South Shore Arts Festival debuts at rec
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport hosted its inaugural South Shore Arts Festival
festival drew a solid turnout of between 450 and 550 attendees, giving the council confidence that it can grow the event in the years to come.
“Everyone who signed up showed up,” Dresner said about
The festival featured a diverse array of original artwork, ings to pottery and jewelry. Artists were pleased with the foot traffic and the opportunity to back from artists ly positive, with many expressing
“They made money,” Dresner said. “They’re happy with the size of crowds coming in, and they want … to make sure that they know about the
council’s executive director, said. “We had … several hundred folks stopping by … the artists were very happy with the response and the foot traffic, so they’re interested in doing it again next year.”
According to Dresner, the
In addition to showcasing visual art, the event served as a learning experience for the stand how best to market future festivals.
While the festival was a success, Dresner admitted that he was initially worried about how many people would attend. “I was just nervous about how many people show up,” he said,
Sgt. Tim ortiz “Walks out.”
Sgt. Tim Ortiz shares a hug with his granddaughter during his “walkout” ceremony at the Village of Freeport. Ortiz, who began his career on March 15, 1993, is retiring after 31 years of service on the force.
Nonprofit led by Itoka changes lives in the nation of Liberia
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
In 2008, a group of transplants from Gyaboland, a region of the West African country of Liberia, who were scattered across the United States, began receiving distressing news and visual images from their homeland.
The remote area, which is largely cut off from Liberia’s infrastructure and government support, had been ravaged by the nation’s 14-year civil war.
The photographs they saw showed children attending school in dilapidated structures, struggling to learn in conditions unfit even for live-
South Shore Arts Festival debuts at rec
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport hosted its inaugural South Shore Arts Festival at the Freeport Recreation Center on Sunday, Oct. 6, coinciding with the council’s 50th anniversary and thus marking a significant milestone for the organization.
The organization was created in 1974 to bring arts to Freeport and has tirelessly done so since; programming summer concerts, putting up a new artist’s work at the recreation center’s Art Alcove every two months, hosting residencies and workshops, and much more.
ofestival drew a solid turnout of between 450 and 550 attendees, giving the council confidence that it can grow the event in the years to come.
“Everyone who signed up showed up,” Dresner said about the artists’ participation.
The festival featured a diverse array of original artwork, ranging from paintings to pottery and jewelry. Artists were pleased with the foot traffic and the opportunity to sell their creations.
ne of the nice things about this type of event is that people get to meet the person who created the work
RoBERT KENNEDy Mayor, Freeport
stock. Heartbroken, Comfort Itoka, a member of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary and a native of Gyaboland, knew something had to be done. So she founded a nonprofit called Gyabolanders & Friends.
“The organization came into existence in 2008 when we, the descendants of Gyaboland that lived in the U.S. — very few — began to receive news from home and also images — very, very sad images — about the condition of the people of Gyaboland, most especially the children,” said Itoka, who lives in Queens.
Gyabolanders & Friends set out to help, and in the years since, it has grown from humble begin-
Local artists showcased their original work at the festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the festival attracted hundreds of attendees, solidifying the event as a new cultural attraction in the community.
“Thirteen or 14 artists showed up,” Larry Dresner, the council’s executive director, said. “We had … several hundred folks stopping by … the artists were very happy with the response and the foot traffic, so they’re interested in doing it again next year.”
According to Dresner, the
Dresner emphasized that the feedback from artists was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in returning in 2025.
“They made money,” Dresner said. “They’re happy with the size of crowds coming in, and they want … to make sure that they know about the next thing.”
In addition to showcasing visual art, the event served as a learning experience for the council, which sought to understand how best to market future festivals.
While the festival was a success, Dresner admitted that he was initially worried about how many people would attend. “I was just nervous about how many people show up,” he said, Continued on page 4
Courtesy Randy Milteer/Village of Freeport
Village rallies for Hurricane Helene relief
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, North Carolina residents will soon receive a vital shipment of food and supplies, thanks to the dedicated efforts of former Freeport Chamber of Commerce president Ben Jackson and his fellow Freeport residents.
The community has come together since the storm hit last week, organizing a collection drive for essential items.
Donations are still being accepted, with drop-off locations at Ben’s General Contracting, 19 Suffolk St., The Helm, 524 Guy Lombardo Ave., and Uniquely Yours, 3839 Merrick Rd. in Seaford.
Financial contributions can be made through HopeFloatsLI.org and will directly support North Carolina relief efforts.
Donations are still being accepted, with items such as powdered sports drinks, hydration packs, baby wipes,
The community is seeking donations of items such as powdered sports drinks, hydration packs, baby wipes, diapers, baby formula, bug spray, sunscreen, plastic utensils, manual can openers, trash bags, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, plastic sheeting, toiletries, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, heavy-duty gloves, socks, pet food, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
“We all went through this with sandy and we need to provide help to these people in any way we can,” said Jackson.
-Mohammad Rafiq
Photos courtesy Randy Milteer/Village of Freeport
Ben Jackson, left, received assistance from Andrew Mileo of Undercut Junk Removal in loading one of the supply trucks.
Community leaders fight youth violence
By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent
Community activists gathered in Roosevelt on Saturday to show that even though violence has decreased in the town, communities will still continue the fight for peace.
Bishop J. Raymond Mackey and his daughter Assistant Pastor Crystal Mackey, of the Tabernacle of Joy Church in Uniondale, led the 18th annual Stop the Violence, Increase the Peace march through the streets of Roosevelt.
People from surrounding communities, including Roosevelt, Uniondale, and Baldwin, gathered in support of facilitating peace in their neighborhoods. Helping End Violence Now, a local organization of activists, was present, as well as the NAACP. The Roosevelt High School band performed as people marched.
Assistant Pastor Mackey spoke of the causes of gang and youth violence in her community, which she said can come from anything going on in the world, like “the economy, the stressors of life, people not having what they need.”
“Our focus is more so to look at what people do need and being able to provide those resources so it doesn’t have to lend to criminal activity,” she said.
Bishop Mackey believes that healing the community and the world starts with healing the whole person from the inside out, sharing a story that reflects this need.
“A young boy came home from school and wanted to play, and the dad was tired,” he explained. “So the dad gave him a picture, and he ripped up the picture, and it was a news article, a picture of the world. He said, ‘When you put this together, we’ll play.’
“In less than ten minutes he was back, he had it together,” Mackey continued. “And (the dad) asked him how he was able to get it put together so quickly. He said, ‘Well, on the back of the world was a man’s head. When I put the man’s head together, the world was together.’”
“If we can work on mankind and getting our thoughts together,” he added, “it will impact the whole world.”
Deacon Aaron L. Scott of Mount Sinai believes a key problem in the continuation of community violence is that local churches aren’t stepping up and intervening enough.
“They need better leadership,” Scott said. “When I grew up here, every church came together. Didn’t matter whether they were Jewish or Italian or whatever it was, but they all came together and had meetings and talked about what was going on in the community.”
Pearl Jacobs, a Uniondale native and the president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, said that the police are a vital part of solving youth and gang violence, and that gangs are a nexus of this violence.
“Young people need structure,” Jacobs said. “A lot of gang violence is very prevalent in Long Island. A lot of
young people gravitate to gangs because they have nothing else to do. There need to be programs, mentorships, for young people, so these gangs won’t bring them in.”
Something that all of the organizations present at the march have in common is that they offer youth programs that provide mentorship and positivity.
“We’ve had a lot of men drop their flags, go to school, graduate from college,” Bishop Mackey said. “A lot have gotten married, have families. We have so many success stories. When you meet the whole man, the whole man becomes healthy.”
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos
Community leaders Deacon Aaron L. Scott, Barbara Solomon, Pearl Jacobs, Crustal Mackey, Amar Menton, and Sandra Brown gathered before the Stop the Violence, Increase the Peace march on Oct. 5.
The dancers in the Roosevelt High School marching band participated in the march.
Sandra Brown and Amhari Vassell held up the Helping End Violence Now banner.
James and Pearl Jacobs carried the NAACP banner in the march down Nassau Road.
Crime watCh
Dwi arrests
On Sept. 28 a person was arrested by Freeport Police for a DWI after fleeing the scene of a traffic accident. The individual was taken to Freeport police headquarters for processing.
On Sept. 29 Freeport Police arrested someone after a traffic stop revealed the individual was operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The suspect was processed at Freeport police headquarters.
On Oct. 2 Freeport Police arrested another driver found to be intoxicated after being stopped for a traffic infraction. The suspect was processed at Freeport police headquarters.
LarCeny
On Sept. 24 a person was arrested for stealing property from a local business. The individual was transported to Freeport police headquarters for processing. Grand Larceny
On Sept. 26 Freeport Police documented a case in which an unknown individual stole a bag containing a large sum of money and other items. No arrest was requested.
On Sept. 26 an unidentified individual stole bicycles and tools from a yard.
Freeport police documented the incident, but no arrest was requested.
On Oct. 2 a report was taken for stolen packages from a front porch. No arrest was requested. Dispute
Sept. 25 Freeport police documented a verbal dispute between an individual and a bus driver who had blocked the individual’s business driveway. No arrest was requested.
On Oct. 6 miscellaneous items were stolen from a local business. A report was taken, and no arrest was requested.
On Oct. 6 a person was arrested for stealing a motor vehicle without permission. The suspect was transported to Freeport police headquarters for processing.
On Oct. 7 an unidentified person made unauthorized withdrawals from a victim’s checking account. A report was taken for documentation.
FrauD
On Oct. 4 Freeport Police arrested a person for attempting to cash a fraudulent check at a local financial institution. The individual was processed at Freeport police headquarters.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Festival celebrated 50th year of arts council
adding that the strong turnout and enthusiastic reception helped alleviate those concerns.
Integrity and Gratitude
If we had to choose only two concepts as a prescription for a good life, they would be integrity and gratitude. While we usually associate integrity with honesty, the word also means “fits together” as in integrated or integration. Oddly enough, both meanings are also interrelated. When someone is honest, their life tends to “fit together”. It works. As one sage put it, if you’re honest you never have to remember what you said. People who have integrity are consistent. You can count on them. Wikipedia says “the word integrity evolved from the Latin adjective ‘integer’ meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the inner sense of ‘wholeness’ deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character.”
If you or someone you know finds their life is “not working” there may be a lack of integrity somewhere that needs to be sought after and rooted out.
Gratitude has to do with appreciation. Appreciation means to add value to. Things that appreciate tend to grow, just as being
grateful for something or someone raises its or their value in our estimation. Even though, at any given time, countless more things are going right than going wrong in most of our lives, too many of us focus more on what’s going wrong and take for granted what’s going right — our health, our loved ones, our resources.
Grateful people tend to be giving people —and giving people are the happiest among us. Takers can never be as happy as givers because takers can never get enough. Givers already have more than enough, which is why they have some to give away. But having enough is not a state of fact, it is a state of mind. Once you can cultivate that state of mind you are on your way to a happy life.
One of the best ways to rewire your brain from focusing on the negative to focusing on the positive, is to keep a “Gratitude Journal”, examples of which may be easily googled.
The elusive “holy grail” of being happy can be found by cultivating integrity and gratitude in your life.
& Estates • Wills & Probate
or email info@trustlaw.com
“As long as the artists were happy and positive, that’s just good to move on the next year and make it bigger and better,” he said.
Next year, the council is planning to expand the festival, Dresner said, including adding food vendors, live music and possibly a beer garden.
“Next year, we want to maybe, we talked about bringing it over to the Guy Lombardo Marina,” Dresner said. “So I want to see about setting up a food court. I want to see if I could get permission to do a beer garden, have some live music.”
The festival also benefitted the local arts economy, providing a platform for artists and increasing awareness of the council’s role in the community. Dresner added that he believes the event will help “put Freeport on the map” when it comes to local arts, attracting more attention to the organization’s work.
“The Arts Festival was a great success,” Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said. “We had local and area vendors with hand-crafted items. We also had great foot traffic. I’d like to thank Larry Dresner of the South Shore Arts Council, who coordinated and supervised the event. One of the nice things about this type of event is that people get to meet the person who created the work. You get all sorts of interesting information to make the item that much more special.”
According to Dresner, he and the arts council are already planning their next major events.
“We have our jury photography show that’s coming up in November at the Freeport Memorial Library, that’s like our 44th annual photography show,” Dresner noted.
Black History Month programming will follow in February, highlighting Black artists in the community.
“We might try to do something in the winter,” Dresner said, hinting at additional events that might be on tap.
■ WEB SITE: freeport.liherald.com
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: freeporteditor@liherald.com
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Continued from page 1
Courtesy Randy Milteer/Village of Freeport natasha Corporan shows off her work to a few potential customers at the first inaugural South Shore arts festival.
NASSIR EDWARDS
Elmont Senior Football
A MAJOR PART of Elmont’s run to the Nassau and Long Island boys’ basketball championships last winter, Edwards is also one of the county’s top football wide receivers. Although he didn’t have a catch Sept. 28 in a driving rainstorm against Lynbrook, he did more than his share of damage on the defensive side of the ball. Edwards had a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and a 70-yard interception return for a score to lead an 18-7 victory.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Oct. 10
Football: V.S. North at Floral Park 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Carey 2:15 p.m.
Football: Jericho at Mepham 2:15 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at Calhoun 2:15 p.m.
Football: South Side at Garden City 3 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Wantagh 3 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Lynbrook 4:30 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Long Beach 4:30 p.m.
Football: Roosevelt at Baldwin 4:30 p.m.
Football: Malverne at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Hempstead 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Hicksville at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Lawrence at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Oceanside at MacArthur 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Malv/East Rockaway at Lynbrook 5:30 p.m.
Football: Elmont at Manhasset 6:30 p.m.
Football: Herricks at V.S. Central 6:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Seaford at Plainedge 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Wantagh at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mineola at South Side 6:45 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Calhoun at Roslyn 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at MacArthur 6:45 p.m.
Football: East Rockaway at Island Trees 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Freeport builds around young stars
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
There may not be a more Jekyll and Hyde team the past couple of seasons than the Freeport girls’ volleyball team.
The Red Devils (5-6) are doing much better than a year ago, when they struggled following an undefeated regular season in 2022. This season, all five of their wins have come via a sweep while four of the six losses have come without them taking a set.
The other two matches went the distance, but neither was immune from the Red Devils’ all-or-nothing trend. Freeport took the first two sets against Hicksville on Sept. 12 before the Comets won the last three to escape with the victory and Monday night, the team rallied from a two games to none deficit to force a decisive fifth set, where it lead 2-0, but East Meadow dominated the rest of the way to win 15-3.
“They got seven points in a row without us even getting the ball back,” lamented Freeport coach Lolita Beathea the next morning. “We’re going to talk about that in practice. I have no idea (what happened). I could not tell you.”
Freeport has shown glimpses of promise this season and won back-toback matches in mid-September against New Hyde Park and Valley Stream Central. The latter contest featured a wild second set, where the Red Devils outlasted the Eagles 30-28 before finishing them off by a more conventional 25-16 score.
Beathea pointed to the play of freshmen Sharon Montoya and Dayna Davis as the reason for the team’s mini resurgence. Montoya’s play has earned her the starting setter spot, while Davis has grown to be an impact player at the outside hitter and middle positions.
“[Davis] brings a lot of energy to the team,” Beathea said. “I think she is making the girls on JV want to play varsity as sophomores because they see that I don’t have a bias in terms of if you’re good enough to play varsity, I’ll take you in ninth grade.”
The Red Devils also boast a future star in second-year sophomore Madison
Sue Grieco/Herald
Junior Natalie Pinckney and the Red Devils are on the rise and knocking on the door at .500 as the stretch run begins.
Harris, a powerful hitter who helped ignite the rally against East Meadow with some key offensive and defensive plays.
“She is doing well this year,” Beathea said. “She is scoring and has a lot of ace serves. She is a hitter.”
Senior Janiya Hancock has also seen time at setter and senior Ashley Blanco and junior Gabriella Nurse provide sparks off the bench.
Freeport had seven games remaining following the East Meadow contest. The Red Devils complete a two-game road swing at struggling Glen Cove on Oct. 16 before returning home to face a powerful MacArthur squad on Oct. 19 and playoff contender Uniondale two nights later.
Freeport is also getting strong serving from Khamiya Hudson, a senior who is also one of the team’s top defenders this season, and junior Natalie Pinckney. Athletic junior Arianna Junious has plenty of potential and Bethea is confident that she can be more of a consistent hitter and dependable front-row weapon in the future.
Itoka leads effort to build up Gyaboland
nings to a membership of about 35 individuals, and taken on numerous projects that have improved the lives of the residents of one of the most impoverished regions of Liberia. Its mission has been to address their basic needs, from education and health care to women’s empowerment and sustainable development.
Itoka, 71, was born in the region, and lived there until she was in sixth grade, when the lack of local schools forced her to move to the Liberian city of Harper so she could get an education. In Harper she lived with foster parents, until they were transferred to Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, where Itoka attended high school.
After university in Monrovia, Itoka worked for a time before being offered a government scholarship to attend school in the U.S., which she did in 1979 at the University of Scranton before in Northeastern Pennsylvania where she studied for a year before transferring to New York University to further her studies in her specialty of Government Budgeting. Following the completion of her studies, Itoka returned to Liberia, where she lived through the start of the Liberian Civil War. The war claimed the lives of over 250,000 Liberians, and Itoka did not escape the tragic loss that characterized the conflict, losing close family members in the violence.
Itoka was eventually able to escape
the bloodshed with her family, as her four-month-old, American-born child was sick, allowing her permission to leave the country for a U.S. hospital before the fighting reached her area of Liberia. She would not return to Liberia at all for many years.
Despite her success in this country as a consultant, her heart, Itoka said, has always been with the people of Gyaboland. Beyond the need for education, she and her compatriots recognized the broader challenges the region faces. It is isolated and lacks proper roads, which makes transportation of goods and materials nearly impossible during the rainy season, from April to the end of October. As Itoka explained, “Building materials cost twice or three times as much as it will cost in the capital city, Monrovia.”
HThe organization also built modern restrooms and installed solar panels to provide electricity to both the school and a newly constructed women’s center in Poloyah Beach, within Liberia’s Grand Kru County, which was completed in December 2022.
elping someone
you may never meet, helping someone that you don’t know — it makes me feel good.
Comfort Itoka President, Gyabolanders & Friends
Gyabolanders & Friends, funded largely by donations, has undertaken several large-scale projects, often using local labor and resources to help boost the region’s economy. One of its most successful efforts was the construction of a seven-classroom school in Gyaboland, which was completed in 2021.
The women’s center, in particular, holds great significance for the community.
“The women wrote and said they had nowhere to meet,” Itoka said. “They used to meet under the trees, and so during the rainy season, they had nowhere to meet. So we were able to build a women’s center.”
In addition to the construction projects, Gyabolanders & Friends has shipped thousands of school supplies, more than 500 menstrual hygiene kits, and food to communities across Liberia. During the coronavirus pandemic, the organization distributed 10,000 locally manufactured masks and led an educational campaign to help residents protect themselves against the virus.
Despite these successes, Itoka’s group faces significant financial challenges. As Margaret Ricks, a friend of Itoka’s who also came over from Liberia and who chairs the organization’s board,
explained, “The income comes from solicitation from friends and relatives. We don’t have a grant or anything. We just solicit our friends who are willing to help.”
Ricks added that Itoka herself leads most of the fundraising efforts. “Comfort is a huge fundraiser for the organization, because she knows a lot of people, and she tries to get them to donate.”
But, Itoka said, “One of our challenges as immigrants in this country is that we do not have the exposure or access to major donors to support our humanitarian work in these impoverished communities that we left behind. Therefore, fundraising is a major challenge.”
She joined the Rotary club in 2019, and it has contributed to Gyabolanders & Friends’ work in Liberia. But the need for funding is a constant, and, Itoka said, “Impoverished communities always exist, and making sustainable projects that create impact is important … this is why fundraising is a crucial part of this organization.”
For those interested in supporting Gyabolanders & Friends-US Inc., donations can be made via Zelle to Gyaboland@gmail.com, at gyaboland.org/ donate, or by check to Itoka, at 121-47 238th Street, Rosedale, NY 11422.
“Helping someone you may never meet, helping someone that you don’t know — it makes me feel good,” Itoka said.
Bynoe aims to use her experience in Albany
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
When Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe announced her campaign for the seat in the 6th State Senate District last December, she highlighted her decades of work in Mineola and emphasized that there is still more work to be done across the state.
During her visit to the Herald for a Roundtable session, Bynoe, 56, reflected on her time as a public servant — a path inspired by her parents, who were dedicated to serving their community.
“I believe that my parents, the way they raised my sister and I, it was to really do hard work,” she said. “They were public servants themselves, and they taught us the value of always making sure you work to make wherever you live or work a better place.”
Before becoming the legislator for District 2, Bynoe built a foundation in public service as commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority, to which she was appointed by the North Hempstead Town Council in 2008. The Westbury native was elected to the Westbury Board of Education in 2010, where she served two terms and focused on educational policies. In 2014, she was elected to the County Legislature in a special election.
Despite being in the minority in Mineola, Bynoe said that many of the things she has accomplished — including the passage of the Ground Water and Public Supply Facts Report Law and implementation of police body cameras — could be advanced to the state agenda if she were elected to the Senate.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe is running for State Senate in the 6th District. With many years of public service, she wants to be a voice for all Long Islanders.
ly for folks who we want to ensure have access to health care; they could be right on the campus.”
On the topic of mental and behavioral health, Bynoe is a strong advocate of increasing access to mental health resources, a pressing issue in today’s society. In Mineola, she successfully passed legislation to conduct a study and recommend alternative police responses to calls about mental health crises.
Earlier this year, Baldwin Middle School unveiled an in-house wellness center on its campus. Asked if she would push for more in-house facilities at schools, Bynoe said that she would, in a thoughtful way.
“We should go to those community organizations, including schools, that can host those types of facilities on their campuses and have folks that are already doing the work, fund them, and go in and talk to the young people,” she said.
With years of experience in the legislature, Bynoe aims to be the voice for Long Island residents in Albany if she is elected, addressing their concerns and striving for balance.
“We need to turn the corner — it’s a public-benefit hospital that provides Trauma One care, and we have tons of people within the Senate district that rely on that hospital,” Bynoe said. “There are opportunities there for senior housing, workforce housing, especial-
Her top priority in Albany would be to preserve public benefits and resources like Nassau University Medical Center, which was on the brink of a financial collapse earlier this year. Another priority is the need for housing, particularly the potential for residential development on the NUMC campus.
“Making sure that we have a voice — a strong voice in the Senate that really has a pulse on the issues and the concerns of Long Islanders,” she said. “I also want to go to Albany to bring some balance and make sure that, despite the fact that we have fewer members, we are equally as important, and our issues need to be addressed.”
Montefinise targets rising crime, economy
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The 6th State Senate District hasn’t had a Republican representative since 2018 — when then Sen. Kemp Hannon had occupied the seat for 29 years — but Thomas Montefinise aims to change that in November.
Montefinise, an Oceanside native, graduated from Oceanside High School, and then went to Nassau Community College before transferring to Hofstra University, where he earned a degree in history. He went on to finish a law degree at CUNY School of Law.
He has had a diverse career, with jobs ranging from repairing commercial kitchen equipment at a friend’s business to managing municipal contracts and real estate matters at the Nassau County attorney’s office. He has also practiced matrimonial, family and criminal law.
One of the key issues Montefinise is campaigning on is the rising crime that he says is affecting his neighborhood and communities across Long Island. He is particularly critical of the state’s bail reform law, which allows those charged with misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies to be released while awaiting their court dates.
“There’s a lot of crazy stuff that I see going on,” Montefinise said at a recent Herald Roundtable. “Bail reform, cashless bail — I mean, I represented criminal defendants, and everybody deserves to have their stories heard. (But) there’s a process. Everybody deserves a day in court, but you also need to give the tools to the prosecutors and police to be able to get their job done, because if people start feeling like they can’t call the police to help them, and feel like they can’t rely on the prosecutor to protect them, the system falls apart.”
Also on next month’s ballot is a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would ban discrimination based on many types of discrimination, including age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Montefinise said he read through the proposition once, and based his understanding on his law school education.
“I do think that there are legitimate reasons, sometimes, to make a categorization based on sex and gender,” he said. “This is based on the way I’ve been reading it, and kind of where I think they’re heading. They’re trying to elevate that to strict scrutiny, (and) strict scrutiny means no classification can ever be made.”
Montefinise said he was also concerned about the state of middle-class people living on Long Island, and described them as being “squeezed out.”
“I think one of the major things that we need to look at is making sure that we don’t increase spending and we reallocate spending,” he said. “We need to look at where the dead weight is. Where are we throwing money?”
He used the ongoing influx of migrants as an example.
“We need to raise and be able to lift up wages, and be able to incentivize programs,” Montefinise said. “That’s really what we need to do. We have to reallocate money. I think what we’re doing is we’re cutting money, and we’re spending it in all the wrong places.”
Engaging with constituents is essential for anyone running for public office, and Montefinise noted that he has been actively listening to district residents who share their concerns and needs, a process that has been new territory for him.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Thomas Montefinise is running on the Republican ticket for the seat in the 6th State Senate District, currently held by Democrat Kevin Thomas, who is not seeking re-election after serving since 2019.
“I’ve met a lot of people,” he said. “I’ve never done something like this before, but I’ve been hearing about the economy, prices of goods, inflation, and safety. It’s been an awesome experience.”
SchoolS
Freeport kids dive into quantum computing
Sixteen Freeport High School students took a deep dive into quantum computing during an intensive weeklong workshop held at the New York Hall of Science in Queens this past August.
Throughout the program, the students explored the basics of quantum computing while gaining practical experience in this fast-evolving field.
“We are incredibly proud of these students for taking an interest in this innovative field,” said Director of Science Dr. Vincent Pereira. “By participating in the program, our students are not only enhancing their understanding of quantum computing but also preparing themselves to be leaders in the technology industry.”
The workshop also served as a preparation for Freeport High School’s new quantum computing course, which began with the 2024-2025 school year. Freeport is now the first district on Long Island to offer such a course at the high school level.
Developed in collaboration with Stony Brook University and Brookhaven Lab, the course is traditionally taught to college undergraduates.
This advanced class will allow Freeport students to build on the skills they acquired during the summer program, giving them a competitive advantage in science and technology education.
“Offering challenging courses like quantum computing at the high school level is crucial to ensuring our students have access to challenging and cutting-
Students from Freeport High School participated in a quantum computing course; Principal Gisselle CampbellHam, left, junior Lober Cervantes, seniors Kiran Manansingh, David de la Llera and Kevin Ramos, sophomore Dylan Marin, freshman Jose Hercules and Director of Science Dr. Vincent Pereira. Seated, from left, juniors Kelin Romero Hernandez and Arianna Persaud, sophomore Jahzara Foster, junior Olivia Garbutt and sophomore Riann Stubbs.
edge subjects early on,” said Superintendent of Schools Fia Davis. “We want our students to be innovators and leaders in whatever field they choose to pursue. Programs like quantum computing are part of our commitment to providing Freeport students with the best education possible.”
At the end of the workshop, each student received a certificate of completion, recognizing their commitment to mastering the fundamentals of quantum computing.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Celebrating 10 years of serving our community as The Safe Center!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY
If you are unable to join us, please consider making a donation in honor of our 10th Anniversary!
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Nassau County brews trust with officers
Over a steaming cup of coffee, Nassau County residents got the chance to chat, connect, and brew up new relationships with local police officers during National Coffee with a Cop Day on Oct. 2. Hosted at RS Beanery Coffee & Cocktails in Merrick, the event saw a bustling crowd, where conversations flowed as smoothly as the free coffee, generously provided by the café’s owners.
National Coffee with a Cop Day is an annual event that encourages communication and positive interactions between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. It typically takes place on the first Wednesday in October, with the goal of creating a relaxed environment where people can sit down with police officers over a cup of coffee, ask questions, voice concerns, and build trust. This event is part of a broader community policing effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens by fostering open dialogue and improving relationships.
Coffee with a Cop Day was established in 2016 as a way to strengthen the bond between police officers and the communities they serve. This was Nassau County’s 9th year participating in the program.
The key idea behind Coffee with a Cop is to create an informal, neutral setting for conversations between police officers and community members. Unlike traditional community-policing methods, which often occur in more formal or high-stakes situations, this event is designed to be approachable and relaxed. The casual atmosphere of a coffee shop or similar setting helps lower barriers, allowing individuals to express concerns, ask questions, or simply get to know the officers better.
Anyone in the community can attend
Coffee with a Cop programs — it’s open to all ages and backgrounds. One of the distinguishing features is that there’s no formal agenda or specific topic to discuss. Conversations can range from neighborhood safety to general community concerns or even casual, lighthearted topics.
Nassau County officers were on hand at last week’s events, and there were plenty of giveaways for kids to go around. For more information about how the department connects with the community, contact Community Affairs office at (516) 573-7360.
–Jordan Vallone
There were plenty of giveaways for kids at last week’s event. Thomas Miller, 2, met with Police Officer Grande.
Coffee with a Cop Day seeks to create an informal, neutral setting for conversations between police officers and community
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The Nassau County community and police officers came together for National Coffee with a Cop Day on Oct. 2 at R.S. Beanery Coffee & Cocktails.
Police Officer Meadows provided top-tier entertainment, showing off his juggling skills.
Standard coffee was provided free of charge to those who stopped by the event. Above, Police Officers Padedecchia and Conlon, with Sergeant Johannessen.
FALL FLAVORS SAVOR TH E
AT THE BRISTAL
Join us at any of The Bristal communities for a festive fall weekend. Indulge in the flavors of the season, prepared by our talented culinary team. Take a tour, view our beautifully appointed apartments & learn more about life at The Bristal. Take advantage of our fall savings special this weekend only!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY OCTOBER 19 & 20
Stop by the community of your choice between 10:00AM - 2:00PM
To let us know you’re coming, give us a call at 844-953-3599 or scan the QR code to visit: thebristal.com/fallflavors
Abrahams returns for town special election
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Former county legislator Kevan Abrahams is returning to politics to help make the Town of Hempstead an affordable place to live for generations both young and old.
Abrahams, 50, retired last year from the Nassau County Legislature after a 21-year run. Throughout his time serving District 1, Abrahams, a Freeport resident, said he helped restore financial stability to the county. His time in Nassau politics focused on making sure parks and communities were safe, along with maintaining roads.
“I’m happy to say, during my time in the Legislature, I probably have done well over $200, $250 million in road projects,” Abrahams told the Herald during a Roundtable interview.
Now Abrahams is running as a Democrat in the special election for the seat in the town’s 5th Councilmanic District. The seat was previously occupied by Chris Carini, who died unexpectedly in July, at age 49.
For Abrahams, getting back into politics was an obvious choice. “Why I want to get involved is that I still see the needs and the issues that are confronting town residents,” he said. “They’re still there.”
His main priority is affordability. It has become a struggle to live in the town, he said, and it doesn’t offer enough opportunities for affordable housing for young people.
“My whole message, in terms of running for the town council, is tied to affordability,” he said. “Not just for that young family or that young person that’s looking for that affordable housing. It’s also for families that are middle-aged, that are struggling to pay the taxes and the fees that keep being increased by the Town of Hempstead.”
When Abrahams announced his bid for office in
Brendan Carpenter/Herald
Kevan Abrahams, former Nassau County legislator, is running in the special election for the Town of Hempstead’s 5th Councilmanic District, and focusing on the affordability of living in the town, among other issues.
August, he expressed concerns about the town’s recent $2 million tax levy increase and rising fees for essential services. He criticized the fee hikes, noting that they affect everything from pool passes to parking permits and sports leagues, and argued that taxpayers are unfairly shouldering the burden of the town’s fiscal mismanagement.
Discussing infrastructure, Abrahams highlighted past efforts to mitigate flooding in Freeport, referencing a $7 million project to fund a flood plan on Guy
Lombardo Avenue. It’s important, he said, to ensure that town roads are properly maintained, especially when it comes to water flowing into catch basins. He added that addressing infrastructure is crucial to prevent disrepair and to manage excess water on the streets.
Quality of life, Abrahams said, is essential for residents, and he wants to make sure the town has proper services, whether roads, police stations or parks. He emphasized the need for careful oversight when it comes to fiscal decisions, particularly those that impact residents.
“I think there needs to be an alternative voice there that’s going to scrutinize, before any tax increase happens, before any housing project happens, before any fee is increased, that we are looking to figure out how this benefits the residents of the town of Hempstead and lowers their costs,” he said.
Throughout his campaign, Abrahams wants voters to know that he plans to be a councilman for everyone, and looks to help people find the resources they need to resolve any issues, whether related to schools, businesses or villages.
“We’re at a moment in this country where everything is going up,” Abrahams said. “We’ve seen inflation impact things, and that’s impacting our residents. And at the same time, we cannot have a blind eye to what we do in the town, in regards to the increasing of taxes or park fees or anything along those lines. We have to lessen the burden, not add to it.”
Schneider is looking to keep his board seat
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
For over two decades, Chris Schneider has given back to his community. Now, as a newly appointed Town of Hempstead Councilman, he wants to continue serving people in the 5th Councilmanic District. Schneider, 44, of Seaford, is a graduate of Wantagh High School, and began his journey in government in 2002, when he became a legislative assistant in the Nassau County Legislature. Two years later, he began working in the State Senate, and served under former Senators Charles Fuschillo and Elaine Philips, and current Sen. Jack Martins, until 2017.
After those years in government, Schneider worked in a senior leadership role for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
At an Aug. 6 Town Board meeting, Schneider was unanimously appointed councilman for the 5th District, filling the seat of his late friend Chris Carini.
For Schneider, his new responsibilities are another way for him to get involved in public service, and he is looking to win the special election in November and start a full term next year.
“The thing that really appealed to me the most about this is it just gives me another way to take that service and giving back to another level,” Schneider said of his appointment, “and it’s been really exciting so far.”
Taking on the job, however, he said, was bittersweet, because Carini, a Seaford resident, was a close friend for years. Schneider served on the Wantagh/ Seaford Homeowners Association board for 20 years, which Carini was also involved with. Prior to his
appointment to the Town Board, Schneider was Seaford vice president of the association.
“One of the things that makes this extra special for me is being able to carry on the work that (Carini) was so passionate about,” Schneider said, “because we shared a lot of the same passions in terms of different issues.”
One of Carini’s legacies that Schneider supports is the town’s Quality of Life Task Force, which removes illegal ads and graffiti and cleans up litter throughout the town. Schneider looks to expand and enhance the task force if he elected.
“When you start seeing things like graffiti and vandalism and signs and zombie homes, it has a negative impact on the community,” he said, “and I think taking care of that stuff, to preserve our quality of life and being aggressive with it, is important.”
Schneider has also represented Seaford on the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Council since 2022, and has served on the 5th District Graffiti Watch Task Force. Working hand in hand with police, he said, is important, because it includes making sure law enforcement is aware of community concerns, such as school safety and illegal smoke shops.
When it comes to affordability, Schneider said the town has done a good job of being fiscally responsible while balancing the needs of taxpayers. The town is continually trying to do more with less, he added, despite the rising cost of living, materials and gas.
“I fully support any kind of efforts to do more with less and be fiscally responsible,” he said.
Schneider said he would prioritize communication as councilman. To serve his district, he noted that he has spoken with civic leaders in his community, as
councilman for the 5th District,
seat
a special election next month. He wants to keep up the work of the Quality of Life Task Force.
well as local fire departments, clergy members and American Legion groups.
“We’re happy to work with you however we can,” he said. “I think it’s important that people know where to turn, and I’m accessible if they have a problem.”
Brendan Carpenter/Herald
Chris Schneider, newly appointed Town of Hempstead
aims to keep his
in
Freeport Schools celebrate S.W.A.G Day
Freeport Public Schools celebrated school spirit and unity on Sept. 27 with their first S.W.A.G. Friday. Administrators, staff, and students throughout the district dressed in red and black, proudly displaying their Freeport gear to support the Freeport Red Devils Football Team ahead of their first Friday night home game.
The initiative, which stands for Success, Wellbeing, Achievement, and Growth, encourages everyone in the district to wear school colors or spirit attire every Friday, promoting a strong sense of community and pride.
The enthusiasm for Freeport pride resonated across the district, helping to create a sense of excitement, unity, and pride among students and staff alike.
–Mohammad Rafiq
“SWAG Fridays are more than supporting our sports teams,” said Superintendent of Schools Ms. Fia Davis. “It’s a way to build a culture of pride and unity across the district all year long.”
Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.
Performing a life-changing brain surgery without a single incision.
Helping a new mom give birth—and receive a new liver.
At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
North Shore University Hospital
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Freeport High School football players, cheerleaders and members of the student body gathered with Superintendent of Schools Fia Davis and school administrators in the lobby to display their pride and show support for the first Friday night home football game on Sept. 27.
Honoring Long Island’s best in health care
By Melissa Berman
Health care professionals traded their scrubs and lab coats for suits and cocktail dresses at the third annual Herald Excellence in Healthcare Awards at the Heritage Club, in Bethpage, on Sept. 18, which honored the best in their field.
The event, organized by the RichnerLIVE team at the Long Island Herald, drew more than 300 attendees, and recognized more than 10 health care professions.
“Tonight is not only a celebration of achievement, but also a sincere expression of gratitude to those who tirelessly safeguard the health and well being of our community,” Amy Amato, Richner Communications’ executive director of corporate relations and events, said. “Your dedication, resilience and passion are truly inspiring.”
Awards were presented to 46 health professionals, including three special honors: Distinguished Visionary, Organization of Excellence and Excellence in Nursing Advocacy.
“From dedicated doctors and nurses to visionary hospital executives and inspiring educators, these honorees are the backbone of our communities’ health,” Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications, said.
Michelle Ballan, of the Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, who received an Excellence in Healthcare award, expressed her gratitude for being recognized for her hard work.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be here and to be celebrated, because I’m just a liaison for individuals with disabilities to eradicate and minimize the health care disparities that exist in different settings,” Ballan said. “To be honored for the health care award, it’s really just an extension of the work that my team does for individuals with disabilities, who are the true experts.”
Having worked in the home care field for 20 years, Joseph Verdirame, CEO of Alliance Homecare/TrustHouse, has learned that there are no shortcuts, and you need to provide exceptional care for the patient, he said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time building and developing our business model to really enhance the way home care is provided in the industry,” Verdirame, who also won the Excellence in Healthcare award, said. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished today for all the work we’ve put in.”
According to Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, who won an Excellence in Healthcare award, it was a dream come true to be honored, and he finally feels that all the effort, sweat and tears he put into his work has come to fruition.
“When you have other people recognize what you do, and appreciate that, it’s priceless,” Fandos said.
The keynote speaker was Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Henry Schein and the winner of the Distinguished Visionary Award. “Health care is local, and it is critical that we maintain an outstanding quality of health care system here on Long Island,” Bergman said, and
told the crowd, “Thank you for what you do, being amongst the nation’s best health care systems.”
The major sponsors of the awards included Alliance Homecare, Henry Schein, Nassau University Medical Center, the New York State Nurses Association, Northwell Orthopedics, Stony Brook Medicine, The Aspen Group and Trusthouse.
Muriel Donnelly, VP of PR at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, with Stuart Richner of Richner Communications.
Honoree Jennifer Lazzaro, of Hearing and Brain Centers of America, Long Island.
Honoree Denis Nankervis, of Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health.
Honoree Dr. Howard Goodman, the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, with Jessica Kleiman of the Long Island Herald.
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Honoree Michelle Ballan, of Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, with her family and friends.
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Honoree John McGuigan, of AHRC Suffolk, right, with Stuart Richner.
Honoree Dr. Brian Mayrsohn, of Maywell Health.
Dr. Jill Kaman, of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Keynote and Distinguished Visionary recipient Stanley Bergman, of Henry Schein.
Honorees Roxanne Carfora, of AgelessMD, and Dr. Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center.
Honorees from Aspen Dental, Lina Patino, DDS, and Roumiana Tzvetkova, DMD.
Honoree Megan C. Ryan, of Nassau University Medical Center.
Honoree Catherine Canadeo, center, of Catherine Canadeo Health & Wellness Corp.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Dr. Todd J. Cohen, of New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Melissa Schachter, of the Speech Language Place.
THE Your Neighborhood
Oct. 19
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Icons, collaborators and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have a relationship that’s evolved in unexpected ways since their SNL days. Their comic prowess has surely reached new heights since their involvement in Hulu’s smash hit “Only Murders in the Building.” The pair takes another comic turn as special guest performers at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala, Saturday, oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. These two funnyman display their impeccable talents as “The Dukes of Funnytown!” — a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.” Tickets start at $70. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
‘The Birthday Party’
Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded, opulent mansion, Saturday, oct. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m.; also oct. 18-19, oct. 25, oct. 31, and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store.
Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
Spooky Fest is back
A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Oct. 12, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum. org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Free Mobile Flu Shot Clinics
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow is partnering with Northwell Health’s LIJ Valley Stream Hospital to offer free flu shots in Freeport and Merrick. No appointment is needed. The first clinic is Friday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave.; the other on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road. For more information, contact Legislator Koslow’s office at (516) 571-6205 or skoslow@nassaucountyny.gov.
Adelphi’s
Best of Broadway: Decades
Jump into the dazzling world of Broadway as Adelphi’s talented students bring to life the magic of shows that opened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m. Enjoy modern and classic Broadway hits from shows like “Suffs” (2024); “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2014); “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984) and “Anything Goes” (1934).
Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
At the cinema
‘Let’s do the time warp again…’ Enjoy a fun evening at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, at a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30-11 p.m. Audience participation is highly encouraged, so come prepared to sing, dance, and enjoy the cult classic experience. 195 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. Visit sparkleonstage.org for more information.
Having an event?
Oct. 20
Tribute concert
Plaza Theatricals’ tribute series continues, Sunday, Oct 20, 2:30 p.m., with Shades of Grey. From his best-remembered role as the iconic Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret,”both on Broadway and in the film version, to his more recent portrayal as the Wizard of Oz in “Wicked,” Joel Grey continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
And now, continuing his own tradition of creating unique and memorable performances, Bob Spiotto takes to the boards once again, in both story and song, to educate and entertain, as he pays tribute to this legendary performer. See the concert at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.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 spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Walking Wednesday
Join Maryellen Cantanno for Walking Wednesdays, every other Wednesday, 10:30–11:30 a.m.; next session is Oct. 9. Enjoy a 45-minute group walk at a pace set by participants, with all fitness levels welcome. Guided by the health team from Mount Sinai/South Nassau Hospital, walkers will learn how to stay in tune with their bodies. Some weeks may include off-site meet-ups around the village, and in case of rain, the walk will be held at the Freeport Recreation Center. Call the library to find out this week’s location. Participants must sign a waiver prior to join, which can be found on the library’s website. Visit FreeportLibrary.info or call (516) 379-3274 for more information. 144 West Merrick Road.
Freeport Camera Club
Interested in photography? The Freeport Camera Club welcomes new members. Meetings take place at the Freeport Memorial Library on Wednesdays, at 7 p.m. More information is available at FreeportLibrary. info or call (516) 379-3274. 144 West Merrick Road.
Alzheimer’s Association walk brings hope
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s — the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest annual fundraiser — returned to East Meadow on Oct. 6 to support breakthrough research and quality-of-life care for people with dementia.
The walk in Eisenhower Park was one of about 600 happening nationwide.
The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter continues to provide a community and support system for people with Alzheimer’s, their families, friends, and caretakers, while raising awareness of the importance of brain health, said Community Educator Francesca Todaro.
“I feel like a lot of people that have Alzheimer’s or are confused about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, really could use the education and resources that the association can help them with,” Todaro said.
Before the walk, a Promise Garden ceremony was held, displaying solidarity where walkers carried color-coordinated flowers that represented how Alzheimer’s affected their lives and the people around them.
“It is very touching to hear the stories of how people are personally affected by this disease,” Nassau Walk Committee Member Michele Targovnik said in a news release. “The Promise Garden
Ceremony is special because when you see everyone around you holding different color flowers it makes you feel so supported and wonderful to be standing next to the person next to you.”
Ed Miller, the vice chair for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter Board of Directors, played a leading role in making the past two year’s walk a success in Nassau County.
Miller joined the Long Island chapter after his father was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. Miller, his sister, and mother faced challenges in providing the care an individual with dementia requires, so he began to participate in fundraisers like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“I did my first walk in 2022 — it moved me, and it kept moving me,” Mill-
er said. “It’s an absolute honor to come together at Eisenhower Park for this event, and to walk together and to see a sea of purple.”
There are 426,500 people in New York aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s Dementia, and over 7 million across the country, according to the Long Island Chapter. While symptoms become severe later in life, the brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s can begin decades before symptoms start. This period of time is a critical opportunity for people at risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to reduce the risk of the disease and catch its symptoms as early as possible.
Alzheimer’s researchers have made significant progress in treatments that improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s patients and caretakers. The breakthroughs — such as a blood test that can help identify Alzheimer’s early — allow for intervention before symptoms escalate.
“There’s been a lot of breakthroughs that have come out in the news over the course of the last couple of years,” Miller said. “These are treatments that aren’t going to eradicate the disease at this point, but they are treatments, and there is hope.
For more information on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Long Island event, or to view other events, visit Alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
Brittany Krilov/Herald
A Promise Garden ceremony, which features a variety of colored flowers to signify why people are walking, is
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU
TRUMAN CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LLC, Plaintiff, v. SHERRIL BAEZ AKA
SHERRIL S. BAEZ, ET AL, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
THAT
In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 4, 2022, I, Scott H. Siller, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on November 7, 2024 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows:
808 South Ocean Avenue Freeport, NY 11520
SBL No.: 62-180-429
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 614142/2019 in the amount of $769,435.71 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 149320
Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be seen and obtained at the Purchasing Department, Municipal Building, 1st Floor, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520, or by visiting the Village’s website at www.freeportny.gov.
Bids will be available from 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2024.
The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bid proposals received and, subject to these reservations, shall award the contract to the lowest qualified and responsible bidder. Bids which, in the opinion of the Board, are unbalanced shall be rejected.
In submitting a bid, bidders agree not to withdraw their bid within forty five (45) days after the date for the opening thereof.
Taylor D’Orta Buyer Village of Freeport VILLAGE OF FREEPORT Issue Date - October 10, 2024 149435
LEGAL NOTICE SITE PLAN REVIEW BOARD MEETINGOCTOBER 22, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Public Hearing will be held before the Site Plan Review Board on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 7:00 P.M., in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Main Conference Room, 46 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, on Site Plan applications as they appear on the calendar; public comment invited.
The Board will meet at 6:00 P.M. in the Trustees Conference Room to discuss cases not requiring a public hearing; open to the public, no public comment.
INTERESTED PROPERTY OWNERS and other persons should appear at the above time and place to have questions answered and to voice opinions.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS FURNISHING OF AQUEOUS AMMONIA FOR THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
Notice is hereby given that the Purchasing Department of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York will receive sealed proposals for the “FURNISHING OF AQUEOUS AMMONIA” until 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in the Main Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520, at which time and place they will be opened publicly and read aloud.
held by the Board of Trustees at the Municipal Building in the Village of Freeport, on the 21st day of October, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., to consider the enactment of the proposed local law described and summarized below:
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 1-2024
A LOCAL LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE CODIFICATION OF THE LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES AND CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT INTO A MUNICIPAL CODE TO BE DESIGNATED THE “CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT”
This local law:
(1)States the legislative intent of the Board of Trustees in adopting the Code.
(2)Provides for the designation of the local laws, ordinances and certain resolutions of the Village of Freeport as the “Code of the Village of Freeport.”
(3)Repeals local laws and ordinances of a general and permanent nature not included in the Code, except as provided.
(4)Saves from repeal certain local laws and ordinances and designates certain matters not affected by repeal.
(5)Retains the meaning and intent of previously adopted legislation.
(6)Provides for the filing of a copy of the Code in the Village Clerk’s office.
(7)Provides for certain changes in or additions to the Code.
(8) Provides for minor changes to the zoning code of the Village, including but not limited to changes in fines, change in height permitted in Residence Apartment Districts, changes to the Signs section of the code, change in code regarding display of street numbers and business names, and permitting pools to be installed in rear and side yards.
SP-3769 - 322 Miller Avenue, Section 62/Block 163/Lot 170. Residence A. Luis Alberto. Construct 3-story 1-family residence with attached garage 2,876 sq. ft. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 149434
LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, for the purpose of adopting a codification of the local laws, ordinances and certain resolutions of the Village of Freeport, said codification to be known as the “Code of the Village of Freeport,” a public hearing will be
GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Freeport will convene in public meeting at the place and time aforesaid for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on the proposed local law described above and, as deemed advisable by said Board, taking action on the enactment of said local law.
DATED: October 7, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF FREEPORT PAMELA WALSH BOENING VILLAGE CLERK 149438
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS DEMOLITION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSES FOR THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT
In submitting a bid, bidders agree not to withdraw their bid within forty five (45) days after the date for the opening thereof.
Purchasing Agent Village of Freeport VILLAGE OF FREEPORT Issue Date -October 10, 2024 149437
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR FURNISHING OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES TO FREEPORT ELECTRIC FOR THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
(11)Prohibits tampering with Code books, with offenses punishable by a fine of not more than $250 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both.
(12)Establishes when the local law will take effect.
(13)Provides that the local law will be included in the Code as Chapter 1, Article I.
Copies of the local law described above and of the Code proposed for adoption thereby are on file in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Freeport, where the same are available for public inspection during regular office hours.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard on said proposed local law at the place and time aforesaid.
NOTICE IS HEREBY
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK Notice is hereby given that the Purchasing Agent of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York will receive sealed proposals for “DEMOLITION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSES “ until 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in the Main Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520, at which time and place they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be obtained by visiting the Village website at www.freeportny.gov or obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Municipal Building, 1st Floor, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520, from 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 until 4:30 P.M. Friday, October 25, 2024. There is no fee for a set of bid documents. Each bid must be accompanied by a bidder’s bond in the amount of not less than five (5%) percent of the bid insuring to the benefit of the Village of Freeport, or a certified check of not less than five (5%) percent of the bid, made payable to the Village of Freeport, to assure the entering of the successful bidder into a acceptable contract.
The project calls for the demolition of four residential houses within the Village of Freeport. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bid proposals received and subject to these reservations, shall award the contract to the lowest qualified and responsible bidder. Bids which, in the opinion of the Board, are unbalanced shall be rejected.
Notice is hereby given that the Purchasing Department of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York will receive sealed proposals for “FURNISHING OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES TO FREEPORT ELECTRIC” until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Purchasing Department, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520.
Specifications may be obtained in the Purchasing Department, Municipal Building, 1st Floor, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520 or on the Village website, www.freeportny.gov, from 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2024.
The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received and subject to these reservations, shall award the contract to the highest qualified and responsible vendor. Proposals which in the opinion of the Board are unbalanced shall be rejected.
In submitting a proposal, vendors agree not to withdraw their proposal within forty five (45) days after the date for the opening thereof.
Taylor D’Orta Buyer Village of Freeport VILLAGE OF FREEPORT Issue Date - October 10, 2024 149436
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LOANCARE, LLC, -againstMICHAEL DORFMAN IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 May 24, 2023, wherein LOANCARE, LLC is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL DORFMAN IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 November 12, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 254 PARK AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 54-209-40 & 41. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 615349/2018. Jerry Merola, 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. 149416
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A., -againstKATHLEEN MURRAY, 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 December 21, 2023, wherein FIFTH THIRD BANK, N.A. is the Plaintiff and KATHLEEN MURRAY, 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 November 13, 2024 at 3:00PM, premises known as 58 LEE STREET, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 36-159-141. ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 600503/2022. Peter Kramer, 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. 149418
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ANDRADINA NEVES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 138 Dehnhoff Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 245 and Lots 30, 31, and 32. Approximate amount of judgment is $161,884.11 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601152/2023. Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 221097-1 149386
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff against JOSE MARTE A/K/A JOSE A. MARTE, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 30, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme
Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 22 Agnes Street, Freeport, NY 11520. Sec 55 Block 390 Lot 168. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $421,268.73 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615420/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Ronald J Ferraro, Esq., Referee File # QFSLN005 149020
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Pltf. vs. TIFFANY LOPEZ, et al Deft. Index #604471/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered August 15, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 185 Sportsmans Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 62, Block 89, Lot 11, Lot Group 11-12. Approximate amount of judgment is $483,349.08 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
JANE SHRENKEL, Referee., MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf. 165 Eileen Way, Ste. 101, Syosset, NY. #101746 149038
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE SPECIALTY UNDERWRITING AND RESIDENTIAL FINANCE TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-BC1, Plaintiff AGAINST JANINE GUILFORD, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 27, 2017, I,
Public Notices
the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 21, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 336 W. Seaman Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION 36, BLOCK 537, LOT 15. Approximate amount of judgment $623,819.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009116/2014. 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. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Peter T. Bauer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-305223 82195 148974
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF FW-BKPL SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ADRIANO ADAMES A/K/A ADRIANO D. ADAMES, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 13, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501
on October 30, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 99 Shonnard Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 223 and Lots 487-488. Approximate amount of judgment is $675,244.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613091/2022.
Gerard DeGregoris, Jr., Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 220010-2 149174
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee for Mortgage Assets Management Series I Trust, Plaintiff v. Nassau County Public Administrator as Administrator of the Estate of Gloria J. Gaiser, deceased, et al., Defendants.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale (the “Judgment”) entered on August 7, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell in one parcel at public auction to be held at the North Side steps of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York on October 22, 2024 at 2:00p.m., the premises described by said Judgment to be sold and therein described as follows:
ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the incorporate Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as and by Lot Number 87, in Block 59, on a certain Map entitled, “Map of Laurel Manor, situated at Freeport, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, N.Y.,
owned by Stebar Cons. Co., Inc., Cedarhurst, L.I., Surveyed by William H. Parry Inc., Land Surveyors, February 14th, 1956,” and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on November 22nd, 1957 as Map No. 6965, which said Lot, is more particularly bounded and described, according to said Map as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Laurel Road distance 398.20 feet Westerly and Northerly from the extreme Westerly end of an arc of a curve connecting the Southerly side of Laurel Road with the Westerly side of South Main Street;
RUNNING THENCE South 83 degrees 07 minutes West, 99.76 feet;
RUNNING THENCE North 6 degrees 53 minutes West, 85.50 feet;
RUNNING THENCE South 79 degrees 06 minutes 19 seconds East, 86.26 feet to the Westerly side of Laurel Road;
RUNNING THENCE
Southerly along the Westerly side of Laurel Road on the arc of a curve bearing to the left having a radius of 45 feet, a distance of 48.84 feet; and
RUNNING THENCE
Southerly still along the Westerly side of Laurel Road on the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 25 feet, a distance of 15.91 feet, to the point or place of BEGINNING.
Said Premises known as 19 Laurel Road, Freeport, New York 11520.
(Section 62 Block 59 Lot 87)
Approximate amount of lien $841,013.43, plus interest and Plaintiff’s advances, costs and expenses, all due as per the Judgment. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the Judgment and terms of sale.
Index No.: 4251/2013; Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee
Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP
Robert J. Malatak, Esq.
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee for Mortgage Assets Management Series I Trust 156 West 56th Street
New York, New York 10019
Tel: (212) 237-1000 149178
AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
BAYVIEW LOAN
SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff against ANDREA FAGAN, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 27, 2017, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 296 Pine Street, Freeport, NY 11520. Sec 54 Block 84 Lot 7. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $466,592.84 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 015029/2010. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Certified funds only, made payable to Lisa Goodwin, Esq., as Referee.
Lisa Goodwin, Esq., Referee File # QNSRN601 149176
Doing what DOESN’T come naturally PERSON TO PERSON
Feeling miserable? It’s natural to wallow in your misery. Angry folks do it by obsessing about the wrongs others have done to them. Sad folks do it by recalling their hurts, disappointments and pain. Worried people do it by anguishing about the next trouble, before it even occurs. Yes, there’s something to be said for feeling miserable from time to time. If these are your honest emotions, you need to feel them—not deny, repress, distort or suppress them. Indeed, good energy can flow from feeling hot under the collar about wrongs done to you. Though sadness is strongly felt after losing someone you truly care about, yet your sadness does not have to last a lifetime. Worrying about something may well serve the purpose of averting disaster, but only if you truly can do something about whatever concerns you.
any, impact on the guilty party. Don’t let too much time elapse before you move from piss and vinegar to kindness and caring. Don’t waste your energy on the one who has wronged you. Instead, calm yourself down and use your energy to do something nice for yourself or someone you care for.
If you’re down in the dumps, dispirited, sad down to your core, it’s okay to feel this way- for a period of time. However, if you begin to notice that your sadness is transforming you into a pessimistic, depressed, joyless soul, it’s time to act. Though your heart may not be in it, push yourself to go, do, work, play, talk, anything that can get you to see the good in life and bring you peace of mind.
Linda Sapadin
That said, there are times when people hold on to these negative feelings too long. They don’t just feel them--they embrace them, cradle them, exaggerate them---until the feelings transform themselves into an identity. When that happens, they do not just feel angry, sad or worried, they become folks with a chip on their shoulder, despair in their heart or fear in their soul.
If you believe it’s time for you to let go of emotions that have been robbing you of vital energy, I will now offer ideas to guide you on a new path. Do what doesn’t come naturally. Act in a way contrary to how you are feeling! Here are a few examples: If your co-worker has gotten you so ticked off, that you’d like to wring his neck, you’re entitled to be boiling mad. There’s a time to have a hissy fit, blow a gasket, get bent out of shape. But then there’s a time to let go, to heal, to take care of yourself. If you don’t, your anger will destroy you but have little, if
If you’re anxious, apprehensive and uneasy about an upcoming event or decision, it’s okay to feel worried - for a period of time. However, if your worries are creating constant distress for you or if your comfort zone has shrunk to the size of a postage stamp, it’s time to act differently. Feelings often follow behavior. So, even if you’re on pins and needles about taking a risk, asking a question, taking an action, do it anyway. Do it even as you mutter to yourself, “I gotta be crazy to do this.” Courage is developed by taking an action, despite being frightened.
Yes, it feels counterintuitive to act contrary to the way you feel. But often, that’s exactly what you need to do.
©2024
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@ aol.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS: Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
To Deliver Papers To Businesses in Massapequa, Amityville and Babylon 2 Days Per Week Must Have Own Vehicle/Van
This is an independent contractor role for Richner Communications Compensation based on stops starting at $275/week If Interested contact Jim at jrotche@liherald.com or 516-569-4000 x211
JOURNEYMAN
COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL
Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.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 Reception/Accounts Receivable
Part Time- back-office work. Rockville Centre. Must be friendly, well-spoken. Computer literacy necessary. Back office includes collections/account receivable, verifying insurance and researching claims and some billing. Must be flexible (days/evenings). $18-$19/ Hourly. Email resume drsmnw@optonline.net or fax resume 516-763-4218.
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
Should we avoid cedar for siding, too?
Nestled on a picturesque
Q. We want to replace our cedar siding, and you wrote about not using cedar. Is that just for decks, or also for siding? Our community in Massachusetts insists on cedar siding, but has been accepting lookalikes if they meet their appearance standards at the community review. It wouldn’t make sense for us to consider cedar if it’s as much of a problem as you stated. Please let us know your opinion on what we should do, since we want to try to get the siding done before the winter.
A. In my column, answering the question about decks, I wrote that I don’t recommend cedar as either a structural material or finish board material because of its instability and maintenance issues, for decks, specifically. Natural wood is more reactive to the environment, because it used to be in the middle of a tree, and wasn’t intended to be exposed to the weather in its natural state.
The stronger, solid hardwoods are less reactive, but cedar is a soft wood that easily expands and contracts. Although it’s resistant to insects, it doesn’t last as long as other products. As a siding material, it’s not as big a problem, and it’s reminiscent of the original New England historical architecture it was employed for. It’s very attractive, and the issue of stability and durability is different for its use as a siding material.
There are two basic kinds of natural cedar siding, cedar shakes and cedar shingles. Shingles are cut with blades and shaped uniformly, while shakes, also called “split” shakes, are cut to size at double the thickness (or more) and then split in half. That mimics the rustic and non-uniform look our first settlers developed for making the homes and meeting houses they constructed as weatherresistant as they could manage. The techniques and original tools are still used today.
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You may want to reconsider when to do the work, whichever style you choose, because cedar is generally harvested in the winter and early spring, and you’ll get better-quality material to work with in the spring than in the fall. The reason the wood is harvested when it is is because the ground around cedar trees is boggy and swampy, and heavy equipment can’t get to the trees until the ground is hard and stable. (Incidentally, foresting requirements dictate that for every tree harvested, two trees must be planted, and about 1 percent of all cedar trees are taken in a season, meaning there will be plenty of cedar for you when you need it.)
Make sure you have an installer who knows to use a waterproofing membrane and drainage filter fabric first, before the cedar is applied, so the shingles or shakes don’t constantly sit against a wet wall after they’re attached. The original settlers understood this, and used strips of cedar to keep the shakes off the wall to drain and dry. Wetting and drying cycles cause accelerated decay. 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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Remembering a cherished friendship with Nelson DeMille
The bestselling, superbly gifted novelist Nelson DeMille recently died. The author of 23 books, including 17 bestsellers, DeMille was so much more than a brilliant writer. He was first and foremost an outstanding human being and a loyal friend.
The first book of his that I read was “Cathedral,” in the early 1980s. It was a gripping tale of an attack on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was hooked. Among all of Demille’s books, I found “Gold Coast,” a satiric depiction of Long Island’s North Shore, to be a true classic. My wife, Rosemary, became an almost obsessive reader of his works.
I didn’t actually meet DeMille until the early 2000s, when I was privileged to be invited to several lunches hosted by Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New York jurist Sol Wachtler at which DeMille was also a guest. I was struck immediately by what a regular guy he was. Totally unassuming and down-to-earth. Humorous. Extremely intelligent, and
knowledgeable on so many topics. Never once telling us how many bestsellers he authored, or mentioning his service in Vietnam as an infantry commander, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.
Those early gatherings opened the way for lunches, dinners and social gatherings at which Rosemary and I would see Nelson and his wife, Sandy, as well as get-togethers he and I would have with guys we each knew. I distinctly recall the wonderful evening Rosemary and I enjoyed at DeMille’s home, celebrating his 75th birthday with his family and a multitude of friends.
TRosemary, who, in what turned out to be Sandy’s final social event, invited her to a formal congressional lunch in Washington honoring then first lady Melania Trump.
That evening, Sandy joined Rosemary, our daughter, Erin, and me for dinner at a Capitol Hill restaurant, and she was as outgoing and upbeat as ever. Just months later, in September 2018, she died. As devastated as he was, Nelson never showed even the slightest bit of self-pity.
he bestselling author was still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont.
Conversations with him ran the gamut of his varied interests, including dedication to his family and his concern for others. Nothing was more saddening or distressing than when Sandy, a nonsmoker, was stricken with lung cancer. The years following her diagnosis in 2014 were marked by peaks of hope, but then by the darkest valley in 2018, when Sandy succumbed after waging a courageous, uncomplaining struggle.
She was an absolute delight to be with. Intelligent and always upbeat. Sandy was the center of her husband’s life. She was especially friendly with
TRosemary and I continued to get together with DeMille and, if anything, our friendship and admiration for him only deepened. More than ever, I realized that, with all his fame and success, he was, at heart, still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont. Though he moved easily with the socially upscale and the movers and shakers, he very much identified with cops, firefighters, construction workers and military veterans. Those were the people who, through guts and dedication, make our nation work with little recognition or acclaim.
DeMille also never left Long Island. His roots were here, and this was where he stayed.
He continued his literary efforts,
writing, as always, in longhand on yellow legal pads, and rushing feverishly to meet his publisher’s deadlines. His final work was “Blood Line,” published in 2023, which he co-wrote with his son, Alex. Last Oct. 11 I had the privilege of moderating a discussion of “Blood Line” with the two of them before a large audience at LIU Post.
Weeks later, on Oct. 28, Rosemary, and I got together with DeMille at the Paramount, in Huntington, at a reception prior to a performance by Bill O’Reilly and Sid Rosenberg. DeMille was in good spirits, and seemed entirely healthy, but that was the last time we were with him. Soon after, he let us know he was being treated for cancer, but was confident all would be well.
This went on for months. On June 6, Rosemary received an email from him, saying he had just one procedure left, and then we’d be getting together for dinner. That was the last we heard from him. Nelson died of esophageal cancer on Sept. 17.
His wake and funeral, attended by hundreds of admirers and friends, were a celebration of a wonderful man of great accomplishment. He will be missed. Nelson DeMille, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
A historic election for all the wrong reasons
his has been a political year like no other in my lifetime. It may be the only year that was dominated by mean-spirited and ugly conduct, all in the name of winning an election. I am not naïve, having run 12 successful campaigns for public office. But the desperate campaign being run by Donald Trump, in his quest for renewed power, will stand out in the history books for many years to come.
Let’s start with this backdrop.
Trump lost the 2020 election by 7 million votes. His years of claims that his success was “stolen” are fake by any measure. He admitted that he was beaten by challenging the election results in Georgia. If you lost an election, why would you be asking the Georgia secretary of state to “find 11,780 votes”? What is sad is that there are millions of Americans who have fallen for that charade.
The second historical event that
taints the Trump re-election effort is the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill. Trump once told Americans that they shouldn’t believe what they saw with their own eyes. Whether you’re blind or able to see, at Trump’s urging, hundreds of people broke down the doors to the Capitol and destroyed government property, and their actions contributed to the death of five people. That is not my conclusion. It is the findings of countless jurors who heard the facts after weeks and weeks of criminal trials.
Donald Trump’s vision of the nation is depressing and false.
And so, with the blemish of a torrent of facts that would undo any reelection effort, Trump commenced his 2024 campaign. He once claimed he would “drain the swamp,” but instead he has created a new swamp by conducting a campaign heavy with racial undertones, vicious personal attacks and attacks on the American court system.
There have been so many vitriolic assaults that it would take more than one column to adequately describe all of them. One of the current ones that deserves public scorn is his attacks on
the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Despite the pleas of the Republican governor of Ohio, the mayor of Springfield and many other elected officials, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have continued to spread false charges about Haitians eating dogs and cats.
I long ago learned that personal attacks on your opponent don’t get much voter applause. Trump has decided that calling his challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, “mentally impaired” is a way to get voter support. He also thinks that attacking her appearance is a way to win over skeptical women voters. These tasteless tactics are not the way to get the support of the fast-shrinking independent vote.
One of the winning ways to get voters to be your boosters is to offer solid policy proposals and to give the public a chance to hear your vision for the next 10-plus years. Trump has offered little in way of new ideas, but has Project 2025 as his policy proposal. That 900-plus-page volume, drafted by former officials of his administration, calls for
dismantling the federal government as we know it and turning it over to prescreened loyalists who will complete a menu of bureaucratic horrors. Perhaps the most vexing part of the current Trump effort is his constant harping on what he thinks our country looks like. He describes America as a “failed state.” His vision of the nation is depressing and false. He claims that many thousands of the migrants who have come to America have committed major crimes. Any honest presidential contender would not tear down the country at a time when it wants a leader with a brighter view of the nation. Obviously, my view of the Trump campaign is not a flattering one. Am I a partisan? I have spent all of my life cultivating relationships with my Republican counterparts, and have succeeded because of our mutual respect. But I draw the line when it comes to Donald Trump. I just don’t think he is the true face of America.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
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Calling for fire safety, honoring local volunteers
With Fire Prevention Week — Oct. 6-12 — upon us, it’s important to reflect on the significance of fire safety in our communities, and to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians who keep us safe.
These men and women are truly local heroes, but they are also neighbors just a phone call away who risk their lives in hazardous situations that include fires and floods. They should never be taken for granted, and this annual observance serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing fires and responding to emergencies of all kinds.
There are 71 fire departments in Nassau County — 69 all-volunteer, and two with both professionals and volunteers — along with six volunteer ambulance corps that provide fire, technical rescue and emergency medical help, all serving 1.3 million residents. In Suffolk, more than 125 volunteer fire and EMS agencies serve that county’s population of more than 1.5 million.
Fire Prevention Week is a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of fire hazards and promoting practices that can saves lives. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance in 1925 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated much of the city and claimed hundreds of lives.
“Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” is this year’s theme. The goal is to
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educate people about the crucial role smoke alarms play in preventing injury and death when a fire breaks out in a home.
Three of every five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms, and the risk of dying in a house fire is cut in half when there are functioning alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This underscores the fact that fire prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about saving lives.
The American Red Cross also stresses the importance of installing smoke alarms. At the organization’s Sound the Alarm events, volunteers install smoke alarms for free. For more information, go to RedCross.org.
Education is paramount, too. Children, adults and seniors benefit from learning how to prevent fires and to respond appropriately if one breaks out. Teaching children not to play with matches, encouraging adults to avoid being distracted while cooking and reminding seniors to be mindful of electrical appliances are just a few essential lessons that can reduce the likelihood of fires.
It’s also important to honor the brave people who respond when fires and other emergencies occur. Volunteer firefighters often juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities, yet they still make time to respond to calls for help — whether it’s a house fire, a car accident or a medical emergency.
Letter writer defending D’Esposito was ‘splitting hairs’
To the Editor:
In his letter last week, “Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?” Christopher Kane complained that the Herald owes Congressman Anthony D’Esposito an apology for an article about the hiring of his mistress and the daughter of his fiancée that was headlined “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” Kane argued, in part, that D’Esposito didn’t violate any ethics rules because he wasn’t married to his fiancée.
However, according to a Sept. 23 article in The New York Times, “The House code of conduct prohibits members of Congress from employing spouses or relatives, including stepchildren. Though Mr. D’Esposito has never married, congressional ethics experts said that employing a woman akin to his stepdaughter, who shared a home with him, could breach the requirement that members of Congress ‘adhere to the spirit and the letter of the rules.’”
The Times article continued, “A separate provision adopted in the wake of the #MeToo movement explicitly states that lawmakers ‘may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works
They undergo extensive training to ensure that they are equipped to handle the myriad dangerous conditions that can arise in an emergency, and they are often the only line of defense when a home catches fire and lives are on the line. It’s no wonder that so many people find firefighters’ dedication so inspiring.
The same is true for volunteer EMTs, who provide critical care during medical emergencies, administering life-saving treatment before a victim can be transported to a hospital. Their swift action and expertise often mean the difference between life and death.
A former Suffolk County volunteer firefighter and EMT who continues to serve as a paid paramedic and a New York City police officer explained why he became a first responder.
“I wanted to participate in something that allowed me to help my neighbors at their most vulnerable points in life, while also providing me with valuable life experience and training,” he told the Herald. “The fire department put me on a path to serve the people and communities that I live and work in, as well as (having) a second family I know would come to my aid should my family or I need it.”
We strongly urge you to be there for your local fire department’s next fundraiser or open house, salute the volunteers at their next holiday parade and, if you’re able, consider becoming one of them.
under the supervision of the member.’”
Although D’Esposito was not married to his fiancée, with whom he was allegedly cohabiting, it appears that in
his letter, Kane was doing nothing more than splitting hairs!
Lastly, while he criticizes Laura Gillen, who “identifies as a Catholic,” apparently Kane is not that troubled
We badly need congestion pricing
Ibelieve congestion pricing is an absolute necessity, for several reasons. First of all, traffic in the metropolitan area is an absolute nightmare. You can’t get into New York City in a reasonable amount of time unless you leave at 5 a.m. or after 9 p.m. most days from any direction — long Island, Westchester, Connecticut or New Jersey.
once you get to Manhattan, traffic is so bad that you can walk faster than you can drive. I know, because I work on the upper East Side and often walk to appointments and meetings. It’s faster than waiting endlessly in a taxi or uber.
the rafts of Citi bikes, bike lanes, bus-only lanes and outdoor restaurants built during and after the coronavirus pandemic make Manhattan more intolerable for driving than ever before. according to a tomtom report, New York tops the list of cities with the worst traffic in america. the average commuter spent just under 25 minutes driving about six miles in 2023.
Secondly, our mass transit system has been allowed to deteriorate over the decades, because politicians have always kicked the can down the road. the Second avenue subway was originally proposed over 100 years ago. today, three stations have been built, and the extension to Harlem has been put off, because congestion pricing, which was supposed to help pay for it, has been halted.
I
the 7 Subway line was to have had a stop in Hell’s kitchen, the “10th avenue station,” to alleviate passenger congestion on the West Side and serve the growing neighborhood, but that, too, was killed for lack of funds and political will.
regional train service and rehabilitating the century-old subway system. the more comfortable and convenient the train system, the more people will use it, and the more drivers will opt out of the maddening rush to get to the city.
f only we could come up with a way to charge people based on their net worth.
Much of the current subway system is antiquated, some of it was damaged by saltwater intrusion during Superstorm Sandy, and the signal system is a hazard unto itself, slowing the system down and causing accidents.
So how do we resolve our urban traffic nightmare? there is no doubt that rail lines into Manhattan should be the No. 1 priority. they move the most people at the fastest speeds into and out of the city. Congestion pricing would be of enormous benefit in funding better
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by D’Esposito’s reported affair with a married woman (which ended her marriage) while he was engaged to someone else. Do we really want to be represented by someone who is so ethically challenged?
RobERt tollE Cedarhurst
Abortion rights must be enshrined in N.Y.’s Constitution
to the Editor:
I was unclear about Proposition 1, and my concern grew when I learned that women in states with abortion bans are dying. I wondered if New York’s abortion laws could withstand the radical extremists influencing our Supreme Court, Congress and potentially the White House. Despite Republican assurances against a national abortion ban, I remain skeptical, especially since the Supreme Court previously deemed Roe v. Wade settled law.
Moreover, the G o P made no effort to block the proposed ban on the abortion pill. While an outright abortion ban may not be imminent, without enshrining abortion rights in New York’s Constitution, it’s plausible that there will be attempts to erode women’s rights gradually. For these reasons, it’s crucial to condemn the fear-
Now, there are valid reasons why congestion pricing is unfair. If I’m a millionaire, I don’t care about paying $15 to drive below 60th Street, but if I make $50,000 a year, it’s putting a huge dent in my wallet. box trucks or moving vans would pay $24, large trucks $36, which would make goods and services cost more for New Yorkers.
It’s unfortunate that we can’t devise a methodology that could charge people based on their net worth. If a license tag could be connected to an IRS filing, we could charge wealthy people a different rate than those of more modest means.
beyond a system like that, we must resurrect the congestion pricing program to start to reduce traffic into Manhattan, and use those funds to upgrade Mta trains, subways and buses. If we do nothing, we will have wasted $500 million installing the apparatus to track vehicular traffic into the city, while
mongering falsehoods spread by the radical right about the ballot initiative and to vote “yes” on Proposition 1.
StEPHaNIE CaPuaNo Wantagh
Now Trump will approve the SALT deduction?
to the Editor:
then-President Donald trump and the Republicans limited our income tax deduction for state and local taxes. For two years the Republicans have controlled the House, so why haven’t Congressman a nthony D’Esposito and the M a G a Republicans in the House introduced legislation to give us back our S alt deductions?
Now, in a desperate attempt to help D’Esposito keep his House seat, t rump comes to New York and tells us he’s going to give us back the Salt deduction. He’ll do that right after he finishes building the wall and Mexico pays for it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
It won’t be all bad when D’Esposito loses the election. His friends in the town of Hempstead will give him a good job.
DENNIS PatRICk bRaDY Rockville Centre
doing nothing to reduce traffic and pollution and build a city for the future. It is also unconscionable that fare evasion cost the Mta an estimated $690 million in 2022, including $315 million from buses and $285 million from subways — 10 percent of the Mta’s annual budget.
and beyond the dollars and cents, New York City now ranks as one of the most ozone-polluted cities in the world thanks to the millions of cars, trucks and buses in stop-and-go gridlock traffic, with drivers endlessly circling for parking spaces and taxis, ubers and lyfts driving nonstop, looking for their next fare.
So how to move the massive number of people in the metropolitan area from destination to destination? Make the best use of the advanced train system that enlightened people built 120 years ago, and that provided 2 billion rides in 2023, on over hundreds of miles of track, picking up and dropping off people at 472 stations. but you can’t build out and upgrade the system without money, and congestion pricing is the ticket.
Jim Paymar is a veteran New York television anchor and reporter who has worked at CNBC, WNBC and WABC. He anchors a podcast, “The Big Shift with Jim Paymar.”
Framework by Tim Baker
Election Letters to the Editor policy
In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.
At the Family Street Festival — Bellmore
JIm paYmar
In October 2022, Tamar Lemoine of Valley Stream felt a lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. She had previously put o a biopsy after a mammogram in 2021 detected a suspicious mass, so she knew that this time she would need to act fast.
Tamar was referred to Dr. Christine Hodyl, Director of Breast Health Services at Mount Sinai South Nassau, who created a comprehensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy and breast-conserving lumpectomy surgery along with the removal of several lymph nodes. Her treatment ended with a month of radiation therapy sessions. Now cancer-free, Tamar urges women to get their annual mammograms.
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, o ering patients a multidisciplinary approach to fight cancer without having to leave Long Island.
In October 2022, Tamar Lemoine of Valley Stream felt a lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with late-stage