DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
Bayview hosts 29th annual Adopt-a-Cop luncheon
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
Bayview Avenue School of Arts and Sciences in Freeport continued a longstanding, heartfelt Valentine’s Day tradition, hosting officers from the Freeport Police Department for its Adopt-a-Cop luncheon.
The school held its 29th annual Adopt-aCop Valentine’s luncheon on Feb. 14, celebrating the strong bond between its fourth grade students and the officers.
Cindy Misrock, the school’s social worker who founded the program in 1996, said she
envisioned an opportunity to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community’s youth.
“I love that 29 years ago, my Adopt-a-Cop idea was embraced and supported by, at the time, Principal Rodney Williams and Chief Michael Woodward,” Misrock said during the event.
She reflected on how the program has evolved, with police officers becoming mentors and extended members of the Bayview family.
“The children would write letters to older Continued on page 10
Department of Education, DEI in limbo
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ & MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
President Trump is considering an executive order that would shut down the U.S. Department of Education — which would deliver on a promise he made on the campaign trail.
In just his first few weeks in office, Trump has implemented sweeping changes — from attempting to freezing federal grant funding to banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
We’re talking about catastrophic impacts and consequences of this.
Shutting down the Department of Education — which would take an act of Congress — would have a major effect on school districts across Long Island, which rely on federal funding for many programs they offer.
G ABRIEl A CASTIllo former Board
of Education trustee
student achievement and equal access to education for all. There is widespread misunderstanding that the department manages the country’s schools and dictates their curriculum. In reality, this responsibility falls to state governments and local school districts. While the federal agency does not directly control K-12 education, it provides significant financial support to school districts with funding programs aimed at improving education, particularly in underserved communities. The department oversees student loan programs and administers Pell Grants, which help low-income students attend college.
What does the Department of Education do?
Created in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the department’s mission is to promote
It also funds initiatives that support students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As well, it enforces civil rights laws aimed at preventing discrimination based on race or sex in schools that receive fed-
Continued on page 4
Stu Goldman/Herald Freeport police officer Stephen Sheehan, with Bayview avenue School students destin dauban and dambell Javier, holds a handmade Valentine’s day card, celebrating the bond between students and their adopt-a-cops.
Proposed bill allows opt-out of mandate
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The New York State Assembly introduced a bill that would allow local school districts to opt out of a new state law mandating the transition to electric school buses. Lawmakers argue that the measure, which requires districts to replace diesel buses with zero-emission models, presents significant energy and cost-related challenges.
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who represents parts of Freeport said that she is also exploring the feasibility of using revenue from school bus red light camera fines to help cover busing costs in general, including the potential funding of electric buses.
“I believe the timeline to transition to zero-emissions school buses needs to be reevaluated. Our local school districts have just been hit with a 30 percent increase in transportation costs due to increased insurance liabilities, shortage of drivers, increased costs and the anticipated purchase of electric buses.”
At a news conference on Jan. 28, the proposed Assembly and Senate bills were introduced. If passed, they would give school districts the option to apply for a waiver from the state’s commissioner of education, allowing them to bypass certain zero-emission bus requirements.
Under current law, starting in 2027, school districts in New York will be required to purchase electric school buses to replace traditional diesel models. The state offers transportation aid as partial reimbursement for bus purchases, but the new measure has raised concerns about its affordability.
“With rising costs and other related challenges,” said Assemblyman Noah Burroughs who represents Freeport
and Roosevelt over text message, “we have to evaluate whether this policy is achieving its intended goals or if it may contribute to unnecessary burdens.”
A group of Republican state senators sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, expressing concerns over the high costs of electric buses. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the average new electric school bus costs approximately $400,000, compared to about $130,000 for
traditional diesel buses.
Hochul defended the initiative in a statement. “It is not enough to encourage New Yorkers to buy electric — we must build green infrastructure that will drive New Yorkers to choose cleaner and greener modes of transportation.”
The push for electric school buses is part of New York’s broader environmental goal of reaching 850,000 zeroemission vehicles by 2025, with plans for all new passenger vehicles to be electric by 2035. Critics of the mandate argue that electric buses cost two to four times more than traditional buses.
One analysis estimated that it could cost between $8 billion and $15.25 billion for school districts to transition their fleets from gas-powered to electric buses. Though these estimates do not include the costs of infrastructure and facility upgrades that would be needed to support these buses.
“I believe the timeline to transition to zero-emissions school buses needs to be reevaluated,” said Griffin. She expressed her concerns about the existing increased costs of transportation school districts face and is open to alternative ideas for funding this transition, along with other transportation related costs. “I don’t believe that the measure to permit districts to simply opt out of the zero-emission bus transition meets the moment.”
Courtesy Metro Creative
New bill introduced to provide school districts to opt-out of a state law mandating the transition to electric school buses by 2027.
Survivor returns to the ring in Freeport
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
For many, professional wrestling is just entertainment. For Oceanside resident Sean Wachter, it has been a guiding force after a hard-fought battle with cancer, and he is making a return to the ring in Freeport. Wachter, 40, a business development manager, was a lacrosse and football player at Alfred State College, but his true love was always professional wrestling. In addition to wrestling and advocacy, on Feb. 3 Wachter took on a new role as the director of operations for Long Island’s upcoming arena football franchise, the Entertainment Football Association. Wachter played outside linebacker in the Arena Football League in 2008. The team’s name and logo were scheduled to be revealed on Friday.
Wachter had trained to become a professional wrestler, and when the Arena Football League went defunct, he tried out for WWE, but a severe neck injury, which he had suffered in an accident, derailed his dreams of becoming a pro wrestler. He later got into coaching high school football at Long Beach and Baldwin where he discovered a passion for mentoring young athletes.
He has had two battles with rare Stage 4 melanoma with leptomeningeal enhancement. After months of recovery, he is now preparing to make his wrestling comeback. He will do so at New York Wrestling Connection’s Psycho Circus on Saturday at the Farmingville Fire Department.
A week later, Wachter will debut for the National Wrestling Alliance during its Northeastern tour, wrestling at the Factory, on the Nautical Mile in Freeport, on Feb. 28, followed by shows in Greenport and New Jersey in the coming weeks.
Wachter’s bouts with cancer began unexpectedly in Sept.2016 when he collapsed in the living room of his parents’ home in Oceanside and suffered severe neurological symptoms. A CT scan revealed a golf-ball-sized tumor in his cerebellum, and doctors initially gave him about 12 weeks to live.
Rather than succumbing to despair, Wachter leaned on the strength of his family, particularly his parents, whose unwavering support helped him endure multiple surgeries, treatments and the grueling process of relearning how to walk.
“I realized I needed to be strong for my parents,” Wachter said. “‘We got this. Let’s fight.’ My mom said, ‘I’ve never been prouder of you in your life for how you handled that.’”
After receiving an all-clear from doctors in 2022, six years after he was first diagnosis, Wachter was urged by friends to celebrate, but instead of a party, he opted to give back. His father, John a retired sergeant in the Nassau County Police Department, manages the Baldwin American Legion Hall, and suggested using the venue for a fundraiser. Instead of a typical Long Island benefit concert, Sean and his friends had a unique idea: professional wrestling. He was able to get cleared by doctors to step into the ring. The event was a success, raising significant funds for the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
What was supposed to be a one-time match took a new turn when Wachter’s stepdaughter, who missed the event, asked to see him wrestle. So he returned for another fundraiser at the American Legion in 2023, this time dedicating it to late Island Park firefighter Michael Fisher and the proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
After that, Wachter’s work catching the attention of a number of cancer organizations, including ESPN’s V Foundation, which reported his story. He attracted a substantial following on social media, where he is known as “thecancerfighterseanwachter.” Eventually, World Wrestling Entertainment scouted him in a surprise tryout, where he impressed talent scouts. That led to an invitation to perform at Madison Square Gar-
Oceanside resident Sean Wachter was named the director of operations for Long Island’s Arena Football League, which will return this summer — and he will return to the wrestling ring this month in Freeport.
den, in WWE’s SmackDown, on June 28.
Amid the excitement, Wachter’s life took an unexpected turn. During the show a WWE physician noticed a lump on his shoulder and urged him to get it checked. Despite previous reassurances from his doctor, further testing revealed a recurrence of his melanoma. The diagnosis was devastating, not only because of his career but because he is now a husband and the father of two young children.
“You’re going from cutting promos in front of talent
scouts for WWE to sitting in your garage and filming videos for your infant daughter, saying, ‘I’m sorry I’m not here to tell you this in person,’” Wachter said, recalling his thoughts at the time. “I don’t think I’ve cried harder in my life. There was no keeping a game face on when you’re pre-emptively saying goodbye to a child that wasn’t even a year old.”
The battle that followed was brutal — chemotherapy complications caused organ failure, and at one point Wachter was nearly placed on dialysis. But once more, against all odds, his health began to improve.
“For some reason, I guess I have a reason to be here,” he said. “All the liver levels, and kidney levels, started to go back up to a normal functioning range. Everyone kind of just sat there flabbergasted.”
While a small tumor remains that is being monitored, Wachter’s overall health has improved significantly, allowing him to resume training and plan his highly anticipated return to the wrestling ring this month.
“If one person gets to live a little bit fuller because of what I’m doing out there in a wrestling ring, then I would gladly relive my worst day of cancer over and over again, like ‘Groundhog Day,’” he said.
Outside the ring, Wachter’s advocacy continues. On March 2 he will speak before different Congressman and woman in Washington D.C. on behalf of the Melanoma Research Foundation, pushing for financial and legislative support for cancer research and clinical trials.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring and to be a part of bringing professional football back to our community,” Wachter said. “This is an exciting time, and I’m honored to be involved in building something special for Long Island sports fans.”
Meanwhile, “I will probably continue throughout the rest of this year,” he said of his wrestling career. “Obviously, my responsibilities to the football team come first and foremost. I hope we build something long-lasting here.”
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Sean Wachter, who has used professional wrestling to raise funds for Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has laid two smackdowns on rare Stage 4 melanoma with leptomeningeal enhancement.
Freeport parents warn of potential crisis
eral funding.
Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Education released a letter, written by its acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor, which criticized DEI initiatives as promoting discrimination, and stated that such initiatives violate federal law.
“Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding,” the letter stated.
Local reaction to Trump’s plan
DGrants and federally backed student loans.
Without those resources, de la Llera warned, “you have to turn to private money to finance college,” which would disproportionately burden low-income families. She also criticized the push to eliminate DEI policies, saying, “It almost harks back to separate but equal, which doesn’t even make any sense.”
EI is not about curriculum ... people get enrichment services, and kids get the tools that they need.
DAwn
Dawn de la Llera is a Freeport resident and parent who is active in Ladders to Success, a program created by the Long Island-based nonprofit Family and Children’s Association, which supports low-income students in Nassau County. De la Llera emphasized the severe financial impact that eliminating the Department of Education could have.
“You’re talking thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars a year that people will no longer have access to fund education,” she said, highlighting the reliance of many students on Pell
De la Llera echoed views that DEI policies had been painted by opponents as a way of determining curriculum instead of its original intent, a measure designed to ensure equitable funding for diverse school systems.
“DEI is not about curriculum. It’s not about instruction,” she said. “It’s about girls get sports and everyone gets art, and people get enrichment services, and kids get the tools that they need.”
Finally, de la Llera said that doing away with the Department of Education would make it much more difficult for many students to afford higher education.
“FAFSA covers Pell Grants, right,” she said, referring to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. “It also
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
de la Llera, a freeport parent, has served as president of the pta at five freeport schools and is a coordinator of the Ladders to Success program, advocating for low-income students.
enables students and their parents to get those federally backed student loans. So if you don’t have that, then you have to turn to private money to finance college.”
For many residents of Freeport, and Nassau County, de la Llera said, the absence of federally backed student loans would prevent many people from going to college, and leave others vulnerable to predatory loans by private money-lending institutions.
Gabby Castillo, also of Freeport, a former Board of Education trustee and legal counsel to the County Legislature’s minority caucus, shared those sentiments.
“We’re talking about catastrophic impacts and consequences of this,” Castillo said, particularly for special-education funding and federal Title I programs, which are primarily directed at low-income students.
“If you add on more to the states, you’re looking now at even more inequities in school systems,” she added.
Given the uncertainty now surrounding federal education policy, Castillo said she hoped the state would step in to protect local schools. “I have faith that New York state will continue to strengthen the curriculum for public
Castillo, a former freeport Board of education trustee and the legal counsel to the County Legislature’s minority caucus, warned of potential catastrophic impacts of doe dismantling.
education,” she said.
The Freeport school district declined to comment on the potential changes to federal policy.
The message from Albany In a statement, the State Education Department reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and legal protections that are aimed at ensuring that all children receive a fair and equitable education.
“Recent executive orders issued by the President are antithetical to this tradition,” a statement posted on the department’s website on Feb. 3 read. “They are also ineffective, as the President has a constitutional duty to ‘take care that the laws be faithfully executed.’ This means the President cannot decide which laws to enforce or funds to distribute. It’s also why two federal courts immediately enjoined the President’s attempt to ‘freeze’ federal funds.
“The Board and the Department remain committed to the inherent dignity and worth of every child,” the statement continued. “As such, we denounce the intolerant rhetoric of these orders. Our children cannot thrive in an environment of chaos; they need steady and stable leadership that we will endeavor to provide.”
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Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
Courtesy Gabriela Castillo gabriela
Courtesy Dawn de la Llera dawn
De LA LLer A Freeport parent
Freeport resident lauded for social work
By REINE BETHANY
Special to the Herald
Nassau County kicked off its 2025 Black History Month on Feb. 5 by honoring four people whose decades of dedicated social work have benefited thousands of adults and children, across the county and beyond.
Ladonna Taylor, executive director of Nassau County Youth Services, a Freeport resident, was one of those recognized, as was Stanfort Perry, executive director of AHRC Nassau and its affiliated organizations, who resides in Glen Cove.
Black Americans are a resilient people.
ANIss A MooRE Deputy County Executive, Health and Human Services
The other two honorees base their work in Hempstead: Pastor Lynnwood Earl Deans of Bethlehem of Judea Church (83 Greenwich Street), and Hempstead Chamber of Commerce President Lashawn Lukes.
“Black Americans are a resilient people,” said Deputy County Executive Anissa Moore, who emceed the evening. “We’re holding on to the promise in America, for America is the only country that we know as home.”
Each honoree received two citations, one from the county executive’s office, and the other from the County Comptroller’s office.
Moore alternated with Runnie Myles of the Human Rights Commission and Lionel Chitty, executive director of the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs, in reading out each honoree’s resume prior to delivering each citation.
The resumes of all four honorees reflected not only their extensive contributions to social services in Nassau County, but also their awards, citations, and doctoral degrees.
The resumes and awards all pointed to two shining qualities shared by all four honorees: their sustained concern for the needy and their determination to enact effective solutions.
Rev. Deans, who holds two theological degrees and two honorary doctorates,
chose to move to Hempstead in 1993, after founding a church in Bayside. He has done constant outreach through radio broadcasts, prison visitations, and membership in the Hempstead NAACP, the Long Island Conference of Clergy, and the Hempstead cluster of the Help End Violence Now (HEVN) coalition.. Bethlehem of Judea Church also hosts Reginald Benjamin’s ABBA Leadership Program for formerly incarcerated persons.
“I am so honored and grateful to be here this evening,” said Deans. “It is the hand of God.” He credited his wife of 48 years, Diane Swindell Deans, for her own contributions to his 50-plus years as a pastor.
Hardly a mile from Bethlehem of Judea Church is 1776 Denton Green, home of the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce. The organization is led by Lashawn Lukes, whose business experience includes not only many years in media and promotions, but also multiple certifications for her outreach to prison populations, families in underserved areas, and students in grades K through 12. Her nonprofit firm, Cultivat-
ing Lives, provides career counseling, financial literacy, mentoring, and empowerment workshops.
“I have worked helping in underserved communities because sometimes I was that child that you read about,” Lukes said. “Every morning when I awake, I think, what can I accomplish today? How can I help someone else?”
The northern part of Nassau County is the location for the work of Glen Cove resident Stanfort Perry. He is executive director of the EOC AHRC Nassau Brookville, Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc., and Brookville Center for Children’s Services, directly working with over three thousand Long Islanders who have developmental disabilities, and their families. It is one of the largest disability service networks in the United States.
“I am honored tonight to accept this award on behalf of all the people that we support,” said Perry, “people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who [want to] be included for the same opportunities that you and I enjoy on a day-to-day basis.”
The hope and compassion in Perry’s words found echoes in those of Ladonna Taylor, executive director of the county Office of Youth Services since May 2022. Taylor has served at increasingly complex levels of county social work for over 30 years. She creates and fosters many programs for youth, such as gang and gun prevention workshops, the Youth Job Fair, the Girls’ Summit and the Four C’s Boys’ Conference.
“Our children are struggling with mental health, marijuana usage, and gang activity,” Taylor said. “I do this because I love to do it, and I love the kids.”
The program also included stirring songs by the Black Voices of Nassau County, comments from County Executive Bruce Blakeman, County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and Legislators Scott Strauss and Arnold Drucker, and the lighting of the dome of the Theodore Roosevelt Legislative and Executive building with red, black, and green to commemorate the heroes of Black history. The colors will grace the dome throughout Black History Month.
Photos courtesy Reine Bethany
Ladonna Taylor, center, of Freeport, received her citation on Feb. 5 at the kickoff ceremony for the Nassau County commemoration of Black History Month. With Scott Strauss, Lionel Chitty, Arnold Drucker, and Anissa Moore.
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
SHAPE YOUR CHILD’S
PERFECT SUMMER @HOFSTRA
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.
cutting-edge academic and athletic facilities
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
Lorraine Avitabile, beloved community member, dies.
When Lorraine Marion Avitabile entered a room, family shared, she radiated warmth like the sun.
Avitabile – a longtime Freeport resident of more than 50 years – died on Jan. 13 at the age of 76.
Avitabile was known for her generosity, culinary talents, and dedication to preserving local history.
A meticulous home cook, she baked as often as five days a week, sharing her creations with friends, neighbors, and family.
Her famous carrot cake, which she sold for $10 each, raised $2,500 to help her church purchase a computer.
and genealogy.
“I was blessed that GK taught me to sew, a skill that would usher me into my favorite job of the future, selling sewing machines and giving sewing lessons at Sears,” Avitabile once said. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, describing herself as having a “passion for fashion.”
She also contributed regularly to the local shelter and food bank, was a member of Operation SPLASH, and served as president and curator of the Freeport Historical Society & Museum, where she worked tirelessly to honor the village’s past.
Her kindness extended to animals as well. She doted on her rescue cat, Meg, and supported the nonprofit Bobbi and the Strays.
Born the eldest of seven children to the late Paul and Marion Kester, Avitabile credited her grandmother for shaping her passions for cooking, sewing,
Her professional life was varied and adventurous. In addition to her work at Sears, she was a receptionist at the United Nations Korean Mission, a licensed real estate agent, and an accomplished genealogist, earning her certification from Boston University.
She began researching her family history in 1968, uncovering distant relatives and embracing her Polish and German heritage with cooking.
Fluent in multiple languages, Avitable visited more than 25 countries, some even after her cancer diagnosis, eventually seeing Iceland, Cuba, and Israel.
Avitabile is survived by her siblings, Thomas Kester, Patricia McGovern, Leonard Kester, Therese Churchill, and Daniel Kester, along with many others who will always remember her warmth and generosity. –Mohammad Rafiq
Freeport to celebrate black history
The Village of Freeport will host a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Road. The event will feature entertainment and honor distinguished community members. “Black History Month is such an important cultural time, and the program that our staff puts together is always well received,” said Mayor Robert T. Kennedy. This year’s honorees include Deputy Mayor Ronald Ellerbe, Detective Nkosi Henry, and Reverend Eric Mallette for their contributions to the community. Pictured. the mayor addresses the crowd at last year’s event
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Lorraine avitabiLe
Courtesy Randy Milteer
Kids, officers unite for nearly 3 decades
adults,” Misrock told the Herald, “and we would deliver them to the Freeport police station, and then the police officers would hand-write letters back to our students.
“So (it) educationally encouraged them to, you know, write, but also develop these amazing bonds with our community family,” she added.
The event kicked off with a welcome address from Principal Kelly Fairclough, who emphasized the importance of fostering trust and respect between students and law enforcement.
“Our students have been able to foster positive relationships with the enforcement officers, and this initiative helps us to engage in meaningful relationships when they see them in the community,” she said.
Fia Davis, superintendent of Freeport Public Schools, energized the room by greeting the students with enthusiasm.
“Good morning, Bayview fourth graders,” Davis said. “Can we give it up for the Freeport Police Department for coming here?”
The auditorium erupted in applause as students cheered for the officers, showing their excitement and appreciation.
Parents and faculty members in attendance also expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership between the school and the Police Department.
The program assigns a police officer to each fourth grade classroom, allowing students to engage with their officers throughout the year. Officers visit classrooms, answer students’ questions, and share stories about their work.
Retired Freeport Officer Steven Rampanelli, who served as liaison between the schools and the police for about 20 years, said the program is “a joint effort between the Police Department and the schools to dispel negative stereotypes.”
Sgt. Corey Cooke serves as the current liaison.
“Let the kids know about our job, how we patrol and keep them safe, to let them know that we’re neighborhood police,” Rampanelli added. “And we’re regular people, you know parents and fathers, and we have children too.”
Students presented handmade thankyou letters and Valentine’s Day cards to their assigned officers, who are Juan Adames, Stephen Sheehan, Aaron Wright, Daniel Scott, Samantha Hubbard, Paul DeMartino, Joshua Tripi, and Edward Tyler.
The fourth grade classes of Lindsey Chmura, Anna Manolakis-Rodriguez, Celine Levine, and Priscilla Varela led the event and presented the officers with cards.
“Room 209 is so thankful for all you do for our communities,” Avery White, a student in Manolakis-Rodriguez’s class, told the officers during the card presentation. “You are our heroes. You light up Bayview Avenue.”
In addition, as per tradition, students prepared a special performance to honor their assigned officers. This year,
Bayview avenue School fourth graders Jasmine Bautista and Valentina alvarez proudly display their handmade Valentine’s day posters alongside their adopt-a-cops, Josh tripi and edward tyler, expressing gratitude for the freeport police department’s dedication and mentorship.
the fourth graders performed a unique rendition of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic,” rewriting the lyrics as “24K Heroes” to express their appreciation to them.
“It’s a dangerous job and we want to thank you standing strong in Navy blue, Freeport strong everywhere you go,” the students sang to the assembled officers.
Beyond the Valentine’s Day luncheon, the program extends into the summer, culminating in a picnic in June at the Freeport Recreation Center, where students and officers come together once more to celebrate their connections. During the June event, students get to engage with officers in a more relaxed environment, playing
games and enjoying outdoor activities together.
“The whole purpose is for the officers to, in some way, shape, or form, serve as a mentor to that class,” Principal Fairclough said. “But also for the students to really encourage the police officers in the work that they do each and every day.
“I would say maybe two students in every class (say) they want to be a police officer just from the impact of this program,” Fairclough added. “And the students are able to see them as members that can help them and assist them and understand them and work together with them in the community.”
fourth graders feguens magliore and grace orellana, dressed in red and gold, deliver a special tribute to the officers.
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Celine Levine’s fourth grade class enjoys a festive luncheon with heart-shaped sunglasses and themed decorations.
fourth grader Keylim Sosa shares a highfive with officer Juan adames, highlighting the positive relationships built through the adopt-a-Cop program.
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
Courtesy Metro
Creative
Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as the number of flu cases remains high.
climbed 7 percent in the first week of February, approaching levels last seen during the 2009-10 flu pandemic.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of epidemiology at Northwell Health, said this year’s flu is being driven by low vaccination rates and changes in the virus strains.
“Flu seasons vary year by year, depending upon minor drifts in the virus,” Farber said. “Secondly, the population is under-vaccinated. Flu vaccination rates are much lower than they have been in years previous
… And then, of course, the matchup of the flu vaccine to this year’s strains is also always a prediction, at best.”
In New York, flu vaccination rates among children ages 6 months to 17 have dropped from 60 percent in 2020 to 49 percent this season, according to the CDC. Public health officials stress that the vaccine reduces the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization, even if it doesn’t prevent infection entirely.
Health officials expect flu cases to remain high for several more weeks. “Rates have been very high the first week of February. They’re just starting to level off and fall,” Farber said. “It usually remains at high levels of infection for about eight to 10 weeks, and then slowly declines.”
Officials track the flu’s spread through hospital admissions, flu test positivity rates and emergency room visits.
The Nassau County Department of Health stressed the importance of flu vaccinations in an email to the Herald, noting that it is not too late in the season to get protected. In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Those who are not feeling well should stay home from work, school and social gatherings until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Those who need help finding a vaccine can call the county health department, at (516) 227-9697.
With between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths expected annually, Farber stressed the seriousness of the illness, particularly for vulnerable populations. “People should realize that this disease is responsible for a lot of mortality every year,” he said. “It’s not a cold.”
Mount Sinai celebrates ‘Go Red for Women Day’
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Mount Sinai South Nassau, the closest hospital for Freeport residents, celebrated “Go Red for Women Day” on Feb. 7, when heart disease survivor Anita Rothenberg joined hospital staff members and visitors to promote heart health and prevention of cardiovascular disease in women.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., hospital officials said.
The annual event featured a compelling personal story from Rothenberg, 70, of Valley Stream, and expert insights from Dr. Pilar Stevens-Haynes, a cardiologist with Mount Sinai Heart.
A Survivor’s Story
Rothenberg’s battle with heart disease began unexpectedly in 1993 at age 37, despite leading an active lifestyle as a nursery school teacher and mother of two young sons.
“I wasn’t feeling good for a while, but as we all know as women, we put everything before ourselves,” Rothenberg said.
She described experiencing persistent fatigue and low energy levels but never suspected a heart attack.
Wnoting that her experience lacked the classic crushing chest pain often associated with heart attacks.
“I just didn’t feel right,” Rothenberg said. “So I’m telling my women friends in their 30s, 40s, and 50s — do what you have to do, don’t question yourself.”
He diagnosed Ms. Rothenberg with ischemia—a condition that deprives the heart of adequate blood flow caused by a blocked coronary artery—and performed an angiogram, which revealed three blocked arteries.
A few days later, Rothenberg was at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan for triple bypass surgery performed by cardiovascular surgeon Robin Varghese, MD, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
e’re seeing younger and younger people present with heart disease.
DR. PILAR StE vENS-HAyNES Cardiologist, Mount Sinai Heart
“I had to drive them (the boys) to school,” she recalled. “My energy level was not the same, but I never would have thought about a heart attack because it used to be said that prior to menopause, women didn’t get heart attacks. But one day, I just didn’t feel well. I told my husband, and we came into the ER at South Nassau. I was having a heart attack.”
Rothenberg became a long-term patient of a cardiologist affiliated with the hospital, diligently managing her health with medication, diet and exercise for more than three decades.
“It was scary,” Rothenberg’s husband, Robert, said. “I was young myself with kids, and I just I didn’t know what to do — how to handle the kids, how to take care of my life. It was an emotional roller coaster, and it was just so frightening.”
In 2022, Rothenberg faced another frightening health episode when she passed out due to a lack of oxygen to her heart.
She was seen by Athanasios Smyrlis, MD, a board certified cardiologist who specializes in invasive cardiology. He diagnosed Ms. Rothenberg with ischemia—a condition that deprives the heart of adequate blood flow caused by a blocked coronary artery—and performed an angiogram, which revealed three blocked arteries.
She emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention even for subtle symptoms,
“I feel like I am grateful because I have a success story, and I want other people to learn from it,” she added.
Recognizing Symptoms
Dr. Stevens-Haynes addressed the common misconceptions surrounding heart disease symptoms in women.
“The biggest thing that we get in women is usually indigestion or fatigue, and so you’re not really thinking it’s cardiac,” she explained.
The cardiologist highlighted that both men and women can experience atypical symptoms, and the dramatic portrayals of heart attacks on TV often mislead people into underestimating their risk. Early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes, as the heart muscle’s health is directly affected by how quickly treatment is administered.
“We’re seeing younger and younger people present with heart disease,” she added. “It’s no longer a disease of people in their 70s or 80s.”
Stevens-Haynes stressed the importance of knowing personal and family health history, understanding risk factors, and staying informed about one’s health metrics. She advises regular check-ups and awareness of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Mount Sinai’s commitment to specialized programs focusing on heart health was also highlighted.
“While one in every 31 American women dies from breast cancer, one in every three dies of heart disease,” Dana Sanneman, the hospital’s vice president of public affairs, said. “Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease.”
The event is part of a series planned throughout February, with upcoming blood pressure screening events at local libraries. Community members can follow the hospital’s Facebook page for more information and to participate in these vital health initiatives.
STEPPING OUT
Those ‘wild’ days
Director Billy Bustamante, whose credits include Broadway and off-Broadway, brings his flair to the Madison Theatre’s latest production.
The stage is set for a steamy
By Danielle Schwab
IProhibition tale at Molloy’s Madison Theatre
t’s “the party to end all parties” and everyone’s on the guest list. You’re invited to travel back to the decadent world of 1920s Prohibition-era Manhattan when the roaring musical production of Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party,” arrives on the Molloy University campus shortly, March 7-9.
Audiences can expect a lively show filled with vibrant jazz and eclectic guests — also some uninvited “surprises” — that’s sure to keep the joint buzzing.
Observing the talented young performers involved with Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, guided by Director-Choreographer Billy Bustamante, you’ll surelly be thinking: ‘Let’s raise the roof, let’s make a scene!’
Set in the Roaring Twenties, it tells the tale of two vaudevillians, Queenie and Burrs, as they throw the party to end all parties. Jealousy and decadence abound in this spicy concoction whose tasty musical stew of jazz, blues, gospel, and Tin Pan Alley sounds remarkably contemporary.
Vaudeville dancer Queenie, (played by senior Jessica Olexy) and her intense partner Burrs (senior Cade Eller) host an evening of delight only to see it spiral into chaos with every twist and turn.
• Friday through Sunday, March 7-9; times vary
• Tickets start at $35; available at madisontheatreny.org or the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Sondheim’s “Here We Are” (choreographer). Now Molloy’s theater students can benefit from his talents.
“I have history with this story,” Bustamente says. “I directed an off-Broadway production of the other version back in 2016, so this feels like a full circle moment, getting to explore this story again through different writers.”
There’s even a ‘show within a show’ musical number, “ A Wild, Wild Party,” a favorite of senior Angelo Domingo, who appears as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie.
The Pirates of Penzance
Shiver me timbers! Book your passage to the Madison Theatre when Molloy University’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, stages the classic musical, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony, Sail away to the whimsical world of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, where a merry band of parading pirates — led by their Pirate King — clash swords and nightsticks with the bumbling Bobbies on the shores of Cornwall. The story revolves around Frederic, who was apprenticed by mistake to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley, including Mabel, and the two young people instantly fall in love. With its humorous blend of romantic entanglements and memorable melodies, this delightful production promises an evening of laughter and theatrical magic.
Friday through Sunday, Feb. 2123, times vary. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
“At this party, everyone has a secret and something to hide. This show explores what happens when those secrets and the masks — that we all wear — get ripped off,” Bustamante says.
Based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 poem of the same name, the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its look into love in a messy and exciting fashion when it debuted 25 years ago.
the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music
While the narrative poem is almost a century old, Lippa’s adaptation brings a modern take to the story, blending the captivating allure of the 1920s with a modern feel.
“The music is a lot more contemporary and eclectic, all while being rooted in jazz. There are some really exciting pop, Latin and contemporary musical theater elements in the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music allows audiences today to engage with the story and see themselves in the characters’ experiences in a really impactful way.”
From larger-than-life dancing sequences such as “Juggernaut,” to soulful reflections as in “What Is It About Her?,” the production traverses the range of human emotions and complicated identities those vaudeville entertainers of that era.
“All these people at the party are people who don’t belong in other places. The nature of what it meant to be a vaudevillian performer was you were uplifted and applauded at one moment and then not allowed certain restaurants or rooms at the next,” Bustamante explains.
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the other hand, these are all damaged people because of the lives that they’ve had to leave, and that sets the stage for an evening where a lot can really go down.”
This isn’t the first time that Bustamante has helmed the story. In fact, he was involved with a different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa. His resume includes acting in productions such as Broadway Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” in addition to his directorial turns in “Here Lies Love” (assistant director) and Stephen
as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie. says.
“It was the number that introduced me to the show, and it has just a very fun, infectious vibe,” Domingo
an
opportunity to hone their performing skills before
For the cast of 25, this production is an opportunity to hone their performing skills before going forward professionally.
“The [CAP21] program teaches you a lot about how to be an individual in theater. Because we’re in New York, you get the experience of [being with] working professionals who are working on Broadway, Off Broadway and developing musicals,” Domingo continues.
[being with] working professionals who are
“I’ve grown in more ways than I thought I ever would. And when it comes to my training, I achieved things that I thought would take way longer to achieve already.”
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
So get ready to head to the theater — it’s time to join the party.
I thought I ever would. And when it head theater — it’s time to join the party.
audience Party” feeling
“I hope that our audience can leave “The Wild Party” feeling entertained, but at the same time a little educated and with a deeper understanding of themselves,” Bustamante
understanding of themselves,” Bustamante says.
masks serve you, and what masks might you
“And our version of the show can really help ask the question of our audience: ‘What masks serve you, and what masks might you be ready to let go.’
Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra brings its current U.S. tour to Long Island, under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio. Dynamic guest soloist Maxim Lando, an American pianist and winner of the 2022 New York Franz Liszt International Competition, joins CNSO. He and violinist Sandy Cameron perform beloved works from the Romantic repertoire — Jan Václav Hugo Voríšek’s Sinfonia Re Maggiore, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 and selected works from Antonín Dvorák, including Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 and Czech Suite.
The Wild Party contains mature themes.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy Madison Theatre Angelo Domingo and Mariposa Boyd step lively on stage.
different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa.
THE Your Neighborhood
Colin Jost
March 13
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! He appears on the Paramount stage, Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m. From Saturday Night Live to standup to his appearances in film, other TV ventures and even authoring a memoir, Jost is seemingly everywhere. He is currently in the middle of his 11th season as SNL’s “Weekend Update” coanchor, and his 20th as an SNL writer. His accolades are many: five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and 15 Emmy nominations for his writing on “SNL.” Jost and his Weekend Updatemate Michael Che have hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions as well as co-hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018.
Also, in 2024 they executive produced and co-hosted Peacock’s first live comedy event, “Colin Jost and Michael Che Present: New York After Dark,” which featured an evening of surprise dropin performances from stand-up comedians. As a writer, Jost has been published multiple times in the New Yorker and has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, among other endeavors. In 2020, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face.” A New York Times bestseller, the memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more. And in 2024, he even appeared as a correspondent from Tahiti for NBC Sports for the surfing competition at the summer Olympic Games, plus last year he was featured entertainer of the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner. $129.50, $119.50, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
On stage
Adelphi University
Performing Arts students present the musical adaptation of “The Spitfire Grill,” Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 26-March 2. Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, this is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. It follows a troubled young parolee yearning for a fresh start who follows her dreams to Wisconsin, based on a page from an old travel book, only to find a small town with a gritty heart aching with longing and regret.
Unexpectedly discovering the healing power of community while working at the Spitfire Grill, Percy reawakens the entire town’s capacity for rebirth, forgiveness and hope. Set to a melodic folk-inspired score, it’s a joyous celebration of human kindness. $30, with discounts available for seniors, students Adelphi alumni and staff. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
In concert
The influential proto-punk/garage band The Dictators performs at My Father’s Place, Sunday, March 2, 7-9 p.m. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit MyFathersPlace. com or call (516) 580-0887.
Walking Wednesday
Join Maryellen Cantanno for Walking Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Enjoy a 45-minute group walk at a pace set by participants, with all fitness levels welcome. Guided by the health team from Mount Sinai/ South Nassau Hospital, walkers will learn how to stay in tune with their bodies. Some weeks may include off-site meet-ups around the village, and in case of rain, the walk will be held at the Freeport Recreation Center. Call the library to find out this week’s location. Participants must sign a waiver prior to join, which can be found on the library’s website. Visit FreeportLibrary.info or call (516) 379-3274 for more information. 144 West Merrick Road.
Board of Trustees meet
Village of Freeport Board of Trustees hold a meeting, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m., to discuss village affairs. Residents are encouraged to attend and stay informed about local governance. For more information, contact Village Hall at (516)377-2200. 46 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport.
and School
20, 2025 —
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE FOR FORMATION of a limited liability company (LLC). The name of the limited liability company is 239 WOODCLEFT AVENUE LLC. The date of filing of the articles of organization with the Department of State was December 17, 2024. The County in New York in which the office of the company is located is Nassau. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company served upon him or her to The LLC, P.O. Box 291, Freeport, New York 11520. The business purpose of the company is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under the laws of the State of New York. 151017
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC, -againstCORNELL BOZIER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY CURL, 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 May 25, 2023, wherein REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC is the Plaintiff and CORNELL BOZIER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY CURL, 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 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 38 BOOTH STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550; and the following tax map identification: 36-3-44 & 45.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 600156/2018. Mary Ellen Divone, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, 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. 151323
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ2, -againstROBERTO CONTRERAS, 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 June 27, 2023, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR PARK PLACE SECURITIES, INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-WHQ2 is the Plaintiff and ROBERTO CONTRERAS, 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 5, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 15 WALLACE STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 55-272-3. 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 FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601223/2019. Peter Kramer, Esq.Referee. The Referee may be reached by phone at 516-510-4020. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, 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. 151325
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -againstNIMBOKO B. MILLER, 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 June 11, 2018, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and NIMBOKO B. MILLER, 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 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 352 WESTSIDE AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 62-66-299. ALL THAT PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP, Plaintiff -against- FEDIE R. REDD, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated January 25, 2019, 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 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the corner formed by the intersection of the Southerly side of Cedar St. with the Easterly side of Westside Avenue; being a plot 100 feet by 50 feet by 100 feet by 50 feet.
Section: 62 Block: 149 Lot: 452
Said premises known as 173 CEDAR STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520 Approximate amount of lien $549,313.36 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. 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 or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 007276/2013.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 006688/2015. Peter Levy, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, 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. 151321
JEFFREY TOBACK, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030
File# 8150.324 {* FREEPORT LEADER*} 151206
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE PARK PLACE SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-WCW2, Pltf. vs. ESCOLASTICA CRUZ A/K/A ESCOLATICA CRUZ, et al, Defts. Index #000435/2018. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Jan. 15, 2020 and order substituting the referee entered Sept 7, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., prem. k/a 61 East Avenue, Freeport, NY a/k/a Section 62, Block 76, Lot 4. Approx. amt. of judgment is $807,696.06 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MARK S. RICCIARDI, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY. #102082 151273
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Alvin Gerstein a/k/a Alvin F. Gerstein; Arlene Gerstein a/k/a Arlene E. Gerstein; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 20, 2018, and Amended January 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 13, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 62 Hope Drive, Plainview, NY 11803. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings
and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Plainview, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 47 Block 16 Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $534,412.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008032/2016. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Tony D’Anzica, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: January 24, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 151427
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.”
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee File # YDHJN001 151523
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY SANTANDER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff against SALVATORE SANTAMARIA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 31, 2018, 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 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 31 Buchanan Street, Freeport, NY 11520. Sec 54 Block 334 Lot 19, 20 & 21. 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 Freeport, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $675,326.70 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 001428/2009.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURAR ASSET ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff AGAINST ALAN RICHARTZ, JR, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 31, 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 11, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 310 Atlantic Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62 Block 039 Lot 109. Approximate amount of judgment $371,986.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602538/2023. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003981 83600 151394
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstMICHAEL L. GIOVINO, 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 January 9, 2025, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL L. GIOVINO, 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 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 306 ARTHUR STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 62-90-90 and 91. 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 FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YOLK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617175/2022. Brian Davis, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, 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. 151585
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JAMES VICTOR, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Public Notices
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 17 Leonard Street
a/k/a 17 Leonard Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. 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 Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 369 and Lots 259-260. Approximate amount of judgment is $945,194.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003714/2016.
Massimo Santoli, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 211883-1 151589
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. FIRST START, LLC, Pltf. vs. TRIDENT EQUITIES LLC, et al, Defts. Index #600121/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Oct. 1, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 325 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520
a/k/a Section 62, Block 44, Lot 430. Approximate amount of judgment is $370,585.75 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health of safety concerns, then the court appointed referee
will cancel the foreclosure auction. Sale will be held, “rain or shine.” MERIK
AARON, Referee.
MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102054 151593
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
LPP MORTGAGE, INC.
F/K/A LPP MORTGAGE
LTD., Plaintiff - against - GERARD Y. OLIVIER
A/K/A GERARD OLIVIER, et al
Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 3, 2025. 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 19th day of March, 2025 at 2:00
PM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 134 North Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520.
(Section: 55., Block: 384., Lot: 39) Approximate amount of lien $633,213.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 613787/2022. John Boklak, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516-742-1212
OLIVIER-79584
Dated: January 9, 2025
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. Auction Locations are subject to change. 151489
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Katiuscia Bussereth, 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 17, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 97 North Bergen Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 55, BLOCK: 269, LOT: 14. Approximate amount of judgment $586,630.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607307/2018. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Christine M. Grillo, Esq, Referee Frenkel
Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-090939-F00 84160 151500
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2
ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST ADRIAN BRYANT, 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 1 Margaret Drive, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt (Unincorporated Area) in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55 Block 549 Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment $210,443.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #619942/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-002613 84289 151502
LEGAL NOTICE
The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on January 13, 2025, and an abstract thereof has been published and posted as required by law and the period of time has elapsed for the submission and filing of a petition for a permissive referendum and a valid petition has not been submitted and filed. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Freeport, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of publication of the notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED JANUARY 13, 2025, AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF WATER METERS, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS
$262,500, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $262,500 TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION
The object or purpose for which the bonds are authorized is the acquisition of water meters, at the estimated maximum cost of $262,500.
The period of usefulness is twenty (20) years.
The maximum amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $262,500.
A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Village Clerk, at the Village Hall, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York.
Dated: January 13, 2025 Freeport, New York 151758
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE
The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on January 13, 2025, and an abstract thereof has been published and posted as required by law and the period of time has elapsed for the submission and filing of a petition for a permissive referendum and a valid petition has not been submitted and filed. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Freeport, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of publication of the notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk
BOND RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED JANUARY 13, 2025, AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF A POLICE BOAT, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $210,000, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $210,000 TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION
The object or purpose for which the bonds are authorized is the acquisition of a police boat, at the estimated maximum cost of $210,000. The period of usefulness is ten (10) years. The maximum amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $210,000. A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Village Clerk, at the Village Hall, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York. Dated: January 13, 2025 Freeport, New York 151757
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to §128-5 of the Freeport Village Code, a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport will be held to conduct public hearings on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5:30 P.M., in the Municipal Building, Board of Trustees Conference Room, 46 North Ocean Avenue, 2nd Floor, Freeport, NY adjacent to the Mayor’s Office.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk Issue Date: February 20, 2025 151760
LEGAL NOTICE
The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on January 13, 2025, and an abstract thereof has been published and posted as required by law and the period of time has elapsed for the submission and filing of a petition for a permissive referendum and a valid petition has not been submitted and filed. The validity
of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Freeport, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of publication of the notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED JANUARY 13, 2025, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITION TO POLICE HEADQUARTERS FOR USE AS A POLICE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $1,417,500, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $1,417,500 TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION
The object or purpose for which the bonds are authorized is the construction of an addition to Police Headquarters for use as a Police Emergency Operations Center, at the estimated maximum cost of $1,417,500. The period of usefulness is fifteen (15) years. The maximum amount of obligations authorized to be issued is $1,417,500.
A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Village Clerk, at the Village Hall, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York. Dated: January 13, 2025 Freeport, New York 151759
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT SECURITY BY VIRTUE OF A DEFAULT
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: By virtue of a default under a Security Agreement dated June 9, 2021, executed by SAMANTHA COOLS A/K/A SAMANTHA M. COOLS (“Debtor”), as assigned to CITIMORTGAGE, INC. (“Secured Party”), said Secured Party, by Auctioneer(s): Richie Schultz, John Roman, Richard J. Cantwell or Michael Campbell, will conduct a public sale of the security consisting of 500.00 shares of stock of TOWN ‘N HARBOR OWNERS CORP. (“Corporation”), and all right, title, and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease between said Corporation and Debtor for the apartment known as 214 WESTEND AVENUE, UNIT 6C A/K/A APT 6C, FREEPORT, NY 11520, together with all fixtures and articles of personal property now or hereafter affixed to or used in connection with said apartment on MARCH 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM, at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, in satisfaction of an indebtedness in the unpaid principal amount of $190,095.99, plus interest, late fees, attorney fees, maintenance in arrears, and all other advanced charges.
The apartment is sold “AS IS” AND POSSESSION TO BE OBTAINED BY THE PURCHASER. Said sale is subject to residency requirements of the Corporation, payment of all sums due, if any, to 301 TOWN ‘N HARBOR OWNERS CORP., and the consent if necessary, of said Corporation; any existing tenancy; payment of all expenses and fees of the secured party with respect thereto; terms of sale and auctioneer’s fees; flip-tax; State, City, and County transfer tax. The Secured Party reserves the right to bid. Terms: an official bank or certified check made payable to Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., as attorneys for the Secured Party for ten (10%) percent of price
20, 2025 —
Public Notices
bid. No cash accepted. Balance shall be due within thirty (30) days.
ATTORNEYS FOR SECURED PARTY:
Stern & Eisenberg, P.C. 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016, and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540
P. 516-630-0288 F. 732-726-8719
Dated: February 7, 2025 151743
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU SERVBANK, SB, Plaintiff AGAINST CATHERINE G. AIKINSINNISS, 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 24, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 193 Rose Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 62 Block: 133 Lot: 3. Approximate amount of judgment $610,654.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613918/2023. Michael J. Langer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-003148 84260 151651
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST FELICIA A. OMENE, JACKSON OMENE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 16, 2020, 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 20, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3588 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 590, Lot 21. Approximate amount of judgment $1,403,156.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006993/2016. Christy DeMelfi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-001620 84226 151649
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, for New Century Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST Francine Holt a/k/a Francine A. Holt; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 25, 2018 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 25, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2081 Milburn Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 54 Block 45 Lots 89, 90 and 91. Approximate amount of judgment $617,414.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 001879/2016. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
David Lieser, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: February 12, 2025 151745
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/18/2022, 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 3/26/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 169 Meister Boulevard, Freeport, New York 11520, And Described As Follows: 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 Freeport, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.
Section 54 Block 331 Lot 32
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $823,369.16 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 602090/2019 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-WM1, Plaintiff, Against CLAUDIA YON, ISAIAS YON, JOSE VASQUEZ, Defendant(s)
EPIC Family, town, help people who have epilepsy
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies is partnering with the Town of Hempstead to provide specialized training for public safety officers and lifeguards focused on recognizing and responding to individuals experiencing a seizure.
The EPIC Family has been a lifeline for individuals facing epilepsy, intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges — offering personalized care and a supportive community — for more than six decades. The agency has three branches: EPIC Long Island, which supports individuals with disabilities and the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island in East Meadow, and the South Shore Guidance Center, a mental health and behavioral clinic in Freeport.
The acronym, EPIC, stands for “Extraordinary People In Care.”
Town Supervisor Don Clavin, members of the town board and a handful of lifeguards and public safety officials joined EPIC’s leadership to announce the training during a Feb. 10 news conference at the agency’s headquarters, at 1500 Hempstead Turnpike.
The lifeguards and public safety officers receive a breadth of training in multiple areas of emergency, but are not trained on how to respond to a seizure episode.
When Clavin was 16, he said, he worked as a lifeguard in a pool in Valley Stream when someone had suffered from a seizure, and he did not know how to respond.
“It was really intimidating,” he recounted. “I was trained for drowning (response), I trained for CPR, but I didn’t have (seizure training).”
By the numbers: Epilepsy on Long Island
■ Over 30,000 Long Island residents currently live with epilepsy
■ Nearly 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime
■ The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies has served the community for 60+ years
■ 100+ Town of Hempstead lifeguards will receive seizure response training
■ 50+ public safety officials will participate in the training program
■ Training sessions are conducted monthly in 1-hour online courses
his ability to walk, and eventually, his ability to even sit unsupported.”
Miller expressed pride in the town board for taking a step in the right direction to support seizure care, stating that raised awareness would help garner funds for research.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island is a member of the National Epilepsy Foundation, and has been serving Nassau and Suffolk counties since 1953, according to Lisa Burch, president and chief executive of the EPIC Family.
The foundation provides support, home visits, school advocacy, legislative advocacy and educational resources to individuals with epilepsy and their families or caregivers.
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Dated: 2/5/2025 File Number: 35520 CA 151749
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More than 30,000 Long Islanders live with an epilepsy diagnosis, and nearly one out of 10 individuals are expected to experience a seizure at some point in their lifetime.
Town Councilwoman Missy Miller spoke about her experience caring for someone who suffers from the condition — her son Oliver. Epilepsy is a brain disease that causes seizures, or episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
“Many people have absolutely no idea (what epilepsy is), or they think it’s a condition that you just take medication and it’s controlled, or you have a surgical procedure and it’s fixed,” Miller said. “For a lucky percentage, that is the case. But for many like my child, there is no relief. I’ve been advocating for that relief for all of Oliver’s life.”
Reading a letter “addressed” to epilepsy, that she was asked to write for an advocacy research program, Miller shared insight into how epilepsy has changed her family’s life.
“You were the one diagnosis,” Miller read, “and my son has many diagnoses, that changed our lives, because you took so much from us. You took Oliver’s words, little by little. You took his ability to pull himself up, to sit and stand,
“Raising awareness and providing proper training can make all the difference in an emergency situation,” Burch said. “The EPIC Family thanks the Town of Hempstead for this incredible partnership and is proud to collaborate with them on this outstanding initiative.”
Irene Rodgers, chief development and engagement officer with the Epilepsy Foundation, said the training program is designed for law enforcement and safety officials, who are often first on the scene of emergencies.
“Our training is free,” she said. “It’s a professional development program that helps law enforcement and public safety officers understand the many ways seizures can present. By partnering with the Town of Hempstead, we are lucky to have the opportunity to provide this crucial education to public safety officials.
The seizure awareness training is an hour-long course, offered once a month online, accessible to the town’s employees. More than 100 lifeguards will receive the training, and just over 50 public safety officials, Clavin said. For more information on services provided by the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies and the Epilepsy Foundation, visit EPICLI.org.
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Houses in flood zones had to be raised, but businesses?
Q. I am interested in leasing a building that I am certain was flooded during several recent storms. The landlord says the sheetrock and insulation were replaced, and there were only a “few inches of water.” I doubt that. The metal building is stained around the bottom 4 feet, in between tall weeds, since nobody takes care of it. It’s in an industrial area. I wonder why I had to lift my house, but these buildings, which clearly were seriously flooded, never had to make changes to deal with future flooding. I can’t risk losing inventory, and I don’t see where there was much done to prevent water from getting in. I probably won’t take the lease, but I still wonder why these buildings didn’t either have to be raised or make changes for better flood protection.
A. Most commercial buildings were not considered “substantially damaged,” a definition by the Federal Emergency Management Agency requiring flood-prevention implementation. In most cases, only when renovating, waterproofing materials were required to be added to either the inside or outside of buildings, but this was not enforced uniformly with required permits. Part of the reason that flood-proof materials were added was, just as you said, to prevent loss of inventory, but also because businesses can’t be out of commission for very long without losing money.
Flood protective panels that attach at the exterior doors and windows, membranes placed on interior walls behind new finishes, and waterproofing of exterior walls up to 2 feet above the flood elevation, designated by FEMA for your area, have become standard practice for projects where people are concerned about their businesses continuing to operate after the next serious storm. The owner or tenant has to be concerned enough to implement these safeguards, because most commercial buildings in flood-prone areas were either not considered damaged enough to lift or not required to flood-proof unless brought to the attention of officials.
The issue comes down to one thing: insurance. Many people think of FEMA as just a federal government program, but it’s much more than that. It’s a large insurance company, one of the largest in the world. Because there are so many disasters to handle each year — roughly $200 billion worth of damage — most insurance companies stopped insuring coastal communities around the country. There’s just too much risk. So FEMA is designated to cover the high risk, backed by taxpayers to pay for the gaps and losses. That falls to taxpayers because otherwise-thriving communities would cease to exist, tax revenue would be lost, bonds and debt failures would occur and the economy could collapse. It’s all tied together.
So even though evaluation or enforcement may not have been done, taking steps as a tenant may be your only recourse. Consult with experienced professionals to create a flood-proof building. Water gets through floors, gaps in walls and places you may not have thought of. Good luck!
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opinions
Recalling the presidents I’ve met
As we celebrated Presidents’ Day on Monday, I thought back on presidents I’ve had the opportunity to meet over the years.
Except for my first meeting with Richard Nixon in 1967, before he was president, all of those meetings resulted from my involvement in politics.
In the summer of 1967, between my second and third years of law school, I worked as an intern in Nixon’s Wall Street law firm. (The fellow intern I was assigned to work with that summer was Rudy Giuliani — who was then a liberal Democrat.)
In addition to the chance encounters we had with Nixon in the hallway or elevator, we interns had a long lunch discussion with him, during which he demonstrated his expansive knowledge of foreign and domestic issues. Surprisingly, he also displayed a certain shyness.
A quarter-century later, in 1993, the then former president was in Washington to address Republicans in Congress, where I told him how much I appreciated the long-ago internship. He was no longer shy, but seemingly at peace. The following year, I attended his funeral in
California.
President Gerald Ford was in the closing days of his 1976 campaign against Jimmy Carter when he spoke at a massive rally at the Nassau Coliseum. At a reception afterward, Ford was gracious and friendly, a class act.
The next time I saw him was in 1998, at Sonny Bono’s funeral in California.
From Nixon to Trump, there have been 10, and each left a different impression.
I had just two brief encounters with Jimmy Carter, the first an introduction at Yitzhak Rabin’s funeral in Jerusalem in 1995. The second was about 10 years ago, when I was on a Delta Shuttle, waiting to take off for Washington, when Carter got on the plane, recognized me, shook my hand and gave me a warm hello and a big smile — an awkward moment for me, since I had attacked him for something on national TV just the day before!
Except for a White House briefing for New York Republicans in 1987, my dealings with President Ronald Reagan consisted of handshakes and photos at political events in Nassau County and Manhattan. I was always struck by his sense of dignity and leadership. He never disappointed.
President George Bush 41 was the last of the old-school presidents, in the best sense of that term. He was very knowl-
edgeable and always respectful of his office. In addition to greeting him at political events before and after his presidency, I was invited, along with other newly elected Republicans, to meet with him in the Oval Office in his final days as president in January 1993. It was inspiring and memorable. He didn’t have a word of regret or complaint. True stature.
Though President Barack Obama offered to appoint me ambassador to Ireland, my dealings with him were infrequent and businesslike. He was always polite, and always “no drama Obama.”
My contacts with Joe Biden were when he was senator and vice president, primarily at social events in Washington. He was invariably cordial and humorous. Always greeted me with a big grin, and would kid me that Irish guys should always be Democrats. He was sharp; very different from how he was as president.
The presidents I spent the most time with were Bill Clinton, George Bush 43 and Donald Trump, all of whom are within two years of me in age. I worked closely with Clinton on the Irish peace process, traveling with him on his historic visits to Northern Ireland. I stood with him during his impeachment. He
couldn’t have been more gracious and friendly to my family. He and Hillary were the first to call the night my mother died. We remain friends.
I saw up close how dedicated the younger George Bush was to helping New York and defeating Islamist terrorism following the horrific Sept. 11 attacks. I was with him in the ruins of the World Trade Center three days afterward, and over the succeeding months and years was at numerous meetings he had with cops, firefighters and 9/11 victims’ family members. A true patriot. Great sense of humor.
Donald Trump was and is one of a kind. He and I grew up in Queens at the same time. Though we lived in different Zip codes, one on one he was like the guys I grew up with, totally down to earth. Despite his public persona, he could be caring and concerned, like when he reached out to my daughter when she was sick, or when he invited my grandchildren to the White House. Most significantly, I’ll always be appreciative of his visits to Long Island, where he led the effort to crush MS-13. These are just some of the recollections from my front-row seat of the 10 men who led our nation over the past six decades.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Somewhere, the Founding Fathers must be fretting
As best I can remember when I was in fourth grade, we were taught that there are three branches of government — the legislative, the judicial and the executive. And we were taught that they were co-equals, with each possessing powers that the other branches couldn’t interfere with.
To make it simple, our teacher stated that the legislative branch, represented by Congress, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, headed by the president, enforces laws made by Congress and oversees federal agencies. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures that they comply with the Constitution. In my lifetime, over many decades, I have seen how the wishes of our Founding Fathers were complied with. While I was too young to understand the maneuvers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when he stepped over the line, the
Supreme Court reversed a number of his actions. In blunt terms, he was told that some of his actions violated the Constitution.
Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama saw their controversial legislation overridden by a vote of three-fourths of Congress. And on quite a few occasions, the Supreme Court told Congress that it had violated the Constitution and its actions were null and void. That seemed to be in line with what I learned at Public School 26 in Brooklyn.
cal issues. Some are consistent with campaign promises Trump made, but others clearly step on the toes of the 435 members of Congress.
W e once learned that the White House, Congress and the courts were co-equals.
Having served in the State Assembly for 23 years, I am very much aware of how the systems work in both Washington and Albany. I have seen the Legislature in Albany flex its muscles and override the governor on many occasions. I have seen the courts tell the Legislature that it has stepped over the line and violated the state Constitution.
On Jan. 20, President Trump issued an avalanche of executive orders. Many of them have escaped public attention, because voters don’t spend all their time watching the news and following politi-
Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress is given the sole authority to appropriate money for the operation of the government. There is no language that allows the president to impound funding authorized by Congress. The president campaigned on the promise of abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, but only Congress can dissolve a federal agency.
Some of the most challenging developments in the new Trump term are the actions taken by Elon Musk. He may have been given a blanket direction to cut government waste, but he is not allowed to abolish any federal agency that has been created by Congress. Musk has effectively shut down one agency already by restricting funding, but his powers will no doubt be challenged in the federal courts.
The biggest surprise to me, as a former state and local official, is how civil service protections are being totally ignored. Notices have been sent to thou-
sands of federal workers offering them buyouts with no guarantees that they will keep their jobs if they don’t take them. Actions taken by the administration to force career employees out of their jobs defy what the civil service system is about.
The most eye-popping development is the failure of any Republican member of Congress to complain about the impact of the funding impoundments on their own home communities. Major cancer research hospitals in Louisiana, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas have made urgent cries about the loss of anticipated dollars. Special drugs for serious diseases can’t be purchased without assurances that the money will be available. Rather than free up these dollars, the White House is focusing on efforts like halting the production of pennies that are popular with the public. There seem to be no people in Washington who are echoing the voices of the Founding Fathers. That is our loss.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
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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 Sea Cliff
It’s time for the county executive to do his job
as I enter my 14th year as a Nassau County Legislator and reflect on my time in office, it dawned on me that I have served for all of those years as a member of the Legislature’s minority caucus. While there have been disagreements with county executives and my colleagues in the majority along the way, I have always maintained cordial and productive relationships, and worked with county executives of both parties to get things done for my district and the county’s taxpayers.
the Nassau County Charter, a capital plan must be adopted by Dec. 15 each year — but the Blakeman administration has achieved this only once in the past three years. The 2025 plan is once again running late, jeopardizing economic growth, good jobs and increased safety and quality of life generated by these projects.
Since Bruce Blakeman took office as county executive in 2022, however, progress on crucial initiatives, grants and capital infrastructure proposals has stalled — and minority caucus-represented areas have shouldered a disproportionate impact. To get all areas of the county back on the right track, I urge the Blakeman administration to begin addressing these key priorities:
■ Finalize a comprehensive, equitable capital plan that invests in the communities of all 19 legislative districts. Per
B■ Get the politics out of CRP grants. Since the beginning of 2024, the majority has received more than 30 Community Revitalization Program grants, and the minority has received none. Some grant proposals for volunteer firefighters, village police departments and other first responders in minority districts have been held up for years. These funds need to get out to our communities regardless of legislators’ party affiliation.
donate heavily to his campaigns and profit handsomely off a broken system. Until then, the best way to protect yourself from overtaxation is to grieve your home’s assessed value, and the deadline to do so is March 3.
ruce Blakeman has failed to deliver on his promises for three years.
■ We need real solutions to stabilize the future of Nassau University Medical Center. NUMC is an essential part of our regional health care matrix, a Level 1 trauma center with a state-of-the-art burn center and an in-demand drug detox facility. Moreover, it serves as a lifeline for some of the county’s most economically vulnerable patients. The Blakeman administration must stop treating this vital facility like a political football and have a serious conversation with the state about keeping it open.
accounts collecting interest, and the ordinance currently making its way through the Legislature to create a grant portal for agencies on the front lines of addiction, treatment, prevention and recovery services is long, long overdue.
■ Last, but certainly not least, disband the dangerous, illegal militia. Nassau County has one of America’s besttrained police departments, and it is instrumental in making us the safest county of our size year after year. An armed militia with minimal training by the county — regardless of its participants’ previous experience or background — is not something the public or police ever asked for or needed, and Blakeman has no legal authority to marshal such a force. End the militia and allow our outstanding law enforcement professionals to do their jobs without interference.
■ Blakeman promised to “fix” the county’s assessment system. He hasn’t — and it’s only gotten worse. His administration has frozen the assessed values of our properties for three consecutive years. With each passing year, the tax rolls become even more unfair and distorted. The administration must live up to its promises and put the people ahead of the big tax-grievance firms that
LeTTers
There’s good news about younger readers, Randi
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time your read a book?”: I was happy to be informed about Randi’s impressions of the reading habits of children and young adults. This is a subject that I have a firsthand knowledge of.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, I have observed a tendency among my paying customers, most of whom are, in fact, 16 to 30 years old. Most come to me to fill a gap in their knowledge of classics, science fiction, general fiction, mystery and other literary genres. It seems that high schools and colleges assign them books that are online, but those who come to me seem to prefer hard copies. For me the trend is notable and rewarding, and boosts my hope that reading physical books, particularly classics, has not lost its luster in our over-technological, disgustingly over-computerized society.
AMNON TISHLER
Booklovers Paradise Bellmore
Alarmed at Blakeman’s ‘outrageous behavior’
To the Editor:
I am alarmed at the lack of alarm in Nassau County in response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s outrageous behavior.
First he organized an independent local armed security force, and denied it was a “militia.” It actually fits the dictionary definition of a militia, which means Blakeman is either uninformed or disingenuous — or both.
Then he declared that the New York Post, a tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch, is the official publication of Nassau County, because Blakeman doesn’t like the leanings of Newsday, which, for better or worse, has been a Long Islandcentric publication for decades.
Both moves are autocratic and partisan, and both are indefensible — but the public outcry has been muted, at best. I believe we need to react to — and reject — this sort of overreach, which I do not believe represent either the feelings or the interests of many Nassau County residents.
RICHARD SCHWARz Bayville
■ Distribute the opioid funding the county has been sitting on for years. In the past several years, the county has received nearly $100 million in settlement funds from the distributors, manufacturers and retailers of the addictive opioids that continue to devastate families. But the Blakeman administration has only spent roughly $3.3 million of that money to date. It is infuriating that so many people have died in the past year while settlement funds sat in bank
Blakeman took an oath to serve all of Nassau’s 1.4 million residents, but his hyper-partisan approach and failure to deliver on promises has been evident throughout the past three years. We deserve better, and addressing these key issues would be a step in the right direction for an administration that has routinely focused on matters far beyond its proper jurisdiction or control.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
DeLia
DeriGGi-wHiTTon
