Long Beach Herald 10-03-2024

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LONG BEACH

Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach

The focus

was on domestic violence

Long Beach’s Circulo de la Hispanidad held its Peace Begins with Me Walk, to heighten awareness of domestic violence, last Saturday. The walk, which kicked off on the boardwalk at Laurelton Boulevard, was part of the organization’s Salva Domestic Violence Project. Participants dressed in purple, held signs and walked in solidarity.

Honoring very helpful furry friends

To those who depend on them, service dogs are much more than just pets. They help their human companions with mobility, stability, awareness and overall quality of life.

In many ways, they’re caretakers.

it’s one of the longest relationships she’s ever had. She began working with her fifth service dog, MacGyver, in 2019.

To recognize the vital help these dogs offer, the Town of Hempstead joined in the recognition of September as National Service Dog Month, partnering with Canine Companions’ Northeast Regional Training Center, in Medford, which strives to ensure that everyone who needs the help of a furry friend gets it.

S ervice dogs ‘truly are a different

breed.’

A white Labrador retriever, MacGyver has been a constant help to Treston. When she served on the City Council, he would wait patiently for her signal for him to join her on the dais at meetings in City Hall after she maneuvered to her seat in an electric lift, and he would stay by her side until the meetings concluded.

Liz TRESToN Long Beach

“Not to use a pun, but they truly are a different breed,” Treston said. “Service dogs help so many different disabilities — visually impaired, hearing impaired and more.”

One of those who has benefited from the organization’s work is former Long Beach City Councilman Liz Treston, who has used a wheelchair since her spinal cord was damaged in an accident three decades ago. Treston has been involved with Canine Companions ever since, and jokes that

“Canine Companions is the nation’s first and largest service dog organization,” John Betzinger, the public relations and marketing coordinator for the Medford center, said. “We serve people with all disabilities, other than blindness. Our dogs know over 40 advanced

Continued on page 9

Brandon Baptiste/Herald photos

L.B. Historical Society celebrates Hispanic heritage

The Long Beach Historical Society, in partnership with the Long Beach Public Library, hosted an event on Sept. 24 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, focusing on the Hispanic history within the Long Beach community.

“We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by organizing a panel of speakers and recording their stories,” said Jeanne Browne, the current president of the historical society. “Speakers from Circulo de la Hispanidad and the Latino Civic Association participated, and we hope to have even more contributors in the future.”

The speakers reflected on the contributions and experiences of the Hispanic community in Long Beach. This initiative is part of the Historical Society’s ongoing efforts to preserve and document the voices of those who have helped shape the city’s cultural heritage.

The panelists included Roger Romero Calvo, General Manager at Max Bialystok and Company; David Echeverria, a member of St. Mary of the Isle Church; Gil Bernardino, Founder and Executive Director of Circulo de la Hispanidad; Blanca Parra, Program Director at Circulo de la Hispanidad; Orlando Ariza, President of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association; and Nikki Fader, Vice President of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.

“It was a great success and served as

the kickoff for an ethnic, cultural, and historical series aimed at documenting the diversity of Long Beach’s history,” Browne said.

Following Hispanic Heritage Month, upcoming events will explore the histories of other ethnic groups in Long Beach. Irish history will be highlighted on Nov. 19, Jewish history will be discussed in January, and African American history will be featured in February.

In addition to celebrating cultural diversity, the historical society aims to engage residents in actively preserving and celebrating the city’s past. By recording and archiving these stories, the society hopes to ensure that the cultural contributions of all ethnic groups in Long Beach are recognized and remembered for future generations.

The Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society was founded in 1980 to educate the public about the rich history of Long Beach, as reflected in its architecture, culture, and social development. The Society has been awarded a permanent charter by the New York State Department of Education. It has earned National Register recognition from the U.S. Department of the Interior for its museum.

To learn more about the historical society and its upcoming events visit LongBeachHistoricalSociety.org.

For more information about the series or to learn how to get involved in the Historical Society’s cultural preservation initiatives, community members are encouraged to contact Aliza Hornblass of the Long Beach Public Library at 516-432-7201.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

The celebration had a nice gathering, and featured a handful of special guests and speakers.
Courtesy Long Beach Historical Society
The Long Beach Historical Society late last month celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the public library.

Paddling out as a way to honor those lost

Community members gathered last month for the annual Sept. 11 paddle out in remembrance of all those lost. Wet suits, surfboards and flowers were all grabbed and taken out to the water.

After paddling out all together, the community splashed, while in a large circle, and tossed their flowers into the ocean in honor of those who died that day. The flowers covered the beach as well, with them signaling unity and remembrance.

Along with the paddle out, the community members had a group discussion and moment of reflection as well. The Surfrider Foundation’s Marvin Weiss led participants in discussing their thoughts, experiences and remembrances of the day.

Running for the firefighters who gave it all

Just before last year’s 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, Long Beach resident Etan Blatt felt motivated to do something special.

He decided to run from Long Beach to the 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero in Manhattan. He figured out a route where the total distance from point to point is 34.3

miles, and represents one mile for each of the 343 New York Firefighters who lost their lives that day.

And so, out of this, the 34.3 Foundation was created. Blatt made the run again this year and asked others to support him in his effort to turn “miles into memories,” and many from the community did.

Community members paddled out together, having a moment to remember those lost on Sept. 11.
Bob Arkow/Herald photos
Two participants paused for a moment before entering the ocean on this solemn day.
Marvin Weiss, of the Surfrider Foundation, led other community members in a thoughtful discussion on the beach.
Bob Arkow/Herald photos
Organizer Etan Blatt speaking to those in attendance about the significance of 9/11.
Etan Platt with Long Beach Firefighter Sam Pinto and run sponsor Cliff Skudin of Skudin Surf.

Ready to shamrock and roll at Irish Day

Long Beach’s West End will come alive with Irish pride this weekend as the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17 hosts the 35th Annual Irish Heritage Parade and Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The parade, which celebrates Irish culture and community, will begin at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and West Park Avenue. The procession will travel through the heart of the West End, concluding at Beech Street.

“Legend has it that Saint Brendan the Navigator sailed from the shores of Ireland around the year 530 A.D. in search of the ‘Promised Land of the Saints,’” City Council President Brendan Finn said. “The launching point, Dingle in County Kerry, is a town filled with music and culture located on the Atlantic Ocean. I think it is quite fitting that a city filled with music and culture on this side of the Atlantic celebrates Saint Brendan every year, and perhaps this is the legendary promised land. And now we call it Irish Day.”

This year’s Grand Marshal is the Michael Diamond Charitable Foundation, recognized for its charitable work in the Long Beach area. The foundation was created in honor of Michael Diamond, a Long Beach resident, lifelong member of AOH Division 17, and former New York City police officer and firefighter, who died in 2018. The foundation’s mission focuses on suicide prevention awareness, veteran support, and scholarships for students and athletes in need.

The Michael Diamond Charitable Foundation was recently honored as the Long Island Crisis Center’s Person of the Year at its 16th Annual Suicide Awareness Walk on the Long Beach Boardwalk. The foundation has raised over $100,000 for various causes,

including donations to the Crisis Center, VFW Post 1384, the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, and Toys for Tots. It also supports Long Beach students by covering school-related expenses.

Aides to the Grand Marshal include James Dowling, Jean Duffy, Robert Prince, and Greg Schmalenberger, who will accompany the foundation in leading the parade.

Last year, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito was honored as the parade’s Grand Marshal.

The event typically features around 100 vendors offering food, rides, and more. Irish Day attracts several thousand attendees throughout the day, with many visiting local bars and restaurants, where live music is often performed.

Elder Law Estate Planning Misconceptions

One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved. There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.

Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The fiveyear look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.

Despite the five-year look-back, New

York law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw.com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.

The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.

Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and even the family home in certain cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save assets.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, founded in 1836 in Pennsylvania and New York City, is the oldest Irish Catholic organization in the U.S. Its history dates back 300 years to Ireland, and it has branches in Canada, Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland. The group helps new Irish immigrants adjust socially and financially while working to preserve Irish culture through arts, dance, music, and sports. The AOH also continues to advocate on key issues affecting the Irish community.

For more information on the organization and the event, visit the AOH Division 17 website at AOHLongBeachDiv17.org.

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

Long Beach’s annual Irish Day parade and festival will fill the West End on Saturday.

‘Kicking off’ the Heart Huddle Program

West Elementary School in Long Beach recently ‘kicked off’ the Heart Huddle Program with a kickball game. The fifth grade students played against teachers and staff while the remaining student body watched and cheered for all the participants.

The school’s Heart Huddle activities are held throughout the academic year and focus on the following acronymic values: H for helpful, E for empathy, A for accountable, R for respect and T for trustworthy.

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West Elementary School in Long Beach recently kicked off the Heart Huddle Program with a kickball game.
Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools
Students kept score during the game, part of the Heart Huddle Program.

ANTHONY GRIMALDI

East Rockaway Senior Football

A RETURNING ALL-COUNTY selection, Grimaldi helped get the Rocks into the win column for the first time in 2024 on Sept. 21. He got East Rockaway’s 52-14 victory over Lawrence started with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchddown and went on to make four more trips into the end zone. He had touchdown runs covering 45, 18, 75 and 1 yards and racked up 190 yards on the ground on 11 carries. He also leads the defense at linebacker.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 4

Football: Seaford at Malverne

Football: V.S. South at Island Trees

Football: Wantagh at East Rockaway

Saturday, Oct. 5

Boys Soccer: Academy Charter at Uniondale

Boys Soccer: Seaford at Lawrence

Girls Soccer: Clarke at V.S. South

Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Malv/East Rockaway

Girls Soccer: Elmont at Freeport

Boys Soccer: Bellport at Kennedy

Football: Mepham at Carey

Football: New Hyde Park at Baldwin

Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. North 12:30 p.m.

Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Mepham 2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Oyster Bay at West Hempstead 2:30 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 6:30 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Seamless transition for Long Beach

The coaching transition for the Long Beach girls’ volleyball team was about as seamless as possible.

There was zero time needed for new coach Katherine Meyers to learn about the program, the players, the history.

That’s because she lived it.

Meyers played for Long Beach under former coach Kerri Rehnback and graduated in 2013. She returned to her alma mater in 2019 to become Rehnback’s assistant coach.

Rehnback retired following 17 seasons at the helm, stepping aside after Long Beach lost to Webster Schroeder in three sets in the New York State Class AA final after capturing Nassau and Long Island crowns.

Meyers is joined by assistant coach Kat Verastegui, a standout on Long Beach’s state champion in 2018.

“I know all of the girls already. It does help with the start of the season because I already have that relationship with them,” Meyers said. “It’s not like I needed to build a relationship with them from the beginning.”

Meyers’ coaching philosophy, one that fosters strong relationships and honest communication, isn’t looking much different from Rehnback’s.

“I know that I always looked back at high school volleyball thinking about what a great time I had and the relationships that I built with my teammates and I’m sure that came from her as a coach as well,” Meyers said. “So that’s something that I’m trying to implement.”

The Meyers era is off to a solid start.

Long Beach is 4-2 out of the gate following a five-set win over Syosset on Sept. 26 in Nassau’s power conference, the team’s fourth consecutive victory following back-to-back losses to Massapequa and Wantagh to open the season.

“As long as we’re playing our best by the end of the regular season, we’re going to be in a good spot,” Meyers said.

“I feel like we’ve already seen so much growth from the beginning to having a

huge win against Syosset.”

Leading the way for Long Beach is setter Hayley Lipinski, who will play beach volleyball at Eckerd College. The senior, one of the top setters in the county, already has 151 assists in six matches.

“She’s really the quarterback of our team. She runs the whole offense, she’s very skilled defensively,” Meyers said.

“She has great ball control. I’m assuming that comes from playing on the beach all the time and she has an amazing serve.”

Senior outside hitter Ivanka Priymak is Long Beach’s “silent assassin,”

according to Meyers and junior middle Sara Biancamano, who was called up for the team’s Cinderella run to the state final last year, is the second-highest point scorer.

Jorjia Domingo, a defensive specialist last year, is the libero and the rock of the defense, while senior middle Franky DeCicco is the glue of the team.

“If we’re in a rut or she feels like we need to get each other energized or hyped up, she’s that person for the team,” Meyers said. “She really brings the vibes up on the court and makes sure that everyone’s in a good headspace.”

Courtesy Ella Buglisi
Senior captains, from left, Franky DeCicco, Hayley Lipinski and Ivanka Priymak lead defending Long Island champion Long Beach.

Ari Brown running for 2nd Assembly term

As he campaigns for re-election to the 20th District seat in the State Assembly, Ari Brown aims to tackle antisemitism, crime and other community issues while leveraging his experience in local governance, construction and business operations.

This will be Brown’s third election for the Assembly seat — a two-year term. The first was a special election in 2022, to fill the vacancy left by Melissa “Missy” Miller when she joined the Town of Hempstead board. Tina Posterli, of Long Beach, is running against Brown.

Brown, a construction business owner and Franklin Square native, moved to Cedarhurst 33 years ago, and is now deputy mayor and a 25-year village board member.

Brown is a part of the Assembly’s state education and small business committees, as well as a ranking member of the local governments committee.

“I think the reason why they put me so quickly as the ranking member for local governments, I run a very tight ship in Cedarhurst,” Brown, a father of seven, said.

Former Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise asked Brown to run the business improvement district in Cedarhurst, before Brown was elected to the village board, he said, nearly 30 years ago. At the time, the district had a vacancy rate

of 20 percent vacancies, and now it’s down to zero, Brown added.

As the first Orthodox Jewish Republican assemblyman, Brown said he plans to keep combating antisemitism, which is at the forefront of his platform, with six specific bills, he introduced.

One bill would strip scholarships from students who engage in antisemitic acts, and another would mandate student sensitivity training related to antisemitism. Brown also created a bill to update the definition of the practice of antisemitism to protect its victims, he said.

“A lot of them have something to do with antisemitism, but they all defend good and decent people,” he said.

With still another bill, Brown said he hoped to designate certain offenses against law enforcement as hate crimes.

“Let’s say you’re at some rally,” he said. “They’re coming out against the Jewish people. Police defend the Jewish people. They go after the cops just for defending innocent protesters.”

Another big-ticket item for Brown is doing away with cashless bail, he said, adding it’s something that could be putting stores, such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, out of business.

“I don’t care if you steal a piece of gum — throw them in jail, let them have their day in court, it’s a crime,” Brown said.

His stance is modeled after former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s popularization of the “broken win -

Incumbent Ari Brown is seeking reelection to the Assembly in November.

dows” theory to crack down on minor crime, creating a sense of lawfulness.

“Unless we’re going to go after every single criminal, why should there be cashless bail?” Brown said. “I don’t even understand, ‘Oh people can’t afford it.’

Don’t commit the crime, I mean, that’s all.”

Brown also plans to work to reverse the regressive commuter tax, or congestion pricing.

“If people can’t afford to go to Manhattan, gas prices are so high and now you have this other layer, 20 to 30 dollars extra — that’s not going to happen,” Brown said, citing costs as just another

deterrent from visiting the city. When it comes to projects involving offshore wind, Brown said he has not been entirely against the idea, but has met with the leaders of these potential projects that would impact his constituents to propose alternative paths of travel for transmission lines. He has suggested less dense, non-residential areas for them, but to no avail, he said.

Brown added that the electromagnetic fields associated with offshore wind developments could damage infrastructure and cause cancer.

He said he believes he’s the most suited to return to his Assembly seat, because “I’m a Long Islander first and foremost.”

Based on Brown’s half-Italian, halfJewish background, diverse wealth of connections and decades of construction in the communities he represents, he’s well versed in the demands of his constituents, he said.

“I’m very well aware what’s needed,” he said.

District 20 includes the villages and hamlets of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Inwood, Island Park, Lawrence, Oceanside, Woodmere and the barrier island from Atlantic Beach to Point Lookout.

Tina Posterli aims to transform District 20

Long Beach’s Tina Posterli is preparing to shake up the political landscape as she vies for the District 20 Assembly seat, drawing on her experience in local governance.

“I developed my voice and my passion for this work, really, since I was in my 20s,” Posterli said, citing her first jobs in public policy and communications for healthcare and water.

Her previous positions on the Long Beach City Council and as president of the Long Beach Board of Education have prepared her for the Assembly, she said.

“These experiences really shaped me and showed me the real legislative priorities that our communities need,” Posterli said. “I’m dedicated to securing funding for education to ensure all our students get quality education and keep our property taxes from spiking, and securing funding for much-needed resources that will help with flood abatement and infrastructure to protect our communities against flooding and sea level rise.”

While on the City Council, Posterli said she helped to secure over $200 million to close the sewage treatment plant that was discharging millions of gal -

lons of effluent into Reynolds Channel. The funds were also used to improve Long Beach’s water treatment plant and repave 60 of the city’s roads.

Posterli said she also had a part in bringing the North Shore Critical Infrastructure Project, which added bulkheads, water pumps and flood mitigation, to fruition, after not being pushed through for decades.

One of her major agenda items, if elected to the Assembly seat, would be to again secure funds for flood mitigation and combating sea level rise, she said.

Another of her accomplishments, she said, was navigating the Long Beach district through Covid-19.

“I was president of the school board during the pandemic, so (I handled) crises, working across agencies — state, federal — to obtain funding to work within intergovernmental to keep our schools open and functioning,” Posterli said.

In the Assembly, she plans to advocate to change the school foundation aid formula to encapsulate many variables to ensure that Long Beach, Oceanside and other communities receive their “fair share,” of the primary state funding for schools, Posterli said.

She also hopes to tackle antisemitism in schools, by passing bipartisan

legislation, and advocating for education to start as young as possible in academics.

Another item at the forefront of Posterli’s campaign is reproductive rights, she said. She was once the assistant vice president of governmental affairs and advocacy for a Planned Parenthood affiliate.

“We have Proposition One that’s going to be the Equal Rights Amendment, and it’s on the back of the ballot, and it is going to help enshrine things like abortion into our state’s Constitution, and that’s really important at a time when political whims across the country take away those rights in one fell swoop,” she said.

Despite having the Reproductive Health Act in the state, which protects abortion rights, the proposition would ensure that reproductive rights are solidified, in case of an extremist legislator or a governor looking to take them away, Posterli said.

In terms of offshore wind, and a project she voted down during her time on the City Council, Posterli said she understands the need for renewable energy, but not cables that would run through densely populated communities. She said community input on a route for such a project is necessary.

Her track record of connections with

diverse stakeholders is her strong suit in representing the communities she would serve, she said.

“I’ve driven action toward common goals and been able to get people on the same page, and I do that all the time in all of my positions,” Posterli said.

Melissa Berman/Herald
Melissa Berman/Herald Tina Posterli, of Long Beach, is running for the District 20 Assembly seat in the Nov. 5 election.

Town joins in recognizing service dogs

commands that are useful to a person with disabilities.”

The dogs are a trained in variety of tasks, including picking up a dropped cellphone and handing a credit card to a cashier. Some are taught to wake up a person who is having a nightmare brought on by post-traumatic stress disorder, and others can alert a person who is deaf when the doorbell rings. Whatever a person with a disability needs help with, they can do.

Canine Companions breeds Labs and golden retrievers, with most being a mix of the two. Every dog is free for those who need them. The organization has volunteer “puppy raisers” around the country, who spend about a year and a half teaching young dogs basic commands. The four-legged trainees are then put through their paces in a sixmonth-long program with Canine Companions’ professional trainers. After a total of two years, they have learned how to open and close doors, turn lights on and off, and much more.

“It’s really an amazing thing,” Betzinger said. “All Canine Companions services are free of charge. It costs us well in excess of $50,000 to raise and train these dogs, and we give them away for free, thanks to the generosity of our donors.”

People like Treston, who need service dogs, undergo an extensive application

process. There’s paperwork and in-home interviews, and once a match is made between a person and a dog, the “people training” begins.

Treston spent two weeks in the training center in Medford, staying in a “dorm room.” She learned how to use the commands a service dog learns as well as how to care for the animal, which included lectures by veterinarians to help her prepare.

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“It’s quite a process, and there’s teamwork involved with it,” Betzinger said. “At the end of two weeks, we have really great graduation ceremony, and the volunteer pup raisers are invited back, and they get to meet the new team and see their dog again that they haven’t seen in six months.”

Now, after being with MacGyver for five years — and with Canine Companions for 30 — Treston willingly testifies

to the importance of service dogs. She did not need to be persuaded of the importance of recognizing them last month.

“This is their actual job,” she said. “To me, as a person with a disability, they’re a piece of medical equipment. They’re an extension of my wheelchair, an extension of my functionality. As a person with a disability, they give me more independence.”

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM

Courtesy Canine Companions
the town of Hempstead, in partnership with Canine Companions and former Long Beach City Councilwoman Liz treston, fifth from left, celebrated national Service dog month on Sept 17. town Supervisor don Clavin presented a proclamation.

Taking steps for Alzheimer’s awareness

Community members in Nassau County laced up their walking shoes last weekend to join the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for its annual Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park, held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon in Eisenhower Park. The event, filled with community spirit, saw New York baseball icon Dwight Gooden participating in the opening ceremonies, signing autographs, and taking photos with walkers.

The walk, held at Field 6 of Eisenhower Park, was a free event open to all, with participants encouraged to raise funds either individually or as part of a team. Funds raised through the walk will support AFA’s programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and contribute to research for better treatments and a cure.

Gooden, a former Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion with the Mets and Yankees, served as the event’s honorary Alzheimer’s Ambassador.

“When I was invited to be an ambassador for this walk, I immediately said yes because I know about the impact that Alzheimer’s disease has on many families,” he said. “I’m grateful to have helped raise awareness and support families impacted by this disease.”

Participants who raised at least $100 had the opportunity to meet Gooden and receive an autographed baseball. Those who raised $250 or more enjoyed a professional photo opportunity with the baseball legend.

Sponsorship opportunities were also available for businesses and individuals who wanted to support the cause, contributing to the overall success of the event.

Alzheimer’s disease continues to be a pressing public health issue, with over 6.9 million Americans currently living with the disease — a number expected

Walkers who raised a certain amount of money not only had a chance to meet Dwight Gooden, but they also received a signed baseball. Gooden met with Noah Capobiano, and his dad, Michael, from Mineola.

to more than double by 2060. In New York alone, approximately 410,000 residents, including an estimated 60,000 Long Islanders, are affected.

The funds raised from the walk will make a tremendous difference for families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

“The funds and awareness raised will make a tremendous difference for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses in their time of need,” Chuck Fuschillo, the foundation’s president and chief executive, said. “We are grateful to Dwight Gooden for serving as our honorary Alzheimer’s Ambassador for the event and invite everyone to help us strikeout Alzheimer’s.”

Walkers came from near and far to take part in the event. Mary Colletti, of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, from Mount Vernon, and Anna Mallozzi of Floral Park.
The Feiner family met Dwight Gooden.
Brittany Krilov/Herald photos
Retired baseball player Dwight Gooden, a former Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion with the Mets and Yankees, served as an honorary ambassador for this year’s walk. Dwight Gooden, with David German and Chuck Fuschillo, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
East Meadow walkers Washma Ali and Liana Jainarine at Saturday’s event.

STEPPING OUT

Mandy Patinkin talks

‘The Princess Bride’

A gourd-geous display:

Journey with jack-o’-lanterns

Spectacular pumpkins light up the night for the Great Jack

O’ Lantern Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

As Halloween approaches, jack-o’-lanterns are making their appearance throughout our neighborhoods with their unique carvings once again. While we think of it as fall fun, in fact pumpkin carving dates back centuries as a way to ward off evil spirits with their spooky faces.

The beloved tradition gets a unique twist at the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, opening tomorrow at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. See pumpkins transformed into magnificent jack-o’lantern creations, illuminating a trail through the historic restored village for all to admire.

It all began in the Hudson Valley — at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson 19 years ago — conceived by the Westchester County cultural organization Historic Hudson Valley.

“About 20 years ago, we hit upon this idea of a display of jack-o’-lanterns, and we weren’t sure how people would respond to it. It was hugely popular. And so it has just expanded in a big way since then,” says Rob Schweitzer, Historic Hudson Valley’s vice president of communications and commerce.

• Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-Nov. 3.

• Adult tickets start at $32; $10 children (ages 3-17)

• With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue

• Purchase tickets at pumpkinblaze.org

Certainly a must-see during the season, the pumpkin trail is now in its fifth year on Long Island, with over 30 different installations. Over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns carved by local artisans resulting in a larger-than-life themed pumpkin showcase — a mix of real and carvable foam — spanning a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack for a fully immersive experience.

• Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage

“We have a team, 10 to 12 of us, that work together to make sure that we’re keeping the same consistency, the same quality, throughout the carvings,” Carol Hough, lead pumpkin carver, says.

Her team carves each week, swapping out old pumpkins with fresh ones. Carvers are creative with their tools to accommodate the high volume of pumpkins, using sheetrock knives and ice cream spades to get the job done, according to Hough.

Long Island history and culture are incorporated into the Blaze experience. Guests are welcomed by a 12-foot tall retro-style “Greetings from a Long Island” postcard made up of individually carved jack-o’-lanterns.

“What we like to do is really focus on the heritage of the location,” Schweitzer says.

Ever wonder what your favorite Long Island celebrity looked like as a pumpkin? The Blaze is the place to check out some pumpkin-face renderings of local personalities. Icons such as Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman are on display.

“We have a Long Island Hall of Fame. These are large portraits, rendered in jack-o’-lanterns , of folks from Long Island that have done great things,” Schweitzer explains.

Among the locally themed installations, a functioning lighthouse replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, complete with a flashing beacon to light the way, is sure to attract attention. With history as a focus, it comes to no surprise that the Blaze would find its way to the historic village.

“We’ve looked at a lot of sites over the years and a lot of them have some good characteristics, but don’t have everything. Old Bethpage Village Restoration really had

everything,” Schweitzer says.

Of course, there are plenty of what one would consider Halloween staples that celebrate the spirit of the season, such as a 25-foot giant spider web and the Day of the Dead installation.

Hough is particularly fond of the Day of the Dead jack-o’-lantern tribute, among the new displays along this year’s trail.

“There are some skeletons and some sugar skulls. It’s really beautiful. I absolutely love it,” Hough says.

Other showstoppers include a thrilling pumpkin circus, a glowing Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin-filled Ferris wheel, and a planetarium. Plus, see a tribute to First Responders. This display involves carved jack-o’-lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

“The concept for that really came out of the early period of the pandemic, there was a lot of focus on First Responders and our healthcare workers and those on the front lines of dealing with the pandemic. It’s something that we’ve continued to celebrate,” says Schweitzer.

There’s so more to the trail than just carvings. Lighting and sound are integral to the Blaze experience. Each installation is depicted with an original score to create the perfect ambience.

Volunteers from local scout troops and high school honor societies are also involved, assisting in lighting the lanterns that line the path.

Also new this year, the Blaze is offering custom-made pumpkins to order. Surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin, displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.

So carve out some time, there’s a pumpkin creation for everyone at the Blaze.

As Schweitzer says: “It’s really an event you can just go and relax and smile at. It genuinely is something that appeals to all ages.”

For an extra fall treat, stop by the Café Blaze for some yummy cider donuts and pumpkin beer. And check out the nightly pumpkin carving. It may inspire you to do create you own special seasonal décor at home.

One of Mandy Patinkin’s memorable roles — certainly one that lives on as beloved piece of pop culture — is his turn in the 1987 fantasy “The Princess Bride.” He played a man bent on revenge (“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”). It performed only so-so at the box office back then, but it’s come to be one of the most beloved movies of the 1980s. Relive all the fun — and Patinkin’s masterful portrayal of the Spanish swordsman — when the actor pops by Tilles Center for a special film screening, followed by a 45-minute conversation. His son Gideon Grody-Patinkin — who has contributed to the family legacy since he began filming his father and mother, actress-writer Kathryn Grody, during the pandemic and posting their interactions on TikTok — moderates.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org.

Everclear

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalist-guitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from their extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” to be released on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records. Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinumselling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses.

Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. $70.50, $50.50, $30.50, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Photos courtesy Historic Hudson Valley Thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light up the night as the Halloween spirit is all a-glow, with Old Bethpage Village’s 19th century buildings and historic barns as a backdrop.

Tom Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’

Get an unprecedented look insights into the life of America’s top chef when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage, Saturday, oct. 12, 2 p.m. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved restaurateur multipleJames Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-years-old — a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom — and it changed his life. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, “Why I Cook” shares Tom’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, Tom chronicles the dishes and memories that have shaped him as a person and chef.

Through these meaningful dishes, gorgeous recipe shots, and images from Tom’s childhood, “Why I Cook” is the most personal look into Tom’s life yet. He recounts the extraordinary personal journey that brought him from his working-class Italian background in Elizabeth, N.J., to the award-winning kitchens of New York City’s best restaurants, to the set of “Top Chef” and the stage of the Emmy Awards, among his many endeavors. $95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

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 Point Lookout Town Park, Sunday, oct. 6, starting at 9 a.m. Meet in the southeast corner of the large parking lot on the south side of Point Lookout Town Park and will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After the beach walk, everyone will return to the parking lot, and drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve to walk through the bay marsh. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge andwith you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 4679498. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

Fall Festival

Enjoy the annual Fall Festival at Kennedy Plaza, Saturday and Sunday, oct. 12-13, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. All are invited to attend this family friendly Long Beach tradition and to stroll through Kennedy Plaza taking in the sights, sounds and smells of autumn. The event offers something for everyone! The weekend’s centerpiece is the pumpkin patch filled with thousands of pumpkins waiting to be picked. 1 W Chester Street. Admission to the festival is free to the public. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

Hempstead House

tour

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, Oct. 9,, noon-1 p.m.

Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-squarefoot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend

Walk for Apraxia

Apraxia Kids holds its 2024 Walk for Apraxia, Saturday, Oct. 19. The walk starts at the Allegria Hotel and boardwalk. Check in is at 10 a.m., the ceremony begins at 11 a.m. 80 W. Broadway. For more information or to register, visit Apraxia-Kids. org.

Halloween Costume Parade

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Irish Day Parade and

See green and wear green for the annual Long Beach Irish Day Parade and Festival, Saturday, Beech Street will be closed and filled with food trucks, games and live music. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.

Juxtaposition Art Show Reception

Magnolia Senior Center hosts a reception to meet the artists involved with the Juxtaposition show, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit is on view through Oct. 30. 650 Magnolia Blvd. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.

Capital Fools

Washington, D.C.’s premier political satire group Capitol Fools bring their musical parody show to the Adelphi University stage, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to today’s crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and reflections that continue to inspire laughter amid the contentious presidential election season. Former members of the Capitol Steps perform all their beloved bits, along with backward-talking spoonerisms, breakneck costume changes, over-the-top impressions and all-new song parodies reflecting today’s news headlines. $20. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Voting primer: A guide to making sure you’re counted

With Election Day, Nov. 5, as well as early voting, Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, rapidly approaching, this guide offers essential information about voting in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as details on voter eligibility, registration, voting procedures, and absentee voting. Information for this guide was collected through the League of Women Voters of Nassau County and the Nassau and Suffolk County boards of elections.

Am I eligible to vote?

In order to be eligible to vote, you must:

■ Be a United States citizen.

■ Be at least 18 years old (you can pre-register at 16 or 17).

■ Live in the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election.

■ Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction

■ Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

How do you vote in the general election?

In order to vote in a general election in the U.S., you must be registered before Election Day. To find your polling place in Nassau, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/566/Board-of-Elections. In Suffolk, SuffolkCountyNy.gov/Departments/BOE.

Where/how do I register?

You can register to vote by:

■ Filling out a voter registration form found on either county’s Board of Elections website or the New York State Board of Elections website (at least 25 days before the election)

■ Registering in person at some public agencies.

■ Visiting the Nassau County Board of Elections from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll receive a confirmation card within two to six weeks. If you don’t receive it, call (516) 571-2411 to check on your application.

There are three ways for voters to cast a ballot in this year’s elections:

■ In person, during early voting, at any one of the 28 early voting locations or on Election Day at your designated polling place.

■ By mail – By early mail ballot or by absentee ballot. To request a ballot, go to Eections.Ny.Gov/request-ballot.

■ For military and oversees voting, go to Elections. Ny.Gov/military-and-overseas-federal-voting.

Do I need to register every year?

No, you’re permanently registered once you’ve registered. However, you need to submit a new application if your name, address, or party changes. If you move, notify the County Board of Elections and re-register.

Should I register with one political party?

You are not obligated to join a political party, however, according to the League of Women’s Voters, “Declaring a party allows you to vote in that party’s primary election, which in New York State is open only to party members.” Enrolled party members can also sign nomination petitions. It’s also important to mention that registering with a party doesn’t mean you have to vote for that party’s candidates. You’re always free to vote for any candidate in general elections.

What is early voting?

Early voting allows people to cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting also allows voters to go to locations that are closer, like public libraries, public buildings, or community centers. However,

these locations will be different from your assigned Election Day polling place.

When and where does early voting take place?

Hours are:

■ Most days: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 28: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 29 and 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check each county’s Board of Elections website for specific locations or location changes.

How do I know where to vote on Election Day?

In order to know where to vote you must look up your polling place, which can be found by entering your county, first and last name, date of birth, and zip code on the New York State Poll Site Search website. This site also tracks voter registration and absentee ballots.

Linda Devin-Sheehan, a board member of the Suffolk League of Women Voters, at the voter registration drive on the Stony Brook University campus on Sept. 11.

Can I still vote if I won’t be able to go to a polling place?

Yes, you can vote by absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person due to:

■ Not being in the county or New York City on Election Day

■ Temporary or permanent illness or physical disability

■ Primary care duties for ill or physically disabled individuals

■ Being a patient or inmate in a Veterans’ Administration Hospital

■ Detention in jail/prison (awaiting trial, grand jury action, or serving time for a non-felony conviction).

What is an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot allows you to cast your vote if you can’t make it to your polling place on Election Day. It’s the same ballot you would receive if you voted in person. However, you can fill it out at home and mail it back or drop it off at the County Board of Elections or at an early polling place.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

To request an absentee ballot you can:

■ Download and fill out the Absentee Ballot Application from the New York State Board of Elections website.

■ Send a letter by mail to: Nassau County Board of Elections at P.O. Box 9002, Mineola, NY 11501 or Suffolk County Board of Elections PO Box 700, Yaphank, NY 11980.

■ In the letter, you must include:

■ Your name and date of birth.

■ The address where you are registered.

■ The reason for the request.

Remember, the Nassau County Board of Elections will take absentee ballots up to 10 days before the election. Under normal circumstances, the Suffolk County Board of Elections will send out ballots between one and three days after receiving an application.

Anjolique Powell is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

A facsimile of a New York state voter registration.
Photos courtesy Gabby Daniels

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing

LEGAL NOTICE

WHEREAS, on the 17th day of September, 2024, pursuant to Section 105 of the Town Law and Section 181 of the Town Law, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for the fiscal year 2025 on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 commencing at 7:00

P.M. at the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District’s Headquarters Building located at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 15, 2024 so that it is available for public inspection prior to the budget hearing.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District has adopted a proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2025 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 15, 2024 and a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead and at the office of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District Secretary at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours. In addition, a copy of the proposed budget is posted on the fire district’s website, PLLFD.ORG/District

Records and copies of the proposed budget will be available on the night of the said hearing.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District will hold the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing to be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2025 on Tuesday October 15, 2024 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District’s Headquarters Building located at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the aforesaid budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said budget and hearing all

persons interested in the subject concerning same on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at the Fire District’s Headquarters Building located at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York. This notice is being publicized and posted in accordance with the provisions of Public Officers Law and the Town Law of the State of New York by order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District.

Dated: Point Lookout, New York September 17, 2024

Terri Ryan, District Secretary Lido and Point Lookout Fire District 149317

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTH5ROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC3, Plaintiff, Against LYDIA LAMOUTH, ET AL.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/03/2019, 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 11/7/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 159 E Chester St, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The City Of Long Beach, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 59 Block 108 Lot 65, 66, And 67. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $477,177.88 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 607220/2017

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

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 9/9/24 File Number: 560-2175 SH 149318

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), Plaintiff, Against RAMJEET RAMJATTAN, SANIETTA MOHESS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/08/2017, 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 10/23/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 517 Laurelton Boulevard, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The City Of Long Beach, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 59 Block 44 Lot 137

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $516,115.18 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15199/12

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

Michael Alpert, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 8/16/24 File Number: 560-6190 SH 149032

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHMAPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, Against JUANITA SLADE, JOSEPH DAMBRA, ET AL.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/22/2016, 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 10/24/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 East Hudson Street, Long Beach, New York 11561, A.K.A. 28 Hudson Street, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The City Of Long Beach, County Of Nassau and State of New York Section 59 Block 94 Lot 17, 18 And 19. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $495,395.75 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13-014225

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

Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 8/16/24 File Number: 548-0119 SH 149034

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT 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, vs. DONOVAN CAMPBELL, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 28, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 22 East Hudson Street A/K/A 22 Hudson Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 94 and Lots 14, 15 and 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $435,012.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003172/2017. Cash will not be accepted. Frank Bruno, Jr., Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149172

Atlantic Beach home is under threat of demolition

Roseanne Golden of Atlantic Beach went before the Atlantic Beach village board at a special hearing to discuss the hazardous condition of her home at 51 Ulster Ave. in Atlantic Beach on Sept. 26.

Vincent Amoroso, superintendent of public works and building inspector for Atlantic Beach led the hearing.

Amoroso served Golden, personally and by registered mail on Sept. 10, due to the condition of her property.

“I posted a do not occupy on the premises, known as 51 Ulster, as an unsafe structure and one that is found to be dangerous for the life, health, property, or safety of the public and occupants of the structure,” Amoroso said. “It is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, or structurally unsafe, where as in such faulty condition or construction that the unstable foundation partial/complete collapse can happen.”

The house was originally constructed in 1929 as a two-story, single-family residence, Amoroso said.

Amoroso visited the site with the village engineer, Michael Williams from R&W Engineering PC, on Sept. 4. to assess the exterior of the property and noticed many deficiencies, Amoroso said.

“Primarily, there is a large vertical crack on the northeast corner of the house that has exposed rotten wood and framing on the corner post and the sheathing is exposed to the weather,” Amoroso said. “This presents a condition that could cause serious or lifethreatening injury or death at any time.”

Williams said that his biggest concern is the 14-foot long exposed section of the property without any siding or

sheathing, along the north face.

“My concern is obviously life, safety issues and certainly the structure is not habitable at this point,” Williams said. “That is my professional opinion.”

Amoroso said that he spoke with the homeowners on numerous occasions, advising them to vacate the property.

“My personal opinion is that reconstruction is not a viable alternative at this point, so if the property is not going to be able to be secured and reconstructed, that it should be demolished,” Amoroso said.

Golden said that she hired a structural engineer and planned to meet with an architect to discuss restorative plans, at the Sept. 26 meeting,

Mayor George Pappas raised his concerns to Golden regarding occupation of the residence.

“Our concern is to make sure nobody gets injured on the property and that’s part of our job serving on the board,” Pappas said.

Golden resides with her husband, who did not attend the meeting, along with two dogs and a parrot.

The board stipulated that Golden and her husband move out of the home by Oct. 3, all personal belongings and furniture be removed by Oct. 6, any open entrances must be secured or boarded up by Oct. 8 and if that is not complete by Oct. 9, the village will do so, and bill Golden for costs.

The board said that if Golden plans to restore the home, plans must be submitted by Nov. 7.

Golden is willing to work with the board, she said.

“If she is going to occupy the premises until the end of next week, that she is doing it at her own risk,” Amoroso said.

The board will address the issue again at the regular village meeting on Oct. 15.

Melissa Berman/Herald
Roseanne Golden, 51 Ulster Avenue, Atlantic Beach attended a hearing at Atlantic Beach Village Hall regarding the potential demolition of her home, on Sept. 26.

floral park-Bellerose elementary school District

The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year

Teacher a ides

Floral Park-Bellerose

Elementary School District

$17.95/hr. Teaching a ssistants .... $19.95/hr. s ecurity personnel .. $20-$25/hr.

Bus Drivers

Teacher Aides

$25.14-$26.87/hr.

We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.

School Nurse, Part-Time

We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.

Bus Monitors .............. $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub $175/day cleaners ................. $40,454/year

Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org

After School Child Care opportunities are also available. Please apply through scope www. scope online.us

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

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

• Facilitate connections between families, students, and various community agencies and government offices to ensure families receive the support they need.

• Assist families and students in navigating social services and community resources, providing guidance and support throughout the process.

• Conduct outreach to our school community to ensure equitable access to services and resources.

• QUALIFICATIONS: As per Civil Service

• SALARY: $40,525 - $55,000

Interested candidates should apply on www.olasjobs.org

You should address your letter of interest and resume to: Ms. Sherina Lucas Administrative Officer, HR Valley Stream UFSD Thirty 175 N. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580 humanresources@VS30.org

Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

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Positions Available!

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EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

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REQUIREMENTS:

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Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

To Deliver Papers To Businesses in Massapequa, Amityville and Babylon 2 Days Per Week

Must Have Own Vehicle/Van

This is an independent contractor role for Richner Communications Compensation based on stops starting at $275/week If Interested contact Jim at jrotche@liherald.com or 516-569-4000 x211

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative

HomesHERALD

W‘We

want our deck back’

Q. We have a large deck that finally needs to be repaired, and some parts replaced. It is wood with some steel beams, and we wanted to do the boards that look like wood but are made from plastics and supposedly last longer. We looked at several brands and aren’t sure what is best, but it probably doesn’t matter now. The prices came in very high for the work, and each contractor we have spoken to said we were only going to save money if we use all wood, including the beams. The beams are steel, as we understand, since they extend farther without as many columns. The funny thing is that we were replacing the wood because it started rotting and twisting after 15 years, bad enough that we don’t feel comfortable using the deck — it’s on our second floor, which is why we want fewer columns, so we can continue to use the ground level as an outdoor dining space. What can you recommend that we do? The costs make it impossible to move forward, and we really want our deck back.

A. I like to quote the oil filter commercial we used to hear all the time: “You can pay me now or pay me later.” In this case, you can spend the money on the less-costly wood, and then spend more money on re-treating the wood and repairs. As for the steel beams being replaced, it should be understood that steel is more compact for its strength, and the equivalent ability to span longer distances with wood requires much more wood, and it will more than likely be taller, meaning the beams will extend lower.

The synthetic decking materials are a much better choice, and the ones that are recycled resinbased, without the wood component parts in their composition, are at the top of the list of low maintenance, deterioration and replacement that you have with wood mixtures and wood deck materials. I have seen the difference many times over the years, including the landing deck in my own yard.

I originally built it out of cedar, which was supposed to be resistant to insects and, if stained properly, would last a long time, or so I thought. After just four years, the wood posts and the properly stained decking had become distorted with warping, twisting and some end rotting. I replaced the materials with synthetic decking and rails, and after 24 years, it’s still in great condition.

This problem of not factoring in the cost of maintenance, accessibility and the increase in material costs over time has often led to much greater expense in the life of buildings. You have to question yourself as to which is more affordable, the continued maintenance or initial costs. Remember that the people you are speaking to will do either system, wood or synthetic, because for them it’s a current job that they will leave behind and that you have to live with. Good luck!

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America’s

support

of Israel is vital — now more than ever

Last Oct. 7, Israel was plunged into a crisis that has demanded both our attention and our action. As a rabbi and a proud Zionist, I’ve traveled to Israel twice since that tragic day — once to volunteer, and once to witness the devastation firsthand.

The scale of loss is staggering.

Israel’s top priority must be the rescue and safe return of the hostages, who have endured unimaginable trauma, and Israel must do everything in its power to secure their release. This aligns with pikuach nefesh, the Jewish principle that preserving life overrides almost all other considerations. Still, the mission of rescuing the hostages cannot justify widespread destruction. Ensuring the safety of innocent people on all sides of this conflict is essential for Israel, not just strategically but morally.

America’s support for Israel, especially in this moment, must be resolute but also thoughtful. Historically, the U.S. has

Abeen Israel’s strongest ally, providing military, financial and diplomatic backing. That partnership has helped Israel withstand threats, grow as a nation and secure its future. But in this current conflict, American support should also reflect the shared values of democracy and human rights. While Israel defends itself, it must do so in a way that seeks to minimize harm to civilians. The U.S. can play a role in pushing for that balance.

The American Jewish community is wrestling with this tension. For decades, many American Jews have offered unconditional support for Israel, rooted in a deep connection to the land and the need for Jewish survival. But in recent years, there’s been a shift. Many, especially younger generations, are questioning Israel’s policies, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This doesn’t mean turning away from Israel, but rather engaging in more critical conversations about its actions, while still standing firmly against terrorism. We cannot ignore the growing divide within the American Jewish community, where progressive voices are demanding

I ts fight for survival must not lead it down a path that betrays its core values.

that Israel adhere to the same human rights values they champion in other contexts. These concerns are real and important. Yet it’s possible to support Israel’s right to defend itself while also holding it accountable to ethical standards. This dual approach — support coupled with honest critique — strengthens, rather than weakens, the bond between Israel and American Jews.

America’s involvement is more than just providing military aid and diplomatic cover. It’s about ensuring that Israel’s fight for survival doesn’t lead it down a path that betrays its core values. The principle of tohar haneshek, the purity of arms, demands that Israel’s military actions avoid unnecessary harm. It’s a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, calling for restraint even in the heat of conflict. American influence, if used wisely, can help Israel stay true to this principle.

In a broader sense, America’s continued support for Israel must remain strong, but it also needs to reflect the complexities of the situation. This isn’t a black-and-white conflict, and American leadership should encourage Israel to

The best of times, the worst of

s women ascend, does misogyny spike?

Let’s start with a quiz: Exactly what part of their bodies are men willing to enlarge or remove or bleach or burn or exfoliate or liposuction or disfigure with waxes and curling irons and injections and dyes? How many guys spend their time and money putting fat in and taking fat out in a never-ending pursuit of physical perfection? Do they obsess about injecting fat into their thinning lips or sucking fat out of their expanding behinds?

The answer is, not that many, especially when compared with the number of girls and women who willingly undergo painful medical procedures to meet standards of beauty promulgated by social media and a hard-to-change culture in which men often decide how women should look. Some women say they were miserable growing up because boys called them flat-chested. Others say all the guys did was stare at their big breasts. Some wanted enhancements. Some wanted reductions. But the frame of reference often was the approval of

boys and men.

This is not a new story, but there are new threads.

Now, apparently, small breasts are “in.” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2023, more than 76,000 American women had elective breast-reduction surgery, a 64 percent increase from 2019. Who sets the standard? Often the values come from men rather than the women themselves. Influencers who have enormous power over our teenagers send messages subliminal and overt, saying: You are not OK as you are. Something needs fixing.

Tseek not just victory but a path to lasting peace. The rescue of hostages is crucial, but so is preventing a cycle of violence that further destabilizes the region.

At the same time, America must recognize that support for Israel isn’t just about defense. It’s about protecting a democratic ally that shares common values of human rights and justice. While military might is necessary, it must be tempered by the moral responsibility to minimize harm to civilians — Israeli and Palestinian alike.

In the end, America’s support for Israel is essential not just for Israel’s survival, but for upholding the values we hold dear. This is a moment of reckoning, when the stakes are high and the consequences of every decision are profound. The U.S. must stand by Israel, but also guide it in a way that ensures the preservation of life and the pursuit of peace. The hostages must come home, and this conflict must end with the preservation of the values that have always been at the heart of both nations’ aspirations.

Rabbi Michael Cohen is the clergical leader of Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre. He served in the U.S. Army for over a decade, and is a member of the Long Island Board of Rabbis, the New York Board of Rabbis and the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

times for women

I hope the increasing numbers of patients are seeking the surgery for sound reasons, not as a fashion statement.

hey are empowered like never before, and being attacked like never before.

The New York Times ran a story last week, “The Power (and Relief) of a Smaller Bosom,” reporting that the number of women seeking breast-reduction surgery has increased, especially among those under 30.

Why are more and more young girls choosing surgery?

To be clear: Breast reduction is often necessary. Ultimately, it is a decision between a woman and her doctor. It’s a big deal; the procedure can cause scarring and loss of sensation, and it requires anesthesia. For many teenagers and women, it greatly changes their life for the better, but results are not guaranteed.

Looking out at the political and cultural panorama at this time and date, I see women empowered in unprecedented ways. And perhaps because of that new power, they are being attacked, also in unprecedented ways. As women ascend, as we elect women to Congress and perhaps the White House, there is a companion piece: a significant movement to keep women down, to deny them their rights, especially reproductive freedom. Much of the misogynistic rhetoric begins at the top, with a presidential candidate and his acolytes who demand laws that control women’s bodies and choices.

When I was 24, married three years, I became pregnant, had a miscarriage and a D and C — dilation and curettage — at a local hospital. Emotionally, it was wrenching. But from a medical point of view, it went smoothly. The doctor met us at the hospital. He did the procedure and I went home. I was healthy enough to have two healthy children in the following years.

Today, because of draconian abortion bans passed by mostly male politicians

in a number of states, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to abortion, women who miscarry risk bleeding to death or suffering for hours before they can access basic life-saving treatment. Doctors are afraid to treat them. These measures are antiwoman, archaic and cruel.

By an accident of the time in which I lived my reproductive years, I had a safe post-miscarriage D and C. Now, 50 years later, we have fallen back to restrictive practices controlled by politicians, led by Donald Trump.

These threads connect in a tapestry of what it feels like to be a girl or woman today.

We need to be strong within ourselves to reject any messaging that tells us our bodies need fixes and surgeries. We have to be fiercely committed to women’s freedom to choose if and when to have children.

Pay attention to the messaging targeting women. Don’t sign up for surgery that alters your body without thoughtful screening and counseling. Don’t go for shortcuts, or any other kind of cuts, to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty.

Support individuals, and vote for individuals who see the ascendancy of women as fulfilling the promise of democracy.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

MICHAEL CoHEn
RAnDI KREIss

HeraLd editoriaL

Even in a deep blue state, your vote matters a

s the Nov. 5 election approaches, we urge every eligible Long Islander to exercise his or her fundamental right, and fulfill a crucial civic duty, by voting. The importance of registering to vote and casting your ballot cannot be overstated, especially in an election year when so much is at stake — from immigration policy to a woman’s right to choose.

While it’s easy to assume that New York state’s presidential electoral votes are a foregone conclusion for Vice President Kamala Harris — the state has not voted in the majority for a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1984 — this election is about far more than just the race for the White House. Our state and local races have profound implications not only for our daily lives and communities, but also for the future of the country.

Take for instance the race in the 4th Congressional District, right here on the South Shore of Nassau County, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican, faces former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, a Democrat. Experts consider this race to be one of the — if not the — most competitive in the entire country. The outcome of this single race could determine which party controls the House of Representatives. Yes, you read that correctly: Your vote in this local race could have national ramifications,

Letters

Peter King on the ‘horse race’

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “After all the drama, it’s a dead heat”: After a list of “totally unexpected” events, Mr. King, seemingly surprised, declares the presidential campaign to be a “horse race.” It is not, however, despite these events but because of them that the race is too close to call. The issues that are on the ballot have been submerged by the media’s excessive focus on those that are not.

Mr. King’s call for voters to focus is correct, though his recitation of the issues omits many and misplaces others. Missing, for example, are abortion, gun legislation, disinformation, voter suppression/ballot diversion, Project 2025 and DeSantis-Blakeman-style personal militias. Crime is real, Mr. King says, an indisputable statement, but as the evidence shows, ought not to head the list.

I share Mr. King’s sentiment about living up to “the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy” which should begin

helping determine the makeup of the legislative body that decides both national and international policies.

And your influence doesn’t stop there. State Senate and Assembly races, as well as local elections, will shape policies that affect our schools, taxes, infrastructure, and quality of life. These are the decisions that impact us most directly, yet they often receive the least attention from voters.

The power to influence these outcomes is in your hands, but only if you’re registered and ready to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, or if you need to update your registration, visit vote.gov by the registration deadline, Oct. 26. Not sure if you’re registered? Vote.gov can tell you that, too. The userfriendly website simplifies the process, ensuring that you’re prepared to make your voice heard on Election Day. You can also register at the county Board of Elections, at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola.

For those who can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5, New York offers several alternatives. Early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, providing ample opportunity to cast your ballot at your convenience. Early voting locations can be found at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

If you’re unable to vote in person, absentee voting is an option. You can request an absentee ballot by Oct. 26, at elections.ny.gov/request-ballot, or in

person, at the county Board of Elections, and return it by mail (postmarked by Nov. 5), or in person, at a polling location, by 9 p.m. on Election Day.

Democracy thrives on participation. When voter turnout is low, a small minority ends up making decisions for the entire community. By registering and voting, you ensure that your interests and values are represented at all levels of our government. Moreover, voting is a hard-won right that generations before us fought to secure and expand. Participating in elections honors their sacrifices and continues the work of strengthening our democracy.

In these politically charged times, it’s easy to believe that our individual votes don’t matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Close races are sometimes decided by handfuls of votes, and every ballot cast sends a message about the issues that matter to our community.

You can educate yourself on the local issues and the candidates by reading the Herald. In the coming weeks, we will publish interviews with all of the candidates that are seeking your vote, so that you can cast an informed one.

Make your voice heard. Register to vote, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and show up to cast your ballot. Whether you choose to vote early, by mail or on Election Day, what matters most is that you participate.

opinions

When will we finally say, ‘Enough’?

iwas a junior at plainedge High School, in North Massapequa, in 2018, when 17 people died and 17 others were injured in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in parkland, Florida.

After the shooting, we wore orange to school — the color for protesting gun violence — and staged a walkout in solidarity with the school. We ran a fundraiser through the National Honor Society, from plainedge to parkland, to help a grieving community over a thousand miles away. And yet, it didn’t seem like enough. What words do you have to offer, thoughts you have to think, when something so senseless happens to people your age?

That year, everything changed. When we returned to classes in the fall of 2018, the front doors at plainedge High had been changed to fortify the exterior. We weren’t permitted to enter or leave through any entrance except the main one, and we carried I.D. cards at all times.

But as demonstrated earlier this

month at Apalachee High School in Winder, georgia, sometimes no level of security is enough. It wasn’t enough at the Covenant School in Nashville last spring; it wasn’t enough in uvalde, Texas, the year before. The list of schools and communities tarnished by acts of violence against children goes on and on, and at some point, I think we all can’t help but wonder: How many more?

Many will argue that guns aren’t the problem in America, and that instead we have a mental health crisis. I agree — we do. But the two are not mutually exclusive.

erus pandemic, 1 in 5 children had a diagnosed mental health disorder. After 2020, surveys showed that 71 percent of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child’s mental health — and things haven’t gotten much better since.

verything changed at Plainedge High in 2018 — but security isn’t enough.

gun violence, and deaths related to it, have been on the rise. In 2020, gun violence claimed more lives than it had during any other year on record — more than 45,000. In 2022 it was the leading cause of death among u.S. children and teens between ages 1 and 19. guns are a problem. But so is mental health.

The “mental health crisis” has long been Republicans’ scapegoat — their explanation for school shootings — and yet the party has done almost nothing to address their supposed concerns.

According to the American psychological Association, before the coronavi-

Letters

Congressman D’Esposito’s ‘last straw’

To the Editor:

Soon after Anthony D’Esposito was sworn into Congress, I wrote to him, suggesting that he take a leadership role by introducing legislation to require universal background checks to purchase guns, and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I assumed that as a former police officer with direct knowledge of the frequency of gun violence and the understanding that the majority of his constituents favor gun control, he would consider my proposal.

I was wrong. In his response, D’Esposito circumvented the issue entirely. Obviously, he is more beholden to the NRA than to his constituents. That has not stopped him from asking for donations from me every day.

Now I read that, contrary to House of Representatives ethics rules, he hired his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to positions in his local congressional office. That’s the last straw. I doubt he will resign, but certainly he should not be re-elected to Congress.

Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?

To the Editor:

It appears that the Herald may owe u.S. Rep Anthony D’Esposito and your readers a correction and an apology. last week’s issue had a story with the headline “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” It cited the House of Representatives’ code of conduct’s list of relatives who cannot be hired by anyone serving in the House. Neither a former fiancée (no longer a fiancée at time of hiring) nor an alleged mistress is on the list.

Why did the Herald have an incendiary headline that was contradicted in the sixth paragraph of the story?

Because D’Esposito’s holier-than-thou opponent, l aura g illen, needed an opportunity to pontificate?

g illen identifies as a Catholic who worked with Mother Theresa for about five minutes long ago. g illen is proabortion because of her “own experience.” As she wrote in a Daily News op-ed piece in 2022, she had a medically necessary dilation and evacuation. Her experience was most unfortunate. But apparently she doesn’t know the difference between the termination of a human life through abortion and the removal of an already dead child.

Despite the fact that the data supports what we already know, 193 House Republicans voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provided $2.35 billion to expand vital school mental health services; 210 voted against the American Rescue plan Act, which provided $12 billion to address mental health needs arising from the pandemic; and 205 voted against the Mental Health Matters Act, which would provide grants for schools to hire more mental health experts and grow their mental health services.

America has a problem, and the longer we wait to address it, the more people will die. School shootings should have ended after Columbine, after Sandy Hook, after Oxford High School in Michigan. Students shouldn’t be afraid to go to school.

“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is written in our Declaration of Independence, codifying the unalienable rights of all Americans. But as it turns

out, the children who have been senselessly murdered while their government stood by didn’t have those rights. Because if they did, they’d still be alive. Right?

Colt gray, the 14-year-old charged with four murders for the shooting in georgia, shouldn’t have had access to a gun. He displayed serious mental health concerns and had made threats in the past, and yet he carried out an act of extreme violence, with a weapon his father purchased for him.

The problem isn’t isolated to georgia. Two weeks ago, right here on long Island, a Bayville man was arrested because his 11-year-old son wandered out of his house carrying his father’s shotgun.

We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines and hope things will change. The time for thoughts and prayers has passed. What we need is decisive action — action that addresses both gun control and mental health, because either one without the other is no solution.

The safety of children, the preservation of their future, depends on our ability to enact meaningful reforms. The question is no longer how many more tragedies we can endure, but when we will finally say, “Enough.”

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

As with her quick condemnation of D’Esposito for supposed violation of House ethics rules that do not apply, gillen is ignorant of science and the law with regard to abortion. We do not need another addition to the idiocracy in D.C.

gillen must not be elected. And the Herald apparently owes some apologies.

At the Touch-a-Truck event — Merrick
CHRISTOpHER M. KANE Rockville Centre
JorDan VaLLone

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile to o er updated COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines

Additional information about the mobile unit and its schedule are posted on the hospital’s Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau

Town of Hempstead Senior Centers

 Green Acres Senior Center – Thursday, October 3

10am-2pm, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581

 Baldwin Senior Center – Friday, October 11

10am-2pm, 810 N. Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510

 Levittown Senior Center – Tuesday, October, 15

10am-2pm, 555 N Newbridge Road, Levittown, NY 11756

 Lido Senior Center – Thursday, October 17

10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561

 Merrick Senior Center – Monday, October 21

10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566

 Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center – Tuesday, October 22

10am-2pm, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553

 Franklin Square Senior Center – Monday, October 28

10am-2pm, 1178 Martha Place Franklin Square, NY 11010

 Bellmore Senior Center – Tuesday, October 29

10am-2pm, 2000 Bellmore Avenue #A, Bellmore, NY 11710

 Lido Senior Center – Thursday, October 31

10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561

 Elmont Senior Center – Monday, November 4

10am-2pm, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003

 Merrick Senior Center – Thursday, November 7

10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566

For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-377-5333

*Vaccines are being o ered at no out of pocket cost. Your insurance may be billed.

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