Classic rock, pop music with a twist
The Retirement Village People visited the Baldwin Public Library on Jan. 12 to perform parodies of classic rock and pop tunes from the 1960s and ’70s. Story, additional photos, Page 3.
Lions Club has first 2025 fundraiser Stand-Up Comedy set for Feb. 16 in Levittown
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The Baldwin Lions Club, in collaboration with the Massapequa and Levittown Lions, will host a Stand-Up Comedy Fundraiser next month, the Baldwin club’s first money-raising event of the year.
It will take place on Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m., at Governor’s Comedy Club, at 90 Division Ave. in Levittown. The evening will be particularly significant because it will be the Baldwin Lions’ first fundraising effort, under the leadership of
its new president, Naresh Singh, that is a partnership with other Long Island clubs. Singh was named the Herald’s 2024 Person of the Year for his efforts to revive the Baldwin club last year, which had been dormant for several years before his involvement.
For $25, attendees will enjoy an evening of laughter and also have the chance to win gift basket raffles. The funds raised will be distributed among the three participating clubs to benefit their communities, and Singh emphasized that they will be reinvested locally, supporting
Next phase for Grand Avenue
County Legislature’s committee votes to approve key contract
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The second phase of improvements to Baldwin’s Grand Avenue has been given the go-ahead after the Nassau County Legislature’s Rules Committee unanimously approved the project on Jan. 6, Legislator Debra Mulé announced in a news release.
CThe committee agreed to a $1.01 million contract between the county’s Department of Public Works and the firm of Lockheed, Kessler & Bartlett Inc. for engineering and design services related to improvements on Grand Avenue, from Stanton Avenue to the Southern State Parkway.
ramps and drainage structures.
“Completing the transformation of Grand Avenue is an essential component of our longstanding mission of stimulating the economic revitalization of downtown Baldwin and making this major roadway safer for pedestrians and motorists alike,” Mulé stated. “I am thrilled that the Rules committee has approved this vital contract and that the County has sufficient funding in place to begin the initial stages of this major infrastructure investment.”
ompleting the transformation of Grand Avenue is an essential component
DEBRA
MUlE Nassau County Legislator
The second phase would include resurfacing the road, remarking pavement and upgrading traffic signal infrastructure. Additionally, the project would involve the installation and repair of sidewalks, curbs, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant
The Legislature enacted a Complete Streets Law in 2013 — an effort to make the roads safer and more accessible for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, older adults, children and people with disabilities.
However, the start of the construction was plagued by delays, and did not begin until 2017.
The second phase would build on nearly $7 million of
Continued on page 12
Holden Leeds/Herald
Roughly 50 tickets sold by Baldwin Club so far
ongoing club projects and communityservice initiatives.
The idea for the collaboration came from Massapequa Lions members Sharon Wozniak and Sue Piccolo, who approached Singh about joining forces for this year’s event. The Massapequa club has served as a Guiding Lion for Baldwin, a role that involves mentoring a new or struggling club and providing support in areas such as training, recruitment and community outreach.
Last year, the Massapequa Lions joined forces with the Long Island Pride Lions Club, a club that addresses the needs within Long Island LGBTQ+ community, to host a similar comedy night fundraiser at Governor’s, which raised money for causes including suicide prevention, childhood cancer research and support for homeless veterans. More than 180 people attended the event, which featured over an hour of comedy, as well as awards and raffle prizes.
“We’re always open to trying new things,” Singh said, reflecting on the success of previous fundraisers. “If it’s something that’s worked well in the past, we’re happy to partner.”
Each of the three clubs plans to sell
100 tickets for the event. As of press time, Baldwin members had sold roughly half of their total.
Since Baldwin’s revitalization under Singh’s leadership last March, the club has hosted several fundraisers. The first was held at Baldwin Coach Diner on March 2, dubbed Burgers and Basket, where the club also meets on the third Thursday of each month. Additional efforts have included cleaning up the Baldwin Long Island Rail Road station and planting flowers in local public spaces.
Singh teased the possibility of using funds raised at next month’s event to support scholarships for local students, as well as other community service initiatives, depending on how much money is raised. While the specifics are yet to be determined, he emphasized the importance of reinvesting funds in the community.
One thing Singh is certain about, however, is that the Baldwin Lions will continue to seek out partnerships with other clubs, locally and across Long Island. “That’s the beauty of Lions International,” he said. “We stand together and help each other.”
To purchase tickets, contact Singh at (917) 697-7113.
Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé presented a $50,000 grant to the food pantry at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Christopher in Baldwin last month. The funding was approved unanimously by the Legislature on Wednesday, Nov. 20, using American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the pantry’s hunger-relief efforts.
“For so many years, the leaders and volunteers of the food ministry at St. Christopher’s have made a tremendous impact by delivering essential nutrition assistance to families in Baldwin and neighboring communities,” Mulé wrote in a news release. “I am truly excited to see how they will apply these funds toward propelling their good works into the new year, and I thank my colleagues for voting unanimously to support their philanthropic mission.”
Julius Cespedes, Social Ministry Coordinator at St. Christopher’s, expressed gratitude.
“On behalf of our entire outreach team here at St. Christopher’s Parish, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Nassau County Legislature for its consideration and support of our food pantry,” Cespedes stated. “This generous contribution will go a long way to keep our shelves consistently stocked and to provide for those who are struggling to make ends meet as we continue to recover from the severe impact of COVID.”
The grant will help support the pantry’s ongoing efforts to feed local families in need.
— Hernesto Galdamez
Office of Debra Mule
The Retirement Village People perform at Baldwin Library
A lively crowd gathered at Baldwin Public Library on Jan. 11 for a unique performance by Stevie GB, Joe Gelish, Anita Starlite, and Les Degan, known as The Retirement Village People.
The group delighted attendees with their original and hilarious song parodies, blending classic rock, pop, and show tunes from the 60s and 70s. The performance featured live music and witty reimaginings of iconic hits, showcasing the group’s sharp humor and musical talent.
— Hernesto Galdamez
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The Retirement Village People performed to a live crowd on Jan. 11 at Baldwin Public Library.
A packed house was entertained by the selection of music sung by The Retirement Village People.
Joe Gelish on the keyboard.
Anita Starlite and Stevie GB.
Suit settled, Nassau County is redistricted
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Heading into an election year for all 19 Nassau County legislative districts, the lines have been redrawn after a lawsuit that originated in 2023 was settled last Friday.
The agreed-on new districts are considered a victory for Democrats.
“This is a tremendous victory for Nassau County,” Jay Jacobs, the New York state and Nassau County Democratic Committee chairman, stated in a news release. “The illegal map sought to disenfranchise communities of color and undermine our democratic principles. This settlement reinforces the fundamental rights of all voters and sends a clear message that such tactics will not be tolerated.”
County Democrats, along with 21 plaintiffs from throughout the legislative districts, filed the lawsuit, alleging that before they were redrawn, the districts were racist, gerrymandered and gave an unfair advantage to Republicans, who hold majority control in the Legislature.
The suit also claimed that voters leaning in one direction were being packed into two districts, while the rest were spread out in other districts as a way to “dilute their voting strength.”
“Once again, the Republican majority in the Nassau County Legislature did
something that was unconstitutional by imposing legislative lines that were unconstitutional,” County Legislator Carrié Solages, who now represents a district similar to when he was first elected in 2011, said. “I am very thankful to the Democratic Party for assembling a team of attorneys, experts on maps and data from across the country, at a cost of well over half a million dollars, in order to fight for a fair, legal map in Nassau County.”
Under the terms of the settlement:
■ The illegal redistricting map is nullified, addressing violations of the New York Voting Rights Act and Municipal Home Rule Law.
■ A new, fairer legislative map is established, including six majority-minority districts and an Asian Influence District, a substantial increase from the prior four majority-minority districts.
■ The voices of Black, Latino and Asian communities are amplified, ensuring that communities of color can elect candidates who represent their interests.
“After long negotiations, Republican attempts to change venue and even disqualify the judge presiding over the case, the Democrats arrived at a map that is fair and creates the opportunity for historic six minority majority districts,” Solages said.
Keeping The Lights On
1. Flow. A sedentary life causes brain deterioration. Blood flow to the brain keeps oxygen in your brain cells which gives them life. Keep moving, walking and get some exercise.
2. Energize. Junk food clogs your arteries and lowers energy, causing a sedentary lifestyle. Healthy food gives energy to your body and brain. Refuel and brighten the lights.
3. Recharge. Lack of enough sleep causes deterioration of the brain. Your brain needs downtime to recharge. Give it enough recharging and keep the lights burning bright.
4. Relax. Constant high stress has damaging effects on the brain and can lead to destructive habits which add further damage. Learn to control stress and let the lights shine.
5. Engage. Like muscles your brain needs exercise. Too often people, after retirement, retire their brains also so they atrophy. Stay engaged, exercise your brain with reading, puzzles and other challenges to keep the lights going on strong.
6. Love. When people grow isolated their brains lack stimulation and they grow dull. Stay connected with family and friends to brighten the lights.
7. Adventure. Many older people lose their zest for new adventures. You don’t need to climb Everest just break out of dull routines. Any venture out to new places turns up the lights.
8. Purpose. People can lose interest in life after they have retired, feeling they have no purpose. Look for opportunities to volunteer. Helping others keeps the lights flaming.
LAW FIRM
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The districts on the new map
District 1: Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, South Hempstead, and portions of Baldwin and Hempstead.
District 2: Carle Place, New Cassel, Westbury, and portions of Hempstead, Uniondale, Hicksville and Jericho.
District 3: Elmont, Lakeview, Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, South Floral Park, Malverne Park Oaks, and portions of Malverne, Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, West Hempstead and Franklin Square.
District 4: Long Beach, Lido Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Island Park, Harbor Isle, Barnum Island, Point Lookout and portions of Oceanside.
District 5: Portions of Hempstead, Uniondale, West Hempstead and Franklin Square.
District 6: Freeport, and portions of Baldwin and Oceanside.
District 7: Atlantic Beach, Bay Park, Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck, Inwood, Lawrence, Woodmere, Woodsburgh, and portions of Oceanside, South Valley Stream and Valley Stream.
District 8: Garden City, Garden City South, Stewart Manor, and portions of Floral Park, Franklin Square, New Hyde Park and North New Hyde Park.
District 9: Mineola, East Williston, Garden City Park, Herricks, Manhasset Hills, North Hills, and portions of Floral Park, New Hyde Park, North New Hyde Park, Searingtown and Williston Park.
District 10: Albertson, Flower Hill, Great Neck, Great Neck Estates, Great Neck Gardens, Great Neck Plaza, Harbor Hills, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Munsey
Park, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Roslyn Estates, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock, Saddle Rock Estates, Thomaston, University Gardens, and portions of Roslyn Heights, Searingtown and Williston Park.
District 11: Baxter Estates, Glen Cove, Glenwood Landing, Manorhaven, Port Washington, Port Washington North, Roslyn Harbor, Sands Point, Sea Cliff, and portions of Glen Head.
District 12: Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Merrick, and portions of Wantagh.
District 13: East Meadow, Salisbury, and portions of Levittown
District 14: Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, and portions of Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Malverne and South Valley Stream.
District 15: North Wantagh, Seaford, and portions of Levittown and Wantagh.
District 16: Farmingdale, Old Bethpage, Plainview, and portions of Hicksville, Jericho, Syosset and Woodbury.
District 17: Bethpage, Plainedge, South Farmingdale, and portions of Hicksville and North Massapequa.
District 18: Bayville, Brookville, Centre Island, Cove Neck, East Hills, East Norwich, Greenvale, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Locust Valley, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Muttontown, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, and portions of Glen Head and Jericho.
District 19: East Massapequa, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, and portions of North Massapequa.
WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/baldwin ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: baldwineditor@liherald.com
EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 269 E-mail: baldwineditor@liherald.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7”
Adapted from author Doug Armey, the following are keys to keeping your brain “lit” as you age.
baldwin
BRADY DELVALLE
V.S. South Senior Basketball
IT WAS A HISTORIC night for DelValle Jan. 17 when Valley Stream South faced Wantagh. The two-time All-County guard reached the 1,000point career milestone in the Falcons’ hardfought defeat. He also assumed the top spot in Nassau County this season for 3-pointers made with 44. A captain, he is averaging 17.4 points per game, which ranks him in the Top 20 in Nassau, and scored in double figures in all but one of the Falcons’ first 14 games.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Jan. 30
Gymnastics: South Side at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Port Wash at Farmingdale 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Manhasset at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Wrestling: Oceanside at Freeport 6
Gymnastics: Lynbrook at North Shore 7
Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Baldwin 7
Boys Basketball: Clarke at Hewlett 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Locust Valley at East Rockaway 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31
Boys Basketball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Massapequa 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Herricks at Mepham 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Boys Basketball: Wantagh at Plainedge 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. South at V.S. North 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Carle Place at West Hempstead 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 12 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 3
Boys Basketball: Calhoun at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Wrestling: Long Beach at Calhoun 5:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Massapequa 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
Baldwin rolling into February
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Baldwin boys’ basketball is slowly adjusting to a new league with a largely new roster has it eyes a fourth straight county championship.
The Bruins entered the week at 8-1 in Conference AA-III, which they joined this season after moving down from AAA-2 due to declining enrollment. After a 73-67 overtime loss at Great Neck on Jan, 8 dropped Baldwin to 5-4 overall, the team responded with four straight league wins.
“It’s taking time and we’re taking baby steps,” said longtime head coach Darius Burton of his team, which has 10 new varsity players and just five seniors. ‘We’re getting better and better and we just have to learn to win these close games.”
After a week-long layoff for midterm exams, Baldwin kept its January momentum going with a 66-41 win at Long Beach last Friday on the strength of a 25-point effort from senior guard Chase Timberlake.
Baldwin won its third conference game in a row with 67-57 win against Valley Stream Central on Jan. 17 led by 28 points from Timberlake, who also dished out eight assists and posted six steals. Timberlake tallied his 1,000 career point in the victory joining Burton as the only player in program history to reach the milestone.
Junior center Gabriel Phillips has also stepped up big this season both offensively and with rebounding averaging a double-double. Phillips, who earned All-County honors as a sophomore, registered 15 points and 12 rebounds in the Valley Stream Central win.
Baldwin is also getting solid contributions from junior point guard Ethan Sainsbury, who had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in 67-62 non-league win against Amityville on Dec. 27. The first-year starter has provided leadership on the floor as a tricaptain with Timberlake and Phillps in his third season on varsity.
Burton said the offense is developing some good balance with threats of scoring near the paint and from three-point range.
“Gabe is tough down low and you’ve got Chase on the perimeter,” Burton said. “We definitely have a good inside out presence.”
Sophomore forward Mical Saint Jean has added a strong defensive presence to the lineup in his first season on varsity.
Senior Vaughdrea Johnson, who was quarterback on the football team in the fall, has also brought plenty of toughness to the court with some big rebounds.
Baldwin will visit MacArthur this Thursday evening before hosting Great Neck South Monday at 7 p.m. The Bruins then visit Great Neck North on Feb. 6 and close the regular season at home against Mepham on Feb. 10.
Burton is hoping Baldwin can capture a conference title which would enable a top four seed and a bye in the upcoming Class AA playoffs where the Bruins will be seeking another chance at a deep postseason run.
“We have to defend and execute down the stretch of games,” Burton said. “Hopefully we will be peaking at the right time.”
Ron Manfredi/Herald
Junior point guard Ethan Sainsbury and the Bruins are riding a four-game winning streak as the season heads into the home stretch.
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
and I’d like to try to do more of.
Court backs county transgender sports ban
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
New York State Supreme Court Judge Bruce Cozzens last week denied a request by the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women’s recreational roller derby league, to temporarily block a Nassau County law that restricts sports teams from using county facilities based on biological sex.
The Roller Rebels argued that Local Law 121-24 discriminates against transgender women by preventing them from participating in women’s sports. The league sought a preliminary injunction to stop the law’s enforcement while its lawsuit challenging the law continues.
The Long Island Roller Rebels are members of the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association, which “welcomes all transgender women, intersex women, and gender expansive women to participate in its member leagues. The sex assigned at birth of any and all WFTDA participants is considered confidential and private,” according to court documents.
“I’m very happy that … Cozzens ruled that Nassau County’s local law banning biological males from playing on female sports teams is constitutional and that we did abide by the law,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “I’m gratified that we were the first in America to do it, and I think we set the tone for the rest of the nation.”
In a 12-6 vote along party lines, the County Legislature passed a bill on June 24 that bans individuals who were born male from taking part in women’s sports and on county-run facilities, regardless of their gender identity.
The county claimed the law was enacted to ensure fairness and safety in sports for biological women, and
After a legal tussle, the law that restricts sports teams from using county facilities based on biological sex was
argued that federal Title IX regulations protecting women’s sports support its position.
The court ruled that the Roller Rebels failed to prove that the law discriminates against transgender individuals under the state’s Human Rights Law or Civil Rights Law. Cozzens noted that the law does not ban transgender people from participating in sports, but requires leagues to designate teams as male, female or co-ed.
In his decision, he emphasized the safety concerns and physical differences between biological men and women, particularly in contact sports like roller derby. The judge also highlighted the county’s responsibility to use public facilities in ways that serve the majority of taxpayers.
“The power differential between adult individuals
who are born male and those born female is substantial and therefore may be more dangerous,” Cozzens’s decision read. “This would create additional risk to the individual and potential liability, creating costs to the municipality. The municipality is not obligated to provide a recreational setting for each and every individual residing within its confines.”
“As we’ve said all along, it’s just common sense,” Blakeman said. “Biological males should not play in female sports. They have a competitive advantage. It’s unfair, and it’s also unsafe.”
The ruling follows an executive order signed by President Trump on Jan. 20 that eliminated protections for transgender individuals, stating that the federal government would define sex strictly as male or female.
New state tax credit for small businesses introduced
By MADELEINE ROSEN
Special to the Herald
The Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act would provide small businesses with up to $4,000 for marketing in community media.
Small businesses in Baldwin might soon be receiving some much-needed financial relief.
Earlier this month, State Sen. Monica R. Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford introduced the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act, which would establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets.
The LOCAL Act aims to support the marketing needs of small businesses — especially those that are minority-, woman- or veteran-owned, or that have 10 employees or fewer – while keeping investment in the media outlets that New Yorkers rely on everyday for critical information.
“This legislation fosters a cycle of growth, allowing small businesses to expand their reach while simultaneously supporting the media outlets that keep New Yorkers informed and engaged,” Martinez, the bill’s senate sponsor, said.
The legislation has already garnered staunch support from the media and business community alike. Led by The Empire State Local News Coalition,
newspapers across New York —including the Baldwin Herald — the bill has received praise from business trade groups throughout the state, which view the proposal as a solution to increase investment in small businesses and sustain local news organizations.
“The LOCAL Act is a win-win-win for local businesses, local news, and local communities,” Zachary Richner, found-
News Coalition, said. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”
The bill comes as the 2025 Legislative Session kicks off and negotiations begin on the State’s next fiscal year budget, which must be passed by both the Senate and Assembly and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul by April 1. The tax credit would need to be included in the State’s
final spending plan.
“The LOCAL Act is about more than just advertising – it’s about investing in the economic health of our local communities and investing in the kind of local journalism that we need now more than ever,” Martinez’ fellow bill sponsor, Lunsford, said.
Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80 percent of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.
“By making community advertising for small businesses more accessible and affordable, this proposed act will help them with their marketing strategy and customer engagement while simultaneously supporting local media outlets, which are also small companies. The legislation is a win-win, and we look forward to its passage this session,” Matt Cohen, president CEO of the Long Island Association said.
“We are excited to support local businesses,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications Inc. “By making advertising more accessible and affordable, the LOCAL Act will empower Long Island’s small businesses to reach new customers while ensuring that our local media outlets continue to connect and inform our residents.”
Herald file photo
Small businesses in Baldwin could recieve up to $4,000 for marketing in community media because of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act.
BALDWIN HERALD — January 30, 2025
Raising to help children in need
Baldwin High School wrestling team graces mat with Long Beach for MSK kids
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
The Long Beach athletic department hosted its annual Beauty and the Beast fundraising event on Jan. 15, raising more than $5,500 to benefit MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This years event was the fifth installment of the unique day.
The daylong event began with an opening ceremony, during which teams entered the gym to “Olympic Fanfare.” Cheerleader Theresa Perrone sang the national anthem, followed by a performance by the Long Beach varsity competition cheer team. A recognition ceremony honored Trip Powers, a Long Beach student diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, and his family. Long Beach students Josh Vobis and Paddy Henry, captains of the Marines ice hockey team, presented Powers with a framed varsity hockey jersey signed by the team.
On Feb. 2 last year, Powers, an eighth grader, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The disease is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. Powers has been doing well, receiving chemotherapy treatments once a month. His treatment plan is to continue these maintenance sessions until June, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Gold is typically the color that symbolizes the fight against pediatric cancer, with green symbolizing the fight against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. During the event, Long Beach athletes wore gold to honor Powers and all the other kids and families going through fights of their own. All proceeds from the event are going to MSK Kids in Trip Powers’ name.
Long Beach High School’s varsity gymnastics and wrestling teams shared the gym for their respective meets. The gymnastics team participated in a trimeet against Bethpage High School and Oceanside High School, while the wres-
tling team faced Baldwin High School. The Long Beach Marines won both the wrestling and gymnastics meets.
Over the past five years, proceeds from the event — including T-shirt sales, raffles and concessions — have totaled more than $25,000 to support MSK Kids. While the event is a team effort, Long Beach head varsity gymnastics coach Jessica Tull has been its driving force.
Tull came up with the idea for the event five years ago.
Long Beach Director of Health and Physical Education
Arnold Epstein said in a past Herald interview that “she wanted to do a community event around athletics and promote community service, but we didn’t have a cause at that time. We realized very quickly that doing something for MSK kids would be a great opportunity.”
Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools
Long Beach’s varsity basketball and gymnastics teams competed against nearby school and raised money for MSK Kids.
Along with raising money in Trip Powers’ name, he was gifted a special Long Beach jersey, framed and signed by his classmates.
The mix of sports brought great competition to the unique Beauty and the Beast event.
Improvements include pavement remarking
improvements completed in late 2023, along a 1.4-mile stretch of Grand Avenue, between Stanton Avenue and Merrick Road. That first phase included reducing the number of lanes from four to two, adding a center leftturn lane, repaving the road, and reconfiguring traffic signals.
Mulé, who represents Baldwin in the 6th Legislative District, has been a strong advocate for investing in Baldwin’s infrastructure, previously securing $14.3 million in the county’s capital plan for the Complete Streets Project. She said she’s working to secure an additional $5.7 million in the proposed fiscal year 2025 capital plan.
These efforts are in addition to the downtown Baldwin revitalization initiative, which includes $3 million in authorized funding and another $2 million pending approval.
“Not only will these improvements to Grand Avenue serve as the foundation for the community-powered, transit oriented revitalization of downtown Baldwin, they will greatly improve traffic safety for motorists and pedestrians who rely on this major roadway,” Mulé wrote to the Herald. “Because a 13-vote supermajority is needed to pass the bond ordinances that fund the capital plan, my Democratic colleagues and I will leverage our voting power to demand that the Blakeman administration includes these vital funds in a comprehensive infrastructure plan that addresses the needs of all 19 legislative districts.”
Lockheed, Kessler & Bartlett inc. for engineering and design services.
News brief
Compassion & Trust
Baldwin students’ artwork featured in calendar
Three Baldwin High School students—Rose Altschuler, Lukas Duet, and Isabella Aparicio Romero—had their artwork selected for inclusion in this year’s Long Island Gardening Guide and Calendar, published by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CCE) for Nassau County.
“We take immense pride in the accomplishments of these students. When talent is coupled with diligent effort and support from teachers, and such recognition is attained, it is truly extraordinary,” Andre Poprilo, director of Fine and Performing Arts for the Baldwin School District stated in a news release. “We are thrilled that they will have the opportunity to showcase their artwork to audiences across Long Island through this calendar.”
K-12, received over 100 submissions from across Nassau County. Entrants were required to use traditional media, such as oil pastel, chalk pastel, acrylic, tempera, watercolor, gouache, printmaking or colored pencil.
The CCE’s annual competition, which is open to students in grades
Herald file photo
the second phase of improvements to Baldwin’s grand avenue has been agreed to after a $1.01 million contract between the county’s department of public Works and the firm of
— Hernesto Galdamez
Courtesy Baldwin school district three Baldwin High School students had their artwork selected in this year’s Long island gardening guide and Calendar. pictured are rose altschuler and Lucas duet
STEPPING OUT
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 madness takes over
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.
In perfect harmony
Join more than a dozen incredible a cappella groups for the return of the popular SingStrong A Cappella Festival, hosted by Adelphi University, as they pull out all the stops for their 20th year. This family friendly weekend, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 31Feb. 2, features five completely different concerts, also workshops and competitions, even a group you can perform with, among other activities.
Professional a cappella groups perform along with collegiate and high school ensembles. A variety of musical genres are represented, including re-imaginings of barbershop, pop, R&B, jazz, and more. Visit singstrong.org for details. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Chili Cook-Off
Chili lovers will want to get to The Irish Pub, Sunday, Feb. 2, 1-4 p.m., for a Chili Cook-Off. $20 will get you unlimited tasting of chili and one free drink. Proceeds for the event will be used to purchase Christmas decorations for Baldwin. 834 Merrick Road. To compete, contact Shawn Sabel at (516) 589-0225.
Long Island Choral Society auditions
Long Island Choral Society, under the Direction of Michael C. Haigler, holds auditions for new members for the final concert of their 96th Season. Auditions are by appointment only and continue Mondays, Feb. 3 and 10, at Garden City Community Church. The Berlioz Requiem is a piece known for its power and beauty that offers a rare musical performance opportunity. If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. Schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics.org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.
Oil Painting Classes
Let your creativity shine at painting classes offered by the Town of Hempstead, Feb. 10 through May 5, at Baldwin Park. Registratiion ongoing now. Visit hempsteadny. gov/261/Online-Registration for more information and to register. 3232 Grand Ave.
Having an event?
Movie showing
Enjoy another movie on Baldwin Pubic Library’s big screen. See “Lady Sings the Blues, Friday, Feb. 7 , 1-4 p.m. The classic heartbreaking story of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, from her difficult childhood to her turbulent rise to fame, mired by racism and addiction.
Loosely based on her autobiography, starring Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, James Callahan, Paul Hampton. Rated R. 144 minutes. Registration not required. For more information, visit baldwinpl. org or call (516) 223-6228. 2385 Grand Ave.
Board of Education meeting
Baldwin Board of Education next meets on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m., at Plaza Elementary School. Parents are encouraged to attend to let their concerns or questions be heard. 501 Seaman Ave.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
30,
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Public Notices
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Collateral Trust Trustee of FirstKey Master Funding 2021-A Collateral Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Maryanne Pinderrobinson, a/k/a
Maryanne Pinder a/k/a Maryanne PinderRobinson; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 2, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 7, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 770 Dean Drive, North Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 36 Block 511 Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment $251,859.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 603930/2023. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Howard Eric Colton, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: December 12, 2024 150877
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- JOHN A. MCKENZIE, SACHA SINGH, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated November 10, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 13, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, particularly bounded and described according to said map as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Van Buren Street, distant 140 feet westerly from the corner formed
by the intersection of the southerly side of Van Buren Street with the westerly side of Eastern Parkway; being a plot
100 feet by 40 feet by 100 feet by 40 feet.
Section 54 Block 379 Lot 1620 & 1621.
All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.
Said premises known as 1072 VAN BUREN STREET, BALDWIN, NY 11510
Approximate amount of lien $470,267.07 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 011169/2013.
CAROLYN CLYNE, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 4722.1877 {* BALDWIN HE*} 150865
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. COMMUNITY LOAN SERVICING, LLC, FKA BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Pltf. vs. HAVCO LLC, et al, Defts. Index #602791/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered July 12, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 2842 Dahlia Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510 a/k/a Section 54, Block 289, Lot 365. Said property beginning at the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Church Street with the westerly side of Dahlia Avenue, being a plot 88.25 ft. x 77.73 ft. x 103.63 ft. x 58.87 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $676,638.17 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. CHRISTINE M. GRILLO, Referee. DEROSE & SURICO, Attys. for Pltf., 213-44 38th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361. #102033 150937
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF GCAT 2019-RPL1 TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. THOMAS T. REILEY, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 29, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 3374 Colony Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 345 and Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment is $839,978.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607302/2022. Cash will not be accepted.
Cary D. Kessler, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150983
Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale
the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 23, 2025
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case
where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect
consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 151098 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 02/05/2025 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
78/25. BALDWIN - Jackie Covington, Variances, front yard setback on Centennial Ave., rear yard, construct 1-story addition attaching dwelling to detached garage & convert portion of existing garage to living space., S/E cor. Centennial Ave. & Prince St., a/k/a 966 Centennial Ave. 80/25. BALDWINAdeline Larose, Special exception to maintain a 2nd accessory structure (shed) higher than permitted and exceeding horizontal maximum., S/s Thomas Ave., 100’ E/o Milburn Ave., a/k/a 1016 Thomas Ave. 81/25. BALDWIN - 1725 Conway St., LLC, Variance, front yard average setback, complete construction of dwelling with garage on existing concrete foundation., S/s Washington Pl., 200’ E/o Eastern Pkwy., a/k/a 1116 Washington Pl. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 88/25. BALDWIN - ZNR Daycare, Inc., Special exception to maintain daycare center in existing building, Waive off-street parking & no provisions for pick up & drop off of children., W/s Grand Ave., 125’ N/o Merrick Rd., a/k/a 2434 Grand Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Baldwin within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 151249
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
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT
Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
OUTSIDE
SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send 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 openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for
DHow 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.
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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America’s literacy crisis is everyone’s responsibility
What if I told you that the next pandemic is around the corner, but is totally preventable? Wouldn’t you muster all your resources to stop it? That’s what is happening in America now when it comes to literacy among young people, and everyone, not just educators, has the power to do something about it.
“There is currently a literacy crisis happening in the U.S.,” according to the Education Trust, “one that disproportionately affects students of color, and that cannot be ignored.”
According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, the majority of American children are not proficient readers. Last year, the NAEP found that just 43 percent of fourth-graders in the U.S. scored at or above a proficient level in reading. And for marginalized students, the numbers are much worse: just 17 percent of Black students, 21 percent of Latino students, 11 percent of students with disabilities and 10 percent of multilingual learners can read proficiently by fourth grade. Reading is fundamental, extending far beyond the ability to decode words.
It cultivates critical thinking, builds healthy imaginations, expands vocabulary and nurtures curiosity. Reading expands the mind, and it is essential to maintaining an informed citizenry and an effective democracy. The decline in reading proficiency should concern us all.
How did we get here?
The proliferation of technology in every aspect of our lives is a main culprit. Distractions are everywhere, from constant entertainment on our televisions to the endless notifications from our apps to video games that keep children and young adults occupied for hours and make it difficult for traditional books to compete. While technology offers many benefits, we must find ways to rebalance the scales and reignite a love of reading.
eHere are some of the ways you can support your children’s reading at home:
n Choose the right books. Select books with no more than four or five unfamiliar words per page or paragraph to avoid frustration.
very family can create a reading culture at home with some distractionfree time.
Schools, in partnership with parents and communities, are key, and collaborative efforts are crucial. In the Uniondale school district, our pre-kindergarten program provides students with a great foundation in reading, but sustained support is vital. Parents are the primary influencers of reading in their children’s lives. By modeling reading habits, sharing reading strategies and prioritizing family reading time, parents and caregivers can have a positive impact on children’s reading journeys.
n Select books that they’re interested in. Interest and enthusiasm are key.
n Talk about what they’re reading. You can talk about a book before, during and after they read it by asking questions and getting your child to share predictions and reactions.
Every family can create a reading culture at home by dedicating some distraction-free time to reading.
In Uniondale, our teachers promote reading by fostering a love of books and teaching the foundational skills that make students avid readers. Every day, teachers develop students’ confidence in reading by exposing them to rich vocabulary, providing phonics instruction and sharing comprehension strategies. As a nationally certified My Brother’s Keeper Community, we pledged to ensure that all of our students are reading on grade level by the end of third grade. We are working toward this commitment by enlisting the support of our community partners, businesses and leaders, who
engage in either our Reading Buddies or our community-based literacy activities.
This summer, we initiated a My Brother’s Keeper Summer Reading program, which challenged elementaryschool students to read 30 books over the summer and post their summaries online. Our local businesses, including restaurants, barber shops and laundromats, displayed signs that promoted the program and allowed students to post their reading summaries to a digital QR code. Students who took part were invited to a free night at the Long Island Children’s Museum and an endof-summer fun night on the Uniondale High School athletic fields.
We continued our community reading program in the fall, in collaboration with the Uniondale Public Library, and this month we’re launching a Reading Buddy program with the teens of Jack and Jill of America’s Nassau County chapter. All of these initiatives not only spread awareness of the importance of reading, but also signal that there’s a shared responsibility for children’s reading in our community, and we all have to do our part.
The solution to the literacy crisis is within our reach. By working together and reminding young people of the magic and power within the pages of a book, we can reverse this trend and empower the next generation.
Monique Darrisaw-Akil is superintendent of the Uniondale school district.
A new path forward for Long Island transportation
Long Island is a place of endless potential, where communities with rich histories thrive in scenic landscapes. Our ability to sustain this prosperity is at risk, however, due to a glaring issue: outdated and insufficient transportation infrastructure. The status quo is no longer an option.
MichAeLLe SOLAGeS
Long Island’s transportation challenges stem from years of systemic neglect and a funding model that doesn’t prioritize our region’s needs. Currently, Long Island’s funding mechanism is lumped together with New York City and other counties under the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council. This arrangement puts Long Island at a disadvantage, forcing us to compete for resources with the complex
and nearly endless needs of the five boroughs and beyond.
The numbers paint a stark picture. Long Island’s share of transportation funding has dwindled to just 6 percent, despite a population that would make us the third-largest city in the nation. We are being asked to do more with less, and the cracks are starting to show — literally, in our roads and railways. To address this crisis, we must rethink how transportation funding and planning are handled.
that we know how to prioritize best.
With the leadership of such an organization, we would be able to build a Long Island where commuting is seamless, roads are safer and public transit options are robust. Projects such as modernizing the Long Island Rail Road, improving safety on major highways, and developing environmentally friendly transit systems would finally get the attention they deserve.
A region that is key to New York’s economy is treated as an afterthought.
The creation of a Nassau Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization is the logical next step. By establishing a dedicated MPO for Long Island, we can ensure that our transportation priorities are no longer overshadowed by those of neighboring regions. The new organization would allow us to access federal funding directly, giving us the autonomy to address local issues
Smaller New York regions, like Ithaca, already benefit from their own MPOs despite having far smaller populations and economies than Long Island. Why should our region, home to more than 3 million people and a cornerstone of New York’s economy, continue to be treated as an afterthought?
This is not just about transportation — it’s about Long Island’s future. Without the infrastructure to support our
growing population and economy, we risk losing what makes this region special.
Thanks to the leadership of State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern, legislation to establish a Nassau Suffolk MPO has been introduced, and as the chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, I’m proud that we’ve included this important legislation in our 2025 People’s Budget Framework. Now it’s up to us to make this vision a reality. Passing this legislation would mark a turning point, signaling that Long Island’s needs would no longer be ignored.
Let’s seize this opportunity to secure Long Island’s place as a leader in transportation innovation. By creating a Nassau Suffolk MPO, we can build a future in which our communities are connected, our economy is strengthened and our residents enjoy a better quality of life.
Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District.
HERALD
Act would help main streets, local newsrooms
Small 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.
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.
Framework by Tim Baker
Miss Long Island 2025, Kristen Rosario, left, and Miss Long Island Teen, Adriana 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.
