HERALD FREEPORT
Al Grover reflects on his legendary voyage across sea
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ
mrafiq@liherald.com
Freeport legend Al Grover captivated an audience at the Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center on Nov. 24, chronicling his incredible story of a life spent on the water, which culminated in a Guinness World Record for the first outboard-powered boat to cross the Atlantic in 1985.
At 97 years old, his memories and wisdom offer a vivid snapshot of Freeport’s maritime history and his contributions to the nautical world.
The event was truly a full circle moment for Grover, because the building that is now Sparkle on Stage, at 195 Woodcleft Ave., was previously owned by the Grover family and was where they once ran their boat repair shop.
Born in Flushing Grover moved to Freeport from Long Beach at age 7, which is when he fell in love with the water.
“We started by clamming and fishing,” he told the Herald. “I went to Freeport schools —Archer Street School and Freeport High School. I worked on the boats down on the ContinueD on pAGe 4
Stand Down at armory gives support to local heroes
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Freeport Armory was a hive of activity on Tuesday, as hundreds of veterans stopped by the annual Veterans Stand Down.
Hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, the event offered veterans in need essential items and services.
This year’s Stand Down, which drew roughly 600 former members of the nation’s armed services, demonstrated the power of community partner-
ships and dedication to those who have served. Since 1998, the semi-annual event has been a vital resource for Nassau County’s community of veterans.
The drive-through event offered an array of resources, including brand new clothing, winter boots, food, toiletries and housing assistance. Esposito emphasized the high quality of the handouts. “Everything is brand new,” he said. “Underwear, socks, jackets, shoes — I should say boots — and then food and cosmetics. Everything top-shelf. I don’t go with crap. We get it donated. We go shake people down,” he added wryly.
Long Island Cares and Island Harvest contributed food, including turkeys and hams, ensuring that the veterans would have a proper Thanksgiving meal. General Needs, another key partner, provided winter boots and heavy jackets, while schools like Gotham Avenue and Covert Avenue, in Elmont, donated cases of food.
The event also received support from Reworld, a leader in sustainable waste solutions, which donated essential items like underwear and socks.
“Our veterans deserve to be supported in every way possible, and participating in this
event allows us to give back to those who have given so much to our country,” Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist at Reworld, stated in a news release. “Providing these essential items is just one way we can show our appreciation and contribute to the well-being of our local veteran community.”
Morris Miller, a Vietnam veteran and a longtime volunteer, reflected on his decades of involvement in the Stand Down.
“I’ve been involved in the Stand Down since the very first one, about 25 to 26 years ago,” Miller said. “People come in one way, they open up their
Jeanine Schroder/Herald
Al Grover’s sons, Dante Grover and Al Jr., pose in front of the record-breaking outboard boat that crossed the Atlantic in 1985, now on display in Freeport.
Freeport teens take stand at Lido Beach
By RACHEL HAJEC
Special to the Herald
The smell of salt air and the sound of waves crashing on a recent breezy Sunday morning only encouraged volunteers at Lido Beach Town Park to help clean up the white sands that define it. With a full registration list, the Town of Hempstead partnered with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to lead the effort.
Students from Freeport High School were among the volunteers.
The cleanup was one part of an ongoing project by the town and the conservation society to maintain trash-free sands in Lido Beach and Point Lookout from April to October this past year.
At the recent Lido Beach cleanup, some 168 volunteers collected 241 pounds of trash. In total, the partnership between the town and conservation society gathered 1,192 pounds of trash during all their cleanups in 2024.
Rob Giovanni, executive director and chief scientist at AMSEAS, described the importance of cleaning up beaches and what he hopes local community members learn from the experience.
“There is a lot of evidence to suggest that this is something we need to bring awareness to, and because we have lots of noticeable debris, we need to do our part to protect this environment,” Giovanni said. “I think the local community does a great job, and the beach cleanups are definitely helping, but this is just the beginning and students especially should get involved to protect their future and the lives of animals.”
The AMSEAS works with local governments throughout Long Island and New York State to foster its mission to promote action for change. By conduct-
Students, teachers and parents gathered to receive their equipment and instructions to begin
ing research, health assessments and surveys, and using a Specially Trained Animal Response Team and public outreach, its goal is to care for sea animals by restoring their homes and their health.
As climate change continues to negatively impact beaches and animal life worldwide, one of the biggest threats is sea level rise, which causes erosion that can eliminate wetlands and tracts of beach, leading to smaller, less habitable environments for animals and people.
Freeport students and beach cleanup volunteers Alessandra Peralta and Keila Ordonez expressed their concerns for the future state of the environment because of the climate crisis.
“If you look at the hurricanes that recently hap -
pened in Florida . . . all the animals and their habitats are . . . destroyed, and with the effects of global warming and climate change, we should do everything we can,” Peralta said.
“We live around a lot of beaches, and seeing animals get killed because of the plastic and other waste made by people truly hurts us,” Ordonez said.
The Town of Hempstead is continuing its partnership with AMSEAS in the hope, officials say, of restoring the beaches and marine life with monthly cleanups from March through October.
In addition to helping lead the cleanups, the AMSEAS will provide data from its debris report to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for further study.
Rachel Hajec/Herald
the beach cleanup.
Freeport Sparks host a Thanksgiving feast
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Freeport Sparks PTO brought the spirit of Thanksgiving to life with its annual Thanksgiving Feast, held on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Columbus Avenue School in Freeport.
The event, which welcomed 120 attendees, highlighted the strength, diversity, and unity of the Freeport community while offering an evening of warm fellowship and delicious food.
“Our mission is to foster a strong sense of community that aligns with the specific needs of Freeport schools and our unique community,” said Stephanie Rodriguez, President of Freeport Sparks PTO in a written statement. “This feast allows us to celebrate our shared values of gratitude and togetherness while creating a space for Freeport families to feel appreciated and supported.”
The Thanksgiving Feast was more than just a meal—it was an opportunity to reflect on the community’s unique strengths and diversity.
ing generosity and support in providing food to feed local families,” Rodriguez said.
“Your kindness and commitment to our community embody the true spirit of giving, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions.”
O
ur mission is to foster a strong sense of community that aligns with the specific needs of
Freeport schools and our unique community.
StepHAnIe RODRIguez President, Freeport Sparks PTO
Families, students, and staff gathered to enjoy traditional dishes provided by local businesses, including Mi Casa Restaurant, Churrasqueria Genesis, and Raimo’s Pizza.
Contributions from 13 local eateries and businesses exemplified the generosity and collaboration that define Freeport. “We are extremely proud of our local businesses for their unwaver-
In addition to the festive meal, the event featured raffle prizes, including books and fun items designed for family enjoyment. These touches helped create an unforgettable experience, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting Freeport families.
The PTO expressed gratitude for the 150 RSVPs received, noting that the incredible turnout underscored the community’s strength and unity.
The Thanksgiving Feast is just one of many initiatives by Freeport Sparks PTO to support and celebrate local families. The organization has ambitious plans for the future, including a Summer Camp and After-School Activities Fair to connect families with programs offering creative outlets, emotional support, and personal growth opportunities.
“By fostering a welcoming environment and providing much-needed support, we hope to build a strong foundation for our students’ success and highlight the unique sense of unity that defines Freeport,” Rodriguez said.
With its dedication to inclusivity and cultural representation, the Freeport Sparks PTO aims to continue hosting events that celebrate the community’s heritage, support local families, and ensure that every student in the district feels embraced and inspired.
Ulysses Byas students lead donation drive
After witnessing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the Southeastern U.S. in late September, fourth-grade students at Ulysses Byas Elementary School in the Roosevelt School District took action to help those in need by launching a donation drive.
“We are very proud of these students for trying to help their fellow Americans during their time of need,” said Ulysses Byas Principal Angela Leconte. “They are truly striving to be globally ready.”
The students began by writing persuasive essays to encourage their peers, teachers, and staff to contribute to the cause and spread awareness of their relief efforts.
They visited each classroom in the school to read their essays, educating their peers about the aftermath of the hurricane. To further motivate others, they designed and displayed posters throughout the hallways, urging everyone to bring necessary supplies to a donation station at the school.
Through their collective efforts, the students gathered dozens of boxes filled with baby diapers, baby wipes, canned food, water, cleaning supplies, and other essential items.
They also raised $400, which will be used to purchase additional supplies for hurricane victims.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September, leaving a trail of destruction from Virginia to Florida.
The storm knocked out power, destroyed roads and bridges, and caused severe flooding. Schools in the affected areas only began reopening last month, and drinkable tap water was recently restored to some communities.
The efforts of Ulysses Byas Elementary School students will provide much-needed relief and support to those impacted by the hurricane as they work to rebuild their lives.
For more information about the Roosevelt Union
Free School District, visit their website at www.rooseveltufsd.org or follow them on Facebook at facebook. com/RooseveltUFSD.
Courtesy Jose Cuevas Volunteers serve a delicious array of Thanksgiving dishes, generously donated by local businesses, at the Freeport Sparks PTO Thanksgiving Feast.
Courtesy Roosevelt School District
Fourth-grade students at Ulysses Byas Elementary School in the Roosevelt School District held a donation drive to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Grover’s legacy: a life spent on the water
Nautical Mile. In those days, to work a full day on a party fishing boat, you’d get $2. And if you worked hard, you’d get a tip — a little extra, you know.”
After serving as a paratrooper for two years in occupied Japan beginning in 1946, Grover returned to Freeport, purchasing the building with the help of his brother-in-law and a GI loan. A few years later, he married his wife of 70 years, Rosemarie Grover.
“It was called the Woodcleft Canoe Club,” he said. “We started doing the same thing —fixing boats, working on engines, and selling marine hardware. The business grew through the years.”
Grover’s business became a Freeport institution, and his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to innovate.
In 1969, Grover purchased the property at 500 South Main St., which became Al Grover’s High and Dry Marina, one of the largest enclosed marinas on Long Island.
In the 1970s, he began building boats, focusing on economical, diesel-powered models.
To showcase his expertise and attract publicity, Grover embarked on the daring transatlantic journey in 1985, taking off for Europe from Newfoundland with his son Al Jr. in a little outboard boat that was destined for fame.
“We thought it would attract a little attention to take a small boat across the
It is remarkable to us how many people we meet who have amassed signifcant wealth beyond their needs, yet have little or no inclination to share their good fortune with others, even their immediate families. It seems to us that the only value that any asset has is in its use — those who have assets they are unable to utilize are really no better off than those who don’t.
How much richer and happier many lives would be if only we learned to share more. Studies in psychology and neuroscience have demonstrated that acts of generosity trigger a release of endorphins, referred to as the “helper’s high”, leading to increased feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Generous acts involve considering the needs of others, expanding one’s empathy and leading to deeper connections with others and a more meaningful and fulflling life. This may explain why those least able to give are sometimes the most generous. Generosity has less to do with what one has than the way one thinks.
ocean,” he said. “We had to carry almost 700 gallons of gasoline to make it across.”
The early part of the journey was fraught with challenges, such as the pairs’ weathering of Hurricane Claudette and even a moment when Grover fell overboard, yelling and swimming after the boat until Al Jr., asleep in the cabin, eventually awoke and came to his rescue.
After 33 harrowing days at sea, Grover and his other son, Dante – who replaced Al Jr. on the trip when the latter decided at a stop in Flores that he could no longer continue – reached Portugal, cementing their place in maritime history.
In total, Grover logged nearly 3000 miles over the course of the journey.
The record-breaking voyage earned widespread attention, including a congratulatory letter from President Ronald Reagan, which Grover proudly shared with the Herald.
Regarding Grover’s guest appearance at Sparkle on Stage, which drew an audience of about 60 to 70, Robyn Workman, owner of the cultural arts center, said, “He was in his glory.”
With 74 years in the boating business, five children and 13 grandchildren, Grover’s legacy is inextricably woven into the fabric of Freeport.
In addition to watching a short documentary film about the Grovers’ trans-
Capt. al grover with his wife, rosemarie grover, share stories during the Sparkle
Stage event, with a screening of ‘the al grover Story,’ a Youtube
by power & motoryacht magazine, in the background.
atlantic journey, those in attendance also cut a cake in celebration of Al Jr.’s birthday.
This added an even further full circle element to the event, as Al Jr. was born in that very building, at 195 Woodcleft
Ave., when it belonged to the Grovers’ many years ago.
“Everybody seemed very happy,” Workman said about the event. “It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and people left saying, ‘What a great day!’”
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“A fght is going on inside me,” said an old man to his son. “It is a terrible fght between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fght is going on inside you.”
The son thought for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”
— Wendy Mass
Generosity may also involve giving of your time and attention. As theologian John Wesley put it three hundred years ago:
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.”
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Jeanine Schroder/Herald
on
documentary
Students rally to support families in need
Students across the Roosevelt School District rallied through November to collect food donations to support their neighbors in need this Thanksgiving.
Their efforts will help brighten the holiday season for local families in need.
Spearheaded by the National Honor Society at Roosevelt High School, the students participated in the Youth Bureau of Smithtown’s Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Family Food Drive. Their efforts resulted in 200 donations, including canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, yams, stuffing, gravy, juice, cake mix, and other nonperishable items.
Shawn wighTman Superintendent of Schools
“Our students took great pride in contributing to an important cause this Thanksgiving season,” said Superintendent of Schools Shawn Wightman. “Their efforts will help brighten the holiday season for local families in need.”
As a result of the students’ efforts 50 local families will receive Thanksgiving food baskets.
The Youth Bureau of Smithtown organizes the Thanksgiving Adopt-AFamily Food Drive annually, connecting local families in need with residents, schools, and organizations that “adopt” them by providing a complete Thanksgiving meal.
Students at Centennial Avenue Elementary School also contributed to the spirit of giving by collecting over 200 canned goods and nonperishable foods.
The students’ efforts resulted in 200 donations, including canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, yams, stuffing, gravy, juice, cake mix, and other nonperishable items.
These donations were delivered to the Tabernacle of Joy Church in Uniondale, ensuring that more than 50 local families will receive Thanksgiving food baskets this year.
For more information about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, visit their website at https://www.rooseveltufsd.org. Updates on District events are also shared on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Courtesy Roosevelt School District
The National Honor Society at Roosevelt High School recently supported the Youth Bureau of Smithtown Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Family Food Drive.
Local leaders reject regionalization plan
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, other local elected officials, school district superintendents and school board trustees gathered in the Nassau County executive building on Nov. 21 to oppose the recent State Education Department Regionalization Plan.
The plan, introduced as an emergency rule on Sept. 25, directs school districts to pool resources, programs and services, which critics say threatens the independence of local districts. State Sen. Jack Martins, one of the plan’s main opponents, talked about fighting to preserve local control of districts.
“Long Island schools are regularly ranked among the very best in New York state,” Martins said. “That fact is due in large part to our local control and educational structure, which prioritizes our students’ success. We join our local communities in opposing any effort to force regionalization and fight to preserve local control.”
Blakeman echoed Martins’s sentiments, saying the plan was an attack on suburban school districts, and that he and others would continue to fight to keep power in the hands of the districts.
“Isn’t it interesting that cities such as Yonkers, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and New York City are all excluded from their plan?” Blakeman said. “This is just
Sen. Jack Martins, along with other local elected officials, challenged the NYSED’s Regionalization Plan at a news conference on Nov. 21.
another attack on the suburbs by state government, which is completely controlled by left-wing politicians, and we will not stand by and let the Department of Education gut our school districts.”
Many opponents of the plan are questioning the decision to make it an emergency measure. State Sen. Steve Rhoads called it a rushed, and added that the language contained in it could lead to local districts’ complete loss of control of their operations.
“The State Education Department’s self-created emergency regionalization
mandate is vague and can lead to a complete usurpation of local control of schools budgets, tax dollars, and educational opportunities and resources vested in local boards of education,” Rhoads said. “Long Islanders pay some of the highest school taxes in the state, and their local and state officials should and must have a voice in where those dollars are being spent, and that voice is being jeopardized with the SED’s rushed, topdown regionalization plan.”
Sschool districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties are preparing to chal -
lenge the plan. Roslyn school board President Meryl Waxman encouraged other districts to join the fight.
“Superintendents including mine have been told that this is a great big nothing, but what one says and what one does have to align,” Waxman said. “If you take the time to read the regulations and see what they say, they should be self-explanatory. These are emergency regulations, but what was the emergency? Roslyn wasn’t having an emergency until they created one.”
Nonetheless, many people believe that the plan can be beneficial for Long Island school districts. Responding to a rally against the plan on Oct. 31 at Locust Valley High School, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine said that districts can voluntarily participate in shared services, and that the protest was nothing more than political theater.
“The State Education Department website makes it perfectly explicit that any district desiring to engage in shared services with any other district can do so completely voluntarily,” Lavine said. “Held on Halloween, the Oct. 31 rally was nothing more . . . than political theater designed to frighten the public.”
Under the plan, school districts are required to submit surveys to the state by Dec. 6, identifying areas for collaboration. There will also be a comment period before the plan becomes final in January.
Brian Norman/Herald
Man sentenced 7 years for gun trafficking
A former Freeport resident, now living in South Carolina, was sentenced to seven years in prison for trafficking nearly a dozen illegal firearms, including rifles and pistols, from South Carolina to Nassau County.
Kim Lilly, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina, was convicted in April of selling 11 firearms, most of which were loaded and sold with accompanying ammunition, between Aug. 2023 and Jan. 2024.
The weapons included an assault rifle, an assault pistol, and several pistols, as well as high-capacity magazines.
TAmerica, and I intend to maintain that level of security for everyone who lives here.”
Lilly pleaded guilty on Sept. 26, 2024, before Judge Colin O’Donnell to charges of criminal sale of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon.
He was sentenced on Nov. 20 to seven years in prison and five years’ postrelease supervision.
The firearms were initially purchased at a South Carolina pawn shop before Lilly trafficked them to Nassau County, where they were sold on four separate occasions in Freeport.
“This case underscores the danger of illegal firearms making their way into our communities. Trafficking weapons into Nassau County not only endangers individuals and families, but it also fuels violence on our streets,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly in a news release. “Every gun seized during this investigation has prevented countless potential shootings. My prosecutors work tirelessly to keep Nassau County the safest county in
Anne Donnelly Nassau County District Attorney
The defendant was arrested on April 3, 2024, in Farmingdale by members of the ATF Firearms Task Force. During a search of his vehicle, two loaded handguns were recovered.
Lilly’s co-defendant, Tomeca Jeter, 49, also of South Carolina, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a firearm on July 10, 2024. She was sentenced to time served on Oct. 16, 2024.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Lee Genser of the Narcotics, Firearms, and Gangs Bureau under
the supervision of Bureau Chief Nicholas Mauro and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan.
Lilly was represented by Jenna Spelke, and Jeter by Lori Golombek.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Herald file photo
District attorney Anne Donnelly views this case as underscoring the danger of illegal firearms making their way into Nassa County communities.
The stars are dimmed by light pollution
With each passing year — especially in areas like Nassau County — we see less of the night
By NICOLE FORMISANO
Special to the Herald
As a child, Ken Spencer would wait until the sun sank below the ocean horizon, and then ride his bike down to the beach and lie in the sand, staring up into the sky as the final streaks of pink and orange slipped from view. Then quietly, one by one, billions of stars would wink into existence — diamond dust, he said, scattered across a sea of black velvet.
Now, at 82, the Sea Cliff resident is lucky if he can spot even the brightest stars amid a night sky that has, over the years, morphed into a wall of light-polluted gray.
Nassau County suffers some of the worst light pollution in the world. It’s harming local wildlife, damaging human health, and marring something as seemingly inviolable as the very sky above.
The word “pollution” often evokes clouds of smog, or continental landfills; little do we think of light itself as a form of pollution. But when we are irresponsible about how we artificially light the world around us, that additional light impacts everything it touches.
Summer nights on Long Island, for example, used to mean a world illuminated by fireflies. That likely won’t be the case for the next generation. The bioluminescent beetles can’t find potential mates amid an overlit world, and are becoming increasingly endangered.
Light pollution is increasing by 10 percent every year, according to DarkSky International, a nonprofit fighting to mitigate the problem. And we’re already suffering the effects.
Losing the night sky
“I know nothing with any certainty,”
Vincent Van Gogh once wrote, “but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
For as long as we have existed, humans have been linked inextricably to the stars. They served as beacons by which humanity navigated, charting new lands and waters; their movement led scholars to new mathematical and scientific discoveries; they have long captured the imaginations of philosophers, poets and artists; they encourage people of every age, race, class and ability to lift their eyes to the sky, wonder at the vast sea of the universe, and recognize the miracle it is to be alive.
“It feels primeval,” Spencer said of the night sky’s singular ability to pull our eyes upward. “It’s something within us.”
the sky. And little by little, it’s become harder and harder to see the Milky Way.”
More than 80 percent of people will not see the Milky Way in their lifetime, according to DarkSky International, and that number is climbing each year. We in Nassau County cannot see the Milky Way without traveling to the East End — and even that sight is a fading echo of what once was.
The amateur astronomer, originally from Milford, Connecticut, began studying the constellations with his daughter in 1989. He remembers looking at the constellation Hercules, identifying the globular cluster of 300,000 stars at the demigod’s side. He looked for that once-familiar sight recently, but the stars were simply impossible for him to see. He used to drive down to the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold, which served as a refuge for starry skies on Long Island. But even that, he said, is slowly being encroached on.
“Over the years, now it’s all big-box stores,” Spencer said. “They’re all lit up, and they have big, giant lights in the parking lot, so that light bounces up into
The night sky is integral for interconnectedness, Susan Serven, a spokeswoman for DarkSky International, said. It helps us understand that we aren’t separate from the cosmos, but part of it.
“It’s just been the last generation or two where we’ve lost that privilege to view our starry skies,” Serven said. “If we lose the ability to go out under our night sky, we lose the awe and wonder that humanity has experienced for millennia.”
The health risks of light
When Valerie Giangrande, of Massapequa, says goodnight to her two teenage children, she sometimes has to ask, “Where are your glasses?” The teens will then put on what looks like orangetinted sunglasses before continuing to watch TV or scroll on their phone — sometimes with a sigh or an eye roll, but that’s OK with Giangrande. To the optometrist and applied quantum biology specialist, making sure her kids are shielded from the dangers of excess
sky
blue light is worth a bit of teenage ire.
“It’s one of the biggest health risks that nobody thinks about,” said Giangrande, who is an eye doctor at Optical Concepts offices in Bellmore, Freeport and Patchogue. “Light literally controls every aspect of our bodies, which is a pretty big statement to make, but it controls everything. We’re wired by light.”
Just about every function of our body runs on our circadian rhythm, a natural 24-hour clock, she explains. And that clock is controlled by the sun. When the photoreceptors in our eyes take in the long red wavelengths of morning sun, our bodies understand that it is morning and start slowly producing cortisol. As the sun climbs in the sky, it gives off more shorter-wave blue light, which heightens cortisol production and tells our bodies that it’s midday. And after sunset, when our photoreceptors recognize darkness, our brains get the signal to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, and go into repair mode.
These days, most of our natural clocks are running haywire. That’s because the vast majority of artificial light that contributes to light pollution — LEDs, phones, computers, televisions, billboards — emit blue light. Our bodies are constantly surrounded by signals that it is noon.
Overexposure to blue light is linked to what seems like every health risk under the sun, Giangrande said — insulin resistance and diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, insomnia and lower-quality sleep, and excess anxiety.
“Anyone who wakes up not refreshed, anyone who’s tired, anyone who can’t fall asleep, can’t stay asleep — blue light
Courtesy Ken Spencer
across the Long island Sound, the town of Clinton, Connecticut, illustrates just how much light is wasted by being projected straight into the air. it burdens taxpayers, contributes to energy waste and creates a visible sky glow that erases stars from the sky.
The more lights, the less we see of the sky
Continued from PreViouS Page
toxicity,” Giangrande said. “Say we eat dinner, and then an hour later we’re really hungry again. That’s blue light toxicity, hands down.”
Our digestive enzymes naturally go down at night, she explained. Often when we’re hungry at night, it’s because our blood sugar and insulin are still up because our body thinks it’s daytime.
There are some things people can do to reduce the harm done by light pollution, Giangrande said. To start your day, step outside — or even just open a window — to get exposure to the full light spectrum of the sun. Consider replacing blue-spectrum LEDs in your home with warmer, softer lighting. And perhaps most important, get 100 percent blue light-blocking glasses to use indoors after the sun has gone down.
“Light has to be regulated first before we do all the things,” Giangrande said. “Because there’s no supplement that can take over for the sunlight.”
Let there (not) be light
So, besides our screens, where is excess artificial light coming from? A few of the primary offenders in Nassau County are entire towns and villages using unshielded streetlamps; empty fields, gas stations and parking lots lit up all night by glaring spotlights; and homeowners who illuminate their — and, by extension, their neighbors’ — property with floodlights out of the erroneous belief that it discourages crime. Multiple studies have found that lighting has no effect on crime. In fact, it encourages crimes like vandalism and graffiti, and the glare from harsh lights at night actually makes it more difficult to spot hazards in the dark.
If overlighting accomplishes anything, it wastes money — more than $3 billion in the U.S. each year, according to DarkSky, or as much as $7 billion, according to another study.
Take the Meadowbrook Parkway, for example. The 869 streetlights that line the road are activated by photocells, which turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation said. However, observant drivers will notice that long swaths of the parkway are peppered with orange lights even in the middle of the day. The NYSDOT did not respond to the Herald to answer whether this was intentional or indicative of faulty photocells, and how much energy and money is wasted by the lights each day.
But light pollution and its energy waste can be mitigated relatively easily by local governments. The Village of Oyster Bay, for example, has a lighting ordinance stipulating that all outdoor lighting be fully shielded. But despite such ordinances being demonstrably energy-efficient and cost-effective, few towns and villages have adopted them.
“The best way we recommend our advocates getting involved in changing actually how their backyards and their cities are lit,” said Chris Peterson, engagement director of DarkSky Inter -
an illustration of how much of the night sky is lost, and how much light is wasted, when it is ineffectively shielded — and, inversely, how well-directed, and timed, lighting can preserve our views of the stars.
Courtesy LightPollutionMap.Info
this map, using data from naSa, observatories and the World alas 2015, shows light that is wasted, which is about 30 percent of all artificial light, darkSky international estimates.
national, “is to approach city councils, development offices, planning commissions, and propose an update to that lighting ordinance for the city.”
The nonprofit even provides a template for proposing such ordinances to local representatives, which illustrates the principles of responsible outdoor lighting. And if local reps are unswayed, individuals can still help by ensuring they are not overlighting their homes.
But if we don’t take action, we will soon live in a world where a starry night sky is a distant memory.
“It’s a terrible thing for children to not know the night sky,” Spencer said. “If you don’t know something, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
“The central core of me knows that night is important,” he said. “Important to us as a human species.”
Those looking to learn more can visit DarkSky.org.
Every man’s right
Amid skyscrapers and smartphones, what do we have in common with our ancestors? The answer is the stars; the vast swath of universe that serves as our celestial home address. When I look up and see Cygnus flying over me in the winter sky, I’m looking at the same stars as people halfway across the world, or from thousands of years ago, whose names I’ll never know. The night sky serves as a keystone of the human experience, and connects us across space and time in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
As the world around us charges forward unceasingly — always asking for bigger, better, more — we rarely think of the things we lose little by little, day by day. We may not even notice when the Little Dipper dims into oblivion; when each star of Orion’s belt blinks out, one by one; when, one day, even brilliant Jupiter is extinguished, and we are left with a lone moon in a gray sky. I’ll tell my grandkids stories of the firmament, how light traveled billions of light years to make its way to us, and all we had to do to see it was look up. I wonder if they’ll believe me.
I’m not ready to give up the night sky. Are you?
–Nicole Formisano
Courtesy DarkSky International
Hundreds of vets receive aid at the armory
trunks, and they leave another way with a full trunk.”
“I can’t describe what you see,” he added. “What veterans do for other veterans and what organizations do for veterans … you’d be amazed, totally amazed.”
The event’s scale and impact are a testament to the dedication of its volunteers. More than 100 people, many of them high school students, gathered at the armory on Monday to pack and distribute bags filled with essential.
“The cars line up all the way to the Freeport train station,” Esposito said. “That’s how long the line is, from Babylon Turnpike to the Freeport station.”
Esposito, a veteran himself, is deeply committed to helping his fellow servicemen and women. “I should do this because, you know what? It’s a good purpose,” he said. “You’re helping somebody, making them go home happy as hell now.”
“I’d like to thank the Nassau County Veterans (Service Agency) for organizing another Stand Down here in Freeport for myself and all my fellow veterans,” Mayor Robert Kennedy wrote to the Herald over text message. “This is such a great event, which provides clothing, shoes, and needed toiletries to our United States military veterans. Thank you for remembering our veterans.”
Twice a year, the Stand Down continues to showcase the power of community collaboration. As Esposito said, “You’ve gotta fight for people. You don’t just sit back.”
To learn more about the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency and its programs, call (516) 572-6565. Continued from page 1
ralph esposito, director of the nassau County Veterans Service agency, thanked a group of student volunteers.
Students ashley pearsall, amanda owen, abigail fulop, Charles mcCarren and Kaleb Vidal with bags filled with donated goods, highlighting the community’s effort to support veterans at the freeport armory Stand down.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
mepham and Calhoun High School leadership class students celebrated a day of community service on behalf of veterans.
Chris peterkin, of the Bellmore VfW, at a table loaded with donated toiletries for veterans in need at the Stand down.
STEPPING OUT
Don’t miss the beats, the energy and the vibe when Secret Agent 23 Skidoo launches the museum’s Musical Explorers! Concert series.
Acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Andrés and Christina’s — known as 123 Andrés — catchy songs and lively concerts impart the joy of music, movement and language.
Memories with melodies at Long Island Children’s Museum
Reach for the rhythm in you with a colorful spectrum of musical performance
By Danielle Schwab
After everyone polishes off the turkey, families can embark on a musical adventure to usher in the holiday season, courtesy of Long Island Children’s Museum. The stage is set for a new concert series, “Musical Explorers!,” which kicks off this weekend, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Young audiences are introduced to an excitingly diverse music scene, featuring an array of global sounds, culture, and artistic legends from the world of jazz, hip hop, Latin music, and more. Families will surely get in the groove at the museum’s inaugural series of concerts, which represent the vibrant genres of jazz, hip-hop and Latin music. Performers add their unique touch, blending imaginative storytelling into musical masterpieces.
“Music speaks to human nature, the human soul. Every culture has music. Everybody celebrates it. Everybody taps to the rhythm. So that’s what we’re looking to provide,” James Packard, the museum’s theater program director says. “Musical Explorers offers our audiences the opportunity to dive deeper into the many ways that music speaks to us.”
In curating the concerts, he selected Grammy-winning artists and top talents in family music so that a diverse range of genres reflecting the power of music are represented.
“We encourage families to use these performances to introduce their children to the rhythms of hip-hop, the soul of jazz, and the vibrant beats of contemporary Latin music,” he says.
The series begins this weekend with Grammy-winning hip-hop funk sensation Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. This dynamic three-person rap ensemble offers their young audience a fun and engaging introduction to hip-hop. Known for their electrifying blend of hip-hop with sci-fi-inspired storytelling and feel-good tunes, the band combines the raw energy of funk with the surreal magic of animation-inspired performance. Imagine a band with Jim Henson playing guitar or Shel Silverstein writing the bass lines and you’ve got Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Prepare to get up and dance with larger-than-life stories through upbeat songs.
“We just came out with an album in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony. We took folk tales from around the world from various cultures and turned them into hip-hop songs to tell these stories,” Joel “Cactus” Sullivan, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s lead singer, says.
Sullivan and his bandmates journey back thousands of years, drawing from the rich traditions of Japan, West Africa and Persia to tell timeless life lessons.
And, it wouldn’t be hip-hop without some creative freestyle — with the help of members from the audience, of course.
“We get words from the crowd and then make up a song on the spot right there. There’s something magical about the improvisation that can happen with hip hop,” Sullivan adds.
Heading into New Year, everyone can jive to some outstanding jazz grooves with the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center Quintet, on Jan. 19 and 20. The top-flight musicians swing into the sound of America. Their performances explore the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, examining the great Louis Armstrong’s journey from New Orleans to Chicago and New York — all from the museum’s intimate stage.
“Lincoln Center is a new connection for us,” Packard notes. “It will be a more traditional concert style, but geared at school-age kids, with interactivity and conversation going on between the musicians and the audience.”
Another performance to keep an eye (and an ear) out for is husband-and-wife duo 123 Andrés. The pair — Latin Grammy winners for Best Children’s Music Album earlier this year —
Dark Star Orchestra
• Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
• $11 with museum admission; available online at licm.org/ theater or in person at the museum box office
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
will arrive in June with their interactive bilingual performance that speak to the joy, energy and cultural richness of Latin America.
They’ll be sure to get everyone singing, clapping and dancing along to rhythms from across the Latin music spectrum.
“Music is a universal language the world over. It is a part of who we are spiritually. And so it goes on all the time, a thing that goes into your soul,” Packard adds.
The concert series reinforces the museum’s mission to bring musicians into kid-accessible spaces. It’s an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a world of rhythm, melody and cultural appreciation — all within the welcoming environment of the LICM Theater.
“Music is a form of social-emotional learning,” Packard continues. “You can let out happiness or sadness. Exposing children to different styles they might find, ‘Oh, I really like hip hop,’ or ‘I really like the Latin beat’, or ‘I really like the jazz,’ and that can have an impact where they go in life.”
The Grateful Dead have been resurrected in the form of Dark Star Orchestra. Formed in 1997, this tribute band came up with the novel idea of recreating complete sets from The Grateful Dead’s gigantic list of concerts. Over 3,100 shows later DSO continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience to acclaim. On any given night, the band performs based on a set list from the Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. In this way DSO offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within the Dead’s musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m. $99.50, $69.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Long Island Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
The holiday treat returns, Audiences will once again be transported by the Sugar Plum Fairy to The Land of Sweets in this familyfriendly classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. LIBT’s production opens “Nutcracker” season here, sparkling with a talented cast of adult professionals and aspiring young student dancers. This version is both narrated and abridged, to introduce youngster to the story of Clara, her magical nutcracker and her enchanting winter adventure..
Saturday, Nov. 30, noon and 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m. $37.50. Purchase tickets at liballettheatre. com or by phone at (631) 2714626. For more information, visit landmarkonmainstreet.org. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.
Courtesy LICM
Courtesy Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Jazz at Lincoln Center quintet introduces young audiences to a cherished musical tradition.
Courtesy David Rugeles
THE Your Neighborhood
Dec. 9
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, visits the Paramount stage, Monday, dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. He showcases his musical journey and family legacy, celebrating his father’s legendary career, with a concert featuring hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, and highlighting Jason’s own notable contributions to rock history. Encompassing hits from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” “Led Zeppelin IV,” and “Physical Graffiti,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to Jason’s father, with “…a band that recreates Led Zeppelin’s music to such a degree that one can’t help but close their eyes and simply listen…” [-Classic Rock Revisited]. Jason displayed musical talent from a young age. By age five, he could skillfully play drums, and at 17, he joined the band Air Race. Over the years, he contributed to various musical projects, including a Led Zeppelin reunion in 1988, touring with Jimmy Page, and forming his band “Bonham.” He collaborated with notable artists, recorded successful albums, and participated in a Muddy Waters tribute that earned a Grammy nomination.
Throughout the years, Jason collaborated with different artists, recorded with Foreigner, and participated in the highly anticipated Led Zeppelin reunion in 2007 at London’s O2 arena. His musical journey showcases a blend of family legacy, collaborations with rock legends and a commitment to preserving and celebrating iconic rock history. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo for a myriad of the most legendary artists of all-time. It’s the place where he initially realized his destiny as a kid. It’s a triedand-true safe harbor for the expression of his purest emotions. Ultimately, Jason remains forever at home on the drums. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
1863 Thanksgiving
Partake of Thanksgiving traditions from days gone by during Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s annual holiday event, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30dec.1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Journey back to the 19th century as oldfashioned wood burning stoves, beehive ovens and hearths are all fired up as “villagers” prepare a variety of foods and baked goods, using historical recipes. Of course, a fat turkey is spitted and roasted, along with pie making and a demonstration of food preservation methods.
With fiddle music, entertainment and children’s activities, including storytelling, and more. $15, $12 children 5-12 and seniors. 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org or call (516) 572-8409 for more information.
Playdoh Party
Freeport Memorial Library invites families with kids from Pre-K through second grade to visit the library and participate in a handson program to be creative and get your Doh on, Saturday,Nov. 30, 2-2:45 p.m. Space is limited and registration required. Call or come into the Children’s Room to register. Visit FreeportLibrary.info or call (516) 379-3274 for more information. 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport.
Tea time
The festive season is underway at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy a cream tea (featuring scones, Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and tea), then a guided tour of decorated Westbury House, Tuesday, dec. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Wednesday, dec. 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thursday, dec. 5, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. $22.50 per person. Advance registration suggested. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
Walking Wednesday
Join Maryellen Cantanno for Walking Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. 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.
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.
Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Holiday Tales At The Hearth
Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The familyfriendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/ car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Having an event?
Dec. 1
Bird walk
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, Sunday, Dec. 1, starting at 9 a.m. The park is on the north side of Merrick Road, four blocks west of Wantagh State Parkway. The group meets at the gazebo.
Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.
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.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5-6, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 10-12, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm. org.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS
MANAGEMENT SERIES 1 TRUST, -againstCHRISTOPHER BAILEY AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY
E. ENGLISH, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 5, 2024, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS
MANAGEMENT SERIES 1 TRUST is the Plaintiff and CHRISTOPHER BAILEY AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY
E. ENGLISH, 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 December 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 173 WOODSIDE AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identifcation: 55-340-100 & 101.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, 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 fled Judgment Index No.: 614840/2018. Mark Ricciardi, 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. 149864
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF AND WITH RESPECT TO AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2015-B, MORTGAGEBACKED NOTES, SERIES 2015-B, Plaintiff, vs. TERRELL MARTIN AKA TERRELL PAUL MARTIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 2, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 98 Westside 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 62, Block 138 and Lot 40. Approximate amount of judgment is $301,279.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index # 002394/2016. Barton Slavin, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 171703-1 149849
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, JOVIA FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION F/K/A NASSAU EDUCATORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. MARK A. MCMILLIAN A/K/A MARK A. MCMILLAN, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confrming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 17, 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 December 11, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 183 Moore 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 101 and Lot 148. Approximate amount of judgment is $156,591.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #603963/2023. ***Please note the above-referenced premises is subject to a superior lien.***
Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 231848-1 149847
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10
MASTER PARTICIPATION
TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY,
MONISHA MAPP AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF CECELYA V. MORSBY A/K/A CECELYA MORSBY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 7, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 10, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 134 West End Avenue, a/k/a 134 Westend 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 318, Lot 209. Approximate amount of judgment $660,826.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #009443/2014. 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”. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-004797 82750 149785
COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST LARRY D. GREENE, SHERRY GREENE, NINA L. GREENE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 6, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 230 Archer Street, 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 117, Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment $962,283.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #004351/2013. 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”. Howard Colton, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-000325 82932 149787
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HSI ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2006-OPT3, MORTGAGEPASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OPT3, -againstTERESA BYRD, AS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATRIX AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOEL
JOHNSON A/K/A JOEL F. JOHNSON, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 17, 2024, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HSI ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2006-OPT3, MORTGAGEPASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OPT3 is the Plaintiff and TERESA BYRD, AS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATRIX AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOEL JOHNSON A/K/A JOEL F. JOHNSON, 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 December 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 49 SHONNARD AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identifcation: 55-225-465 & 466.
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, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index No.: 608875/2019. Ronald J. Ferraro, 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. 150034
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff - against - JOHN DESM, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 30, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 17th day of December, 2024 at 2:00 PM. 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 known as 611 South Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, (Town of Hempstead), NY 11520. (SBL#: 62-184-2)
Approximate amount of lien $649,262.82 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 613092/2022.
Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq., Referee.
Davidson Fink LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618
Tel. 585/760-8218
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: October 8, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 149931
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF NASSAU, HARRISON VICKERS AND WATERMAN LLC, Plaintiff against ROOSEVELT PROPERTIES, INC., et al., Defendants. Index No.: 606059/2022. Pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 9, 2023 and e-fled June 12, 2023 as NYSCEF Doc. No. 93 in the offce of the clerk of the within named court, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., the mortgaged premises (i) Section 55 Block 281 Lot 188-192 on the tax map of the Town of Hempstead, County of NASSAU, said premises being known as 509 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport, New York 11520 [PARCEL I]; (ii) Section 55 Block 446 Lot 130 on the tax map of the Town of Hempstead, County of NASSAU, said premises being known as
111 Park Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 [PARCEL II]; and (iii) Section 55 Block 281 Lot 193 - 195 on the tax map of the Town of Hempstead, County of NASSAU, said premises being known as 501 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport, NY 11520 [PARCEL III]. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,454,184.82 plus interest and costs. The mortgaged premises will be sold as separate parcels subject to the provisions of said Judgment and Terms of Sale. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court-Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Successful third-party bidder to pay 10% of the sum bid by certifed or bank check(s) made payable to the Referee only. Referee will not accept cash or doubleendorsed checks.
Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee
Lawrence & Walsh, P.C., 215 Hilton Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150115
LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING - December 12, 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Public Hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Main Conference Room, 46 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York on the appeals and applications of cases as they appear on the calendar; residential applications that do not extend their prior nonconforming status may be called frst; public comment invited. It is anticipated that the Board will adjourn the legislative session and enter into Executive Session until 6:30 P.M. INTERESTED PROPERTY OWNERS and other persons should appear at the above time and place to have questions answered and to voice opinions. All applications are nonconforming with zoning regulations herein specifed for the districts in which they are located. Application #2024-23691 S. Bayview Avenue, Residence A - Section 62/ Block 187/ Lot 13 - David Riemer - Construct
(4,829.71
Public Notices
hot tub. Variances: Village Ordinance §210-6A, §210-39A Building height; sky exposure plane, §210-40 Lot area; street frontage; lot width, §210-41 Lot coverage; foor area ratio, §210-43A (1&2), C (2) required yards.
Application #2024-24226 Atlantic Avenue, Residence AA - Section 62/ Block 119/ Lots 220Azin Tarifard - Erect 7’1” high x 5’ wide ground sign. Variances: Village Ordinance §210-6A, §210-212 Ground Signs.
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 150204
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regularly scheduled meetings of the Site Plan Review Board for December 10th & 24th 2024 at the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, HAS BEEN CANCELLED. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 150205
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Offcers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 12/04/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 712/24. - 714/24.
ROOSEVELT - Areli A. Rodriguez, Variances, front yard setbacks on St. Francis St. & Bennett Ave., maintain 1st & 2nd story additions attached to dwelling & interior
alterations in excess of 50% (new c/o required); Variances, side yard, rear yard, maintain 2-car detached garage; Maintain 6’ high fence forward of the dwelling on St. Francis St. & Bennett Ave., located in clear sight triangle & clear-sight triangle at owner’s & neighbor’s driveways., N/E cor. St. Francis St. & Bennett Ave., a/k/a 110 St. Francis St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Roosevelt within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 150166
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
The Freeport Housing Authority will be holding a Public Meeting on December 4, 2024 at 5:00PM, at 240 South Main Street, Community Center, Freeport, NY 11520. 150206
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
INDEX NO.: 610836/2024
DATE FILED: 6/20/2024
SUMMONS
L&L ASSOCIATES
HOLDING CORP., Plaintiff, -againstELVESSA GOODWIN, HERBERT GOODWIN, PATRICIA RICHARDSON WILDER and MARIETTA WILDER, if they be living, if they be dead, their respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through ELVESSA GOODWIN, HERBERT GOODWIN, PATRICIA RICHARDSON WILDER and MARIETTA WILDER, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER; ADMINISTRATOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12”, the last twelve names being fctitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED
DEFENDANTS:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of
failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered Nov. 20, 2024 and fled with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Offce.
THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien and all the of interest, penalties, additions and expenses thereon to premises k/a Section 55, Block 322, Lots 108-109. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who fled this foreclosure proceeding against you and fling the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: June 20, 2024 LEVY & LEVY Attorneys for Plaintiff 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 487-6655 BY: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. #101956 150179
You’re better than you think PERSON TO PERSON
Everything considered, I’m firmly convinced that most of us function pretty well, despite the problems we have, the mistakes we make, or the angst we feel. We may bend, but we do not break. We had a nutty day, but we recover. We’re neurotic, but we get beyond it.
In fact, most of us are more resilient than we think. After we suffer an awful trauma, we usually bounce back more quickly than we would have imagined. Though we shudder with each new weather alert, despite our trepidation, we go about our business. We cope with these new realities. We weather each new storm. We deal with stuff that needs to be dealt with. We don’t always cope graciously or easily or right away. But we do it. Kudos to us!
psychWisdom
You may think of yourself as not having your act together because you have an illusion about how others function. Not privy to their struggles, you judge them only by outside appearances. From that perspective, it may look like others make decisions easily and effortlessly, keep their emotions under wrap, and know what to say and do. They are blessed. Those people’s lives look so beautiful, so seamless, so flawless. Your life pales by comparison.
Linda Sapadin
Perhaps you don’t see these ideas as relating to you. You may focus more on how you mess up but have little awareness of how well you adapt to life’s challenges. You may fixate on your weaknesses, ignoring your strengths. You may be hesitant to give yourself credit for coping, believing instead that a gold star is deserved only if you’ve dealt with difficulty effortlessly.
Well, think again. It’s likely that you won’t breeze through a crisis. Nor should you. You will not arrive at adulthood and have it all together. Nor will you reach maturity and be home free. Your insecurities will continue to surface. Your Achilles heel will still make you vulnerable. Your emotions will still get the best of you. Nevertheless, you will cope with the daily challenges of life, meeting your responsibilities, doing what needs to be done.
Yet, your assessment may be way off course. Behind closed doors, you didn’t witness the argument that took place when a family member neglected to take care of this or that. You didn’t observe the emotional turmoil she felt before reaching her decision. You didn’t know about the drink he needed to calm his nerves.
So, the next time, when you’re feeling frightened or overwhelmed, remember this: Don’t scare yourself. You have enough strength to surmount a crisis. You have enough resilience to survive a tragedy. You have enough courage to deal with the unforeseen. You can cope. You will cope. Chances are you won’t do it with grace or ease. Which is fine, for why should you be any different from the rest of us?
©2024
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach and author specialized in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome procrastination and fear. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
NEwS bRiEf
Cedarmore corporation to receive $50K
The Freeport-based Cedarmore Corporation is set to receive a $50,000 grant to support its mission of youth enrichment and education, Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow announced.
The Legislature’s Rules Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday, Nov. 13, to release the American Rescue Plan Act funding.
For over 25 years, the Cedarmore Corporation has focused on educating, elevating, and empowering local youth to excel in academics, athletics, financial literacy, and holistic wellbeing.
Cedarmore provides “dynamic, cutting-edge programming designed to
develop tomorrow’s leaders today” through experiential learning.
“As a father, I am keenly focused on ensuring that we equip our youth with the real-world skills that will position them to thrive in future leadership roles,” Legislator Koslow said. “Since opening its doors, Cedarmore Corporation programs have touched the lives of more than 35,000 participants, and these ARPA funds will help them fully rebound from the pandemic and further amplify their outreach to communities they have served so well for more than a quarter of a century.”
–Mohammad Rafiq
Seth KoSLoW
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‘It doesn’t look serious to us’
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Q. We are buying a house and got an engineer’s report that said there are several problems, including the worst, a crack in the foundation wall. It is parallel to the floor of the basement, but there’s no crack on the outside, either because the outside wall was painted or because the crack is below ground. The engineer made it sound very serious, but it doesn’t look serious to us, just concerning. Do we get another engineer or architect — is there a difference? What should we do to decide if the house is worth the hassle? We really want the house, and made a commitment, since there are several offers and ours is the highest — above the asking price.
A. I have dealt with this problem more lately than at any other time in my career, because it’s being used a lot as a bargaining tool, since house prices are in the stratosphere. In most cases, the wording from the home inspector makes it sound extremely dire.
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I make two observations when reading these reports or hearing about the problem: 1) The report wording or buyer’s explanation is often not specific, but recommends a structural engineer, not an architect, and 2) the problem, when I review it, is most often not as serious as it is made out to be. By that I mean that except for about one out of every thousand cases, the wall is not imminently going to fail, and the person who wrote the report is not a licensed engineer or architect. They generally lack the structural training and testing, and therefore the credentials, to represent themselves as qualified to make specific recommendations, only to bring the condition to your attention, although you may already have noticed it.
As for whether you choose an architect or engineer, they both have training and credentials in this area of expertise. The engineer, if he or she is specifically a “structural” engineer, is more qualified for much more specialized and sophisticated structural design, but an architect must have formal structural training and testing in order to be licensed and registered. You can verify the licensure by searching the office of professions at op. nysed.gov and inserting their name and the field of practice. I often do this for clients, and have discovered that many home inspectors aren’t “engineers,” but do have home inspection credentials.
Again, in most cases, whether in or out of a flood zone, I have seen this condition, and the repair is often, but not always, to remove broken or exposed areas around the cracking and to inject structural repair epoxy specifically formulated for masonry or concrete repair. You most definitely should get qualified licensed professionals to look at the wall, since anyone else could not legally call themselves licensed to take responsibility for carrying out the work or its lasting result, and could be held liable for costs if a failure occurs, and you certainly want to avoid failure. 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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SI
look forward to representing you again
erving New York’s 4th Congressional District has been an honor. Indeed, being entrusted with the sacred honor of representing my Long Island neighbors on Capitol Hill is a duty I have taken extraordinarily seriously every day. I am grateful to the people of this district for placing their faith in me, and look forward to representing you again. It has certainly been a consequential and active 118th Congress, and I am proud of the accomplishments I was able to achieve on behalf of the 4th District. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I worked tirelessly to help pass House Republicans’ signature H.R. 2 border security legislation — a sweeping plan to end the border security crisis, which is in stark contrast to the disaster Democrats have allowed to fester along America’s southern border.
Dear
Before the presidential election, the Herald published an editorial explaining why the familyowned newspapers would not be endorsing political candidates.
If I had read the piece in a vacuum, I would agree with it entirely. It states, in part, “Our focus is not on swaying voters toward a particular candidate, but on delivering comprehensive and unbiased information about the issues that matter most to Long Islanders. We are not here to tell our readers how to vote for political candidates; rather, we are here to arm readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.”
Sounds perfect. But we are living through an unprecedented and exceedingly imperfect time in our nation’s history. This year, not endorsing meant keeping silent when silence may have implied that both presidential candidates met minimal standards for serving in the nation’s highest office. By any standard, that is not true of President-elect Donald Trump.
Media across our country have some-
What’s more, I was proud that the House passed legislation I introduced to formally condemn the antisemitic chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is used by antisemitic actors to call for the destruction of Israel. My commitment to combating antisemitism also extends to my tenure as a member of the Holocaust Memorial Museum board and my work to help found the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group — a panel created to foster stronger ties between the U.S. House of Representatives and Israel’s legislature, the Knesset. As a retired New York City Police Department detective, I also endeavored to support law enforcement professionals across the country with such legislation as my Police Our Border Act, which passed in the House and will help law enforcement agencies across the country better respond to the ongoing border crisis.
I’m proud of everything I accomplished in Congress, from bills to committee work.
hours of committee work I engaged in through my seats on the House Homeland Security, Transportation & Infrastructure, and House Administration committees. What’s more, my leadership role as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology allowed me to conduct important oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency — an organization that is extraordinarily important to South Shore communities that are prone to flooding emergencies, like many in our district.
Governing is difficult, and requires coalition building, compromise, and a willingness to reach across the aisle — a fact I understand after being named the 11th-most bipartisan member of Congress and serving as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
These are only a few of the 37 pieces of legislation I introduced, the 448 bills I co-sponsored and the thousands of
In addition to my legislative and committee work, I successfully secured over $20 million in direct funding for community projects across the 4th District to benefit our neighbors. These secured federal resources funded a new Nassau County Police Department training village, important flood-mitigation infrastructure in the Village of Floral Park, technology upgrades for the Freeport, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre police departments, and more.
readers, we can’t keep it in
how made it seem as if a convicted felon with a rich history of lying and a refusal to take on the serious issues of governance is a reasonable choice. But in our president-elect, we have an aspiring autocrat, a morally bankrupt man with a vengeful heart.
He has already begun fulfilling his promise to dismantle the government by selecting big donors, MAGA loyalists and inexperienced toadies for his new cabinet. None of this is a surprise. He said he would do it, and he is. Whether they get confirmed is dependent on the ever-weakening backbone of Republican senators, who live and die, politically, at the whim of the man they follow.
tarian government.
D onald Trump did not meet the presidency’s minimal standards.
We are in the beginning days of DJT’s revenge tour, fulfilling his promise to punish those who opposed him, challenged him and tried to bring him to justice. He wants people at the table whose loyalty is to him. Their expertise and leadership qualities seem incidental to the main qualification: unquestioning obeisance to the leader.
So the idea of not endorsing candidates, this extraordinary year in particular, does not sit well. The fallout from the coming Trump presidency could be a catastrophic shift toward an authori-
My successor, Laura Gillen, will need to navigate these challenges while serving in the House Democratic minority, which will prove difficult. Indeed, the fact that Gillen will be in the minority lends itself well to being a vocal partisan critic of the House Republican majority and the incoming Trump administration, because both will be working in overdrive to correct the many mistakes of the Biden administration and Democrats across the country who forced Americans to endure crippling inflation and a border crisis. Gillen’s position in the House minority does not lend itself well to delivering for 4th District neighbors like I was able to do by leveraging my position in the majority.
Gillen made bold, empty promises, and now it is time for her to deliver. Voters will be watching.
Anthony D’Esposito is completing his term in the 118th Congress.
neutral
I understand the dilemmas. Do endorsements really affect voters’ choices? Historians, psychologists and journalists bat the question around, with no clear answer. Do endorsements alienate too many readers? In the world of newspapers, these issues loom much larger on the local level than with big newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, which also declined to endorse this year.
Local papers live in the community. They have responsibilities to their readers, to the truth and to the realities of just staying in business. With local newspapers closing every week across the country, conflicting interests must be reconciled, very carefully.
I started at the Nassau Herald more than 30 years ago, and for many years it did endorse candidates, from local officials to the presidency. Leatrice Spanierman, my mentor and colleague and the Heralds’ longtime executive editor, interviewed candidates every fall and wrote endorsements. The candidates, including member of the U.S. House and Senate, came to her office; they knew the value of local newspapers’ endorsement. The Heralds had a voice, and used
it as a means of informing readers. The editorial in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, explaining why the Heralds were not offering endorsements, stated that “the one place where you might see opinions about local and national political candidates … is in columns in our editorial pages, like those written by Randi Kreiss and Peter King. These essays are distinguished from Herald news content by featuring photos of the authors, making it clear that they reflect the writers’ perspectives and not the views of the Herald.”
I understand the need to create distance. I like the distance, too. I don’t speak for the Heralds. No one high on the masthead has ever tried to influence what I write or don’t write. The paper stays above the fray by giving King and me platforms for different points of view. I would be fine with any newspaper’s no-endorsement policy if this election had been like any other in America’s long history. But it was not. Nothing about this race was normal. The times demanded speaking up for democracy. For the immediate future and for as long as it can, the press must use its voice to call out the bad guys and amplify justice. This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my views. Our free press never seemed so precious.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
AnTHonY D’ESpoSITo
RAnDI KREISS
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A season for giving back on Long Island
With the holiday season upon us, our minds turn to traditions — Thanksgiving meals filled with comfort and gratitude, and other gatherings of family and friends over the coming weeks.
These moments of celebration are precious, but they also give us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to give back. Thanksgiving, rooted in the idea of gratitude, serves as a poignant reminder of our privilege and the responsibility to extend a hand to others. Here on Long Island, where vibrant communities thrive amid significant challenges, there is no shortage of causes deserving our time, attention and generosity.
Friendsgiving, a relatively recent tradition, embodies the spirit of connection by bringing friends together to share a meal and express their appreciation for one another. It can also be an occasion to unite for a greater purpose. By turning these gatherings into opportunities to collect donations or volunteer, we can channel collective energy into tangible support for those in need. Whether it’s hosting a food drive or organizing a group to serve at a local soup kitchen, Friendsgiving can be a powerful reminder of the broader community we’re all a part of.
On Long Island, the contrast between abundance and need is striking. While many of us prepare for feasts, thousands struggle to put food on the table. Nearly 284,000 people will suffer from hunger on Long Island at some point this year, according to Community Solidarity, a nonprofit that provides groceries, fresh produce and warm vegan meals to lowincome communities.
Organizations like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares work tirelessly to combat food insecurity in our neighborhoods. A donation of non-perishable items, a financial contribution, or volunteering for a few hours can make a profound difference to families facing hun-
letters
Where is this ship of state sailing?
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column last week, “Trump makes the comeback of all comebacks”: It’s fair for Mr. King to celebrate Donald Trump’s “comeback,” and to take his share of reflected glory for strongly supporting him. But, weeks into the transition, is there no trepidation over what is being wrought?
Mr. King long served honorably
Organizations that welcome your help
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island: BBBsli.org
Citizens Campaign for the Environment: CitizensCampaign.org
Community Solidarity: CommunitySolidarity.org
Family & Children’s Association: FCAli.org
Interfaith Nutrition Network: The-Inn.org
Island Harvest: Island Harvest.org
Long Island Cares: LICares.org
Save the Great South Bay: SaveTheGreatsouthbay.org
ger this season.
Beyond food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to adequate food — there are numerous other causes that need our support. The holiday season can be especially difficult for those without homes. Groups like the Interfaith Nutrition Network, in Hempstead, provide shelter, meals and supportive services to help the unhoused regain some sense of stability. Contributing to these efforts — whether through monetary donations, clothing drives, or simply offering your time — can help others who are less fortunate experience the warmth of the season.
At this time of year, we also highlight the importance of supporting our local youth. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and the Family & Children’s Association offer mentorships and resources to empower young people. By donating to these programs or
in a Congress that will now be directed to self-emasculate. There are threats of courts-martial, military-assisted deportations, even gender tests for House members. Furors will multiply over staff, from cabinet positions on down. Promises are made of $2 trillion in budget cuts. Mr. King’s experience-based thoughts might be useful.
We sail soon into heavy seas aboard the USS “Caine Mutiny,” with Captain Queeg in command.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
becoming a mentor yourself, you can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.
And let’s not forget our environment, which sustains us all. As we celebrate the bounty of the land, consider supporting groups like Citizens Campaign for the Environment or Save the Great South Bay. Their work to protect Long Island’s natural beauty ensures that future generations can enjoy the landscapes and waterways we too often take for granted.
Of course, there’s also local news, which continues to face economic headwinds. Organizations like the Empire State Local News Coalition help sustain New York’s local news organizations — like the Herald — so reporters can tell the important stories about your friends and families, and shine a light on all of the issues mentioned here.
The beauty of giving back is that it doesn’t always have to be monetary — your time and skills can be just as valuable. Many local nonprofits, shelters and community centers are in dire need of extra hands during the holidays. A few hours spent wrapping gifts for underprivileged children, serving meals to veterans, or taking part in a community cleanup can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
Finally, don’t forget Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, the annual nationwide day of charitable giving. For more information on this growing grass-roots effort, go to givingtuesday.org.
As we gather around dinner tables this season, let’s remember that gratitude is most powerful when it inspires action. Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving remind us of our interconnectedness — our shared humanity and the strength of our communities. Together we can ensure that everyone, in every corner of Long Island, feels the gratitude of the holidays. Each of us has the power to make the season brighter for others. This year, let’s not just celebrate; let’s give.
opinions
Why do we still doubt a woman’s ability to lead?
acouple of weeks ago, I was sitting in the waiting room of a car repair shop with my dad, minding my own business, as one does while waiting to pick up a car that’s being worked on. There were a few other customers there, most of them quiet and keeping to themselves, but one man, sitting to my right, was running his mouth about politics. obviously happy that Donald Trump had won the presidential election, the man said something along the lines of, “It’s a good thing kamala harris didn’t win, because no one would ever respect her” — due simply to the fact that she’s a woman.
If I’d been in the mood for an argument, I probably would’ve said something like, “I sure hope you don’t have any daughters or a wife at home who’d love to hear you say that.” But alas, I didn’t want to get into a conflict with a stranger, so I kept my mouth shut, and
on the way out the door a few minutes later, my dad and I laughed to ourselves about how ridiculous the guy sounded.
Like everyone else, I had my thoughts going into this election cycle, and truthfully, it doesn’t matter whom I voted for, because it’s a done deal at this point.
Sure, there are men, like the one we encountered, who have their misogynistic beliefs that women are unfit for office. But I’ve found that it’s not just men who are dismissing the ability of a likely qualified and certainly accomplished woman to run a country.
ier, many aunts and lots of cousins, who are successful and honest and righteous people.
It’s a shame, I think, that somewhere along the way, the man at the shop and the women who are reinforcing such a negative, internal bias didn’t have that same guidance. And if they did, then something else has failed them.
’ve heard too many women say that they could never vote for a woman for president.
It’s women, just like me, who have serious doubts about their own gender. I’ve seen and heard from many of them, “I’m a woman, and I could never vote for a woman.”
I’m seldom at a loss of words, but that has stumped me. I am extraordinarily thankful that my sister and I grew up in a household in which we were told that we could accomplish anything, so long as we set our minds to it and put in the work. I am so thankful to be surrounded by extraordinary women, like my mother, my grandmoth-
Letters
The Sands proposal: nothing but trouble
To the Editor:
The Las Vegas Sands proposal to spend $6 billion — that’s billion with a B, folks — had me wondering from where Sands expected to recover their investment plus the daily cost of operations and the profit from the project. It wasn’t really a wonder, more of a fact, given all the expected losses the gambling public would be leaving behind.
A real concern is the draining of huge amounts of our underground aquifer to feed this unnecessary beast, a waste of our local water supply.
The proposal is now also offering an expansion of lanes on the Meadowbrook Parkway from three to four. All this would accomplish would be the removal of the mature trees and greenery along that stretch of parkway, leaving no shoulder.
Yes, it’s a parkway, meaning there are no commercial vehicles. So without an adjacent commercial highway, all the daily delivery trucks that would be needed to supply this property would be feeding off the Long Island Expressway, the only commercial road, for miles through our local streets. That would be an unneeded burden on our local streets and neighborhoods, 24/7.
We do not need this disaster in the making.
Lastly, the Sands has been spending a
lot of money locally on public relations, newspapers inserts, etc., to make the proposal sound appealing. Don’t believe the wizardry, which, when you look behind the curtain, is really a corporate giant taking local amenities and infiltrating our local environment, all in the name of a profit to feed its own goals.
MIchAEL LEfkoWITz Accountants + Advisors East Meadow
How about sharing a holiday meal at a diner?
To the Editor:
This holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, if you’re too tired to cook, consider sharing a meal with family, friends or neighbors and patronize your local diner or restaurant. for decades I have enjoyed many excellent meals at many local diners.
Diners have been part of my life since I was a teenager. Eating out is a periodic ritual, and their portions are generous. Between the soup, salad, rolls, coleslaw and pickles, along with the main course, diner dinners satisfy the heartiest appetites. Who’s never taken a doggie bag home with leftovers to eat the next day? Many times we’ve bagged our desserts to go.
Many Long Island neighborhoods have seen changes over the years. New immigrant groups sometimes favor
My entire life, I’ve been inspired by the people around me, as well as the women — the trailblazers — who are making our world a better, more inclusive place. And it really is a shame that a large chunk of our population still believes that someone who’s deserving of a prestigious role, like the presidency, should be denied that simply because she’s a woman.
If you voted for Donald Trump because you believe in his policies and his vision for America, that’s fine — and that’s your right as an American. But if you voted for him simply because you found yourself unable to support a woman, for whatever reason, then, boy, are we in serious trouble. That’s an insult to every woman who’s come
before you — every woman who’s willed her way through glass ceilings, and endured hardship after hardship, solely on the basis of sex.
I’m a big reader and thinker, and I implore anyone who thinks so negatively about the abilities and strength of women to pick up a book. Read “The Nightingale,” by kristin hannah, and be blown away by a tale of courage. Read “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz,” by Lucy Adlington, and learn a true story of sewing for survival. Read “The handmaid’s Tale,” by Margaret Atwood, and think about what life could be like if we let misogyny win.
In a world where the impossible can become possible, little girls should know that they can be whoever they want to be, career women, moms, a blend of both — or the top candidate on a presidential ticket.
The election results aside, women soldier on. We must actively challenge the biases, in ourselves and others, that continue to hold us back. only then can we create a future in which every woman knows that her voice matters and her potential has no limits.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
Framework by Francine Berman
their own ethnic foods and restaurants. Diners have also lost customers over time to fast-food restaurants. Remember, these people are our neighbors. our local entrepreneurs who own and operate diners have continued to invest in our communities, creating new employment opportunities without the assistance of federally funded taxpayers’ stimulus dollars. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local
employment. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, these workers don’t eat, either.
Why not honor the fond memories of some our favorite diners that have come and gone by continuing to patronize those that remain? h ere’s hoping that diners don’t go the way of the dinosaurs.
LARRY PENNER Great Neck
At the ‘Wicked’ Experience — Universal Orlando Resort
JorDan VaLLone
Giving Birth? Look No Further than the South Shore’s Only High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care
Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only South Shore hospital to earn the rating of High Performing based on eight key measures:
• Reduced C-section delivery rates
• Low early elective delivery rates
• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates
• Increased routine VBAC rates
• Increased exclusive human milk feeding rates
• Low episiotomy rates
• Routine birthing-friendly practices
• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.