Fifth graders are getting the tools for a lifetime of mental well-being at Saw Mill Road Elementary School. Yoga has become a staple in Brandon Rosenblatt’s classroom and the breathing and stretching exercises are well received by students.
Several teachers throughout the North Bellmore School District have been taking a professional development workshop with Alyssa Parker, a physical education teacher at Saw Mill Road. Rosenblatt is bringing his knowledge from the course —Yoga, Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness — to his students. Above, Bella Sosa and Ellie Weissman learned how to calm their minds and bodies.
Marine recruit shaves head for good cause
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
Dominick Brown, a Mepham High School senior who is preparing to join the U.S. Marines, shaved his head on Jan. 15 to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund research for pediatric cancer.
Brown, who lives in North Bellmore, gathered with his friends and family in the school’s gymnasium as fellow “shavees” on the day before his early graduation, raising more than $500, which exceeded their $200 goal.
“I’m feeling great, I’m feeling accomplished,” Brown said. “I knew going into basic (training) I would have to shave my head regardless, so I felt it would be very good to do so for a great cause.”
The foundation’s main fundraising event, “Chop Your Locks for Charity,” is scheduled to take place on March 19. Each year, the fundraiser brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars — a large portion coming from the Mepham community. Mepham seniors have raised more than $700,000 throughout the foundation’s history.
Brown and Christopher Patten, a global history teacher at Mepham and an organizer for the school’s service learning program, worked together on the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser before his early graduation.
“We’ve had faculty members who have been impacted by childhood cancer with their own children,” Patten said. “It’s become something that the school really rallies behind.”
In the next few weeks, the rest of Mepham’s seniors will begin to plan their contributions to St. Baldrick’s annual
St. Baldrick’s has worked to fund research into pediatric cancer for 25 years. Cancer is the most common disease-related cause of death among children in the U.S., and according to the foundation’s website, St. Baldrick’s is the largest charity that provides research grants for childhood cancer in the country.
Continued on page xx
Photos Courtesy North Bellmore School District
Right, Elizer Stoll and Lucas Millers practiced yoga poses from a guided video.
Freeport-Merrick Rotary to hold tax-assistance seminar
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club is set to host its annual tax seminar at the Freeport Memorial Library and the Merrick Library in early February.
This free event is intended to offer residents valuable insights on tax filing, property tax grievances and retirement planning, with expert guidance to help attendees navigate these financial challenges.
The first session, at the Freeport library, is scheduled for Feb. 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The second, at the Merrick library, will be held on Feb. 10, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
Margareth Victor, an educator and a Freeport resident, will be the lead expert on retirement planning. She talks with people in all groups, and, she said, “I tell them, ‘When would you like to retire?’ Like, ‘Oh, in my 30s.’ ‘In my 40s.’ ‘I want to retire now,’ but it’s about understanding how to prepare for that.”
An independent agent with World Financial Group and a high school teacher in Queens, Victor is dedicated to educating people about financial planning and wealth creation.
“To be honest with you, if I was set up, if I sat with someone from World Financial Group in my 20s, I would have been able to retire now,” she said. “That’s why it has become my passion.”
Victor’s presentation will focus on practical steps people can take to secure their financial future, including cutting unnecessary expenses and investing in taxadvantaged accounts. “Simple things like cutting down on Uber Eats expenses and redirecting those funds toward savings can make a significant difference over time,” she added.
Another featured speaker, Dave Denenberg, will guide attendees through the process of filing a grievance for
Group and a former county legislator, said.
Having helped residents navigate the assessment system for over 25 years, Denenberg emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the county’s online tools, which allow residents to file grievances without paying attorneys’ fees upfront.
Those who compare sales information for homes similar to their own may discover that their tax rate is based on an inaccurate assessment. “It’s a community service,” Denenberg said. “Why not empower people to do it themselves?”
Denenberg will show how to access the Nassau County website, set up an account, and use sales comparison data to argue for a fair property assessment. He noted that a resident’s assessment is their share of the tax burden, so if left unchallenged, it could result in an increase in taxes if other residents opt to reassess.
The final speaker, Mark Rigeur, an accountant, will offer advice on optimizing tax refunds in the upcoming filing season. He will help attendees understand new regulations and tax-saving opportunities.
Rotary’s mission is to support the community through service, and the seminars, club officials say, align with that goal by giving residents crucial financial knowhow.
“It’s really providing a service to the community that’s going to make their lives better,” Victor concluded.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session, and they can schedule follow-up meetings with the presenters for personalized guidance.
For those unable to attend, property tax grievances can be filed online, at NassauCountyNY.gov, in the E-services section, where users can access the Assessment Review page and utilize the Sales Locator tool.
show people how they can file a grievance online, with comparable sales information to support their grievance,” Denenberg, the president of Cobra Consulting
The Rotary Club encourages community members to take advantage of this opportunity to hear expert financial advice and plan for a more secure future.
The Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital delivers the nation’s best cardiac care.
Our team offers a full range of exceptional care, from minimally invasive procedures to lifesaving transplants—all while tackling the greatest challenges in medicine.
Courtesy Margareth Victor Margareth Victor, an educator in Queens, will work with attendees on how best to plan for retirement at upcoming tax-assistance seminars.
An exciting year ahead for Bellmore’s business
The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores’ 2025 Installation Dinner was an evening that celebrated businesses, community relationships and meaningful partnerships throughout the year. It took place on Jan. 18 at the Crest Hollow Country Club, a catering hall and event space on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.
The installation dinner honored several influential members of the Chamber of Commerce, including Joseph LoPresti of Last Minute Details, who was named the Chamber Member of the Year.
Eileen Casazza of the Bellmore Civic Association was named the Outstanding Community Person of the Year for her efforts in and around Bellmore.
“A huge congratulations to Eileen Casazza for being named ‘Outstanding Community Person of the Year,’” the civic association posted on Facebook. “Bellmore is truly fortunate to have such a devoted and passionate resident in our town.”
Gene Judd of Island Greenery, will remain president of the chamber for 2025.
Whether influential members of the community were being honored, or businesses that have gone above and beyond, the evening highlighted the good work of the chamber, and looked ahead to what’s to come.
For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.
— Jordan Vallone
Mike Monahan/Herald photos
Board members from the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores were reinstalled during the chamber’s 2025 Installation Dinner on Jan. 18 at the Crest Hollow Country Club.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores’ board with elected officials who attended the dinner.
Elected officials, including State Sen. Steve Rhoads, swore in the board members.
Gene Judd, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, spoke at the installation event.
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.
Adapted from author Doug Armey, the following are keys to keeping your brain “lit” as you age.
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
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.
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
Girls Basketball: Manhasset at Kennedy 5
Wrestling: Oceanside at Freeport 6
Gymnastics: Lynbrook at North Shore 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Baldwin 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Clarke at Hewlett
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.
South Side shoots past Kennedy
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
There wasn’t a cloud in the Monday night sky but it was raining 3s inside the South Side High School gymnasium as the Cyclones and visiting Kennedy were both on the mark from beyond the arc in a Nassau Conference AA3 girls’ basketball matchup.
South Side, coming off a rough shooting performance in a loss to firstplace Division last Friday, sank eight 3s to the Cougars’ 5 and didn’t allow a point in the third quarter of a 63-28 victory. Junior Ellie Lennon scored a game-high 15 points, sophomore Katelyn Mullin had 13, sophomore Reese Long added 9 and senior Charlotte Rathjen 8 as the Cyclones won their 12th game of the season and improved to 7-3 in AA3.
Senior Jolie Yablon led Kennedy (6-9 overall, 3-6 in AA3) with 8 points and hit the first of its three consecutive treys in the third quarter — junior Jordi Wohlleben and senior Tristan Montalbano followed — as the visitors got within 20-15 before South Side took command.
“It was good to see us bounce back after Division,” South Side head coach Dan Ferrick said. “We shot 13-for-63 in that game and it was so unlike us. Tonight showed we can put a tough one behind us. Now we’re comfortably in the playoffs with seven conference wins and it’s just a matter of seeding.”
Mullin hit four treys on the night and Lennon three shots from long range as the Cyclones all but secured third place in AA3. They have four games remaining—Roslyn, Bethpage, Manhasset and Hewlett — before the playoffs begin in mid-February. This Friday at 7 p.m. is the home regular-season finale against Bethpage where the team will honor Rathjen, Taylor Hansman and Ella Burbige.
“Our hope is to run the table and If I had to guess right now, probably be seeded sixth or seventh,” Ferrick said.
“We still have to go to Manhasset and that’s going to be a tough one. Hopefully we play how we did tonight.”
scored 8 points and hit two of the teams’ combined 13 three-pointers in Monday night’s defeat at South Side.
Kennedy has five conference games to go, including three at home, and is on a three-game slide after taking down Hewlett behind senior Ashley St. Surin’s 13 and Bethpage behind Yablon’s 21 and Montalbano’s 18. All are all having solid seasons, head coach Mallory Freely said.
“It’s a really tough conference and we’ve had trouble against teams with a lot of height,” Freely said.
The Cougars scored 9 of the first 11 points of the second quarter before South Side used a 12-3 run to lead by 14 at halftime. The third was all Cyclones, who scored all 20 points of the quarter highlighted by two 3s apiece from Lennon and Mullin.
“We shot the ball well and that was one of the best things about tonight along with how well we defended their better scorers,” Ferrick said.
Derrick Dingle/Herald Kennedy senior Jolie Yablon
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, like SJ Edwards Inc., might soon be receiving some much-needed financial relief.
Earlier this month, State Sen. Monica 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 veteranowned, or that have 10 employees or fewer — while keeping investment in the media outlets that New Yorkers rely on everyday for critical information.
“I’ve been in the business 20 years, but I’ve been in the industry for over 40,” Sharon Davis, the president of SJ Edwards Inc. told the Herald.
SJ Edwards Inc. helps businesses with health insurance, supplemental benefits like dental and vision, and disability employee assistance programs in the corporate environment.
Regarding the possible tax credit, Davis said “I’m sure I could use it.”
“Marketing is very important, especially with a small business — I’m only one person, and so it’s hard for me to get out there the way we used to,” she said. “I’m realizing, as much as I resisted digital advertising, I need to be out there and tell my story. I would be interested in the grant.”
Courtesy Metro
State officials have 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 — which could positively impact locally owned business in Nassau County.
“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, which is composed of over 200 local newspapers across New York — including the Bellmore/Merrick/East Meadow 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, founding member of the Empire State Local News Coali-
tion, 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,” LIA President and chief executive Matt Cohen said. “The legislation is a win-win, and we look forward to its passage this session.”
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.”
Additional reporting by Joseph D’Alessandro
Before boot camp, Dominick Brown arranges parting gift
fundraiser, and many of them are participants in the service leadership program. The program is designed to help Mepham students coordinate community service projects and make meaningful changes in their neighborhood.
Students have worked with the Ronald McDonald House and Autism Speaks, and even helped construct new local housing.
“The cause has always been near and dear to our heart right at high school,” Patten said. “What’s even more important right now is just how proud we are of one of our students to make the commitment to serve.
“That’s what we really advocate here,” he continued. “It’s for these kids to be the change they wish to see in the world. And right now, Dominick is embodying that.”
These students have helped coordinate the school’s St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, bringing music, dances and other performances to the night’s activities, which raise close to $50,000 every year, Patten said.
Brown’s ceremony was the first of its kind, kicking off the annual fundraiser two months early.
“It’s a way to celebrate Dom,” Patten said of Brown.
Brown graduated early because boot camp will begin on March 11 in Parris Island, South Carolina. When his training begins, he will undergo a threemonth boot camp, followed by one month of Marine combat training, and six months of additional education.
Since childhood, Brown has aspired to become a Marine, and was inspired by military role models throughout his life, including family friend Adam Clark. Clark served in the Marine Corps from 2015 to 2019.
“The Marine Corps is going to be a solid entryway to the beginning of his adult life,” Clark said. “It’s going to be hard, but it is something that stays with you for the rest of your life, and it’s
gonna be good for him.”
Clark is dating Brown’s sister and was introduced to the family four years ago, when Brown was in eighth grade.
“The second (Brown) learned that I was in the military, it was like a light bulb went off,” Clark said. “He wanted to know absolutely anything and everything.”
To Clark, joining the Marines is one of the greatest acts of service one can make.
“I believe that we all have the opportunity to make a difference in this world,” he said.
To learn more about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation or to donate, visit StBaldricks.org.
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District those in attendance to the pediatric cancer fundraiser were michael Harrington, superintendent of Bellmore-merrick Central High School district; Chris patten, social studies teacher and St. Baldrick’s co-organizer; dominick Brown, mepham High School senior; robyn einbinder, social studies department chairwoman; Kerry dennis, St. Baldrick’s co-organizer; and anthony demartinis, mepham principal.
Chyrise Brown, dominick Brown’s mother, performed the ceremonial head-shaving honors on Jan. 15.
a u.S. marine who attended the event also helped dominick Brown.
gianna messina, a mepham senior in the district’s cosmetology program, cleans up after dominick Brown’s head was freshly shaven.
Flea market fun along Sunrise Highway
When you think about flea markets and street fairs, most picture a warm day in the spring, summer or fall. But along Sunrise Highway, travelers on Sundays have likely passed the winter flea market in Merrick — and it’s a great place to get out of the house, stretch your legs and shop around for a trinket or two through the cold months of January, February and March.
The flea market happens every weekend, thanks to a collaboration with Nassau County Fairs and the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. There’s plenty of parking and free admission. The entrance is in the parking lot of the corner of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue, at 1 Broadcast Plaza, Merrick.
Since Nov. 17, travelers from near and far have flocked to the fair. Vendors present a unique selection of items, including but not limited to antiques, jewelry, pocketbooks, footwear and more.
If vendors want to sign up for the fair
From antiques to
everything
get a
your
which takes place on Sundays only, it’s $50 a slot. Each vendor will get two parking spaces — one for their vehicle and one to sell items. Vendors can begin setting up for the fair’s opening at 8 a.m. The fair closes at 5 p.m.
If you’re planning to attend, fair supervisors recommend dressing warmly and bringing an umbrella. In cases of severe weather, the market will close. There’s a bathrooms on site, and sometimes food vendors as well.
There’s something for everyone at the flea market. At the Jan. 19 fair, Rose Opas displayed an array of old military gear, while George Ferguson of George’s Treasures braved the cold with a sampling of different items up for sale.
For more information on the market, and ones taking place nearby, visit NassauCountyFairs.com or call (516) 442-6000. The last weekend for the fair is March 30.
— Jordan Vallone
Holden Leeds/Herald Photos
At the flea market along Sunrise Highway, there’s treasures for everyone. Rose Opas was set up on Jan. 19 with an array of military items.
newer items, and
in between, it’s easy to
hold of
next treasure. Walt Smith, right, at a recent market.
All aboard for safe boating classes in Nassau
The days might be cold now, but it’s a good time to start planning for the warmer weather and another boating season by registering now for safe boating classes through the Town of Hempstead.
With Brianna’s Law now in effect, requiring all boat operators to obtain a boating safety certificate, these classes are essential for ensuring safe and responsible use of the waterways.
Upcoming Safe Boating Class
The first course of 2025 is designed for ages 10 to 18 and will take place over two sessions at the Department of Conservation and Waterways, 1401 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout.
Saturday, Feb. 1: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate. The town’s bay constables will lead the classes.
“Teaching the next generation to safely operate a boat is a rite of passage for many Long Island families,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, said in a news release. “By starting young, we’re building a culture of safety, experience, and respect for our waterways. I encourage all young mariners to sign up for these important classes.”
About Brianna’s Law
This state law honors Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Islander killed in a 2005 boating accident. The law
The Town of Hempstead is offering safe boating classes for participants earn the required boating
mandates safety certification for all boat operators, helping to create safer waters for everyone.
More Courses Coming Soon Additional courses for both youth and
adults will be announced in the near future.
To register for the February class or inquire about future courses, contact the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.
Residents who have already been certified but need a replacement card can visit: Bit.ly/4jkJ1p6.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Jeffrey Bessen/Herald
safety certificate.
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.
Your Neighborhood
THE
Sheng Wang
With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special Sweet & Juicy produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedian, actor, and writer, Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Long-time comedian
Sheng Wang is truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York unwilling to give an Asian American comedian the time of day to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. Wang asks audiences to not only recognize the personhood of an Asian on stage but to find deep resonance with this person’s honest feelings. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Houston, Texas., Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. He likens himself to “A Clown with Words.” Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang resides in L.A. and in his time off he enjoys exploring botanical gardens and discovering new ways to snack. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Family movie
Come in from the cold and enjoy a family movie on Bellmore Memorial Library’s big screen. See “The Wild Robot,” Sunday, Feb. 9, 2-4 p.m. The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot-ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short, that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. Rated PG. Registration required.
Children under age10 must be accompanied by a responsible person (parent, caregiver, or mature adolescent age 14 years or older). 2288 Bedford Ave. Visit bellmorelibrary.org to register and for more or call (516) 785-2990.
Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment
Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The nonsectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 599-5705.
Winter in the woods
Explore Sands Point Preserve in winter, with environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir, Saturday, Feb. 1, 10-11:30 a.m. She will engage participants ill engage audiences in handson nature discovery activities encompassing the preserve’s unique physical features and wildlife.
Conservation issues are also discussed on the walk through the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. $15 ($10 members), $5 children. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
The Furry Forecaster
Visit Long Island Children’s Museum and share in some Groundhog Day fun, Saturday, Feb. 1, noon-2 p.m. Join in on the forecasting festivities and make a groundhog to take home, at the drop-in program. Will he emerge from his burrow and see his shadow or not? For ages 3 and up. Free with admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Public Notices
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. 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
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’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.
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. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 69/25. BELLMOREAndrew Smart, Renewal of grant to maintain pool with surrounding wood deck & 6’ high fence with less than required front yard setback on Martin Ave. & larger than pool installation area., N/E cor. Russell St. & Martin Ave., a/k/a 2053 Russell St. 75/25. N. BELLMOREDonna Sarfati, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen)., N/s Rosemont St., 387.77’ W/o East Meadow Ave., a/k/a 2185 Rosemont St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
Mepham High’s Makayla
Daube nets 1000th point
Makayla Daube, a member of Mepham High School’s girls basketball team, scored her 1,000th point during the Pirates’ Jan. 11 game. Daube had previously reached 1,000 rebounds as well.
She is the first Mepham girls basketball player to have both 1,000 varsity points and 1,000 rebounds.
At the Jan. 11 game, the Pirates defeated New Hyde Park with a score of
Daube signs a commitment letter to play basketball at Rollins College in the fall.
68-54, earning them a big Conference AA win. Daube led the way with 26 points, noted coach Jim Mulvey. She had also set the single game record with 34 points earlier in the week versus Herricks.
The Mepham senior, class of 2025 valedictorian and All County athlete has committed to play basketball at Rollins College in the fall.
— Jordan Vallone
This notice is only for new cases in Bellmore 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. 151252
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Makayla Daube at the Jan. 11 basketball game.
HERALD
Exciting and growing Merrick company looking for a detail-oriented, motivated individual to join our team, part-time. Primary responsibilities include order processing and ful llment in a modern, comfortable o ce environment, not a warehouse. Opportunity to grow and take on more responsibilities as the business expands. Perfect for a stay-at-home parent.
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Bachelor degree and business work experience preferred. Digital marketing experience, a big plus.
Blomdahl USA Call Dave 516-868-7149 9am-3pm M-F
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Interested Applicants should contact: lsveda@sewanhakaschools.org for an application.
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
HomesHERALD
How hard is converting from oil to gas?
Q. We want a new boiler and to convert to gas, because oil costs keep rising. How safe are a gas boiler, water heater and stove? We are told it could be very expensive to run a gas line to our home if there isn’t one on the street. We have spoken to a plumber who is looking into this for us, but is this really going to be economical, since we’re retired and just trying to find ways to reduce living costs?
A. Gas is generally safe when the lines are left alone where installed, and not tampered with. We only read or hear news about a gas explosion when something out of the ordinary happens. Years ago, a gas explosion on Long Island turned out to have been caused by thieves who ripped the gas stove out of an empty home, leaving the open gas line spewing gas to the whole house until a spark from the boiler ignited the gas and blew the home up. This is rare, and was caused by ignorance.
MASSAPEQUA:
You can avoid this by being cautious, and hiring professionals to handle gas appliances. With several steps to convert from oil to gas, you, or your plumber, must verify that gas lines are available on your street. I remember converting to gas, contacting the gas company and, after a week, calling them back and learning that there was no gas, and that the closest location was a block away, on the other side of a busy county road. I was also told that I would have to go door to door to speak to neighbors about converting to gas so that it would be worth it for the gas company to extend the street line into our neighborhood. In other words, the gas company wanted me to market their product if I wanted it for myself.
I did manage to find others around me who were interested in converting. Then we all waited, and wouldn’t you know it, the neighbors started calling me to find out when the gas lines were going to be installed. That prompted me to do what you may also have to do: keep calling. There were issues with getting approvals for the road opening of a county road, which takes months, permits for the gas conversion by the plumber, location of other utilities, oil and tank removal after gas was in.
Plan for summer installation, when the boiler is least needed. As for the expense, it doesn’t pay to buy a less expensive boiler if it’s less efficient, because its operating cost — usually based on how much heat is derived per unit of fuel consumed — will be much more than the money saved at the outset. Incidentally, oil fuel is slightly more efficient than gas, but the cost increases are based on a less stable spot market. Although gas tends to remain more price-stable, for some unknown reason, it tends to increase in cost concurrent with oil increases. Good luck!
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CONSUMER
OpiniOnS
Beyond the refunds: building a New York worth staying for
Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address earlier this month, and presented her fiscal year 2026 Executive Budget proposal. These moments should inspire New Yorkers, offering a clear vision for addressing challenges and paving the way for a better, safer and more affordable future. Sadly, what we received was a patchwork of empty promises and temporary fixes that fall far short of the bold, systemic solutions we so desperately need to turn our state around.
Hochul’s recognition of issues like affordability, child care, mental health and school meals is a step in the right direction. However, her proposals lack the depth and vision required to address these challenges at their core. Instead of a blueprint for success, we were offered fleeting remedies that fail to confront the systemic problems caused by years of one-party rule in Albany.
Take affordability, for example. The governor’s “inflation refund checks” would offer temporary relief, but would do little to address the root causes of high costs. State spending has surged
by 38 percent over the past six years, with a proposed $8.6 billion increase in this year’s budget alone. New York spends more than the states of Texas and Florida combined, and 1.5 times more per person than California.
This unsustainable spending drives up taxes, squeezing middle-class families and small businesses. A proposed $1 billion middleclass tax cut is welcome, but is dwarfed by a $70 billion spending increase. It’s akin to putting pennies in one pocket while emptying the other.
GHochul’s silence on repealing congestion pricing, which burdens suburban commuters, is equally disheartening. This policy, combined with new energy taxes, electric bus mandates and the “cap and invest” program, compounds the financial strain on families and businesses. The administration’s failure to address the affordability crisis seriously risks pushing more New Yorkers to leave the state.
criminals. Judges remain powerless to consider defendants’ dangerousness when setting bail, and the governor has ignored calls to repeal sanctuary-state policies that prevent law enforcement from cooperating with federal efforts to address illegal immigration.
overnor Hochul’s fleeting remedies fail to confront our systemic problems.
Long Island, in particular, has been left behind. Hochul’s budget fails to address the fiscal crisis facing Nassau University Medical Center, the region’s only safety-net hospital. Nor does it fix the flawed changes to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program or provide adequate measures to improve early-intervention programs. These are critical issues that directly impact our communities, yet they remain unaddressed.
ic issues at the heart of our affordability and public-safety crises.
The Senate Republicans’ “Liberate New York” agenda offers a stark contrast, emphasizing long-term solutions over short-term political wins. Our approach focuses on reducing taxes, repealing harmful regulations and restoring public safety — steps necessary to make New York a state where families can thrive and businesses can grow.
Public safety remains another glaring omission. While adding more police in New York City subways is a positive step, it addresses the symptoms of crime rather than its causes. There’s still no acknowledgment of the disastrous bail reform laws that have turned courthouses into revolving doors for
The governor’s $252 billion budget proposal is a staggering $100 billion larger than it was a decade ago, raising serious concerns about sustainability. At a time when residents are leaving the state in record numbers, runaway spending, coupled with new taxes on the horizon, threatens to deepen the state’s fiscal and economic woes.
There are glimmers of hope in proposals like the middle-class tax cut, expanded funding for schools and enhanced child tax credits. But these measures alone won’t solve the system-
Moving forward, we must scrutinize the details of Hochul’s spending plan with a critical eye. Temporary fixes and feel-good measures aren’t enough. New Yorkers deserve sustainable solutions that address the real challenges they face. As the April 1 budget deadline approaches, we must ask ourselves, are we laying the groundwork for a prosperous future, or merely kicking the can down the road? Without a significant shift in priorities, New York risks perpetuating a cycle of fiscal mismanagement and declining quality of life. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and deliver real solutions. By restoring common sense and embracing a bipartisan commitment to bold, systemic change, we can turn our state around and unlock its true potential. I remain hopeful and ready to fight for a safer, more affordable New York — because New Yorkers deserve nothing less.
Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate 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.
Bellmore
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.
HERALD
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
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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-
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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.
