East Meadow Herald 01-30-2025

HERALD east meadow

Tradition in motion

The East Meadow Public Library celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 26 with a vibrant Dragon Dance in the community room. The centuries-old tradition, symbolizing strength and good luck in Chinese culture, captivated attendees of all ages with dazzling choreography and colorful costumes.

Above, performers of the Dragon Dance in front of a vast audience at the library. Right, Wesley Zheng, 2, and Amelia Zheng, 5, both of Westbury, were dressed in red — a color that represents good fortune — at the vibrant celebration. Story, more photos, Page 3.

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hate crime incident

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Sebastian Patino Caceres has pleaded guilty to criminal mischief as a hate crime charges, after officials say he spray-painted antisemitic phrases on fences in East Meadow and outside of the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center in April 2024.

Caceres, 23 of East Meadow, appeared before Judge Robert Schwartz on Jan. 16, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office. The charges against him are considered a felony, the office said, in a news release sent to reporters on Jan. 17.

ered on plastic sheeting affixed to the fencing protecting a mural of Israeli citizens who were taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Debbie Habshoosh, whose yard backs up to Merrick Avenue, began displaying the photos of the hostages along her fence line in the fall of 2023. Her husband is Israeli, she said, and in the six months the flyers had been posted, they hadn’t been touched.

I t is through education and awareness that we can teach defendants about the gravity of their words and actions.

ANNE DoNNEllY District Attorney, Nassau County

Sometime between April 14 and 15, 2024, Caceres spray-painted several antisemitic phrases on PVC fencing on the rear yards of private properties along Merrick Avenue, authorities said. The graffiti, found on the morning of April 15, included phrases like “Zionism is Nazism” and “F-ck Israel.” The phrases were discov-

Additional portions of the fence line, where no murals had been hung, were also defaced.

Caceres also spray-painted “Free Palestine” across the front cement of the East Meadow BethEl Jewish Center, at 1400 Prospect Ave., officials said. He was arrested on April 16, 2024 by Nassau County police detectives.

The incident sparked a wave of concern in the East Meadow community, and hours after the graffiti was discovered, an emergency news conference was held

Continued on page 16

Tim Baker/Herald photos

State: E.M. schools ‘susceptible’ to fiscal distress

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Twenty-two school districts in New York state, including the East Meadow Union Free School District, were designated as experiencing some type of fiscal stress for the school year ending June 30, 2024, under State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System. This marks an increase from 16 districts in fiscal stress the prior year.

“Pandemic-related federal funding as well as a boost in state aid have helped school districts avoid a fiscal stress designation in recent years,” DiNapoli said in a Jan. 24 news release. “While the number of districts has increased, it remains lower than before the pandemic. Now that most relief aid has been spent, districts should be especially vigilant that their budgets are structurally balanced to avoid fiscal problems going forward.”

State and federal aid increased by 42 percent from the 2019-20 school year to 2023-24, rising by $6.5 billion, from $15.6 billion to $22.1 billion. This aid accounted for 4.6 percent of total school district revenues.

Much of the federal aid consisted of pandemicrelated funding.

Of the 670 school districts that filed financial reports on time for the 2023-24 school year, 3.3 percent were designated as being in fiscal stress.

The Fiscal Stress Monitoring System identifies school districts, counties, cities, towns, and villages struggling with budgetary solvency — the ability to generate enough revenue to meet expenses. School districts receive a fiscal stress score based on factors including year-end fund balance, operating deficits or surpluses, cash position, and reliance on short-term debt. A higher score indicates a more severe level of fiscal stress.

Two school districts were designated in “significant fiscal stress,” the highest category—New Suffolk Common School District in Suffolk County and Mount Vernon School District in Westchester County. Four

The New York state comptroller’s office released its fiscal rating report for school districts last week. East Meadow schools were designated as ‘susceptible’ to fiscal distress. Above, East Meadow High School.

districts were classified as being in “moderate fiscal stress,” and 16 districts were deemed “susceptible to fiscal stress.”

East Meadow schools were placed n the “susceptible” category.

According to a Newsday report on the same topic, Kenneth Rosner, the superintendent of East Meadow schools, said the district’s finances were good, despite the new rating. The rating change, he said, could be attributed to a change in fiscal procedures that required East Meadow to use short-term borrowing to pay some expenses. The change was prompted by a new schedule of tax payments to the district from the

Certainty elevate the Conversation

In the book (and film), “Conclave” by Robert Harris there is a haunting quote by Cardinal Lomeli (Cardinal Lawrence) that says in part, “…let me tell you that the one sin I have come to fear more than any other is certainty. Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance… If there was only certainty, and if there was no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith...”

Although taken out of context given his speech to the other cardinals who are charged with voting for the next pope, I believe there is something bigger than religious faith when considering these words.

you have ever tried to reason with anyone who will not hear your voice over their own, or your words over their opinions, you can be sure that any form of acceptance is not (yet) possible. Knowing it all isn’t rational at all. It’s not inclusive at all. It’s isolating, that’s all.

“Certainty is the great enemy of unity.” As a nation, we have spent so much time confident in our viewpoints that we have contempt and lack respect for one another. If we are certain, there’s no room for vision, for options, for hope to join together as one community. You might think a strong point of view reflects a strong leader, but it is the individual who is comfortable enough to be unsure, who will listen to other ideas, who can offer guidance and true leadership.

“Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance.” If

“... and if there was no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith...” I don’t know about mystery and I don’t feel qualified to evaluate faith, but it sure feels better when admitting you’re not sure and don’t know. Doubt can be a strong suit to get to the truth.

Sure, certainty might seem secure in life, government, religion or society. Yet doubt, though not easy to live with, should have its rightful place too. At least with doubt one can freely question the nature of the universe and have a little more time to come up with a reply.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

Town of Hempstead.

As federal aid returns to pre-pandemic levels, the state comptroller’s office urged school officials to prepare for potential changes in funding and to use available resources, including the Comptroller’s selfassessment tool and financial toolkit, which offer guidance, training, and reports to help districts manage fiscal challenges.

For more on the fiscal stress report, visit OSC.NY.gov.

The East Meadow Board of Education will hold a public meeting on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Salisbury School, located at 718 The Plain Road, Westbury. For more, visit EMUFSD.us.

CrIme brIef

Women arrested for alleged sale of controlled substances

Two women were arrested on Jan. 21 as part of a Quality-of-Life initiative conducted by Nassau County Police and Town of Hempstead Code Enforcement, authorities said.

Samantha Spinel, 20, of East Meadow, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful sale of cannabis after police say she sold tobacco and cannabis products at Exotic Smoke Shop, located at Carmen Ave., Westbury.

Mackenzie Rae Kelly, 18, of Wantagh, was arrested for alleged sales of cannabis products at 2125 Hempstead Convenience, located at Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. Police said she faces charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal

sale of a controlled substance, and unlawful sale of cannabis.

Both women were arraigned on Jan. 22 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The establishments have a history of similar violations, according to police.

On Jan. 25, 2024, an employee at Exotic Smoke Shop was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and violating the Town of Hempstead’s nuisance law. Similarly, on March 18, 2024, an employee at 2125 Hempstead Convenience was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and nuisance law violations.

–Charles Shaw

L auren L ev

Energy, tradition at the East Meadow Public Library

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The East Meadow Public Library was alive with energy and tradition on Jan. 26 as a colorful Dragon Dance captivated attendees in the library’s community room. The event, designed to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, celebrated Lunar New Year and aimed to educate the community about its history and cultural significance.

The Dragon Dance, a centuries-old tradition, featured performers maneuvering a long, sinuous dragon puppet to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes strength, prosperity, and good luck, making it a prominent figure in Lunar New Year celebrations. Attendees were mesmerized by the vibrant display, which included intricate choreography and dazzling costumes.

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Celebrated by millions worldwide, particularly in China and other East and Southeast Asian countries, the holiday typically lasts 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival.

In Vietnam, the holiday is known as Têt, and it includes traditions such as paying respects to ancestors, cleaning homes to remove bad luck, and enjoying dishes like bánh chêng, a square sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans. In Korea, the holiday is called Seollal, and it is marked by families wearing traditional hanbok, performing ancestral rites, and playing folk games like yutnori. Additionally, Korean families often enjoy tteokguk, a rice cake soup believed to bring good fortune and signify growing a year older.

In Malaysia and Singapore, families and friends gather for reunion dinners, and people exchange mandarin oranges as a symbol of prosperity. A popular tradition in these countries is the yu sheng or “prosperity toss,” a dish of raw fish salad that is tossed high into the air with chopsticks to bring luck. In the Philippines, Filipino-Chinese communities blend traditional customs with local influences, such as preparing sticky rice cakes like tikoy, which symbolize unity.

In Western countries with significant Asian populations, Lunar New Year parades and festivals are often held in cities like San Francisco, Vancouver, and Sydney. These events feature dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, and cultural performances.

Lunar New Year celebrations will officially begin on Jan. 29. In the Chinese zodiac cycle, it is the Year of the Snake.

The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with an animal that reflects certain personality traits and characteristics. The Snake, the sixth animal in the zodiac, is often seen as a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and elegance. Those born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be deep thinkers, resourceful, and mysterious.

The event in East Meadow provided

The Dragon Dance, a centuries-old tradition, features performers maneuvering a long, sinuous dragon puppet. Gregg Zilb with his wife Rachel inside one of those puppets during the performance in East Meadow.

an opportunity for the community to engage in cultural exchange, with additional activities, including a brief question-an-answer session, so those attending could learn more about Lunar New Year.

As the Dragon Dance concluded to enthusiastic applause, participants left the library with a greater appreciation for the rich history and customs of Lunar New Year. The event highlighted the universal values of family, renewal, and hope that the holiday represents.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin this year on Jan. 29, and are celebrated by many in China and other Asian countries. The Dragon Dance traces its roots back to Chinese culture.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The East Meadow Public Library celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 26 with an authentic and colorful Dragon Dance, captivating a crowd of all ages.

Rancho Zeng and Randall Zeng, ages 7 and 4, among some of the performers’ costumes.

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.

& Estates

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.

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

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow

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 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Manhasset at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Wrestling: Oceanside at Freeport 6 p.m.

Gymnastics: Lynbrook at North Shore 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Baldwin 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Clarke at Hewlett 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Locust Valley at East Rockaway 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31

Boys Basketball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Plainedge 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Massapequa 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Herricks at Mepham 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Boys Basketball: Wantagh at Plainedge 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. South at V.S. North 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Carle Place at West Hempstead 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 12 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 3

Boys Basketball: Calhoun at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Wrestling: Long Beach at Calhoun 5:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Massapequa 7 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

VSN tops Clarke in youthful battle

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The two youngest teams in Nassau Conference A1 girls’ basketball met last Saturday afternoon with one inching closer to a long-awaited playoff berth and the other chalking up another learning experience.

Seeking its first postseason appearance since the 2012-13 campaign, Valley Stream North moved within a game of punching its ticket to the Class A tournament with a 59-37 victory over visiting Clarke. Junior Alessia Nunnari led a balanced effort for the Spartans with a season-high 19 points, with a dozen of those from behind the arc, and came one rebound shy of a double-double.

“We’re a young team that has great chemistry on and off the court,” said Nunnari, who scored 10 second-quarter points to help VSN overcome an early 19-12 deficit. “I’m so happy to be a part of such an exciting team. We’re having a lot of fun but at the same time we know we still need one more win to make playoffs,” she added.

North’s two starting eighth-grade guards, Kellenberg transfers Celeste Lyle (12) and Emily Weir, combined for 20 points, sophomore Paige Fessler added 9 and junior Jasmie Harrison had 8 as head coach Dan Lodato’s team improved to 9-5 overall and 5-3 in A1.

“We’re really aiming for that playoff spot and as we get closer the message is to not take anything for granted,” Lodato said. “Beating Mineola last Friday was big. It not only put us in fourth place but we swept the season series and have the tiebreaker against Mineola should we need it.”

The Rams (5-9 overall; 1-7 in A1), also loaded with youth, got 15 points from junior Christina Boyle and 10 from freshman Khloe Louis-Jean. All of Boyle’s offense came from three-point land including a pair as Clarke scored the first seven points of the game. Senior Lia Addeo added 5 points and junior Althea Borleo had 4.

“The conference is super tough and we’re starting only one senior,” Clarke

Clarke freshman Khloe Louis-Jean,

had 10 points last Saturday but the Rams fell short against surging Valley Stream North.

head coach Shaun Fein said. “We’ve done some good things. We have some exciting young talent and we’ll see what we can do over the last few weeks.”

Louis-Jean didn’t begin the season among the Rams’ starting five, but Fein said she’s emerged as a steady presence in the paint providing points and rebounds. “To be as big a contributor as she has been, I’m happy with that,” the coach noted.

North’s youngest pair, Lyle and Weir, hardly come off the floor, Lodato said, and are its No. 1 and 2 scorers. Weir

had three straight 20-point games earlier this month. “Celeste is a sharp shooter and has an excellent basketball IQ, and Emily just makes things happen at both ends.”

The Spartans, who were without sophomore starting center Jada Jones, a defensive star, outscored Clarke 18-5 in the second quarter and 19-10 in the third to take command.

“We’re in the driver’s seat now,” Lodato said. “Making playoffs would be a huge accomplishment and hosting a first-round game isn’t out of the question.”

Ron Manfredi/Herald

center,

New 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 veteran-owned, or that have 10 employees or fewer — while keeping investment in the media outlets that New Yorkers rely on everyday for critical information.

“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, espe-

cially 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.”

“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 Coalition, said. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”

The bill comes as the 2025 Legislative

Session kicks off and negotiations begin on the State’s next fiscal year budget, which must be passed by both the Senate and Assembly and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul by April 1. The tax credit would need to be included in the State’s final spending plan.

“The LOCAL Act is about more than just advertising — it’s about investing in the economic health of our local communities and investing in the kind of local journalism that we need now more than ever,” Martinez’ fellow bill sponsor, Lunsford, said.

Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80 percent of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.

“By making community advertising for small businesses more accessible and affordable, this proposed act will help them with their marketing strategy and customer engagement while simultaneously supporting local media outlets, which are also small companies,” LIA President and chief executive Matt Cohen said. “The legislation is a winwin, and we look forward to its passage this session.”

We are excited to support local businesses,” said Stuart Richner, president

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.

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

Courtesy

Meadowbrook students learn about farms

Kindergartners at Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow escaped the cold weather during the school’s CKLA Farm Unit on Jan. 21. Each kindergarten classroom was transformed into farms as students rotated to different rooms where they explored different animals and barns. Students rolled around in the “mud,” they learned to how to milk cows, they searched for eggs, and they learned how to manage a flock of sheep.

The CKLA — or Core Knowledge Language Arts — farm unit is part of the Core Knowledge curriculum used in East Meadow schools to build foundational skills in literacy and subject knowledge. The farm unit is typically designed for early elementary grades, like kindergarten or first grade, and teaches students about farming, animals, and the importance of agriculture through engaging stories, activities, and discussions.

–Jordan Vallone

Photos courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District

On Jan. 21, kindergartners at Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow escaped the cold weather during the school’s CKLA Farm Unit.

Kindergartners rolled around in the ‘mud’ on the farm.

Students learned how to milk cows during Meadowbrook’s CKLA Farm Unit.

Students colored pigs as part of Meadowbrook’s CKLA Farm Unit.

Kindergartners also learned how to manage a flock of sheep.

STEPPING OUT

madness takes over

By Danielle Schwab

When it comes to Monster Jam, go big or go home.

Those bigger-than-life behemoths gear up for a crushing competition

Witness the roar of eight monster trucks battle it out for the winning trophy at the fullthrottle competition with plenty of car-smashing, donut-wheeling and back-flipping action fans know and expect.

Monster Jam arrives at UBS Arena next weekend, Feb. 7-9, taking over Belmont Park for three days packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. This isn’t just any event — it’s “As Big As It Gets.” where where every moment is unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable.

Both monster truck fanatics and first-time watchers will experience all the motorsport has to offer in a four-part competition ruled by these 12,000 pound mechanical beasts.

Drivers bring out all the stunts for the competition to the delight of spectators.

“Who doesn’t love big trucks crushing stuff, mjumping high in the air, rolling over and doing all the crazy stuff we do?” says Matt Cody, the longtime driver of Grave Digger and 2024 Arena Series West Champion.

• Friday through Sunday, Feb. 7-9; times vary

• Tickets available at ticketmaster.com

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

always my birthday present. I fell in love with it,” he says.

Starting at 13-years-old, Cody got involved with the event in every way possible — whether it was sweeping floors, cleaning trucks or driving the tractortrailers. His passion and hard work earned him a role as a mechanic for the show, eventually paving the way for him to become an official driver in 2012.

‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. dynamic live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

Saturday Feb. 1, 8 p.m. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

“From the atmosphere to the production to the people, it’s a big family and it’s a big family sport, everybody’s there to just have fun,” he adds.

Ten years later, Cody started driving the infamous Grave Digger — a 43 year global legend among monster trucks, sporting massive 66-inch tires.

“It’s just a big, bad machine,” Cody says.

Watch as these powerful trucks race for the fastest time, showcase their jaw-dropping skills with epic stunts — some of which are only on two wheels — in competitions of speed and skill. Also see the drivers unleash their trucks’ wild, untamed power in a thrilling freestyle showdown.

And of course, there’ll be plenty of monster-sized donuts to get heads-spinning as well.

This epic ride sports tombstones on its side “for the competitors that we’ve beaten and buried,” he explains.

Going head-to-head against Grave Digger are newcomers Plane Krazy and Krazy Train as well as a new fan favorite, Sparkle Smash, a giant blue-and-purple unicorn that’s sure to kick some butt.

Other trucks returning to claim victory are the always-popular Megalodon, Zombie, El Toro Loco, and Terminal Velocity.

South Shore

Symphony

right in the middle of the action, helping to

To make it even more exciting, the judges’ panel includes the entire audience. Fans are right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the event champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves. Everyone gets a say in which truck triumphs with glory and eventually moves on to July’s Monster Jam World Finals.

It’s truly an unforgettable family affair, involving generations of families since Monster Jam’s start in 1992.

“I met so many awesome fans from over the years, dedicated fans who’ll bring their grandfather, the dad, and now son, to an event. And the grandfather will be like, ‘Yeah, I remember bringing my son.’ Even though I’m not the driver that may have been [there] at that time, they’ll take a picture just to recreate that,” Cody says.

“It’s just an awesome experience among the families and the memories that they’re making.”

All of this from the best seat in UBS Arena, which is every seat according to Cody.

“I tell people that in an arena as compared to a stadium, stadiums are cool, but in an arena, there’s not a bad seat in the house.”

Start off the action early. Fans can get a closer look at the trucks and meet the drivers at the exclusive Monster Jam Pit Party — or get revved up prior to the show with sneak peaks, giveways and extra action at the Monster Jam Trackside Experience.

Before taking over the driver’s seat, Cody’s Monster Jam journey began sitting in the audience of Monster Jam events as a kid. Cody, from Williamsport, Md., began to follow the sport at age 8. As a lifelong fan, he knows the thrills it offers to both fan and participant.

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

Before taking over the driver’s seat, lifelong fan, he knows the thrills it offers to both

Top left - Sparkle Smash, among the newcomers, joins El Toro Loco and the other trucks in nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, among other feats.

Music Director Adam Glaser’s South Shore Symphony Orchestra welcomes the New Year with a rousing concert, titled “Heritage and Memory, at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by guitarist Tali Roth. Originally from Israel, now based in the New York City area, she’ll be playing the beloved Rodrigo’s Concieto de Aranjuez. The evening’s repertoire also includes Humperdinck’s Prelude to the opera Hansel and Gretel. The charming composition is known for its sweetness and nostalgia to this piece that catches you off guard. Another, Mary Watkins’ Soul of Remembrance is becoming a staple in the orchestra repertoire, and deservedly so, according to Glaser. The program’s second half is devoted to Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D major.

“Monster Jam used to come every year. It was

Top right - Monster trucks reach epic heights in the latest edition of Monster Jam. Grave Digger, with Matty Cody (bottom left) and other popular trucks thrill fans in their customized high-power vehicles.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

THE Your Neighborhood

Sheng Wang

With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special Sweet & Juicy produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedian, actor, and writer, Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Long-time comedian

Sheng Wang is truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York unwilling to give an Asian American comedian the time of day to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. Wang asks audiences to not only recognize the personhood of an Asian on stage but to find deep resonance with this person’s honest feelings. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Houston, Texas., Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. He likens himself to “A Clown with Words.” Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang resides in L.A. and in his time off he enjoys exploring botanical gardens and discovering new ways to snack. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Tech Help

East Meadow Library’s popular technology assistance program is still going strong. Help is available in the lobby area Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Feel free to drop in with your tech questions. No appointment necessary. For more information, visit EastMeadow.info. 1886 Front St., East Meadow.

Bingo at Beth-El

Get your game on at a weekly bingo game at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center, starting at 6 p.m. Prizes, progressive games, bell jar prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proof of vaccination is required. 1400 Prospect Ave., in East Meadow. For information, contact (516) 483-4205.

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.

By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker

Sean Cirillo Oceanside

My 2025 resolution is to replace all my local car trips with walking and biking. Replacing these short trips that are typically done with a car is healthier, saves me money, better connects me to the community and I’m never stuck in traffic on a bike.

What is your major goal for 2025?

Mike

Ahl Babylon

I would like to get stronger. I ride my bike in Babylon. My average is 45 minutes to do 10 miles, and I want to get it under 40 minutes. I have two little boys, I want to be healthy for them.

David Friedman Hewlett

Definitely need a nice relaxing vacation somewhere warm. I haven’t been to Atlantis in many years, or maybe Italy. There are too many things to do and I’m getting older, so I need a vacation.

Sharon Edwards Merrick

Time management is definitely my resolution for this year. Last year really went by quickly; it was over and done. I have everything on one to-do list. I have a family that I want to spend some time with and then I have my business. I’m trying to balance everything.

Cliff

Krauter Bayville

I would like to become more involved in the committees around the city (Glen Cove). I meet many people that do things out of their good nature. It’s something I highly respect and admire and I’d like to try to do more of.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Cassandra NP in Family Health PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on September 19, 2024. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the PLLC 50 Dorothy Dr. East Meadow, NY 11554. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 150909

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

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 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

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau, And State Of New York.

Section 50 Block 546 Lot 27

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $559,625.01 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 609251/2019

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Richard Lawrence Farley, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 1/15/2025 File Number: 19-301084 CA 151128

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

METRO CITY BANK

Plaintiff, Against WILLIAM KISH, et al

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 07/05/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 2/25/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 1455 Rose Lane, East Meadow, New York 11554, And Described As Follows:

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF DWELLING SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. BERNADETTE O’ROURKE A/K/A BERNADETTE GONZALEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 2, 2018 and an Order Extending Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on February 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 218 Belmont Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 251 and Lots 308-310. Approximate amount of judgment is $669,424.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000501/2014. No cash will be accepted. Ellen Savino, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 222451-6 151122

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC, Plaintiffagainst - HENRY CONWELL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 5, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 25th day of February, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 1771 Nostrand Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. (Section: 50, Block: 244, Lot: 186) Approximate amount of lien $640,836.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 011513/2012. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: December 30, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 151057

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO.8-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 21st day of January, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of

Town of Hempstead Local Law No.8-2025, the following the closed of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No.8-2025, to amend Section 202-52 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead to include a “FIRE ZONES” location in EAST MEADOW.

Dated: January 21, 2025

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk 151259

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO.9-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 21st day of January, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 9-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 9-2025, to amend Section 192-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the addition of two locations into subdivision “N” thereof, in relation to gross weight restrictions upon commercial vehicles using certain town highways in Levittown.

Dated: January 21, 2025

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151260

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 7-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held January 21st, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 7-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 7-2025, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: January 21, 2025 Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151258

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. 71/25. LEVITTOWNOrlando & Ayda Valencia, Renewal of grant to maintain 6’ high fence forward of dwelling which may substantially obstruct line of sight., N/W cor. Norman La. & Gate La., a/k/a 35 Norman La. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Levittown 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 a t 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. 151251

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 6-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held January 21st, 2025 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 6-2025, and

Education and action slow the spread of hate

by Town of Hempstead officials in front of the fence line. Town Supervisor Don Clavin called the graffiti “a brazen attack on our friends of the Jewish faith.”

Clavin was joined at that press conference by several members of the town board, religious leaders, County Legislator Tom McKevitt and District Attorney Anne Donnelly, as well as dozens of concerned residents. Donnelly said the incident could be categorized as a hate crime, which means it was motivated by bias. She said her office has seen an increase in hate crimes across the county and was aggressively prosecuting those responsible.

As part of Caceres’s plea deal, he must complete six months of bias prevention training, 100 hours of community service, and take a guided tour of the Holocaust

Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove. If he successfully completes these conditions, he will be sentenced to a misdemeanor with three years of probation. If he does not, the felony charge will remain, and he will be sentenced to five years of probation.

Caceres is due back in court on March 7, the district attorney’s office said. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Taglienti of the County Court Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Hate Crimes Unit Chief Kirk Sendlein and Narcotics, Firearms, and Gangs Bureau Chief Nicholas Mauro, with oversight from Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. Donnelly said, “antisemitism will never be tolerated by my office or by Nassau County.”

Public Notices

following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 6-2025, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: January 21, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF

HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151257

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. STEPHANIE DACUS, et al, Defts. Index #607556/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 31, 2024 and order entered Jan 16, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 11, Block 503, Lot 5. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale

will take place “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. KRISTIN MORO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102080 151277

t imeline of events

april 2024

■ Sebastian Patino Caceres, 23, allegedly spray-painted antisemitic phrases such as ‘Zionism is Nazism’ and ‘F-ck Israel’ on PVC fences along Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. He was arrested on April 16, 2024.

July 16, 2024

■ Patino Caceres was indicted on multiple charges, including Criminal Mischief as a Hate Crime and other related offenses.

“My prosecutors held this defendant responsible for his offensive actions with this plea to a felony hate crime, but with the understanding that punitive measures alone will not stop this intolerant behavior,” she said. “It is through education and awareness that we can teach defendants about the gravity of their words and actions, change minds, promote kindness, and compassion, and heal communities. This defendant has been given the opportunity to learn and grow from this criminal conduct. I hope that he takes this experience and turns it into positive change for his own life and potentially for the lives of others who would think about committing these hateful acts.”

Clavin applauded the district attorney’s office for its efforts. “The Town of Hempstead will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to uphold and enforce our zero-tolerance policy against hatred in all forms.”

County Legislator Seth Koslow, who

Jan. 16, 2025

■ He pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Schwartz to criminal mischief as a hate crime charges.

Plea a greement Conditions

■ Complete six months of bias prevention training.

■ Perform 100 hours of community service.

■ Participate in a guided tour of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove.

represents parts of Merrick, Bellmore and Freeport, is a ranking member of the county’s Public Safety Committee. As Merrick Avenue is a major roadway that connects Merrick and Bellmore to East Meadow and beyond, he said his communities were directly impacted by the biased graffiti. Many Bellmore and Merrick residents are also members of the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center.

“Enforcement and education are both essential components of any comprehensive strategy for exposing antisemitism in all of its ugly forms and holding its purveyors accountable,” Koslow said. “As the ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety committee and a representative of Merrick — a community that was directly impacted by these incidents — I am hopeful that this outcome will deter future bias crimes and send a clear message that Nassau County will never waver in its commitment to eradicating hatred in all of its forms.”

Continued from page 1

Jordan Vallone/Herald file

Sebastian patino Caceres of east meadow, pleaded guilty to criminal mischief as a hate crime charges. authorities say he spray painted antisemitic statements on fences along merrick avenue in east meadow and outside of the east meadow Beth-el Jewish Center.

SebaStian Patino CaCereS

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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.

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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 $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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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,

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!

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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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.

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.

MichAeLLe SOLAGeS

East mEadow

Established

Act would help main streets, local newsrooms

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They are the corner stores, familyowned restaurants, and local service providers that fuel our neighborhoods, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Yet these vital businesses often face significant challenges in reaching new customers and growing their operations in an increasingly competitive economy.

With the official introduction in the New York State Legislature of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act, small businesses across the state might gain a powerful new tool next year to help sustain their success and maximize the reach of their marketing dollars. Sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford, the legislation would establish a tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets — from print and digital to television and radio. By making advertising more affordable, the LOCAL Act would empower small businesses to reach their target audiences while also supporting the essential work of the same media outlets that provide our communities with local journalism.

The LOCAL Act focuses on supporting minority-, woman- and veteranowned businesses, as well as any businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For

letterS

Blakeman takes the credit, but how safe is the county?

To the Editor:

many of these entrepreneurs, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a game-changer. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors — customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.

This legislation couldn’t come at a better time. Small businesses are still navigating the economic aftershocks of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and competition from large corporations with massive marketing budgets. The LOCAL Act would help level the playing field, giving your favorite momand-pop store a way to increase visibility without sacrificing their scarce financial resources.

When our small businesses thrive, so do our communities. Small businesses employ your neighbors, sponsor your kids’ Little League team, and offer a convenient destination for a night out with your spouse. These businesses are not only economic drivers, but also cornerstones of community identity.

The benefits of the LOCAL Act would extend beyond businesses. Local media outlets, too, are vital to communities, because they produce the journalism that keeps people informed about school board meetings, neighborhood crime, church bake sales and the

most recent newlyweds — and everything in between. Unfortunately, declining advertising revenues have jeopardized the financial sustainability of many of these media outlets, and small newsrooms have been shuttering across the state. By encouraging small businesses to advertise locally, the LOCAL Act would helps these outlets continue their essential work of championing their communities.

This dual benefit — supporting both small businesses and local journalism — has already garnered strong support from business groups, community leaders, and the 200-plus local newspapers comprising the Empire State Local News Coalition — including the Heralds. It’s a win-win solution that strengthens the backbone of our local economy while fostering a unified, informed citizenry.

The LOCAL Act marks a bold step forward in tackling the interconnected challenges our communities are facing today. By working together to implement and embrace this program, we can build stronger businesses, sustain vital journalism, and ensure the prosperity of communities across New York for years to come.

We support this smart legislation. Tell your elected leaders in Albany to include the LOCAL Act in the final fiscal year 2026 state budget.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman boasts in his Jan. 16-22 Herald op-ed, “Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities,” that he has made Nassau County the safest county in the nation. But Blakeman neglects to acknowledge that the same top ranking in a U.S. News & World Report annual survey was also attained in two consecutive years during the tenure of his predecessor, Democrat Laura Curran.

The Republican county executive attributes the comparatively high degree of security to “our investments in public safety.” Blakeman notes that he has sworn in 291 new police officers since taking office in 2022.

While the additional cops may be helping keep violent-crime rates at the low level achieved under Curran, an expanded Nassau County Police Department has done little to make the county’s roads safer. Blakeman says nothing, and has done nothing, about the traffic violence that resulted in nearly 150 deaths in the county during his first two years in office. Killings by armed assailants claimed fewer than 10 lives in the same period.

The NCPD, and Blakeman, appear uninterested in acting to reduce this carnage. County police issued about 20 percent fewer tickets to drivers in 2022 than in

2019, according to the most recent data available from state sources. Stricter enforcement would likely bring about a drop in fatal crashes related to speeding

opinions Conspiracy has no place after tragedy

Like so many others, I have watched the California wildfires unfold with a mix of horror and awe.

For those unfamiliar with the scale of destruction, the fires that began igniting near Los Angeles in early January have scorched over 40,000 acres, claimed at least 27 lives, injured more than 20 people and destroyed over 15,000 structures.

As I followed news reports, watched television coverage and scrolled through social media during the first week of the fires, one message stood out: Nearly everyone had California and its residents in their thoughts and prayers. Relief efforts and fundraisers quickly sprang into action as people rallied to help and offer support wherever it was needed. It is in our nature as humans to want to help. Yet to my dismay, almost as soon as the relief efforts began, conspiracies started surfacing. And not to be punny, but they spread like, well, wildfire. On my social media feeds, I occasionally come across videos from a popular

account called “Gubba Homestead.” The account owner, a farmer, often starts her videos with the tagline, “I’m a conspiracy theorist . . .” From there she dives into various claims, many of which can be debunked by science. The videos are clickbait-like in their nature, designed to provoke reactions or outrage in the comments — an approach that boosts views and amplifies the videos’ spread.

tIt’s a fascinating, albeit troubling, method of online content creation, and I wasn’t surprised when, about a week after the fires began, she appeared on my feed once again, starting with the familiar line, “Call me a conspiracy theorist, but . . .”

atures in 2024 were dubbed “abnormally hot” by scientists at the University of California — which should surprise no one. And it’s not just the West Coast that has been affected by fires. Think about what occurred just a few months ago in upstate New York.

heories started surfacing almost as soon as the relief efforts began in L.A.

She went on to claim that there was no way the L.A. wildfires could have been caused by climate change, offering harmful commentary that did nothing to help anyone during a time of tragedy. Without diving too deep, I’ll tell you this: Climate scientists have indicated that the likelihood of fire events has increased by 31 to 66 percent since 1950, due to intense periods of strong rainfall, which create more vegetation, followed by periods of extreme drought, which dries out that vegetation. Global temper-

Letters

and driving under the influence — the two leading causes of road deaths. Blakeman seeks to project a toughguy image when it comes to crime. That accounts for his unilateral move to create a force of 75 armed “special deputies” to be activated whenever he chooses. This new unit, criticized as a private militia, will be mobilized in cases of “emergency,” the county executive maintains. But the carnage on the county’s roads does not, in his estimation, qualify as a topic worth addressing — let alone as an “emergency.”

KevIN J KeLLeY Atlantic Beach

It’s time for New York to embrace nuclear power

To the editor:

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent state budget proposal fails to adequately address New York’s energy infrastructure. The proposal does not mention nuclear power, even though it is the state’s best energy opportunity. equally troubling is the omission of the empire State Wind project, a once-central component of New York’s energy goal of generating net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. If the governor rec-

ognizes that wind energy faces significant public opposition, especially on Long Island, then it’s time to focus on funding nuclear energy projects instead.

Nuclear power is the most efficient form of renewable energy, generating massive amounts of electricity with a much smaller land footprint than wind or solar. This is best demonstrated by the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, which never went online. The plant’s site now houses wind turbines that produce 1/35,000th of the energy the nuclear plant would have generated. While there were justifiable concerns about building a reactor downstate, Hochul should now look to fund nuclear reactors upstate that would create electricity for downstate communities.

The closure of the Indian Point energy Center in 2021 underscores the urgency of building a better energy grid for New York. This move forced downstate New York to increase its reliance on fossil fuels, driving up emissions and worsening air pollution. Communities already struggling with environmental and health inequities continue to bear the brunt of these decisions.

Nuclear power is resurging across the country. Tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta are restarting nuclear reactors because they recog -

Climate change is real, and it’s here. People can ignore the truth, but there’s no place in this conversation for conspiracies.

At the core of American values lies the principle of free speech. Thoughtful questioning and theorizing have driven breakthroughs once deemed impossible. Scientific discoveries have emerged, and transformative social change has been achieved, thanks to people who challenged the status quo — doing so with ethical integrity and moral purpose.

What’s unfolding across social media, as Californians work to rebuild their lives, is neither ethical nor moral. Those whose lives have been upended don’t need “influencers” spreading baseless claims or (again, sorry) fanning the flames of conspiracy.

This behavior exploits tragedy for attention, shifting the focus away from the victims and the real issues at hand. It undermines efforts to address the underlying causes, like climate change

and inadequate infrastructure, and distracts from the stories of resilience and heroism that deserve to be heard. The conspiracy phenomenon isn’t unique to the California fires. From hurricanes to pandemics to mass shootings, misinformation and conspiracy theories seem to surface in the wake of nearly every major tragedy. Under the guise of seeking the “truth,” sensationalized theories simply capitalize on fear, confusion and distrust, and accomplish nothing.

To complicate things, Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, announced a few weeks ago that it was scrapping its fact-checking program, which flagged possible misinformation — a move that will just keep conspiracies burning, spreading and infiltrating the minds of many.

I’m not suggesting that we stop questioning or trying to make sense of the world around us, but as always, we must remain mindful. Consider the weight of your words and actions, and the harm that conspiracies can inflict. There’s a time and place for questions, based on the truth. That’s how we rebuild and move forward. But in the aftermath of tragedy, we can’t afford to make room for ignorance.

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

Framework by Tim Baker

nize that they are the most effective way to fuel their operations sustainably. It’s time for New York to follow suit. Governor Hochul should take bold action to fund nuclear energy projects, ensuring that downstate residents have access to renewable power.

Miss Long Island 2025, Kristen Rosario, left, and Miss Long Island Teen, 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.

mountsinai.org/southnassau