Baldwin Herald 12-19-2024

Santa Claus, pancakes and fun

Baldwin welcomed Santa Claus for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church’s annual Pancakes with Santa event on Dec. 7. Story, additional photos, Page 10.

Sensory gym opens in Baldwin

Ester Marcellin works with those with special needs

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

For Ester Marcellin, Baldwin was always the natural choice for opening what she describes as a sensory gym, a state-of-the-art facility that will focus on the development and enhancement of children’s sensory and motor skills. Located at 826 Merrick Road, Planet Sensory Occupational Therapy, which is opening this week will work with local children as well as those from surrounding communities, with and without special needs.

It was an idea years in the making for Marcellin, 49, who has been an occupational therapist

for 16 years and has worked with many school districts on Long Island, including Baldwin.

Over the years, she has recognized the growing need for additional services beyond what she can provide in a traditional school district setting because of a lack of designated space. Specifically, schools lacked facilities and equipment for helping children with autism developmental delays or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

“I quickly found that trying to provide occupational therapy to this population in a traditional setting, such as a school, was extremely limited in terms of space,” Marcellin said. “I

Public opinion on Sands plan Environmental impact faces reactions

By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

The draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Las Vegas Sands resort and casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum was met with both resounding support and critical opposition at a public hearing at the Nassau County Legislature on Dec. 9.

Las Vegas Sands officially submitted the DEIS to the Legislature last month, after a unanimous vote by legislators confirming the document’s completion and availability for public review.

The DEIS outlines a range of investments — totaling more than $150 million — aimed at modernizing Uniondale’s infrastructure and revitalizing the hamlet and surrounding communities, according to a Sands news release. The projects include expanding the Meadowbrook Parkway to alleviate traffic congestion, enhancing the Uniondale water district to

improve its sustainability and upgrading energy infrastructure to meet growing demand. Beautification initiatives are also planned to improve the area’s public spaces, as part of Las Vegas Sands’ effort to enhance both aesthetics and quality of life for residents and visitors.

ADRIENNE ESpoSITo Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for

“We are grateful to the Nassau County Legislature for its thorough review of the completeness of our environmental impact statement,” Michael Levoff, the company’s senior vice president of strategy and public affairs, stated in the release. “This over 28,000-page document further demonstrates Sands’ commitment to comprehensively and holistically mitigate the potential impacts of our transformative project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum.”

At the contentious hearing, both supporters and detractors shared their opinions on the DEIS. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Cam-

Continued on page 12

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Understanding the 2024 election

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

At the Nov. 20 meeting of the League of Women Voters of East Nassau, attendees were treated to an in-depth analysis of last month’s presidential election and what the results could mean for the future.

The league is a nonpartisan, grass-roots organization that works to protect and expand voting rights throughout the country. Its East Nassau chapter encompasses Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Merrick, Bellmore and East Meadow. Joining the meeting were members of the Central Nassau chapter, which includes Baldwin, Freeport, Uniondale, Oceanside and West Hempstead.

Ann Leiter, president of the Central Nassau chapter, said the organization encourages people to get out and vote, and also aims to educate voters on political topics. Leiter added that she hoped attendees would leave the meeting, which was held at the Levittown Public Library, with a better understanding of what happened on Election Day.

“I would like them to have a broader sense of the objective details of what happened,” Leiter said. “It was a good opportunity for them to air out their individual concerns.”

Rosanna Perotti, professor of political science at Hofstra University, spoke at the meeting. Her presentation about the election touched on voter turnout, the candidates’ policies and economic trends.

The turnout for the 2024 election, Perotti said, was similar to 2020’s, but this time with a clear advantage for Republicans. Citing reporting from The New York Times, she said that counties with the largest Democratic margins in 2020 delivered roughly 2 million fewer votes for Vice President Kamala Harris than they had for Joe

Biden, while Republican counties added around 1.2 million votes to Donald Trump’s total this year.

“I think it’s extremely important, when you start analyzing the election, to look at who actually came out and what was happening there,” Perotti said.

In Nassau County, Trump became the first Republican candidate since George H.W. Bush, in 1988, to garner more votes than his Democratic opponent, receiving 52 percent to Harris’s 47 percent.

The main reason why a majority of voters across the country chose Trump was simple, Perotti said: the economy. Reporting from exit polling surveys, she said, made that clear, and the economy was followed in importance by immigration. Harris’s campaign, Perotti added, focused more on cultural issues, such as abortion rights.

“Harris talked a lot about reproductive rights and about abortion, and those things were important in Senate races,” Perotti said. “They don’t appear to have been quite as important, from some of the things that I’m looking at, in the presidential contest.”

Nonetheless, across the country, abortion rights continued to have strong support. Legislation protecting women’s health care choices, Perotti said, passed in seven out of the 10 states where they were on the ballot. In New York, the Equal Rights Amendment, which will add protections against discrimination to the state Constitution — including in the areas of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes — won approval with nearly 57 percent of the vote.

According to a study by Tufts University, a majority of young women voted for Harris, but 56 percent of young men voted for Trump, an increase of 15 percentage points over 2020. The main issues for young men, Perotti said, appeared to be immigration and the economy, while young women were more concerned about health care, and specifically abortion rights. Even in her own classes, she said, she noticed that younger men were more vocal in their support of Trump, which made for some tense discussions.

“There is a message of being left behind, of not being noticed, that was really powerful to young men,” Perotti said, “and a message of relatability and a tribal message that really seems to have resonated with them.”

Peggy Stein, a member of the league’s East Nassau chapter, said she hoped attendees whose favored candidates lost would understand that that didn’t mean they should give up hope.

“They still have to be involved,” Stein said. “You can’t just say, ‘Well, I didn’t get what I wanted.’ We have to be ready to go forward, and we have to do what’s best for the country.”

Charles Shaw/Herald

Rosanna Perotti, professor of political science at Hofstra University, discussed the results of the presidential election at the Nov. 20 meeting of the League of Women Voters.

Baldwin Chamber of Commerce December meeting

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Members of the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce gathered for its final monthly meeting of the year on Dec. 11 at Sonny’s Canal House in Baldwin.

Victor Sookdeo, chamber president, highlighted the year’s accomplishments and discussed the most recent event, the annual tree lighting at the Baldwin Historical Society. He said the event drew a large crowd of community members.

Several individuals and groups were recognized, including the Baldwin Lions Club, which received a certificate as Volunteer of the Month. Baldwin High School students Christian Gilbert, David Kretuz, and Rafaela Caiza Chimborazo were also honored for their participation in the poster contest for the tree lighting event. Christian earned first place, David placed second, and Rafaela finished third.

David also received a certificate on behalf of the Baldwin High School Key Club for the club’s assistance with the event.

their Volunteer of the Month certificate.

South Shore Eco Rotary examines preserve conditions

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

Christopher McBride, head of the South Shore Eco Rotary and a longtime advocate for the Brookside Preserve, has highlighted ongoing challenges at the nature preserve following a recent cleanup and inspection by the Eco Rotary.

The inspection, which took place during the final cleanup of 2024, revealed that while the preserve’s trails were “fairly free of litter,” hard-to-reach debris remains an issue.

According to McBride, the accumulated trash is “still present throughout the thorns, bushes, and buried into the bank of Milburn Creek, having accumulated for years.”

In addition to litter concerns, McBride pointed to several hazards that remain unresolved despite being flagged earlier in the year. “Unfortunately, many existing dangers identified in the spring have not been remedied,” he said, citing “broken wooden trails, an open concrete pit, and evidence of criminal debauchery and broken fences” as areas of particular concern.

McBride also noted that the gate on Brookside Avenue has been locked around the clock, contrary, he says, to a sign that states “open until sundown.”

The management of the Brookside Preserve is undergoing a transition. McBride explained that county legisla-

The new South Shore Eco Rotary Club of Nassau County’s end-of-the-year inspection of Brookside Preserve revealed that hard-to-reach debris remains an issue.

tors have informed him that a new organization will take over stewardship of the preserve in 2025 under the direction of the county commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Museums.

Despite the current challenges, McBride and the ERNCLI.org group remain committed to environmental restoration projects in Nassau County. Looking ahead to the spring, McBride said ERNCLI will continue to recruit community members for upcoming initiatives through their new venture, the South

Shore Eco Rotary.

McBride is working to establish the South Shore NC Eco Rotary as Nassau County’s first Rotary environmental club, and aims to take on projects across the region, including cleanups, education initiatives, and community engagement events.

For those interested in learning more about the club, or joining the future Eco Rotary Club of Nassau County, Long Island visit ERNCLI.org. or reach out via email at ecorotaryncli@gmail.com.

About the Eco Rotary

McBride’s vision for the Eco Rotary Club stems from his own experience during the pandemic, when he joined the Solana Beach Rotary Eco Club in California. After returning to New York and joining the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club, McBride began laying the groundwork for a local Eco Rotary initiative, inspired by his volunteer work at Brookside Preserve.

The club is actively recruiting members to build a communitydriven organization dedicated to environmental action and education. Its inaugural projects include improving neglected natural spaces like Brookside Preserve and expanding outreach to neighboring communities.

As McBride and his team prepare for future initiatives, the group hopes to inspire local residents to play a hands-on role in environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts across Long Island.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald David Kretuz received on behalf of the Baldwin High School’s Key Club a certificate for their participation in the tree lighting event.

Members of the Baldwin Lions Club were in attendance to accept

Baldwin High School Students were awarded certificates for their participation in the annual tree lighting’s poster contest.

Courtesy Christopher McBride

Rabbi Chaplain Stacy Sokol gives Hanukkah message HannukaH MESSaGE

This year, the beautiful overlap of Hanukkah and Christmas—two cherished celebrations of light, love, and hope—presents a profound opportunity to reflect on the shared themes that both holidays bring.

As Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, coincides with Christmas, we are invited to embrace the symbolism of light as a beacon of joy, peace, and hope.

For Jews, Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple when only enough oil for one day was available. The light that persisted despite the odds represents faith’s resilience and hope’s triumph in the face of adversity.

The lighting of the menorah each evening, with the progressive addition of candles, reminds us of the power of light to dispel darkness—

by Susan Jeffers — Part Two

not just literally but also metaphorically, illuminating the path forward even in the most challenging times.

For Christians, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the “Light of the World,” whose teachings of love, compassion, and peace offer a guiding light amid darkness. The star that led the wise men to Bethlehem symbolizes divine guidance, the promise of peace on Earth, and goodwill toward all people.

R abbi C anto R S taC y S okol

In a year where both holidays fall together, we are given a special moment to reflect on how light can transcend religious boundaries and inspire unity.

The shared experience of

Emerson, who wrote a great deal about overcoming fear, said: “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment and the more experiments the better. What if they are a little coarse and you may get your coat soiled and torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.”

Author Jeffers’ book explains that until you fully understand that you, and no one else, create what goes on in your head, you will never be in control of your life. When you blame any outside force for any of your experiences of life, you are literally giving away your power thus creating pain, paralysis and depression. Always ask yourself what am I doing or not doing that is causing this to happen to me. You don’t have to condone the behavior of others, but simply not to allow it to be the source of your upset. Jeffers teaches how to overcome your biggest enemy — your “chatterbox” and replace it with a loving

lighting candles during these sacred observances—whether the menorah’s eight lights or the candles of the Advent wreath—invites us to pause and consider the potential for light to bring joy and healing to a world that often feels divided and uncertain. As the candles burn brightly, we are reminded that light represents more than just illumination—it symbolizes hope, resilience, and a commitment to peace.

Whether in the menorah’s flicker or the Christmas tree’s warmth, light reminds us that even in dark times, we can find reasons to celebrate, give thanks, and seek

Anyway”

internal friend. “It is reported that over 90% of what we worry of never happens,” says Jeffers. We create our own reality.

The author moves on to decision-making and the fear of making the wrong decision. Here, she explains how there are no “wrong” decisions. Your writer has often advised clients that it is better to make the “wrong” decision than none at all. You learn from mistakes -- you learn nothing from inaction. Learn and correct or, as Emerson said, “The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks.”

Jeffers writes that there is a lightness to positive people. They have learned not to take themselves so seriously and they are a joy to be around -- they are those who have learned to make lemonade out of lemons. As Emerson rightly said, “We seldom see anybody who is not uneasy and afraid to live.” By adopting the lessons in “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”, you too can become one of those seldom found people.

A Christmas message

Tconnection and reconciliation.

This year, as Hanukkah and Christmas converge, it’s a reminder that no matter our background, religion, or culture, we all seek the same things: peace, love, and the strength to overcome hardship.

The light of these celebrations—be it the lights of the menorah or the candles on the Christmas tree— invites us to carry hope into the new year.

May this intersection of two powerful traditions remind us all that, through faith, community, and love, light can always overcome darkness, joy and peace can always find their way into our hearts, and miracles can always happen.

Have a wonderful, festive holiday from Congregation B’nai Israel in Freeport.

—Rabbi Cantor Stacy Sokol

his time of year is a special time for people of all faiths and even for those who hold no faith at all. It’s a season that encourages reflection, togetherness, and hope — a moment when the world seems to slow down and focus on what truly matters. For Christians, Christmas holds profound significance as we celebrate the monumental moment when God came to earth in a very special way. Unlike other faith traditions where gods may be distant or relate only symbolically, Christians believe in a God who is both loving and personal. Our God not only created us but became one of us, taking on human form in the person of Jesus Christ.

The birth of Christ reminds us of the depth of God’s love and His desire to draw close to us. It’s an event that demonstrates how God fulfills His promises, remains faithful, and meets us in our brokenness. Through Jesus, we see how God heals, forgives, and teaches us how to live with compassion and grace.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year!

Reverend James T. Stachacz leads Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

News briefs

NEST food pantry at Nassau Community College poised to receive $10,000 grant

The Nassau: Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow food pantry at Nassau Community College is set to receive a $10,000 grant to further its mission of combating hunger, Legislator Debra Mulé announced.

On Nov. 13, the Legislature’s Rules Committee unanimously approved the release of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act Final.

Nassau: Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow, or NEST, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and wellness. It operates a free-choice food pantry providing food, personal care items, and support services to students, employees, and families in need.

The organization relies on the support of the College community, Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, corporate sponsors, civic and religious groups, and other contributors.

“Last month, I had the privilege of touring NEST’s facilities at the College, and I was blown away by the passion that director Sharon Masrour and her entire team have for serving the community and honoring the dignity of their clientele,” Legislator Mulé said. “I am thrilled that we have taken this step toward providing them with resources in support of their noble mission.”

Mulé on death of Julius Pearse

“Working as a team with his beloved wife Joysetta, Julius Pearse shared his passion for Black history as an educator, researcher, historian and trailblazer who, in 1968, became the Freeport Police Department’s first Black officer. In all of these endeavors, he enlightened and inspired generations of Nassau County residents through his service to the community and the exhibitions and events he curated and spearheaded,” Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé wrote in a news release. “As we mourn the passing of a true visionary in our

Office of Legislator Debra Mulé Legislator Debra Mule announced the death of Julius Pearse, longtime leader of African-American Museum of Nassau County

community, may we all take comfort in his accomplishments and his passion for sharing his love of learning with the world around him.”

Crime watCh

Legislator Debra Mule announced the Legislature’s approval of a $10,000 grant for the NEST food pantry.

— Mohammad Rafiq Courtesy Office of Debra Mulé

Petit LarCeNy

Christopher Jackson, 44, of Baldwin was arrested for allegedly shoplifting on Dec. 10 at Dick’s Sporting Goods at 630 Old Country Rd. in East Garden City, according to police.

LarCeNy from auto Pablo Velasquez, 39, was arrested allegedly for Petit Larceny at 100 Willet Pl. in Roosevelt on Dec. 6, according to police.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Reduce Your Cancer Risk by Eating Healthy

Learn to make healthy, low-cost meals through our free online cooking series led by Karla Giboyeaux, a registered dietitian at MSK.

Point your smartphone camera at the QR code and tap the link to find festive recipes for the holidays, including a red meat-free version of Pastelón.

Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.

The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.

Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

Meg Ryan named first female chief executive of NUMC

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, voted on Dec. 5 to appoint several new members to the leadership team of the largest public, safety-net hospital on Long Island.

Among the appointees was Megan Ryan, who was named president and chief executive of the hospital system — the first woman to lead the health care corporation.

Ryan had previously served for nearly a decade as general counsel of the corporation and had been acting as interim president and chief executive since January.

“The more than seven years that I’ve spent working with the staff and patients of NUMC as general counsel and interim president and chief executive have (been the) greatest honor of my career,” Ryan said in a Dec. 5 news release. “I thank the NHCC board of directors for its confidence in allowing me to continue the enormous progress we’ve made toward ensuring this critical institution

thrives for many years to come.”

The East Meadow-based hospital serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.

“Nobody works harder than Meg, and nobody cares more about the success of the hospital than she does,” Matthew Bruderman, the health care corporation chairman, said. “As the first woman to lead this critical health care facility, she is an inspiration to so many, including the next generation of health care professionals being trained at NUMC.”

Other appointments included NUMC veteran physician, Dr. Grace Ting, as chief medical officer, and Shannon Costello as chief nursing officer. Like Ryan, both had been serving in those roles as interim appointments.

The hospital’s board said compensation packages approved for the new executives are all in line with industry and area standards, or are below those of their counterparts at other major safety-net hospitals in New York state.

At last week’s board meeting, the board also approved the appointment of in-house chairs for cardiology and pathology, a move aimed at fostering full-time development in these divisions

and boosting hospital revenue.

NUMC has long been under fire for financial and operational mismanagement, but has made significant strides this year. The hospital’s board has attributed these reforms to Ryan and her leadership team.

Last month, the hospital system earned its first Leapfrog Safety Grade, a hospital safety rating, improvement in six years, and earlier this year, an audit conducted by Grant Thornton revealed the hospital’s finances were heading in a positive direction.

In addition to operational improvements, the hospital has enhanced its services by opening new wings, an outpatient behavioral health suite and a dedicated wig room for cancer patients, along with other additions that have significantly elevated the quality of care at NUMC.

The Nassau Health Care Corporation and NUMC are currently pursuing legal action against New York state and the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, or NIFA.

The hospital is alleging that the state orchestrated a scheme to withhold Medicaid reimbursement payments NUMC was entitled to, since at least 2001. On Nov.

20, a notice-of-claims was sent to the state, outlining NUMC’s plan to file a $1.06 billion lawsuit. The suits against NIFA, which were announced on Dec. 2., claims the finance authority made arbitrary and capricious decisions, violated public trust, and acted to advance its own or the state’s agenda at the expense of NUMC’s reputation and financial stability.

“We are continuing to work with Nassau County on an appropriate solution for the future of NUMC,” a spokesperson from the state told the Herald. “Our concerns are the fiscal health of the hospital and patient care. Everything else is just noise.”

NUMC provides $1 billion in health care services annually to more than 270,000 patients, including those who are uninsured and undocumented.

“While (the state) and NIFA work overtime to prevent the progress we’re making here, scheme about power grabs, and cover up their malfeasance, Meg is working to ensure NUMC is saved,” Bruderman said. “Together with Dr. Ting, Chief Nurse Costello and the rest of this team, NUMC is in an outstanding position to serve everyone who needs care.”

FAITH-BASED BREAKFAST

Join the Alzheimer’s Association, the Divine Health Ministry of Memorial Presbyterian Church and SoulJoy Wellness for a morning of self-care. We will explore how Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact our community and discuss healthy habits for your brain, body and soul.

To register, call 800.272.3900, visit alz.org/longisland or scant the QR code. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Memorial Presbyterian Church Social Hall 189 Babylon Turnpike Roosevelt, NY 11575

firmed last week as the president and chief executive of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the operations of the Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility. Ryan is the first woman to lead the public hospital system.

Holden Leeds/Herald Megan Ryan was con-

7

BALDWIN HERALD — December 19, 2024

Merry Christmas to the people of God CHRISTMAS

Last Christmas, we celebrated the 800th anniversary of that glorious and historic night when St. Francis of Assisi arranged the first Nativity creche scene in a small cave outside the Italian village of Greccio in Italy.

St. Francis was inspired to do this after visiting the historical place of Christ’s birth on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land - the humble stable in a Bethlehem cave.

The large creche set in St. Peter’s Square last year commemorated this 800th anniversary by having the figure of St. Francis of Assisi expressing adoration, awe and wonder across the Crib from Mary and Joseph.

Last September, we celebrated the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis receiving the gift of the “stigmata”the mystical wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side. In 2026, we will celebrate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

There is always a powerful connection between the Manger Crib and the Golgotha Cross of our Savior. St. Francis of Assisi lived this connection so powerfully.

In Admirabile Signum, Pope Francis writes: “Indeed, the place where this first nativity scene was enacted expresses and evokes these sentiments...from the time of its Franciscan origins, the nativity scene has invited us to ‘feel’ and ‘touch’ the poverty that God’s Son took upon himself in the Incarnation. Implicitly, it summons us to follow him along the path of humility, poverty and self-denial that leads from the manger of Bethlehem to the Cross. It asks us to meet him and serve him by showing merey to those of our brothers and sisters in great need (ef. Matthew 25:31-46).” (3)

and in all countries.

St. Francis of Assisi understood the problems of the world and more than 800 years later, after he created the first creche, he is still close to the Church and to the world.

John o. BaRRes

As we spiritually draw near to Bethlehem at the end of this year, we pray for those who suffer in the Holy Land and the Middle East, in Ukraine and all war-torn areas of the world.

We pray too for the persecuted Church around the world and we pray for religious liberty in our country

Many of you have seen the bronze statue of Atlas directly across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

It was created by the sculptor Lee Lawrie and installed in 1937. The sculpture portrays the mythical ancient Greek Titan Atlas holding the burden of the heavens on his shoulder.

St. Francis of Assisi is no myth, but at times he has been compared with Atlas in how, through the centuries, he carried the burdens of the Church on his shoulders with his radical and pure Gospel witness.

In fact, Pope Innocent III, after meeting St. Francis, had a dream that St. Francis was holding up St. John Lateran Basilica, the visible sign and

symbol of the universal Church, amidst the storms and earthquakes of history and crisis.

Configured to Christ crucified and having lived daily with the stigmatic wounds of Christ, St. Francis helps to animate and inspire the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church through the centuries.

St. Francis of Assisi intercedes for each of us at every moment to help rebuild the Biblical and Eucharistic evangelizing mission of the Church that Jesus, himself, founded on Long Island and beyond.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families! May the Light and Love of the Christ Child animate and guide our global Catholic Missionary Spirit this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend John O. Barres

Bishop of Rockville Centre

The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

ReveRend

Pancakes with Santa Claus at St. Peter’s

Baldwin community members gathered with friends and family at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Dec. 7 for its annual Pancakes with Santa event.

Guests enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and eggs, while children could make Christmas crafts to keep busy.

The highlight of the morning was a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Attendees also had the chance to win raffle prizes and shop at Mrs. Santa’s Thrift Shop for affordable holiday finds.

—Hernesto Galdamez

Alice Moreno/Herald photos

Jameson Vukosa, 6 pose with Santa.

Ariana Cutrone, 9 and Elizabeth Cutrone, 6 smile as they see the selection of plushies.

Jake Fischer, 6, receives a pancake.

Jasmine Mercado poses with her family—Julian Mercado, Eliana Brown, Emmanuel Brown, and Amber Brown—as they enjoy the activities.

Planet Sensory serves individuals and families

decided my dream was to open a sensory gym where I could reach my kiddos.”

In early-childhood development, sensory play involves activities that build essential skills, encourage self-regulation, ignite curiosity, strengthen problem-solving abilities and nurture creativity. Planet Sensory’s 2,100-squarefoot space features equipment such as slides, monkey bars, climbing walls and a zip line, where children will work on everything from sensory processing to fine motor development to handwriting.

What will set her facility apart from those of other therapists, Marcellin said, is that she will work with parents to set goals tailored to their children’s individual needs, and she will also evaluate each child’s diet and the parentchild relationship.

“It’s not me setting these goals,” she explained. “The parents tell me what they would like to get out of therapy. The goals are personalized for each family, because each child has their own unique sensory challenges. I think parents really appreciate that.”

Marcellin says she is an out-of-network provider, but will submit insurance claims on behalf of families with out-of-network benefits. She noted a lack of in-network pediatric occupational therapists in the area.

In celebration of her new business, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility

Courtesy Ester Marcellin

ester marcellin, of Baldwin, has opened planet Sensory occupational therapy, at 826 merrick road, which will specialize in sensory integration therapy and sensory wellness.

was scheduled for Thursday, after the Herald went to press, with the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce set to welcome it to the community.

Although Planet Sensory is in Marcellin’s home community, she wants to help as many children, and their families, as possible, in and beyond Baldwin.

“Sensory gyms are great,” she said. “My goal is to reach as many kids as I possibly can, and give parents hope.”

planet Sensory occupational therapy’s services will include sensory processing, fine motor development, selfregulation skills and handwriting classes. the 2,100-squarefoot space features equipment including slides, monkey bars, climbing walls and a zip line.

STEPPING OUT

Merry eatings

‘Tis the season for a

By Karen Bloom

ost of us would agree that there’s almost nothing better than the aroma of fresh-baked goodies wafting through the house. Especially during holiday time. Nothing says “love” like fresh baked cookies and treats. So give the gift of homemade goodness, whether it’s a gift platter or by hosting family and friends for a cookie exchange. Everyone can get in on the act and share their creations all around.

Your gang will enjoy tasting these luscious creations in your makeshift holiday workshop.

Chocolate Mint Squares

Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee in this festive alternative to a brownie. Add some crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.

Dough

• 1/3 cup baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chopped pecans, optional

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil

Frosting

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar or glazing sugar

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil

• 2 tablespoons milk

Glaze

• 3 tablespoons baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate

• 1 tablespoon butter

Garnish

• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9” x 9” pan.

To make the dough: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, salt and eggs.

Add the chocolate mixture, stirring to combine, then the flour, nuts and peppermint, mixing until well-blended.

Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the squares for 25 minutes. Remove them from the oven, and

‘Holiday Joy’

cool to room temperature. Remove them from the oven, and cool to room temperature. While cooling make the frosting and glaze.

To make the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter or margarine, peppermint and milk. Spread the frosting over the cooled squares in a thin layer.

To make the glaze: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter or margarine. Drizzle this over the frosted squares, and sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candy. Refrigerate the squares until they’re well-chilled. To serve, cut into 1 1/2” squares.

Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies

You can’t spin these dreidels, but you sure can gobble them up. The versatile dough that can be customized to create chocolate or colored cookies.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• Dreidel-shaped cookie cutter

• Piping bag

• Blue frosting

Cookie dough

In a medium-size bowl, mix the flour and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, stir in the egg, then the corn syrup and vanilla extract. One third at a time, add the flour mixture until thoroughly mixed.

Pat the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll. If it is too firm, soften at room temperature for 5 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Roll one disk of dough between two pieces of waxed paper or

plastic wrap, 1/4 inch thick. Remove the top sheet and cut out the cookies with cookie cutters.

Using a metal spatula, transfer the shapes to baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies start to brown lightly around the edges. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.

Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to racks and cool completely before frosting and decorating. Makes 12 to 50 cookies, depending on their size.

For chocolate dough: After the last third of flour has been added to the dough, mix in 1 ounce melted, slightly cooled unsweetened chocolate. Use your hands to knead in the chocolate.

For colored dough: Divide the dough into portions and use a toothpick to add food coloring paste (available at party supply stores) to each one. Knead until the color is evenly distributed. For a flavor surprise, omit the vanilla extract and add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the yellow dough, mint extract to the green dough, and strawberry extract to the red dough.

How to prepare

Cut out the dreidels from the rolled-out dough and bake as directed (if you cant find a dreidel cookie cutter, make a pattern out of lightweight cardboard). When cooled, pipe one of the four classic dreidel symbols on each cookie (either gimel, shin, nun, or hay) with blue frosting.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1-1/2 cups flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 44 candy-coated chocolate pieces

• 88 semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

• 44 pretzels, broken into 1-inch pieces

Heat oven to 350° F.

Beat peanut butter, butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Add combined flour and baking soda; mix well.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets. Bake 7 to 9 min. or until cookies are just set.

Place 1 chocolate piece immediately in center of each cookie for a nose (press down slightly if cookies aren’t flat enough), 2 chocolate chips for eyes, and 2 pretzel pieces at top of cookie for antlers. Carefully remove cookies to wire rack; cool completely.

Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s holiday celebration. The cast of 48 performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this show, now in its 11th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The vibrant cast includes Broadway performers. and Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students “Holiday Joy” invites everyone to take a journey through the many worlds of the holidays — through song and dance — in the fast- paced spectacle. Timeless songs such as “We Need A Little Christmas” are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a live band.

Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ; Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny. org.

Yellow Brick Joel

Relive the classic songs that define generations. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat,” “Funeral For A Friend,” “Miami 2017,” and “Captain Jack.” A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! Groove along to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship.

Friday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.

Chocolate Mint Squares Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

THE Your Neighborhood

‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’

Keep those winter doldrums at bay with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. It may seem like we’ve got much too long to wait ‘til we’re back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Friday, Jan. 3 , 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — has been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer on a Friday night, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

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Countdown to 12

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back its popular “Noon” Year’s Eve family party, Sunday, dec. 31, noon4 p.m. This year’s event will be making an intergalactic leap with activities starting at 11 a.m., the addition of a third ball drop, plus space-themed crafts, entertainment and a confettifilled dance party. The day’s celebration starts and ends with Times Square-style ball drops (noon, 2 and 4 p.m.). In between the opening and closing ball drops, families will make themed crafts and enjoy the DJ-led dance party.

All activities are drop-in and run through 3:45 p.m. $20 adults and children, $18 seniors, members free. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Baldwin BOE meets

The Baldwin Board of Education next meets on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m., at Baldwin High School. Attend and make your voice heard. 841 Ethel T. Kloberg Drive.

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, dec. 21, starting at 9 a.m. The group will meet in parking lot #3. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art’s Manes Educcation Center. The drop-in program continues, with Holiday Break for Art, Saturday, dec. 28

Choose from Session I, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m., or Session II,1-2:30 p.m.

Inspired by New Year’s Eve, children and their adult caregivers will create together in a fun, relaxed environment. Connect while talking about and making art together. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

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

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.

Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Decorate an Ornament

‘Tis the season to get creative! Baldwin Library invites patrons to decorate an ornament for their Christmas tree. Visit the Teen Zone to pick up an ornament, now through Sunday, Dec. 22. Don’t miss out, bring your festive spirit to library and make this holiday season extra special! For more information, call (516) 223-6228 or visit baldwinpl.org. 2385 Grand Ave.

Home for the Holidays Adoption

There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during, “Home for the Holidays” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. All fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, now through Sunday, Jan. 5. Licensing feels still apply. Prospective adopters can browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter and also on the shelter’s Facebook page. 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 785-5220.

Family movie

Families can enjoy a movie on Baldwin Public Library’s big screen. See “Inside Out 2,” Friday, Dec. 27, 1-4 p.m. The sequel involves Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced. Refreshments served while supplies last. No registration needed. For more information, visit baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228. 2385 Grand Ave.

Having an event?

Holiday concert

Celebrate the season with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. The intergenerational orchestra of 60 L.I.-based musicians performs with the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir as special guests. The program, at Brookside School in North Merrick, includes “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Sing-A-Long,” “Greensleeves,” “Chanukah Festival Overture,” and much more.

Suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door (kids are free). 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Visit symphonicpopsli. org for more.

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

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.

It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 20, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.; 6: 15 p.m.; also Dec. 28-30. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Concerns raised over environmental factors

paign for the Environment, said she had analyzed environmental impact statements for 40 years, and approved of how thorough Sands’ is.

“It was a very comprehensive and a very complete draft EIS,” Esposito said.

Referring to the proposed improvements, however, Esposito suggested that the document be “strengthened” with plans for how to handle water withdrawal and conservation, and solid waste. She also suggested the creation of a

LEGAL NOTICE

community advisory board “that looks at the metrics to see how they’re doing on energy and water and solid waste management.”

Many attendees expressed their support for the statement and for the casino project as a whole. Ryan Stanton, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, shared his appreciation for the DEIS and how Sands is going about the project.

“Long Islanders care about traffic, taxes and economic opportunity,” Stanton said. “When we make investments

Public Notices

STATE OF NEW YORK

SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. MARIE JEROME, ET AL, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on March 4, 2014, I, George P. Esernio, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on January 7, 2025 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows:

858 Seaman Avenue Baldwin, NY 11510-2816

SBL No.: 54-470-320

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 010925/2013 in the amount of $284,962.27 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

150278

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT.

NASSAU COUNTY.

COMMUNITY LOAN

SERVICING F/K/A

BAYVIEW LOAN

SERVICING LLC, Pltf. vs.

NATHTOE SPENCE, et al, Defts. Index

#617290/2023. Pursuant to judgment of

foreclosure and sale entered Oct. 16, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 8, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 1312 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510 a/k/a Section 36, Block 216, Lot 158.

Said property beginning at the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Washington Boulevard with the westerly side of the northerly side of Washington Boulevard with the westerly side of Grand Avenue, as widened in 1952, being a plot 104.49 ft. x 20 ft. x 102.57 ft. x 20.09 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $281,600.29 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The sale will take place “rain or shine.”

MICHELLE AULIVOLA, Referee. DEROSE & SURICO, Attys. for Pltf., 213-44 38th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361. #101928 150276

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. VALARIE BROCCOLI, INDIVIDUALLY AS EXECUTRIX TO THE ESTATE OF ROBERT BROCCOLI AKA ROBERT V. BROCCOLI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 8, 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 January 6, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3014 Western Boulevard, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings

and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 415 and Lot 61. Approximate amount of judgment is $187,227.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610706/2023. Cash will not be accepted.

Jerome A. Scharoff, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150272

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. VICKIE REINA, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 24, 2019, 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 January 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 3186 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54., Block 566 and Lot 37. Approximate amount of judgment is $702,079.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001788/2017. Referee does not accept cash.

Ellen Savino, Esq., Referee

in infrastructure, it creates economic opportunity for the people behind it, reduces taxes for the people behind them, and when people have a reduced tax burden and money in their pockets, they can make good environmental and economic choices.”

Where the Sands DEIS can be found

Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 180341-1 150341

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232 Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

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 STARWOOD MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL TRUST 2019-INV1, Plaintiff, vs. SILVIA PANTON, Defendant.

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 19, 2023, 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 January 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 746 Allwyn Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 575 and Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment is $570,725.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604010/2022. Mary Ellen Divone, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 234326-1 150540

On the other side, the Say No to the Casino Civic Association has been vocal in its longstanding opposition to the project, repeatedly making the argument that it will harm the community and environment in a variety of ways. The group claims in a news release that the extensive infrastructure changes needed for the casino would permanently alter the landscape and exacerbate traffic congestion. Members also expressed concerns about the environmental impact, highlighting the expected water consumption and carbon emissions in a news release that followed the DEIS submission.

Concerns about the local impacts of the casino project on surrounding towns, including Baldwin, Uniondale, Hempstead, Garden City and East Meadow, led the Garden City village board to file a lawsuit against Sands, asking the Nassau County Supreme Court to void the 42-year lease agreement for the Coliseum between the county and Sands because, the suit claims, lawmakers did not closely examine the potential impact a casino could have on the environment.

Steve Rolston of Baldwin is concerned about the local impact it may bring for his community, its students and homeowners.

“There is a ripple effect,” he said. “When you start to do the research, the National Association of Realtors says that it is a ripple effect if you’re very close to a casino — property values go down 10 to 12 percent. But even me, four miles away, the people are affected.”

Hofstra University also took legal action against the county for initially violating the Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) during the initial approval process for the Nassau Coliseum lease in March 2023. The case is now back in the hands of the Nassau County

office of the clerk of the nassau County Legislature

office of the town of Hempstead clerk

uniondale public Library

east meadow public Library

Hempstead public Library

garden City public Library

Supreme Court.

Karen Riordan, a member of the Say No association, said she believed the environmental impact statement “failed to take into account the full regional impact the casino project will have on saltwater intrusion on shore communities.” Riordan referenced a study released in August by the United States Geological Survey that indicates that Long Island’s only freshwater aquifer is in danger of saltwater intrusion, and that the language used in the DEIS to describe this potential problem is “too vague.”

Other association members also spoke at the hearing, including Steve Rolston, a member of the Sierra Club, who said that people’s concerns go beyond the environment.

“There are environmental reasons, plus economic and social reasons, that a casino is considered nothing more than legal fraud,” Rolston said.

The draft environmental impact statement is available for public review on the Legislature’s website, and a public comment period will extend until Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. Submissions can be sent via email to sandscomments@nassaucountyny.gov, or by mail to the Nassau County Clerk of the Legislature, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola, NY 11501.

Friedman

Kelsie Radziski/Herald Supporters and opponents of the Las Vegas Sands casino project filled the county legislative chamber for the public hearing on the project’s draft environmental impact statement on dec. 9.

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 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

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Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

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

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!

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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 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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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 $33,280 + 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

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 $33,280 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 motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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Making an old home newer

Q. We looked at a home to buy, and saw that the stairs from the first to the second floor were leaning. We keep seeing this in homes that we’re interested in. Even though we will get a home inspection, can you tell us, more specifically, what causes this, and whether it’s a reason not to be interested in any particular house?

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A. Leaning stairs are usually improperly supported. Because stairs go through an opening between floors, their weight must be supported all around the opening. Unfortunately, this leaning and sagging condition is not uncommon, especially in older homes that were built before there were building codes and official building inspections by trained individuals who had to sign off on the way a home was framed. Many homes were framed by carpenters who had knowledge of materials and how to join them to create beautiful homes, without necessarily being formally educated in the engineering, science and math required to predict, and thereby avoid, failure.

To the trained professional, the stair condition you describe is considered a failure, because the weight of the stairs and the surrounding structure were not resolved to keep everything aligned. The leaning staircase was predictable, but not avoided. In some modern cases, when inspectors aren’t called before the framing is covered in finishes such as wallboard or woodwork, an official inspection isn’t done, and many inspectors will rely on a letter from a licensed architect or engineer.

You should be made aware that this practice of asking for letters may not be of much assurance, because not seeing the conditions and still writing a letter can be a problem. Letters don’t hold up buildings, but the shifting of the task is meant to shift responsibility, and unless the licensed professional really examines the conditions fully, you may just go through a shifting of blame similar to the shifting stairs.

The remedy is to lift the stairs into position while remediating the structure. In some cases, a column at the lowest level was required and not installed; in others, the horizontal floor joists surrounding the stairwell weren’t the right size; and in other cases, the stair may have been framed and attached to the surrounding structure incorrectly. Many people never consider the impact of an adult transferring their weight, with gravity, to the next step, literally falling a step at a time, multiplying their mass plus gravity.

In one instance I investigated, an air conditioning installer “needed” to cut through the main beam just below the stair landing so that only the air duct was holding the stairs’ weight, which, by the time I arrived, had dropped 4 inches. The air duct was redirected and the beam had to be replaced, which turned out to be an involved procedure. If the house has plaster walls, the repair is more expensive and, in either case, the added framing may be costly. It might be a reason to keep looking. Good luck!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly

Atelevision era has ended. Last Friday night’s “Blue Bloods” episode was the last. It has been canceled by CBS despite having consistently high ratings and, in my opinion, having been the best show on television during its 14-season run on the network. I don’t profess to be a media critic, but I am a lifelong New Yorker who appreciated the firstclass acting of a cast led by Tom Selleck, and the show’s proud espousal of support for the police and its advocacy of traditional family values.

“Blue Bloods” focuses on four generations of the Reagan family in New York law enforcement — the “Reagan family business.” Frank Reagan, played by Selleck, is the NYPD commissioner. His father, Henry, is a former commissioner. His sons, Danny, a detective, and Jamie,

in case you’re still counting, Election Day happened six weeks ago, and all of the post-mortems on both sides reached the same conclusion: The No. 1 issue for voters was the economy, and the Democrats failed to pay attention to that issue, even though James Carville has been telling his party that “It’s the economy, stupid,” since 1992.

As we approach a new year, nothing has changed. The voters voted their pocketbooks, and they will judge all national and state politicians by what they do to ease people’s financial tensions. Incoming President Donald Trump says he hasn’t forgotten about his promise to cut the price of basic necessities, and his legacy will be judged by the promises he will keep.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, has gotten the message, and will propose a 2025 budget that will be loaded with pro-

a sergeant, as well as Jamie’s wife, Janko, are all NYPD, and his daughter, Erin, is a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office. An older son, Joe, was killed in the line of duty. His son, Joe Hill, previously unknown to the family, recently appeared on the NYPD scene using his mother’s last name.

consequences, including being secondguessed by critics who have never had to confront professional killers, violent drug dealers or crazed madmen.

Was it canceled for resisting corporate pressure to be more ‘woke’?

Besides the expected emphasis on crime solving, “Blue Bloods” shows the realities of cops’ lives and the impact that those often harsh realities have on their families’ day-to-day lives. Unlike almost every other crime drama series, “Blue Bloods” never succumbed to political or corporate pressure to portray cops in a negative light, even at the height (or the depth) of the Defund the Police movement, which was all the rage in 2020.

Not that it shows cops to be perfect. Just human — people who are willing to put their lives on the line for all the rest of us. People who have to make lifechanging decisions and live with the

As a recent Newsday story pointed out, “Blue Bloods” has a particularly strong following on Long Island, where many police officers and their families and friends live, as well as the many thousands of commuters who regularly travel to the city for work or entertainment.

I admit to having a bias. My father was a member of the NYPD for more than three decades before he retired as a lieutenant. I also have friends who have been officers in the NYPD as well as the Nassau and Suffolk County police departments. It was most impactful to be able to closely observe police work during my 18 years on the House Homeland Security Committee.

I had the chance to meet the “Blue Bloods” cast during several visits to their studio in Brooklyn, where they filmed the Sunday-family-dinner scenes,

and other shooting locations on Long Island. All are outstanding people, especially Selleck; Donnie Wahlberg, who played Danny; and Will Estes, who played Jamie. So, too, is Steve Schirripa (Anthony Abetemarco), whom I’d met before, a great guy who’s as genuine as the investigator he plays on the show.

Believe me, I’m not a star-struck guy. Being in public life, I’ve met a number of famous people and celebrities who are jerks. The “Blue Bloods” guys are the real deal.

The unanswered question is why CBS canceled a show that had consistently positive ratings for so many seasons and such a loyal, supportive fan base. Was it because “Blue Bloods” resisted corporate pressure to be more progressive and ‘woke’? Were its traditional values, exemplified by support for the police, the family dinner and strong patriotism, too out of touch for some of its advertisers? No matter. “Blue Bloods” fans will always have the memories.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

At least Governor Hochul got the message

grams to help wage earners on many levels. Her first salvo into the coming year is an interesting one. She wants to give every family that makes less than $300,000 a check from the state for $500, and individuals who make less than $150,000 a onetime payment of $300.

Fiscal conservatives and budget hawks jumped on the plan with all kinds of criticism, but it will take more than a few barbs to kill Hochul’s one-shot anti-inflation proposal. Why is this plan being proposed, and where would the money come from?

when she announces her proposed budget in late January. Every one of the ideas in her plan will be aimed at saving people money.

s he’ll propose a 2025 budget loaded with programs to help wage earners.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the state collected a bonanza of tax revenue. Housebound voters purchased billions of dollars’ worth of necessities, and the state was the beneficiary. Those funds are sitting in some budget account, and if the governor doesn’t spend them first, the State Legislature surely will.

The rebate proposal is just one of many taxpayer benefits that Hochul will announce. There are numerous ways to reward consumers, and the governor can be the first one to offer them

Aside from the fact that Hochul is paying attention to the message of this year’s election, she is also keeping an eye on the political calendar. She will be seeking re-election in 2026, and now is as good a time as ever to make proposals that appeal to the average voter. The timing is important, because there are always a few ambitious Democrats who think they can do a better job, as well as some Republicans who are looking for promotions.

Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams has climbed on the tax-cutting bandwagon. He has proposed a modest cut for people on the lowest rung of the income ladder, but a check in the mail can be a much more potent gift for a voter in 2025.

Is a rebate check a new political idea? Some years back, when the state was running the Long Island Lighting Company, then Gov. George Pataki

approved a one-time payment for utility customers. It was an instant hit. Are there many ways to put money in voters’ wallets? From personal experience, I can think of a few. While serving as chair of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I Iearned a lot about sales taxes. New York’s tax laws cover thousands of day-to-day household items. Some of those taxes could be eliminated, and consumers would know very quickly why their expenses went down. The flip side of sales tax cuts is that they cost the state money, but if there’s money in the cupboard, why not spend it?

In the weeks ahead, New York voters will be romanced with one proposal after another. The trick for the governor is to be the first one to come up new ideas that the Legislature will have a hard time rejecting. It’s time for the state to start giving back, even if that comes in small pieces.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

2

Suffolk C.C. is shortchanging journalism

in a decision that has left many Long Island journalists and educators dismayed, Suffolk County Community College has chosen to eliminate its journalism major.

HERALD

The move, characterized as a cost-cutting measure in response to declining enrollment and the purportedly dim career prospects of students who study journalism, is not only shortsighted, but runs counter to the college’s mission of preparing students to transfer to fouryear institutions where they can follow their chosen paths to future success.

For years, SCCC has prided itself on serving as a launching pad for students aiming to continue their education at schools such as Adelphi, Hofstra and Stony Brook universities — institutions with thriving journalism and communications programs. Suffolk’s own commercials proclaim how proud the school is to propel two-year students to fouryear schools.

Journalism is not only a viable academic path at these schools; it is also a critical discipline that is nothing less than the backbone of a functioning democracy. By shuttering the journalism major, SCCC sends a troubling message about the value it places on media literacy, civic engagement and students’ preparation for essential careers in public service, accountability and compelling storytelling.

The college’s decision is proving to be a controversial one, given that it came despite opposition from SCCC’s own faculty. In three separate votes, educators overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to discontinue the program. Such strong opposition suggests that those closest to

letters

Those excessive red-light-camera fines

To the Editor:

the educational process, who teach, mentor and advise students, understand the importance of maintaining a journalism program, even at a time when there couldn’t be more challenges for the profession.

The executive dean ultimately overrode those votes, citing enrollment declines and data from the New York State Department of Labor projecting limited growth in journalism jobs.

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, show a more robust industry despite the decline in the number and readership of newspapers. The SCCC decision fails to account for the evolving nature of journalism and its continued relevance in a mediasaturated world. The field is not disappearing; it is being transformed, and students deserve the opportunity to learn the skills needed to adapt to this new media landscape.

Content creation, social media management, podcasting, multimedia reporting and data journalism are just a few of the avenues now available to those with a foundation in journalism. Furthermore, the skills taught in a journalism program — writing, research, critical thinking and ethical reasoning — are transferable to a wide range of careers.

As it happens, the State University of New York has a system-wide community journalism program, the Institute for Local News, that provides students with real-world experience at local media outlets. Ironically, SCCC is the largest college by enrollment in the SUNY system. And we should note that its sister school, Nassau Community College, also offers journalism classes, but has no

If you haven’t heard, it seems a state appeals court has found that Nassau County has been adding illegal fees to red-light-camera tickets over the past 10 years — $100 on a $150 ticket. Ouch. I know — just like you, I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell ya. OK, not really.

But here’s the thing: Some of our dear legislators don’t wanna give back the money that was taken from us! Yeah, another shock.

I guess we’ll just see how that little bit of business plays out, but there is one more thing I’d like to bring up again. One of the biggest complaints about the redlight cams is the rear-end collisions they cause. Not being one to complain without offering a solution, I’d like to re-introduce my simple solution that would solve the problem immediately. Simple countdown clocks! There is absolutely no excuse why there shouldn’t be one hanging from every traffic light at a

journalism major.

The Herald Community Newspapers have for years invited journalism students from colleges across Long Island to work as interns, and the company is currently in partnership with Hofstra on a program in which students will join forces with Herald journalists on a series of stories, as well as with Stony Brook’s Working Newsroom, in which students will pitch and write stories. All of the stories will be published in the Heralds.

SCCC is targeting other programs and majors that fail to meet certain enrollment and job market criteria, and those decisions signal a troubling trend of prioritizing short-term metrics over longterm educational value. While budget constraints are an undeniable reality for most institutions, their decisions about academic programs should be guided by more than just numbers. They should reflect a commitment to the colleges’ missions and to the needs of their students.

If SCCC is truly committed to preparing students for transfer and future success, it must reconsider the elimination of its journalism major. A flourishing journalism program would not only support the college’s academic reputation, but also affirm its dedication to producing graduates who are informed, articulate and passionate about engaging with the world.

Bottom-line-focused decisions may balance budgets in the moment, but they risk undermining the broader purpose of education: to prepare students not only for jobs but also for meaningful, informed lives.

opinions

We need the Department of Education

the U.S. Department of Education was established as a cabinet-level agency in October 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, and officially began operations in May 1980. For nearly 45 years, the department has soldiered past many attempts to break it apart, or disband it altogether, most notably by conservative politicians who believe that the federal agency oversteps states’ rights.

While calls to do away with the agency have persisted through the early 21st century, the effort has never been successful, and here’s why: Many educators, parents, advocacy groups and politicians on both sides of the aisle support a federal role in education to ensure equity and civil rights enforcement.

I’m not an educator or a politician, but I can tell you this: Education, and at the very least a high school diploma, is imperative to one’s success in life. What’s even more important is that the Department of Education has played a vital role in making access to education possible for countless people, ensuring that opportunities for learning and growth are within reach for all.

The DOE oversees and coordinates national education policies, but it also works closely with state and local governments to assess needs on a state-bystate basis.

There are many avenues on which I could diverge to highlight some of the department’s key components, but I’ll focus on just a few things, the first being Title I — the largest federal education program, which is aimed at improving the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. It provides financial assistance to schools and districts with high percentages of children from low-income families.

sprovides them with specific protections and resources, like individualized education plans, mandating that schools develop tailored plans for these students, outlining their unique needs and goals and the services required to meet those goals.

hutting it down would have profound consequences for students all over the nation.

Over the years, Title I has garnered bipartisan support, because both Democrats and Republicans recognize the need to address education inequities. Debates have arisen over funding distribution and outcome measurement, but Title I remains a central component of federal education policy because of its critical role in supporting vulnerable students.

The DOE also oversaw the implementation of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. In simplest terms, the act guarantees free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities, and also

red-light-cam intersection. Problem solved. You’re welcome.

FRED GEFEN Woodmere

More local memories of Jimmy Breslin

To the Editor:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Peter King’s column “Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism” (Dec. 5-11). It brought back so many memories. Breslin used to call my late husband, Marvin Bernstein, every Sunday night for the news about the Nassau County Supreme Court. Marvin was the public information officer at the courthouse, and Jimmy kept him busy! Thanks for the column, Mr. King!

SANDY BERNSTEIN East Meadow

The Sands proposal: ‘right location, wrong project’

To the Editor:

Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for an

integrated casino-resort in the Nassau County Hub a very bad idea. Right location, wrong project! Are the risks to our suburban lifestyle and environment worth the grossly exaggerated benefits projected? There were so many assumptions in the draft environment impact statement, and so much information omitted.

I am strongly opposed to the proposed project at the Hub. There are better alternatives that would benefit all Nassau County residents, but the people we rely on to protect our interests and preserve our suburban way of life are looking for a quick fix. They will bankrupt your future in more ways than you could imagine.

Hard Rock’s application to develop Citi Field has been approved by local community boards. Much better location, very accessible public transportation and a much better independent operator than Sands. That “Metropolitan Park,” if built, would compete with Sands and other downstate casinos for the same pool of gamblers and people seeking entertainment options. Somebody’s going to lose, and it will be the residents of Nassau County.

The act stretches beyond primary and secondary education, also requiring schools to help students transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment or independent living — ensuring that no one’s future is negatively impacted by a learning or physical disability.

I’m detailing all of this because I, like many others, find it extremely alarming that President-elect Donald Trump has once again vowed to shut down the Department of Education.

He first proposed to do so during his 2016 presidential campaign, but even his own secretary of education during his first term, Betsy DeVos, didn’t see that idea through.

The DOE has faced its share of woes over the course of seven presidencies, and yet it steadfastly continues its work. Shutting it down isn’t just a matter of politics — it’s a decision that would have profound consequences for students across the nation.

If Trump succeeds in dismantling the department in his second term, experts in the field have indicated that its programs could survive or operate under other federal or state agencies, but the transition would likely cause massive disruptions in services, negatively impacting students.

Ninety percent of all K-12 students in the U.S. are publicly educated, due to education’s accessibility and widespread availability, and who would we be, as a nation, if we took that accessibility away?

I’ve said this many times, and I’ll say it again: If you voted for Trump because you believe in his vision for America, that’s fine, and it’s your right as an American.

Putting that aside, however, I now ask you to think about students — perhaps even your children — and what the shutdown of a massively important department could mean.

The Department of Education exists to ensure that education is not a privilege for few, but rather a right for everyone, and to close it down would risk reversing decades of progress. Rather than dismantle it, we should be focused on strengthening it for generations to come, prioritizing children, their futures, and the promise of opportunity for all.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

Rockville Centre Girl Scout Troop 864 at Dees’ annual Trees for Troops — Oceanside

ANTHONY BRANCATO East Meadow

JorDan VaLLone