero has carved out a role as a super sub. In a come-from-behind 40-39 win at Division on Jan. 24, Subero sparked Carey with 13 points off the bench.
The math for Carey down the stretch
is simple — two wins in the final three games and the Seahawks book their spot in the playoffs. It would be a nice reward for their hard work and effort, but Reid said that will not define their season this year.
“I know we’re at the end of the season where everyone’s kind of talking playoff push and all that, it’d be great, obviously,” Reid said. “But, I’m so thrilled with how they’ve been playing.”
Eric Dunetz/Herald
Senior David Yussuf has been a defensive catalyst for the Seahawks, who remain in the playoff picture with three games remaining.
Amira AI makes learning to read fun
ensure that all students are growing as fast as they can, Bloom continued, but in a way that is fun and exciting. “We’re trying to be as innovative as possible to help support our teachers,” he said.
Kaitlin Panza, a second-grade teacher at Washington Street, said the program was a hit with her students. It’s easy to learn, she said, and quickly responds to students’ individual needs. With a press of a button, they are on their way to becoming better readers without the need for her constant supervision.
Rich Watson, chief revenue officer of Amira Learning, which is headquartered in San Francisco, said that the program was developed using over 30 years of research from Carnegie Mellon University. The company gathered information from the university’s study of voice technology, and launched the program in 2018.
Today, Watson said, over 4 million students worldwide use the program, which is available in both English and Spanish. About 1,000 of those students are in Franklin Square.
Amira is intended to be an observational program, Watson explained, which helps identify young readers’ problem areas based on the Scarborough Reading Rope model. Created by a psychologist and literacy expert, Hollis Scarborough, in 2001, the model helps teachers and parents understand the essential language skills children need to learn in order to read.
As students read aloud, Watson said, the program gathers hundreds of measurement points, and then generates personalized feedback with verbal responses, just as a teacher would.
“It creates an amazing and incredible authentic experience for a child,” he said.
Matthew Serrao, a third-grader at Washington Street, said his class started using the program in Octo-
ber, and that it only took one class period for them to learn how to use it. His class uses it during “independent” time, after they’ve finished other work.
The stories they read are about 16 pages long, Matthew said, and it takes him about 10 minutes to finish one. As he reads, the program stops him if he pronounces a word incorrectly. Then, he said, it repeats the word and prompts him to try saying it again.
The program has been very helpful for him, Mat -
thew said, because it teaches him new words every time he uses it. He enjoys the challenges it presents as well, because it will ask him questions that test his reading comprehension.
And, he said, the program has been stopping him less frequently lately, which means his reading is improving.
Matthew’s favorite part of the program is that it tracks his progress and gives him badges as he reaches milestones — usually the number of words or books he reads. As of now, he has read 20 books in the program.
Panza said that Amira is a fun way for students to learn reading skills in a way that doesn’t make them feel bad for making mistakes. And because they can choose what they want to read, they feel in control of their own learning.
“It’s helping them build their confidence,” Panza said. “There’s no pressure on the kid. They’re not even realizing it’s targeting a weakness, and that’s the nice part.”
Bloom stressed that the program doesn’t replace teaching, but rather provides a tool for teachers and schools to guide their instruction and curriculum. The schools, he added, are also constantly listening to feedback from students, teachers and parents to gauge the effectiveness the program.
As of now, Bloom said, the district plans to continue the program until the end of the school year, and then evaluate whether or not to extend it next year.
The program, Panza said, is a good supplement to her instruction, and she enjoys the fact that students can learn on their own while she works with others. If the district does keep the program, she said, she would love to explore the many reports it generates, so she knows exactly what her students need and can plan her lessons accordingly.
Gillen is ceremonially sworn in to House
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.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Former U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, left, and Rep. Laura Gillen’s husband, Chris Gillen, took part in her ceremonial swearing-in before a cheering crowd, three weeks after Gillen began her term in the House of Representatives.
Angela Romano leads community league
president, alongside her role as treasurer, and worked both positions concurrently for almost two years.
That is, until Kelly announced that she’d be stepping down in 2024 and named Romano as her successor. During their 2024 tree lighting, Kelly explained that she had been president for a while, and she thought it was time for some new ideas and views. She added that the league would be in good hands after she passed the torch to Romano.
“I’m kind of nervous, you know,” Romano laughed. “I’ve been president of organizations before, but this is different.”
What is different about this position, she explained, is the increased level of contact she must maintain with the town to fulfill her duties as president. In order to hold events in public spaces, she continued, she must file permits with the correct departments to ensure the space is reserved for the league’s use.
But, Romano said she has help from her two vice presidents, Ellen Andrasick and Yossi Oren. She said Andrasick knows the town well and can help her file for permits and maintain whatever other communications they might need.
Andrasick reiterated the importance of the league working together as a team to better serve Franklin Square, regardless of what positions they hold. “Whether you’re president, vice president, treasurer or secretary, we all work together to make the community better,” she said.
In addition to her responsibilities to the league and Kiwanis, and former responsibilities to the FSCC, Romano said she has always balanced her role serving the community with her commitment to her career.
When Romano moved to Franklin Square, she was a
medical lab supervisor in Brooklyn. When the commute became too much of a burden, she pivoted to the real estate industry. She has been a realtor for 25 years, spending the past five years working for Signature Premier Properties.
As president of the league, Romano will also be directing her board to function as a liaison between the community and town entities, such as the police
and fire departments, by communicating concerns brought up by citizens during their monthly general meetings. Residents often report suspicious business activity, abandoned buildings and traffic safety concerns to the board, she said.
In response, she continued, the community league informs the proper town officials or entities, whom they work with to resolve the problem.
Romano said her goal as president is to collaborate with other groups and associations to unite the community. She said she would like to get all the civic organizations to have events together, rather than each group operating on their own. She also expressed interest in collaborating with the Franklin Square Historical Society and the Franklin Square Public Library.
“It’s time to do things together,” she asserted. “When you bring the community together, you get more people, more force, and better results. It’s better to be united together.”
Doreen Cantalino, the league’s treasurer, said she is excited for Romano’s term as president, and hopes to continue their work fundraising for the community and hosting events around Franklin Square. “I like working with Angela,” she said. “I think she’s going to do great.”
Angela said the league’s next event will be a Memorial Day parade, in collaboration with VFW Post 2718. The league will be responsible for contacting politicians for appearances, recruiting performers for entertainment, and finding local caterers for food and refreshments.
“My goal is really to unite the community so that we can be stronger and make the community a better place to live,” she concluded.
Courtesy Angela Romano
angela romano, president of garden City South Community League, is determined to unite the franklin Square community.
Students celebrated at school board meeting
In a news release, Sewanhaka Central High School District announced the athletic and academic achievements of six students, which were commemorated at the Sewanhaka Board of Education meeting at Sewanhaka High School on Jan. 28.
To begin the meeting, Sewanhaka senior Japheth Omezi, a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, delivered the superintendent’s update. According to the news release, student ambassadors have been an integral part of the board meetings this school year, sharing successes and events throughout the district.
Superintendent Regina Agrusa recognized two athletic achievements, the news release continued. Elmont senior Ariana Patterson, an All-Conference volleyball player and member of the track team, was honored for receiving a News 12 Scholar Athlete Award. This award, sponsored by the Bethpage Federal Credit Union, recognizes outstanding studentathletes on Long Island. As a Scholar Athlete, the news release said, Patterson received a $1,000 college scholarship from BFCU.
New Hyde Park senior Sahir Bhatia was selected to play for the U.S. National Under-19 Cricket Team, the news release said, which he was recognized for at the board meeting. Bhatia, a bowler, is one of two players chosen from New York State to play for the team. The news release said he began playing cricket at the Queens United Cricket Academy in 2015.
The commendations continued with two Sewanhaka freshmen, Summer Sanders and Milan Wright, who are New York State’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition honorees.
The exhibition, sponsored by the New York State Education Department, is an opportunity for students statewide to express how Dr. King’s legacy inspires them. This year’s theme was “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.” Wright’s watercolor painting and Sanders’ colored-pencil artwork were selected for the exhibition, the news release said.
The science accomplishments of Elmont senior Aafia Ahmed and H. Frank Carey senior Natalie Osorio were also highlighted, the news release continued. Both students have been named as 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars. Ahmed and Osorio were among 300 scholars nationwide and 49 on Long Island selected for this honor.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Board President William Leder, left, Board Trustee Trecia Wong, Principal John Kenny, Sewanhaka freshman Milan Wright, Sewanhaka freshman Summer Sanders, Board Trustee Tiffany Capers and Superintendent Regina Agrusa celebrated the awardwinning artwork of Wright and Sanders at the board meeting on Jan. 28.
Photos courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District
Board Trustee Trecia Wong, left, H. Frank Carey Principal Jennifer Alaimo, Elmont senior Aafia Ahmed, H. Frank Carey senior Natalie Osorio, Elmont Principal Marya Baker, Board President William Leder, Board Trustee Tiffany Capers and Superintendent Regina Agrusa celebrated Ahmed and Osorio’s science achievements at the board meeting.
Principal Marya Baker, left, Board Trustee Trecia Wong, Elmont senior Ariana Patterson, Board Trustee Tiffany Capers and Superintendent Regina Agrusa celebrated Patterson’s athletic accomplishments at the board meeting on Jan. 28.
Board President William Leder, left, New Hyde Park senior Sahir Bhatia, Principal Rosemary DeGennaro and Superintendent Regina Agrusa celebrated Bhatia’s athletic accomplishments at the board meeting on Jan. 28.
STEPPING OUT
SCORE BIG on
Super Sunday
Go for the ‘tasty ‘win’
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.
Baked Spinach and Chicken Dip
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.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Pizza
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
Sheng Wang
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.
Boyz II Men
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.
Barbecue Three Bean Chili
Your Neighborhood
THE
Friends of the Brothers
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.
Long Island Choral Society auditions
Long Island Choral Society, under the Direction of Michael C. Haigler, holds auditions for new members for the final concert of their 96th Season. Auditions are by appointment only and will be held Monday continuing Feb. 10, at Garden City Community Church. The Berlioz Requiem is a piece known for its power and beauty that offers a rare musical performance opportunity while bringing the Choral Society’s 24-25 concert season to an exciting close. If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. Those interested can schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics. org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.
Bird walk
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.
Carnival Night
Friends of Montfort hosts Carnival Night at Lantillaise Restaurant & Catering, Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m.-midnight. Help the nonprofit support deaf children in Haiti while enjoying an evening of fun with musical guests, Enpresyon and DJ Henri. Carnival outfits are welcome! $100 per person and available on FriendsOfMontfort. org. For questions, call (347) 541-4122, or email info@ friendsofmontfort.org. 20 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square.
In concert
Join City Sounds Music nine-piece orchestra for a lively performance, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2-3:30 p.m., at Elmont Public Library. City Sounds pays homage to the worldrenowned sounds of two Blackowned record labels, Motown and Philadelphia International. No registration is required. First come, first seated. Visit ElmontLibrary. org for more details. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont.
Howie’s Heart Anniversary
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.
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.
Howie’s Heart celebrates its one -year anniversary at Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-8:30 p.m. Participate in kindness activities and celebrate members of our community who have impacted Long Island families in need. Registration required. Visit howiesheart.org for more and information and to register. 19 Lincoln Road. For more, visit franklinsquareplL.org.
Family theater
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.
Big Game at the Plattdeutsche
The countdown to game day is on! Come celebrate the Super Bowl at Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant, Sunday, Feb. 9, 5 p.m. For more information, visit parkrestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131. 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square.
Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment
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) 599-5705.
Community Game Night
Looking to make some friends and play board games? Visit Franklin Square Public Library, the third Wednesday of every month, at 6 p.m., to socialize and have fun at this free program. Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required. 19 Lincoln Road. For more information, visit franklinsquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444.
Having an event?
Senior Chat
Join fellow seniors for companionship, Fridays, at 10 a.m. at Elmont Public Library. Participate, or just listen, to casual discussions on special interests, concerns, and whatever happens to come up. Next meeting is Friday, Jan 3 in room 01. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit elmontlibrary. org or call (516) 354-5280.
Play canasta
Join in a friendly game of canasta, Fridays, 1-4 p.m., at Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road. For more information, visit franklinsquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444.
Are you game?
Bring some friends and make some new ones during game night at Elmont Memorial Library, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. There are tons of games to choose from! No registration required. First-comefirst-seated. Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit elmontlibrary. org or call (516) 354-5280.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/ Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Hempstead House tour
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 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 SandsPointPreserve-
I’ m frequently asked if you can change a relationship if only one person is trying. My unequivocal answer: YES! Of course, it’s not going to be as simple or easy as having two cooperative partners, but here’s an example of what can happen.
First, if you’ve been knocking yourself out trying every possible way you can think of, to get the other person to change, give it up. You’ve explained what’s bothering you. You’ve repeated yourself many times, nagging, demanding, crying, having a fit, threatening, punishing, becoming silent and resentful. Where has that gotten you? You’re just as frustrated as ever. So, save your energy and give up trying to make the other person change.
Second, decide how you will respond differently, not only to get the other person to change, but primarily to take care of your own needs. When you make a change, even a small one, you automatically change not only yourself, but also something about how your relationship works.
Consider the following example. Jacqui entered my office feeling miserable. “My marriage is at a low point. I love my
Change for one PERSON TO PERSON
husband, but he rarely talks to me. I ask him how his day was; he’ll grunt ok, then flip on the TV. He shuts me out of his life and doesn’t want to hear about my day. I’ve asked him to come to therapy with me, but he refuses. What can I do?”
work.
psychWisdom
Jacqui had tried everything she knew to get her husband to talk to her. In addition to constantly asking him questions, she was always trying to initiate more conversations hoping to get him involved. Figuring that it might be easier for him to talk late at night, without the kids and other distractions, she scheduled talk time twice a week, when she and her husband would go for a walk or just sit on the deck and talk.
The first thing I told Jacqui was that she was trying too hard to get Don to change. Now it was time for her to focus on making a change for herself. I suggested she stop asking him questions, stop initiating conversations, and cut out the talk time. If she felt the need to talk with someone, she could call her friends, her mom, her sister, or her kids. Since she also had expressed a need to do more things, I suggested she join a gym or take an adulted class.
she noticed that she was feeling happier, and less resentful even though Don, true to form, was still his non-communicative self. Then months later, Jacqui noticed that Don was less withdrawn. He admitted to feeling lonely and left out. He complained that she had gotten busy with things outside the home, and he’d like her to spend more time with him.
This scheduled talk time, however, backfired. It soon became obvious that even then Don was not communicative. As a result, Jacqui felt even more upset, abandoned and totally unloved, even though Don said he loved her but just wanted to be left alone after a hard day’s
Immediately, Jacqui resisted. She believed that these changes would make things even worse because they’d increase the distance between her and her husband. I reminded her that the purpose of these changes was not to get closer to Don but to take care of herself, to meet her needs, to be more in control.
After a while, Jacqui decided to give my suggestions a try. After getting involved in a pickleball league a ceramics class, and talking more with friends,
Jacqui was amazed that Don was now coming to her with a request to spend more time together. She was careful, however, not to drop her activities and go back to the way things used to be. Instead, she responded casually but positively saying, “You’re right. I have been out a lot. And enjoying myself too. But if you’d like to spend more time together, I’m open to that. This Thursday evening’s a good time for me. Would that work for you too?”
©2025
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Linda Sapadin
Discover what’s coming in the
20 Kids Camp and School
Kids Camp and School is an in-depth guide on summer camps, after-school programs, and educational institutions, ensuring families have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
Ad Deadlines Feb. 6 and Apr. 3
Our Story
Our Story is a special supplement dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of the community—its local businesses.
Ad Deadline Feb. 13
Our Story Finance
The Our Story Finance special supplement is a dedicated exploration of how community businesses drive local economies, foster financial resilience, and create lasting social impact. This edition highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, showcasing how locally owned enterprises shape thriving neighborhoods through shared resources, ethical finance, and community investment.
Ad Deadline Feb. 20
Our Story
Estate Movers and Shakers
This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how community-focused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.
Ad Deadline Feb. 27
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL
ESTATE
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) 16, 17 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.
IMPORTANT
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:16 ELMONT UFSd
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOC 828.89
32424 00930
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOC 828.89
32424 00940
70 GLEN HEAD ROAD LLC 3,517.82
32425 01090 109-115
BEZMAN ARTHUR & CARMELLA 14,431.53
32425 01250
MATOS EDWARD L & GLADYS 26,157.61
32426 00010 1-3
NEW WORLD CONVENTION LTD 26,097.87
32426 00060 6-7
259 EPIC LLC 4,327.72
32426 00100 10-12
MATOS DAVID & EDWARD 2,158.26
32426 01170 117-120
US BANK 8,907.98
32427 01650
ENTON D CHICOYE & DISDALE 9,690.23
32428 00560 56-57
BENAVIDES JOSE 2,438.25
32429 01150 115-116
LESLIE JOHN & MAXINE 2,109.69
32430 00130 13-15
WILLIAMS MARTIN & YVONNE 2,574.36
32435 00420 42-46
RUIZ ANA MARIA & SCOLA SEAN & E 1,221.29
32435 01170 117-120
RAHIM MOHAMMED IMRAN 4,491.59
32438 00040 4-6
HAYES FRANK E 856.97
32438 00410 41-42
HAYES FRANK E 728.48
32438 00430
UDAY LUIS A SINCHI & JARA SEGUN 4,588.09
32438 01430
MCKINLEY FAMILY TRUST 11,815.61
32440 00440 44-48
GRIPPO JOSEPH & CATHERINE 4,629.77
32440 00840 84-88
HASSAN IFTEKHER 10,376.87
32440 01230 123-125
PALOMINO IVETTE & YAX TOMAS A 11,311.22
32449 00560 56-58
RAMNAUTH D MANGAL & NARENDRA 14,200.99
32449 01210
BERGER MARCIA & CRYSTAL 11,636.71
32450 00090 9-10
QUESADA GUILLERMINA & VICTOR 18,551.55
32450 00150 15-16
SUGDEN PERRY 49,546.15
32450 00170 17-18
AUGUSTIN GHISLAINE 2,469.02
32451 00280 28-29
CHOUDHRY ARSLAN K 2,861.90
32453 00460 46-47
DEJESUS RAFAEL & EVELYN 4,491.59
32454 00690 69-70
ASSENZA ADELE 9,672.74
32455 00870
DESILUS KETTLY & FREMONT FARRAH 16,008.71
32456 01170
ZAPATA JOSE & INES 15,625.95
32458 00170 17-18,20
LAMPERT JOAN 17,501.24
32458 00500 50-52
FRANCAVILLA CATHERINE 16,099.15
32459 00310
PETERS D GONZALEZ & C 2,704.23
32461 00410
KHAN KRYSTAL T & KHAN DIAMOND A 15,772.14
32462 00230 23,24,244
KEITA KADIDIA 4,834.67
32462 00630 63-64
BOLDEN EDDIE & JUDITH 9,126.21
32470 00280
WHITNEY JANIE C 10,132.55
32470 00450
US BANK NATIONAL ASSN TRU 18,500.78
32471 01370 137-138
YANO S BERNAL & FRANCISCO 12,278.76
32475 00230 23-24
COHN H 1,090.48
32476 00170
OLOWNIA JOHN & OLOWNIA AUGUSTIN 2,573.85
32477 00350 35-36
GONZALEZ EFRAIN R & ADAIL 14,202.58
32480 00570 57-58
CASTILLO RICARDO 12,109.94
32481 00420 42-43 KRAMER LYNNE
32487 01040 MALIK HENRYK & SEUBERT KIRK 16,982.02
32491 00010
Public Notices
32671 00640
32671 00660
32671 00670
00390
32673 01060
32674 00110
32675 00200
32675 00380
32676 00050
32680 00250
32681 00400
32682 00120
32682 00400
32686 00030
32691 00090
00140
33195 01220
33202 02150
33202 02180
33203 00230
33261 00010
33271 00290
33274 00010
33275 00030
33275 00320 MCCANN ARTHUR & MARYALICE
33287 00300 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY 2,862.07
33346 01220
BADER MOHAMMED & LAILA 17,230.43 33359 00150 15-16,59-60
RAGONA FRANCESCA D & RAGONA MAT 9,826.88 33363 01440 144-145
BHUTTA ETAL ABDUL GHAFFAR 20,130.62
33369 02750
PERRONI FRANK & ANNE 2,062.74 35029 02410 241-243
SEENO HELEN TRUST 12,779.85 35029 04420 442-443
SCHLOSSER ROBERT & KEYES DOMINI 4,459.27
35033 04740
ESCOBAR MARITZA 5,475.02
35036 00420 42-44
RAMDAYAL LORNA 6,569.77
35041 00330 33-35
LACERENZA ANTOINETTE LIFE ESTAT 14,975.85
35045 02100 210,223 SANCHEZ NELLY & DEGASPERI LOUIS 17,630.73
35054 00400 40-41
TOLOMEO GIACOMO 31,748.95 35082 00010 1-8
MCAULIFFE
33405 00710
33412 00180 18-19
JBM PROPERTIES
33430 00400
MILITANA ANGELINA 15,375.55
33431 00560 56-57
DORAN CHRISTOPHER G 10,317.87
33433 00420 42-44
ANGRISANO JOHN & MARY ROSE 2,865.47
33436 01140 114-115
EGAN LAURA & MARQUES DIANE EGAN 11,982.32
33443 00180 18-19
SOPP WILLIAM & EDITH 5,461.53 33452 00130 13-16
FRUCCI JOHN 25,118.54 33461 01760
VALILA S 464.13 33466 00040
TALT JOHN 5,551.98
33471 00060 6-7
COHEN ROBERT 12,285.92
33479 00100 10-11
17 NASSAU PROPERTY CORP 8,299.44
33489 02910
3 NASSAU BLVD LLC 36,925.24
33489 02950
LYONS ALFRED & BARBARA 323.19
33490 01050
LYONS ALFRED & BARBARA 323.18
33490 02050
KEATING HELEN E & KEATING MARY 3,257.51
33495 00560 56-58
VALENTINE BETTY 3,268.15
33506 00410
ST ANDREW EVANGELICAL LU 981.64
33510 01320
BRENT STANLEY TRUST 15,615.85
33524 02440
KELLY ALICE LIFE ESTATE 17,614.78
33526 00740 Jnc Realty Llc 59,145.42
33591 04130
GHIURO JOSEPH P & DEBRA 2,942.54
33592 00170
SPATOLA PIETRO & MARIA C 14,241.20
33593 00070
WILDENRADT FREDERICK A (JR) 7,436.04
33597 00720 72-73
PANOPOULOS PAMELA 16,382.74
33597 01670
999 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE LLC 32,694.27
35004 00010 1-7,28-34
989 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE LLC 105,829.28
35004 01260
UNGER EDMUND & HERMINE 4,951.05
35006 00010 1-2
CENTINEO ROSEMARY LIFE ESTATE 14,060.61
35011 01260
CARPIO RICHARD A & ROSA C 2,623.23
35017 01170
OCANDO BETH ANN 11,718.94
35026 03350
HASBROUCK HILDA JOAN 3,030.63
35100 01010
TERREZZA VINCENT 10,118.32
35102 01440
MONTEPAONE DOMINICK & BARBARA 6,252.43
35106 02310
CHIMBO RENE W & 345.24
35124 01070
TOLOMEO PAUL 13,798.94
35131 01100 110 & 309
MECCIO ALFRED & CESARINA 6,342.95
35135 00510
ENGLISH JANET 14,936.92
35135 00640
GILEWSKI ROBERT J & CHRISTINE 13,389.00
35135 00680
KOKOT GERMANO 15,370.72
35139 00070 7-10
302 LINCOLN STREET LLC 12,316.22
35142 01310
ELEFANTE TRUST 4,379.92
35144 00380 38-40
FRANCOIS VICTOR & DONNA L 14,115.83
35145 00280 28-30
CUSUMANO JR PHILIP 13,534.35
35151 00460 46-48,149
DREXLER ROBERT
35159 00210
35161 00880
01020
35162 00530 SINGH SUJAN
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
Continued on next page
Public Notices
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
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3015
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
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
Public Notices
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
City of lonG BeaCh
GLEN
GLEN
NASSAU
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY THE NASSAU OBSERVER City of Glen Cove
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-13, Plaintiff, v. VINCENT MCPHERSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LAVERN MCPHERSON A/K/A LAVERN VERONICA
MCPHERSON A/K/A
LAVERN DACOSTA A/K/A LAVERN DACOSTAMCPHERSON, ET AL, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
THAT
In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on December 16, 2022, I, Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 25, 2025 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows: 168 Freeman Avenue Elmont, NY 11003
SBL No.: 37-371-285 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 613803/2018 in the amount of $497,953.24 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the
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 1288756
time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 151108
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2021-2, Plaintiff against MILLER COMMERCIAL CONSULTANTS CORP; RODOLPHO MILLER, et al Defendant (s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 24, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 1717 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 453 Lot 9 and 10. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Elmont (not an incorporated Village), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $795,715.93 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 609476/2023.
Legislator Carrié Solages is hosting a winter apparel giveaway at Elmont Memorial High School, in collaboration with ICNA Relief, Muslims for Humanity and the school’s PTSA, on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee File # 23-001035-01 151106
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S.
Bank National Association, as Trustee, in trust for registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2007-FF2, Plaintiff AGAINST Erslena J. Jacob, The Estate of James S. Keaton a/k/a James Keaton, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 1371 North Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 549, Lot: 50-52 & 249. Approximate amount of judgment $711,244.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613057/2017. Howard
Colton, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-057763-F01 83905 151067
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst - SHIRLEY GARTNER, et al
Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 1, 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 27th day of February, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 100 Geranium Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001.
(S/B/L#: 32./188/41 and 42) Approximate amount of lien $782,990.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 000151/2018. Karen C. Grant, 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, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: December 31, 2024
Solages hosts winter apparel giveaway at Elmont school
Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages is partnering with ICNA Relief, the Elmont Memorial PTSA and Muslims for Humanity to host a winter apparel giveaway at Elmont Memorial High School on Saturday, Feb. 8., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the senior cafeteria.
According to a news release about the event, organizers will be distributing free winter coats, blankets, and other items to families and community members in need, who must be present at the event to receive items.
“The winter season can be especially challenging for local families and our neighbors who are navigating financial difficulties,” Solages said. “It is important to rally around them, give them hope, and extend a helping hand to better days ahead. I thank this outstanding
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. 151235
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU -------------------------------X
INDEX NO: 608851/2017
Notice of Sale
Easton Capital Corp. Plaintiff, - against745 Anderson Corp., Juan DeJesus Portela Arce, Liliana Portela Gil, “John Doe” and “Jane Doe”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of the premises, Defendants. -------------------------------X
NOTICE OF SALE, SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU Easton Capital Corp. v.
2025 Winter Apparel Giveaway
Where: Elmont Memorial High School Senior Cafeteria 555 Ridge Road Elmont, NY 11003
When: Saturday, Feb. 8 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
team of partners for coming together to make a difference in our community.”
745 Anderson Corp., Juan DeJesus Portela Arce, Liliana Portela Gil. Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly filed on July 26, 2023, I the undersigned referee will sell at public auction at the at the CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom) in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on Tuesday March 11, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., the premises known as: 745 Anderson Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010. Said Premises known as Section 35, Block 577, Lot 25 on the tax maps of Nassau County Approximate amount of
Judgment: $811,299.70 plus interest, legal fees and costs Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment under Index No. 608851/2017
Michael Langer, Esq., referee Kevin P. Finn, Attorney for Plaintiff 400 Post Ave Suite 305
–Renee DeLorenzo
Tim Baker/Herald
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
DRIVERS WANTED
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
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
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
OUTSIDE SALES
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
HomesHERALD
A Home That Has It All!
Do we have beams we don’t need?
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!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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opinions
An inauguration that was decidedly different
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.
Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting
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.
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Dialing up a possible cellphone plan
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
letters
Randi shares the joy of books
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.
FPulling back the curtain on Hochul’s state budget
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
Letters
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
Clavin’s ‘poorly handled,’ double-digit tax increase
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.
Framework by Diane Revinskas
At the Knossos Palace — Crete, Greece
PETROS KROMMIDAS Baldwin
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