Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 07-25-2024

HERALD Franklin square/elmont

Community captivated by sizzling summer series

Community members enjoy a dazzling show at Eisenhower Park from Robert Neary and The Mystic earlier this month. Neighbors are encouraged to check out one of the Town of Hempstead’s summer series events throughout the sunny season. Story, additional photos, Page 10.

Meet the new superintendent of Elmont’s school district

By NIColE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

The Marlon Small era as superintendent of schools for the Elmont school district began July 1 as he replaces interim superintendent Kenneth Card.

Small was hired after a lengthy selection process by the education board that involved community collaboration and the search from School Leadership LLC.

“We worked diligently to vet all candidates, and Mr. Small excelled in every step of the process,” former education board President Nancy Garlick said in a news release announcing

Small’s appointment.

Prior to leading the Elmont school district, Small was the superintendent of schools for the Greenport school district from 2020 through 2024. He also the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the South Country Central School District, which serves the Village of Bellport and the hamlets of North Bellport and Brookhaven, from 2017 through 2020.

Small started his education career in 1999 as a fourth-grade teacher in the Huntington school district where he would later serve as dean of students from 2002 to 2003. He worked as principal of an elementary school in that district for 11

Continued on page 5

The threat to Hempstead’s historical sites

By NIColE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

The Franklin Square Historical Society and Franklin Square Civic Association have expressed concerns about the Town of Hempstead’s Landmarks Ordinance and an apparent lack of protection for historic buildings throughout the town.

Katherine Tarascio, recording secretary for the Civic Association, brought her concerns to the Town Board in early June. She believes that the town should include a provision in the ordinance that would prevent building owners from facilitating a historic site’s demise by neglecting it.

Square stemmed from worries of possible disrepair in the Franklin Theater, an Art Deco theater designed in 1933 by architect Richard Thomas Short that was designated a historical landmark by the town in 2019. The site is one of 65 historical landmarks in the town.

I f demolition by neglect is allowed to happen once, it will continue to happen.

KAthERINE tARASCIo Franklin Square Civic Association

“It has come to our attention that the Town of Hempstead preservation ordinance is ineffectual when it comes to protecting a historic property,” Tarascio told the board during its meeting on June 4.

The concerns in Franklin

“While the town can, and has, spent significant money protecting the designated properties, as with the Franklin Theatre, (it) has no ability to stop a property owner from allowing, or even hastening, a building’s demise by neglecting it,” Tarascio said.

Several towns and villages across Long Island have provisions that include mandatory “regular maintenance” of designated historical sites in their preservation ordinances.

In the Village of Bellerose, owners of historical sites “shall not permit the property to fall into a state of disrepair so as to cause, in the judgement of the Historic Preservation

Continued on page 4

Tim Baker/Herald

Splendid Inti Childcare opens in Elmont

Splendid Inti Childcare opened in Elmont celebrated its opening with Elmont Chamber of Commerce President Julie Marchesella, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, a staffer from Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages office, a staffer from County Legislator John Giuffrè and local business owners on July 19.

Margalyda Ferrando originally obtained her licenses to open a daycare in 2022 and is excited to open her business’ doors to the public on Clement Avenue.

““I’ve been dreaming this since I was little,” Ferrando said of the business. “I used to play with my two cousins and all of our dolls. We would take care of them like they were real people.”

The center will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and has a capacity of 16 children.

Interested parents or guardians can learn more about the business by contacting splendidintichildcare@gmail. com or calling (212) 882-1854.

Ferrando worked in banks for 19 years but decided to make a career change in 2022.

“I feel like so many years I worked so hard to have this dream,” she said. “I promise I will do my best to take care of the kids that if parents trust me. They can trust me.”

Throughout her career her mother her children.

As they’ve grown up and prepare to enroll in college, Ferrando was inspired to embark on a new career path in childcare.

“I want to give them the best,” Ferrando said of the children enrolled at her daycare.

Addison Star/Herald

Splendid Inti Childcare celebrated its opening on Clement Avenue in Elmont on July 19 with Elmont Chamber of Commerce President Julie Marchesella, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, local elected officials’ staffers and local business owners.

Courtesy Margalyda Ferrando Valentina Corrales colors a heart at Splendid Inti Childcare in Elmont.

Neighbors to get their luau on at bingo party

By ADDISON STAR Intern

“Rescuing Families loves a good theme party.” Said Gina Centauro, founder of Rescuing Families.

Neighbors are invited to attend Franklin Square-based nonprofit Rescuing Families’ second annual luau bingo party on Aug. 9 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and bingo will start at 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to don their “luau finest,” to fit the theme of the event. The best luau shirt or outfit will be awarded at the event during the luau costume contest.

Event attendees can win raffle baskets, and scratch-off raffles throughout the event. Community members can pay as low as $5 to enter Rescuing Families’ progressive 50/50 raffle which will conclude at the end of the summer. The event is for community members who are more than 18 years old.

Tickets will be on sale until Aug. 5 and must be bought in advance.

“This is a very fun event,” Gina Centauro, founder of Rescuing Families, said. “Last year we got a lot of people who love the idea of being inside in the heat of the summer and not having an outdoor event and just being able to have a good time.”

Rescuing Families is expecting a crowd of about 150 attendees.

Neighbors are encouraged to visit RescuingFamilies.org/events where ticketing information is available. Tickets for the event are $35 and provide for five bingo games, the dinner buffet, drinks and fun galore.

To purchase additional bingo cards, attendees can pay $3 for each additional card. Raffle tickets for the Chinese auction will be sold for $5 and $10.

The goal for the event is to raise an additional $10,000 will go towards their next two projects: the VFW Post 2718 renovation and the Reyes’ Family home in Valley Stream. Rescuing Families is in the process of getting permits and materials for both projects.

The organization is actively seeking volunteers for its projects. Volunteers can find more information about how they can help by contacting Rescuing Families at (516) 697-9403.

The summer fun does not end with the luau bingo party as Rescuing Families continues to host events throughout the season.

A mystery box sale will be hosted at Extra Space Storage in New Hyde Park on Aug. 4 where community members can shop for treasured items. Boxes will be priced from $5 to $30 and include kitchen items, décor, collectibles, clothing and more.

Rescuing Families will also have a permanent space to call home Aug. 1. The nonprofit has purchased a building on Lewiston Street in Franklin Square that they plan to use at office space as well as a permanent thrift boutique and warehouse. Volunteer meetings will also take place there.

“We want it to be a multi-use type of building for us,” Centauro said.

The organization will host pledge drives to raise money for the operational costs of the building throughout the year. Community members can pledge to donate at the organization’s website. The hope is that the pledge drives will cover the cost of the building so that any additional money raised at fundraisers can be put directly towards upcoming projects. The organization has received $6,000 in pledges so far, according to Centauro.

Depending on the amount pledged, there will be specific thank you gifts for those who donate. Rescuing Families plans to create a “thank you” mural on the side of the building that will be visible from New Hyde Park Road.

Event attendees can purchase additional bingo cards for $3 each.

local businesses where, for a

of

Everyone who donates $100 will get their family or business name on the mural. The organization is also participating in a special sponsorship with

donation

$2,000, they will get their business name and logo on a banner that will be hung on the building.

Keith Rossein/Herald file photos

Last year, Joe O’Donoghue from Florida, Drew Kovarik from Kings Point, Scott Briskin from West Hempstead, Stephanie Brudecki from Elmont, Lorie Giannini from Floral Park and Tiesher Jones were named winners of the best luau costumes at luau bingo.

Helen Ranieri, Michelle Ranieri, Liz Casella, Karen Seligson, Maria Moir and Lauren von Czerniewicz played bingo to raise money for a good cause last year with Rescuing Families.

Michael Prestia, of Huntington, won $150 at last year’s luau bnigo night hosted by Rescuing Families.

Organizations work to protect F.S. theater

Board, a detrimental effect upon the character of the landmark or historic district.” Any property owner who fails to uphold a historic site’s maintenance there is required to restore the property and its appearance prior to the violation, enforceable by the village attorney.

“This serves to not only protect the property from becoming a case for hardship, but also protects the surrounding neighborhood from the fallout of dealing with such a neglected piece of real estate,” Tarascio said.

Historical sites can remain vacant for years, much like the Franklin Theater, whose doors have been closed since 2020. Tarascio reminded the Town Board that deserted and decaying buildings can pose structural risks to surrounding properties as well as safety hazards to bystanders, deter local investment as eyesores, invite squatters and depress nearby property values.

“Abandoned historic buildings left to ruin have the potential to be a catalyst for community breakdown,” Tarascio said. “These are things that a municipality should be working to protect against.”

She said she believed that including a “protection provision” in the town’s Landmarks Ordinance would help preserve Hempstead’s own historical sites, and that the absence of such a provision could be responsible for setting some

adopted in 1983, and the absence of required regular maintenance in the document is something that members of the Franklin Square Historical Society and Civic Association believe should be rectified. Tarascio advised that any addition or amendment to the current ordinance to close this “loophole” be made retroactive, to protect the town’s existing historic landmarks.

“If demolition by neglect is allowed to happen once, it will continue to happen,” she said.

Town officials did not respond to the Herald’s request for comment about the implementation of a provision protecting historic sites from demolition by neglect or disrepair. However, the town’s director of communications, Brian Devine responded with a statement regarding the significance of historic sites in Hempstead.

“dangerous precedents.”

“Disgruntled property owners will continue to use this loophole to skirt the designation, and inevitably demolish a building that the municipality will have had no choice but to condemn,” Tarascio said. “But ‘demolition by neglect’ is not something that occurs overnight, and the cost of allowing it to happen has a ripple effect that can negatively impact a neighborhood for years.”

Positive Aspects of Aging

Aging provides its own rewards, which only those who experience it really know, as the following quotes show.

“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”

— Ingrid Bergman

“Nothing is inherently and invincibly young except spirit. And spirit can enter a human being perhaps better in the quiet of old age and dwell there more undisturbed than in turmoil of adventure.”

— George Santayana

“The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball - the further I am rolled the more I gain.”

— Susan B. Anthony

“Why not just embrace it, go along with it and welcome it?”

—Helen Mirren

“I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it.”

— Frances Lear

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

“The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good, but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in order to shut out the tranquility of the evening. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.”

— W. Somerset Maugham

“There is a fountain of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

— Sophia Loren

SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in

Hempstead’s current ordinance was

“As the largest and one of the oldest townships in America dating back to 1644, Hempstead Town has a rich history and a diverse background of peoples, cultures, and heritages,” Devine stated. “Preserving sites with historical significance — such as cemeteries serving as the final resting places of Civil War veterans, the take-off spot of Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 trans-Atlantic flight, and pre-Revolutionary War properties, among many others — serve (s) to educate future generations on how our communities have evolved over time.”

the franklin theater, designated a Hempstead historical

changed owners throughout the years. it was forced to close in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Locals are worried that the building’s vacancy could lead to demolition by neglect something from which they believe the site should be protected.

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/franklinsquare or www.liherald.com/elmont

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: fseditor@liherald.com

■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com

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rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext.

Courtesy Bill Youngfert the franklin theater, designed by architect richard thomas Short, opened in 1933, and was designated a town of Hempstead historical landmark in 2019.

Courtesy Margaret Kelly

landmark in 2019, has

Marlon Small begins tenure with Elmont

years before he joined the South Country Central School District.

As a former classroom teacher and principal at the elementary level, Small is excited to bring his experience to the district. He expressed his knowledge of sensing what is important to parents, principals and teachers at this level is a strength he will bring to this role.

“While my foundational experience was at an elementary level, I do have the ‘K through 12’ perspective as well, which will be a positive and support for our staff and students as we prepare our students for the second and the third level (of their education),” Small said.

Throughout his own education, Small said teachers played a critical role in his life that went beyond their lesson plans. This inspired him to become an educator.

“(It’s) important to give students opportunities and to make sure you serve as a role model and mentor for students,” Small said.

Small earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from State University of New York at Old Westbury in 1992, a master’s degree in elementary and special education from Adelphi University in 1999 and a professional diploma in educational administration and supervision from Dowling College in 2002.

The new superintendent hosted meetings with parents, administration, principals, teachers, the inter-school parent teacher student association council and local parent teacher student associations to gain a better understanding of the district’s needs throughout the past several weeks.

“I’ve been hearing from individuals about (their) concerns, what is it they think that is going well (and) what they want us to work on,” Small said. “And then as I have those conversations with those individuals and groups, (I will) look for some of the common threads of

what people are saying in order to know some of the things that I need to work on as I go forward.”

As superintendent, Small will evaluate the district’s programs to determine how they are working to meet the needs of Elmont’s students. He highlighted the district’s Model United Nations program and science research program as two “wonderful” resources available to students.

Throughout his conversations with parents, Small said he spoke about the district’s summer enrichment program and how it could be expanded to provide students with more opportunities next year.

“I’m taking a comprehensive look at the range of opportunities in the district,” Small said. “How are they serving our students? How are they benefiting our students? How can we strengthen and expand them so that all or most of our students get the opportunity to be involved?”

Three new trustees also joined the education board this year at the July 1 reorganization meeting: Lynette Battle, Trecia Wong, and Dwayne Palmer. Small said he is eager to start working with the district’s team.

“I’m looking forward to working with our community, administrative staff, teachers, students and parents to continue moving the district forward,” Small said.

Courtesy Elmont school district

marlon Small began his tenure as superintendent of schools for the elmont school district July 1.

SQUARE/ELMONT HERALD — July 25, 2024

Residents across Long Island complain that low-flying airplanes have increased in number since the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

A constant annoyance, a public health issue

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The roar of jet engines overhead has become a constant aural backdrop for many residents of Long Island, particularly those living in lower-income neighborhoods. In recent years, a shift in flight paths from nearby airports such as Kennedy and LaGuardia, which together handle roughly 1,400 flights a day, has exacerbated the issue. Residents now endure relentless noise from aircraft flying directly over their homes, disrupting daily life and sparking widespread frustration.

“I’ve lived in Uniondale for 30 years, and I don’t ever remember the noise from the planes being so loud and annoying,” Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, said. “Now it’s to the point where these planes are going all day and night long, flying across our skyways, and some of these planes are very low.”

Jacobs and other residents believe that the flight path changes disproportionately affect minority communities. The enforcement of noise ordinances dates back to the rise of American urbanization and industrialization, with New York becoming the first major city in the country to implement noise ordinances in 1905 — which often defined the music of Black and Hispanic communities as noise disturbances.

“I strongly believe this is a racial issue,” Jacobs said. “I’m not saying that white communities aren’t having this issue as well, but in Uniondale and other nearby communities, it is all day, all night, and they are constantly going.”

Efforts to address the noise have met with limited success. The Town of Hempstead created the Town-Village Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee in 1966 to tackle the problem, but local governments have little influence over the Federal Aviation Administration, which controls flight paths. Jacobs’s attempts to draw more attention to the issue have included writing to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, but she has yet to receive a response.

James Vilardi, executive director of the Noise Abatement Committee, emphasized the challenge of getting the FAA to acknowledge and address the problem. The committee’s primary goal is to obtain accurate decibel readings from FAA monitors, because data is averaged across neighborhoods and does not reflect specific impacts.

“If we get the raw data and find that the decibels vio-

Low-flying airplanes can cause serious health issues, increasing stress levels, preventing sleep and in some cases even leading to cardiovascular issues.

late municipal or federal code, we can appeal to the FAA to make changes,” Vilardi explained. The FAA, however, has been largely unresponsive, leaving residents in limbo.

Brookville Mayor Daniel Serota voiced similar frustrations.

“Years ago, when Congressman (Steve) Israel was our congressman, he initiated meetings with regional FAA folks and other mayors to discuss the planes and their heights,” Serota said. “Every Saturday and Sunday, they fly over our villages, and they’re supposed to have a certain height limit, but the pilots never adhere to that.”

Serota detailed the complexities of addressing the issue, including the discretionary power of pilots to determine flight paths based on safety considerations. Despite some agreements to maintain certain altitudes, those measures, he said, often fall by the wayside.

“It’s up to the pilot, and if he feels he needs to go lower or the weather is a certain way, that’s his purview,” Serota said. “We had Covid, which silenced the planes for a while, but now they’re back, flying as low as can be.”

Serota added that despite years of reaching out to airline and public officials, nothing has been done to

solve the issue. He said it is one of the most frequent complaints he gets from Brookville residents.

“On weekends it can be very loud,” he noted. “These big planes, like the double-decker ones with four engines, fly over at sometimes 1,500 feet. You can see the words on the Emirates Airlines planes and hear the noise as if they’re right above your backyard.”

The impact of aircraft noise extends beyond mere annoyance. According to the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Library of Medicine, prolonged exposure to aviation noise can have serious health consequences. Common adverse effects include not only annoyance, but cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular disease. Noise pollution has been linked to higher rates of heart disease and stroke, as well as hypertension and disrupted sleep patterns. Studies have also suggested potential effects on birth outcomes and psychological health, although more research is needed to fully understand those impacts.

Annoyance, the most often documented response to noise, can interfere with thoughts, feelings and activities, and lead to resentment and discomfort. Cognitive impairment, particularly in schoolchildren, is another concern, with research from the National Library indicating that high levels of aircraft noise can affect reading comprehension, memory, attention and mood. Sleep disturbance, characterized by awakenings and changes in sleep patterns, can result in next-day fatigue and long-term health issues.

Cardiovascular disease is a significant risk, with high levels of aircraft noise acting as a stressor on the body. Research by the Civil Aviation Authority has found associations between aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Hypertension, another cardiovascular risk factor, has also been linked to chronic aircraft noise exposure.

Despite the evident health risks, local officials face an uphill battle in addressing the problem.

“We understand that everybody has to share the burden, but it’s a nuisance and a problem,” Serota said. “It’s not for lack of trying; all the elected mayors I know on the North Shore have been very vocal. But the FAA is a big bureaucracy, and when you’re dealing with a bureaucrat, they don’t care.”

The struggle for quieter skies continues, but without greater cooperation from the FAA and a commitment to addressing the issue, Long Island residents will likely remain under the constant hum of aircraft, their health and well-being hanging in the balance.

Photos courtesy Metro Creative

Republicans gather at national convention

Milwaukee was the place to be last week for Republicans as the Wisconsin city hosted the 2024 GOP national convention, where former president Donald Trump accepted the party’s official nomination as its presidential candidate and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance became the Republican nominee for vice president.

During the four-day convention, Republicans from across the country hobnobbed and networked, including Woodmere resident Cindy Grosz, Matt Capp, who serves as Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s communication director, as well as D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who were both delegates representing New York. Delegates are responsible supporting a presidential candidate at the convention.

There were also speeches by celebrities such as former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, model Amber Rose, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, along with Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Post-convention news included the July 21 announcement by President Biden that he was stepping aside. The presumptive front-runner for the Democratic nomination is Vice President Kamala Harris. The Democrats hold their convention Aug. 19-24 in Chicago.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Photos courtesy Cindy Grosz

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, right, who represents the 21st Congressional District in upstate New York and chairs the House Republican Conference, with Grosz at the NYGOP event at the convention.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman with Woodmere resident Cindy Grosz at the Nassau GOP gathering during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Neil Diamond tribute artist says ‘Hello Again’

By Jack Schwed Intern

Robert Neary returned to his roots, and brought with him a performance that would touch the hearts of thousands. Neary and Long Island-based cover band The Mystic covered Neil Diamond’s greatest hits in Neary’s selfmade tribute show, “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience,” at Eisenhower Park on July 6.

At 19-years-old, Neary was an aspiring actor, getting his start by taking acting classes at Nassau Community College. While there, he studied the performing arts intensively, hoping that he could one day become a Hollywood star. One of his professors recognized his talent, encouraging him to pursue this dream.

“[He] said to me, ‘What are you doing here?’ He goes, ‘You need to be out in Los Angeles.’ I said that’s my goal, and that was it, that pushed me even further,” Neary said.

His professor’s encouraging words and his own determination inspired Neary to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles. Within only a year of living there, he landed roles in several television shows and even co-starred in the 1987 film “Teen Wolf Too.”

Throughout the next 40 years, his career exploded and he made a few notable appearances, including as a performer in the “Chippendales” show, a lead replacement in the Broadway musical revue “Smokey Joe’s Café,” and in Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.”

However, over the course of this period, the business was transforming drastically. A fan of Neil Diamond, he was able to mimic his voice well, so he started putting together the materials for this passion project after gaining overwhelming support from his friends and

family.

And in 2019, the show further came together when Neary attended a Halloween party at a music hall. One of Long Island’s premier cover bands, The Mystic, took the stage. Neary knew immediately that they were exactly what he needed, so he took advantage of this opportunity.

“This guy in the audience wanted to come up and sing and I’m like, ‘Here we go again,’” Sam Bello, head of The Mystic, previously told the Herald. “He played me an audio of him doing a Neil Diamond song and it was uncanny, I almost didn’t believe him. I said, ‘If this is you, I’m interested.’”

Since then, Neary and The Mystic’s Neil Diamond tribute show has taken off, and they have toured the country. As they traveled, selling out numerous venues, Neary has made sure to return to his roots in East Meadow. This show was so well-received that he was invited to perform again at Eisenhower Park for Nassau County’s summer concert series.

People from all across Long Island came to watch this performance, proving how far Neary has come since he was a 19-year-old aspiring actor. Praised as “the most authentic and professional tribute to Neil Diamond,” “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience” continues to blow crowds away, making it an unforgettable experience for all. The show at Eisenhower Park earlier this month drew a substantial crowd.

In case you missed the recent show, you can catch it again at Merrick Road Park on July 17, through the Town of Hempstead’s summer series events. For more information on Nassau County concerts this summer, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Additional reporting by Brian Norman

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The crowd sang and danced to a cover of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline.’

A special guest was introduced and performed alongside Robert Neary and The Mystic.

Robert Neary presented “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience,” a tribute to Neil Diamond, at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

Robert Neary and The Mystic played Neil Diamond’s greatest hits with Neary’s wife Natasha as a guest dancer.

STEPPING OUT

‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’

Capture the flavors of summertime cuisine up a tasty bash

By Karen Bloom

Whether firing up the grill for a pool party, barbecue or even just a weeknight meal, one thing’s for sure: summertime means grilling season. Grilling takes many forms: your crowd may prefer the standard fare of burgers and hot dogs to flame-kissed vegetables and the artistry of a perfectly done steak. However, the possibilities don’t end there.

By mixing and matching traditional grilled classics with options that have a variety of textures and flavors, you can shake up your at-home menu and add new favorites to your routine this grilling season.

It’s easy to go from casual to elegant in a snap. The traditional faves always have their place, but if you’re looking for a different type of barbecue, add some finesse to your menu with other ideas, by re-imagining your grilling style.

Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs

With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh flavors.

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper

• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate.

To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.

Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down. Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.

Cabbage Steaks With Bacon & Blue Cheese

These cabbage steaks blend sweet and slightly sour notes with savory crumbles of cheese for a dish that pleases every one of your taste buds.

• 6 slices bacon

• 1 package McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Applewood Marinade

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 head green cabbage, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices (about 6 steaks)

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

Cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings.

Crumble bacon; set aside. Mix marinade mix, oil, vinegar, maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings in small bowl until well blended. Place cabbage steaks in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well.

Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer for extra flavor. Remove cabbage steaks from marinade. Reserve any leftover marinade.

Grill cabbage steaks over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes per side or until tender-crisp, brushing with leftover marinade. Serve cabbage steaks topped with blue cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions.

Mediterranean Vegetables

Fresh veggies tossed with rice vinegar and garlic make a tasty, nutritious side.

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (seasoned)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus extra, to taste

• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced

• 1 cup fresh zucchini, sliced into 1 3/4-inch long, 1/4-inch thick planks

• 1 cup fresh green pepper strips

• 1 cup fresh red pepper strips

• 8 fresh stalks asparagus, slicing off 1/4 inch from bottom of stalk

• 1 fresh portobello mushroom, sliced into 1/2-inch squares

• 1 cup fresh eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch squares

Heat grill to 375 F.

In large bowl, mix together rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and garlic to create marinade. Clean vegetables then place them in marinade in small batches. Toss to coat then place in foil pouch. Pour remaining marinade over vegetables and seal pouch.

Bake in oven or over indirect heat on grill 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, after removing pouch from heat.

Chef’s tip: Open pouch after 20 minutes of cooking and allow vegetables to crisp slightly under direct heat for remaining 5 minutes.

Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their beachy vibe back to the Paramount stage. With summer in full swing, enjoy their“Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach/country sounds for over a decade to the delight of their audiences.

Friday, July 26, 8 p.m. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

The Hilarious Hitmen

Sal Governale, Richard Christy and Billy Mira, radio personalities known for their prank calls and comedy, keep the laughs coming as “The Hilarious Hitmen.” The dynamic trio brings a modern twist to humor, drawing inspiration from the classic styles of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Christy’s extraordinary drumming skills set the heartbeat for their performance, while Governale’s charisma and comedic genius keep audiences in stitches. Not to be outdone, Mira’s impressions and vocal range captivate everyone. Get in on the laughs when they bring their to Harry Chapin Theatre at Eisenhower Park, for a lively evening that blends big band comedy with audience participation and delightful surprises. Audiences can’t get enough of their refreshing and new take on music and comedy, making their performances an unforgettable experience that leaves you craving for more.

Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m. Free admission. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs Cabbage Steaks with Bacon & Blue Cheese Mediterranean Vegetables

THE Your Neighborhood

Dance Theatre of Harlem

The acclaimed dance company visits Long Island on its 2024 tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage Sunday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company, co-founded by dance icon and international superstar Arthur Mitchell, has toured the world, engaged communities and introduced young minds and bodies to the power of dance. With all its renown, this boundary-breaking, dynamic organization has maintained Mitchell’s core belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, DTH presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all. The dynamic program includes “Higher Ground,” with choreography by Robert Garland, featuring Stevie Wonder tunes; “New Bach,” also choreographed by Robert Garland, with music by J.S. Bach; “Take Me with You,” choreographed by Robert Bondara, featuring Radiohead; also Robert Garland’s “Return,” with James Brown and Aretha Franklin tunes. Tickets are start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Movie Night

Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, July 31, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See the recent 3D animated musical fantasy “Trolls 3: Trolls Band Together.” The film serves as the threequel to Trolls, the sequel to Trolls World Tour, and the continuation of DreamWorks Trolls franchise. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

In concert

The Paul Effman Band performs at Elmont Memorial Library, Friday, Aug. 2, 12:30 p.m. Enjoy tunes from the fabulous 40s to the Fab 4, and more. Instrumental and vocal music is performed in an elegant jazz style. Free. No registration required. First-come first-seated. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit ElmontLibrary.org or contact (516) 354-5280.

Dramatic Play

Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 29, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story.

Children express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence. This week’s theme: Undersea Adventure. Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Summertime Wellness

Obtain free skin screenings, at Echo Park Pool, Thursday, Aug. 1, at 10:30 a.m. The program is sponsored by Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and North Shore University Hospital/Northwell Health. Discuss proper skincare throughout the summertime months. 399 Nassau Blvd, West Hempstead.

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug.

3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Michaela Goade’s “Berry Song.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Item swap

Visit the Franklin Square Public Library, Tuesday, July 30, at 11 a.m., for the library’s first item swap. Bring an item you have in your home that you have never opened, used, or do not want to place on the swap tables and then shop the tables for an item that you do want. Limit items to five per person Registration required. 19 Lincoln Road. For more information visit FranklinSquarePL.org or call (516) 488-3444.

Movie time

Cool off with a movie on Elmont Public Library’s big screen, Friday, Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m. See the 2021 sci-fi blockbuster “Dune,” starring Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Mamoa, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, and Javier Bardem. Difficult, often life-threatening choices and decisions must be made in the distant future when a duke takes control of a desert planet that contains the most powerful, valuable material in the universe.

With only his concubine, his heir, and a few trusted advisors to support him, the duke must navigate the treacherous traps set by his enemies, the dangerous native sandworms, and the mysterious, reclusive people who populate the arid planet. No registration required. First-come first-seated. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit ElmontLibrary.org or contact (516) 354-5280.

Having an event?

Pet Adoption Program

Adopt your “fur-ever” friend this summer. There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during the ”summer of love” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Now through Sept. 1, all pet adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. There is a $10 license fee for dogs. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cats before visiting the shelter online at HempsteadNY. gov/179/Animal-Shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page at Hempstead Town Animal Shelter. For more information, contact (516) 785-5220.

Museum Open House

Visit the Franklin Square Historical Museum, Sunday, Aug. 4, at 2 p.m. Free admission. Bring the whole family to examine the community’s history. 861 Naple Ave. For more information, contact byoungfert@aol.com

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

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities.

From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.

Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

‘Walkin’ After Midnight’

Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist.

She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Obamacare remains vulnerable, Solages warns

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

Despite repeated partisan legal challenges aimed at its demise, the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, has not only survived, but become an indispensable part of the American health care system. This year, a record number of Americans — an estimated 21 million — are insured through its marketplaces, which have redefined baseline expectations for consumer coverage in the health care system. Yet despite its 14 years of proven durability, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat, remains warily concerned about ACA’s future.

Solages was blunt in her assessment of what, or rather who represents the biggest political risk to undoing the health care law — former President Donald Trump.

At a news conference in Valley Stream last week, Solages, and leaders of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare

Affordable Care Act to the Inflation Reduction Act, to ensure that people have access to health care,” Solages said. “Now we are seeing constant attacks on these reforms, whether it’s federal representatives trying to take away provisions that ensure people with pre-existing conditions have access to health care or cull prescription pricing relief.” Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, sought to roll back or repeal significant elements of the law when he was president, but did not succeed. On

the campaign trail this year, certainly aware of the law’s popularity and lasting power, he has made vague promises to replace it with a superior alternative if he returns to the White House.

Solages also cited proposals by Republicans to cap and cut federal Medicaid spending and introduce a block grant system in which states would have to bid for federal funding to secure benefits.

“Instead of direct funding to the states, they want states to enroll in a

Hunger Games-like competition for coverage,” said Solages. “We can’t compete for coverage when it comes to healt care,” which will inevitably shrink the Medicaid program and leave many uninsured.

For more than a decade, there has been grumbling about the cost and sustainability of health care coverage under ACA by conservative critics.

Many maintain, as they have for years, that coverage plans under ACA can still be too expensive for some middle-class Americans because of high insurance premiums, burdensome costsharing requirements, and narrow health insurance networks that limit people’s choice of doctor and hospital.

And with the sting of inflation and rising health care costs, the insured may still struggle to afford higher-thanexpected co-payments or deductibles.

While Solages acknowledged that New Yorkers are grappling with growing medical debt and prohibitively expensive prescription prices, reducing investments in existing reforms will only exacerbate these problems, not solve them.

“From womb to tomb, all New Yorkers interact with the health care system, and when you erode health care, you impact the most vulnerable New Yorkers,” she said. “We need to raise our voices against unfair cuts to health care.”

Courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and health care advocates warned against dismantling the Affordable Care Act, emphasizing its crucial role in providing coverage for 21 million Americans and protecting vulnerable populations, amid ongoing political threats to its future.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

KONDAUR CAPITAL

CORPORATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF MATAWIN VENTURES

TRUST SERIES 2019-4, -againstHENRY LAURENT, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 27, 2023, wherein KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF MATAWIN VENTURES TRUST SERIES 2019-4 is the Plaintiff and HENRY LAURENT, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY

SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 15, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 142 DUTCH BROADWAY, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-671-62. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 615025/2019. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 148019 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR VERUS SECURITIZATION TRUST 2019-INV2, Plaintiff, vs. ZEESHANA KHAN, ET AL., Defendant (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 14, 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 on August 15, 2024, at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1314 GLOBE 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: 571, Lot: 30, 31, 32 & 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $613,580.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612216/2020. 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.

LOUIS IMBROTO, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 148015

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST DAPHNE SPENCE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 28, 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, ‘Rain or Shine’ on August 20, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1601-14 Johnson Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Section 32, Block 470, Lot 0026. Approximate amount of judgment $588,480.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615809/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County 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. If proper social

distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Michael J. Langer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002213 81427 147979

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Public Meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elmont Fire District originally scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 has been rescheduled to WEDNESDAY JULY 31, 2024 Meeting will be held at the District Office, 100 School Road, Elmont, New York, at 7:00 P.M. This NOTICE is published in conformance with Section 104 of the Public Officers Law.

Dated: July 17, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT ATTEST: FRANCES ANDINO DISTRICT SECRETARY 148129

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Fire Commissioners will meet on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 7:00 pm at Fire District Headquarters, 833 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY for a 2025 Budget Preparation Workshop.

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

FRANKLIN SQUARE & MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT

Attest: Kerry Santina Fire District Secretary July 19, 2024 148130

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 726-2024

Adopted: July 2, 2024

Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND 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. WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 722-2024, adopted June 18th, 2024, a public hearing was duly held on the day of July 2nd, 2024, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of

Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

EAST MEADOW

BELLMORE ROAD - east side, startingat a point 18 feet opposite the southwest curbline of 1st Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-246/24)

ELMONT

116th ROAD - south side, starting at a point 113 feet west opposite the northwest curbline of 239th Street, west for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-225/24)

JAMES STREET - south side, starting at a point 216 feet east of the east curbline of Butler Boulevard, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-220/24)

UNIONDALE

EMERSON STREET - south side, starting at a point 250 feet east of the east curbline of Liberty Street, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-242/24)

(NR) VALLEY STREAM SOUTH EVERETT STREETsouth side, starting at a point 244 feet east of the east curbline of Beverly Place, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-234/24) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting.

The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Dunne and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 148125

Democrats hope for blast of political momentum

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

The opening of a state Democratic office in Hempstead coincided with the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and Long Island Democrats are hoping for liftoff toward victory in November.

Congressional hopeful Laura Gillen, who is running against now incumbent Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, aims to defeat the Republican she ran against two years ago.

“We need a representative for this district who actually represents the district and delivers for the district,” Gillen said outside the 82 Main St. office. “I’ll legislate and act in the best interests of the people that I represent.”

She said that D’Esposito has not delivered for the district that includes communities from the Nassau border across the county’s South Shore to Wantagh.

Tknow that NY-4 is going to deliver the goods and make sure that Laura Gillen is elected.”

NY-3 is the congressional district formerly represented by George Santos. After his ouster from the House, former Congressman Ton Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in a special election in February.

Bynoe thanked the people who supported her in the June primary against fellow Dem Taylor Darling, and noted that every vote is critical.

here is much at stake. Our democracy is at stake.

SiEla BYNoE County

Legislator

Inside the office, members of 1199 Service Employees International Union, campaign volunteers and party supporters mingled with Rep. Gregory Meeks, who represents southeast Queens; Gillen, Siela Bynoe, a current county legislator now running for state senate opposing Republican Thomas Philip Montefinise; and Noah Burroughs who is opposed by Danielle Smikle in the 18th Assembly District.

Meeks spoke for nearly seven minutes to motivate the troops, noting that Long Island is vital to the hopes of Democrats.

“This the key to making sure we have and return to having the majority in the United States House of Representatives,” he said.

Calling the 2022 congressional elections a “tragic accident,” when several seats were lost, Meeks, who has served since 1998, said: “Because we won NY-3, we only need four more seats and we

LEGAL NOTICE

“It is important to support Laura Gillen,” Bynoe said. “There is much at stake. Our democracy is at stake.”

Bynoe then led the audience in the chant,” When we vote, we win.”

Burroughs, a native of Hempstead, who played in the NFL and taught for 20 years said his primary mission is to “give back to kids.”

“I do things more or less for the community — us all,” he said, noting that he “won’t’ stop walking and talking” the district and to potential constituents until the election is over.

Gillen also noted the energy in the office and acknowledged those who attended.

“We know what the stakes are in this election, and NY-4 we need a congressperson who actually shows and delivers for the people,” she said.

Despite being the challenger in her race against D’Esposito, Gillen, who did serve two years as Town of Hempstead supervisor before running for Congress, said she has a positive outlook.

“I feel really good about this campaign, I think you saw from this office opening there is tremendous energy and momentum,” Gillen said. “We’ve seen it in our grassroots support, we’ve seen it in our fundraising. And I think people are ready for a change in this district and I’m the change that they need.”

Public Notices

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 50-2024

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held July 2nd, 2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 50-2024, and following the close of the

hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 50-2024, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: July 2, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 148123

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 51-2024

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held July 2nd, 2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 51-2024, and following the close of the

hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 51-2024, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: July 2, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 148124

Business Intelligence Analyst wanted by 3W Auto Accessory Inc. in Oceanside, NY. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, or business-related major. Duties: Collect and analyze data from various sources, uncovering insights into sales, inventory, and market trends; Create interactive reports and dashboards, aiding decision-making by presenting key performance metrics; Forecast sales, conduct market research, and optimize inventory levels; Segment customers for targeted marketing and evaluate sales team performance; responsible for Data security and compliance, along with continuous improvement. Yearly Salary will be $80850 to $90000. Mail Resume to 3W Auto Accessory Inc., Attn: Qi Zhou, 3401 Lawson Blvd, Oceanside, NY 11572.

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

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

BILINGUAL TEACHER AIDES

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

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST: PART TIME, Must be Fluent in English and Spanish, Must Have Good Computer Skills, Able to Learn New Programs, Pleasant Phone Voice, Good People Skills, Salary Negotiable. 516-726-0309 or Email Resume to coreybickoff294@gmail.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 $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

HomesHERALD

Grand Center Hall Colonial

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

As you

LYNBROOK: 2 BR, Off Street Parking, No Pets, $3,100. 516-599-3174

WANTAGH 1 BEDROOM, Full Kitchen, Full Bath, Livingroom/Kitchen Combo, No Smoking No Pets. $1650. 516-731-3763.

BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE SUNNY Private Entrance,Walk In Closet, Walking Distance South Nassau Hospital, Share Bath, 516-913-0804.

3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $3999; Purchase Together $9999. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316

ONE BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE at Beth David’s in Elmont. Asking for $6,500. Please contact Michele Flanigan at 518-546-9550

kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and guest quarters. Taxes: $15,107 East Meadow $705,000 Lakeville Lane. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Open layout. Master bedroom with walk-in closet. Taxes: $10,270.09

Elmont $640,000

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Merrick $1,200,000

Loines Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office and guest quarters in bonus finished attic. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling and wet bar. Entertaining style backyard with heated saltwater pool and pool house with 3 portico doors. 2 car garage. Security system.

Taxes: $23,818.67

Contractors seem to have plans of their own

Q. We are getting estimates for a small bump-out at the back of our house to add a breakfast room, and the estimates have been much higher than we were led to believe. We met with a contractor before we hired an architect, and he gave us a number, but suggested we get plans made, which we did. In addition to doing an estimate from the plans, the contractor said we should pay him for the estimate if we don’t use him because of the time he took. His card actually says “Free estimates.” Between the price, which went way up, and the fact that he wants money, even if he doesn’t get the job, we aren’t going to even consider him, but is this common, that he should have such a higher price and also want to get paid? Incidentally, he added a lot of things that aren’t in the plans and aren’t what we spoke about.

A. This scenario is common, and I often warn people that they should, preliminarily, try to get a ballpark estimate, just to be sure they can do the project before getting started with plans. It always helps to have the contractor and architect speak, so we’re all on the same page.

Most often, though, what ends up happening is a kind of disillusionment when the plans are done and the contractor’s numbers are much higher than discussed. I’m amazed at how many contractors, without a phone call or meeting, try to change the project, question the engineering or structure, or try to work around the architect after all the time and consideration given to planning. It’s rare to have a contractor not make statements about the structure, even though I have rarely dealt with a contractor who can show expertise, with a license in engineering, to alter the design. Many just want to make it simpler to build without ever having to recognize the long-term issues of high winds, heavy snow or building codes.

On the other hand, one individual tried to upsell the job, claiming that piles were needed on a home where there was a basement and no other pilings. In order to add underground pilings to the price, a deep soil test, showing the character of the supporting earth, would need to be done. The home is over 100 years old and shows no signs of settling, so the inclusion of piles, without even consulting the licensed professional, is unwarranted.

It’s true that contractors have a hard job doing estimates, especially because the prices of lumber and other commodities change. They can spend many weeks calling around to suppliers and checking pricing, only to have their integrity questioned. This can lead to increasing numbers to account for potential material price changes. While you can’t expect the cost to remain the same, it is fair to ask, at the beginning, for a higher-end number so the outcome isn’t so different. Good luck!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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

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Congestion pricing may be paused, but the fight continues

From Buffalo to Montauk, New Yorkers of every color, creed and religion find themselves struggling to stay afloat amid the ever-increasing tax burden imposed on them, especially by the legions of out-of-touch bureaucrats who wield power in Albany. For too long, Long Islanders seeking financial relief from our state capital have found instead that many of their elected leaders in Albany are all too eager to nickel-anddime hardworking taxpayers as a solution to the fiscal mismanagement rife across government-operated entities as well as those directly tied to New York state, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

There is no doubt that the MTA is a vital resource for New Yorkers, but the dereliction of duty by the agency’s lead-

Has New York state government helped address your costs of living over the past six years? Has it made your life easier?

According to a recent poll, only 37 percent of registered voters thought the state was on the right track, while 52 percent said they believed it was headed in the wrong direction. In response to a prompt asking if the “2024 New York State legislative session did or did not succeed in passing laws that improve the quality of life in New York,” only 17 percent of respondents said they believed it did.

This sentiment was broadly shared across the political spectrum: Only 26 percent of Democrats, 7 percent of Republicans, and 12 percent of Independents/Others said they believed laws were passed this session that improved our quality of life. It is especially concerning that New Yorkers do not feel that state government is improving their lives when you consider how much money our state spends. When the state last had a divided

ership has led to staggering budget deficits and wasteful spending, to the point where it now costs the MTA roughly $3 billion a year just to service its enormous debt. Recognizing the unsustainable nature of this spending spree, the MTA conspired with Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Democrats to siphon more cash from commuters via a congestion pricing plan, which is nothing more than a thinly veiled commuter tax.

that part of Manhattan altogether — like many in the trucking and carting sector.

Will Gov. Kathy Hochul simply restart the plan after November’s election?

Charging drivers who enter Lower Manhattan via car a fee in addition to the tolls already collected on many bridges and tunnels is nothing short of highway robbery, and New Yorkers resoundingly rejected this latest Democratic cash grab. Indeed, residents of every political stripe have voiced their concerns about this new tax, which would see the average commuter fork over an additional $4,000 for the privilege of entering Lower Manhattan, and force many businesses to raise prices or shy away from conducting business in

I was proud to stand alongside fellow Republicans, and some common-sense Democrats, to raise the alarm across the tristate area about this anti-business mandate. What’s more, I introduced bipartisan federal legislation to reject congestion pricing and to ensure that this disastrous plan did not come to fruition. After repeated public calls to Governor Hochul and the Democrats in the State Legislature to scrap the plan, the people were heard, and Hochul “paused” the implementation of congestion pricing at the 11th hour last month.

But the timing seemed suspect.

Poll after poll across New York told the same story: Congestion pricing was an awful plan, and voters were prepared to take their frustration to the ballot box. It isn’t hard to connect the dots and conclude that Hochul only delayed implementation of congestion pricing

because, on the federal level, Democrats feared that it would imperil their campaigns in competitive House districts leading up to the November election — including the one for my seat. I find it hard to believe that New York state and its governor invested significant money in constructing the new tolling infrastructure across Manhattan only for Hochul to have a change of heart at the last minute.

So it is vital that while commonsense, anti-congestion pricing advocates have the wind at our backs, we press on and demand further reassurances — in law — that this plan will not simply be restarted once the all-important fall election season has concluded.

It is extraordinarily important that New Yorkers stand united in continued opposition to Hochul’s disastrous congestion pricing plan, and demand more concrete protections against the implementation of this debilitating scheme as we move forward. I will be sure to keep up the fight in Washington as your voice on Capitol Hill.

Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

Our state government: lots of dollars, little sense

government, in 2018, with the governor’s mansion and the Assembly controlled by Democrats and the State Senate controlled by Republicans, in partnership with a handful of Democrats, the state budget was $168 billion. This year, under one-party control, the spending plan totaled $237 billion — an increase of roughly 40 percent over six years, far exceeding the 26 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for the same period. The budget passed in 2018 under divided government was the eighth one in a row that adhered to a 2 percent spending increase cap, but Albany no longer seems to concern itself with such fiscal restraint. Yet does anyone believe that New Yorkers received a quality return on their additional investment of more than $60 billion since 2018?

A 40 percent increase in spending over the past six years — for what?

clean-water infrastructure funding, which had been championed by the State Senate Republican Conference when it controlled the chamber. Meanwhile, New York City has received a bailout of $3.4 billion over the past two years for the self-inflicted migrant crisis that will only serve as a Band-Aid, without fixing the problem.

Blumencranz and I succeeded in forcing the legislative supermajorities to address the issue of illegal squatters, instead of including the language we had proposed, Albany passed a watereddown version that has left gaps in the law.

To be clear, there are areas where state spending is a crucial investment in our future — education, clean water and air, and infrastructure, to name a few. But it is troubling that despite Gov. Kathy Hochul’s initially proposing such a costly budget, we still had to rally with local schools in Nassau County to restore their state funding, and the State Legislature had to fight to restore

Regarding crime and public safety, an issue on the minds of many New Yorkers, the legislative supermajorities still refuse to take meaningful action to fix the failed cashless bail laws they enacted. In polling numbers that nearly mirror voters’ feelings on this year’s legislative session, only 17 percent of New Yorkers say they believe crime has improved in the past year. Common-sense legislation I carry with Assemblyman Ed Ra to grant judges discretion to consider dangerousness when determining whether to hold a defendant pretrial was voted down in the Senate Codes Committee along party lines, and the Legislature refused to take up a comprehensive package of bills to combat antisemitism, including several of my own and Assemblymen Ari Brown’s and Ra’s bills. Further, while Assemblyman Jake

This is not to say that the state has failed to make progress on any issue. In the final days of the session, we passed a bill to help protect children’s mental health from addictive feeds on social media, which I was proud to cosponsor. However, I believe most New Yorkers would agree that Albany hasn’t done enough to stem the consistent outmigration our state is experiencing — driven largely by our affordability crisis. As a small-business owner and a mother of four, I know the importance of budgeting and spending within my means. Yet when I proposed an amendment on the Senate floor to keep utility costs under control by placing a moratorium on any new costs or regulations until a thorough cost-impact study is completed, my amendment was voted down along party lines.

At some point, Albany needs to realize that simply spending more money won’t solve our problems, and that using a little sense will go further than even billions of dollars.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th Senate District.

HERALD

HeraLd editoriaL

Face mask bill must strike a delicate balance

amid ongoing debates about public safety and individual rights, the Nassau County Legislature is poised to make a significant decision that could have an impact on both.

Republican Legislator Mazi Pilip has proposed a bill that would make the county one of the first in the metropolitan area to ban face masks that conceal a wearer’s identity.

The proposal, backed by all 12 Republican county legislators, aims to unmask those responsible for violent acts during protests, imposing fines of up to $1,000 and potential jail time for violators.

A similar measure was proposed by State Sen. Steve Rhoads last month, after six young men wearing masks attacked another man at the Academy Charter School graduation at Hofstra University.

The Pilip bill is a reaction to violence involving people wearing masks in recent months during protests at universities including Columbia, George Washington and Yale. Pilip said that when they cover their faces, people can act as brazenly as they wish, which is unacceptable, and the idea behind the proposal is to curb violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

A laudable goal — but this well-meaning legislation may compromise public health and civil liberties, particularly when face masks are used as intended. They became an essential public health

Letters

Jerry Kremer should rethink congestion pricing

To the Editor:

tool during the coronavirus pandemic, and are not just a means of personal protection, but also a potential collective shield that helps reduce the transmission of airborne viruses.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of masks in curbing the spread of infectious diseases, thereby saving lives. To undermine this practice, even with the pandemic seemingly behind us, could have dire consequences for public health, especially as we ponder future outbreaks of other diseases.

The proposed bill includes exemptions for those wearing masks for health or religious reasons, but the enforcement of those exemptions would raise significant concerns. While the Republican presiding officer of the County Legislature, Howard Kopel, said he doubted anyone would intervene when an older person wears a mask for health reasons, there appear to be broader worries. The New York Civil Liberties Union has voiced concerns that the legislation paints a target on the backs of people of color, and protesters who disagree with government policies.

Those sentiments are echoed by Democratic Legislator Debra Mulé, who highlights what she sees as the ambiguity surrounding the bill’s implementation and enforcement.

Historical and current events have shown that laws with vague enforcement guidelines often disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Even the appearance that some were

Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “It’s time to give the governor a break”: I strongly disagree with Kremer’s opinion about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s cancellation of congestion pricing. This money would have been of great benefit to those of us who ride the Long Island Rail Road and the New York City transit system. It would also have helped to reduce air pollution in New York City, a big problem.

As we’ve seen in the weeks since the governor canceled this program, there is no Plan B for funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital program, despite her absurd statements to the contrary. There is a real risk of losing significant federal funding for the Second Avenue subway. Also, muchneeded new electric train cars for the LIRR will likely now be indefinitely delayed.

I’m guessing that Kremer doesn’t ride the railroad and experience some of the very old M-3 passenger cars, which break down frequently. The now canceled capital program would also have improved accessibility at LIRR stations, not to mention helping

being unfairly targeted by a face mask law would not only undermine trust in public institutions, but also exacerbate existing social and racial tensions.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s consideration of a mask ban on New York City transit, and similar proposals from other state legislators, indicate a broader trend toward restricting mask use that, if taken up by individual counties as well and not carefully managed, could become the focus of endless litigation and, yes, masked protests. Legislators’ focus should instead be on fostering a safe environment without infringing on individual rights or compromising public health. Rather than outright bans, there should be a nuanced approach that balances safety with the right to wear masks for legitimate reasons. Enhancing security measures at protests, improving surveillance to identify perpetrators of violence without compromising the anonymity of peaceful demonstrators, and fostering better communication between law enforcement and the public could be more effective strategies.

Legislation that restricts the use of masks must be carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences that affect citizens’ freedoms or can be seen as discriminatory. As the County Legislature considers Pilip’s bill before a scheduled Aug. 5 vote, it should seek input from a wide range of stakeholders before finalizing it, in an effort to protect both public safety and individual rights.

NUMC is on the road to financial recovery

the treatment is working. For the past year, the leadership of long island’s largest safety-net hospital has buckled down to demonstrate that this beacon of hope for so many residents can survive, and thrive.

That may not be the message of some politicians, Albany bureaucrats and media often content to push misinformation, but the facts tell a story of resilience. The Nassau health Care Corporation and Nassau University Medical Center are demonstrating the power of strategic reform and unwavering dedication in the face of intense financial strain. The comprehensive reforms implemented over the past year have been nothing short of transformative. We overhauled NUMC’s ancient billing and collections processes, updated financial standards and practices, strengthened quality controls, and upgraded our information technology systems. All were longstanding areas of deficiency in hospital management that needed reform.

Today NUMC boasts on-time budgets, comprehensive audits, greater transpar-

ency and daily financial reporting that have enabled us to identify more than $100 million in savings in the past year.

The recent audit by Grant Thornton confirms that our reforms are working. NhCC is on a path to long-term fiscal sustainability. The numbers speak for themselves. Despite what has been reported by Newsday, our cash on hand increased from $23 million to $67 million in just the first six months of 2024.

we’ve identified more than $100 million in savings in the past year.

Net patient service revenue saw a significant boost, rising by $76 million to $536 million in 2023. We also managed to reduce our operating losses by $30 million, and reduced overtime costs by $4 million. These aren’t just dollar figures; they represent our commitment to responsible stewardship and our dedication to providing quality health care.

For 2023, NUMC was projected to have a $179 million budget gap. We’ve closed that projected deficit by more than half.

This remarkable progress underscores the efficacy of our Financial Sustainability reform Plan, initiated last year, and highlights the potential for more success if health care is prioritized over political gamesmanship. This dramatic reform program has

Letters

to buy new diesel train cars and locomotives, which are approaching the end of their useful lives.

Kremer noted the economic cost of congestion pricing, and perhaps some adjustments could be made. But not funding our transit system is a terrible idea, and it will absolutely result in higher costs to taxpayers in the end.

i once thought of Mr. Kremer as a fairly progressive and effective legislator, but i guess that’s all in the past now that he’s a lobbyist.

i n contrast, Kevin Kelley’s column, “Our future should include transit-oriented development,” makes a lot of sense. We urgently need housing and transportation here on long island. Kremer’s negative comments about transit funding accomplish nothing, except to play to the short-term interests of uncaring politicians.

i suggest he think about this, and reevaluate his position.

MiChAel CrAveN Point Lookout

Road violence vs. gun violence: no comparison

To the editor:

Anyone who travels by car,

a bike or walks across an intersection in

been a team effort led on a daily basis by our interim president and CeO, Megan ryan. her leadership, combined with the tireless efforts of our new chief financial officer and the entire NhCC management team, has been pivotal in demonstrating that despite chronic challenges, the hospital can thrive, giving peace of mind to future generations. it is important, however, to acknowledge that our journey is far from over. While the audit results are encouraging and key metrics are positive, there is an underlying and inescapable truth that seems inconvenient for some Albany leaders. As a safety-net hospital, NUMC cannot continue to serve its more than 275,000 patients per year without state aid and higher Medicaid reimbursement rates. We serve a diverse community, including Nassau’s most at-risk patients, many of whom cannot afford to pay for care. even though the legislature just increased the state budget by $8 billion, there continues to be reticence to commit to ensuring that our hospital survives. Our progress shows clearly that our stated goal for NUMC of relying on less aid over time is achievable. But we still need help to provide care for those

who cannot afford to pay.

Claims that the state doesn’t have the money are nonsense. Claims that management isn’t making reforms are patently false. Cutting our staff by 90 percent, which was recommended by the Nassau interim Finance Authority in 2020, would be an insult to the people who rely on us for care. Caring for our most vulnerable should be government’s top priority, not political jockeying for control over vital institutions.

Nassau needs NUMC. No other hospital can serve our patients. There simply isn’t enough capacity. Other local hospitals are disincentivized from treating Medicare and Medicaid patients and won’t treat the uninsured. While we wait for Albany to recognize that, our team will continue to protect this vital institution. We are determined to address the challenges we face head-on, with the same commitment and resilience that have brought us this far.

Despite what you’ve heard, the future of NhCC is indeed promising. The hospital is treating what has ailed it for decades. This success should be a rallying cry for bipartisan support now for a healthier tomorrow for all we serve.

Matthew J. Bruderman is chairman of the board of directors of Nassau Health Care Corporation, which operates Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility.

Framework by Tim Baker

Nassau County knows that life-threatening recklessness behind the wheel has become terrifyingly common. in fact, 20 times more people are killed in the county by drivers than by shooters.

yet elected officials, led by County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman, are doing little or nothing to reduce traffic violence. instead, in a stunning example of skewed priorities, Blakeman and his political allies stir public fears of the comparatively tiny threat of gun-related crime.

i n 2022 — the most recent year for which statistics are available — traffic violence claimed 81 lives in Nassau County. That same year, a total of four people in the county were killed by armed assailants.

And the roads are becoming ever more deadly.

“Traffic fatalities in New york have grown at an alarming rate since the pandemic,” state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a report last month.

Speeding and drunk or distracted driving are among the leading causes of this upsurge. But the Nassau County Police Department issued 66 percent fewer speeding tickets in 2022 than in 2019, the year prior to the pandemic. DWi arrests have also sharply decreased.

“ i n Nassau County,” Blakeman declared in March, “we back the blue, and we fund our police.” he boasted that more than 200 officers have been added

to the county’s police force since he took office in 2022.

That rhetoric, and those statistics, mean little to the families of children and adults killed in preventable crashes. And almost all motor vehicle fatalities can indeed be prevented with safer road

designs and tighter enforcement of traffic laws. Nassau County public officials must stop ignoring this worsening threat to the lives of their constituents.

At last Saturday’s next-to-last Food Truck Festival — Wantagh

KeviN J. Kelley Atlantic Beach

rides