the Young Muslims and the Elmont Key Club joined Legislator County Carrié Solages to organize a winter clothing drive to help community members in need.
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
As part of a coordinated effort by several community organizations, Elmont Memorial High School hosted a winter clothing drive for local residents in need on Feb. 8. Many volunteers at the event stressed the importance of community participation in addressing the growing need for resources and financial support across Long Island, encouraging people to get involved locally.
The Elmont PTSA, ICNA Relief, the Young Muslims, the Elmont Key Club and the office of Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages worked together to collect supplies, including clothing in children’s and adult sizes, which were arrayed on tables in the school’s senior cafeteria. They included hats, gloves, sweaters, jeans and coats, along with some toys and gifts.
According to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau statistical CoNTINuEd oN
Natalie Osorio named a 2025 Regeneron Scholar Community collaborates to address poverty
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
H. Frank Carey High School
senior Natalie Osorio is inspiring new young scientists at her school after being named a 2025 Regeneron Scholar in January.
“It’s been my dream for a long time,” Natalie said, remembering how she wanted to join her school’s science research program as early as fifth grade. Now, she is among only 300 scholars nationwide to receive the honor this year.
Her teacher, Zachary Englis, who has taught at the school for seven years, said it’s been a special experience watching Nata-
lie grow from a seventh-grade student with a passion for science to a senior who has conducted professional research.
Natalie established her goals during her freshman year of high school, she recalled, setting her sights on Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program. While she knew the program only accepted applications from high school juniors, she started work on two projects in the two years leading up to her chance to apply.
First, Natalie began work creating affordable knee braces for patients in ACL rehabs. After completing that project,
she changed direction and began research on artificial intelligence and machine learning, using the technology to detect seizures.
In January 2024, she was ready to apply to the university’s summer program. She collected her application materials application questions, transcripts, and letters of recommendation from her teachers and submitted it. She found out in March she was accepted.
“I literally started crying to my parents because it was something I didn’t expect,” she said.
In the weeks leading up to the program, Natalie was given
a list of potential mentors and which type of research they conducted. She listed her top three choices, placing biochemical research at the top, and was matched with a project on biofilms spearheaded by one of the university’s professors, Dr. Elizabeth Boon.
Starting in July, Natalie spent the next six weeks con -
ducting research in the university lab under the guidance of Stony Brook fifth-year doctorate student Jason Withorn. They worked closely together, building off the body of research Boon had been conducting for the past 20 years. Withorn said he is always willing to take on students, and
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald
Members of the Elmont High School PTSA, ICNA Relief,
Local organizations unite the community
estimates, over 6 percent of Long Island residents live below the poverty line, meaning they earn less than $30,000 per year.
Institutions like Molloy College, however, claim that those numbers are low, and the real figure should be based on a $55,500-per-year income. That would classify close to 20 percent of Long Island residents as “structurally poor.” People’s World, a publication dedicated to labor rights, estimates that the number is closer to 30 percent based on rising cost of goods and services.
Camillea Peterkin, the Elmont High’s PTSA president, said the organization is always trying to help as much as it can in the community, whether by fundraising, organizing community events or creating activities for students.
When Solages’s office contacted the PTSA about organizing the event, Peterkin said, it was a perfect opportunity to help local residents in need. “What I really want people to know,” she said, “is that the PTSA tries to be a driving force for the benefit of our scholars, our teachers and the community in general.”
Solages said his office has partnered with ICNA many times, and the clothing drive is hosted annually with its help. His office coordinated the event in Elmont for the first time this year, and facilitated the relationship between the school and ICNA to help promote it.
It’s important, Solages explained, for any form of help to come from organizations and institutions that people in the community trust. That’s why, he said, it’s also important for groups like ICNA and the Young Muslims to connect with community members at events like the clothing drive.
‘We just want to help people and make it as easy as possible,” he said.
Solages pointed out that an increasing number of Long Island residents fall below the poverty line each year. But, he said, coordinating with faith-based organizations, which are better connected with the community, is a great start in addressing the growing need for food, clothing and other supplies.
Y
mosques, which ICNA collected and turned over to the school.
we have
In addition to donations, he said, ICNA also applies for grants to fund its humanitarian efforts. Rehman said that Solages recently allocated $50,000 to the nonprofit to launch a food pantry in his district.
faiths. But that’s the beauty of America ... And when something happens, it’s all about serving the community.
Abdul RehmAn Volunteer, ICNA CSJ
According to Abdul Rehman, a volunteer for the ICNA Council for Social Justice, the national humanitarian organization is dedicated to organizing food pantries, back-to-school supply giveaways, fundraisers for victims of natural disasters and any other resources communities need to improve their quality of life.
For the clothing drive, Rehman said, people across the Island donated items at
As first-, second- and third-generation Muslim Americans, he explained, it is important for the organization to be embedded in society. “Yes, we have different faiths,” he said. “But that’s the beauty of America people come from different backgrounds. And when something happens, it’s all about serving the community.”
Hamza Khan, the financial lead for the Young Muslims, a national youth organization, said they often collaborate with ICNA and other Nassau County nonprofits. The organization has been around since 1995 and has chapters across the country, more than 10 of them on Long Island.
Its purpose, he said, is to unite kids in the community and create events in which they can interact in a constructive environment. He believes it helps keep
them off the street and focused on creating positive connections.
As the fundraising lead for the region, Khan said he works hard to raise money for the nonprofit because it is a crucial part of building a close-knit community that supports those in need. Many of its funds go to ICNA, he said, but they donate to other organizations as well.
The organization is open to children and adults between ages 13 and 25, he said, which means that sustaining its membership is a challenge. It is always trying to get new kids to join.
Finding a community that shares the same values, ideas and customs is a positive experience for new members, Khan added. “They understand where you’re coming from. This is like a brotherhood.”
Two volunteers from the Elmont High Key Club, junior Harsimran Kaur and senior Aafia Ahmed, said that helping at events like these gives them a feeling of being united with their neighbors. Ahmed explained that some communities feel disconnected from one another because they don’t host events that bring them together.
“It kind of, like, binds the community together,” she said. “It allows us to meet more people in our community.”
Kaur agreed, and added, “I always think you should try your best to help the people around you. You never know when you’re going to need the help from others.”
Nassir Edwards is college football-bound
The football player signed a letter of intent to play for the Wagner College Seahawks in fall 2025
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Nassir Edwards, a senior at Elmont Memorial High School, is on his way to becoming a college football player after signing a letter of intent with Wagner College to join their team, the Seahawks.
The letter of intent, Nassir explained, is a contract to play football at the Division 1 and Division 2 level. It reads a player’s NCAA rights and details their scholarship opportunities. Nassir will be attending the Staten Island-based college with a full scholarship beginning the 2025 fall semester.
“Football has been my first love, my first sport,” he said.
Nassir said he started playing football for the Elmont Cardinals Youth Sports Club, a peewee organization offered through the town, when he was just five years old. He started as a running back, but as he got taller, he became a quarterback.
He’s a person of high moral character. He’s a kid that gets it done in the classroom, and somebody that kids can look up to and emulate.
TOmmiE iNNEs
Head football coach, Elmont high school
He played for the league during his time attending Dutch Broadway Elementary School. Once he entered the high school, which serves students from grades seven to 12, he became a Spartan. He said his coaches wanted him play quarterback, a role he accepted despite having aspirations to be a receiver.
However, his ability to play was suddenly halted when Nassir injured himself playing football with his friends in 2020. They were playing without pads, he remembered, and he fell hard on his shoulder, breaking the bone and tearing a few ligaments. After getting surgery, he was in recovery for the rest of the year.
But, there was a silver lining. Nassir said he had to change positions on the team, switching from playing quarterback to the role he’d always wanted receiver.
Beyond his transition to new roles on the team, Nassir underwent a transformation in his character.
Kareem Agoro, a social studies teacher at the high school, and a mentor to Nassir, has known him since he was in seventh grade. He remembered Nassir was an annoyance to him at first, he laughed, but he saw a lot of talent in him.
Agoro runs one of the mentor programs at the school, the Men of Elmont. When Nassir was young, he would often attend their meetings. Agoro said he took a liking to Nassir and tried to guide him not only in sports, but also in life decisions.
“When we look at our students, we see ourselves,” Agoro said. “We kind of all wish we had somebody who cared for us in that way.”
This mentorship is important, he asserted, because it helps students learn to be part of a team, overcome adversity, handle failure and become a leader.
Members of the Spartans didn’t call Nassir by his name at first, Agoro recounted, often referring to him as “sophomore.” But, he continued, Nassir made a name for himself.
Nassir is a two-time Nassau County football champion, an all-state player, captain of the Long Island team in the 2024 National Football Foundation All-Star Classic, and a key player that has helped the Spartans win many of their games.
During all of Nassir’s football successes, he was also undergoing a lengthy recruitment process through colleges interested in his athletic performance.
Nassir said the process began when he was a sophomore in 2023. Around the end of the school year, he started making introductions with college coaches.
When he returned to school for his junior year, he was on top of his game, performing in what he described as a breakout season. College coaches began following his Twitter account and reaching out to him with interest.
In November, he submitted footage of his athletic performance during games to coaches at Wagner College, and was eventually invited to their campus. That’s when he realized he really could play football on the collegiate level.
After some conversations, the college began analyzing his footage. Nassir said he had to maintain constant contact with the recruiters to make sure they didn’t lose interest.
According to Tommie Innes, the head football coach
at Elmont, there wasn’t much Nassir could do after submitting his videos. At that point, it was a waiting game.
Nassir’s high school coaches, including Innes, had a meeting with the Wagner coaches, where they discussed Nassir’s work ethic and performance in school. When asked about Nassir’s character, Innes said he answered honestly.
“He’s a person of high moral character,” he said. “He’s a kid that gets it done in the classroom, and somebody that kids can look up to and emulate.”
Innes, who has been coaching Nassir since he was in eighth grade, said he is everything a college could want in an athlete. He plays strong on the field, he asserted, and still makes time for his academic studies.
In January, after nearly two months of waiting, the Wagner coaches decided they wanted Nassir on their team and sent him an offer letter. It was a huge weight off his shoulders, Nassir said, and he was ready to sign it.
Agoro said he knows Nassir will be a standout player on the field and a successful student in the classroom. Nassir has intentions to pay his success forward, Agoro added, and hopes Nassir never forgets his roots in Elmont.
Innes said his message for Nassir is to finish what he started, which he already knows he will. He said he hopes Nassir accepts whatever opportunities present themselves to him after he graduates.
As for Nassir, one of the biggest lessons he learned from his mentors over the years is to stay focused and follow through on his commitments. His proudest moment, he said, was committing to college. And, he added, he is following through on the promise he made to his family when he was young that his college career would be paid in full.
Nassir’s goal is to obtain a four-year engineering degree, leave college with no debt and eventually buy a house for his family to live in. And, he said, maybe he could try making it to the NFL.
Regardless of his career trajectory, football would always be part of Nassir’s life because, he said, “it never gets old.”
Nassir Edwards, an Elmont high school senior, signed a letter of intent to play for the Wagner College Seahawks beginning the 2025 fall semester.
Photos courtesy Kareem Agoro Nassir celebrated signing his letter of intent with his Spartan team members on Feb. 5 in the school’s gymnasium.
Students celebrate MLK and Black history
Gotham Avenue School hosted its annual Peace and Love March, which included assemblies commemorating Black history and the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event, which took place on Jan. 17, was organized and led by teacher Arielle Parisi.
A news release about the event said festivities commenced with a student-led march for peace, love, and positivity. Students carried handcrafted signs and walked together down the main hallway and along the school’s front sidewalk.
Following the march, the news release said, three assemblies were held in the gymnasium to showcase performances by students in each grade. The songs chosen for the occasion shared messages of love and acceptance.
According to the news release, the first assembly showcased the talents of the pre-K and kindergarten students. Performances began as students performed
“Rise Up,” followed by pre-K students who performed “Martin Luther King” and kindergartners who performed “You-Nique.”
The performances continued with the second assembly, featuring first, second and third grade students. First graders performed “Everyday People,” second graders performed “Lean on Me,” and third graders wrapped up the segment with “Love Train.”
The final assembly included fourth, fifth and sixth grade students. Fourth graders performed “Try Everything,” fifth graders performed “I Believe in the Dream,” and sixth graders concluded the performances with “Live More and Love More.”
The celebration of MLK’s legacy continued in the classrooms, the news release concluded, where students read books and engaged in projects focused on his life and impact.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Pet Trusts
Bob and Laura were ready to move forward with their estate plan to save estate taxes and avoid probate. The only hitch was who would take care of their beloved pets, Samson, the dog and Delilah, the cat, after Bob and Laura passed away.
Under New York law, trusts for the care of our pets are valid and enforceable. You can set up a pet trust in either a trust or a will. A trust is a private document that generally does not go to court, so if you create a pet trust within your own trust, it’s a private affair. A will, once submitted to court, is a public document and the court oversees the directions in your will, including your pet trust provisions.
Bob and Laura created pet trusts in their own living trusts. After more searching and discussion, they chose Bob’s brother, Rich, to be the trustee, or manager, of the pet trusts, meaning Rich will oversee and keep account of the money allocated to care for Sampson and Delilah. Rich will also be the caretaker. The trustee and caretaker do not have to be the same person but often that is the arrangement.
According to their trusts, after Bob and Laura are both gone, they leave $10,000 for each of their surviving pets. The trust money is to be used for the “proper medical care, support and maintenance” of their pets until the last pet dies. Then, the remainder of the money, called the “trust balance,” is distributed according to Bob’s and Laura’s wishes.
Instead of leaving a specific amount of money, a technique developed by Ettinger Law Firm may be preferable. What we suggest is that an amount to care for the annual feeding and medical care of the pet be placed in a trust, based on the actuarial life expectancy of the pet as determined by a local veterinarian. After all, the amount needed varies greatly depending on the age of the pet. To that, an average of five thousand or more may be added for unseen expenses. Consideration should also be given as to what a fair fee may be for the trustee.
Our free review of your estate plan every three years assures that the pet trust will be updated as circumstances change.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
or
Photos courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Gotham Avenue School fourth graders performed “Try Everything” during the assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 17.
Gotham Avenue School sixth graders performed “Live More and Love More” during the assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 17.
Sewanhaka students perform in music festival
Sewanhaka Central High School District musicians and artists from all five school buildings performed in the 62nd annual District Music Festival and Art Exhibit, hosted at New Hyde Park Memorial High School on Feb. 6.
A news release about the event said the concert featured 250 musicians in band, choir and orchestra, who auditioned for the event or were selected based on their NYSSMA scores. More than 400 student artists district wide had their artwork on display in the main lobby, welcoming guests to the festival with what the news release described as beautiful, and unique pieces of art.
The evening’s festivities began with the District Festival Orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Susan Weber, that delivered a performance of “Elementa,” “Somewhere” from West Side Story, “Jazz Sebastian Bach: Rondeau from Orchestral Suite No. 2,” and “Procession of Nobles” from Mlada.
The news release said the District Festival Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Jennifer Miceli, performed renditions of “Dies Irae” from Requiem, “Ma Bella Bimba,” which is an Italian folk song, “Glow,” and “Children, Go Where I Send Thee,” which is an African American spiritual song.
The performances culminated with the District Festival Band, under the direction of guest conductor David Kaufman, featuring songs such as “An American Fanfare,” “Groove Music,” “In
Honor of the Fallen,” and “Ruckus.”
Every year, the news release continued, the festival honors an individual for their exceptional contributions to both the district and school communities. This year’s honoree was Dr. Thomas Dolan, who is the retired Interim Superintendent of Sewanhaka Central High School District.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Photos courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District
Performances by the Sewanhaka school district’s orchestra, chorus and band showcased during the 62nd annual District Music Festival and Art Exhibit on Feb. 6.
The District Festival Band rehearsed for the festival under the direction of guest conductor David Kaufman, performing a variety of songs.
The District Festival Orchestra prepared a selection of songs under the direction of guest conductor Susan Weber, which were performed during the festival.
By Lesley Sauls
Any parent who has asked a child how the day went is likely to have received a glazed stare, shrugged shoulders or the dreaded oneword answer: “Fine.”
Getting into the mind of a child can be akin to breaking into Fort Knox. There has to be a secret code, but what is it? It may seem impossible, but there are some sure-fire ways to engage your child and become privy to the goings-on about which every parent wants to be aware.
Plant the seed of communication before your child even knows what you are up to.
Be sincere
Offer your highs and lows, too, edited for young ears, so that she can see that everyone has ups and downs in life and that you value her enough to share yours. You will soon earn her trust in return and be included in her private thoughts.
Joan Bohman, director of professional standards and continuing professional development for the National Association of School Psychologists, supports laying groundwork as soon as possible for family communication.
“If, during early school years, children know that the parent is going to ask what they learned today, it becomes a standard topic in which all are expected to take part. Then the
Talking points
Start early and communication won’t get a bad rap
pattern is set for older years.”
She adds: “Parents need to be careful to listen and validate the students’ point of view rather than jump in with the ‘right answer’ or ‘right way’ to think about something.”
Conversation starters
Meet your son’s friends, teachers and afterschool program instructors. Volunteer at school if you have time and participate with class
activities as often as possible.
Schools are constantly providing announcements. Scour them for potential conversation starters about upcoming projects, school programs, retiring teachers, peer successes and any other topic you can find. Ask your child’s friends carefully placed questions, and the answers you receive will become conversation starters to use at home.
A question that can be answered with a
one-word answer most likely will be, so ask open-ended questions that can’t possibly be satisfied with a “yes,” “no” or “fine” answer. Instead of asking how your daughter’s day was, ask about specifics.
Ask what kind of math problems she is working on, what she read during her free time and what exercises she did in gym class. You’ll get short answers, but each will open a door to more questions. Relate similar stories from your youth and you’ll likely elicit questions that can easily be bounced back to her.
Age and timing is everything
Consider your child’s age when you gear up for an after-school chat. Younger kids will be open and eager to tell you about their day right away. Parental attention at that age is key, and they’re ripe for conversation. Tweens and teens usually need a little time to themselves before they’re willing to talk. It’s better to let them come home and shift gears from school to family before you start asking questions.
Of older kids, Bohmann suggests, “Ask questions about the day while working on another task. If the student helps set or clear the table, that may be a good time to talk. “
Photo: Knowing when and how to talk to your child or teen makes a world of difference in getting them to open up.
Give them a summer they’ll never forget at Hofstra Summer Camps! Registration is now open, and you can secure your child’s spot
Plus, included lunch and transportation
Immigration policies spark anxiety on L.I.
By SCOTT BRINTON Special to the Herald
First in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.
Sergio Jimenez, of Amityville, an activist with an immigrant rights coalition that includes the Workplace Project in Hempstead, was recently approached by an acquaintance with an unusual proposition: The man asked whether Jimenez would take over his car payments.
The Honduran man had had enough of the Trump administration’s treatment of the immigrant community, and planned to return to his home country. He needed someone to assume his car payments rather than abandon the vehicle.
“He’s going back to Honduras because he can’t stand all this suppression,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez spoke during a nearly twohour-long conversation on Feb. 5 that the Herald hosted at a restaurant down the street from Hempstead Town Hall, attended by 15 immigrants and advocates from the local community and beyond. They came to discuss President Trump’s immigration policy, with its increased focus on identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants.
To protect its owners’ privacy, the Herald is not naming the restaurant.
Trump, Jimenez said, is ignoring the potential economic impact of tens of thousands, perhaps millions, of undocumented and documented immigrants returning to their home countries, either because they are forced or choose to. If a growing number of immigrants leave, the economy will suffer, he said.
Immigrants comprise a third of Nassau County’s workforce and a third of its small-business owners, and New York’s immigrants, documented and undocumented, pay more than $3.1 billion annually in state and local taxes, according to the New York Immigration Coalition.
Nadia Marin-Molina, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, which has an office at the Freeport Workers Justice Center, said she believes the Trump administration aims to “make people’s lives miserable and to scare people, to terrorize people into leaving themselves, because they can’t deport everybody that they say they’re going to deport.”
As of Feb. 3, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported nearly 8,800 arrests of immigrants from 121 countries, with almost 5,700 deportations and removals since Trump took office. As of 2022, an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants lived in the U.S., 3 percent of the population, according to the American Immigration Council.
Many immigrants were already on edge and thinking of returning to their homelands before Trump’s increased enforcement, according to Deyanira Barrow, who immigrated to the U.S. 35
An increasing number of immigrants are considering returning to their home countries because of the Trump administration’s “suppression” of immigrant rights, according to Hempstead-area activists. Advocates and 15 immigrants gathered to talk with the Herald on Feb. 5.
years ago following the Nicaraguan civil war from 1978 to 1990.
Theft is often why “our people say, no, no, I’m going back to my country. They know some people spend a lot of money for nothing,” Barrow, a Workplace Project activist from Baldwin Harbor who owns a cleaning business, said. An attorney might charge $3,000 to $5,000 to process an immigration claim and provide no services, she added.
Local cooperation with ICE?
According to the National Immigration Law Center, on Jan. 20, his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders calling for, among other measures:
■ A recommitment to mass detention of undocumented immigrants.
■ Potential punishment of municipalities that act as “sanctuaries” for them.
■ A DHS review and audit of federal grants and contracts with non-governmental agencies that aid them.
■ Possible reinstatement of countrybased immigration bans.
■ An examination of Temporary Protected Status designations that allow immigrants fleeing violence and natural disaster to remain in the U.S.
■ Expansion of the expedited removal policy that allows the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants without their day in court.
■ Authorization for local municipalities to act as immigration enforcement agents.
This final point was most disconcerting for a number of the immigrants interviewed by the Herald. They wonder whether local governments, such as the villages of Freeport, Hempstead and
Westbury, and area school districts might cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, signed an agreement with the Trump administration on Feb. 4 that deputized county police officers to carry out immigration enforcement in tandem with ICE.
Blakeman’s policy has received bipartisan support. Freshman U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, issued a statement on Feb. 6, saying, “Violent criminals with no legal right to be here should be deported in accordance with the law. Nassau County detectives now being able to work directly with ICE agents on targeted enforcement against known noncitizen criminals will help keep Long Islanders safe.”
Whether local governments and school districts will cooperate with ICE is an open question. Last month, Hempstead Board of Education President Victor Pratt told Newsday, “We will continue to comply with federal mandates, and the law is the law, whether we agree with it or not.”
That prompted the immigrant rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF to respond. “Allowing ICE into our schools or working with this federal agency jeopardizes the safety, rights and wellbeing of the district’s student body,” Lourdes Rosado, the group’s president and general counsel, said.
Hempstead Schools Superintendent Susan Johnson posted a message on the district website last week to reassure concerned parents and students: “We understand that there are concerns circulating in our community regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During these times, it is important to know that our schools are safe spaces where all children are valued, protected and supported.”
No village or school district could be reached by phone for comment at press time.
‘The struggle continues’
“We are in a dire situation, as I see it,” Jimenez said. “Part of it is the lack of cohesion in the community. There’s no one representing, working with us, except organizations” like the Workplace Project.
The immigrant community was very active politically during the 1980s, “but then somehow the community fell asleep, and we remain sleeping,” Emilio Alfaro Ruiz, national advertising director for La Tribuna Hispana, a Hempstead-based Spanish-language newspaper, said. “It’s a state of mind. We have to tell the people that the struggle continues.”
Elected leaders of both parties have disappointed the immigrant community, Ruiz said, adding, “We always hope the Democrats will do more.” In particular, he said, the community had hoped that President Barack Obama, with a Democratically controlled Congress from 2009 to 2011, would push through comprehensive immigration reform, but that never happened.
Many immigrant activists have grown tired of the fight, Ruiz said. As they see it, the “politicians don’t give a damn about us,” he said, “and I’m going to do my own business — self-care.”
Miguel Alas Sevillano, a community organizer with the Workplace Project and a Salvadoran immigrant, said the organization is holding a workshop series to help immigrants understand their rights under the law. “We prepare people in the community how to act in case ICE comes to our homes or our workplaces or any public area,” Sevillano said.
To learn more about the workshops, call (516) 565-5377.
Courtesy Scott Brinton
Howie’s Heart celebrates anniversary
By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent
Howie’s Heart, a Franklin Squarebased nonprofit, commemorated their one year anniversary at the Franklin Square Public Library on Feb. 13. The nonprofit’s founders Jen Camacho, James Conklin and Melissa Cox honored outstanding volunteers and community partners during the evening’s celebration.
The first recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award was the Franklin Square Public Library, which Camacho said has been friendly and giving to the nonprofit and the community.
Daphne Levy, the library’s teen librarian, received the “Heart of Kindness” award. Camacho recalled how surprised and excited Levy was when Camacho first asked about hosting community service events at the library.
The second recipient of the community partner award was Sandy’s Party Supply, owned by the Arora family, which donates every single balloon that Howie’s Heart uses for their events.
Camacho gives out one balloon to a volunteer who has shown the highest level of involvement at each event, as well.
There were dozens of balloons at the anniversary celebration, and community service events were available to guests throughout the evening. Attendees took cards, wrote a message of kindness on it and attached it balloons to give to a stranger or friend.
“My favorite memory of Howie’s Heart, I guess, is just something like this,” Tracey Fox, who is affiliated with the party supply business, said of the event. “Getting the community together, spreading kindness.”
Camacho gave the Compassionate Ally Award to Jessica Nacinovich and Bianca Vazquez. They are both occupational therapists who started volunteering with Howie’s Heart at a Spectrum of Service event. During this event, kids of all abilities got a chance to perform acts of service.
“Everything about these events, you can feel the love, and you know that it’s coming from a place of altruism,” Vazquez said. “Not only do these events give you the opportunity to do good, but you feel good.”
Camacho gave the Outstanding Volunteer Award to Elizabeth Pipitone and Sandy Corsetti.
Pipitone is a child volunteer who organized the “In Our Kindness Era” event. According to Camacho, she became the first community member to lead her own service event with the nonprofit.
After Howie’s Heart helped Corsetti’s family, Corsetti began baking, driving long distances, raising funds, and helping the nonprofit in many other ways. She was a big part of the Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus.
“Sandy’s determination and can-do attitude has left a lasting impression on our Howie’s Heart family,” Camacho said.
Camacho said the Kids Need More Holiday Cheer Bus event is her favorite
memory from their first year of Howie’s Heart. Kids Need More is an organization that raises funds to load holiday presents on 50 buses and deliver them to 1,500 local children the Sunday before Christmas every year. When the buses arrive, the “elves” carol, dance and do scavenger hunts.
Camacho said the nonprofit was also able to raise over $11,000 by hosting three hot cocoa stands in the community.
“I’ll never forget the first hot cocoa stand that we did,” Camacho said. “We could just watch our money jar getting bigger and bigger. We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! We can hardly fit any more money in this jar!’”
Madison Duckworth operated the hot cocoa stands along with her parents, Ken and Jaime Duckworth, and her brother, Landon Duckworth. The entire Duckworth family received the Outstanding Volunteer Family Award.
“It feels like I didn’t really need an award, because I just love to help out the community,” Madison said.
Landon organized his own volunteerled event where the community put together food bags for the homeless. He said he went to a Howie’s Heart event and joined their summer camp. “We got a lot closer,” he said of the nonprofit. “I decided, ‘Ya know what? I think people need more.’”
Johnny Ray, a member of Kids Need More, said despite the short amount of time they’ve known Howie’s Heart, they are already blown away by how amazing the nonprofit is.
At the end of the ceremony, Jaime took to the podium and gave a speech about Camacho. Ken donated all the award plaques, so the family was able to make one for Camacho, too.
As Conklin spoke of his sister, his eyes welled up.
“I have two little girls right now, six months old,” he said. “I would love nothing more for them than for them to grow up and emulate how she goes about her daily life.”
Community volunteers participate in “Kindness Activities for All” at the celebration.
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos
Kaleb Davis, left, Rachel Davis, Ami Seck and Anthony Ruggiero make kindness messages and attach them to balloons.
Founders of Howie’s Heart, James Conklin, left, Jen Camacho and Melissa Cox celebrate Camacho’s surprise award at the Howie’s Heart anniversary celebration on Feb. 13.
STEPPING OUT
Those ‘wild’ days
Director Billy Bustamante, whose credits include Broadway and off-Broadway, brings his flair to the Madison Theatre’s latest production.
The
stage is set for a steamy Prohibition tale at Molloy’s Madison Theatre
By Danielle Schwab
It’s “the party to end all parties” and everyone’s on the guest list. You’re invited to travel back to the decadent world of 1920s Prohibition-era Manhattan when the roaring musical production of Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party,” arrives on the Molloy University campus shortly, March 7-9.
Audiences can expect a lively show filled with vibrant jazz and eclectic guests — also some uninvited “surprises” — that’s sure to keep the joint buzzing.
Observing the talented young performers involved with Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, guided by Director-Choreographer Billy Bustamante, you’ll surelly be thinking: ‘Let’s raise the roof, let’s make a scene!’
Set in the Roaring Twenties, it tells the tale of two vaudevillians, Queenie and Burrs, as they throw the party to end all parties. Jealousy and decadence abound in this spicy concoction whose tasty musical stew of jazz, blues, gospel, and Tin Pan Alley sounds remarkably contemporary.
Vaudeville dancer Queenie, (played by senior Jessica Olexy) and her intense partner Burrs (senior Cade Eller) host an evening of delight only to see it spiral into chaos with every twist and turn.
• Friday through Sunday, March 7-9; times vary
• Tickets start at $35; available at madisontheatreny.org or the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Sondheim’s “Here We Are” (choreographer). Now Molloy’s theater students can benefit from his talents.
“I have history with this story,” Bustamente says. “I directed an off-Broadway production of the other version back in 2016, so this feels like a full circle moment, getting to explore this story again through different writers.”
There’s even a ‘show within a show’ musical number, “ A Wild, Wild Party,” a favorite of senior Angelo Domingo, who appears as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie.
The Pirates of Penzance
Shiver me timbers! Book your passage to the Madison Theatre when Molloy University’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, stages the classic musical, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony, Sail away to the whimsical world of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, where a merry band of parading pirates — led by their Pirate King — clash swords and nightsticks with the bumbling Bobbies on the shores of Cornwall. The story revolves around Frederic, who was apprenticed by mistake to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley, including Mabel, and the two young people instantly fall in love. With its humorous blend of romantic entanglements and memorable melodies, this delightful production promises an evening of laughter and theatrical magic.
Friday through Sunday, Feb. 2123, times vary. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
“At this party, everyone has a secret and something to hide. This show explores what happens when those secrets and the masks — that we all wear — get ripped off,” Bustamante says.
Based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 poem of the same name, the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its look into love in a messy and exciting fashion when it debuted 25 years ago.
the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music
While the narrative poem is almost a century old, Lippa’s adaptation brings a modern take to the story, blending the captivating allure of the 1920s with a modern feel.
“The music is a lot more contemporary and eclectic, all while being rooted in jazz. There are some really exciting pop, Latin and contemporary musical theater elements in the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music allows audiences today to engage with the story and see themselves in the characters’ experiences in a really impactful way.”
From larger-than-life dancing sequences such as “Juggernaut,” to soulful reflections as in “What Is It About Her?,” the production traverses the range of human emotions and complicated identities those vaudeville entertainers of that era.
“All these people at the party are people who don’t belong in other places. The nature of what it meant to be a vaudevillian performer was you were uplifted and applauded at one moment and then not allowed certain restaurants or rooms at the next,” Bustamante explains.
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the other hand, these are all damaged people because of the lives that they’ve had to leave, and that sets the stage for an evening where a lot can really go down.”
This isn’t the first time that Bustamante has helmed the story. In fact, he was involved with a different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa. His resume includes acting in productions such as Broadway Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” in addition to his directorial turns in “Here Lies Love” (assistant director) and Stephen
as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie. says.
“It was the number that introduced me to the show, and it has just a very fun, infectious vibe,” Domingo
an opportunity to hone their performing skills before
For the cast of 25, this production is an opportunity to hone their performing skills before going forward professionally.
“The [CAP21] program teaches you a lot about how to be an individual in theater. Because we’re in New York, you get the experience of [being with] working professionals who are working on Broadway, Off Broadway and developing musicals,” Domingo continues.
[being with] working professionals who are
“I’ve grown in more ways than I thought I ever would. And when it comes to my training, I achieved things that I thought would take way longer to achieve already.”
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
So get ready to head to the theater — it’s time to join the party.
I thought I ever would. And when it head theater — it’s time to join the party.
audience Party” feeling
“I hope that our audience can leave “The Wild Party” feeling entertained, but at the same time a little educated and with a deeper understanding of themselves,” Bustamante
understanding of themselves,” Bustamante says.
masks serve you, and what masks might you
“And our version of the show can really help ask the question of our audience: ‘What masks serve you, and what masks might you be ready to let go.’
Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra brings its current U.S. tour to Long Island, under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio. Dynamic guest soloist Maxim Lando, an American pianist and winner of the 2022 New York Franz Liszt International Competition, joins CNSO. He and violinist Sandy Cameron perform beloved works from the Romantic repertoire — Jan Václav Hugo Voríšek’s Sinfonia Re Maggiore, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 and selected works from Antonín Dvorák, including Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 and Czech Suite.
The Wild Party contains mature themes.
step lively on stage.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy Madison Theatre Angelo Domingo and Mariposa Boyd
a different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21,-22, 11 a.m and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26-27, 10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show the Prince her new hyper warp speed engine.
But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
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.
In concert
Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.
The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Having an event?
A Band Called Honalee
Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”
With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/ Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Hempstead House tour
Feb. 23
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 23, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Flu surges in ‘under-vaccinated’ population
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Anna Sequoia had never had the flu before. At 79, the Glen Cove resident thought she knew what to expect when she developed a sore throat while on a Caribbean cruise last week. But by the time she got home, the illness had taken a frightening turn.
“By the third night, I could barely sleep because of the coughing,” Sequoia recounted. “The coughing was so horrible my chest really hurt.”
Sequoia, who has asthma, went to an emergency room after struggling to breathe. “I told them that I was short of breath,” she said. “I immediately told them that I had been out of the country. They always want to know that. And at that point, everybody put masks on.”
Doctors diagnosed her with the flu and prescribed multiple medications, including Tamiflu, prednisone and a nasal decongestant. They also told her to use a nebulizer every four to six hours to ease her breathing. Now recovering at home, she remains shaken by the experience.
“I was scared, actually,” she said. “It’s frightening to me that people are walking around now without masks.”
Flu cases in New York have surged to more than 53,000, with Long Island recording 11,862 cases in a single week — the highest in at least two seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu-related doctor visits nationwide are at a 15-year high. The CDC estimates that, so far this season, 24 million Americans have had the flu, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths.
In New York, flu activity has reached its highest level in years. The number of flu-related doctor visits
climbed 7 percent in the first week of February, approaching levels last seen during the 2009-10 flu pandemic.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of epidemiology at Northwell Health, said this year’s flu is being driven by low vaccination rates and changes in the virus strains.
“Flu seasons vary year by year, depending upon minor drifts in the virus,” Farber said. “Secondly, the population is under-vaccinated. Flu vaccination rates are much lower than they have been in years previous
… And then, of course, the matchup of the flu vaccine to this year’s strains is also always a prediction, at best.”
In New York, flu vaccination rates among children ages 6 months to 17 have dropped from 60 percent in 2020 to 49 percent this season, according to the CDC. Public health officials stress that the vaccine reduces the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization, even if it doesn’t prevent infection entirely.
Health officials expect flu cases to remain high for several more weeks. “Rates have been very high the first week of February. They’re just starting to level off and fall,” Farber said. “It usually remains at high levels of infection for about eight to 10 weeks, and then slowly declines.”
Officials track the flu’s spread through hospital admissions, flu test positivity rates and emergency room visits.
The Nassau County Department of Health stressed the importance of flu vaccinations in an email to the Herald, noting that it is not too late in the season to get protected. In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Those who are not feeling well should stay home from work, school and social gatherings until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Those who need help finding a vaccine can call the county health department, at (516) 227-9697.
With between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths expected annually, Farber stressed the seriousness of the illness, particularly for vulnerable populations. “People should realize that this disease is responsible for a lot of mortality every year,” he said. “It’s not a cold.”
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - 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
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 6feet 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. 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 Westbury, NY 11590
Dated January 28, 2025 151389
LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU
M&T BANK, Plaintiff, v. DAVID B. KAYODE, 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 November 21, 2024, I, Robert J. Aiello, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on March 14, 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: 11619 240th Street
a/k/a 116-19 240th Street Elmont, NY 11003
SBL No.: 32-640-242,243 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. 605818/2019 in the amount of $696,237.61 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 time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 151535
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
MUNICIPAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff against
JEANETTE MILLER
A/K/A JEANETTE SAMUELS A/K/A
JEANETTE MILLERSAMUELS, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern, Lavinthal & Frankenberg, LLC, 103 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 100, Roseland, NJ 07068.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 16, 2024, Order Substituting Referee entered May 9, 2024 and Order Extending Time to Set Sale entered January 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100
Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 26 Essex Road, Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 404 Lot 358. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the building and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Approximate Amount of Judgment is $98,713.32 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605901/2019. 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.”
Peter H. Levy, Esq., Referee File # 202100025 151537
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST F, Plaintiff, vs. CRAIG MYMAN, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 27, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Town of Islip, Islip Town Hall, 655 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751 on April 1, 2025, at 1:30 PM, premises known as 42 ADMIRALS DRIVE EAST, WEST BAY SHORE, NY 11706. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Islip, County of Suffolk and State of New York District: 0500, Section: 470.01, Block: 01.00, Lot: 142.000. Approximate amount of judgment is
$667,749.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 203147/2022. The referee does not accept cash, only bank checks or certified checks payable to Michael T. Clancy as referee. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee.
MICHAEL THOMAS CLANCY, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151542
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff -againstUNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH TANTALO, as if they be dead, etc..., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 7, 2024 and entered on March 12, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 35 Block 496 Lot 83. Said premises known as 815 FRANKLIN AVE, UNIT 4, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010
Approximate amount of lien $613,074.75 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 612238/2017.
JANE SHRENKEL, ESQ., Referee
DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. DLG# 38723 {* Elmont Herald*} 151454
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST JACQUELINE SALMON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1601 Johnson Avenue 13, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Hamlet of Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION 32 BLOCK 470 LOT 27. Approximate amount of judgment $717,212.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011587/2008. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-120754 84238 151496
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LIMOSA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. IFTEKHER HASSAN, IF LIVING, AND IF HE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 236 Holland Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying
and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 440 and Lots 123-125. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,000,472.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002479/2014.
Karl C. Seman, Esq., Referee
Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151525
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CHRISTIANA TRUST AS CUSTODIAN FOR GSRAN-Z LLC, Plaintiff against DONNA MANGAL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 30, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 24, 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, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as 98 Hillsboro Ave., Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 449 Lot 121. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $18,827.24 plus interest, fees, and costs and Attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 604289/2023. 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.”
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MASTR ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2006-AM3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AM3, -againstSHARON SPERANZA, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 5, 2019, wherein U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MASTR ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2006-AM3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AM3 is the Plaintiff and SHARON SPERANZA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 27, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 247 PASCHAL AVE, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010; and the following tax map identification: 33-308-52 & 53. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT FRANKLIN SQUARE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 011081/2013. Janine T. Lynam, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury,
Natalie inspires future science scholars
often volunteers to mentor them during the summer program. He said he’s mentored close to 20 students, ranging from undergraduate to doctorate levels of education, but Natalie was the first high school student he took under his wing.
“By far, Natalie has been the most driven scientist and researcher I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring,” he said. He said during her time there, she read many papers, always came prepared, stayed late in the lab, and pushed for better results. Natalie did the lab work herself, he said, and he wanted to make sure the project was entirely her own. After the program concluded, he continued, her level of productivity matched that of graduate students at the university.
Near the end of July, Natalie said she also surprised Boon with her findings from the research, answering some questions the lab previously had about the function of certain protein structures in biofilms. Now, the lab is continuing this work with other undergraduate students using Natalie’s research.
After going back for her senior year at H. Frank Carey, Natalie began preparing her materials to submit to Regeneron. Because it’s a holistic process, she explained, she was able to include extracurricular activities she participated in, as well as previous projects and a paper she wrote about her research during her time at Stony Brook.
She submitted the application in November and waited for nearly two months for the Regeneron competition winners to be announced in January. Admittedly, she said, she did not expect to get it.
On Jan. 8, one of her teachers pulled her out of class and explained that she had won some kind of award. Suddenly, it set in. Natalie was a 2025 Regeneron Scholar.
New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 151689
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST VIVIAN PRYOR, ET AL.,
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 7, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive,
“When I found out, I started crying,” she said. “It was very emotional for me because I put a lot of hard work into this.”
While it was a surprise to Natalie, Withorn said it was no surprise to him at all. “It was very welldeserved,” he said. “She put in so much work I’m glad it got noticed.”
He said he’s already written her letters of recommendation for college. He doesn’t think she’ll have any problem getting into any school she applies to, and any institution would be “out of their mind” not want her in their program.
As for Englis, the experience has been emotional. “To see that has been one of the highlights of my career,” he said of Natalie’s achievement.
Natalie raised the bar for science research at the school, Englis continued, and has shown other students what opportunities they can take in STEM fields. Sophomores and juniors at the school have expressed their
desire to be like Natalie because she is the only student at the school who has been named a Regeneron Scholar.
Natalie said this achievement would open a lot of doors for her in the future. She also understands the impact of her success on other students at the school, she added, because now she’s proof other students in the science research program can become a Regeneron Scholar, too.
It’s important for younger students not to restrict themselves, Natalie said, simply based on their uncertainty whether or not they will win a competition. “I really want to show others to try,” she said. “Even if you don’t expect you’re going to get it, apply and you’ll have the opportunity.”
While she hasn’t committed to a college yet, Natalie said her experience conducting research at Stony Brook for the Regeneron competition has helped her realize research is a passion of hers that she’d like to continue professionally.
News brief
First graders experiment in STEAM lab
Mineola, NY 11501 on March 20, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 29 Litchfield Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 31, Lot 391 & 392. Approximate amount of judgment $662,737.09 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001660/2016. Martin Dehler, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-002195 84144 151647
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUTSITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JULIA DANIELS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the
Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 26, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 89 Hunnewell Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, near Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, Section 35, Block 032, Lot 244-245. Approximate amount of judgment $401,463.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602721/2023. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003604 84451 151657
Polk Street School first graders learned how to identify physical traits on birds and experimented with different “beaks” during their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) Lab lesson on Jan. 30.
According to a news release about the event, Melissa Geiger, a STEAM Lab teacher, first presented the class with images of baby birds. Then, the news release continued, she presented a few images of possible “parent” birds and asked students to match them based on shared physical traits. The class identified traits such as the beak, eyes and feet to link the baby bird to its correct parent bird.
The students then experimented with different “beaks,” using spoons, pipettes, tweezers and chopsticks to represent pelicans, hummingbirds, blackbirds and herons, respectively. They tested each “beak” to see which could pick up the most rubber bands, which, according to the news release, repre -
sented “worms.” The students counted their “worms” and recorded their results on a bar graph.
After their experiment, students discussed which bird they believed most likely eats worms based on their data. The students unanimously deduced that the blackbird eats worms, the news release concluded.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District
natalie osorio, third from left, was recognized at the Sewanhaka High School district board meeting for her extraordinary achievements in science and research. aafia ahmed, profiled last week, was also a regeneron scholar.
Courtesy Franklin Square School District melissa geiger, a Steam Lab teacher, instructs first grade students on how to identify physical traits on birds during the school’s Steam lab.
Natalie OsOriO
Compliance Operations Manager , Hempstead, NY Bachelor +1yr. exp. req. Salary $71,614 yr. Email res. to: eromosele@iyaho.org Iyaho Social Services Inc.
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
Email res. to: eromosele@iyaho.org Iyaho Social Services Inc.
Eldercare Offered
Stunner – Move Right In!
Picture-perfect describes this beautiful, expanded split-level
Houses in flood zones had to be raised, but businesses?
Q. I am interested in leasing a building that I am certain was flooded during several recent storms. The landlord says the sheetrock and insulation were replaced, and there were only a “few inches of water.” I doubt that. The metal building is stained around the bottom 4 feet, in between tall weeds, since nobody takes care of it. It’s in an industrial area. I wonder why I had to lift my house, but these buildings, which clearly were seriously flooded, never had to make changes to deal with future flooding. I can’t risk losing inventory, and I don’t see where there was much done to prevent water from getting in. I probably won’t take the lease, but I still wonder why these buildings didn’t either have to be raised or make changes for better flood protection.
A. Most commercial buildings were not considered “substantially damaged,” a definition by the Federal Emergency Management Agency requiring flood-prevention implementation. In most cases, only when renovating, waterproofing materials were required to be added to either the inside or outside of buildings, but this was not enforced uniformly with required permits. Part of the reason that flood-proof materials were added was, just as you said, to prevent loss of inventory, but also because businesses can’t be out of commission for very long without losing money.
Flood protective panels that attach at the exterior doors and windows, membranes placed on interior walls behind new finishes, and waterproofing of exterior walls up to 2 feet above the flood elevation, designated by FEMA for your area, have become standard practice for projects where people are concerned about their businesses continuing to operate after the next serious storm. The owner or tenant has to be concerned enough to implement these safeguards, because most commercial buildings in flood-prone areas were either not considered damaged enough to lift or not required to flood-proof unless brought to the attention of officials.
The issue comes down to one thing: insurance. Many people think of FEMA as just a federal government program, but it’s much more than that. It’s a large insurance company, one of the largest in the world. Because there are so many disasters to handle each year — roughly $200 billion worth of damage — most insurance companies stopped insuring coastal communities around the country. There’s just too much risk. So FEMA is designated to cover the high risk, backed by taxpayers to pay for the gaps and losses. That falls to taxpayers because otherwise-thriving communities would cease to exist, tax revenue would be lost, bonds and debt failures would occur and the economy could collapse. It’s all tied together.
So even though evaluation or enforcement may not have been done, taking steps as a tenant may be your only recourse. Consult with experienced professionals to create a flood-proof building. Water gets through floors, gaps in walls and places you may not have thought of. Good luck!
Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
$99. 516 887-5109
WESTINGHOUSE ROKU 32" HD SMART TV, WR32HT2212. New, unopened. $65.00. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
Exterminating
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Home Improvement
& CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO
We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287
Cable/TV/Wiring
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
Home Improvement
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
WIREMAN / CABLEMAN: TVs Mounted. Phone, TV, Computer Wires, HD Antennas, Starlink Dishes, Stereos Installed And Serviced. FREE Estimates. Lic#54264-RE
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582
HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060
Legal Services
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider Telecommunications AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803
&
opinions Recalling the presidents I’ve met
As we celebrated Presidents’ Day on Monday, I thought back on presidents I’ve had the opportunity to meet over the years.
Except for my first meeting with Richard Nixon in 1967, before he was president, all of those meetings resulted from my involvement in politics.
In the summer of 1967, between my second and third years of law school, I worked as an intern in Nixon’s Wall Street law firm. (The fellow intern I was assigned to work with that summer was Rudy Giuliani — who was then a liberal Democrat.) In addition to the chance encounters we had with Nixon in the hallway or elevator, we interns had a long lunch discussion with him, during which he demonstrated his expansive knowledge of foreign and domestic issues. Surprisingly, he also displayed a certain shyness.
A quarter-century later, in 1993, the then former president was in Washington to address Republicans in Congress, where I told him how much I appreciated the long-ago internship. He was no longer shy, but seemingly at peace. The following year, I attended his funeral in
California.
President Gerald Ford was in the closing days of his 1976 campaign against Jimmy Carter when he spoke at a massive rally at the Nassau Coliseum. At a reception afterward, Ford was gracious and friendly, a class act.
The next time I saw him was in 1998, at Sonny Bono’s funeral in California.
From Nixon to Trump, there have been 10, and each left a different impression.
I had just two brief encounters with Jimmy Carter, the first an introduction at Yitzhak Rabin’s funeral in Jerusalem in 1995. The second was about 10 years ago, when I was on a Delta Shuttle, waiting to take off for Washington, when Carter got on the plane, recognized me, shook my hand and gave me a warm hello and a big smile — an awkward moment for me, since I had attacked him for something on national TV just the day before!
Except for a White House briefing for New York Republicans in 1987, my dealings with President Ronald Reagan consisted of handshakes and photos at political events in Nassau County and Manhattan. I was always struck by his sense of dignity and leadership. He never disappointed.
President George Bush 41 was the last of the old-school presidents, in the best sense of that term. He was very knowl-
edgeable and always respectful of his office. In addition to greeting him at political events before and after his presidency, I was invited, along with other newly elected Republicans, to meet with him in the Oval Office in his final days as president in January 1993. It was inspiring and memorable. He didn’t have a word of regret or complaint. True stature.
Though President Barack Obama offered to appoint me ambassador to Ireland, my dealings with him were infrequent and businesslike. He was always polite, and always “no drama Obama.”
My contacts with Joe Biden were when he was senator and vice president, primarily at social events in Washington. He was invariably cordial and humorous. Always greeted me with a big grin, and would kid me that Irish guys should always be Democrats. He was sharp; very different from how he was as president.
The presidents I spent the most time with were Bill Clinton, George Bush 43 and Donald Trump, all of whom are within two years of me in age. I worked closely with Clinton on the Irish peace process, traveling with him on his historic visits to Northern Ireland. I stood with him during his impeachment. He
couldn’t have been more gracious and friendly to my family. He and Hillary were the first to call the night my mother died. We remain friends.
I saw up close how dedicated the younger George Bush was to helping New York and defeating Islamist terrorism following the horrific Sept. 11 attacks. I was with him in the ruins of the World Trade Center three days afterward, and over the succeeding months and years was at numerous meetings he had with cops, firefighters and 9/11 victims’ family members. A true patriot. Great sense of humor.
Donald Trump was and is one of a kind. He and I grew up in Queens at the same time. Though we lived in different Zip codes, one on one he was like the guys I grew up with, totally down to earth. Despite his public persona, he could be caring and concerned, like when he reached out to my daughter when she was sick, or when he invited my grandchildren to the White House. Most significantly, I’ll always be appreciative of his visits to Long Island, where he led the effort to crush MS-13. These are just some of the recollections from my front-row seat of the 10 men who led our nation over the past six decades.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Somewhere, the Founding Fathers must be fretting
As best I can remember when I was in fourth grade, we were taught that there are three branches of government — the legislative, the judicial and the executive. And we were taught that they were co-equals, with each possessing powers that the other branches couldn’t interfere with.
To make it simple, our teacher stated that the legislative branch, represented by Congress, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, headed by the president, enforces laws made by Congress and oversees federal agencies. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures that they comply with the Constitution. In my lifetime, over many decades, I have seen how the wishes of our Founding Fathers were complied with. While I was too young to understand the maneuvers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when he stepped over the line, the
Supreme Court reversed a number of his actions. In blunt terms, he was told that some of his actions violated the Constitution.
Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama saw their controversial legislation overridden by a vote of three-fourths of Congress. And on quite a few occasions, the Supreme Court told Congress that it had violated the Constitution and its actions were null and void. That seemed to be in line with what I learned at Public School 26 in Brooklyn.
Wcal issues. Some are consistent with campaign promises Trump made, but others clearly step on the toes of the 435 members of Congress.
e once learned that the White House, Congress and the courts were co-equals.
Having served in the State Assembly for 23 years, I am very much aware of how the systems work in both Washington and Albany. I have seen the Legislature in Albany flex its muscles and override the governor on many occasions. I have seen the courts tell the Legislature that it has stepped over the line and violated the state Constitution.
On Jan. 20, President Trump issued an avalanche of executive orders. Many of them have escaped public attention, because voters don’t spend all their time watching the news and following politi-
Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress is given the sole authority to appropriate money for the operation of the government. There is no language that allows the president to impound funding authorized by Congress. The president campaigned on the promise of abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, but only Congress can dissolve a federal agency.
Some of the most challenging developments in the new Trump term are the actions taken by Elon Musk. He may have been given a blanket direction to cut government waste, but he is not allowed to abolish any federal agency that has been created by Congress. Musk has effectively shut down one agency already by restricting funding, but his powers will no doubt be challenged in the federal courts.
The biggest surprise to me, as a former state and local official, is how civil service protections are being totally ignored. Notices have been sent to thou-
sands of federal workers offering them buyouts with no guarantees that they will keep their jobs if they don’t take them. Actions taken by the administration to force career employees out of their jobs defy what the civil service system is about.
The most eye-popping development is the failure of any Republican member of Congress to complain about the impact of the funding impoundments on their own home communities. Major cancer research hospitals in Louisiana, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas have made urgent cries about the loss of anticipated dollars. Special drugs for serious diseases can’t be purchased without assurances that the money will be available. Rather than free up these dollars, the White House is focusing on efforts like halting the production of pennies that are popular with the public. There seem to be no people in Washington who are echoing the voices of the Founding Fathers. That is our loss.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
Franklin square/elmont
Established 1998
Incorporating the Franklin Square/Elmont Record
Renee DeLoRenzo Reporter
RhonDa GLickman
Vice President - Sales office
2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516) 569-4942
Web: www.liherald.com
E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com
Copyright
HERALD
In civil discourse, everyone deserves respect
in February we celebrate Black History Month, honoring the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. In March we recognize Women’s History Month, acknowledging the pivotal role of women in shaping our society. Throughout the year, we take time to celebrate mothers, fathers, military veterans, educators, grandparents and others who have made an impact on of our lives, and continue to.
These moments of recognition remind us of something fundamental: Every person, the members of every ethnic and demographic group, and those of every faith deserve R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as the great Aretha Franklin sang. Yet in today’s world, respect often seems to be in short supply. This reality is magnified by the noise blasting from social media, the nonstop discourse on television and radio masquerading as news, and the constant barrage of opinions that seek to divide rather than unite.
We can, and should, engage in constructive discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, education, housing, economic opportunity and social justice without resorting to dehumanization. It is possible to stand firm in our
letters
How about taking on property taxes, Jerry?
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s op-ed in the Feb. 6-12 issue, “Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting”: While we don’t share the same political philosophy, I respect Mr. Kremer’s career and his accomplishments. He was known in Albany as a fellow who actually did the people’s business.
His piece had a regular-guy ring to it. His protestations were mine, as were the laments. I no longer go to Yankee Stadium. I do get to Citi Field for a game or two, but the Mets are moving into the high-priced arena as well. I’ll still go, but I do mourn the old days.
Supermarkets are on my canceled list. I have throwback moments at Costco now.
Jerry’s recollection of the movies took me back to a story my father told me when I was a kid. The son of Sicilian immigrants who didn’t have much, he told me that one day, as a 14-year-old, he found a quarter on the street. With that quarter he got a trolley ride, a hero sandwich and a triple feature. It was 1934, and a quarter got you somewhere in Brooklyn.
Jerry did skip over my major annoyance, property taxes. Last October, the Herald printed my op-ed, “Nassau is no county for old
beliefs while recognizing the humanity of those who see the world differently. Diversity of thought is essential to a thriving society. Healthy debate strengthens our communities, fosters new ideas and leads to meaningful progress. But progress is only possible when conversations are grounded in mutual respect.
As we address the challenges facing our nation, we must acknowledge that the path forward is not always clear. Intelligent, clear-thinking people will advocate different solutions based on their experiences and beliefs. That is to be expected. But what should never change is our commitment to engaging with one another as individuals deserving of respect, regardless of our differences.
It isn’t enough to simply argue about policies or demand that others see the world exactly as we do. True progress requires dialogue. It requires the humility to recognize that none of us has all the answers, and we must be open-minded enough to find solutions together, even when our collective problems seem impossibly difficult.
We must also reject the idea that disagreement makes those who disagree
into enemies. Too often, political and social divisions are deepened by rhetoric that seeks to demonize rather than understand. But a just and equitable society cannot be built on division. Rather, it requires the recognition that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family.
In the year ahead, let’s recommit to fostering a culture in which mutual respect is not an afterthought, but instead a guiding principle. Let’s teach our children — not just with words, but also with actions — that disagreement is not a reason to hate, but an opportunity to learn. Let’s model the kind of civil discourse that allows communities to grow stronger rather than splinter apart.
Black History Month, Women’s History Month and all the other days on which we honor those who have shaped our communities serve as indelible reminders of the R-E-S-P-E-C-T everyone deserves, every day. Despite the challenges we face, a just, equitable society remains within our reach — one in which opportunity isn’t determined by race or Zip code, where debate isn’t defined by hostility, and where respect is a cornerstone of its foundation.
men.” I’ll be 80 this summer, and my property taxes, which I’ve been paying for 47 years, are now north of $30,000. I hope that in his editorial role, Jerry can advocate
for seniors who want to stay in their homes.
PHIL COMO
Driving safely while navigating Long Island’s roads
as Long Islanders are all too aware, our main mode of transportation is our cars and SUVs. Our road system consists of a unique mix of urban, suburban and rural routes. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new driver or even a visitor, knowing how to navigate these roads safely is crucial. Below are some important tips for driving here. Most of them are tried-and-true, common-sense practices that you have likely heard before, but hopefully they’ll serve as a refresher course to help keep us safer in our daily travels.
■ Be prepared for traffic jams. Long Island’s roadways, particularly those closer to New York City, are notorious for traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. The Long Island Expressway and the Northern and Southern State parkways can become virtual parking lots, particularly at times when commuters are heading into or home from New York City, or during the summer, when people flock to the beaches. Plan to leave earlier, or try using real-
time navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps, which can provide traffic updates and suggest alternate routes. Patience is key — being stuck in traffic is frustrating, but maintaining a calm demeanor can help avoid accidents caused by aggression or road rage.
C■ Understand the road layout. Our roads can be tricky to navigate, especially for newcomers or those in unfamiliar territory. There’s a mix of multilane highways, narrow local roads and curvy backstreets that require different levels of attention. Some areas, especially in Nassau County, have confusing intersections, traffic circles and jug handles, which aren’t always clearly marked.
concern. Speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic are all common behaviors that can increase the risk of accidents.
rowded roads, aggressive drivers and other vehicular challenges.
Keep a safe following distance, and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. If someone is speeding and tailgating you, it’s better to move over and let them pass. Never challenge them. Also, abide by speed limits, as many roads — especially those near schools or in residential areas — have reduced speed limits for safety. And if you ever encounter a road rage situation and feel threatened, don’t hesitate to call 911 or drive to the nearest police station.
driving.
■ Follow the rules of the road. Traffic laws exist for a reason, to protect all road users. Unfortunately, many Long Island drivers neglect or ignore laws like stopping at stop signs, yielding when required, and using seatbelts. These actions can not only lead to tickets, but can also cause accidents that could have been avoided with a little more caution.
Familiarize yourself with your route before heading out. If possible, take a dry run of unfamiliar routes during offpeak times. When you’re behind the wheel, keep an eye out for road signs and make sure you’re in the correct lane well in advance of upcoming turns or exits.
■ Beware of aggressive driving. Many Long Island drivers are in a hurry. Whether it’s the constant flow of commuters or residents trying to beat traffic, aggressive driving is a significant
Letters
There’s good news about younger readers, Randi
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time your read a book?”: I was happy to be informed about Randi’s impressions of the reading habits of children and young adults. This is a subject that I have a firsthand knowledge of.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, I have observed a tendency among my paying customers, most of whom are, in fact, 16 to 30 years old. Most come to me to fill a gap in their knowledge of classics, science fiction, general fiction, mystery and other literary genres. It seems that high schools and colleges assign them books that are online, but those who come to me seem to prefer hard copies. For me the trend is notable and rewarding, and boosts my hope that reading physical books, particularly classics, has not lost its luster in our over-technological, disgustingly over-computerized society.
AMNON TIShLER
Booklovers Paradise Bellmore
Alarmed at Blakeman’s ‘outrageous behavior’
To the Editor:
I am alarmed at the lack of alarm in Nassau County in response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s outrageous behavior.
First he organized an independent local armed security force, and denied it was a “militia.” It actually fits the dictionary definition of a militia, which means Blakeman is either uninformed or disingenuous — or both.
Then he declared that the New York Post, a tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch, is the official publication of Nassau County, because Blakeman doesn’t like the leanings of Newsday, which, for better or worse, has been a Long Islandcentric publication for decades.
Both moves are autocratic and partisan, and both are indefensible — but the public outcry has been muted, at best. I believe we need to react to — and reject — this sort of overreach, which I do not believe represent either the feelings or the interests of many Nassau County residents.
RIChARD
SChWARz
Bayville
■ Be a defensive driver. Drivers can sometimes make sudden and unexpected moves, like abruptly changing lanes or turning without signaling. This is why defensive driving is so important in ensuring your safety. Always assume that other drivers may make mistakes, and be prepared to react.
Stay alert and anticipate potential hazards. Always use your turn signals, yield to pedestrians, and be mindful of cyclists sharing the roads. And one of the biggest no-no’s: Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting your GPS while
Always obey traffic signals, stop signs and yield signs. Use your seatbelt and make sure all of your passengers are wearing theirs. The risk isn’t worth it, especially on Long Island, where heavy traffic and the potential for sudden stops can make the roads more dangerous. Driving here requires adaptability, patience and a focus on safety. The Island’s varied roads and unpredictable traffic patterns can be challenging, but by following these safety tips and staying aware of your surroundings, you’ll be able to navigate them with confidence. Whether you’re heading to the beach, commuting to work or running errands, safe driving practices can make all the difference in keeping you and your fellow drivers and pedestrians safe on the road.
John Giuffré represents Nassau County’s 8th Legislative District.
