With Tuesday night’s votes tallied, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy of Freeport has won re-election, beating out challenger Tamaria Pedlar for another four-year term and becoming the village’s first four-term mayor.
According to results not yet certified as of print time, Kennedy garnered 1,595 votes to Pedlar’s 203.
The mayor, originally elected in 2013, has prioritized economic development and touted a steady tax rate, which he has attributed to the village’s efforts to obtain grants as well as unorthodox revenue-generating initiatives such as the development of a number of properties including the new MoxeyRigby apartment complex.
In the race for village justice, incumbent Vincent Cacciatore won reelection to a four-year term over challenger Marc Strauss. Unofficially, Cacciatore won by a vote count of 1,529 to 258.
“I am honored that the voters are once again putting their faith in me and our administration,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Just because they’ve voted for me again doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot of work to do,” he added, citing future projects including flood mitigation and a planned trade school at the Freeport armory.
–Mohammad Rafiq
‘Move the Food Day’ to feed community
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne and the Long Island Council of Churches are gearing up for their 14th annual Move the Food Day, scheduled for March 29, at 10:15 a.m., at the LICC Food Pantry in Freeport, now at 353 W Sunrise Highway.
The event is the culmination of months of food collection efforts, collectively known as the People’s Food Drive, which have brought together volunteers from churches and local businesses as well as
individuals to help combat food insecurity on Long Island.
Robert Hallam, a sales manager at Nassau Door and Window who has spearheaded the drive with his wife, Mary, described the event as more than just a food-delivery effort — as a celebration of community and generosity. Move the Food Day is when all the food collected over the past several months is transported from the Hallams’ home in Lynbrook to the pantry.
Hallam joked that it’s a day his wife looks forward to, because it means their house
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When other property tax “experts” gi that’s when we get going. Trusted partners. Every step of the w
The Smith at Freeport rings in its first year
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
Options for Community Living is planning a one-year anniversary celebration for The Smith at Freeport, an affordable housing development that has provided stability and support to some of Long Island’s most vulnerable residents.
The March 27 event, which will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. in the building’s community room, will feature lunch, dessert and remarks from staff, residents and local officials.
During the past 43 years, the group has expanded across Long Island, managing more than 160 residential properties and serving over 2,000 individuals annually.
t’s a tough time to kind of get your foot in the door somewhere, and make a home and make a life on Long Island
Yol ANDA RoBANo-GRoSS CEO, Options
Established in 1982, Options for Community Living was originally founded in response to the closure of psychiatric facilities across the state. Many individuals struggling with mental health issues were left without housing or resources, prompting the creation of the nonprofit to provide safe, supportive housing.
for Community Living
The Smith at Freeport, at 206 Smith Street, developed in partnership with Lincoln Development Corporation, transformed a vacant property into a 31-unit affordable housing complex. Ten of these units are specifically designated for individuals recovering from serious and persistent mental health conditions.
According to Vicki Perks, donor engagement manager for Options, the project has been life changing for its residents.
“We were able to take 10 formerly homeless individuals recovering from a serious and persistent mental health diagnosis and bring them into safe, stable and permanent housing,
Courtesy Rob Hallam
Rob and Mary Hallam, organizers of the People’s Food Drive, in back of the donation-filled truck, before heading to the pantry.
HERALD SchoolS
Archer hosts inspiring career day for students
Archer Street Elementary School students had the chance to explore a variety of professions and engage with local professionals during the school’s annual Career Day on March 7.
The event aimed to inspire students to think about their future aspirations through interactive presentations, hands-on activities, and in-depth conversations with experts across different fields.
“Career Day is a special opportunity for our students to see the many possibilities that lie ahead of them,” said Principal Manouchka Daniel. “We want to empower our students to dream big and understand that their future is filled with endless potential.”
Professionals from industries such as healthcare, law enforcement, technology, education, and the arts shared their career paths and experiences. Students took part in Q&A sessions, interactive demonstrations, and discussions about the skills and education needed for various occupations.
Community members, including firefighters, nurses, and business owners, provided real-world insights into their work, sparking students’ curiosity and enthusiasm.
“The enthusiasm from our students was incredible,” said Elizabeth Biscotti, Archer Street social worker and Career Day coordinator.
“Seeing the students learn about different careers is so rewarding,” she added. “We are grateful to the professionals who took the time to invest in our students’ futures.”
Archer Street Elementary School expressed its appreciation to all Career Day participants for their time and contributions in making the event a success.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Prior to visiting classroom Archer Street’s Career Day participants gathered for a welcome breakfast with Principal Manouchka Daniel.
Ex-tax preparer indicted in $12M scheme
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
A former Freeport tax preparer has been charged in a massive fraud scheme that allegedly caused $12 million in losses to the Internal Revenue Service and the Payroll Protection Program.
A 42-count indictment was unsealed earlier today in federal court in Central Islip against Damaris Beltre, accusing her of wire fraud, preparing false tax returns, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Beltre was arrested and is set to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields.
Authorities allege that Beltre ran an operation preparing fraudulent tax returns that claimed false refunds and illegally obtained COVID-19 relief funds. The scheme reportedly resulted in millions of dollars in losses while Beltre personally benefited from the funds.
Federal Authorities speak on the case
“As alleged, the defendant’s fraudulent work as a tax preparer and in furtherance of a COVID-19 loan scheme cost the government millions of dollars, all while she generated a stream of illicit revenue for herself that she used to purchase, among other things, a home in the Dominican Republic, a car and jewelry,” stated John Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “My Office will vigorously prosecute individuals like the defendant who think the United States government is an easy target for financial crimes.”
Durham also expressed his appreciation to the United States Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office and the Freeport Police Department for their assistance on the case.
“Beltre is charged with defrauding the government of millions of dollars to fatten her pockets, using stolen identities, fraudulent tax submissions and bogus COVID-19 benefits claims,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis.
“While she may have been viewed as a respected tax preparer, Beltre did not respect federal law, nor did she care about the victims of her fraud—the American people. This IRS-CI investigation has brought her scheming to an end, and she will now be prosecuted for her actions.”
Details of the alleged fraudulent schemes
Tules and forms for client-taxpayers for submission to the IRS. From approximately January 2021 through December 2023, Beltre was the tax preparer for tax returns prepared by L&D; from January 2024 through April 2024, Beltre was the tax preparer for tax returns prepared by D&L.
he defendant’s fraudulent work as a tax preparer and in furtherance of a COVID-19 loan scheme cost the government millions of dollars
As set forth in the indictment, Beltre owned and operated multiple businesses involved in the scheme, including Botanica El Poder De San Miguel, L&D Tax & Multi Service Corp., D&L Tax Service, and Apollo Global Improvements LLC.
JOHN DuRHAM Attorney, Eastern District of New York
Between approximately January 2021 and April 2024, Beltre engaged in a scheme in which she prepared and caused to be prepared false and fraudulent Forms 1040 and associated sched-
In those roles, Beltre engaged in a massive tax fraud scheme utilizing false dependents as well as tens of millions of dollars of COVID-19 sick leave credits and fuel tax credits that there was no basis to claim.
Clients paid over $1 million for Beltre’s fees for her work preparing the false returns, which included a percentage of any refund issued.
For example, in one instance, an undercover agent went to Beltre to have his tax return prepared. If prepared accurately, the agent would have owed the IRS approximately $205. Instead, Beltre prepared a return that claimed a refund of over $14,243.
Beltre charged the undercover agent $2,200 in fees to prepare the fraudulent tax return. In other instances, Beltre filed tax returns claiming refunds on behalf of former clients without their knowledge. As a result of her fraudulent tax scheme, Beltre submitted false and fraudulent Forms 1040 and associated schedules
and forms to the IRS, which resulted in approximately $11 million in reduced tax liabilities.
In a separate PPP fraud scheme, Beltre filed false payroll reports and tax returns with the IRS on behalf of companies to fraudulently obtain PPP loan proceeds totaling approximately $1 million, which she used to pay personal expenses.
For example, in June 2020, Beltre used approximately $22,500 in fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds to make a payment on a house in the Dominican Republic.
In May 2021, Beltre used approximately $16,000 in fraudulently obtained PPP funds to pay for the purchase of a Honda CRV. Between November 2021 and February 2022, Beltre and members of her family spent tens of thousands of dollars of fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds at jewelry stores, and Beltre withdrew approximately $226,160 of the fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds as cash from accounts for Botanica, L&D, Apollo, and various other accounts she controlled.
Legal proceedings and next steps
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section. Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroeder.
Man indicted in alleged retail theft scheme
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
A Baldwin man has been indicted in connection with an alleged retail theft operation that employed multiple individuals to steal merchandise from Home Depot stores across Long Island, including Freeport, and parts of New York City, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced.
Authorities allege Manooj Heeralall, 55, orchestrated the scheme between October 2021 and December 2023, targeting stores in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as Queens and Brooklyn. A search of his home uncovered roughly $40,000 worth of stolen merchandise, prosecutors said.
According to prosecutors, between March and December 2023, Heeralall allegedly recruited individuals to steal items such as circuit breakers, light switches, and other electrical equipment from multiple Home Depot locations, including stores in Freeport, Levittown, Syosset, and Westbury.
Heeralall was arraigned Friday before Judge Howard Sturim on a grand jury indictment. He faces charges including burglary, criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 7. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.
“This defendant was the alleged architect of a retail theft scheme targeting Home Depot stores across Long Island and in parts of New York City, in which nearly
Courtesy Office of the District Attorney Nassau County
A search of his home uncovered roughly $40,000 worth of stolen merchandise, prosecutors said.
$40,000 worth of items were stolen and later shipped to Guyana to be sold for a profit,” Donnelly said. “My office, with our partners at the Nassau County Police Department, will take down these retail theft rings and hold thieves accountable for their criminal actions.”
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said law enforcement remains committed to cracking down on retail crime.
“There is no place for retail crime in Nassau Coun-
ty,” Ryder said. “These criminals targeting businesses and hard-working people will always be pursued, and we are proud of our partnership with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and Organized Retail Crime Task Force for bringing them to justice.”
Investigation Details
Authorities say he later met with the individuals, paid them for the stolen merchandise, and stored the items at his home and garage.
During a search of Heeralall’s home on Dec. 7, police recovered nearly 1,000 circuit breakers valued at $15,025, along with hundreds of other stolen items, including circular saw blades, outlets, and additional circuit breakers. In his garage, officers also found four garbage bins filled with approximately $9,576 worth of acrylic roof coating, rock spotlights, oscillating blades for grout, and light switch wall plates.
In total, authorities seized an estimated $37,151 worth of stolen merchandise.
Prosecution and Investigation
Heeralall was arrested on Dec. 7 by members of the Nassau County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kaitlyn Wells of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, under Bureau Chief Jeremy Glicksman and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan.
Heeralall is represented by attorney Raymond Baierlein.
Supportive housing’s impact is growing
and we were also able to fully furnish the apartments for them,” Perks said. “So these are individuals who either, you know, were in shelters or doubled up on somebody’s couch … many of them, for the first time, had their own key to open their own door to their apartment.”
Perks emphasized that beyond providing housing, Options also ensures that residents receive ongoing case management.
“It’s amazing to watch how they flourished,” she said, “which is a true testament to, you know, how if somebody has a roof over their head and knows where their next meal is coming from, then they really could focus on gaining employment, or seeking the treatments that they may need.”
Options CEO Yolanda Robano-Gross echoed the importance of supportive housing, particularly in the face of Long Island’s housing crisis.
“It’s a tough time for affordable housing,” Robano-Gross said. “For people, it’s a tough time to kind of get your foot in the door somewhere, and make a home and make a life on Long Island, even with a job and a college education. It’s amazing to me that the year is 2025, and there’s still a lot of stigma around things like mental health. It’s almost incomprehensible to me — one in four individuals have some sort of a mental health diagnosis.”
The Smith at Freeport was strategically placed to allow residents easy access to essential services, transportation and community resources.
“You want people to be a part of their community, right?” Robano-Gross said. “So you want to make sure that that community is accessible to them. You don’t want people to be, you know, miles away from anything they could get to.”
The anniversary event will highlight
“The Gift of Years”
Your writer was grateful to find author Chittister’s book, subtitled “Growing Old Gracefully”, written by her at age seventy, the same age as your writer.
Inevitably, we come to see things differently as we age. In “The Gift of Years” these changes in the “capstone years” as she calls them, present the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever. Cicero notes that old age is richer in reflection, force of character and judgement. The maturity and mellowing of character allows the older generation to provide a behavioral model for younger generations showing them the way to a fullness of life.
Seneca said these years abound with pleasure if we know how to use them. Free of obligations and deadlines, there is freshness in these years. Understanding, enjoyment and love of life all increase, allowing for deeper, richer and more important experiences. The world looks different — more to be treasured,
explored and enjoyed. A certain serenity sets in.
Chittister writes “But we are here to depart from this world as finished as we can possibly become. Old age is...exactly the time to grow in new ways [making] sense out of all the growing we have already done. It is the softening season when everything in us is meant to achieve its sweetest, richest, most unique self”.
Chittister calls it a damping-down time of life where anger, jealousy, envy, and pride subside to awaken another whole level of life.
“As Agatha Christie put it, we ‘bloom’ as we grow. New abilities emerge, new insights arise. New vision is possible.”
A certain urgency and intensity in living sets in as we become aware of the presence of time. With forty short chapters on subjects such as Regret, Joy, Possibility, Letting Go, Success, Wisdom, Time and Appreciation, “The Gift of Years” provides an indispensable guide to aging well.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
the successes of The Smith’s first year, featuring testimonials from residents, remarks from staff, and a citation from Freeport’s very own Mayor Robert Kennedy.
Attendees will also be given the opportunity to tour the apartments, with one resident volunteering to guide visitors.
“It’s important for people to see firsthand what this type of housing looks like,” Perks said. “When I tell you, I would be thrilled to live in a beautiful apartment in this building — you know, it’s really just top-notch.”
While the event is invitation-only for safety reasons, Options encourages the community to support its mission in other ways, such as donating, volunteering or by attending fundraising events.
The organization is scheduled to hold a “Comedy Night for a Cause” on April 17, which will help raise crucial funds for its programs.
“We receive funding, you know, through the state and different grants,” Perks said. “But unfortunately that funding is restricted. So we’re always looking for unrestricted funding. We’re always looking for volunteers. We have amazing thrift shop located in Ronkonkoma that is run by our volunteers. We only have one paid staff member.”
Yolanda robano-gross, Ceo of options for Community Living, says it’s a ‘tough time for affordable housing.’
Perks added that donations are needed to provide clients with personal hygiene supplies, non-perishable food items, and more. Interested parties can also hold drives on behalf of the organization.
For more information about Options for Community Living and how to get involved, visit OptionScl.org.
■ WEB SITE: freeport.liherald.com ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: freeporteditor@liherald.com
Photos courtesy Yolanda Robano-Gross the options for Community Living team gathered at its annual staff development day in September.
Youthful Hofstra shoots for CAA run
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team opened 2025 in the heart of winter on Feb. 7 with high hopes for a memorable season that will end in the warmth of spring.
An 11-6 win against Long Island University in the season opener began a stretch of four straight wins to open the new campaign following a nine-win 2024 season in which the Pride reached the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals stage. Much of the pieces were
lost however from the 2024 squad including around 70 percent of its offensive production.
“Our motto this year has just been taking it day by day looking and for our team to get better each day,” said 13th-year head coach Shannon Smith.
“Every day we’re in the trenches together, getting better, growing as a unit, both defensively, offensively and collectively as a team.”
Hofstra still returned some key pieces from last year led by red-shirt sophomore attacker
Nikki Mennella, who tallied 44
points on 24 goals and 20 assists through her first seven games. She has earned CAA player of the week honors three times including on March 10 after a five-point performance in a narrow 11-8 loss to Big Ten foe Rutgers and six goals in a 18-6 rout of Wagner.
“She has the willpower to win and is super competitive,” said Smith of Menalla, who also leads the team in draw controls with 38. “She plays with so much fire and passion.”
Mennella spearheads an offense with multiple scoring weapons including freshman
attacker Kayleigh Bender, who is second on the team in points with 27-. The Pride have also gotten offensive production early from sophomore Kristen Redding, junior Julia Harris, senior Megan Flannery and graduate student Angelica Sparacio, who previously played at Quinnipiac.
The Hofstra defense also boasts plenty of athleticism anchored by sophomore Christine Dannenfelser, who has garnered CAA Defensive Player of the Week twice this season.
The Bayport-Blue Point product registered six draw controls and two ground balls in Hofstra’s near upset of Rutgers.
“She is a sophomore captain and the team really looks up to her,” said Smith of Dannenfelser. “She is fiery and plays with
a lot of passion.”
Dannenfelser leads a defensive unit that includes seniors Brynn Hepting and Emily Weigand along with sophomore Natalie Little. Junior Luchianna Cardello, a former Massapequa High School standout, is starting her third season in net and recorded 12 saves in the narrow Rutgers loss. Hofstra, which opened the CAA schedule with a 15-9 loss to Delaware last Friday, will look to rebound this weekend with road games Friday at William & Mary and Sunday at Elon. The Pride, who are looking to finish in the top four in the league to earn a bid to CAA playoffs, will conclude the regular season with a home game against Long Island rival Stony Brook on April 26 at 7 p.m.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications
Sophomore defender Christine Dannenfelser has garnered CAA Defensive Player of the Week twice already this season.
Food drive adjusts to new pantry location
is no longer filled with boxes of donations.
Volunteers form an assembly line to move boxes of food from the living and dining rooms to a truck provided by his employer, Nassau Door & Window, before driving them to Freeport. When the truck arrives at the LICC pantry, another assembly line unloads the food. In past years, as many as 200 people have taken part.
“We try to form, like, a light line and a heavy line, so that people that don’t have such strength, or the younger people, can still be involved,” Hallam explained.
The People’s Food Drive began over 20 years ago, as a small initiative in the Community Presbyterian Church’s Sunday School program. Hallam recalled how his deep faith played a crucial role in expanding the drive beyond the church. He described experiencing restless nights whenever he hesitated to take the mission further, contrasting that with a sense of energy and inspiration whenever he thought about expanding it.
“I have no question that God called me to take our little church food drive out of the doors of the church and into the surrounding communities,” he said. Now, volunteers come from across Long Island, including other churches, such as the Garden City Presbyterian Church and the Wantagh Presbyterian Church, as well as businesses. There’s a collection box in front of the Hallams’ home.
The relocation of the LICC Food Pantry from 230 Hanse Ave. to the new Sunrise Highway location last November has brought some challenges. In the past, volunteers have been able to pass food indoors by backing up the moving truck into the facility, but this year the human assembly line will extend down the sidewalk of Sunrise Highway.
“We’re praying for good weather,” Hallam said.
The Rev. Janice Moore, pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church and the chair of the Long Island Council of Churches, emphasized the growing demand for food assistance. “Food insecurity is our biggest priority,” Moore said. “And hopefully, in the next year or so, we’ll have Move the Food drives like this all across Long Island.”
Moore acknowledged that the council has had to adapt to funding and space constraints, with the new space being smaller than the old one. “We learned some things because of it,” she said. “That we can shift more toward partnerships. So we partner now with many dif-
ferent churches. So we’re not just physically in one location, you know. It forced us to learn about the power of partnerships.”
Despite the challenges, Hallam remains dedicated to the mission. This year’s drive has collected roughly 500 boxes of food, each holding about 20 items, as well as more than $3,000 in monetary donations, which will be used to purchase more food.
LICC is a 501(c)(3) charity organization, Hallam noted. “People can make tax-deductible donations, and some people choose to do it that way,” he said. “We have an understanding with the food pantry that any money given during the People’s Food Drive, that money goes solely into the purchase of food, not into overhead costs.”
“I should mention what a great support Jeremy’s Ale House is,” Hallam added in a text message. “They are on the Nautical Mile and are a great support to our drive. They have a collection box at the pub, and most of the regular patrons join in to help move the food.”
As food insecurity remains a critical issue on Long Island, Move the Food Day serves as a crucial community effort. “In the past, Move the Food Day has provided, like, two months’ worth of food for the council, for the Freeport pantry.” Moore said. “But even more important, it creates awareness. The people who come to help for a day and then start to come up with ideas about what they can do individually. The awareness isn’t just for the Council, (it’s about) how individuals can contribute to providing support for their neighbors in small and personal ways.”
The Community Presbyterian Church and the Long Island Council of Churches invite all who are interested in making a difference to participate in Move the Food Day on March 29. For more information, contact Hallam at robhallam54@gmail.com, or (516) 315-3036.
Courtesy Rob Hallam
Stacks of donated food fill rob Hallam’s house, highlighting the success of the people’s food drive in collecting essential supplies for Long island families.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Either writing about pets or looking out for them
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Joanne Anderson writes the “Pets, Pets, Pets” column for the Babylon Herald Beacon, is the outreach coordinator for Last Hope Animal Rescue, is a member of the League for Animal Protection and volunteers for the Babylon Animal Shelter.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Anderson: I have always loved dogs. Both of my grandmothers were dog fanatics. I remember when I was 5 years old, I went to a barbecue with my family and there was an Afghan hound there. I saw its beautiful coat and thought how magical it looked to me. A love for animals is definitely in my DNA.
Herald: Why do you do what you do?
Anderson: I was an elementary school teacher for 33 years in the William Floyd School District, but I became involved with the Babylon Animal Shelter and animal advocacy after seeing an Afghan hound in the back of a police car. I knew who the dog belonged to for a while, but the officer said that the family didn’t want the dog back.
I had never been in a town shelter before, and when I went to the Babylon Animal Shelter, over 40 years ago, I saw that it was packed with dogs, two to a cage, and many were sick, with no protection against germ spreading. The shelters have come a long way, but that day I took home the Afghan, Alfie. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have gone into the shelter and wanted to get
involved. He opened my eyes. Shortly after, I joined the League for Animal Protection.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Anderson: The challenge is worrying that all the animals that have been saved are only the tip of the iceberg — what about the ones we don’t find? There are a zillion places that haven’t been touched yet. What keeps me going is that all of these animals we do find and save are given the chance at a better life because we inter-
vened, and it’s incredible to sometimes hear from the families afterward (about) the life the pets are now living.
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Anderson: It’s hearing about the animals from the shelter and their lives afterward. It’s knowing that some were absolutely starving, and that’s never going to happen to them again. A lot of them go on to do therapy work as well. Two of my Afghans did therapy work for years, and people who would never talk would all of a sudden start because of the dogs. It’s the team — the dogs have to be placed in the right hands to bring out their potential.
Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?
Anderson: The world of animal shelters has (come) so far, and while it’s difficult seeing the animals in cages initially, they’re doing much better now. We also have a new thrift store in Huntington, on New York Avenue, called Last Hope Animal Rescue Thrift and Treasures. What I love about the store is that it’s the ultimate recycling venture. You’re taking what people don’t want anymore, and the money is going toward spaying, neutering, taking in more dogs, surgeries, etc.
Last Hope Animal Rescue Thrift and Treasures is at 310 New York Ave. in Huntington. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is currently seeking volunteers. For more about Last Hope Animal Rescue, visit lasthopeanimalrescue.org, email info@lasthopeanimalrescue.org or call (631) 425-1884.
Lifting girls up with leadership and opportunity
By KELSIE RADZISKI
kradziski@liherald.com
Renee Daniel Flagler is executive director of Girls Inc. of Long Island.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Flagler: I’ve always been very involved in community service, which is what attracted me to Girls Inc. as an employer in the first place. I’ve always had a special affinity to helping open doors for youth and to serve youth to ensure that they have the access and exposure and opportunities. So I started working with youth just from a volunteer perspective, over 20 years ago. By 2011, I was fully working with young people, and not just volunteering, but working with organizations that served youth. I was a writer, and I was teaching writing programs with the Department of Education and different programs like drug treatment programs in prisons and schools and camps and every type of youth.
Herald: Why do you do what you do?
Flagler: Girls Inc. of Long Island (is an) affiliate of the National Girls Inc. organization, with a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. We provide research-based programs for girls that ensure that they have the
tools, access opportunities and resources to reach their full potential and become the next generation of leaders. (This job) was right in alignment with who I am as a person. It started all those years ago, when I was working with young people and developing an affinity to being able to help young girls who reminded me of myself when I was little … I recognized myself in them, and wanted to help create and open doors for opportunities and stuff like that for them.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Flagler: Sometimes being a black woman is a challenge. A lot of times for women, and especially black women, when we get to the table, we kind of have to prove that we belong there. So that’s definitely been a challenge that has been consistent throughout my entire career, from corporate to now. Service keeps me going and inspires me. Progress keeps me going and inspires me. My faith keeps me going and inspires me. I love what I feel when I see myself progress, or the people that I’m working with or helping progress. I love to see the brightness shine in the eyes of a young person when they realize their own capabilities and they
become more confident in themselves.
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Flagler: Professionally, it was being recognized by the network of Girls Inc. for the growth of Girls Inc. When I came into the organization, I was really committed to doing everything I can to be an asset to the organization.
This is just what I love to do, but the fact that whenever I am recognized, it’s an opportunity for me to stop and reflect on what we are able to accomplish at Girls Inc., and those moments make me proud when I’m able to pull my head up out of the grind and go, Oh, my goodness, we did accomplish it.
Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?
Flagler: So I’m very proud of the fact that today I live what I call my dream journey. I get up every single day and get to do exactly what I love to do, what I feel like I was put here to do and what I’m passionate about doing, and that’s what I want to charge other people to do.
Live a life that is inspired by the pursuit of your passion and your purpose.
There are still boardrooms that are missing women. There are still industries that don’t have enough women in them. We just have to keep fighting,
because we belong there, and we know that our contributions to this world are vital, not just for us, for our communities and for our children, male and female, but those coming behind us.
To learn more about Renee Daniel Flagler’s work, visit her website at ReneeDanielFlagler.com.
Courtesy Joanne Anderson
Joanne Anderson with a Belgian Tervuren at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia in 2020.
Courtesy Renee Daniel Flagler “Service keeps me going and inspires me,” Renee Daniel Flagler says.
News briefs
receive the Art
All-County Art Exhibit showcases talent
Forty-eight students from Freeport Public Schools recently showcased their artwork in the 2025 Art Supervisors Association All-County Exhibit, held at Herricks High School on March 9. The annual event featured work from students across Long Island, highlighting artistic talent from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Among the honorees, Freeport High School senior Yuliana Jimenez received the Senior Scholarship Award, a distinction given to outstanding graduating artists from Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The district recognized Jimenez for her achievement and congratulated all 48 Freeport students selected for the prestigious exhibit.
The Art Supervisors Association, a nonprofit organization supporting visual arts education in Nassau County, advocates for quality art instruction at all levels and provides a platform for young artists to share their work.
–Mohammad Rafiq
PSEG launches program to help seniors
A program created to provide seniors in the community with essential resources on topics like storm preparation, scam prevention, electrical safety, energy efficiency, and financial assistance was unveiled by PSEG Long Island.
The Senior Connections initiative aims to help older residents navigate these crucial areas to stay safe, save money and avoid common pitfalls.
“We created the Senior Connections program to enhance our commitment to older adults in the community,” Michael Presti, director of customer experience and marketing at PSEG Long Island, said in a news release. “This free program will provide important information to help seniors stay safe and save money at locations that are convenient for them to attend.”
PSEG Long Island will offer seminars led by subject-matter experts, covering a range of topics that are important to seniors. These presentations will be held in collaboration with local community organizations, libraries, schools, senior living communities, and other groups that serve older residents.
K-8th Public School of Choice Est. 2000 (NYS-Local Educational Agency)
Both small, intimate gatherings and larger events will be available, and sessions can be conducted in person or virtually.
The program officially kicked off with a safety presentation at the
PSEG Long Island launched Senior Connections to connect older residents with information on several topics, such as storm preparation and safety.
YMCA in Glen Cove earlier last month. Future sessions are scheduled for New Hyde Park and Huntington.
The Senior Connections program is part of PSEG Long Island’s broader efforts to ensure that all members of the community, particularly vulnerable seniors, have the knowledge and tools they need to remain safe
Seniors interested in learning more or requesting a seminar can contact PSEG Long Island at communityLI@ pseg.com. –Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy PSEG Long Island
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Freeport High School senior Yuliana Jiminez, left, was chosen to
Supervisors Association Senior Scholarship award. With Freeport High School art teacher Lauren Levine.
HERALD SCHOOLS
Roosevelt celebrates Brother’s fun night
The Roosevelt School District recently welcomed nearly 100 students from eight Long Island communities for an evening of community-building, networking, and advocacy as part of the My Brother’s Keeper Fun Night.
“Our involvement in the My Brother’s Keeper program provides our students with immeasurable resources, mentors and opportunities to prepare for a successful future post-graduation,” said Superintendent of Schools Shawn Wightman. “It was an honor to host eight communities for a night of camaraderie, teamwork and determination. We are proud of our students and staff for leading such an inspiring event.”
Roosevelt is one of 36 communities in New York participating in the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, a program designed to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color by offering mentorship, leadership development, and educational resources. Since joining three years ago, the district has taken an active role in hosting events and providing leadership opportunities for its students.
The Fun Night brought together students from Brentwood, Central Islip, Hempstead, Longwood, Uniondale, Valley Stream Central, Westbury, and Wyandanch.
The evening featured team-building games and social activities aimed at fostering empowerment and collaboration among young students of color.
Roosevelt High School MBK Fellows Andrey Glasgow and Omarian Farquharson led the event, welcoming peers from across Long Island and introducing the night’s goals.
Through interactive activities, students engaged with the My Brother’s Keeper program while networking with participants and educational leaders.
For more information about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, visit www.rooseveltufsd.org or follow the district on Facebook at facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.
–Mohammad Rafiq
The purpose of My Brother’s Keeper is for boys and young men of color to help them realize their limitless potential.
Through team-building games and social activities, students had the opportunity to engage in the My Brother’s Keeper program and network.
Students from Brentwood, Central Islip, Hempstead, Longwood, Uniondale, Valley Stream Central, Westbury and Wyandanch were present at the event.
Photos courtesy Roosevelt Public Schools
Roosevelt High School recently hosted students from eight other Long Island communities for the My Brother’s Keeper Fun Night.
Roosevelt is one of 36 communities throughout New York involved in the My Brother’s Keeper program.
Shawn Wightman, right, was with hosts Omarian Farquharson, left, and Andrey Glasgow at Roosevelt’s My Brother’s Keeper Fun Night.
Blakeman’s State of the County address
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman doubled down on his administration’s commitment to public safety, law enforcement, and conservative governance in his State of the County address on March 13. Speaking before a packed crowd at the County Legislature chambers in Mineola, Blakeman touted Nassau’s status as the safest county in America, and reinforced his opposition to sanctuary policies, transgender athletes in women’s sports, and public mask-wearing outside of health emergencies.
“One of my first executive orders as county executive was to declare that Nassau County is not a sanctuary county,” Blakeman said. He emphasized his administration’s collaboration with federal immigration officials, saying that Nassau is the first county in the U.S. to have a cooperation agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “To that end, we are working with ICE and our other federal law enforcement partners to remove or incarcerate those who commit criminal acts and live in the U.S. illegally,” he added.
Blakeman also announced plans to increase law enforcement staffing, promising to hire additional officers in the coming years. “I have hired over 300 new police officers and corrections officers in the last three years, and this year we will be hiring more,” he said. His proposed capital plan includes investments in police equipment, technology, body armor and vehicles, and he urged the Legislature to pass it at its next meeting.
Blakeman’s speech echoed themes from previous addresses and his campaign rhetoric, emphasizing his administration’s firm stance on several controversial policies. He highlighted his role in banning transgen-
der athletes from competing in women’s sports on county property, a measure that has sparked legal challenges.
“We will not allow our girls to be bullied into unsafe and unfair competition and have their privacy violated,” he stated. “In Nassau, boys play with boys, and girls play with girls.”
He also defended his ban on public mask-wearing, a measure he claims is aimed at preventing crime and antisemitism. “These criminals and cowards are not welcome in Nassau County,” he said.
Beyond law enforcement, Blakeman promoted the county’s economic strength, attributing its prosperity to low taxes and business-friendly policies. He pledged that for the fourth consecutive year, his proposed budget would not raise property taxes, despite inflation. “Every day, I wake up with only one thought,” he said. “And that is your safety, health, and economic security.”
Blakeman also spoke of his commitment to saving Nassau University Medical Center, describing it as the county’s “safety net hospital.” The financially struggling facility is currently suing the state for $1 billion in funding.
Additionally, he highlighted the county’s cultural diversity, citing efforts such as a Feliz Navidad event, a Ramadan celebration, and a Black gospel performance as examples of his administration’s outreach to different communities. He also boasted of hosting major public concerts featuring Ja Rule and Steve Aoki. Blakeman’s speech was met with sharp criticism from Legislator Seth Koslow, the Democratic challenger in the upcoming county executive race. Koslow dismissed many of Blakeman’s claims, particularly on property tax assessments, police staffing, and infrastructure investment.
“The fact that he could look Nassau County residents in the face and say he fixed the assessment system is unbelievable,” Koslow told the Herald after Blakeman’s speech. “He has done nothing to make it better.” Koslow accused Blakeman of keeping the tax rolls frozen since 2020 to benefit politically connected tax certiorari firms.
Beyond public safety, Koslow took aim at infrastructure neglect, claiming that Blakeman has ignored the county’s pothole problems and has not addressed illegal red-light camera fees that courts have ruled improper.
Tim Baker/Herald
County Executive Bruce Blakeman met with police officers as he reaffirmed his support for law enforcement.
By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker
Elaine CummingsYoung Massapequa
I survived through the winter by staying warm and knitting sweaters, socks, scarves for myself and for my family and friends. I finished this sweater that I’m wearing.
What did you do to ‘survive’ the winter?
Surviving any period of winter is a lot about finding little comforts. It’s very much in the kind of like Scandinavian Higge mindset of staying warm, staying cozy, staying close to home as much as possible. We try to make a habit of having a fire at least once a week and that is not just warmth, it’s a very meditative, soothing experience as well.
Roland Provence Seaford
In the winter, I go to the lake and the harbor. I always go no matter what, even if it’s cold out. I go see the birds. We have a whole cardinal family that shows up. It helps my spirit to take care of nature.
Danny Martinez Rockville Centre
I survived winter with a lot of hot coffee. I also watch a lot of sports, especially the Knicks and football.
While winter isn’t my favorite season, I do enjoy spending a lot of time with my family, playing board games. I love a good Rummikub. I also love doing art. I work at an art studio and I’m currently working on a painting about Italy for my senior art portfolio.
From
Iri Greco Glen Cove
Giuliana Curatolo Oceanside
STEPPING OUT
The1938 gelatin silver print “Hardware Store” was originally part of Abbott’s photo series “Changing New York,” which featured over 300 photographs. Gift of Morton Brozinsky.
Captured through a different lens
Untold
narratives of the partnership between photographer Berenice Abbott and art critic Elizabeth McCausland
By Danielle Schwab
We all know that there are generally two sides to every story. For Berenice Abbott and Elizabeth McCausland, a hidden history stretches beyond their fame and official biographies — a tale of enduring love, documenting change and challenging the norms of their time.
Now on view at Heckscher Museum of Art as part of its 2025 Pride Initiative, during Women’s History Month — closing March 30 — the exhibition “Embracing the Parallax: Berenice Abbott and Elizabeth McCausland” sheds a new perspective on the artist-writer duo. Best known for their work capturing the changing landscapes of New York City, the exhibit provides a new understanding of their partnership.
Born in Ohio in 1898, Abbott first ventured to New York City in 1918. Three years later, she moved to Paris to study photography under visual artist Man Ray, eventually returning to New York City to pursue documentary photography.
“She established herself in the Parisian art scene, which is interesting because when she came back to New York, she saw how much the art scene had modernized, she was inspired,” says Jessica Rosen, Heckscher’s assistant curator, who organized the exhibit.
“Her friends thought she was crazy for giving up her prominence in the Parisian art world to go to New York, but she felt her photographic calling,” she continues
She had her first correspondence with McCausland, the Kansas-born art critic and poet in 1934. McCausland wrote a review of one of Abbott’s shows, sparking their intellectual and romantic relationship.
“This review was the first that instilled a political interpretation to Abbott’s works. Abbott responded by saying, ‘This is the first intelligent review of my work that has appeared in this country,” Rosen says.
The pair lived in Greenwich Village, forging a fascinating collaboration.
They became most well-known for a pivotal 1939 book, “Changing New York,” composed of Abott’s photography and McCausland’s captions. While it was meant to capture the modernization of New York through the artist’s perspective, the published version erased much of the original intention.
“Abbott and McCausland wanted to redefine documentary photography’s function by examining transformation through the lens of a rapidly modernizing New York City. Instead, their publisher diluted their message, producing a tourist guidebook for visitors to the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
”The tragedy of the story is that the book that they’re both so well known for is not the book that they wanted. The publishers ended up cutting a lot of
• Now through March 30
• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington
• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming
Abbott’s photos and completely rewrote all of the captions that were originally very poetic and political,” Rosen explains.
Heckscher’s exhibit attempts to write these wrongs, showcasing 22 of Abbott’s photographs, 10 of McCausland’s captions and a poem that reclaims the original works never published during their lifetime.
“I tried to use this as an opportunity to have McCausland and Abbott’s voices be heard, given that they had been ignored for most of their lives, and specifically with this project,” Rosen says.
One such example is “Hardware Store,” a
1938 photograph of a storefront in Manhattan’s Bowery.
“McCausland basically writes that she’s appreciative of the hardware store. She views it as something imperative to the lifeblood of the city. The last line of the caption is ‘This is life in honest and real terms.’ Whereas what was published makes fun of the store and the things McCausland loved about it,” according to Rosen.
Another highlight is the exhibition’s namesake, “Parallax 1951,” a term that defines how the position of an object appears to shift when observed from different viewpoints. Abbott became interested in this phenomenon, which she demonstrated through two candles — one lit and one unlit — that perfectly aligned with each other’s reflection.
The story of this pair is a powerful tribute to Women’s History Month, demonstrating the resilience and challenges faced by women — especially artists — throughout history.
“This was at a time when photography was not accepted as fine art. So being a photographer, being a woman, being a lesbian — these things all put Abbott at a disadvantage to being taken seriously,” Rosen says.
“McCausland was a left-leaning lesbian that wasn’t afraid to share her opinions or call people out, and I think that’s what made her so amazing, but that’s what made her very unlikeable to her contemporaries. But throughout her work she continued to champion her belief in social justice. She was ahead of her time in every capacity.”
And through it all, it’s a story of lasting love, reuniting McCausland’s words with Abbott’s pictures.
Magical Mystery Doors
The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors. These three iconic groups have changed the face of music as we know it. Their songs have become part of our history. Come take a step through the ‘Magical Mystery Doors’ for a night you won’t soon forget. This dynamic band blends and layers the music of three legendary bands to create something new and unique. These are the songs you know, the songs you love, the songs you sing at the top of your lungs — reimagined. Throughout the concert, Magical Mystery Doors combines some of these classic compositions in ways that surprise and delight audiences time and time again. MMD also enhances the concert experience with a captivating visual presentation. Video screens and an array of lighting allow this act to create an environment where the music comes to life.
Saturday, March 22, 8 p.m. $60, $50, $40. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Complexions
Contemporary
Ballet versatility is on full display at Tilles Center. Complexions awakens audiences to a new, exciting genre with their singular approach of reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, armed with a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and a cadre of 16 stunning dancers, Complexions has been hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, among its many accolades. Complexions once again blends the world of rock and ballet, this time with the electrifying sounds of U2. The first half of the performance showcases a diverse mixed repertory program from Complexions’ rich history. The second act is entirely dedicated to “For Crying Out Loud,” which features the full company.
Thursday, March 27, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35; available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville.
Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art Elizabeth McCausland owned a printing press that she would use for her poetry and magazines.
Berenice Abbott opted for a bigger camera, not willing to sacrifice a single detail in her photography output. Also an inventor, she obtained four patents for photography equipment.
THE Your Neighborhood
‘Good
times…’
Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by the musicians who perform as Neil Forever, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble includes bass player Ted Wyman, keyboard player Anthony Raffa, Glenn Gabberty on electric guitar, and percussionist/bongo player Eric Ziegelmeier. The horn section is led by Chris Scarnato who directs a section which includes bari sax. tenor sax, trumpet, and trombone. Jeanna Campo performs key duets and leads the vocal harmony section of three. Together they deliver an authentic, exciting and joyful live concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans.
Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, both old and young. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and Kentucky Women.” Their goal is to transport the audience back in time and relive that incredible feeling of seeing Neil Diamond live. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New
Sir Duke in concert
The Stevie Wonder tribute band performs at My Father’s Place, Thursday, March 27, 8 p.m. Fronted by vocalist Tom Bowes (of Tower of Power and Blood, Sweat & Tears) Sir Duke lifts the level of the tribute band genre to something riveting and unforgettable. With nine musicians, include a tight rhythm section that has played together over 15 years, the explosive combination of vocals and rhythm honors and celebrates the musicality and songwriting genius of the inspirational Steve Wonder. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit myfathersplace. com or call (516) 580-0887.
Celebrate Holi
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to participate in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Crafts, color throwing and dancing are part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.
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.
Cardiac screening
You only have one heart. Protect it with a free cardiac screening at Mercy Hospital, Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Getting your coronary calcium score scan can save your life. This simple, non-invasive test can indicate coronary artery disease before the onset of symptoms or heart attacks. Limited appointments. No insurance necessary. 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Radiology & Imaging (adjacent to Emergency Department). To register, call (516) 62-MERCY (63729).
Freeport High School
Mattress Fundraiser
Support Freeport Area High School at the 2nd Annual FAMBA Mattress Fundraiser, Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Save big on topbrand mattresses, including Therapedic, Purple, Helix, and Beautyrest Black. Over 25 styles will be on display, with all sizes, including custom options, available. Financing plans, delivery, and full factory warranties are offered. Additional products include adjustable bases, luxury pillows, mattress protectors, and convertible bean bag chairs. All forms of payment are accepted. For more information, text FREEPORT25 to (216) 4356900. 50 South Brookside Ave.
Narcan training
Councilman Schneider’s office holds a Narcan training session, Monday, March 24, 7-8:30 p.m., at Freeport Memorial Library. This adult in-person training provides essential knowledge on how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using Narcan. Learn lifesaving techniques and gain a better understanding of overdose prevention. Visit FreeportLibrary.info or call (516) 379-3274 for more information. 144 West Merrick Road.
Divide NYS regional meeting
Divide NYS Caucus Inc. will propose a new New York State constitutional amendment during their regional meeting, Thursday, March 27, 6:30 p.m., at Venus Family Restaurant. The meeting will focus on the proposed constitutional amendment to establish three autonomous regions within the state: New Amsterdam, New York and Montauk, each with its own governor and legislature.
Learn about bills S3484 and A03778, which outline the plan for these regional governments. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. 546 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead. For more information, visit divideny.org.
Board of Trustees Meeting
The Village of Freeport Board of Trustees next meet, Monday, March 24, 5:30 p.m., at Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about village affairs and local government decisions. 46 N. Ocean Ave.
Having an event?
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, for the final performances of its current production, Friday, March 21, 10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship and shows him her new hyper warp speed engine.
But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/ Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Hempstead House tour
April 12
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 12, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Experts address water supply challenges at public forum
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
South Shore residents gathered at Valley Stream Village Hall on March 6 for a Water Quality Town Hall, at which environmental experts discussed concerns about local water safety. Speakers outlined potential risks from contaminants in Long Island’s water and ongoing efforts to protect the supply.
The event, hosted by Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages and Assembly members Michaelle Solages and Judy Griffin, drew a packed audience.
1126,000 customer connections.
Liberty Utilities, which provides water to more than 126,000 customers in Nassau County, has been testing for PFAS on Long Island since 2014, according to Natasha Naola, the company’s water quality manager.
She explained that 10 parts per trillion is equivalent to 10 grains of sand in an Olympic swimming pool, highlighting its toxicity even at low levels.
“PFOA and PFOS are extremely persistent in the environment,” Naola said, “which means they do not break down in the environment at all.”
Liberty conducts quarterly PFAS tests in its raw water wells across the county. Naola said that 22 of the company’s 24 water plants in the county have detected PFAS levels below 2.5 parts
Carrie Solages stressed the need to raise awareness about water contamination and government efforts to address it.
“Water is the most underappreciated utility,” he said. “We have to do more to understand how to preserve and protect our water quality.”
Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, spoke about emerging contaminants and requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency to limit their presence in water. She described polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, as toxic “forever chemicals”
per trillion, well within compliance. To stay ahead of regulations, Liberty is planning treatment upgrades at facilities where PFAS levels exceed 2.5, ensuring that they remain well below the new limit in 2029.
2
3 million pounds.
Operation SPLASH, a volunteer-based organization in Freeport, has been working to clean and protect Long Island’s South Shore bays and waterways since 1990. The group, which monitors 32 miles of coastline from the Nassau-Queens border to Heckscher State Park, has removed over 3 million pounds of debris. Its president, Rob Weltner, highlight-
that are found in everyday products, such as cookware, cosmetics and cleaning supplies, that seep into groundwater, threatening Long Island’s drinking water supply.
In New York, public water systems must meet the state’s maximum contaminant levels of 10 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic and perfluorooctane sulfonic acids — also known as PFOA and PFOS, respectively — two common PFAS. Last April, the EPA set new regulations, set to take effect in 2029, reducing the maximum levels to 4 parts per trillion.
ed the organization’s impact, noting that volunteers have collected everything from wood and plastic waste to, yes, a kitchen sink. In addition to cleanups, Operation SPLASH focuses on advocacy and education to protect local waterways from pollution.
3
11-mile pipeline.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation highlighted the Bay Park Conveyance Project, a joint effort with the Nassau County Department of Public Works to improve water quality and storm resiliency in Long Island’s Western Bays. Nitrogen pollution, a major environmental concern, comes from wastewa-
ter, cesspools, septic tanks, and fertilizers. Excess nitrogen fuels harmful algal blooms, fish deaths, and hypoxia — low oxygen conditions that threaten marine life and degrade wetlands.
The Conveyance Project aims to reduce nitrogen pollution by redirecting 50 million gallons of treated wastewater from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, in Bay Park, to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant’s ocean outfall in Seaford. The wastewater will be discharged farther offshore, preventing nitrogen from accumulating in the bays.
Project Director Andrew Fera said the project is 85 percent complete, with around 11 miles of pipes installed. Testing is set for this summer.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., -againstJEFFREY DELUCA, AS PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF TOLLIE
JONES A/K/A TOLLIE
CAWTHORN A/K/A
TOLLIE CAWTHON, 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 30, 2025, wherein BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. is the Plaintiff and JEFFREY DELUCA, AS PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF TOLLIE
JONES A/K/A TOLLIE
CAWTHORN A/K/A
TOLLIE CAWTHON, 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 31, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 91 EAST MILTON STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 0055 - 00254-0000163.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING THE 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.: 004280/2015.
Oscar A. Prieto, 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. 151899
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY
U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff against JEAN P. JOHNSON A/K/A JEAN P. FERGUSON A/K/A JEAN FERGUSON-JOHNSON, 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 January 30, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 27, 2025 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 68 Washburn Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. Sec 55. Block 251 Lot 282. 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $854,470.08 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000304/2014.
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.”
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LOANCARE, LLC, -againstMICHAEL DORFMAN IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 24, 2023, wherein LOANCARE, LLC is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL DORFMAN IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 April 1, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 254 PARK AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 54-209-40 & 41. 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.: 615349/2018.
Jerry Merola, 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. 151905
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstANGEL RECINOS, 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 14, 2025, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and ANGEL
RECINOS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 27, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 556 SOUTH BAYVIEW AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 54-325-36, 37, 38 and 39.
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.: 608685/2019. Scott H. Siller, 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. 151903
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-24CB, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-24CB, Plaintiffagainst- LORRAINE MASSIAH; INGRID FRAY, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 14, 2017 and entered on December 15, 2017, 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 April 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 62 Block 94 Lot 114.
Said premises known as 23 JEFFERSON STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520
Approximate amount of lien $539,430.38 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 006907/2013.
ANDREW K. PRESTON, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* FREEPORT LEADER*} 151796
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF NASSAU, HARRISON VICKERS AND WATERMAN LLC, Plaintiff against ROOSEVELT PROPERTIES, INC., et al., Defendants. Index No.: 606059/2022. Pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 9, 2023 and e-filed June 12, 2023 as NYSCEF Doc. No. 93 in the office of the clerk of the within named court, 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, NY 11501 on March 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., the mortgaged premises (i) Section 55 Block 281 Lot 188-192 on the tax map of the Town of Hempstead, County of NASSAU, said premises being known as 509 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport, New York 11520 [PARCEL I]; (ii) Section 55 Block 446 Lot 130 on the tax map of the Town of Hempstead, County of NASSAU, said premises being known as 111 Park Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 [PARCEL II]; and (iii) Section 55 Block 281 Lot 193 - 195 on the tax map of the Town of Hempstead, County of NASSAU, said premises being known as 501 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport, NY 11520 [PARCEL III]. Approximate amount of judgment is
$1,454,184.82 plus interest and costs. The mortgaged premises will be sold as separate parcels subject to the provisions of said Judgment and Terms of Sale. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the CourtAppointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Successful third-party bidder to pay 10% of the sum bid by certified or bank check(s) made payable to the Referee only. Referee will not accept cash or doubleendorsed checks.
Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee Lawrence & Walsh, P.C., 215 Hilton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151791
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF YACHTSMAN’S COVE CONDOMINIUM, Pltf. vs. BRYAN VALENTIN, CLAIRE A. VALENTIN, Deft. Index #619845/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered November 15, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 2, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. prem. k/a 531 Ray Street, Unit 20, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 54, Block 315, Lot 446. The real property above described is a unit shown on the plans of a Condominium prepared and certified by Barrett, Bonacci and Van Weele, P.C. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 17th day of January, 2017, as Map No. 0285 defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled Yachtsman’s Cove Condominium made by Ray Street Commons LLC under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law dated January 17, 2017 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 17th day of January, 2017 in Liber 13462 of Conveyances at Page 496. Being a part of a Condominium in the Village of Freeport, Nassau County, State of NY,
known and designated as Home No. 20, together with a 4.1666% undivided interest in the Common Elements of the Condominium hereinafter described, as the same is defined in the Declaration of Condominium hereinafter referred to. Approximate amount of judgment is $11,542.99 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JOHN BOKLAK, Referee. JAY L. YACLOW, Attys. for Pltf., 355 Post Avenue, Ste. 201, Westbury, NY. #102141 151893
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PARTNERSHIP LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME:Smiles of Joy Dental Care PLLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 2/3/2024 NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:55 Allen Street, New Hyde Park NY 11040 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 151846
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W4, Plaintiff, Against ZAHIRA CASTILLO A/K/A ZAHIRA M. CASTILLO, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/04/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/10/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 14 Laurette Lane, Freeport, New York 11520, And Described As Follows: Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being Partly In The Incorporated Village Of Freeport And Partly In Freeport, In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 62 Block 206 Lot 3
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $493,533.14 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 609074/2020
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.
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 2/24/2025 File Number: 20-303039 CA 152033
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF WHARFSIDE CONDOMINIUM, Pltf. vs. JOYCE TAYLOR, et al, Defts. Index #617057/2018. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Apr. 8, 2019 and order appointing substitute referee dated April15, 2021, 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 April 8, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 725 Miller Avenue, Freeport, NY a/k/a Section 62, Block 103, Lot 245, CA 113, Unit 306. Said property known and designated as Unit No. 306 together with a .7043% undivided interest in the common elements of the condominium hereinafter described as the same is defined in the Declaration of condominium hereinafter referred to. The real property above described is a Unit shown on the plans of a Condominium prepared and certified by Baldwin &
20,
Public Notices
Cornelius, P.C. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 12th day of December 1985, as Map No. CA 113 defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled Wharfside Condominium made by Freeport Nautical Development Company, under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law dated May 14, 1985 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 12th day of December 1985 in Liber 9689 of Conveyances at page 313 covering the property therein described. Approx. amt. of judgment is $40,507.53 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. WILLIAM R. BOCCIO, Referee. JAY L. YACKOW, Atty. For Pltf., 355 Post Ave., Ste. 201, Westbury, NY. #102150 152030
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009443/2014. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-004797 84687 151948
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a bar/tavern license serving beer, wine and cider under License ID# NA-0524-25-01596; Legacy Serial # 6043597 has been applied for at premises 447 North Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at for on premises consumption.
LI Food Products LLC dba A Taste of Seafood 152184
NINGUNA SOLICITUD DE CAMBIO EN EL TRANSPORTE, QUE INCURSA EL COSTO ADICIONAL AL DISTRITO, SE HONORA DESPUES DEL 1 DE ABRIL DE 2025, INCLUSO SI HAY UN CAMBIO EN LAS ESCUELAS. Solo los nuevos residentes serán considerados después del 1 de abril de 2025, siempre que apliquen dentro de los 30 días de establecer la residencia. Las solicitudes de transporte se pueden solicitar a la Oficina de Transporte llamando al (516) 345-7072. Los estudiantes que fueron transportados a escuelas no públicas o parroquiales en el año escolar 2024-2025 deben volver a solicitar el transporte para el año escolar 2025-2026. 152057
Only new residents will be considered after April 1, 2025, providing that they apply within 30 days of establishing residency. Applications for transportation may be found on R.U.F.S.D website. Students who were transported to non-public or parochial schools in the 2024-2025 school year must re-apply for transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. 152055
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY, MONISHA MAPP AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF CECELYA V. MORSBY A/K/A CECELYA MORSBY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 7, 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 April 8, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 134 West End Avenue, a/k/a 134 Westend 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 54, Block 318, Lot 209. Approximate amount of judgment $660,826.36 plus
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a NYS Application ID: NA-0240-25-105865 for restaurant wine has been applied for by 305 Guy Lombardo Food Center Inc. to sell beer and wine at retail in a restaurant under the ABC Law at 305 Guy Lombardo Ave. Freeport, NY 11520 for on premises consumption. 152186
LEGAL NOTICE DISTRITO ESCUELA GRATUITA DE ROOSEVELT UNION Roosevelt, Nueva York 11575
El 1 de abril de 2025 es la fecha límite para presentar solicitudes de transporte para los niños que asistirán a la escuela privada o parroquial en el año escolar 2025-2026. El Distrito Escolar Gratuito de Roosevelt Union proporciona transporte a estudiantes de escuelas no públicas que viven dentro del distrito, siempre que:
1.El estudiante ha alcanzado la edad de cinco años a más tardar el 1 de diciembre de 2025.
2.Los estudiantes de primaria viven un mínimo de 2 millas de la escuela a la que asistirán, y los niños secundarios viven un mínimo de 3 millas.
AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE ROOSEVELT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Roosevelt, New York 11575
April 1, 2025 is the deadline to file transportation requests for children who will be attending private or parochial school in the 2025-2026 school year. The Roosevelt Union Free School District provides transportation to non-public school students living within the district, providing that:
1.The student has attained age five no later than December 1, 2025.
2.Elementary students live a minimum of 2 miles from the school they will be attending, and secondary children live a minimum of 3 miles.
for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
3.La distancia máxima a la que transportará a cualquier niño es de 15 millas medida por la ruta disponible más cercana desde casa hasta la escuela.
3.The maximum distance any child will be transported is 15 miles measured by the nearest available route from home to school. NO REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION, WHICH INCURS ADDITIONAL COST TO THE DISTRICT, WILL BE HONORED AFTER APRIL 1, 2025, EVEN IF THERE IS A CHANGE IN SCHOOLS.
COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee for the registered holders of IMH Assets Corp., Collateralized Asset-Backed Bonds, Series 2005-3, Plaintiff AGAINST Orazio J. Petito; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2018, and Amended June 25, 2024, and Amended February 20, 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 April 15, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 73 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Glen Cove, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 31. Block 47 Lot 417. Approximate amount of judgment $1,199,324.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 006906/2015. David S. Dikman, 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: March 5, 2025 84777 152097
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006FM1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, Against PAMELA FLEARY Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/12/2023, 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 4/16/2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 127 Wilson Place, 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 Village Of Freeport, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 54 Block 493 Lot 43
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $934,892.40 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 004842/2015 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. Paul L. Meli, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573
Dated: 2/26/2025 File Number: 17-300038 MB 152166
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF WHARFSIDE CONDOMINIUM, Pltf. vs. ANNA LVOVA, et al, Defts. Index #611600/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Feb. 7, 2025, I will sell at public
auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 725 Miller Avenue, Unit 236, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 62, Block 103, Lot 245 (Unit 236) and Section 62, Block 183, Lot 410 (Parking Spot.) Parcel I (Unit 236 - All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being part of a condominium in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, known and designated as Tax Unit No. 236, together with a .4709% interest in the common elements of the condominium hereinafter referred to. The real property above described is a Unit shown on the plans of a condominium prepared and certified by Baldwin and Cornelius, P.C. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 12th day of December, 1985, as Map No. C.A. 113, defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled, “Wharfside Condominium”, made by Freeport Nautical Development Company, under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law, dated May 14, 1985 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 12th day of December, 1985 in Liber 9689 of Conveyances at page 313, as amended by Liber 9814 page 265 and Liber 12434 page 344, covering the property therein described. Parcel II (Parking Lot) All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being part of a condominium in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, known and designated on a certain map entitled, “Map of Freeport Beach, Section 1, at Freeport, L.I.”, property of John J. Randell Company, Freeport, L.I., New York, surveyed October, 1924 by Smith and Malcomson, Inc., Civil Engineers, Freeport, L.I. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 27, 1925 under File No. 572, as and by the Lot
Numbers 283 and 287. Approximate amount of judgment is $25,388.45 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. BRUCE HAFNER, Referee. JAY L. YACKOW, Atty. For Pltf., 355 Post Avenue, Ste. 201, Westbury, NY 11590. #102164 152182
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regularly scheduled meeting of the Site Plan Review Board for March 25th 2025 at the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, HAS BEEN CANCELLED. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 152317
AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, Town Hall Plaza, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 25th day of March 2025, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day, to consider the enactment of a local law to repeal and reenact Subdivision C of Section 70-5 of Chapter 70 entitled, “Department of Water, Rates and Regulations” of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, in relation to payment of water bills.
The proposed local law is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, Town Hall Plaza, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead New York, where the same may be inspected during office hours. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: Hempstead, New York March 11, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin, Jr. Supervisor Kate Murray Town Clerk 152249
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST
Stephen Dedomenico; William Dedomenico; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 25, 2015, and Amended February 23, 2016, 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 April 22, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4 August Lane, Old Westbury, NY 11568. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Old Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 19 Block D Lot 112. Approximate amount of judgment $928,735.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 007547/2012. Jane Shrenkel, 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: March 4, 2025 152320
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2007-2 HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-2,
Arrests made in a $20M laundering plot
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
Seven men were arrested on money laundering and conspiracy charges for an organized scheme to sell supplies to various plumbing and home improvement businesses in Queens and Brooklyn.
The organized ring purchased supplies using fraudulently obtained gift cards from The Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores.
More than $3 million of the gift certificates were redeemed at retail stores in Nassau County, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly who spoke about the arrests at the March 5 news conference. She declined to say how many stores were impacted in Nassau.
“Video surveillance, camera footage and transaction records obtained though this investigation put these defendants at dozens of Home Depot and Lowe’s stores in New York,” Donnelly said. She added that the operation worked like a “well oiled machine.”
The seven men are: Jie Lin, 32, Sky Lin, 36, Lifa Wang, 49, and Lixi Wang, 40, all from Flushing. Hai Tao Liu, 38, of Staten Island, and Jia Bin Chen, 39 and Yu Lin, 35, both from Fresh Meadows. All face up to 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Sky Lin was identified as the alleged ringleader of the scheme, Donnelly said.
The district attorney’s office, together with the Nassau County Police Department and Home Depot and Lowe’s investigators, conducted a 15-month long investigation into the alleged operation. The investigation
Luke Feeney/Herald
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced the arrests of seven men on for money laundering and conspiracy charges for a scheme to sell supplies to plumbing and home improvement businesses in Queens and Brooklyn.
uncovered roughly $20 million using gift cards from the home improvement stores between Jan. 3, 2023, and March 4 of this year.
Donnelly said that the seven men allegedly used stolen funds, obtained through a computer scam that targeted more than 1,800 victims in 45 states, to buy copper pipes, electrical wire and other equipment for resale to local home improvement businesses in New York City. The men allegedly stored the merchandise in several buildings in Bay -
Public Notices
Plaintiff, Against ANA M. BERNAL CRIOLLO, CARLOS CRIOLLO, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 07/19/2017, 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 4/22/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 990 Ardmore Road, Baldwin, New York 11510 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 Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York.
Section 36 Block 468-03 Lot 30
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $428,345.24 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 2503/2015 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.
Steven Keats, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 3/3/2025 File Number: 27789 CA 152318
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Sale
Supreme Court: Nassau County T11 Funding v Nassau Industrial Dry Cleaning Corp. et al. Defts Index 609310/2019. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed and entered December 19, 2022, I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY 11501 on April 17, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. premises known as School District 9, Section 54, Block 315 Lot 99, Group Lots 99-100 and Lot 101, Group Lots 101-107, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 10% of Bid Price,
No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
Stephen Frommer, Esq., Referee 152261
AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online.
side, Brooklyn, Fresh Meadows and Flushing,
As the investigation continued, a complex computer-based scam was uncovered, Donnelly said. The deception used spyware pop-ups and scam messages targeted victims across the country according to the charges.
The scam allegedly swindled victims to believe that their computer, identities, financial information, or other data had been compromised and instructed them to call a phone number.
When victims called the number, Donnelly said that they were told to buy Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards to offset charges or to assist in a law enforcement investigation. After the arrests, police recovered enough products to fill a dozen box trucks, $100,000 in cash, and found several vans with merchandise inside.
The seven men were allegedly involved in more than 6,000 transactions on more than 400 different dates at more than 80 Home Depot or Lowe’s locations in the state.
County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder praised the cooperation between NCPD and the district attorney’s office during the investigation into the alleged scheme.
He also criticized cashless bail, a system where individuals arrested for certain crimes, particularly non-violent offenses, are released before trial without bail.
“What angers me is that we have thousands of victims that are out, defrauded by these individuals,” Ryder said. “Six of the seven walked out yesterday with an ankle bracelet because of cashless bail.”
New York’s 2020 bail reform law eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Ryder said that, “If we are going to be able to prosecute these people we should keep there where they belong, and that’s jail.”
There was reported to be at least five more suspects being sought.
“Together, we will continue to break up these organizations, protect our communities, and ensure that businesses thrive in Nassau County,” Donnelly said.
News brief
The Taurus .40 caliber handgun found by Nassau police in Victor Lemanya’s car during a traffic stop on Wednesday morning.
Man arrested on criminal firearm charges
A Roosevelt man was arrested early Wednesday morning after police discovered a loaded handgun in his vehicle during a traffic stop.
First Precinct officers observed a 2016 Dodge Charger speeding southbound on Babylon Turnpike at around 1:03 a.m. on March 12, according to detectives.
Officers conducted a traffic stop near Jefferson Avenue and St. Francis Street.
Following an investigation, police recovered a loaded Taurus .40 caliber
handgun inside the vehicle.
Victor Lemanya, 19, of Jefferson Avenue, was taken into custody without incident.
He has been charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, and multiple vehicle and traffic law infractions.
Lemanya is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead.
Courtesy NCPD
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WWhen should piles of equipment be delivered before a house-lifting?
Q. We have to make a decision about buying materials, based on what we think tariffs are going to do to the cost of materials for our house. We’re ready to pay for our permit so we can start, but we’re still waiting for our final estimate from two contractors so we can choose one, turn in their insurance information and begin. We wanted your opinion on what to do, since we are lifting our house and both contractors will be using the same house-lifting company. The house lifters suggested we make a $20,000 payment, and then they will drop off the piles in our yard ahead of choosing the contractor, to save what could be thousands of dollars once tariffs take effect. We have two small children and our house is small — too small for our family as the kids grow. Every dollar is important, and we’re wondering what you advise about the arrangement, since we held off on the permit that was approved two years ago, and hope we get a price that’s good enough to move forward.
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A. Having the piles delivered to your yard, before you get prices for the construction and choose a contractor, isn’t a good idea. You mentioned that you have small children, and I imagine that not only your children, but other curious little ones may get to the piles, which are large galvanized or stainless steel sections with blade edges like giant screws.
Depending on whether you can now afford to choose a contractor and finally move forward, those piles, once dumped in your yard, are yours. You need to have a specifically worded agreement that the money you give the pile company is a down payment or deposit, and that the piles won’t be delivered until you arrange for that delivery. You must get the numbers from each contractor, choose one and get their insurance documents, specifically filled out with one set for you, the property owner, and another set for your municipality (which requires this) so you can obtain the permit.
Your yard is not to be treated as if it were a storage facility. Many municipalities require protective fencing during a construction project to protect the public. Your municipally doesn’t currently require fencing, but consider what you’re going to do next if you take the piles and can’t afford to move forward with the job. Also, you would need to ask the contractor you choose where those piles, and all the other materials, will be stored during construction.
The most efficient construction jobs have “justin-time” deliveries to avoid congestion and unsafe conditions on the site. “Just-in-time” was coined by Toyota for the way they efficiently build cars, but it translates to any kind of production, much the way the Disney Company calls each customer a guest. Hopefully you get pricing and choose a contractor, order the piles and save the money. The current state of trade has many on edge. Good luck!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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We can’t let seniors be the victims of budget cuts
As we recognize National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of healthy eating and food security, we find ourselves facing a looming crisis that threatens the very foundation of support for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. The proposed federal budget cuts could have devastating consequences for Long Island families, particularly for our seniors who rely on essential programs like Meals on Wheels.
In 2024, EAC Network delivered 150,000 meals to thousands of hungry, vulnerable senior citizens in Nassau County alone. These meals, provided through our Meals on Wheels program and our four Senior Community Centers in Merrick, Point Lookout, Hempstead Village and Roslyn, allow seniors to maintain their independence, receive valuable nutrition, and stay connected to their communities. For many, this program is more than just food — it’s a lifeline that combats malnutrition, social isolation and health decline.
The proposed budget cuts would
severely limit our ability to continue these services at the current scale. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about real people — our parents, grandparents and neighbors — who have worked their entire lives to build our communities and now find themselves in need of support. Slashing funding for senior nutrition programs means fewer meals, fewer wellness checks and, ultimately, greater strain on our already overburdened health care and social service systems.
pFor seniors like Marie, a widow who regularly visits our Hempstead Senior Center, our programs aren’t just about receiving food — they’re about dignity and survival. “I’m a widow and I live alone now,” Marie says. “Being in the house all day is not one of my things. I come every day because I like to socialize.” Stories like hers aren’t unique; they are similar for thousands of seniors who rely on our programs to remain independent.
ties, will face increased financial and emotional burdens. The loss of funding could also impact jobs in the caregiving and nonprofit sectors, further destabilizing local economies.
rograms that help them aren’t just about food, but about dignity and survival.
A Senate and House bill passed this month calls for harmful cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, including significant top-line cuts that could impact critical social service programs for our seniors, such as Medicaid, SNAP and the Meals on Wheels program. Any reductions would profoundly affect Meals on Wheels providers like us who rely on federal funding to deliver essential services to vulnerable seniors in our community. Today, nearly 13 million older Americans face the threat of hunger, and 56 percent of seniors report feeling lonely. Cuts to these vital programs are unconscionable, and must be prevented.
social isolation.
Long Island has always been a community that takes care of its own, and now is the time to stand together and demand that our leaders protect the programs that keep our most vulnerable residents safe and healthy. Investing in senior nutrition isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the fiscally responsible choice. Every dollar spent on Meals on Wheels and our senior centers helps prevent costly hospitalizations and long-term care placements, saving taxpayers money in the long run.
Failing to invest in senior nutrition today will only lead to higher health care costs tomorrow. Research shows that proper nutrition reduces hospitalizations and the need for long-term care, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in avoidable medical expenses. It’s clear: Preventing hunger is a cost-effective strategy that benefits everyone.
The ripple effect of these cuts extends beyond our seniors. Families who depend on supportive services will feel the strain as they’re forced to step in to fill the gaps. Working caregivers, already juggling jobs and responsibili-
Beyond the impact on seniors and their families, these cuts would also place immense pressure on local volunteers and nonprofit workers who dedicate their time to keeping these programs running. With fewer resources, we may be forced to turn away seniors in need or reduce meal deliveries, leaving many at risk of malnutrition and
WAs Congress debates these budget proposals, I urge our elected officials to prioritize the health and well-being of our seniors. Let’s ensure that National Nutrition Month isn’t just a time for awareness, but a catalyst for action. And I urge you, our Long Island community, to take action. Call your representatives, write letters and speak out — because protecting our seniors should never be up for debate.
Neela Mukherjee Lockel is president and CEO of EAC Network.
PSEG Long Island celebrates its engineers
hen you think about an electric company, you probably think about the lineworkers who take on physically challenging work on high-voltage equipment while standing in bucket trucks high above the ground. While PSEG Long Island does have many lineworkers, did you know we also employ more than 200 engineers?
We marked National Engineers Week in February, and World Engineering Day on March 4, but it’s still a great time to celebrate this group of practical problem-solvers and everything they do for the roughly 1.2 million customers we serve.
This year’s Engineers Week theme was “Design Your Future,” and that’s precisely what our engineers do at PSEG Long Island. We have civil engineers who design the foundations and
structures that physically support critical electrical infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the equipment that will power our lives.
We have electrical engineers who design the protection of the power system using protective relays, increasing the safety of those lineworkers who maintain the equipment, as well as the general public.
They’re laying the groundwork for the equipment that will power our lives.
We have radio frequency engineers who design and plan upgrades to PSEG Long Island’s advance metering infrastructure — an initiative that has improved billing accuracy, helped customers manage energy costs, and allowed us to even more effectively address outages. Thanks to our RF engineers, smart meters provide high read rates to improve bill accuracy and also call out their status nearly instantaneously, giving visibility of outages across the entire territory to develop efficient resource planning and provide faster outage restoration response.
We also have engineers focused on
finding cost-effective solutions to the challenges of a grid evolving to accommodate renewable energy. Some of this work is literally mapping out the future through Hosting Capacity Maps, Energy Storage Maps and Electric Vehicle Charging Maps. Engineering expertise has also been required to design the infrastructure upgrades required to interconnect with and transmit the renewable energy being built all around Long Island. This includes:
■ Engineering, surveying and designing a major expansion of the existing substation layout, including extensive relocation of existing transmission towers and redesigned transmission and substation layout in the most optimal and reliable manner to enable the interconnection of approximately 900 megawatts of offshore wind.
■ Engineering and designing a sturdier, resilient and creative solution in a space-constrained substation footprint to reliably serve increased customer demands and reduce the impact on
neighboring communities by implementing equipment that can blend in with the surrounding area.
■ Balancing environmental and community needs to service a growing customer base with new routes for power transmission on the South Fork.
■ Continuously evaluating and proposing solutions to enhance reliability and resiliency of the power grid in the evolving landscape of an energy and demand portfolio that includes renewable projects and electric vehicle demands.
I am proud to celebrate today’s PSEG Long Island engineers and everything they accomplish for the people of Long Island. At the same time, I want to celebrate the future engineers who might be reading this. We offer summer internships to college students, and we are frequently looking for new engineers to grow our ranks as we continue to build the energy grid of the future. Please visit psegliny.com/careers to learn more.
David Lyons is interim president and chief operating officer of PSEG Long Island.
nEELA MukhErjEE LockEL
DAViD LYons
Celebrating the immigrants who made America great
This month of March will see far more people attending more St. Patrick’s Day parades on Long Island and in New York City than in all of Ireland. This is a tribute to the enormous contributions that IrishAmericans have made to American life in so many fields and professions, and the importance the Irish attach to preserving and maintaining Irish traditions and culture for future generations. Whether in government, politics, the military, the police, business and finance or so many other areas of American life, the Irish have made their mark.
While these achievements are a tribute to Irish America, they are first and foremost a tribute to America, and the opportunities that are open to hardworking immigrants in our great coun-
try, which make it possible for new generations to take advantage of what has been accomplished by those who went before them.
The United States is more a stained glass window than a melting pot — a mosaic of people from many different countries, each maintaining their ethnic traditions and all comprising an overall beauty.
Despite the love for the ‘old country,’ it’s the U.S. that has helped them flourish.
The reality is that despite people’s love for the “old country,” it was the United States that made it possible for them to flourish and achieve their potential. With the Irish, it was centuries of oppression, religious bigotry, poverty and a murderous famine that compelled so many to leave the Emerald Isle. For Jews, it was antisemitism in so many Eastern European countries. For the Vietnamese boat people, it was all about fleeing Communist rule. And the list goes on.
But for this unique experiment to continue to succeed, traditions and the
rule of law must be maintained. One basic tradition that prevailed for so long was that immigrants would strive to learn and speak a common language — English. That would be the glue that bound together so many disparate peoples. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “We have room for only one language here, and that is the English language” — the language, T.R. said, of George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, and of the Declaration of Independence. Failing to encourage immigrants to learn English consigns them to linguistic ghettos and prevents them from attaining the American Dream. Similarly, immigration must be done legally. There must be secure borders. At a time when the threat of international terrorism is so real, it is more essential than ever that we know who is in this country. There is also the necessity that we not allow people with criminal records or contagious illnesses to enter the country, keeping in mind that
it would be the immigrant community that suffered. When I was in Congress, there was a period of 17 months during which the ruthless Central American gang MS-13 butchered 25 people to death — each of those victims being a fellow immigrant.
As a grandson of immigrants, I strongly believe that it is the constant infusion of new generations of immigrants that has made our nation great. People from countries that have been warring and killing each other for centuries live here in peace. Old animosities die hard, and there may not be instant love, but they find ways to work together in peace and stand together in war. They are Americans.
So, as Americans, I hope we all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day — as we do Columbus Day, Israeli Day, Pulaski Day, Steuben Day, Caribbean Day and all the parades honoring the proud history of all the races, peoples and nations that have made America great.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
The rise and fall of Mayor Eric Adams
November 2021 was a significant month in the history of New York City. Eric Adams was elected the 110th mayor of that great city. By any measure, most of its 8.25 million residents were thrilled to have a new occupant of City Hall, after the two lackluster terms of Bill de Blasio. Adams rode to victory on the strength of being a former police officer and an experienced elected official.
While Adams is not a resident of the NassauSuffolk region, we Long Islanders have a close connection with the city, where we gravitate for work and/or entertainment. Adams was elected on a tidal wave of support from voters of both political parties. As an ex-cop, state senator and borough president, he came into Gracie Mansion with the hope that his tenure would give the city the breath of fresh air it badly needed.
De Blasio left office with very little goodwill. While he claimed numerous successes in building new housing,
there is no lasting monument anywhere in the city attesting to his success. Most of the stories about his time in office centered on his daily late arrival at City Hall after spending most of the morning exercising at a Brooklyn health club.
IFor some unexplained reason in the middle of his second term, de Blasio chose to declare his candidacy for the White House, which required frequent trips to Iowa and other primary states. His fantasy of being president required him to travel accompanied by taxpayer-funded police protection. All in all, de Blasio found a number of ways to alienate the voters in the Big Apple, and most city residents couldn’t wait for him to leave public office.
industry that needed a shot in the arm.
As a show of the need for reform, Adams selected Keechant Sewell as the city’s 45th police commissioner and its first woman in that job. Nassau County was a familiar place for Sewell, who had served in the Nassau County Police Department with distinction.
t’s a sad political tale, because his candidacy brought so much promise.
Adams started his term with a wave of good publicity about his plans for a better city. His pledges for police reform were welcomed, because the department was in need of changes and the city wanted someone who could lower the crime rate. His habit of visiting numerous nightspots was welcomed by some, because Adams was making a statement that it was safe to be out at night, and brought attention to an
For some of us who have served in government, Sewell’s short tenure as commissioner was a major disappointment. Her desire to do the job was encouraging, but shortly after she took office, there were numerous stories in the media that her appointments were being secondguessed by a City Hall deputy commissioner. When Sewell saw that her actions were being undermined, she decided to resign, and now is applying her talents to a well-paying job in the private sector.
To add to the mayor’s popularity decline, numerous deputies in his administration became embroiled in one bad story after another, and there were countless reports of alleged favoritism of one kind or another. The climax of the bad press occurred last month, when four highly respected deputies announced their resignations at
the same time.
The mayor was scheduled to go on trial next month on federal corruption charges, but the process was interrupted by the intervention of the U.S. Justice Department. With the obvious encouragement of President Trump, the prosecutors were ordered to drop the charges. Adams has denied that there was quid pro quo between him and the White House.
Whether he will get another term in office will be decided in June, when the Democratic city primary will take place. There are at least eight current candidates for mayor, with the field headed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. There are rumors that Adams may even run as a Republican, to avoid a primary loss as a Democrat.
The rise and fall of Eric Adams is a sad political tale. His candidacy brought so much promise to a city that was eager to have a new leader. Adams is no doubt disappointed by the events of the past three and a half years — and so are we.
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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Millions are sick and tired of being sick and tired
this month marks five years since Covid-19 upended our world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.2 million Americans died from the virus, including 86,000 New Yorkers. While life has largely returned to normal for many, an estimated 23 million Americans — 1 in 15 — and hundreds of millions more people around the globe remain trapped in a Covid nightmare.
They are suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC, better known as long Covid. With no official definition, diagnostic tests, identifiable biomarkers, effective treatments or certainty of its causes, long Covid encompasses 200-plus symptoms appearing or persisting more than 12 weeks after a coronavirus infection.
Common symptoms often differ from those of acute Covid, and include debilitating fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, dysautonomia, post-exertion malaise, gastrointestinal issues, tachycardia, myalgia, neuropathy and breathing difficulties. No organ system is spared. Many “long haulers” have battled these health challenges for as long as five years, with no end in sight, and each combination of symptoms is unique and can change daily.
Benign-sounding terminology — fatigue, “brain fog,” “post-exertion malaise,” and even the name, long Covid — belie the condition’s severity. Millions of long haulers can’t work or even leave their beds. Many struggle to find words while speaking, or to remember recent events. Their skin burns, and their blood pressure fluctuates dangerously even when they’re sitting still.
Importantly, even mild or asymptomatic Covid infections can trigger long Covid, with each new infection increasing the risk. Some medical experts believe that almost all Americans will eventually experience some degree of the disorder. The healthiest people aren’t immune: Professional athletes have been forced to retire, and some marathon runners can now barely walk.
Without an official definition of long Covid, long haulers struggle to access Medicare, unemployment, disability and private insurance benefits when they
Inspired by a sense of sisterhood
If you have experience with long Covid — as a long hauler, caregiver, health care professional or in any other way — email us confidentially at longcovid@liherald.com.
In a rare show of unity, elected officials from both sides of the aisle, as well as scientists, doctors and policy experts, agree: America is failing the long Covid community.
Although the federal government provided $1.6 billion to the National Institutes of Health for research, those funds were wasted on an observational study rather than being used for clinical trials. Promising therapeutics remain unexplored due to funding gaps and bureaucratic obstacles, and no clinical trials got underway until just a few months ago — years after the start of the pandemic.
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need them most. Medical bills not covered by insurance can mount into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single patient.
Last Saturday’s International Long Covid Awareness Day highlighted the disorder’s devastating human toll. Children missing their formative years, and single parents unable to support their families, are just a few examples. Here on Long Island, 200,000 people are estimated to have the chronic and debilitating condition. Tragically, excruciating pain and seemingly insurmountable hardships have led an increasing number of long haulers to take their own lives rather than continue to suffer as shells of their former selves.
And long Covid isn’t just a sobering health issue. Harvard University economist David Cutler estimates that it will cost the U.S. economy more than $3.7 trillion in earnings, medical expenses and quality of life. That’s equivalent to 12 percent of an entire year of U.S. GDP.
Our national security is also at risk, with an estimated 200,000 military personnel affected. Fatigue and physical limitations can render troops unable to fight, while cognitive issues may compromise critical decision-making and intelligence analysis.
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But Congress might be positioned to act. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions — the chamber’s health care panel — has members who are intimately familiar with long Covid. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, has long Covid, and Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican and a doctor, has a close family member with the condition. At a January 2024 committee hearing, senators from both parties expressed frustration with federal efforts to find a cure.
Marshall described taking his loved one to dozens of doctors, consulting 80 additional doctors, speaking to other senators with the condition and reading extensively about it. He said he was beyond frustrated by the experience, as are many long haulers, who have seen scores of doctors — sometimes over 100 — in the hope of finding relief. Specialists, though, can have two-year waitlists, and many health care professionals remain unfamiliar with long Covid, which often leads to medical gaslighting.
The long Covid community needs help immediately. Government must provide funding and cut red tape to develop effective drugs, educate medical professionals, improve patient care coordination, authorize novel uses of existing therapeutics, streamline access to insurance benefits, accelerate time to market of new treatments, research biological causes, and support caregivers.
We hope the new administration, including President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will take action commensurate with this growing crisis.
To the Editor: Kudos to Randi Kreiss for speaking the truth regarding the current state of our country in her op-ed last week, “Marching then, and marching now.” Her column was encouraging, and gave me hope that the things my friends and my daughters and I are currently doing will make a difference. Marching, meeting, or protesting with like-minded women brings me solace, and I come away feeling inspired by a sense of sisterhood. Hopefully those still peacefully asleep will awaken before it’s too late. Great work, Randi.
ELIzABETH MURPHY Franklin Square
opinions
Bruce Blakeman’s distractions are costing Nassau families
nassau County families are paying the price for County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s broken promises and failed leadership. As a legislator and former prosecutor, I know what it means to hold people accountable — and it’s time someone held Blakeman accountable for his disastrous record.
When Blakeman ran for office, he promised to cut taxes and make Nassau more affordable. Ask anyone in the county if that’s what happened. Taxes are higher than ever, and life here has only gotten more expensive. Blakeman promised relief, but instead, families in the Town of Hempstead got hit with a 12 percent tax hike. That’s not relief; that’s robbery.
Instead of focusing on what matters — lowering costs, fixing our broken property assessment system and help-
ing working families — Blakeman has spent his time spinning stories, pointing fingers and playing political games. It’s all a desperate attempt to distract us from his failures. But no amount of spin can hide the truth: Blakeman hasn’t done his job.
iWhile Nassau families struggle to keep up with rising costs, Blakeman has been busy funneling taxpayer dollars into the pockets of his political cronies. Last year alone, he handed out $20 million in contracts to outside attorneys — many of them his campaign donors — for work that the county’s own legal staff could and should handle. It’s a blatant abuse of power, a corrupt cash grab at the expense of Nassau residents. Meanwhile, hardworking county employees, the backbone of our workforce, were promised affordable health care in exchange for their service. Blakeman turned his back on them, gutting their benefits and jacking up their rates, leaving these dedicated workers and their families to suffer. It’s
Letters
A big month for theater in our schools
To the Editor:
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the profound impact that theater education has on students, schools and communities. As a member of the Wantagh High School chapter of the International Thespian Society, I see how theater fosters creativity, confidence, collaboration and communication — essential skills for success in any field.
Theater is more than just performing on stage. It teaches students problem-solving, critical thinking and empathy by allowing them to step into the shoes of different characters and perspectives. Studies show that participation in theater programs enhances academic performance, improves literacy and public speaking skills, and strengthens students’ ability to work as a team. In our own school, productions like “Puffs” and “Jekyll & Hyde” have brought students together, inspired audiences and given young artists a voice. When I step on stage, I feel as though I’m diving headfirst into a world of pure magic, where reality blurs and the impossible becomes possible. It’s the rush of dashing through the chaos of “Puffs,” the
heartless, it’s dishonest and it’s disgraceful.
nstead of focusing on what matters, he has spent his time playing political games.
Even Nassau’s bravest — our firefighters, police officers and EMS workers — aren’t safe from Blakeman’s political games. Right now, he is withholding over $1 million in crucial funding for lifesaving equipment, including turnout gear, CPR devices and communication upgrades, simply because those first responders serve in districts represented by Democrats. That’s not just petty; it’s dangerous. Nassau County’s first responders risk their lives for us every day. They deserve better than Blakeman’s political payback.
Meanwhile, he continues to sit on nearly $100 million in opioid crisis funding, most of it accrued during a previous administration. This money was meant to save lives — to fund education, prevention and treatment programs. Instead, Blakeman lets it collect dust while families lose loved ones to addiction.
And perhaps most reckless of all, Blakeman has introduced a dangerous militia program that gives police powers to armed civilians with barely any training. Nassau doesn’t want this. Nassau doesn’t need this. We already have the best-trained police force in the nation, and they don’t need untrained civilians with guns making their jobs harder and more dangerous.
Bruce Blakeman has had over 1,100 days to deliver on his promises. Instead, he’s spent that time playing politics, rewarding cronies, and putting Nassau families at risk. The truth is simple: His lies, distractions and failures are costing Nassau families — and the county deserves better.
It’s time for leadership that puts families first, not political allies. It’s time for leadership that delivers real solutions, not spin and distractions. It’s time for leadership that’s focused on what matters most: making Nassau County affordable, safe and strong. We’ve waited long enough for Blakeman to do his job. It’s time for a change. We deserve better.
underdog energy buzzing in every scene, knowing that even the “others” have their moment to shine. It’s the eerie thrill of “Jekyll & Hyde,” feeling the darkness and light battle within as the music swells, pulling the audience into the madness.
It’s the boundless joy of “SpongeBob,” where even the wildest, most ridiculous adventures carry real heart, and optimism soars as high as a sponge in mid-song. It’s the whimsy and wonder of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” where a simple rope can become a ship, and imagination turns the ordinary into something extraordinary. And it’s the absurdity of Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” where comedy and chaos reign, and every ridiculous moment is played with complete, glorious conviction. Stepping on stage is stepping into a story larger than life, where, for a little while, you’re not just yourself — you’re part of something bigger, something unforgettable.
We urge our community to support theater education by attending student performances, advocating for funding, and recognizing the immense value that the arts bring to our schools. Our upcoming performances include “Spamalot,” April 4-6, and the world premier of “Beyond the Gates,” a student-written original musical, on May 30. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Theatre in Our Schools
Month by supporting local productions and encouraging continued investment in arts education. Theater changes lives, and with our communities’ support, we can ensure it remains a vital part of our stu-
dents’ education.
MENEGALLI Student choreographer, Troupe 1623 Wantagh High School
Framework by Tim Baker
The Drama Club’s production of “Grease” — West Hempstead Secondary School
