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21 school districts file lawsuit against state’s regionalization plan
By WILL SHEELINE and MIKE POLANSKY wsheeline@liherald.com
Correspondent
A coalition of 21 school districts, municipalities, unions, and individual petitioners has filed a lawsuit against the New York State Education Department, seeking to annul its controversial Regionalization Plan. The plan mandates that public school districts implement regionalization plans, a move
I
t becomes clear that state officials have overstepped their bounds in using regulations to undermine local autonomy.
Coalition of New York State School Board Members
that critics argue would undermine local control and violate state law.
The lawsuit, filed on Jan. 9 in the New York State Supreme Court, includes school districts, municipal governments, state legislators, and advocacy groups representing thousands of residents and educators, including the Massapequa and Plainedgeschool districts. The group, referred to as the Coalition of New York State School Board
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Babylon Elementary principal planning for the new year
By ALENA BERENBLATT Correspondent
Babylon Elementary School, following the district’s Together We Rise theme for the school year, is planning ahead on many fronts.
At the January 13 Board of Education meeting, Principal Thomas Keogh shared his plans to improve students’ achievements and sense of belonging while creating better working conditions and professional development for staff.
In terms of student achievement, Keogh said BES students have “consistently scored in the high performance/high growth category when compared to similar districts” using iReady, a diagnostic tool for reading and math that provides personalized learning paths for each student based on their performance.
However, he added, “an area that is directly related to the six pillars of literacy, and needs more attention, is vocabulary development.”
“We’ve taken steps to incorporate vocabulary development in daily instruction, including the purchase of a program called Vocabulary, an online platform that provides vocabulary enrichment through hip hop music,” Keogh added.
Also needed, he said, was enhanced communication and community engagement. To that end, he and his decision-
making team identified “four key elements of a well-designed program that builds collegiality and provides social support.”
“First, including newcomers into the school culture and welcoming in a socially supported way,” he said. “Second, transforming working conditions to support students and staff. Third is identifying needs and providing personalized staff development. Fourth is enabling shared decision-making.”
The theme of belonging was presented in a child-friendly way, using a series of books in which Spot is the main character. “The books are all related to key character traits that are also emphasized in our new SEL program, Character Strong,” he said.
Keogh also believed it was important to give staff a voice in planning the school’s future. So he used an anonymous survey to get their thoughts on the next five years.
Some of the results showed staff wanted more support, more voice and more time for collaboration and teambuilding while creating a workplace that helped strengthened relationships.
Keogh has already taken numerous steps to meet those needs, he said, including offering teachers monthly professional development. In JanuCONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Christie Babirad/Herald
Logan Zimmerly and Calvin Adam, employees at Torta Fina Bake Shoppe, participated in the Babylon Village holiday market in December. See story on Page 10.
Long Island school districts take legal action against state plan
the strengths and needs survey, he said.
Members in the lawsuit, issued a scathing critique of the plan, citing widespread local opposition.
“When 21 school districts, eight elected officials, thousands of residents, and unions unite in opposition to a regulation, it becomes clear that state officials have overstepped their bounds in using regulations to undermine local autonomy,” the coalition’s statement said. “If such measures were truly necessary or urgent, they should go through the proper legislative process—not be dictated by an unelected agency.”
Nicholas Rigano, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, described the plan as a “power grab” that could irreversibly alter local governance.
“The unelected education commissioner has mandated the regionalization of 731 public school districts, ceding centuriesold local control to herself,” Rigano said. “This power grab will transform public schools and local communities.”
The Wyandanch School District, originally part of the legal effort has since out of the lawsuit. The district’s Interim Superintendent, Laurence Aronstein has confirmed that since the state gave the district the option to opt out of the regionalization process, Wyandanch is no longer moving forward with being a part of the suit. Wyandanch notified the state that the district will not be participating in the regionalization process, nor submitting
Massapequa School Board President Kerry Wachter has been one of the strongest advocates for maintaining local control. Wachter, who led the district’s opposition to the state’s COVID-19 mask mandate and continues to fight for the district’s Chiefs mascot, warned that the new rule could pave the way for further consolidation efforts that would diminish the power of locally elected school boards.
“While no one has explicitly proposed a single Nassau School District, the framework introduced by this rule could pave the way for further consolidation efforts, which would diminish the ability of locally elected school boards to serve their communities effectively,” she said. “By joining this litigation, we’re taking a necessary step to ensure decisions about our schools are made by those who best understand our students’ needs—our locally elected boards.”
Plainedge School Board President Joseph Beyrouty expressed concern that the regionalization plan could be “the opening salvo in a campaign to create a single Nassau County School District.” Beyrouty emphasized that there are better ways for districts to collaborate and sharply criticized the state for “trying to push its plans through without giving people a chance to gather information and go through a deliberative process.” He credited fellow Plainedge Board member Joseph Garcia for observing that eliminating local control would negatively impact the
unique diversity of Long Island’s communities.
New York State Assemblyman Mike Durso, who represents Massapequa Park and is also named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said he is “more of a plaintiff as a parent of two school-aged daughters in the Massapequa schools than as a legislator.”
“Our job as parents is to protect our children and make sure that they get what they are entitled to,” Durso said. He added that he had no hesitation in joining the lawsuit when asked by the Massapequa School Board, noting he firmly believes the uncertainty created by the rule must be addressed so he, as a parent, “can breathe a sigh of relief.”
The legal brief accompanying the lawsuit argues that the education department’s mandate violates multiple statutes in New York’s Education Law, the State Administrative Procedure Act, and the State Constitution. It also claims the mandate failed to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
The brief highlights what the plaintiffs view as the arbitrary nature of the regulation, pointing to vague language that grants the education commissioner unilateral authority to approve regionalization plans without clear criteria.
“The plans can be one page or 10,000 pages,” the brief states, noting the lack of transparency.
Additionally, the plan mandates implementation by the 2026-27 school year, contradicting public claims by the Education Department that participation is optional. When petitioners requested modifications to make regionalization voluntary, the department declined, with its counsel reportedly stating, “You are welcome to file any lawsuit you wish.”
The Regionalization Plan requires all school districts to participate in discussions about regionalization and to submit assessments of their strengths and needs. Regional superintendents must submit finalized plans to the Education Department by October. The plaintiffs argue that this centralizes decision-making, undermining the authority of locally elected school boards.
“The vague manner in which the rule
is written provides unbridled authority to the commissioner to do whatever she wants,” Rigano said, referring to current Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “That’s the scariest part.”
For the plaintiffs, the stakes extend beyond administrative changes. The lawsuit argues the plan threatens to erode the distinct identities of local school districts, which often serve as cornerstones of their communities.
“This issue has so many people up in arms because it’s a power grab that could transform communities,” Rigano said. “It strips locally elected officials of their authority and grants that power to an unelected bureaucrat sitting in Albany.”
Though the plaintiffs filed the lawsuit last week, a resolution may take years. Rigano estimated that the case could proceed to trial later this year. “We don’t want to speculate, but this will likely take time,” he said.
The coalition’s legal brief also cites widespread discontent over how the plan has been handled, quoting a Nov. 21 statement by a spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul:
“The Governor has absolutely no role in the creation or oversight of NYSED’s plan, and anyone claiming otherwise is either uninformed or intentionally misleading the public … it is the Governor’s firm position that this proposal should be optional for each school district and that any opt-in should be decided by the voters in that district.”
Dozens of Nassau and Suffolk County school districts have already opted out of the regionalization plan. The goal of the lawsuit is not to protect these districts, but to annul the plan entirely, according to Rigano.
The costs of the lawsuit are being covered by the 21 school districts involved. According to Beyrouty, the estimated cost for each district will be around $10,000.
Although Wachter declined to provide a specific figure, she noted that “ultimately, not acting—allowing state control to erode local decision-making—would far outweigh the expense of defending our community’s voice and priorities.”
The Wyandanch School Distrtict has withdrawn from the lawsuit challenging the NYS Regionalization plan.
Crossroads Farm and Dominican Sisters are cultivating a new partnership—and a bountiful summer garlic crop
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
When two local forces of nature — Crossroads Farm and the Dominican Sisters of Amityville — come together, they’re bound to grow something special.
This year, the farm and the sisters are teaming up to harvest a bountiful crop of garlic, while proving that collaboration sprouts results way beyond the fields.
The effort is projected to grow approximately 4,000 heads of garlic on a half-acre of land at Dominican Village. The garlic harvest, expected in July, is anticipated to yield slightly over 1,000 pounds, weather permitting, according to Crossroads Operations Manager Michael D’Angelo.
The collaboration began when D’Angelo met Sisters Diane Morgan and Diane Capuano at a Nassau Land Trust event. The trust, which has protected the land at Crossroads in Malverne since its inception in 2008, played a key role in connecting the farm with the Dominican Sisters. During their conversations, D’Angelo learned that the sisters have long supported organic agriculture and sustainability, and have worked with the Peconic Land Trust to preserve their land.
“Garlic is one of the things we grow that everybody buys,” D’Angelo said, noting that it is planted in October and harvested in July. “With garlic being
a long-season crop that requires a lot of space, we’ve run out of acreage for the supply we currently have.”
The lease agreement with the Dominican Sisters has allowed Crossroads to expand, making it possible to plant garlic on an additional half-acre in Amityville.
D’Angelo emphasized that this partnership represents a significant milestone for Crossroads, which has experienced substantial growth in the past two years. He also pointed out that expanding the partnership with the sisters to grow other long-season crops is part of their long-term vision.
In addition to supporting Crossroads’ growth, the garlic harvest will be used to help fight food insecurity on Long Island. “Our goal is to not only grow food but also support our local community by donating as much produce as possible to local food pantries,” D’Angelo said.
Sister Morgan explained that the Dominican Sisters’ approach to agriculture aligns with their core mission of “care of creation,” a concept rooted in their faith that emphasizes the responsibility to care for and preserve the earth. “We are entrusted by God to care for and preserve the earth and its resources to the best of our abilities,” she said.
Sister Capuano added that the collaboration has been “working out beautifully” due to shared values between the sisters and D’Angelo. “Michael told us that he is very much in line with our mission statement, and that really meant so much to us,” she said.
Both sisters agreed that the partner-
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency service organizations:
POLICE INVESTIGATE DROWNING AT GILGO
BEACH
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a man pulled unresponsive from the water in Babylon Sun., Jan. 19. Police gave this account:
Marine Bureau officers responded to Gilgo Beach after a good Samaritan pulled an unresponsive surfer from the water at approximately 2:20 p.m. and CPR was initiated.
The victim, identified as Jack Shapiro, 54, of Holbrook, was transported via ambulance to Good Samaritan University Hospital ,where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death will be determined by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852- 6392.
LARCENIES
West Islip: A 2019 Honda, parked at 130 Sunrise Hwy., West Islip, was stolen off the Volkswagen of West Islip lot on Jan. 10.
Wyandanch: Someone stole cash from inside a 2017 GMC that was parked in front of 301 Merritt Avenue Jan. 10. The theft was reported shortly before 1 p.m. that day. Babylon: Police report that plates were stolen off a 2013 Dodge Ram that was parked outside of a residence on Fire Island Avenue Jan. 14. The theft was reported at 12:47 p.m.
GRAFFITI
West Babylon: Someone damaged the exterior of Tooker Avenue School, 855 Tooker Ave., on Jan. 10 with graffitti. The incident was reported to police at 8 a.m.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Christine Spagnolo, 55 of 65 Beacon Dr., Sound Beach; David McKenzie, 19, of 125 E. Beltaire Ave., Lindenhurst.
Grand Larceny: Brian Garcia, 21 of 1720 E. Third Ave., Bay Shore (auto); Robert Berman, 42 of 71 Eastern Ave., Brentwood; Juwan Stowe, 208 Ralph Ave., Babylon.
Petit Larceny: Brittany Robinson, 254 Albany Ave., Amityville; Miranda Neraina, 66, of 21 Bradey St., Brentwood; Tara Sullivan, 41 of 429 17th St., West Babylon.
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance: Elmer Turcios, 25 of 1040 Wilson Blvd., Central Islip; Bunice Knight 48, of Jervis Ave., Copiague.
L. to r.: Farm operations manager Michael D’Angelo, farmer Peter
store manager Sara Santora, Sister Diane Morgan, farmer Mike
Capuano.
ship has flourished due to mutual respect.
“I think working with Michael and Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s has been the essence of collaboration,” said Sister Morgan. “Work can happen with more than one person doing something.”
Sister Capuano also praised D’Angelo’s dedication and said, “Michael is phenomenal, and we work well together. We couldn’t be more pleased. I
truly believe this partnership will continue to grow in the future.”
With the garlic crop expected to be harvested in July, both Crossroads Farm and the Dominican Sisters of Amityville are looking forward to the future of their collaboration, which aims to strengthen the local food system and further their shared mission of sustainability and service to the community.
Photos courtesy of Mike Alsheimer
Notarnicola, farm
Alsheimer, and Sister Diane
Peter Notarnicola and Sara Santora working the fields.
Planning for a new year at Babylon Elementary; Parent University underway
CONTINUED FROM COVER
ary, for example, professional development for staff focused on a New York State Education Department publication, “Understanding the Value of Play, Birth to Grade 3,” which identified play as building skills like problem solving, collaboration, and creativity that are critical to adult success.
For parents, Keogh held his first Parent University in November, which focused on “Social Emotional Learning.” The next Parent University, in February, will focus on “Strengthening Academics Through the Home School Partnership.”
“The results of both focus areas have led to more positive feelings of choice, relatedness, and confidence for all involved,” Keogh said.
Babylon School Superintendent Carisa Manza praised Keogh’s efforts.
“Mr. Keogh has tons of ideas about where he wants to take BES, which is already a great place, but to the next level,” Manza said. “Having goals without a plan is like a wish. You talk about a sense of belonging, and the things you have done with your team to enhance that. It doesn’t happen without intentionality.”
In other board news:
• Babylon Junior Senior High School psychologist Alison Lepore was recognized for being named 2024 Long Island School Hero by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. “This prestigious recognition is awarded to staff members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, embodying the values of kindness, empathy, and
The results of both focus areas have led to more positive feelings of choice, relatedness, and confidence for all involved.”
Thomas Keogh
leadership, making a lasting impact on their students’ lives,” said Assistant Principal Melissa Callahan. “I am fortunate to witness the daily impact Mrs. Lepore has on our students. She’s truly a hero to many, and we are lucky to have her.”
Manza added, “When I think about this award I think about Maya Angelou’s verse, ‘They may forget what you’ve said/they may forget what you’ve done/ but they’ll never forget how you make them feel.’
That is the impact you’ve had on some of these students’ lives.”
In other action at the meeting
• Buildings and Grounds Committee chair David Sonkin reported the board’s plan to install a wrought iron fence with brick pillars—similar to the fence that borders Bay Shore High School’s field on Sunrise Highway—to contain and secure the Junior Senior High School parking lot just east of the school building. Sonkin said the fence will enhance security and offer better protection for staff cars parked in the lot. The enclosure will feature two or three entrances through which students
can swipe in or out. The work is expected to begin after June, when school is not in session.
• The board honored the six executive board members of Babylon Strong—Kara Darrell, Melissa Muma, Cathryn McAleavey, Ingrid Archaga, Shvonne Romanitch, and Jenn Parendo—for brightening the holidays for 52 children in need with more than 400 holiday gifts.
“Thank you for your efforts. You are an inspiration to us all. You go above and beyond each year,” said Manza, “I am sure that the children were so happy when they received those gifts. Babylon is a special place, and it’s people like you that make it so special.”
• The board celebrated 10 students from Babylon’s National Art Honor Society for working on an art activity with Babylon Elementary School students during the school’s Parent University in November. The students honored were Carissa Arena, Reese LaTorre, Kate Schmitt, Grace Varley, Jackson Maurino, Devin Merrigan, Charleigh Gengler, Caitlyn Watral, Theresa Henry, and Giavanna Randazzo.
• High school band teacher Angela Turk and clarinet players Carly Ryan, Juliet Gimberlein, Christian Morales, Claire Connolly, Nathaniel Schubart, Joseph Rubendall, Catherine Cassidy, Thomas Gambino and Olivia Alcock performed a selection of holiday music for the board and community members attending the meeting.
The school board will meet again on Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. for a work study meeting. A school board business meeting will be held Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the district at 631-893-7900.
Copiague looks to finish strong
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
Copiague’s girls’ basketball team faced a tough challenge on Jan. 23, falling to Northport, 87-53, dropping it to 6-9 overall and 1-7 in a difficult League III.
Despite a strong individual effort from senior Janiya Morris, who scored 24 points, the Eagles struggled to keep pace with a potent Northport offense that displayed excellent ball movement and shooting.
Morris, who has been a standout for Copiague all season, did all she could to keep her team in the game with her consistent scoring. “I’m proud of the way she stepped up,” head coach Kia Wright said. “She worked so hard all game for us.” Her 24 points were a bright spot for the team, as she showcased her ability to drive to the basket.”
However, the team as a whole found it difficult to maintain offensive consistency, as Northport’s defensive pressure and transition game proved to be too much. “Newport is a great team,” said Wright. “They’re a well oiled machine so I’m proud of the girls’ efforts but I wish we were able to do a little more.”
Chloe Allen-Jackson contributed 11 points to the effort, providing some additional scoring support, while Ja’Nyah Martin added 6 points. Keila Corona and Kerah McHugh each chipped in with 3 points, but the Eagles struggled to find a rhythm offensively, especially as the game progressed. Ashani Barnes, Seanna Berry, and Madison Mais each contributed 2 points, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the relentless pace and skill of Northport.
Northport’s fast-paced offense and defensive intensity made it difficult for Copiague to execute its game plan. The Eagles were forced into turnovers and struggled to make stops on the defensive end, which allowed Northport to extend their lead throughout the game.
Despite the tough loss, Wright said there were still some positives that can be taken away. “They were still engaged and listening to what the coaches had to say,” she said. “It is very important for them to not give up. That’s really all I ask. Just show up and be present and ready to compete for this team.” The team has a lot of young
HERALD SPORTS West Babylon tied for league lead
Media Origin Inc.i/Herald Senior Janiya Morris, right, poured in 24 points Jan. 23 to pace the Eagles in their League III setback at Northport.
talent that will likely benefit from experiences like this as they work to improve and build on the foundation they’ve laid so far this season.
As the Eagles move forward, they will look to regroup and focus on improving their play on both ends of the court. With a few adjustments and continued effort, Copiague has the potential to bounce back in upcoming games and make a strong stretch run.
The immediate goal for the Eagles is to try and put a stop to the current losing streak. Four games remain including the home finale this Saturday against Smithtown East at 11:45 a.m.
Wright hopes the players will stay motivated down the stretch. “That’s really all I can do,” she said. “I want them to keep their heads up. I know it can be difficult but we still have to show up and compete so that is my mentality and I just hope the players buy into it.”
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
West Babylon’s girls’ basketball team is having an exciting season.
Under the leadership of head coach Ron Langella, the Eagles are showing great promise as it builds a blend of experienced players and young talent. Despite facing some inconsistency Langella is optimistic about the team’s potential and their growth throughout the season.
“That’s part of being young,” Langella said, who is in his sixth year at the helm. “Continuing to let them grow in games as the season goes on is very important.”
The roster features several rising stars, particularly among the younger players. Guard Ava Dockery, an 8th grader, is already making a significant impact on the court as she is fresh off her 15 point performance in a 60-52 win over West Islip on Jan. 22. “She really demonstrates the potential for a bright future,” said Langella.
Guard Jaelynn Burgess, a freshman who has been with the team since she was in 7th grade, has also been an important contributor. She is currently averaging 18.7 points per game, which leads West Babylon and is fourth in Suffolk County.
While these young athletes are still adjusting to the high school game, Langella sees their development as key to the success moving forward. “The biggest key is to remain patient,” he said. “Acknowledging that growing pains are part of the process.”
Other starters include Ella Stuart, Sara Caltabiano, and Avery Vergano, all of whom have stepped up in significant roles. “With a combination of youthful energy and veteran leadership, the team is beginning to find its rhythm,” Langella said.
Langella also credits the varsity veterans, who provide much-needed stability and leadership. “Senior Kayla Carseni is our biggest contributor off the bench,” Langella said. “She has been crucial to the team’s success.” Having been in the program for several years, Carseni brings a wealth of experience, helping to mentor the younger players and provide guidance during critical moments in games.
One of the standout features of the team is its defense. Langella emphasizes the im-
Lee/Herald Eighth-grader Ava Dockery poured in 15 points Jan. 22 as the Eagles defeated West Islip, 60-52.
portance of playing strong defense, and it’s something the team has taken to heart. “Their ability to shut down opponents and disrupt offensive flow has been a major factor in their success this season,” said Langella. “With a young roster, focusing on defense helps to keep games competitive.”
Despite the team’s youth and occasional inconsistency, the goal is to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. “The league championship remains the goal,” he said. “And we believe that we’re good enough to achieve it.”
West Babylon is currently on a twogame winning streak and has won six of its last seven games. The Eagles are 8-1 and tied atop League IV with Smithtown West. In its crucial matchup with Centereach last Friday, Jaelynn Burgess led the way with 33 points, while Sara Caltabiano also scored in double figures, finishing with 12 points in what was a 62-48 victory for the Eagles.
Erik
Copiague students tap into journalism
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students in Dan Barresi’s class are delving into the evolving world of journalism. Students have been learning to think like a journalist by creating content relevant to their school commu-
nity. Using iPads, they conduct video interviews and piece together video segments. The class chooses topics for different videos based on school events, honing their reporting, interviewing and editing skills in the process.
NEWS BRIEFS
Fifth annual MLK Portrait Project exhibition now showing at SCCC
The Fifth Annual MLK Portrait Project exhibition is now on view at the Suffolk County Community College Eastern Campus’ Lyceum Gallery, Montaukett Learning Resource Center on the Riverhead Campus through March 7.
A reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.
In homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, local high school art students have created collaborative mosaic portraits of civil rights heroes.
There are two special programs in conjunction with the exhibit:
• Traciana Graves will present “Empowerment Through Adversity” on February 13, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the
Montaukett Learning Resource Center, Room 107/108.
• Black History & Black Inventions Display will be on view from February 18 through 25 in the Montaukett Learning Resource Center, Room 107/108. Visitors can learn about Black History through the individuals who helped shape the world with their inventions. Artifacts will be displayed for the public to browse during the week.
All portrait proceeds will support the EEA’s Scholarship Fund. Visit https:// eastendarts.org/featured-events/mlkportrait-auction/ for more information.
Gallery hours are: Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Saturday and Sunday and President’s Day, Feb. 17.
Babylon Town’s P.S. I Love You Day Challenge is now accepting posters
Town of Babylon Councilman McSweeney’s P.S. I Love You Day Kindness Challenge is currently accepting submissions.
All are welcome to participate by creating Handprint Heart posters for first responders as a thank you for their service. Posters must be dropped off at the Baby-
lon Town Council Office by 4:40 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 11.
The Babylon Town Hall is located at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3000.
WI Class of ‘75 holding reunion
West Islip High School Class of 1975 is holding a class reunion July 19, 2025 at Captain Bill’s restaurant in Bay Shore.
For details, visit/join the organization’s Facebook page: West Islip High School Class of 1975 Or call 516-456-3207 and leave a message.
Photo courtesy of Copiague School District
Toby and Chico, their bites left marks on history’s greatest minds
“The dog ate my homework” is a classic excuse that few teachers would ever believe. However, in the last century, unruly dogs have been responsible for more than just chewing on homework. They’ve also destroyed a draft of a novel by a renowned author and nibbled on the notes of a famous physicist—both Nobel Prize laureates.
As a teacher for 33 years at the elementary level, I never heard any student use the “dog excuse.” They knew better than to try to fool me—Mrs. Milkbone, as I was affectionately called at school.
Pets, Pets, Pets...
Steinbeck and His Irish Setter, Toby By 1936, author John Steinbeck had already achieved commercial success with Tortilla Flat (1935). He and his wife were busy building a lavish home in the California wilderness while Steinbeck worked on two more short novels.
JOANNE ANDERSON
But then, a “minor tragedy” struck. In a letter to his literary agent on May 27, Steinbeck wrote: “My setter pup [Toby], left alone one night, made confetti of about half of my manuscript. Two months’ work to do over again... There was no other draft.”
Although he was initially angry about his work being destroyed, Steinbeck’s tone had softened by the time he penned the letter. “I was pretty mad, but the poor little fellow may have been acting critically,” he wrote. “I didn’t want to ruin a good dog for a manuscript. I am not sure if it is good at all. But there’s the work to do over from the start.”
Thankfully, Toby’s destructive habits didn’t derail Steinbeck’s work for long. After rewriting his novella, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck found inspiration in the view of the woods from his new study. He completed the second draft and submitted it to his editors. The novella, published in 1937, became a surprise success. Perhaps Toby was rewarded with a juicy steak for his efforts. The story later became a play and was adapted
into a feature film three times.
Steinbeck’s devotion to dogs continued throughout his life. In 1940, he won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for The Grapes of Wrath. In 1960, he embarked on a crosscountry trip with his Standard Poodle, Charley. Their journey was chronicled in Travels with Charley, which was published in 1962.
Einstein and His Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Chico Marx
Albert Einstein, like Steinbeck, had a special fondness for dogs. He also had a housecat named Tiger, who became melancholic when it rained. A friend of Einstein’s, Ernst Strauss, recalled that the physicist once said to the sad cat, “I know what’s wrong, dear fellow, but I don’t know how to turn it off.”
On Einstein’s 75th birthday, an animal hospital delivered a recuperating parrot named Bibo to his doorstep in Princeton. The parrot was depressed, and although Einstein tried to cheer him up with jokes, the bird didn’t seem to appreciate the humor.
However, Einstein’s most memorable pet was his Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Chico Marx. This breed, known for being feisty, clever, and inquisitive, was a fitting choice for the famous physicist. “The dog is very smart,” Einstein once said. “He feels sorry for me because I receive so much mail. That’s why he tries to bite the mailman.”
Chico’s bites lasted longer than his barks. He also chewed on certain books from Einstein’s shelves. Today, visitors to the Einstein Archives can still see the bite marks on some of these books. According to one of the curators, “We decided this is part of history, and we just left it as is.”
I like to think that the bite marks aren’t just the result of a playful dog, but rather that Chico was attempting to dispute Einstein’s equations or theories. Maybe E ≠ mc².
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.
TUESDAY, February 4
• Village of Babylon Board of Trustees work session: 6 p.m.; Village Hall, upstairs conference room, 153 W. Main St., Babylon. For additional information, call 631-669-1500; or email: info@villageofbabylonny.gov; or visit the web site @https://www.villageofbabylonny.gov.
• Lindenhurst Village Board of Trustees meeting: 7:30 p.m. public meeting, Lindenhurst Village Hall, 430 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. For updated meeting info., call 631-957-7500; or visit their web site @ https://villageoflindenhurstny.gov.
• Deer Park School Board of Education meeting: 7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 1881 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park. For more info., call 631-274-4013; or visit the web site @http://www.deerparkschools.org.
WEDNESDAY, February 5
• Lindenhurst School Board of Education meeting: 8 p.m., at the McKenna Administration Bldg., 350 Daniel St., Lindenhurst. For info., call 631- 867-3001.
THURSDAY, February 6
•Village of Babylon Architectural Review Board: 8 p.m. @ Village Hall, 153 W. Main St., Babylon. For additional meeting information, call 631-669-1500; or email info@villageofbabylonny.gov, or visit the web site @https://www.villageofbabylonny.gov.
• West Islip School Board of Education meeting: 7:30 p.m., Beach Street Middle School, 17 Beach St., W. Islip. For info., call 631-893-3200.
SATURDAY, February 8
• Oscar Party - 1950 Style: 7 p.m. @ the Village of Babylon Historical & Preservation Society Museum, 117 W. Main St., Babylon Village. They are rolling out the red carpet for a night of cinematic fun. The program is hosted by Marsha Collock. Cost $10. Reservations suggested. For more info., and to reserve seats, call 631-669-1756.
Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Beacon Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.
Read the Amityville Herald Record
Wing Eating Challenge, Sunday, February 2
A Wing Eating Challenge for charity will be taking place on Sun., Feb. 2 at the Huntington Moose Lodge. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the Wing-Off will begin at 2:30 p.m.
There must be 2 Wing-eaters per team and the cost is $35. There is a minimum of 4 pledgers per wing-eater and a minimum of $25 donation per pledge. All pledges must be in before the event. Proceeds will benefit Camp Good Mourning, a Long Island-based nonprofit that provides free bereavement camp programs for children coping with the death of a parent and/or sibling. Trophies will be awarded, and the event will also include a 50/50 raffle, raffle baskets and Lotto-Pop.
The registration deadline is Wed., Jan. 29. To register or donate, visit campgoodmourning. org/events.
The Huntington Moose Lodge is located at 631 Pulaski Rd., Greenlawn.
For more information, please call (631) 7729115.
Above: Einstein’s Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Chico, left teeth marks in certain volumes in the physician’s library.
Below: Einstein’s home in Princeton, NJ.
OBITUARY
Bill Deichler, veteran, retired FDNY and WI fire commissioner
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Bill Deichler, a West Islip fire commissioner and veteran of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), passed away suddenly on January 2, 2025, at the age of 90. He died while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes—streaming and binge-watching TV shows with his wife, Judy, in Hutchinson Island South, Fort Pierce, Florida.
“My father had a sense of service and dependability; he was always there,” said his son, William F. Deichler. “He was a person whose stature, consistency, and commitment spoke louder than words.”
Deichler, a native of Brooklyn, was born on Sept. 7, 1934, the last child and only son of William J. Deichler and Florence (Duffy) Deichler-Adams. He shared his birthdate with his father. At the time of his passing, he had been living in Florida for the last six years with his wife, Judy Schaefer-Pannullo. Judy recalls that throughout their time in Florida, friends and colleagues from both the FDNY and West Islip Fire Department consistently called to talk, reminisce and check on him.
“He had an incredible life,” said Judy ,who spoke of his dedication to family. “When he was younger, he worked three jobs to support his family and always took care of his mother.”
Deichler was married to his first wife, Mary Louise Massaro, for 47 years before her death in 2006. In 2013, he married Judy, his second great love.
He faced adversity at an early age. His father, an NYPD officer, died when he was only four years old. During the remnants of the Great Depression, he worked various jobs, including shoeshine boy, newsboy, amusement park ride operator, movie theater usher, and lifeguard to help support his family.
“He would sometimes tell me that he grew up without a father and would
ask me how he was doing,” said his son. “I would tell him that he didn’t have to think twice about it because I was fortunate to have him.”
Deichler served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and left with the rank of Corporal. He served as a pneumatics (explosives deployment) instructor and a ski instructor. Before entering the military, he graduated from William E. Grady CTE High School in Brooklyn, where he developed his skill in electricity.
After completing his military service, Deichler briefly aspired to become a New York City police officer, following in his father’s footsteps. However, fate led him to the FDNY, where he found his true calling.
“As fate had it, firefighting was the right vocation,” said his son, noting that those who knew Bill could not imagine him in any other role. Deichler served in a variety of positions with the FDNY, including fire truck driver, fire marshal assistant, and coordinator of the fire chief’s quarters at the FDNY Command Center. He also earned an associate’s degree at Farmingdale State College.
Later in his career he transitioned to a leadership role as a Commissioner of the West Islip Fire Department. He was elected to the position and re-elected for multiple terms, serving for over a decade. Under his leadership, the fire district grew significantly, improving service to the community where he and Mary Lou raised their family.
“We were longtime friends and served on the Board of Fire Commissioners together,” said Louis Delgado, a former colleague. “He took great effort to teach young firefighters how to fight fires and develop lifesaving techniques; he was strict in his beliefs.”
Deichler’s commitment to service was especially evident following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He set aside his retirement plans to volunteer at Ground Zero for several weeks, assisting
ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at: Babylon Herald Beacon Newspaper, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext.
329 We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photos with the articles.
WIFD hosting annual Sportsman’s dinner
The Hook and Ladder Company of the West Islip Fire Department is holding its annual Sportsman’s Dinner on Feb. 8. The event will take place at the Fire Department, 309 Union Blvd., West Islip, 6 p.m. to midnight and is open to the public. Proceeds to the dinner will go to the Hook and Ladder Rescue Company.
Tickets are $60 per person. This year there will be a raffle for $1,500 in cash
with recovery efforts and coordinating the delivery of emergency supplies to aid in the recovery of downtown Manhattan. He also volunteered in 9/11 victim identification efforts and supported families who lost loved ones in the attacks.
In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by his children: William F. Deichler III of Manteo, North Carolina, and LuAnne Deichler Pajor of Lindenhurst; and his stepchildren: Jacquelyn Pannullo of Washington State; Justin Pannullo and his wife, Amy, of Apex, North Carolina; Joelle Pannullo and her husband, Rob of Holly Springs, North Carolina, and Jefferey Pannullo of Cary, North Carolina. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Robert Boccalino, Michael Boccalino and his wife, Alexis, Danielle, Zachary Pannullo, Caitlyn Pannullo, Kaito Pannullo, and Mia Pannullo, as well as great-grandchildren Archie Boccalino and Merrick William Boccalino. He is also survived by generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Mary; his siblings, Agnes Deichler and Florence (Deichler) Otranto, and his nephew Charles Otranto. He was also predeceased by his daughtersin-law Kumiko Pannullo and Alisa Boccalino, as well as by numerous aunts,
uncles, cousins, and firefighting comrades.
A memorial service was held on Friday, January 10, at Haisley Funeral Home, at 3015 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Deichler’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.StJude.org.
Local Worship Schedules and Services.
THE UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH OF BABYLON
Corner of Deer Park Avenue and James Street in the Village of Babylon, 631-661-5151
Website: babylonumc.org
Pastor: The Rev. Melissa Boyer
SUNDAY SERVICES
and $500 in scratch offs to the lucky winner.
“You don’t have to be a member of the fire department to attend this event,” said Hook and Ladder Chief Rick Marone. “Everyone in the community—men and women —is welcome.”
For tickets and more information call (631) 661-6440, ext. 117.
Congregation Beth Sholom
• Spiritual leader: Rabbi Abraham Axelrud, Ph.D.
• Shabbat services every weekend: Friday, 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
• Kosher catering for all types of functions
• Spiritual leader: Rabbi Abraham Axelrud, Ph.D.
• Shabbat services every weekend: Friday, 8:00 p.m. • Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
• Religious school - Pre Hebrew thru Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Senior Time Thursdays – 12:30-4:30, all welcome
• Kosher catering for all types of functions
• Rabbi’s adult education classes
• Religious school - Pre Hebrew thru Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Active sisterhood and men’s club
• Senior Time Thursdays – 12:30-4:30, all welcome
• Rabbi’s adult education classes
• Interfaith couples welcome
• Active sisterhood and men’s club
• New members welcome
• Interfaith couples welcome
• New members welcome
441 Deer Park Ave., Babylon PO Box 64 631-587-5650
441 Deer Park Ave., Babylon PO Box 64 • 631-587-5650 congregationbethshalom.com
A friendly Conservative egalitarian congregation offering: facebook.com/cbsbabylon
facebook.com/cbsbabylon
9:30am - Worship in the Church Online at Website - 9:30am
Home of the James Street Players and the UMC Nursery School
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
For Information on advertising here call Maryann Heins at 631-264-0077
Bill Deichler
BABYLON
HERALD NEIGHBORS
With handmade and classic craftsmanship, holiday market in Babylon Village delighted attendees
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The holiday season may be behind us, but many people have great memories of attending Babylon Village’s Holiday Market, where they enjoyed looking over an array of special gifts for the holiday season.
Presented by the Babylon Beautification Society with support from the Babylon Chamber of Commerce, the event featured more than 90 craft vendors. A free shopping shuttle, provided by Dynasty Limo, helped guests get around the village to visit all the local stores and vendors. Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert and Mayor Mary Adams served over 300 heated s’mores, while Trustee Sean Goodwin manned the hot dog booth.
“This is a great event to follow the fall’s Argyle Fair,” Goodwin said. “The Babylon Beautification Society is wonderful.”
“This is our fourth year, and I think it’s a perfect fit for the village’s holiday celebrations,” said Frank Petruzzo, president of the Babylon Beautification Society. “It adds to the Christmas spirit, and it’s a great way to support our local merchants.” Petruzzo noted that, while the society would have liked to accommodate all interested vendors, they carefully curated the selection to feature gift-focused items.
Vendors included Torta Fina Bake Shoppe, Santa’s Snack Shop by the Babylon Beautification Society, Wood Flower Arrangements, North Fork Glassworks, Island Woodworks, Great South Bay Candles, Luna Rose Wood Design and Hudson Valley Driftwood Artisans: Nature Re-born.
“This event brings in a great crowd, and it’s beautiful out here,” said Dennis McCourt, co-owner of Hudson Valley Driftwood Artisans: Nature Re-born.
“It’s a fun atmosphere, and I’m enjoying seeing all the people walk around with their families,” said Calvin Adam, who worked the Torta Fina Bake Shoppe stand with coworker Logan Zimmerly.
Attendee Laura Morris, there with her daughters, was especially impressed by the vendors. “These vendors are exactly what we need in the village,” she said.
“It’s a fun event, and it’s nice to pick up some stocking stuffers,” said Janice Murphy, attending with her daughter and granddaughter. “There are a lot of different kinds of gifts here.”
Abigail Blue, a local resident, said she has always enjoyed these village events. “I grew up in Babylon, and I’ve always loved coming to all the local vendors and stores,” she said. Daniel Huynh, attending with his wife, Marilyn, added, “Everybody has something unique going on.”
The event also featured activities for children, including free face painting and photos with Santa Claus, while holiday music played from a live DJ across the fairgrounds.
For more information about the Babylon Beautification Society and upcoming events, visit babylonbeautification.org
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald Sadie, Bella and Emma Morris take time to relax and enjoy a treat at event.
Mary Cusumano with her daughter, Michaela
Friends Ellanor Lindsay and Abigail Blue, with her pup, Milo, and Santa
Newlyweds Daniel and Marilyn Huynh
Babylon Beautification Society President Frank Petruzzo with Village of Babylon Trustee Sean Goodwin
By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker
Sean
Cirillo Oceanside
My 2025 resolution is to replace all my local car trips with walking and biking. Replacing these short trips that are typically done with a car is healthier, saves me money, better connects me to the community and I’m never stuck in traffic on a bike.
What is your major goal for 2025?
Mike Ahl
Babylon
I would like to get stronger. I ride my bike in Babylon. My average is 45 minutes to do 10 miles, and I want to get it under 40 minutes. I have two little boys, I want to be healthy for them.
David
Friedman Hewlett
Definitely need a nice relaxing vacation somewhere warm. I haven’t been to Atlantis in many years, or maybe Italy. There are too many things to do and I’m getting older, so I need a vacation.
Sharon Edwards
Merrick
Time management is definitely my resolution for this year. Last year really went by quickly; it was over and done. I have everything on one to-do list. I have a family that I want to spend some time with and then I have my business. I’m trying to balance everything.
Cliff Krauter
Bayville
I would like to become more involved in the committees around the city (Glen Cove). I meet many people that do things out of their good nature. It’s something I highly respect and admire and I’d like to try to do more of.
STEPPING OUT
madness takes over
By Danielle Schwab
When it comes to Monster Jam, go big or go home.
Those bigger-than-life behemoths gear up for a crushing competition
Witness the roar of eight monster trucks battle it out for the winning trophy at the fullthrottle competition with plenty of car-smashing, donut-wheeling and back-flipping action fans know and expect.
Monster Jam arrives at UBS Arena next weekend, Feb. 7-9, taking over Belmont Park for three days packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. This isn’t just any event — it’s “As Big As It Gets.” where where every moment is unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable.
Both monster truck fanatics and first-time watchers will experience all the motorsport has to offer in a four-part competition ruled by these 12,000 pound mechanical beasts.
Drivers bring out all the stunts for the competition to the delight of spectators.
“Who doesn’t love big trucks crushing stuff, mjumping high in the air, rolling over and doing all the crazy stuff we do?” says Matt Cody, the longtime driver of Grave Digger and 2024 Arena Series West Champion.
• Friday through Sunday, Feb. 7-9; times vary
• Tickets available at ticketmaster.com
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
always my birthday present. I fell in love with it,” he says.
Starting at 13-years-old, Cody got involved with the event in every way possible — whether it was sweeping floors, cleaning trucks or driving the tractortrailers. His passion and hard work earned him a role as a mechanic for the show, eventually paving the way for him to become an official driver in 2012.
‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. dynamic live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
Saturday Feb. 1, 8 p.m. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
“From the atmosphere to the production to the people, it’s a big family and it’s a big family sport, everybody’s there to just have fun,” he adds.
Ten years later, Cody started driving the infamous Grave Digger — a 43 year global legend among monster trucks, sporting massive 66-inch tires.
“It’s just a big, bad machine,” Cody says.
Watch as these powerful trucks race for the fastest time, showcase their jaw-dropping skills with epic stunts — some of which are only on two wheels — in competitions of speed and skill. Also see the drivers unleash their trucks’ wild, untamed power in a thrilling freestyle showdown.
And of course, there’ll be plenty of monster-sized donuts to get heads-spinning as well.
This epic ride sports tombstones on its side “for the competitors that we’ve beaten and buried,” he explains.
Going head-to-head against Grave Digger are newcomers Plane Krazy and Krazy Train as well as a new fan favorite, Sparkle Smash, a giant blue-and-purple unicorn that’s sure to kick some butt.
Other trucks returning to claim victory are the always-popular Megalodon, Zombie, El Toro Loco, and Terminal Velocity.
South Shore Symphony
right in the middle of the action, helping to
To make it even more exciting, the judges’ panel includes the entire audience. Fans are right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the event champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves. Everyone gets a say in which truck triumphs with glory and eventually moves on to July’s Monster Jam World Finals.
It’s truly an unforgettable family affair, involving generations of families since Monster Jam’s start in 1992.
“I met so many awesome fans from over the years, dedicated fans who’ll bring their grandfather, the dad, and now son, to an event. And the grandfather will be like, ‘Yeah, I remember bringing my son.’ Even though I’m not the driver that may have been [there] at that time, they’ll take a picture just to recreate that,” Cody says.
“It’s just an awesome experience among the families and the memories that they’re making.”
All of this from the best seat in UBS Arena, which is every seat according to Cody.
“I tell people that in an arena as compared to a stadium, stadiums are cool, but in an arena, there’s not a bad seat in the house.”
Start off the action early. Fans can get a closer look at the trucks and meet the drivers at the exclusive Monster Jam Pit Party — or get revved up prior to the show with sneak peaks, giveways and extra action at the Monster Jam Trackside Experience.
Before taking over the driver’s seat, Cody’s Monster Jam journey began sitting in the audience of Monster Jam events as a kid. Cody, from Williamsport, Md., began to follow the sport at age 8. As a lifelong fan, he knows the thrills it offers to both fan and participant.
Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment
Before taking over the driver’s seat, lifelong fan, he knows the thrills it offers to both
Top left - Sparkle Smash, among the newcomers, joins El Toro Loco and the other trucks in nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, among other feats.
Music Director Adam Glaser’s South Shore Symphony Orchestra welcomes the New Year with a rousing concert, titled “Heritage and Memory, at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by guitarist Tali Roth. Originally from Israel, now based in the New York City area, she’ll be playing the beloved Rodrigo’s Concieto de Aranjuez. The evening’s repertoire also includes Humperdinck’s Prelude to the opera Hansel and Gretel. The charming composition is known for its sweetness and nostalgia to this piece that catches you off guard. Another, Mary Watkins’ Soul of Remembrance is becoming a staple in the orchestra repertoire, and deservedly so, according to Glaser. The program’s second half is devoted to Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D major.
“Monster Jam used to come every year. It was
Top right - Monster trucks reach epic heights in the latest edition of Monster Jam. Grave Digger, with Matty Cody (bottom left) and other popular trucks thrill fans in their customized high-power vehicles.
Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.
THE Your Neighborhood
Sheng Wang
With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special Sweet & Juicy produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedian, actor, and writer, Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
Long-time comedian
Sheng Wang is truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York unwilling to give an Asian American comedian the time of day to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. Wang asks audiences to not only recognize the personhood of an Asian on stage but to find deep resonance with this person’s honest feelings. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Houston, Texas., Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. He likens himself to “A Clown with Words.” Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang resides in L.A. and in his time off he enjoys exploring botanical gardens and discovering new ways to snack. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Art League of Long Island’s 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition
Art League of Long Island presents its 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition, a showcase of the remarkable talents within its vibrant community of artists. The exhibit, hosted in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, features an array of works from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts. This annual event is a cherished tradition that highlights the diversity and creativity of ALLI’s over 400 memberships. From emerging artists embarking on their creative journey to seasoned professionals, each participant demonstrates the profound artistic spirit that fuels the Art League of Long Island’s mission.
It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate creativity across mediums and generations. Due to the high volume of submissions, the exhibition is split into two parts, with Part I showcasing artists with last names M-Z and Part II with last names A-L. This format alternates each year, ensuring equal opportunities for members to shine. Part II runs Feb. 1-28
For more information about the exhibition, upcoming events, or how to support the Art League of Long Island, visit .artleagueli. org or call (631) 462-5400. Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills.
Movie matinee
Come in from the cold and enjoy a movie on Farmingdale Public Library’s big screen.
See ther 2004 political satire “Welcome to Mooseport” starring Ray Romano and Gene Hackman, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1:304 p.m. A former U.S. president who has moved to a colorful Maine hamlet and suddenly finds himself running for mayor against another local candidate. Preference is given to UFSD #22 residents. To register and for more information, call (516) 249-9090. 116 Merritts Road., Farmingdale.
Islip Arts Council Winter Concert Series
Islip Arts Council hosts their 2025 Winter Concert Series at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Sunday, Feb. 2. The Serenade Duo performs, with guitarist Gerry Saulter and flautist Michelle La Porte, 1 p.m., inside the Carriage House. Admission is free. Note that parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis throughout the entirety of this concert series. Arrive early and plan accordingly. For more information, call (631) 5811002. 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River.
Oscar Party
Babylon Village Historical Society goes Hollywood, hosted by Marsha Collock. Saturday, Feb. 8, 7-9 p.m. Walk the Red Carpet, Babylon-style, and enjoy the very best of a vintage year. Cast your ballot for your favorite films and performances of 1950. There will be bubbly and more. Oscar attire is optional. $10 at door. Reservations are necessary. Call (631) 669-1756. 117 W. Main St. Babylon.
Bedazzle your book
Bedazzle your favorite hardcover book with rhinestones at West Islip Public Library, Thursday, Feb. 6, 7-8 p.m. Also discuss with fellow readers your 2025 reading list. With music and plenty of craft supplies to choose from. To register and for more information, call (631) 6617080. 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip.
Celebrate the ‘Year of the Snake’
The Vanderbilt Museum celebrates the Lunar New Year, Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-noon Attendees will have the opportunity to make a paper lantern, learn Chinese calligraphy and create a traditional good luck decoration. $20, $18 for members. To purchase tickets, visit shorturl. at/yE3Xn. 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. For more information, call (631) 854-5579.
Valentine’s Chocolate Talk
West Babylon Public Library presents a Valentine’s chocolate talk, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Explore how chocolate can be the perfect companion to those busy, messy and real-life moments that make up our relationships. For adults only. To register and for more information, call (631) 6695445. 211 Route 109, W. Babylon.
Teen Winter Reading Club
The Teens Winter Reading Club at Babylon Public Library extends until Sunday, March 2. Students are encouraged to join the library’s winter reading club. Fill out a review for each book you read and submit it at the Reference Desk for a raffle ticket for the prize of your choosing. For more information, call (631) 669-1624. 24 South Carll Ave., Babylon.
Having an event?
BACCA’s Art Classes Return
Copy: Babylon Citizen Council of Arts offers pastellists and colored-pencil artists to study their medium of choice with classes, Mondays, Feb. 3-March 31, 6-8 p.m. Instructor Marlene Bezich provides individual attention to both mediums through demonstrations and lectures. All students will be encouraged to broaden their knowledge through challenging subjects and diverse techniques. All levels of experience welcome.
On Thursdays, Feb. 6-27, 1:30-3:30 p.m., an 8-week course on independent oils and acrylics is offered, where students share studio space and work on self-guided projects under the advisory of Phyllis George. She will be present every three weeks to review the students’ work and guide them to completion The cost for each class is $125 for BACCA members and $175 for non-members. Babylon Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, N. Babylon. Go to babylonarts. org/art-classes for more information and registration.
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.
Knights of Columbus Annual Long Island Cares fundraiser
Lindenhurst OLPH Knights of Columbus host their annual Long Island Cares Fundraiser, Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m., at Cebollines Mexican Restaurant and Grill in Lindenhurst. $5 margaritas, sangria, beers and wine, as well as free chips and salsa. Honorary Chairman, Brother Knight and Town of Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta will attend. If guests choose to support the 50/50 raffle, they receive a free drink. Donations also accepted. For more information, visit cebollinescomida.com or call (631) 592-9845. 170 Montauk Hwy., Lindenhurst.
First Presbyterian Church of Babylon requests food pantry items
First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry needs items this season. The church is requesting those interested in donating to stop by with any of the following items: pancake mix, oatmeal, boxed macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, canned chicken, frozen beef patties, boxed potato, rice, canned soup and peanut butter. Donations can be dropped by the church house Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 79 East Main St., Babylon. For more information, call (631) 587-5838.
Fireplace Room Chat with Mayor Adams
Babylon Public Library hosts a discussion with Mayor Mary Adams, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2-4 p.m. 24 South Carll Ave., Babylon. For more information, contact Mayor Adams’ office at (631) 669-1212.
Learn to sew
North Babylon Public Library hosts Sewing 101 with Sue, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn how to thread the machine and how to make a bobbin. All materials are provided, and all pieces are precut so everyone brings home a finished project. Sewing machines will be provided, however, if you have one, bring it to class so you can learn on the machine you will use. To register and for more information, call (631) 669-4020. 815 Deer Park Ave., N. Babylon.
Pink Bag Event
United Breast Cancer foundation hosts Free Hearts and Deals Extravaganza, Tuesday through Saturday, Feb. 11-15, in Huntington Station. Open to breast cancer patients and survivors, limited appointments. Go to ubcf.org/hearts-pink-bag-event-ny to check eligibility and register.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST
2007-HE3 MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-HE3, -againstSONIA JACKSON, 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 Suffolk on August 5, 2024, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2007-HE3 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-HE3 is the Plaintiff and SONIA JACKSON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 18, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 320 COMMACK ROAD, DEER PARK, NY 11729; and the following tax map identification: 0100-091.0001.00-061.002.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE HAMLET OF DEER PARK, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611567/2021. Peter Kramer, 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.
25-31. 1/16, 23, 30, 2/6
Public Notices — Your right to know
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstCHRISTOPHER C. BRIGHT, 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 Suffolk on November 16, 2022, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and CHRISTOPHER C. BRIGHT, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 18, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 10 HAYES ROAD, AMITY HARBOR, NY 11701; and the following tax map identification: 0100-182.0001.00-125.000. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617138/2017. Robert P. Valletti, 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 SA LE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES. 25-30 1/16, 23, 30, 2/6
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK
SELENE FINANCE LP, Plaintiff - against - JONATHAN DOERING, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of
Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 13, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on the 13th day of February, 2025 at 1:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
Premises known as 1 Deer Lake Drive, North Babylon, NY 11703.
(Section: 150.00, Block: 01.00, Lot: 035.001)
Approximate amount of lien $533,112.56 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 603302/2018. Arthur J. Burdette, Esq., Referee.
Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY Tel. 516/742-1212
Dated: December 1, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change. 25-28. 1/16, 23 30, 2/6
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK. WISDOM VENTURES, LLC, Plaintiff, v. SUPERIOR DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC., et al., Defendants. Index No. 607761/2021
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale granted herein on December 12, 2024, I the undersigned, the Referee in said Judgment named, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757,
County of SUFFOLK, State of New York on February 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm of that day, the premises directed by said Judgment to be sold and therein described as follows:
Said premises being known as and by street address 92 Glenmalure Street, Amityville, NY 11701
District 0100 Section 172.00 Block 03.00 Lot 031.000
Said premises are sold subject to the terms and conditions of the filed Judgment and the Terms of Sale. Approximate amount of Judgment $362,600.00.
Dated: Garden City, New York
January 3, 2025
THOMAS G. TERESKY, ESQ., Referee
Adam E. Mikolay, P.C.
Attorney for Plaintiff 400 Garden City Plaza Suite 405 Garden City, New York 11530 (516) 222-2050 25-29. 1/16, 23, 30 2/6
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Owner Trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Calvin S. Smith Sr, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 24, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on February 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 102 43rd Street, Copiague, NY 11726. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 202.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 062.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $386,214.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #207634/2022. Cash will not be accepted.
Robert J. Cava, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 25-36. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
The Town of Babylon Rental Review Board will hold a Public Hearing at The Town of Babylon, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York (East Wing Board Room) on Wednesday, February 5, 2024 at 6:00pm NEW APPLICATION
1. Elvira & Vylacheslav
Stepanyan
102 N. Emerson Ave. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-178-3-54
2. 550 Oak LLC 550 Oak St. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-197-318.006
3. DDNM Realty 5 LLC 15 S. 26th St. Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 0100-79-239.001
4. Ed Cassandro 120 Miramar Blvd. Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100-190-115.033
RENEWALS
1. Rickey Hill 195 Cumberbach St. Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 0100-82-1-47
2. Christopher Lynch 537 Segatogue Ave. E. Farmingdale NY 11735
SCTM NO: 0100-69-1-34
3. Jacqueline Schoenwaelder 105 Surf Rd. Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100-190-2-55
4. Josephine Pellegrino 7 Norstrand Ave. E. Farmingdale NY 11735
SCTM NO: 0100-69-2-17 25-51. 1/30
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-
EN that, pursuant to Section 126-d of the Village Law of the State of New York and resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Babylon, New York, duly adopted on the 14th day of January, 2025: The Treasurer of the Village of Babylon will sell at public auction to be held at the Municipal Building, 153 West Main Street, Babylon, New York on the on the 22nd day of February, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., tax liens for the property situated in the Village of Babylon to discharge the tax, fees, interest, and charges which may be due thereon at the time of said sale. The purchaser(s) at such tax sale shall pay the amount of their respective bids to the Village Treasurer within ten (10) days after the sale,
and upon such payment, the Treasurer shall give to such purchaser(s) a certificate, in writing, describing the real estate purchased and sum paid therefore. (Please note, payment of the taxes due entitles the purchaser to a lien being placed on the property, not immediate acquisition of said real estate.)
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ANDREW REICHEL, VILLAGE TREASURER
DATED: January 15, 2025 Babylon, New York 11702
25-52 1/30, 2/6
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS AS TRUSTEE RALI 2006QS12, Plaintiff against TAREQ MOLLAH A/K/A TAREQ M. MOLLAH, 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 September 6, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on March 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM. Premises known as 130 Claremont Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704. District 0100 Sec 141.00 Block 02.00 Lot 057.000 and 058.003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,016,322.20 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 203752/2022. 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.
Francesco Paolo Tini, Esq., Referee File # SPSNY760 25-54. 1/30, 2/6, 13, 20
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Suffolk, US
Bank Trust National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Aiysha Nugent, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 21, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on February 13, 2025 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 13 Ronald Drive South a/k/a 13 S. Ronald Drive, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 165.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 038.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $413,568.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #208150/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Alison M. Varley, Esq., Referee
Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 25-16. 1/9, 16, 23, 30
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURESTATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION
TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, v.
VEROLYN WOOD AKA
VAL WOOD AKA VEROLYN S. WOOD AKA V.S. WOOD AKA STEPHANIE WOOD, ET AL, Defendants.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office
of the County Clerk of Suffolk County on October 31, 2024, I, Joy E. Jorgensen, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 12, 2025 at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757, at 10:30 AM the premises described as follows: 265 East Drive aka 265 E Dr Copiague, NY 11726
SBL: 0100-191.00-01.00148.000
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 617451/2022 in the amount of $514,523.23 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072
25-17 1/9, 16, 23, 30
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. FED DUMERVILLE, ET AL, Defendants.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT
In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Suffolk County on October 18, 2019, I, Scott Lockwood, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 13, 2025 at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757, at 03:00 PM the premises described as follows:
75 Fillmore Avenue Deer Park, NY 11729
SBL No.: 0100-093.00-01.00146.000
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Babylon, County
of Suffolk, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 069384/2014 in the amount of $518,114.59 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604
Tel.: 855-227-5072
25-18 1/9, 16, 23, 30
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS TITLE TRUST XIII, Plaintiff, v. GREGORY J. CIEJKA, ET AL, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT
In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Suffolk County on June 21, 2023, I, Thomas A. Abbate, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 11, 2025 at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757, at 11:00 AM the premises described as follows:
139 West 21st Street Deer Park, NY 11729
SBL No.: 0100-059.00-03.00076.000
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 614708/2016 in the amount of $508,889.56 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social
distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604
Tel.: 855-227-5072
25-19 1/9, 16, 23, 30
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, Plaintiff, Against DIANE SCHMIDT; PAUL G. SCHMIDT, et al, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/20/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, on 2/6/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 624 Adams Ave, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, 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 Lindenhurst, Township Of Babylon, Suffolk County, State Of New York.
District 0103 Section 022.00 Block 02.00 Lot 036.000 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $262,297.85 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 609291/2015
Robert Fuchs, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573
Dated: 12/19/2024 File Number: 19-300626 MB 25-20 1/9, 16, 23, 30
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SABR 2004-OP1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-OP1, Plaintiff, Against JOANNE ANANIA Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/19/2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell
at public auction, at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, on 2/12/2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 48 Walnut Ave, Farmingdale, New York 11735, 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 Babylon, County Of Suffolk And State Of New York.
District 0100 Section 047.00 Block 01.00 Lot 091.000
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $558,035.02 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 23768/2005
HARVEY SAVITT, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 12/30/2024 File Number: 560-1734 CA 25-23. 1/9, 16, 23, 30
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust 2018-4, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Trustee, Plaintiff, vs. Christopher Ferrell as Co-Administrator and Heir and Distributee of the Estate of Joan E. Franks a/k/a Joan E. Ferrell a/k/a Joan E. Ferrell Franks a/k/a Joan Ferrellfranks, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 21, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on February 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., premises known as 36 Jefferson Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 164.00, Block 04.00 and Lot 007.001. Approximate amount of judgment is $367,045.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
#607333/2023.
Brooke J. Breen, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 222393-1 25-37. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
Notice of formation of 6-8 Colt Babylon, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 13, 2024. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to, 25 Davison Ln W, West Islip, N.Y 11795. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 24-765. 12/26, 1/2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Notice of formation of 4 Colt Babylon, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 6, 2024. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to, 25 Davison Ln W, West Islip, N.Y 11795. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 24-766. 12/26, 1/2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Notice of formation of Seaside Solutions LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/06/2024 Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:
The LLC, 41 State Street, Suite 112, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful act. 25-22. 1/9, 16, 23, 30, 2/6, 13
Notice of formation of Vaccaro property management LLC, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 12/02/2024 . Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 11 west 21 street deer park ny 11729. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
25-24. 1/9,16,23,30, 2/6, 13
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2005OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-OPT1, -againstNAHEED KHAN A/K/A NAHEED CHAUDHRY, 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 Suffolk on April 11, 2024, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2005-OPT1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-OPT1 is the Plaintiff and NAHEED KHAN A/K/A NAHEED CHAUDHRY, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 25, 2025 at 1:30PM, premises known as 15 BRIARWOOD ROAD, WHEATLEY HEIGHTS, NY 11798; and the following tax map identification: 0100009.00-02.00-015.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617696/2018. Arthur Burdette, 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.
25-44 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
Public Notices — Your right to know
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE F/K/A NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RENAISSANCE HEL TRUST 2004-2 Plaintiff, Against LESTON DOUGLAS AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO GRESMORE
BLACKMAN DOUGLAS A/K/A GRESMORE BLACKMAN A/K/A
GRESMORE B. DOUGLAS A/K/A G.J. BLACKMAN DOUGLAS A/K/A
G.J. BLACKMAN-DOUGLAS A/K/A GRESMORE J. BLACKMAN DOUGLAS A/K/A GRESMORE JESMA BLACKMAN-DOUGLAS; LENESHIA DOUGLAS AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO GRESMORE BLACKMAN DOUGLAS A/K/A GRESMORE BLACKMAN A/K/A GRESMORE B. DOUGLAS A/K/A
G.J. BLACKMAN DOUGLAS A/K/A G.J. BLACKMAN-DOUGLAS A/K/A
GRESMORE J. BLACKMAN DOUGLAS A/K/A GRESMORE JESMA BLACKMAN-DOUGLAS; et al
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/03/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, on 2/26/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 580 Albany Avenue, Amityville, New York 11701, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at North Amityville, in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
District 0100 Section 173.00 Block 02.00 Lot 005.031 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $218,310.48 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 619557/2023
Brook J. Breen, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 1/3/2025 File Number: 22-301172 CA 25-47. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE
F/K/A NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DELTA FUNDING HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1999-3, Plaintiff, Against TARA BIRT; KYLE BIRT AKA KYLE L. BIRT; GAVIN BIRT AKA GAVIN T. BIRT; et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/29/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, on 2/21/2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 30 Winter Avenue, Wheatley Heights A.K.A. Wyandanch Heights, NY 11798, And Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wyandanch, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
District 0100 Section 040.00 Block 01.00 Lot 113.000
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $153,334.41 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 616281/2018
Edward Heilig, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573
Dated: 12/31/2024 File Number: 18-300921 MB 25-48. 1/23. 30, 2/6, 13
NOTICE
TO BIDDERS VILLAGE OF BABYLON NEW YORK SEALED BIDS will be received by the Village Clerk of the Village of Babylon at 153 West Main Street, Babylon, New York, 11702 on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at which time they will be publicly opened and read, and the Contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for the: VILLAGE OF BABYLON REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FOR DRAINAGE WORK
The project includes contracts for various drainage items to be utilized in Village of Babylon roadway projects. The contract is for one year and may be extended to two additional years.
Drawings and specifications may be examined and obtained at the Village Hall, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily except Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays on and after Thursday, January 23, 2025.
A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required for each set of contract documents. Checks are to be made payable to the Village of Babylon.
Each proposal must be accompanied by a Certified Check made payable to the Village of Babylon in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for bid security.
Bid proposals should be made in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Requirements Contract for Drainage Work”. Said bids will be opened and read aloud at the above stated time.
The Village of Babylon encourages minority and women owned businesses to participate in all bids.
The Village of Babylon reserves the right to waive any informalities in Bidding and to reject all bids or to accept any Bid, which in the opinion of the Board, will be in the best interest of the Village.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Jean Marie Parker, Village Clerk
Dated: January 15, 2025 Babylon, NY 11702 25-50 1/23, 30
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/ OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD
Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, February 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s): PUBLIC HEARING/SITE PLAN REVIEW
JOB# 21-24A; Pavlo Tupychak: SCTM# 0100178-03-043 and 0100-17803-044: Zone- DC – Downtown Copiague: SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant proposes to construct a 5,032sf (footprint), 3-story mixed use building for 3 commercial tenants (1 retail and 2 office) on the first floor, 19 apartments (6 studios and 13 one-bedrooms) on the second and third floors, legally maintain an existing 3-car garage with an office above, and associated site improvements. Additionally, the applicant requests a shared parking waiver from the Planning Board as per §213-548 B.: Property is located on the west side of Great Neck Road, 65’ south of Oak Street, Copiague, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York
All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS
Babylon Beacon: 1-30-25 25-58. 1/30
PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF BABYLON NOTICE OF MEETING TO HEAR COMPLAINTS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that as of February 1, 2025, the Tentative Assessment
Roll for the Incorporated Village of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York, for the Tax year 2025, has been filed in the Office of the Village Clerk, located in the Municipal Building, 153 West Main Street, Babylon, Suffolk County, New York, where such Tentative Assessment Roll may be examined by any person at any time during business hours, namely from 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time until 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. The Tentative Assessment Roll is also available on the Village of Babylon website, www.villageofbabylonny.gov.
Beginning February 1st, 2025 through to February 18th, 2025, Grievance complaint applications will be accepted in the Office of the Village Clerk, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM EST and 5:00 PM EST. You must provide one (1) original signed application and one (1) copy. Please note the Village does not make copies.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that on the 18th day of February, 2025, the Board of Assessment Review of the Incorporated Village of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York, will meet at the Municipal Building, 153 West Main Street, Babylon, Suffolk County, New York, between the hours of 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time and 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of hearing and determining complaints in relation to the assessments appearing on the Tentative Assessment Roll and for the purpose of completing the Final Assessment Roll for the Tax Year 2025.
If you wish to appear in person and be heard by the Board of Assessment Review on Grievance Day you may do so. You must provide the Board of Assessment Review with one (1) original signed application and one (1) copy of the Grievance application, if you have not done so prior to Grievance Day.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES JEAN MARIE PARKER, VILLAGE CLERK DATED: January 30, 2025 Babylon, New York 11702 25-53 1/30, 2/6
NOTICE OF SALE SU -
PREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY
CITIMORTGAGE, INC.,
Plaintiff against CHRISTOPHER J. NU -
GENT, et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 25, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on February 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 444 Windmill Avenue, North Babylon, NY 11704. District 0100 Sec 138.00 Block 04.00 Lot
041.000. All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $317,309.48 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605641/2023. For sale information, please visit www. Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
Ryan N Brown, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000280-1 25-38 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF SUFFOLK - BABYLON
RMS SERIES TRUST 20201 BY U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS IN -
Public Notices — Your right to know
DIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff -against- RICHARD S. ULLMER; KAREN M. ULLMER, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 12, 2023 and entered on April 17, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY on February 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the northerly side of 18th Street, distant 1382.56 feet easterly from the extreme southerly end of a curve having a radius of 25 feet and a length of 40.32 feet connecting the easterly side of Wellwood Avenue and the northerly side of 18th Street; being a plot 122.55 feet by 62 feet by 122.55 feet by 62 feet. District: 0100 Section: 130.00 Block: 02.00 Lot: 004.000 Said premises known as 523 18TH STREET, WEST BABYLON, NY 11704
Approximate amount of lien $424,148.09 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 24219/2012.
VINCENT M. AMICIZIA, ESQ., Referee Kosterich & Skeete, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 707 Westchester Ave, Suite 302, White Plains, NY 10604 25-39. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, 2006-NC1, Plaintiff AGAINST MELCHIOR SANSONE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 24, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on February 25, 2025 at 10:30AM, premises known as 779 Peconic Avenue, North Babylon, NY 11703. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings
and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, Section: 140.00, Block: 04.00, Lot: 071.001. Approximate amount of judgment $1,125,237.30 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #015312/2009. Erin M. McTiernan, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-147435 84007 25-40. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK NEW REZ LLC F/K/A NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, -againstBEVERLY V. DOWD, 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 Suffolk on March 10, 2023, wherein NEW REZ LLC F/K/A NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is the Plaintiff and BEVERLY V. DOWD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 20, 2025 at 9:30AM, premises known as 81 PURDY LN, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701; and the following tax map identification: 0101-012.0005.00-030.001. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATED IN THE VILLAGE OF AMITYVILLE, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606513/2016. Arthur E. Shulman, 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.
25-41. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE NRPL TRUST 2019-3 MORTGAGEBACKED NOTES, SERIES 2019-3, -againstJEFFREY GOLDMAN, 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 Suffolk on December 12, 2023, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE NRPL TRUST 2019-3 MORTGAGE-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2019-3 is the Plaintiff and JEFFREY GOLDMAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 26, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 300 DOLPHIN LANE, WEST BABYLON, NY 11704; and the following tax map identification: 0100-230.00-01.00044.000 & 065.000.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 619973/2020. Joshua P. Blumberg, 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.
25-42. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2019-4, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, -againstMARGARET HAYES A/K/A MARGARET E. HAYES, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on November 25, 2024, wherein TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 20194, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and MARGARET HAYES A/K/A MARGARET E. HAYES, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 26, 2025 at 3:30PM, premises known as 103 NORTH 18TH STREET, WHEATLEY HEIGHTS, NY 11798; and the following tax map identification: 0100-039.00-02.00-110.002.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE CITY OF WHEATLEY HEIGHTS, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 624057/2023. Joshua P. Blumberg, 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.
25-43. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13
Notice of formation of 4 Sons Charter and Guide Services LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 12/03/2024. Office located in Suffolk . SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC 172 West Lake Drive Lindenhurst NY 11757 . Purpose: any lawful purpose.
25-45. 1/23, 30, 2/6, 13, 20, 27
Notice of formation of ENSENADA PR LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/09/25 Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:
The LLC, 434 Rutgers Road, West Babylon NY 11704 Purpose: any lawful act. 25-33. 1/23,30, 2/6, 13, 20, 27
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25-101490 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 81 Broadway, Greenlawn, NY 11740, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at Old Fields Greenlawn 2 Inc. 25-59. 1/30, 2/6
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v.
DANIEL ECHEVERRIA, ET AL, Defendants. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT
In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Suffolk County on March 5, 2024, I, Chad A. Lupinacci, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on March 5, 2025 at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757, at 10:30 AM the premises described as follows:
6 Cedar Street Wyandanch, NY 11798
SBL No.: 0100-083.00-01.00159.001
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 024370/2013 in the amount of $414,088.54 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 25-55. 1/30, 2/6, 13, 20
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -against-
JAMES L. BOTTARO A/K/A JAMES BOTTARO, 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
Suffolk on February 1, 2024, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and JAMES L. BOTTARO A/K/A JAMES BOTTARO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on March 4, 2025 at 9:00AM, premises known as 183 WEST 21ST STREET, DEER PARK, NY 11729; and the following tax map identification: 0100-084.0002.00-100.000 and 131.000. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TO DEER PARK, IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 200254/2022. Leonard B. Symons, 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.
25-56. 1/30, 2/6, 13, 20
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOL DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-FLX1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-FLX1, -againstPUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF HOWARD R. TAYLOR, 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 Suffolk on August 3,
Public Notices — Your right to know
2023, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-FLX1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006FLX1 is the Plaintiff and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF HOWARD R. TAYLOR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on February 27, 2025 at 1:30PM, premises known as 7 ASH PLACE, WYANDANCH, NY 11798; and the following tax map identification: 0100-055.0003.00-052.003 and 052.004. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 619055/2018. Robert A. Macedonio, 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.
25-57. 1/30, 2/6, 13, 20
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC HEARING:
The West Babylon Union Free School District will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 10, 2025 pursuant to NYS Education Law 402-a for the purpose of discussing the proposed consolidation of five elementary schools into four elementary schools together with the closing/ repurposing of the Forest Avenue Elementary School as recommended in the Districts Long Range Planning
Committee report which is available on the Districts website.
The hearing will be held in the PAC Auditorium at the West Babylon Senior High School, located at 500 Great East Neck Road, West Babylon, at 5:00 p.m. Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, the Superintendent of Schools, will be conducting the hearing.
This Public Hearing will be streamed live, for viewing purposes only, via the West Babylon School District YouTube channel. Access is available through the district website at www.wbschools. org.
Jailin M. Parada, District Clerk
West Babylon School District
631-376-7008
25-60A. 1/30, 2/6
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA:
El Distrito Escolar Libre de West Babylon tendrá una audiencia pública el lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025 de acuerdo con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York 402-a con el propósito de discutir la propuesta de consolidación de cinco escuelas primarias en cuatro escuelas primarias, junto con el cierre / reutilización de la Escuela Primaria Forest Avenue como se lo recomendado en el informe del Comité de Planificación a Largo Plazo del Distrito que está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito.
La audiencia se llevará a cabo en el Auditorio PAC en el West Babylon Senior High School, ubicado en 500 Great East Neck Road, West Babylon, a las 5:00 p.m. Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, el Superintendente de Escuelas, se llevará a cabo la audiencia.
Esta audiencia pública será transmitida en vivo, únicamente para su visualización, a través del canal de YouTube del Distrito Escolar de West Babylon. El acceso está disponible a través de la página web del distrito en www.wbschools.org.
Jailin Parada, Secretaria del Distrito
West Babylon School District
631-376-7008
25-60B. 1/30, 2/6
NOTICE
OF SALE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK. WISDOM EQUITIES LLC, Plaintiff, v. NEW YORK PREMIER INC., et al., Defendants. Index No. 607934/2023
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale granted herein on February 16, 2024, I the undersigned, the Referee in said Judgment named, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, County of SUFFOLK, State of New York on March 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm of that day, the premises directed by said Judgment to be sold and therein described as follows:
Said premises being known as and by street address 177 Baylawn Avenue, Copiague, NY 11726
District 0100 Section 191.00 Block 01.00 Lot 003.000
Said premises are sold subject to the terms and conditions of the filed Judgment and the Terms of Sale. Approximate amount of Judgment $332,320.00.
Dated: Garden City, New York
January 23, 2025
SCOTT SILLER, ESQ, Referee
Adam E. Mikolay, P.C.
Attorney for Plaintiff 400 Garden City Plaza Suite 405 Garden City, New York 11530 516 -222-2050 25-61. 1/30, 2/6, 13, 20
Snow Season
Resident Reminders
As we enter this Winter Season, the Village of Lindenhurst would like to remind our residents of some of the ways they can help to keep the Village safe during the cold & snow. • Now that temperatures are dropping, if you have lawn sprinklers that spray or drain onto sidewalks and roadways, please make the necessary adjustments to avoid the creation of dangerous, icy conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Be alert to weather advisories. To receive alerts directly to your phone or email, please sign up for our emergency alerts system: https:// villageoflindenhurstny.genasys.com/portal/en
• As soon as you are aware that bad weather is on the way: o Make every effort to keep your car off the street. This protects your car from being plowed in, or being hit by passing vehicles, and the snowplow has space to safely plow the snow.
• If you have an outdoor portable basketball hoop, as per Village Code, it must be removed from the Village roadway. This is especially important to keep the roadway clear for the safe and efficient removal of snow by our Village plows.
• When shoveling snow out of the mouth of your driveway, please throw the snow to the right of your driveway (the direction to your right when you are looking at the street from your property). Throwing or plowing snow into the road can create a patch of snow and ice and cause a hazardous condition. Please note, it is unlawful to shovel or dump snow into spaces reserved for handicap parking.
• Also note the following important emergency numbers:
•Fire/Rescue, (631) 226-1212.
•Police Emergency, 91,
•Department of Public Works, (631) 957-7520.
•Code Enforcement (631) 957-7519.
•Public Safety, (631) 793-5366; PSEG.
• 1-800-436-PSEG to report downed wires and hazardous conditions
If there is an emergency, please call 911.
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE
How hard is converting from oil to gas?
Q. We want a new boiler and to convert to gas, because oil costs keep rising. How safe are a gas boiler, water heater and stove? We are told it could be very expensive to run a gas line to our home if there isn’t one on the street. We have spoken to a plumber who is looking into this for us, but is this really going to be economical, since we’re retired and just trying to find ways to reduce living costs?
A. Gas is generally safe when the lines are left alone where installed, and not tampered with. We only read or hear news about a gas explosion when something out of the ordinary happens. Years ago, a gas explosion on Long Island turned out to have been caused by thieves who ripped the gas stove out of an empty home, leaving the open gas line spewing gas to the whole house until a spark from the boiler ignited the gas and blew the home up. This is rare, and was caused by ignorance.
MASSAPEQUA:
You can avoid this by being cautious, and hiring professionals to handle gas appliances. With several steps to convert from oil to gas, you, or your plumber, must verify that gas lines are available on your street. I remember converting to gas, contacting the gas company and, after a week, calling them back and learning that there was no gas, and that the closest location was a block away, on the other side of a busy county road. I was also told that I would have to go door to door to speak to neighbors about converting to gas so that it would be worth it for the gas company to extend the street line into our neighborhood. In other words, the gas company wanted me to market their product if I wanted it for myself.
I did manage to find others around me who were interested in converting. Then we all waited, and wouldn’t you know it, the neighbors started calling me to find out when the gas lines were going to be installed. That prompted me to do what you may also have to do: keep calling. There were issues with getting approvals for the road opening of a county road, which takes months, permits for the gas conversion by the plumber, location of other utilities, oil and tank removal after gas was in.
Plan for summer installation, when the boiler is least needed. As for the expense, it doesn’t pay to buy a less expensive boiler if it’s less efficient, because its operating cost — usually based on how much heat is derived per unit of fuel consumed — will be much more than the money saved at the outset. Incidentally, oil fuel is slightly more efficient than gas, but the cost increases are based on a less stable spot market. Although gas tends to remain more price-stable, for some unknown reason, it tends to increase in cost concurrent with oil increases. Good luck!
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Long Island gets shortchanged on transportation funding
over a decade ago, the Long Island Regional Planning Council recognized a critical issue: Long Island’s transportation funding and planning processes were failing to meet the growing demands of our region. In response, we proposed the creation of a dedicated Nassau-Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization. Unfortunately, that never happened. Now, 10 years later, the situation has worsened, and investment in transportation on Long Island continues to be shortchanged.
JoHn D. CAMERon JR.
Long Island’s share of transportation funding has steadily declined, a trend that has become more alarming over time. Today, the region receives just 6 percent of the money allocated by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which primarily serves the interests of New York City. Long Island is forced to compete for resources with the city, leaving our region underfunded and unable to meet its infrastructure needs. This funding disparity is particularly troubling given Long Island’s economic significance. As New York state’s secondlargest economic engine, Long Island
plays a crucial role in its financial health. Each year, Long Island sends nearly $15 billion more in tax payments to Albany than it gets back, and an additional $27 billion to Washington. The state’s tax imbalance with Long Island has doubled over the past decade, worsening an already unsustainable situation. If left unaddressed, it threatens Long Island’s economy and its ability to sustain residents’ high quality of life.
AThe consequences of this inequity are visible in our daily lives. Congested highways, deteriorating bridges and inadequate public transportation aren’t just inconvenient; they hinder economic growth, erode quality of life and compromise public safety. Crucial projects aimed at addressing these issues — from modernizing the Long Island Rail Road to alleviating notorious traffic bottlenecks — remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization. The current system is failing, and the need for change has never been more urgent.
projects that best meet our region’s needs. Smaller areas, such as Ithaca, have had their own MPOs for years and have benefited significantly from direct access to funding. Long Island, with a population of nearly 3 million and an economy that rivals that of many states, deserves to be treated with the same attention and respect.
nd crucial projects remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization.
The need for a NassauSuffolk MPO extends beyond simply fixing roads and bridges. It’s about taking control of our region’s future and ensuring that its transportation infrastructure supports longterm economic growth and innovation. In today’s global economy, transportation is the backbone of a thriving region. Without a dedicated MPO, Long Island’s potential for growth is stifled, and the region risks falling further behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.
ed. These issues require both state and federal support, and Long Island’s fair share of transportation funding is a critical first step in addressing them. Thankfully, there is hope for change. Thanks to the leadership of State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern, legislation has been introduced to establish a Nassau-Suffolk MPO. This is a significant step toward securing that transportation funding. It would give our region the ability to prioritize projects that are critical to our local economy and residents, ensuring that Long Island’s transportation needs are no longer overshadowed by the priorities of New York City or other areas of the state.
The establishment of a Nassau-Suffolk MPO wouldn’t be just a policy change — it would be a commitment to the future of our region. Long Island deserves safe roads, efficient public transit and infrastructure that supports economic growth and opportunity. We have waited long enough. The time for action is now.
One of the most effective ways to address this problem is by establishing a Nassau-Suffolk MPO, which would allow Long Island to apply directly for federal transportation funds. It would bypass the bureaucratic delays at the state level, ensuring that funding is allocated to
The Long Island Regional Planning Council first raised this issue because we understood the long-term consequences of continued disinvestment. Over the past decade, those consequences have become painfully clear. Our transportation infrastructure is deteriorating, and other critical areas of need, such as affordable housing and the modernization of water systems, roads, bridges and power grids, remain neglect-
Long Island has the potential to be a leading force in the state’s economy, but that potential cannot be realized without the right infrastructure. Establishing a Nassau-Suffolk MPO is a critical step in ensuring that Long Island receives the resources it needs to thrive. It’s time for our region to earn its fair share.
John D. Cameron Jr. is chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council.
Fiscal hawks should push balanced-budget amendment
The most recent budget-extension debate on Capitol Hill underscored the ongoing controversy surrounding the debt ceiling. To address the nation’s growing debt and spending issues, it is crucial to understand what the debt ceiling is — and what it isn’t.
The mainstream media and lawmakers from both parties have often misled the public about what debt-ceiling votes actually do. A common misconception is that raising the debt ceiling amounts to approving new spending. It does not.
The U.S. Treasury Department clarifies this point: The debt ceiling does not authorize new spending commitments. It merely allows the government to finance existing legal obligations made by previous Congresses and administrations. Failing to raise the debt ceiling could trigger catastrophic economic consequences, including a default on the nation’s legal obligations.
That would create a financial crisis and jeopardize Americans’ jobs and savings.
In short, raising the debt ceiling doesn’t increase government spending, and voting against it doesn’t reverse any spending already authorized by Congress.
A default would severely damage the dollar’s status as the world’s safest currency, leading global investors to pull their funds from U.S. markets.
So why has the debt ceiling issue been so controversial? Many lawmakers fear that voting to raise it could be seen by constituents as endorsing more reckless spending. Others, less concerned with optics, use the vote as leverage to secure changes to the budget.
W hy continue the annual charade of debt-ceiling votes?
If the debt ceiling issue were handled through the reconciliation process, it would require only 50 votes in the Senate, rather than the typical 60 needed for non-budget matters. Republicans could theoretically pass the measure without Democratic support, though that would require unity in the party, which isn’t guaranteed. Trump was also concerned about the optics of the GOP raising the ceiling while Democrats opposed it, accusing Republicans of hypocrisy.
further into the future, though for different reasons.
Ultimately, the real impact comes from the annual budget votes. If conservatives want to control spending, the solution is to push for a balanced-budget amendment.
Every state and local government is required by law to balance its budget — yet the federal government is the only public entity that is not. That needs to change. As outlined in our Center for Cost-Effective Government white paper on spending caps, these measures work by forcing lawmakers to prioritize spending.
President Trump preferred extending the debt ceiling for several years. He understood the political risks of having to vote on it again in March, and didn’t want to appear to be recklessly increasing government spending. Additionally, he was wary of giving Democrats leverage in future negotiations, fearing they would hold the debt ceiling hostage to secure spending concessions.
Democrats are divided on the issue. Some, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, want to abolish the debt ceiling altogether, arguing that it gives fiscal conservatives too much leverage. Others want to keep it in place as a bargaining chip to increase spending when Republicans hold power.
The debt ceiling has become largely meaningless, as Congress continues to increase spending, knowing it can later raise the ceiling to accommodate the expanded budget.
So why continue the annual charade?
Both Trump and Warren are right in wanting to push the debt-ceiling vote
Fiscal conservatives should seize the opportunity to eliminate the debt-ceiling vote altogether by tying it to the enactment of a balanced-budget amendment. While people like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy can propose spending cuts, they lack the authority to implement them. A balanced-budget amendment would compel Congress to implement those cuts and rein in spending.
Steve Levy is executive director of the Center for Cost-Effective Government, a fiscally conservative think tank. He has served as Suffolk County executive, as a state assemblyman and as host of “The Steve Levy Radio Show.”
sTEVE LEVY
BaBylon
Act would help main streets, local newsrooms
SHERALD
mall businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They are the corner stores, familyowned restaurants, and local service providers that fuel our neighborhoods, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Yet these vital businesses often face significant challenges in reaching new customers and growing their operations in an increasingly competitive economy.
With the official introduction in the New York State Legislature of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act, small businesses across the state might gain a powerful new tool next year to help sustain their success and maximize the reach of their marketing dollars. Sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford, the legislation would establish a tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets — from print and digital to television and radio. By making advertising more affordable, the LOCAL Act would empower small businesses to reach their target audiences while also supporting the essential work of the same media outlets that provide our communities with local journalism.
The LOCAL Act focuses on supporting minority-, woman- and veteranowned businesses, as well as any businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For
letterS
Blakeman takes the credit, but how safe is the county?
To the Editor:
many of these entrepreneurs, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a game-changer. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors — customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.
This legislation couldn’t come at a better time. Small businesses are still navigating the economic aftershocks of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and competition from large corporations with massive marketing budgets. The LOCAL Act would help level the playing field, giving your favorite momand-pop store a way to increase visibility without sacrificing their scarce financial resources.
When our small businesses thrive, so do our communities. Small businesses employ your neighbors, sponsor your kids’ Little League team, and offer a convenient destination for a night out with your spouse. These businesses are not only economic drivers, but also cornerstones of community identity.
The benefits of the LOCAL Act would extend beyond businesses. Local media outlets, too, are vital to communities, because they produce the journalism that keeps people informed about school board meetings, neighborhood crime, church bake sales and the
most recent newlyweds — and everything in between. Unfortunately, declining advertising revenues have jeopardized the financial sustainability of many of these media outlets, and small newsrooms have been shuttering across the state. By encouraging small businesses to advertise locally, the LOCAL Act would helps these outlets continue their essential work of championing their communities.
This dual benefit — supporting both small businesses and local journalism — has already garnered strong support from business groups, community leaders, and the 200-plus local newspapers comprising the Empire State Local News Coalition — including the Heralds. It’s a win-win solution that strengthens the backbone of our local economy while fostering a unified, informed citizenry.
The LOCAL Act marks a bold step forward in tackling the interconnected challenges our communities are facing today. By working together to implement and embrace this program, we can build stronger businesses, sustain vital journalism, and ensure the prosperity of communities across New York for years to come.
We support this smart legislation. Tell your elected leaders in Albany to include the LOCAL Act in the final fiscal year 2026 state budget.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman boasts in his Jan. 16-22 Herald op-ed, “Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities,” that he has made Nassau County the safest county in the nation. But Blakeman neglects to acknowledge that the same top ranking in a U.S. News & World Report annual survey was also attained in two consecutive years during the tenure of his predecessor, Democrat Laura Curran.
The Republican county executive attributes the comparatively high degree of security to “our investments in public safety.” Blakeman notes that he has sworn in 291 new police officers since taking office in 2022.
While the additional cops may be helping keep violent-crime rates at the low level achieved under Curran, an expanded Nassau County Police Department has done little to make the county’s roads safer. Blakeman says nothing, and has done nothing, about the traffic violence that resulted in nearly 150 deaths in the county during his first two years in office. Killings by armed assailants claimed fewer than 10 lives in the same period.
The NCPD, and Blakeman, appear uninterested in acting to reduce this carnage. County police issued about 20 percent fewer tickets to drivers in 2022 than in
2019, according to the most recent data available from state sources. Stricter enforcement would likely bring about a drop in fatal crashes related to speeding
opinions Conspiracy has no place after tragedy
Like so many others, I have watched the California wildfires unfold with a mix of horror and awe.
For those unfamiliar with the scale of destruction, the fires that began igniting near Los Angeles in early January have scorched over 40,000 acres, claimed at least 27 lives, injured more than 20 people and destroyed over 15,000 structures.
As I followed news reports, watched television coverage and scrolled through social media during the first week of the fires, one message stood out: Nearly everyone had California and its residents in their thoughts and prayers. Relief efforts and fundraisers quickly sprang into action as people rallied to help and offer support wherever it was needed. It is in our nature as humans to want to help. Yet to my dismay, almost as soon as the relief efforts began, conspiracies started surfacing. And not to be punny, but they spread like, well, wildfire. On my social media feeds, I occasionally come across videos from a popular
account called “Gubba Homestead.” The account owner, a farmer, often starts her videos with the tagline, “I’m a conspiracy theorist . . .” From there she dives into various claims, many of which can be debunked by science. The videos are clickbait-like in their nature, designed to provoke reactions or outrage in the comments — an approach that boosts views and amplifies the videos’ spread.
tIt’s a fascinating, albeit troubling, method of online content creation, and I wasn’t surprised when, about a week after the fires began, she appeared on my feed once again, starting with the familiar line, “Call me a conspiracy theorist, but . . .”
atures in 2024 were dubbed “abnormally hot” by scientists at the University of California — which should surprise no one. And it’s not just the West Coast that has been affected by fires. Think about what occurred just a few months ago in upstate New York.
heories started surfacing almost as soon as the relief efforts began in L.A.
She went on to claim that there was no way the L.A. wildfires could have been caused by climate change, offering harmful commentary that did nothing to help anyone during a time of tragedy. Without diving too deep, I’ll tell you this: Climate scientists have indicated that the likelihood of fire events has increased by 31 to 66 percent since 1950, due to intense periods of strong rainfall, which create more vegetation, followed by periods of extreme drought, which dries out that vegetation. Global temper-
Letters
and driving under the influence — the two leading causes of road deaths. Blakeman seeks to project a toughguy image when it comes to crime. That accounts for his unilateral move to create a force of 75 armed “special deputies” to be activated whenever he chooses. This new unit, criticized as a private militia, will be mobilized in cases of “emergency,” the county executive maintains. But the carnage on the county’s roads does not, in his estimation, qualify as a topic worth addressing — let alone as an “emergency.”
KevIN J KeLLeY Atlantic Beach
It’s time for New York to embrace nuclear power
To the editor:
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent state budget proposal fails to adequately address New York’s energy infrastructure. The proposal does not mention nuclear power, even though it is the state’s best energy opportunity. equally troubling is the omission of the empire State Wind project, a once-central component of New York’s energy goal of generating net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. If the governor rec-
ognizes that wind energy faces significant public opposition, especially on Long Island, then it’s time to focus on funding nuclear energy projects instead.
Nuclear power is the most efficient form of renewable energy, generating massive amounts of electricity with a much smaller land footprint than wind or solar. This is best demonstrated by the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, which never went online. The plant’s site now houses wind turbines that produce 1/35,000th of the energy the nuclear plant would have generated. While there were justifiable concerns about building a reactor downstate, Hochul should now look to fund nuclear reactors upstate that would create electricity for downstate communities.
The closure of the Indian Point energy Center in 2021 underscores the urgency of building a better energy grid for New York. This move forced downstate New York to increase its reliance on fossil fuels, driving up emissions and worsening air pollution. Communities already struggling with environmental and health inequities continue to bear the brunt of these decisions.
Nuclear power is resurging across the country. Tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta are restarting nuclear reactors because they recog -
Climate change is real, and it’s here. People can ignore the truth, but there’s no place in this conversation for conspiracies.
At the core of American values lies the principle of free speech. Thoughtful questioning and theorizing have driven breakthroughs once deemed impossible. Scientific discoveries have emerged, and transformative social change has been achieved, thanks to people who challenged the status quo — doing so with ethical integrity and moral purpose.
What’s unfolding across social media, as Californians work to rebuild their lives, is neither ethical nor moral. Those whose lives have been upended don’t need “influencers” spreading baseless claims or (again, sorry) fanning the flames of conspiracy.
This behavior exploits tragedy for attention, shifting the focus away from the victims and the real issues at hand. It undermines efforts to address the underlying causes, like climate change
and inadequate infrastructure, and distracts from the stories of resilience and heroism that deserve to be heard.
The conspiracy phenomenon isn’t unique to the California fires. From hurricanes to pandemics to mass shootings, misinformation and conspiracy theories seem to surface in the wake of nearly every major tragedy. Under the guise of seeking the “truth,” sensationalized theories simply capitalize on fear, confusion and distrust, and accomplish nothing.
To complicate things, Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, announced a few weeks ago that it was scrapping its fact-checking program, which flagged possible misinformation — a move that will just keep conspiracies burning, spreading and infiltrating the minds of many.
I’m not suggesting that we stop questioning or trying to make sense of the world around us, but as always, we must remain mindful. Consider the weight of your words and actions, and the harm that conspiracies can inflict. There’s a time and place for questions, based on the truth. That’s how we rebuild and move forward. But in the aftermath of tragedy, we can’t afford to make room for ignorance.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
nize that they are the most effective way to fuel their operations sustainably. It’s time for New York to follow suit. Governor Hochul should take bold action to fund nuclear energy projects, ensuring that downstate residents have access to renewable power.
Miss Long Island 2025, Kristen Rosario, left, and Miss Long Island Teen, Adrianna Lane, were crowned at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre — Rockville Centre
JorDan VaLLone
MICHAeL SINGeR Long Beach
Michael Singer is a student at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
