Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 01-23-2025

HERALD Franklin square/elmont

Elmont high school honors Martin

l uther King Jr.

Elmont Memorial High School students and staff joined local politicians and organizations to celebrate their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday in the school’s lunchroom. Beginning at noon, attendees sat sideby-side at tables for speeches, games and community service activities to honor MLK’s legacy and serve communities in need. Above, attendees began organizing boxes of nonperishable foods at one of the event’s community service stations, which would be donated to homeless families after the event. To the left, Rabbi Michel Schlesinger, from the HERJC, delivered a speech about the shared struggles of the black an Jewish communities. Story, more photos, page 18.

Blakeman evades red light fee bill

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has not addressed red light camera fee reimbursement to motorists after the New York State appellate division court determined the fees to be illegal on Nov. 27.

Pressure is mounting from Nassau County officials and residents to refund motorists for the illegal fees.

Motorists driving in the county, who have been ticketed as a result of a red-light camera offense, have been paying illegal fees to the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, which began tacking them onto tickets, and gradually increasing them, since 2011.

to reimburse motorists who have paid the illegal fees since the program began.

However, New York Legislator Carrie Solages said Blakeman’s administration did not review the bill, despite the committee’s phone calls and letters to his office. “It wasn’t even put on the agenda,” Solages said.

I f they’re not even looking at it, then it’s a possibility that it doesn’t get passed and we’ll never get reimbursed.

KARlENE SIMpSoN Elmont resident

The Nassau County Democratic Committee proposed the Fair Fees and Accountability Act during a news conference at the Nassau County Legislature office on Dec. 9. The bill, if passed, would establish a fund

According to the county website, NassauCountyNY. gov, all future red light camera fines will be $50 without any additional fees, except for an applicable $25 late fee, as of Nov. 27. However, there are still no current plans to reimburse motorists for the fees prior to the court’s decision.

Nassau County motorists are worried they will never see their fees returned if the county doesn’t act soon, a concern Elmont resident Karlene Simpson agreed with. “If they’re not even looking at it, then it’s a possibility that it doesn’t get passed and we’ll never get

Continued on page 10

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos

HERALD SCHOOLS

Fifth graders participate in clay workshop

Washington Street School 5th grade students participated in a “Day in Clay” workshop with professional ceramic artist and educator, Cliff Mendelson, on Jan. 8 and 9, as part of the school’s Artistin-Residence Program.

According to a news release about the event, Mendelson demonstrated the art of creating pottery by hand and shared traditional techniques used by Native American potters, who often used symbols, patterns and imagery. Students created their own Native American-inspired vase or textural bowl clay piece.

“Our cultural arts program of creating Native American-influenced pottery fosters self-awareness and cultural appreciation, helping students connect with their emotions and heritage,” Principal John Stella said. “Through collaborative potterymaking, students practice social skills like empathy and cooperation, aligning with our SEL goals.”

–Renee DeLorenzo

Washington Street School 5th graders created Native American inspired clay pieces as part of the school’s “Day in Clay” workshop on Jan. 8 and 9.

Elmont students honored for citizenship

Gotham Avenue School introduced the Gotham GOAT Award initiative in a news release, which aims to reward students for embodying traits of citizenship and displaying consistent positive behavior. The school said their goal is to foster a respectful and kind school community.

The news release said classroom teachers, as well as support staff — including special area teachers in art, physical education, literacy, library, music, ENL,

AIS and speech — are all encouraged to nominate students who exemplify the traits of respect, responsibility, cooperation, kindness, honesty and tolerance.

Throughout the month, the news release continued, staff members observe the students and take note of those going above and beyond to help their peers or be respectful to their teachers. Students nominated for the Gotham GOAT Awards are

announced at the end of each month, and receive a certificate to mark their achievement.

“Our goal is to continually inspire students to be positive role models and to recognize and reward the exceptional students who contribute to our school community,” Assistant Principal Kimberly Farina said.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Courtesy Elmont School District

Gotham Avenue School’s Gotham GOAT Award winners for December.

Courtesy Franklin Square School District

Local libraries join Nassau Library Quest

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

The Elmont and Franklin Square public libraries have joined the 2025 Nassau Library Quest, which begins Jan. 25 and runs through March 3. Participants who visit 10 libraries in the county will earn a prize, which has yet to be announced.

IAccording to Jean Simpson, director of the Elmont Memorial Library, people who want to participate in the program must sign up through one of the Nassau County libraries. Then, participants will receive a map that displays libraries included in the program and use it to track which ones they visit. In the past, Simpson said, participants have needed a special stamp or sticker from the libraries they have visited to log their progress.

t’s a really nice way to showcase what libraries do, because people think it’s just books. Libraries have really evolved.

JEaN SImpSON director, Elmont Memorial Library

The program, which is sponsored by the Nassau Library System, is normally exclusively held during the summer. However, this year, they are hosting a winter session, which is something Sonya Jones, head of customer service at the Elmont library, said she is excited for. She said not many people know the library hosts winter programming, and she hopes the quest helps spread the word.

According to Simpson and Jones, the library hosts a winter book club, updates artist displays in their gallery every month and shows movies in the library’s theatre every Tuesday and Friday. They hope visitors will see that the library welcomes people to join their programs year-round, and can be a great way to stay involved in the community during the colder months.

“It’s a really nice way to showcase what libraries do, because people think it’s just books,” Simpson said. However, she added, the library offers games, computers, study rooms, e-books, kids programs and museum passes. “Libraries have really evolved,” she pointed out.

Jones said the library quest attracts visitors of all different ages. The fact that visitors are walking through the door and seeing everything they have to offer is exciting, she said. Even people from the city have visited in the past, she added, and visitors have told her how fun it is travelling through the county and exploring what it has to offer. In particular, she said, people are impressed with the library’s theatre, which has 430 seats and hosts a variety of live theater and musical performances.

The Elmont library is one of the largest libraries in Nassau County, Simpson said, and she is happy to see new people from other towns come in and share the space with Elmont residents. When visitors show up to the Elmont library for the quest, she said library staff walks them around and gives them a tour. “We pride ourselves in our library,” she said.

Jones said the Nassau Library System also recommends libraries create an interactive element to the quest. This year, she said, participants will have to find a little stuffed cat hidden in each

library they visit in order to complete the quest.

Sometimes the Elmont library sets up places for participants to do small activities, such as coloring, in order to add another interactive element to the quest, Jones explained. In the past, she added, libraries have used hashtags so guests can participate in the quest on social media. Simpson said they have also staged photo-ops for visitors to take pictures, which she said is fun because she gets to see what other libraries are doing when they post the pictures online.

Visitors who are not from Elmont are welcome to show up for Elmont library programs at any time of the year, Simpson said. The quest just helps the library advertise all the events they hold, she explained, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, move showings and book clubs. But, she added, every library is a little different, and she encouraged people to explore all over the county. “We feel it’s a good way to market all Nassau libraries,” she said. According to Jones, the library quest is an opportunity to connect the community with libraries across the county. She said it’s a great experience to see new visitors come through the door and find something new. “It’s a community thing,” Jones said. “It brings the community together.”

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald Sonya Jones, head of customer service at Elmont Memorial Library, shows off one of the t-shirts given to staff for the quest.

A stuffed cat from the quest shows off a library card below an interactive screen that visitors can use to check out books and media from the Elmont library.

Photos courtesy Elmont Memorial Library

A small stuffed cat, which will be hidden at each library participating in the quest, sits on top of books from the Elmont library.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

The Town of Hempstead is offering safe boating classes for participants earn the required boating safety certificate.

All aboard for safe boating classes

The days might be cold now, but it’s a good time to start planning for the warmer weather and another boating season by registering now for safe boating classes through the Town of Hempstead.

End in Mind”

by

Subtitled Dying, Death and Wisdom in an Age of Denial, Dr. Mannix’s book is a series of true stories allowing readers to “experience” what happens when people are approaching the end of their lives: how they cope; how they live; what matters most; how dying evolves; what a deathbed is like; how families react. She finds that there is little to fear and much to prepare for.

While many people imagine dying to be agonizing and undignified, Dr. Mannix reassures us that this is rarely the case. Instead, people gradually sleep more often until unconsciousness sets in. This was common knowledge when death took place in the home – until about 1900 when funeral homes first came into being. Knowing what to expect can be immensely comforting to the dying person and their supporters.

Palliative care specialists believe that enabling people to be architects of their own solutions is key to respecting their dignity. They are only in a new phase of life; they have not abdicated their personhood.

The author advocates reclaiming “death” and

“dead” from modern day euphemisms such as “passed away” and “lost” and further that despite a well-lived and contented life, we often say they “lost their battle” instead of that they simply died. These attitudes disable us from having straightforward, unambiguous conversations about death. The conspiracy of silence about death often leads to the heartbreak of the dying being unable to convey their hopes and wishes.

“The dreadful reality, told with honesty and compassion, allows patients and their families to make choices based on truth, instead of encouraging the misleading, hopeless quest for a medical miracle that promotes futile treatment, protracts dying and disallows goodbyes.”

There are only two days with fewer than 24 hours in each lifetime, one is celebrated every year, yet it is the other than makes us see living as precious. Dr. Mannix points the way to what we can become: beacons of compassion, living in the moment, looking backwards with gratitude and forgiveness, and focused on the simple things that really matter.

With Brianna’s Law now in effect, requiring all boat operators to obtain a boating safety certificate, these classes are essential for ensuring safe and responsible use of the waterways.

Upcoming Safe Boating Class

The first course of 2025 is designed for ages 10 to 18 and will take place over two sessions at the Department of Conservation and Waterways, 1401 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout.

■ Saturday, Feb. 1: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

■ Saturday, Feb. 8: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate. The town’s bay constables will lead the classes.

“Teaching the next generation to safely operate a boat is a rite of passage for many Long Island families,” Hemp-

stead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, said in a news release. “By starting young, we’re building a culture of safety, experience, and respect for our waterways. I encourage all young mariners to sign up for these important classes.”

About Brianna’s

Law

This state law honors Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Islander killed in a 2005 boating accident. The law mandates safety certification for all boat operators, helping to create safer waters for everyone.

More Courses Coming Soon

Additional courses for both youth and adults will be announced in the near future.

To register for the February class or inquire about future courses, contact the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

Residents who have already been certified but need a replacement card can visit: Bit.ly/4jkJ1p6.

–Jeffrey Bessen

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Book Review:

Kathryn Mannix, M.D.

MAKAYLA DAUBE

Mepham Senior Basketball

A FIFTH-YEAR VARSITY basketball player, Daube accomplished two rare milestones this season while leading the Pirates to 10 wins in their first 13 games. Mepham’s 2025 Valedictorian, she reached both the 1,000point and 1,000-rebound plateaus. On Jan. 9, in a 54-40 victory over Herricks, she also became the program’s single-game scoring leader with 34 points. In the fall, Daube helped Mepham to its first-ever volleyball county title.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Jan. 24

Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at Elmont 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Wantagh at Mineola 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Long Beach at Baldwin 5

Girls Basketball: Mepham at Carey 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Freeport 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Hewlett 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: South Side at Clarke 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Girls Basketball: Floral Park at Lynbrook 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: North Shore at Seaford 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne

Boys Basketball: Mineola at Wantagh

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

Girls Basketball: Seaford at North Shore 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Wheatley at West Hempstead 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Uniondale at Farmingdale 12 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 27

Girls Basketball: Freeport at Oceanside 6:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 7 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD

Defensive mindset drives Sewanhaka

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

Sewanhaka boys’ basketball head coach Jay Allen has taken an exciting young core and built a fortress. The 10-3 Ravens are capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor, but suffocating defense has made them a nightmarish matchup in Nassau Class AA.

“This year, defense is a necessity,” Allen said. “And the guys understand that. They come to every game and say that we’re going to defend first. We’re going to wear teams down and make defense a priority.”

Last Friday, New Hyde Park became the latest victims of a Sewanhaka lockdown, managing just 13 points in the first half of a 52-43 Ravens home victory. Allen could not coach that day, but assistant Bill Dubin, longtime Hewlett head coach, stepped in and secured an eerily similar result. In two meetings between the teams, New Hyde Park never managed to score 45 points. Through 13 games, the Ravens have only allowed one team to score more than 60.

Sewanhaka’s seemingly unbreakable backbone is comprised of four players. Junior Nehemy Fresnel has emerged as the Ravens’ leading scorer in his first full varsity season. The 6-foot-6 athlete can switch between positions, possessing shooting ability and a daunting presence under the rim.

“He’s a unicorn type of player,” Allen said of Fresnel, who had a team-high 17 points last Friday. “He’s got so many layers to his game.”

Miles Gurley and Braylon Metellus are Sewanhaka’s only returning seniors. At point guard, Gurley is the Ravens’ engine, a natural facilitator and fierce defender. He has also proven capable of lighting up the box score himself, as he did against Manhasset with a 22-point performance on Jan. 2.

Metellus was described by Allen as Sewanhaka’s leader and best athlete, another versatile player who does his part on offense while providing even more on defense. The senior often handles opponents’ best players.

“He comes to me after a game and he says, ‘how many points does the guy I’m guarding have?’” Allen said, laughing. “Most kids are going to ask how many points they scored, but he doesn’t care about that.”

Junior shooting guard Dante Anderson rounds out the all-important quartet, serving as a key outlet for Gurley on offense. The Ravens’ grinding play-style doesn’t rely on three-point shooting, but Anderson is easily their most dangerous perimeter threat.

Barring an uncharacteristic 73-59 loss to Jericho early on, fundamental lapses have been sparse for Sewanhaka,

even against stronger opponents. In a game against Garden City on Jan. 12, the Ravens took the then-undefeated Trojans to the limit, leading by four going into the fourth quarter before eventually falling 51-48. It is the secondleast points Garden City has scored in a game so far.

It’s already hard for teams to answer all of Sewanhaka’s threats, and the waters could get even deeper. Junior forward Jahzeel Boothe has impressed in practice and could soon earn playing time, and senior Wayne Orenville is gradually working his way back after suffering an injury during football season.

Eric Dunetz/Herald Nehemy Fresnel dropped in 17 points last Friday as the Ravens stayed hot with a 52-43 victory over visiting New Hyde Park.

Arena Football team to call Coliseum home

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Arena Football is coming back to Nassau County, and this time it’s in a brand-new league in the form of the ENTFLA – the Entertainment Football Association.

Spearheaded by Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed, flanked by league owner Doug Freeman with a slight style different: other than the fact that it will be indoors, is that it will be on 7-on-7 format with a reduced play clock, along with the elimination of kicking on fourth down, leading to overall higher-scoring and higher-paced games.

Uniondale and Nassau Coliseum will be the home of one of four teams in the ENTFLA, with the other teams based in Morristown, NJ, Danbury, CT and Fitchburg, MA. The season is projected to run from June to August.

The emphasis of the new league in the land of Billy Joel and bagels was to bring professional sports to local, blue-collar families without breaking the bank, with an added emphasis on entertainment appropriate for the entire family while at a pro game, confirmed by its mission statement.

League advisor Tommy Benizio said the real purpose is to bring something that’s affordable, fun and entertaining, giving families in Long Island a place to come without driving hours and pay hundreds of dollars in tickets and parking passes to watch football live in an arena.

Plus, it’s meant to be fun.

“Between the players flying over the wall, landing in your lap and knocking your hotdog out of your hand, you catch a football you get to keep it, the cheerleaders, the mascot, the dancing and T-shirt canons, it is a fun and entertaining thing for three or four hours on Sat-

urday nights,” Benizio said. “So before you can come into the building we want live music and jumping castles for kids and a beer garden, it’s a party.”

With over 100 high school football teams on the island, the league’s owners hope for a close connection between the youth of Long Island growing in the sport they love, and the professionals engaged in it. Roosevelt High School football head coach Joe Vito is excited to see how a local pro football team will create an additional positive influence for his players.

“I’m excited to be able to have my team come here and see and maybe dream about maybe being this one day,” Vito said. “I try to expose our kids to a lot of things and coming to this is will be something they’ll be exposed to, so they’re excited to get the opportunity to come.”

Reed, the league commissioner, is key on the possibility of giving all types of NCAA football players another avenue to play the sport they love even if they don’t make it to the Show.

“We’re gonna be pulling kids from college, that pool, and a lot of these that are going to play in this league, when they play in this league, it’s another avenue for them to get to the Big Time,” Reed said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you’re good enough and display those attributes that a team might want, you can find somewhere to go and get a chance. We feel this league is about that.”

Each team will play 8 regular-season games.

“Anytime that we could have another opportunity to have more of our kids play professional football, is a great opportunity that we love as we coach the youth,” Vito said.

The nickname for the “Long Island” or “New York” franchise will be determined through a naming contest. Visit goentfla.com for more information.

Courtesy ENTFLA Buffalo Bills legend Andre Reed is commissioner of the new Entertainment Football Association, which debuts in June with four franchises including Long Island.

LIRR record on-time rate isn’t whole story

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

With New York City’s new congestion pricing system now in place, Gov. Kathy Hochul rode the rails to Syosset earlier this year, urging city-bound Long Island commuters to leave their cars at home and embrace “world-class” public transit.

On Long Island, the tolling program is expected to increase commuters’ reliance on the Long Island Rail Road. Weekday ridership climbed from about 77 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 to roughly 80 percent last year.

Transit officials, meanwhile, are highlighting the improved service of the railway system, emphasizing a propublic transit message to court suburban commuters looking to avoid the $9 toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. LIRR President Rob Free boasted that a higher percentage of trains operated on time last year than ever before.

“Our 95.6 percent on-time performance in 2024 is our highest non-Covid year in the history that we’ve been tracking on-time performance,” Free said.

Three years of growth and growing pains

An analysis of LIRR data over the past three years, however, combined with riders’ firsthand accounts, paints a fuller — and undeniably more complicated — picture.

The number of late trains nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, from 8,691 to 17,064. The surge, Free contends, resulted from the increase in post-pandemic service over the last two years amid landmarks like the opening of Grand Central Madison terminal in 2023.

“We operated over 77,000 more trains in 2023 than in 2022,” Free said. “We’ve operated a little over 316,000 trains in 2024, compared to 302,000 trains in 2023. That’s a huge lift.”

The new service into Midtown Manhattan brought with it a complete overhaul of the system’s train schedules. Some service lines and connections were cut, while others added more frequent service.

By the end of November 2024, the number of late trains for the year dropped to 11,480, as disruptions eased — although the number of delays remained higher than in 2022.

LIRR’s own operations are main culprit for delays

Despite fears of commuter frustrations and confusion with the opening of the new terminal, the main cause of train delays in 2023 and 2024 wasn’t passenger-related interruptions. Instead, it was train operations — issues like scheduling conflicts, slow boarding and late departures. These were problems largely within the transit agency’s control that ate into the time passengers needed to board and disembark.

Other problems, like delays caused by train door malfunctions in an aging fleet, were up 79 percent in the first half of 2024, compared with the same period in 2023. And the much-needed upkeep of the LIRR’s ailing infrastructure, from

According to state data, while the LIRR achieved a record 95.6 percent on-time performance in 2024, the number of delays remain higher than in 2022 due to operational issues, infrastructure maintenance, and the impact of increased service volume.

Riders report overall satisfaction with their service but, complained about missed connections, and weren’t happy about the possibility of another fare increase.

signal repairs to track maintenance, has also been a major contributor to train delays over the past two years.

For his part, Free said that a “heightened focus on infrastructure maintenance” has helped, cutting switch failures by 31 percent in 2024, with further work focusing on improving safety and efficiency planned for this year — even if that means more delays.

Historic on-time rate, but average delays stay the same

LIRR trains are more punctual overall, but the average delay of a late train hasn’t gotten any shorter. Rather, wait times have held steady — between 11 and 12 minutes — over the past three years.

Given what he described as an “explosion” of service since the beginning of 2023, Free views this consistency in lateness as a sign of a functioning

system. In the nation’s largest transit system, with lines of service so “interconnected that one hiccup on one of our branches can have systemwide impacts on our total operation, the on-time performance we are achieving is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

Still, critics point out that the data on train delays misses a key detail: the agency’s “on or close to schedule” standard allows for a grace period of up to six minutes. Delays under six minutes aren’t counted, masking a significant portion of minor setbacks that can still disrupt commuters’ plans.

Riders like Sasha Hanson, who commutes from Valley Stream to her interior design job at Stonehill Taylor in Manhattan, contends that these unofficial hold-ups can be just as vexing when they cause missed connections, particularly at Jamaica Station.

“It gets obnoxious, especially when transfer delays hit at the last minute— usually right as you’re getting off the train,” Hanson said. “It’s not like you can avoid it ahead of time on your commute.”

The “amount of trains that we operate through this terminal is a huge impediment to our operation,” admits Free. “We are looking to improve this situation by putting in higher speed switches, lengthening the platform, and installing a new signal system among other capacity improvements.”

Riders give LIRR high marks — but not for fares

Despite delays, last fall’s MTA survey found that 76 percent of nearly 22,000 commuters surveyed were satisfied overall with their service. Yet some commuters who speak well of the railway also balk at the idea of higher fares.

“I don’t think fares should increase, because it’s costing me a lot of money just to get to school,” said Raya Adiva, a Valley Stream resident and high school senior who depends on the LIRR to get to school in the city.

The specter of more expensive fares looms over commuters as the MTA Board approves a $19.9 billion budget for 2025, which includes plans for a potential 4 percent hike in fares and tolls.

“What’s important to keep in mind is that the price of a monthly ticket is still cheaper now than it was in 2019,” Free said. “The way we institute fares is predictable, so our customers know when it’s coming. We’ve done an incredible job of maintaining cost and giving people good value for their money.”

Data Wrapper Illustration by Juan Lasso/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

LONG LIVE

County still hasn’t addressed red light fees

reimbursed,” she said of the bill.

Blakeman has not responded to the Herald’s repeated requests for comment.

Simpson said she received two red light tickets in Nassau County. One of the tickets she received from a red light camera on Dutch Broadway in Elmont in 2023 was issued before the court ruled the fees to be illegal. The second ticket she received from a red light camera on Central Avenue in Valley Stream was issued to her last month, after the court ruling.

The summons Simpson received in the mail for the second ticket still listed the illegal $100 fee, but when she went online to pay it on the traffic agency’s website, it showed she owed only $50.

Solages corroborated Simpson’s claim and said the traffic agency is still sending out summons to residents that include the illegal fee. He said it is only when residents go to pay online or in person that they are told they do not owe the additional fees. His concern is that people who do not pay online or go in person might still pay the full amount.

As of press time, the Herald is still awaiting a response from the traffic agency.

At this point, Solages said, the county needs to reimburse motorists before it is potentially sued in a multimillion-dollar class action lawsuit. While no lawsuit has been filed yet, he clarified, the county could potentially see a lawsuit in the coming weeks. According to New York State law, a Notice of Claim for a class action lawsuit must be filed within 90 days after the incident occurred, which in this case is the Nov. 27 court decision.

The Institute for Highway Safety, whose website states they are an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization, has conducted studies on red light camera programs that are referenced on the county’s traffic agency website. The IIHS also outlines a checklist of recommendations for counties to conduct their red light camera programs effectively.

A 2021 article on the IIHS website, which included the checklist, said, “If the cameras are doing their

jobs, communities should expect revenue to decline over time as fewer drivers violate speed limits or run red lights.”

However, according to Nassau County data, redlight camera revenue has increased over time. The program generated $64 million in revenue in 2022, which was a 23% increase from two years prior. In addition, the county issued 492,540 red light tickets, which was a near-record number of tickets in the 15 years the program has been operating.

The increase in revenue from the program concerns some county officials, such as Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Nassau County legislature minority leader. During the Dec. 9 news conference, DeRiggi-Whitton claimed the red light fees are nothing more than a cash grab.

Some motorists have noted they received tickets for

making a right on red at intersections that do not have “No Turn On Red” signage, which has led some motorists to question the intention of the program.

Simpson said when she entered the two intersections she received red light camera tickets at, it was during a yellow light. But, she continued, she felt she was not given ample time to make it through the yellow light, and the camera flashed the second the light turned red, with no grace period.

The IIHC website explicitly includes concerns about signage and signal timing in their checklist. The website states any obvious problems with sightlines, signage or signal timing that are keeping drivers from obeying the law should be corrected before the cameras are installed.

According to the website, “Public support for the programs can erode when they are poorly run or when people believe their purpose is to generate revenue rather than to prevent crashes.” As a result of these public concerns, the article continued, community input is key.

Simpson said she is not opposed to the red light camera program and sees it as a positive program for the community to encourage safe driving. Rather, she disagreed with the way the program is being run. “It’s a catch-22,” Simpson said of the current program. “You want to do the right thing, but you also don’t want to be charged more than you should.”

According to the IIHS guidelines, counties should create an advisory committee consisting of law enforcement, victim advocates, civil rights advocates, school officials and residents to help make decisions about guiding principles and other aspects of the program. The democratic committee included an advisory committee in the fee reimbursement bill they proposed at last month’s news conference.

Simpson said she would like to see public input about the program if it were to continue in the future. “I want to make sure it’s being productive and makes sense for the community,” she said. “I think when they’re making these rules or laws, they should have the community’s opinion.”

Solages co-hosts ENL program at church

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages collaborated with Church of the Harvest and the Haitian American Family of Long Island, Inc. for an orientation at the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church for a newly launched adult English language-learning program on Jan. 11.

According to a news release about the event, this initiative was developed in response to the growing demand for English classes among Nassau County’s diverse community. Church of the Harvest, in partnership with HAFALI and Solages, welcomed dozens of adult students of various backgrounds and languages, including Haitian Creole, Urdu and Spanish.

The orientation provided a warm start to the program, the news release said. Attendees were given refreshments, the news release continued, as Solages delivered a motivational welcome speech. Attendees then participated in a screening placement session to determine their language proficiency.

“As our community continues to grow, it is essential that we provide opportunities for individuals to learn and thrive,” Solages said. “Language should never be a barrier to success. Through this initiative, we are not just teaching English; we are build-

ing confidence, fostering independence, and strengthening the fabric of our community. I am proud to support this program and look forward to seeing our students achieve their goals.”

As the event wrapped up, the news release said Pastor Curtis Thompson, of the Church of the Harvest, delivered a closing statement. “With a growing diverse society, we have the responsibility to also grow and engage socially,” Thompson said. “It is a privilege to partner with other organizations who have the same conviction and to be able to offer ENL from our location. Years ago, fulfilling the Great Commission meant crossing seas; today, you can cross the street- how can we not get involved? We look forward to continuing to offer solutions and grow with our community.”

The news release said Solages, HAFALI, and Church of the Harvest are committed to serving and engaging with the local community by offering these classes to non-native English speakers.

For more information about the ENL program, or to register, please contact Church of the Harvest at (516) 284-8212.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald

pressure mounts among county officials and residents as Blakeman refuses to address illegal red light camera ticket fees charged to motorists in nassau County.

Courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages Volunteers from Church of the Harvest and Haitian american family of Long island, front from left, Katherine robinson, mimose Valbrun, enL program Leader erica thompson, assemblywoman michaelle Solages, daniel Bolocboloc, Leonie morency, amanda Hunte and Yeni miller. in back, from left, frentz adelcat, Jada issac thomas, nicole dailey and francois mcevans.

The governor assesses the state of the state

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off her fourth year in office on Jan. 14 by outlining her proposed 2025 agenda in her State of the State address. That agenda includes more than 200 initiatives, many of which would have an impact on Long Island.

Here are some of the key proposals Hochul discussed.

Affordability

Unsurprisingly, Hochul began the address with the issue on every New Yorker’s mind: the cost of living. New Yorkers have seen rising prices in housing, food, utilities, transportation and health care. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in New York is 26 percent higher than the national average.

The governor proposed tax cuts, rebate checks and savings from free school lunches, an initiative that could save a family of five $5,000 a year.

“I’m calling for a sweeping middle-class income tax cut benefitting 8.3 million taxpayers making less than $323,000,” she said. “The tax cut I propose today and will fight for in the coming months will deliver the lowest tax rates in seven decades and save hardworking taxpayers $1 billion.

“But that’s just the start,” she added.

A proposed $3 billion in inflation relief rebates would provide one-time payments of $300 or $500 based on income level and tax filing status. The initiative would have to be approved by the State Legislature.

Hochul’s budget also includes expanding the state’s child tax credit. Under the proposal, families could see the credit increase by as much as three times the current amount — up to $1,000 per child under age 4, and

Tim Baker/Herald

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 14, discussing a wide range of policies. Above, the governor appeared at the Long Island Association’s State of the Region Breakfast on Jan. 10.

$500 for children ages 4 to 16. The changes would be phased in over two years.

She governor also proposed that households making up to $323,200 — roughly 77 percent of taxpayers — would be given an income tax break that could save households hundreds of dollars a year for roughly.

Education

Hochul unveiled a proposal that would offer free tuition to New Yorkers pursuing associate’s degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, teaching, technology and engineering. The initiative would build on the state’s existing financial aid programs, and target residents between 25 and 55 seeking to learn new skills to look for jobs in essential industries.

Nearby states, including Massachusetts, have launched similar tuition-free college programs to address labor shortages and promote economic mobility.

Hochul also announced her support for universal free school meals. That would mean boosting state funds to expand an existing program that could reach 280,000 students who aren’t already covered.

Mental Health

Hochul, who is expected to seek re-election in 2026, took office in 2021 when residents statewide were grappling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many students faced — and continue to face — mental health challenges.

That has been a central focus throughout her administration. In her latest initiative, she aims to address concerns about random acts of violence committed by those with severe, untreated mental illness. Her agenda includes strengthening Kendra’s Law, which mandates outpatient treatment for certain people with mental illnesses who are not receiving care.

Additionally, Hochul is advocating for a Teen Mental Health First Aid program, to equip high school students with the skills to maintain their mental health and offer support to their peers. She also promoted mental health resources for after-school programs, to ensure students access to licensed health care facilities through state-funded programs.

A modern approach to traditional values

‘Character Education’ has a new name: Social and Emotional Learning

Catholic education has always been unique because it is values-based, and places a high level of importance on personal and interpersonal skills. This difference has been realized through the expectation of certain kinds of conduct in a Catholic school that reflects a student’s self-respect, and respect for others. Responsibility, and accountability for one’s actions have always been part of the higher expectation in Catholic school.

After years of experimenting with the latest educational fads, schools of all types across the nation are recognizing that investing in the social and emotional management skills of students will have a greater effect on the trajectory of their lives. Public, private and Catholic schools have all shown greater interest in what is now known as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Catholic schools, because they have never lost sight of this, are further along in the development and implementation of SEL programs.

Catholic schools across the Diocese of Rockville Centre have maintained their focus on the ‘character education’ of students, even as more permissive educational models were being implemented elsewhere. While currentday Catholic school has embraced the integration of new educational technologies, personalized learning and new curriculum elements, the commitment to traditional values and religious tradition have never wavered. Catholic school has continued to teach biblical principles and traditional values, focusing imparting spirituali-

ty and self-discipline. In doing so, character education has systematically, yet seamlessly, been an integral part of the educational experience of generations of students.

Today, the heightened interest in SEL makes it clear that Catholic schools were on the right track all along.

Why Social Emotional Learning matters

Social Emotional Learning is viewed as attentiveness to the whole child’s needs. It is comprised of five major components: selfawareness, self-management, decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness.

Self-Awareness: A self-aware student will recognize how his or her thoughts, emotions, actions, and values impact their behavior. Students are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that change is possible, and that they have the ability to become selfsufficient and confident.

Self-Management: Students are taught to regulate their own thoughts, emotions, and actions to align with their values. Selfmanagement emphasizes motivation, impulse control, organizational skills, and goal-setting.

Responsible Decision-Making: Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions within an ethical framework. Being a responsible decision maker requires problem identification, analysis, self-evaluation, and reflection.

Relationship Skills: Development of skills like communicating effectively, engaging in

appropriate social behavior, and participation in group and collaborative activities.

Social Awareness: The ability to empathize with others, including those with whom they disagree, as well as those from different moral, cultural, and ethical backgrounds.

As everyone who has attended Catholic school can attest, these five principles are traditional parts of a Catholic education. In fact, these characteristics are often the most easily

distinguishable differences in the way a young man or woman ‘carries themselves’ in their daily interactions with others. They are the characteristics that we subconsciously recognize and silently attribute to the student being ‘a Catholic school kid’.

Photo: Faith-based rigorous academics are enhanced by innovative teaching practices that prepare students for the modern tech-based world in which we live.

*MEET THE 2025 HONOREES*

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STEPPING OUT

Photos courtesy LICM

In the Orion spacecraft, future astronauts interact with buttons, levers and sounds as they learn facts about what it takes to bring humans to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.

Space explorers need to utilize limited resources on the moon to live and survive. At this work station, children transport objects to and from the surface using foam blocks.

for an out-of-this-world

adventure

‘Moon to Mars’ touches down at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

Calling all future space explorers! It’s time to set course to the moon, and beyond, with opportunities for kids to fuel their imaginations and dream bigger — and farther — than ever before.

“Moon to Mars” has rocketed into Long Island Children’s Museum, on view through May 4. The traveling exhibit, — created by Omaha Children’s Museum and designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at Johnson Space Center — brings the wonders of space to life for young learners. Through six immersive play zones, future explorers get a first-hand look at current space technology and discover the possibilities of future missions.

“We have the resources to bring a really complex topic to life for children, where they can understand what makes a mission possible like what tools are used or why astronauts need to wear protective clothing,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education. Inspired by the current realities and the future dreams of space travel, the exhibit’s connection to real NASA technology is what makes it so compelling. Kids can climb aboard the Orion Spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts on future Artemis missions — using buttons, levers and sounds — or take the wheel of the Lunar Rover to explore the moon’s rugged surface.

“With the recent advancements in space exploration, like the launch of the James Webb telescope and the evolution of SpaceX, it’s the perfect time to introduce an exhibit focused on the future Artemis Mission,” Niver says. “We have so many leaps in space exploration and so many new things on the horizon.”

Clearly, creating advanced space technology is no simple feat. It involves creativity, problem-solving and much trial and error on the part of a diverse team. Young space explorers have the chance to dive into that engineering process, designing and building their very own rockets, and then launching their creations across the room.

“There’s a lot of engineering components that come into this, involving critical thinking for kids. These people [the spacecraft systems developers] have an incredible amount of skill and knowledge about space and creating these structures, but there are still things that they might realize don’t work, and to solve the problem,” Niver adds.

“The exhibit offers children endless opportunities to nurture their curiosity through the most effective way we know they learn: play. It also provides a valuable opportunity for parents to discover ways to incorporate big concepts like space exploration, physics and engineering into play at home. Whether it’s building a Martian landscape with pillows or creating a rocket ship out of a cardboard box, these activities spark storytelling that encourages imagination and inspires the ‘big thinkers’ of tomorrow.”

After young “explorers” have landed at their destination, there’s still much to be discovered. Visitors can get geared up in a spacesuit and explore a new world.

Among the components, kids can construct a new base using pulleys and blocks at the Moon Base Builder to make the planet or moon inhabitable.

Once the base is complete, step through the lunar leaps and feel the changes in gravity as you walk — or jump.

• Now until May 4

• $18 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

“You could take a leap and you have to work really hard to jump far on the moon. You wouldn’t have to do that because you don’t have the gravitational force pulling you as strong,” Niver explains.

Additional learning opportunities are found at the Space Academy Kiosk video display. It covers all things space exploration such as life in space, spacesuits, and real-life astronauts.

Each activity shows the boundless nature of space in kidfriendly fashion, perhaps even inspiring some future astronauts and space engineers.

“They can step into the role. It helps kids to connect to something that isn’t exactly what they know, they could put on a costume or a spacesuit and really embody that character. Hands-on play is a great way to engage them in content or topics that may be a little bit more foreign to them,” Niver says.

“The astronauts, at one point, were kids too. They dreamed of the same thing as you. You can understand the path that they went through that led them to their current career,” she adds.

As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience. This time around, the museum is partnering with its Museum Row neighbor, Cradle of Aviation Museum.The Cradle’s portable, inflatable planetarium dome, the Digitalis Planetarium, will be in residence Feb. 17-21, for more space exploration. Families can discover the majesty of the stars and our universe during a 30-minute presentation led by a trained Cradle of Aviation educator. Four planetarium performances will be offered each day.

The LICM stage also gets in on the act with the futuristic production of “Interstellar Cinderella,” Feb. 7-March 21. Set in 3017, Cinderella is a space engineer who is looking to revolutionize space travel with her new invention.

While the exhibit is “in orbit” be sure to check out more related programming; information is on the museum’s website.

Acrobats of Cirque-tacular

Families will enjoy a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage,. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a high-energy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The performers are revered as cutting edge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Explosive music that complements the performance and act adds to the fun.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

‘Dancing with the Stars’

Dancing with the Stars is back on tour to heat up winter with a dazzling live production. See the ballroom brought to life in this new edition featuring everyone’s favorite Dancing with the Stars pros and special guests. They’ll perform glittering new numbers as well as some of the unbelievable showstoppers featured in season 33. The high-energy show puts the dancers in the spotlight, showcase their dynamic moves as seen during the series, along with some lively new twists. The tour delivers an unforgettable night of electrifying dance performances from worldrenowned dancers who topped the leaderboard.

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Intergalatic adventures take flight.

THE Your Neighborhood

‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band, Saturday, Feb. 1 , 8 p.m. 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 with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music.

The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

From Bakersfield with Love, with Tennessee Walt

Join Tennessee Walt when he performs at Elmont Memorial Library, Friday, Jan. 24, 12:30-2 p.m. Enjoy classic country tunes No registration is required. First come, first seated. Call the library at (516) 354-5280, or visit elmontlibrary.org, for additional information. 700 Hempstead Tpke.

Empire Safety defensive driving

Learn how to drive safely, and save money on your car insurance. Empire Safety Council offers a defensive driving course at Franklin Square Public Library, Friday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration must be done inperson at the Adult Reference Desk. Cost of the class is $33. For any additional questions and information, call the library at (516) 488-3444. 19 Lincoln Road.

Franklin Square Library Board of Trustees meet

The Franklin Square Library Board of Trustees invites all to join them, Monday, Jan 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., for a board meeting at the library. No registration required. The agenda for the meeting, and virtual link if necessary, is posted prior to the meeting on franklinsquarepl.org. 19 Lincoln Rd, Franklin Square.

Comic showcase

Plaza Theatricals’ rolls into 2025 with the latest edition of the 50+ Comedy Tour, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2:30 p.m. Laugh along with an all new lineup of some of the funniest comedians on the scene. And they all have one thing in common: they’re all over age 50!

Hosted by Long Island Comedy Festival’s Paul Anthony, the lineup includes “Banjo” Les Bayer and Chris Monty. $40, $35 seniors. Get in on the fun at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.

Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment

Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 599-5705.

Long Island Choral Society auditions

Long Island Choral Society, under the Direction of Michael C. Haigler, holds auditions for new members for the final concert of their 96th Season. Auditions are by appointment only and will be held Mondays continuing Jan. 27, also Feb. 3 and 10, Garden City Community Church. The Berlioz Requiem is a piece known for its power and beauty that offers a rare musical performance opportunity while bringing the Choral Society’s 2425 concert season to an exciting close.

If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. Those interested can schedule an audition by calling (516) 6526878 or via e-mail at audition. info@lics.org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.

Community Game Night

Looking to make some friends and play board games? Visit Franklin Square Public Library, the third Wednesday of every month, at 6 p.m., to socialize and have fun at this free program. Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required. 19 Lincoln Road. For more information, visit franklinsquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444.

Lunar New Year

Welcome the Year of the Snake at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday and Sunday, Jan 25-26, noon-4 p.m. Stop by to learn all about the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and learn about this special year, which is believed to bring an abundance of opportunities and fortune. everyone.

Enjoy dance and musical performances, on the LICM stage, view live artisan demonstrations and create themed take-home crafts. For ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Having an event?

Senior Chat

Join fellow seniors for companionship, Fridays, at 10 a.m. at Elmont Public Library. Participate, or just listen, to casual discussions on special interests, concerns, and whatever happens to come up. Next meeting is Friday, Jan 3 in room 01. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit elmontlibrary. org or call (516) 354-5280.

Play canasta

Join in a friendly game of canasta, Fridays, 1-4 p.m., at Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road. For more information, visit franklinsquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444.

Are you game?

Bring some friends and make some new ones during game night at Elmont Memorial Library, Wednesdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. There are tons of games to choose from! No registration required. First-comefirst-seated. Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit elmontlibrary. org or call (516) 354-5280.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/ Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Hempstead House tour

Feb.

16

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Elmont honors Martin Luther King. Jr.

Elmont Memorial High School hosted their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in the school’s lunchroom on Monday. Attendees included Elmont students and staff, Legislator Carrié Solages, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Legislator Seth Koslow, and members of the HewlettEast Rockaway Jewish Centre, Church of the Harvest and the United Jewish Appeal Federation.

Upon arrival, participants were given t-shirts and gathered in one of the school’s lunchrooms for a brief service, which began at noon, that included speeches from Pastor Curtis Thompson, from Church of the Harvest, and Rabbi Michel Schlesinger, from the HewlettEast Rockaway Jewish Centre.

“Be kind, be thoughtful, be caring,” Schlesinger said. “As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the enduring partnership between the black and Jewish communities a partnership grounded in shared history of struggle and a shared vision of justice and equality.”

Carrié and Michaelle followed Thompson and Schlesinger and expressed their reverence for MLK’s legacy.

“This event is a reminder of our continuing obligation, our freedoms,” Carrié said. “We can’t just take it for granted. We have to work hard for it everyday, and that’s what being a citizen is.”

After the speeches, attendees stood

for the American flag as Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin performed the national anthem. Attendees were then served a lunch of sandwiches as they mingled and played games. Pastor Thompson then instructed participants at each table to create a sculpture that represented the ideals of MLK’s legacy using Jenga blocks. After about 10 minutes, participants shared their work, which exempli-

fied themes of unity and equality.

After cleaning up, attendees were directed to another lunchroom, across from where the first half of the event was held, for community service activities. These activities included making sandwiches, separating snacks into small bags, organizing school supplies into backpacks and arranging boxes of non-perishable foods, all of which were

donated to homeless families in need.

According to the school, the event was organized by the Elmont PTSA, the Elmont Key Club, the Men of Elmont program, the United Jewish Appeal Federation, the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre and Church of the Harvest.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Lisle Duplan, left, and Nikesha Duplan each raise a hand to their heart as Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin, of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, sang the national anthem during the MLK Day of Service on Monday.

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos

Legislator Carri é Solages, left, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages deliver passionate speeches about Martin Luther King Jr., and the impact of his legacy in communities nationwide, for the MLK Day of Service.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY CHRISTIANA TRUST AS CUSTODIAN FOR GSRANZ LLC, Plaintiff against ROSALIND ELMONT

CORP., et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 14, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as 1686 Rosalind Ave., Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 456 Lot 117. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $9,781.59 plus interest, fees, and costs and attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 602859/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

John Boklak, Esq., Referee File # 18-4898 150758

LEGAL NOTICE

NASSAU - INDEX NO.:

620021/2023SUPPLEMENTAL

SUMMONS. Plaintiff designates NASSAU COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map Section 32, Block 440, Lot 255, ELMONT, NY, County of NASSAUU.S. BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9

MASTER PARTICIPATION

TRUST, PLAINTIFF,against- VICKEITA STREETER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHEITA

WARREN A/K/A SHEILA BOWDEN; SHEENA STREETER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHEITA

WARREN A/K/A SHEILA BOWDEN; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real

property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirsat law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of SHEILA WARREN, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; GWENDOLYN L. WRIGHT A/K/A GWENITH WRIGHT A/K/A GWENITH STEPHENS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF GWENDOLYN L. WRIGHT; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirsat law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of GWENDOLYN WRIGHT, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; RASHAUN STEPHENS; LAKISHA POPE; SLOMINS INC.; INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, DEFENDANTS. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not

served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered against you and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: Syosset, New York, December 17, 2024. Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-938-3100. To the above-named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon.

JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN, a Justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, dated November 6, 2024 and filed with the NASSAU County Clerk together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Section 32, Block 440, Lot 255, ELMONT, NY, County of NASSAU as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 90 LEE COURT, ELMONT, NY 11003. 150737

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-C, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, Against JEAN PIERRE FORTURE, REBECCA FORTURE; ROSE FORTURE, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/08/2024, 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 2/11/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 54 Biltmore Avenue, Elmont, New York 11003, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 0032 Block 00426-00 Lot 36, 37, 38 And 139. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $437,474.19 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 602172/2020 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.

Brian Davis, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573

Dated: 12/30/24 File Number: 19-302406 MB 150875

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. DBW TL HOLDCO LLC, Pltf. vs. PETER A. PHAGOO, et al, Defts. Index #609038/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered February 4, 2021 and order to appoint substitute referee entered May 16, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., prem. k/a 178 Lincoln Street, Elmont, NY a/k/a District 16, Section 32, Block 477, Lot 54, Group Lot 54-55. Approx. amt. of judgment is

$54,408.20 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. HEATHER D. CROSLEY, Referee. BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf. 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY. File No. 305409.449- #102035 150871

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIBANK, N.A., Plaintiffagainst- RICARDO CASTILLO A/K/A RICARDO A. CASTILLO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 18, 2024 and entered on July 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 11, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Stewart Street, distant 220 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Stewart Street with the northerly side of Atherton Avenue; being a plot 100 feet by 40 feet by 100 feet by 40 feet. Section: 32 Block: 481 Lots 42 and 43. Said premises known as 108 STEWART STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003

Approximate amount of lien $214,001.69 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 605713/2023.

HEATHER D. CROSLEY, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030

File# 7777.248 {* Elmont Herald*} 150863

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a Restaurant Wine License, NYS Application ID NA-0240-24-116724 has been applied for by JFG Italian Fine Foods LLC d/b/a Farina 00 to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a restaurant. For on premises consumption under the ABC law located at 970 Hempstead Turnpike Franklin Square NY 11010 150980

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 4th day of February, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. (NR) FLORAL PARK 239TH STREET - west side, starting at a point 110 feet north of the north curbline of Superior Road, north for a distance of 16 feet.

(TH-580/24) 244th STREET - west side, starting at a point 202 feet north of the north curbline of Ontario Road, north for a distance of 13 feet.

(TH-584/24) ; and, BE IT FURTHER Dated: Hempstead, New York January 21, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151103

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VERUS SECURITIZATION TRUST 2021-R1, Plaintiff, vs. JUAN APUPARO, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 31, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 108 OAKLEY AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003. 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: 32, Block: 559, Lots: 24, 25, 26. Approximate amount of judgment is $247,179.55

plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602288/2023. Prior sale was scheduled for January 8, 2025. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee.

MARIA SIDERIS, Esq., Referee

Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151112

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids subject to all instructions, terms and conditions herein and pursuant to the specifications, will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elmont Fire District at the Office of said District located at the Fire District Office, 100 School Road, Elmont, New York 11003, until 7:00 PM on February 12, 2025, where they will be opened publicly and read aloud after 7:00 PM prevailing time, on the said date for the service as specified and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practical for: RENOVATION OF ELEVATOR AT DISTRICT BUILDING ON SCHOOL ROAD Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be obtained at the office of the Fire District located at 100 School Road, Elmont, New York 11003 from January 15, 2025 until February 12, 2025 between the hours of 10:00AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Thursday.

Each bidder wishing to obtain a copy of the bid documents, plans and specification for the project shall submit a check in the amount one hundred ($100.00) dollars payable to the “Elmont Fire District”, as a deposit to guarantee the safe return of such bid documents, plans and specifications. If thereafter the bidder submits a proposal together with the required bid security and thereafter returns such copy of the bidding documents, plans and specifications in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract, the full amount of such deposit for one copy shall be refunded to the bidder. No refund will be provided for deposits for additional copies of the documents.

All bids must be accompanied by bid security in the form of either a) a certified check payable to the “Elmont Fire District.” in the amount of five (5%) percent of the bid price, or b) a bond with sufficient sureties to be approved by the Elmont Fire District in the amount of five (5%) percent of the bid price. If the bid is accepted, the bidder will enter into a contract in accordance with the bid and will furnish a suitable security bond in the sum of the amount of the contract, conditioned for the faithful and prompt completion of the work specified in the contract. If the bidder neglects or refuses to execute the contract and furnish the bonds, the deposit of five (5%) percent of the bid price shall be forfeited and retained by the Elmont Fire District as liquidated damages or, in the case of a bid bond, the Elmont Fire District shall enforce payment of the bond for its benefit. Performance, Labor and Material Payment bonds and a Maintenance bond in the forms specified for the full amount of the contract are required and shall be included in the bid price.

Exclude from all bids New York State Sales Tax on materials or supplies purchased for this project. Pursuant to §220 of the Labor Law, the contract will contain a provision that every mechanic, laborer and workman employed in or about the work contemplated by the contract shall be paid not less than the prevailing rate of wages and provided with not less than the prevailing supplement which are set forth in the Bidding Documents.

The Elmont Fire District reserves the right to waive any informalities in, to accept or reject any or all bids, to award the contract to other than the lowest bidder or to advertise anew if in the judgment of the Elmont Fire District it is in their best interests to do so. No bidder shall withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof.

Dated: Elmont, New York January 14, 2025 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST: FRANCES ANDINO SECRETARY 151115

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S

SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale.

Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer. A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 23, 2025

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, NewYork

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.

The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal

interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other

bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 151098

News brief

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick supports book drive

State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is supporting a community-wide book drive intended to promote literacy and reading. The book drive is an opportunity for donors to give back to the community, the news release continued, and can help support reading and education across Nassau County. “We know the power of a good book— it can inspire, educate, and open doors to new worlds,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said in a news release. “I encourage everyone to donate new or gently used books and help us make a difference in the lives of others.”

Books can be donated at five public libraries in Nassau County Lynbrook, Long Beach, Elmont, Lawrence and Malverne until Feb. 7. All donations will go to Book Fairies, a Freeport-based nonprofit organization that distributes books to communities in need on Long Island.

Where to donate books

Lynbrook Public Library 56 Eldert St., Lynbrook, NY 11563

Long Beach Public Library 111 West Park Ave., Long Beach, NY 11561

Elmont Memorial Library 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003

Peninsula Public Library 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, NY 11559

Malverne Public Library 61 St Thomas Place, Malverne, NY 11565

For more information, call Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s office at (516) 766-8383.

–Renee DeLorenzo

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-13, Plaintiff, v. VINCENT MCPHERSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LAVERN

MCPHERSON A/K/A LAVERN VERONICA MCPHERSON A/K/A

LAVERN DACOSTA A/K/A LAVERN DACOSTAMCPHERSON, ET AL, Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on December 16, 2022, I, Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on February 25, 2025 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows: 168 Freeman Avenue Elmont, NY 11003

SBL No.: 37-371-285

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

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 613803/2018 in the amount of $497,953.24 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 151108

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, in trust for registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan AssetBacked Certificates,

Series 2007-FF2, Plaintiff AGAINST Erslena J. Jacob, The Estate of James S. Keaton a/k/a James Keaton, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 1371 North Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 549, Lot: 50-52 & 249. Approximate amount of judgment $711,244.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613057/2017. Howard Colton, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-057763-F01 83905 151067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2021-2, Plaintiff against MILLER COMMERCIAL CONSULTANTS CORP; RODOLPHO MILLER, et al Defendant (s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 24, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 1717 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 453 Lot 9 and 10. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Elmont (not an incorporated Village), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate

Amount of Judgment is $795,715.93 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 609476/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee File # 23-001035-01 151106

Patricia canzonEri-FitzPatrick

EmploymentHERALD

LONG B EACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OFFICE ASSISTANT PT Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755

Paradoxical Lucidity in Severe Dementia: A Mixed Method Prospective Study

Paradoxical Lucidity in Severe Dementia: A Mixed Method Prospective Study

NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.

NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.

These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.

These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.

If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org

If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org.

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The fires in L.A. got us wondering

Cozy Cape: Your Dream Home

Q. I, like many others, am upset about the terrible fires happening in California. We were discussing it the other day, and are wondering what your opinion is about how these fires spread so quickly, considering that we were also having high winds at the same time. Are our homes safe? Do we have better building regulations? Could the same thing happen to us that’s happening in California? What can we do to prevent this and what do you think California should do?

A. It can happen here. We must all listen, observe and learn from this tragedy to avoid repeating it in our own communities. I have often written about the beginnings of rules and regulations, which began after the great fire of London in 1666 and, in this country, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It took many decades and many lives lost to recognize that building codes were needed, however.

Unfortunately, the typical response, historically, is to immediately express horror, but as time goes on, become complacent that something that bad couldn’t happen here. Yes, it can happen anywhere, and certainly in communities where the buildings are closer together. So we need to listen when we’re told that it could happen, and realize why fire could burn down any community where nature’s forces work against our best planning.

We have seen the devastation, and some of us realize the many elements that contribute to disaster, such as drought, high winds, finish materials that combust and lack of ability to escape, to name a few. Our building codes are focused on life safety and limiting fire spread. At the right temperature, nearly everything burns.

California has similar codes, but many buildings were constructed prior to the newest, more stringent codes and did not have safety requirements for one- or two-hour resistive surface materials, interior sprinklers or opening protective devices like special shutters that drop to enclose spaces and reduce fire spread. Our roofs, siding, fences and interior materials, just like California’s, can ignite readily when hot embers land on them.

Rebuilding in California will have to include interior sprinklers, non-combustible exterior materials and community training in what to take, when to evacuate and how to do so safely without blocking the path of emergency responders. I expect that we will see greater distances between dwellings and backyard structures, less vegetation, cannons mounted on utility poles to shoot fire-retardant and fire break walls that can lift out of the ground to separate buildings. There are products on the market to do all of these things, though most have been developed for flood prevention or highly flammable building conditions. More people will choose cement board siding that mimics everything from stone to wood siding to preserve styles that are consistent with the building shape, and metal, cement or ceramic tile roofs that will not combust if a hot ember or coat lands on it, and metal window frames. Remember to choose safe materials. Good

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“

The Sopranos” revolutionized television entertainment when it made its debut on HBO in 1999, and continued through 2007. On the surface, it was an organized-crime story centered on a mob guy in New Jersey named Tony Soprano. Below the surface, however, “The Sopranos” explored new levels of the complexity of human nature.

Yes, Tony Soprano was a monster capable of vicious brutality. But he was also an uppermiddle-income family man living in suburbia with a wife, Carmela, and two children he truly loved. Sure, he had his goomba, but he genuinely cared about and provided for Carmela, and would say hardly a bad word about her. He was a doting father who would take his daughter, Meadow, to visit prospective college campuses while taking time out along the way to murder

opinions

‘Woke up this morning . . .’

someone who had crossed him. All in a day’s work.

Then there was Tony’s mother, who had also plotted to kill him. Underlying all these contradictions was the reality that this vaunted tough guy and super stud was in therapy with Dr. Melfi, who treated him for anxiety and depression.

TThere was also a supporting cast of rogues and characters that would cause anyone anxiety. Big Pussy was Tony’s loyal friend, who turned out to be an FBI informer — a “rat.” Tony killed him, and dumped his body off the family boat so he could swim with the fishes. Bobby Bocola was an overweight killer who could play Santa Claus, and got himself shot to death in Trainland, the model train store on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook.

Uncle Junior was an aging mob leader and family patriarch who was capable of casual cruelty.

hree of the stars of ‘The Sopranos’ offer their takes on what made the show special.

Recently, my wife, Rosemary, and I went to the historic Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts to see “In Conversation With the Sopranos,” with Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bocola), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy), who reminisced about their experiences on the show and answered questions from the capacity crowd. The audience was made up of real people — middle-income Long Island families, many of whom, no doubt, had moved out here from New York City. Listening to the questions they asked, you’d conclude that they must have watched and rewatched every “Sopranos” episode.

discussing how they got their parts and their opinions of the other actors. James Gandolfini — Tony Soprano — was the glue that made “The Sopranos” work so well, and was extremely generous and always supportive. Dominick Chianese (Uncle Junior) was an exceptional actor and a totally mild-mannered gentleman off screen. Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts, was a psycho on and off screen but a loyal friend.

Christopher, Tony’s young protégé, killed his girlfriend, Adriana, when he found out that she, too, was an informer. Paulie Walnuts smothered his mother’s friend to death with a pillow when she caught him stealing her money.

Schirripa is a good friend and a truly great guy, totally down to earth. I’d met Imperioli and Pastore when they did a similar show with Steve about six years ago in Westbury. Both are very talented but regular guys.

The show was terrific, with the trio

Particularly funny was Pastore’s story about how a real-life mob-connected restaurant in the Bronx had proudly displayed his framed photo on the wall — but because the show depicted him as a “rat,” the picture was taken off the wall and destroyed. Their presentations were terrific, as was the question-and-answer session. They had a great rapport with the audience. After the show I met briefly with them, and told them “The Sopranos” would never grow old. Schirripa and I said we’d connect again soon. I’m looking forward to it.

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

Rubbing elbows with three great men

Columnists generally like to write about happy things, or at least not dwell on the subject of death. But over the past few weeks, three very significant people have died, and in some or many ways, I had direct contact with all of them. I refer to the late President Jimmy Carter, Chuck Dolan and Dick Parsons.

I don’t claim to have been a buddy of President Carter’s, but I had one interesting experience with him that is still fresh in my memory. During my years in the Assembly leadership, there was a custom that all potential Democratic candidates for president be introduced to the members of both houses of the Legislature. It was the job of an assigned member to escort the potential candidate around the Capitol for the meet-and-greet.

Apparently, nobody in the leadership offered to take then Governor Carter to

meet the elected members. Almost by default, I raised my hand and offered to do the escort work. My first task was to meet Carter at the Albany airport. At the stroke of noon, he arrived in the waiting area, looking to find his good shepherd. I greeted him and drove him to the Capitol so he could make his pitch for why New York should support his candidacy.

During the following three hours, Carter made his case for being the next president. Late that afternoon, we returned to the airport, and I wished him the best of luck. He wasn’t convinced that he could win over doubting Democrats, but he was determined to go to all of the key delegate-rich states to convince the doubters that he was the man for the job.

i t was the White House operator, and to my surprise, President Jimmy Carter was calling.

He told me that he would be making a number of public-works grants on Long Island, and asked if I had any preferences for a grantee. I recommended my hometown of Long Beach as the recipient of federal dollars — but I never heard from Carter again.

On a note closer to home, I was one of thousands of people who had a chance to know Charles Dolan, who created Cablevision and countless other innovations. He was a giant in the communications industry, but he was just plain Chuck in private.

I had the good fortune to be invited to his Christmas receptions and his famous July Fourth parties. On every occasion, he had the ability to make you feel like you were the only person at the event.

ing him the recognition. At all times, Charles, the titan of the industry, was just plain Chuck.

My last tribute is to the late Dick Parsons, a giant in so many businesses who was known for his great negotiating skills. I met him in the late 1960s, when he was a counsel to Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. He eventually went into the private sector, as chairman of the Dime Community Bank and Time Warner.

I still fondly remember a lunch appointment of ours on the afternoon of the O.J. Simpson trial verdict. We spent an hour discussing how Simpson could avoid a conviction, but at all times he was just Dick Parsons, a regular guy talking about a world of issues.

After decades of meeting great people, I very much miss those who were humble and gracious, never making a big deal of the power and influence they were lucky to possess. There aren’t many of those people left on this planet.

Two years later, the modest and humble Georgian was the president. On a February afternoon, our home phone rang, and the woman calling said she was the White House operator. Despite being skeptical, I took the call, and to my surprise it was Carter calling.

One August, Chuck invited my wife and daughters to the Hampton Classic, a major event for equine aficionados. Chuck had acquired a new camera and took pictures of my family, which I used on our family holiday card that year. I credited him as the photographer, and I got a call from him, thanking me for giv-

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

JERRY KREMER

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eeditorial

Serve the constituents, not the parties

arlier this month, those who were elected and re-elected in November took their oaths of office.

Long after the last ballot is counted, and as soon as the oaths are administered, the most important chapter begins — the work of governing. And now that Gov. Kathy Hochul has delivered her State of the State address and the legislative session is underway, New York’s elected officials face an urgent challenge: to move beyond partisan rhetoric to deliver for the people who entrusted them with power. While the election season is often defined by fiery speeches and ideological divides, the responsibilities of governing require cooperation, compromise and a steadfast focus on serving the taxpayers.

Hochul laid out her vision for the year in her address last week, touching on issues that transcend party lines, including affordable housing, public safety, economic growth and climate adaptability.

These are not Democratic or Republican issues; they are New York issues, and they demand solutions from leaders on both sides of the aisle. Yet the immediate responses to Hochul’s proposals

letters

Peter King walks a tightrope with Trump

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column “Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House” (Jan. 9-15): King should be commended for his once again skilled sleight of hand when it comes to comments about President Donald Trump. King managed to call him an “overlord” while at the same time showering him with praise for his supposedly singlehanded eradication of MS-13 on Long Island.

King can certainly walk the tightrope very well. Lest we forget, Trump’s focus on the gang was a convenient opportunity for him to launch his narrative that all migrants are criminals, murderers or rapists. The FBI, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, most important, Long Island law enforcement should be praised for their diligent, exhausting work on this scourge. And any child could see through Trump’s blatant politicization last year of Officer Jonathan Diller’s murder. Really, Peter.

showed how entrenched partisanship can overshadow a shared commitment to progress.

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but some of the reactions to the State of the State were all too predictable, either filled with vitriol for Hochul’s policies or unquestioningly agreeing with everything she said.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of divisiveness. The political climate in New York, as in much of the country, is polarized, with both parties often more focused on scoring points than solving problems. But taxpayers deserve better. They expect their representatives to work together — less as Democrats and Republicans than as public servants dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.

Addressing housing affordability, for example, isn’t merely a policy discussion — it’s a pressing issue for families struggling to make ends meet. Likewise, public safety can’t be reduced to talking points; it affects the lives of residents of cities, towns and villages across the state. And economic growth isn’t about partisanship — it’s about creating jobs, supporting small businesses and helping communities thrive. These priori-

ties require collaboration, creativity and the willingness to engage in tough but constructive dialogue.

The stakes are high. Trust in government is fragile, and elected officials must demonstrate that they can deliver results. That means setting aside political differences to focus on what unites us: a shared desire for a prosperous, safe and equitable New York. It means finding common ground on key issues while respecting differing perspectives.

As the state’s leaders embark on this legislative session, they must remember that their duty is not to a political party, but to the people they represent. Voters have made it clear time and again that they don’t want endless gridlock or partisan posturing; they want solutions. They want leaders who prioritize progress over politics.

The work of governing is not glamorous, and most of the time it doesn’t make headlines. But it is the foundation of a functioning democracy. Now that the campaigns, the election and the swearing-in ceremonies are behind us, it’s time for the winners to roll up their sleeves, put the rhetoric aside and get to work. The future of our state — and the trust of its people — depend on it.

How amusing that King chooses to focus on Trump’s New York roots, his beginnings in Queens and King’s memory of a smiling Trump appreciating King’s New York accent. As if these things could overshadow our new president’s slew of bankruptcies, criminal indictments, multiple accusations of sexual abuse and documented perpetration of fraud on the public via Trump University and the Trump Foundation. King also notes that Trump has made friends with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former Congressman Lee Zeldin and county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo — MAGA supporters all. Birds of a feather flock together.

Of course, King is afraid that he and all the other Long Island MAGA tools that Trump used while campaigning will be discarded in his junk heap of no-longer-useful sycophants now that the election is over.

opinions

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.

Aregion 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

Letters

King is genuflecting to Trump again in an attempt to garner favor for New York in light of Trump’s continuing belligerent rhetoric about blue states and big cities. Most importantly, Long Islanders need a repeal of the state and local tax write-off cap imposed as punishment by Trump during his first term. Former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito promised to get that done, but caved in the end. Maybe the recent visit to Mar-aLago by Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Nick Lalota, Mike Lawler and the rest was enough to satiate Trump’s need for sucking up from his MAGA crew, and we’ll see a lifting of the SALT cap.

New Yorkers don’t need to “work to find common ground with the president” to become great again. We are one of the most beautiful and economically stable states in the country, with resources and opportunities not available in any other part of the nation. Do we have problems to be addressed? Sure we do. But we’re still great.

ELIzABETH MuRPHY Franklin Square

Town hikes taxes, and mailers, ads keep coming

To the Editor:

Nassau Republican officials at every level shamelessly waste taxpayer money on mailers and op-ed pieces that are purely partisan attacks on Democrats, and they cite one-party rule in Albany, overlooking the stark reality that Nassau County, its cities, towns and most villag-

es, is currently ruled by a single-party GOP machine, as it has been for most of our lives.

We all suffer from the Nassau and Town of Hempstead GOP’s relentless crusade to stay in power by gerrymandering, doling out patronage and perks to friends and family in the town’s employ, spending millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan mailers and television ads while imposing double-digit tax increases and fees on beleaguered taxpayers.

While Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin gave generous raises to his inner circle, again, he and his Town Board socked every town homeowner with a double-digit tax increase, sneaking in a 12.1 percent tax hike in December and over $850,000 in raises this month without mentioning it in any of the town’s famous and constant mailers. And this year the town refuses to post the names of those receiving raises. What are they hiding?

The town’s devious attempt to hide this nepotistic, self-serving resolution to give themselves, their families and friends substantial raises epitomizes Clavin’s resolve to hide the truth from voters. Or is this just a way to avoid recusing themselves from voting on raises to relatives?

It’s time for this charade to end. Clavin must stop raising our taxes in years he isn’t running, and then sending out tax-paid mailers at $80,000 a pop, claiming he is freezing taxes in an election year.

DAvE DENENBERG Merrick

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.

FrAMework by Tim Baker

correction

In last week’s brief “Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman,” a few of the people in the accompanying photograph were misidentified. Those in the photo included Owen Finegan, Myles

MichAeLLe soLAGes

The view from the Nassau University Medical Center — East Meadow

Finegan, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Chris Finegan, u.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, Austen Finegan and Laine Finegan. The date of Gillen’s swearing-in was Jan. 3.

mountsinai.org/southnassau