Long Beach commemorated Veterans Day at City Hall on Monday. Among those in attendance were, from left, City Manager Dan Creighton; Councilman Mike Reinhart; Jackie Ervolina, VFW Auxiliary president; Councilman John Bendo; American Legion Commander Gerald Haber; Dan MacPhee; and Robert Candela, VFW commander and chaplain.
L.B. Aware renews effort to combat underage drinking
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
In 2000, the Long Beach Medical Center created the Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking. Focused on reducing underage drinking and drug use, the nonprofit organization began partnering with the City of Long Beach, and its Police Department, in 2003, and when the medical center closed in 2013, the coalition began operating on its own, renamed Long Beach Aware.
At a City Council meeting on Nov. 6, the now state-funded group presented the Police Department with a check for over $16,000 to help with the city’s efforts to combat underage drinking. The check was part of a federal grant from the
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking, or STOP, Act.
“We’ve always funded extra police activities because it stems the tide of underage drinking,” Judi Vining, Long Beach Aware’s executive director, said. “It doesn’t eliminate it, but it makes it a little more difficult. That’s what you want to do.”
Vining’s organization presents the Police Department with a check each October, at the end of the fiscal year. The department keeps track of the time and money it devotes to efforts focused on underage drinking, including overtime expenditures, and each Long Beach Aware donation is a reimbursement of sorts.
“We have had this collaboration with Aware
Continued on page 2
City welcomes donations to soup kitchen
By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
The City of Long Beach is hosting a food drive at City Hall to benefit the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, continuing the city’s longstanding tradition of collaborating with the organization.
The drive is soliciting non-perishable food items to help the soup kitchen serve its guests through the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to drop donations off during City Hall’s operating hours, with a list of specific needs provided by the soup kitchen on its website, at longbeachsoupkitchen.com. Donations will be collected until Nov. 22.
been supportive of us over the years.”
The city has played an important role in supporting the soup kitchen’s efforts. The kitchen benefits from the use of city-owned space at 140 W. Pine St. rent- and utility-free. Several departments of city government have also helped the organization with logistics and repairs as well as with organizing food drives.
W e believe that we’re doing a great thing for our community
RoBERT Bl Au President, Long Beach Soup Kitchen
“This is an ongoing scenario with the city,” Robert Blau, president of the soup kitchen, said. “The Long Beach Recreation Department has helped us out; the local union has helped us out. So it’s not only City Hall, but it’s the entire city of employees who have really
The soup kitchen has been serving the community for over 40 years, providing hot and cold meals six days a week. Since the pandemic, it has seen a significant increase in demand, and now serves 2,000 to 3,000 meals per month. It operates from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday on West Pine Street, and offers a to-go meal option for families and individuals who may not feel comfortable dining in. The to-go meals usually include a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a dessert, if
Continued on page 5
Long Beach Aware helps fund police patrols
for 20 years,” Acting Police Commissioner Richard DePalma said. “With this money, we can have more underage patrols. With these funds, the Police Department can conduct operations in order to keep alcohol out of the hands of people less than 21.”
Walways funded extra police activities
The collaboration extends to Long Beach City Court as well. When underage drinkers are issued summonses by the police, they go to court, where they have a choice: They can pay a fine and plead guilty, or they can attend a class run by Long Beach Aware. There they learn about the dangers and potential repercussions of their illegal actions. They must also submit a two-page essay detailing what they learned, and how it applied to their specific situation.
“Our job as adults is to stop kids — their job is to try,” Vining said. “Their brains aren’t developed. They think they’re invulnerable. They don’t see the dangers, and they’re not supposed to. We’re supposed to teach them that.”
The Aware option, Vining explained, gives kids a chance to avoid having a criminal record for the rest of their lives because of one mistake. “This sends a message to the kids, to the community that Long Beach takes underage drinking seriously,” she said, “because there are major ramifications.”
Vining said that Long Beach had about 20 percent more incidents of underage drinking than the county and state averages, last time they surveyed in 2019. She
With the support of Long Beach aware, the city police department can continue increasing patrols to prevent underage drinking.
also point out that there are no fewer than 90 places where alcohol can be purchase within Long Beach’s 3.5 square miles. That’s why helping the police with funding is so important.
“This has been very productive and insightful,” Vining said of the collaboration, adding, referring to young drinkers and substance abusers. “They sometimes never realized that what they did affected not only them, but affected this community that they were
visiting or they’re a part of. We want this to be a healthy place for families and children.”
The STOP Act program aims to prevent and reduce alcohol use among those ages 12 to 20 in communities across the country by reduce opportunities for underage drinking, enhancing enforcement efforts and addressing penalties. Long Beach Aware’s “threepronged approach” includes increased enforcement, limiting access and increasing education.
Judi Vining Executive director, Long Beach AWARE
HERALD SCHOOLS
Long Beach students have been very busy
Long Beach schools have been busy, to say the least. Each of the elementary schools, the middle school and the high school have students doing a lot in all different ways.
In conjunction with Fire Prevention Month in October, East, Lindell and West Elementary Schools received visits from the Long Beach Fire Department. During each visit, students learned important fire safety and emergency protocols. Pre-k students from Lido Elementary School took a field trip to the firehouse.
Long Beach students learned about home preparedness, what a fully dressed firefighter would look and act like when entering a house on fire and what to do in emergency situations.
Lido Elementary School students also had a special visit from the American Red Cross on Nov. 6. Kindergarten through second grade students participated in an interactive program focusing on how to stay safe
during a home fire and featured a guest appearance by program mascot Pedro the Penguin.
Red Cross representatives discussed ways the students could be prepared by learning coping skills to remain calm in emergency situations and practicing low crawling using a blanket that represented potential smoke.
Also, Long Beach Middle School seventh grade students placed 50 flags in front of the Long Beach Public Schools’ district offices to honor veterans ahead of this past Monday’s Veteran’s Day.
The flags were and are visible along Lido Boulevard for all passersby to see. There were Veteran’s Day ceremonies across Long Beach and Nassau County, and Long Beach Public Schools and its students made sure they had their own way to honor those who have served.
–Brendan Carpenter
East, Lindell and West Elementary Schools were excited to learn about fire safety from the Long
Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools
Students got a visit from Long Beach firefighters to learn about safety precautions.
East, Lindell and West Elementary Schools were excited to learn about fire safety from the Long Beach Fire Department.
The flags can be seen alongside Lido Boulevard, right outside the offices and Long Beach’s Lido and middle school.
Beach Fire Department.
Riding
for an inspiring cause
Planning for Single Relatives Living Alone
If you have a son, daughter, sister, brother or parent living alone for whom you are responsible, and they unfortunately become incapacitated or die, apart from the emotional and medical burdens, you may have significant legal and financial troubles. A little planning in advance for these contingencies will go a long way in making any such dire situation much easier to handle.
If they rent, then make sure they notify their landlord, in writing, that you have their permission to access the apartment. Also get a key to their apartment or home or at least know where you can get one (such as from a neighbor).
A power of attorney will allow you to handle their legal and financial affairs during any period of disability. However, a power of attorney automatically ceases on death. Once someone dies, only the executor under the will may handle legal and financial affairs and it may take months and sometimes years to become appointed executor by the Surrogate’s Court. A properly created and funded living trust, on the
other hand, gives you immediate control of their affairs upon death.
A health care proxy and living will allows you to gain access to their medical records, confer with medical professionals and make medical decisions for them if they are unable to, including termination of life support should there be no meaningful existence and no hope of recovery.
You should know where they keep records of their assets in their home or apartment. One of the benefits of a properly funded trust is that it will have a list of assets appended to the trust making it easy to locate what the decedent owned. A list of their assets, and any named beneficiaries, is also helpful.
Forms to provide personal information, such as who to contact in the event of death (friends, relatives, professional advisors), computer passwords, funeral and burial wishes and who is to receive which personal items, may be found on our website, trustlaw.com, under “Online Forms” clicking on “Final Instructions”.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
The community came together on Oct. 27 for an inspiring and heartwarming cause at The Ride by Hollywood, raising over $2,000 in just 45 minutes during a powerful dual-instructor breast cancer fundraiser ride.
With all 30 bikes booked for $30 each, riders contributed $900, which The Ride matched, doubling the total raised. Additional funds poured in through raffle sales, with the support of numerous local vendors around the city.
Instructors Nicole and Margaret, who hold the cause close to their hearts, led the emotional, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding ride. The dual ride brought energy, tears, and a sense of community strength as participants pedaled with purpose, riding not just for fitness, but for a cause that affects so many lives.
The event wasn’t just about raising funds — it was about raising awareness and coming together to fight for something bigger. It was a day of unity, where fitness, fun, and philanthropy met, and the entire Ride by Hollywood community left feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference.
rglickman@liherald.com
long beach
The Ride by Hollywood had a fundraising ride for breast cancer on Oct. 27.
Photos courtesy Steve Diamond
Instructors led the ride, having fun while remembering what it’s all about.
Collecting for soup kitchen’s holiday demand
available, and a bottle of water. The hot meals feature protein- and carbohydrate-based options and vegetables.
IThe kitchen also serves 60 to 80 meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, fostering a sense of community among those who may not have family or other support during the holidays. There are to-go options on holidays as well, and for Thanksgiving the to-go meal typically includes a turkey dinner with all the traditional trimmings.
t’s the entire city of employees who have really been supportive of us
RobeR t blau President, Long Beach Soup Kitchen
“The biggest challenge is, we have to, unfortunately, take all those turkeys out of boxes and put them in shopping bags so our guests can walk home with them,” Blau explained. “It’s impossible for them to carry a box without it being tied up.”
In addition to the food drive, the organization encourages community members to contribute and for other organizations to host drives for items such as toiletries, hats, gloves, scarves and socks during the winter months.
While donations often peak during the holiday season, the soup kitchen’s leadership emphasizes the importance of year-round support. Financial contributions are crucial to its continuing operations, because the demand for meals remains high throughout the
year. The hope is that the increased visibility of the City Hall drive will spur ongoing community involvement.
“When we’re giving food out and our volunteers are around the pantry, I will tell you that, for the most part, our guests are very, very much appreciative of everything that we do for them,” Blau said. “I know that we believe that we’re doing a great thing for our
community and for the people that we serve.”
Most of the food the kitchen prepares is donated by Trader Joe’s, which delivers soup, vegetables, fruits, meats, bread and canned goods each week. The soup kitchen also accepts donations from neighbors and local groups. Blau has said that the generosity of the community, and additional contributions from Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, can always be relied on.
Courtesy City of Long Beach
City Councilman michael reinhart, far left, Council president Brendan f inn, Long Beach Soup Kitchen president robert Blau, Council Vice president Chris f iumara, Councilman John Bendo and City manager dan Creighton met for the kickoff of the canned food drive.
Quick turnaround for Long Beach runners Mepham tops Long Beach for county title
By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com
Mepham’s girls’ volleyball program made history Monday afternoon.
It took four sets for the Pirates to secure the Nassau Class AA championship in a revenge-match rematch of last year’s county title game against Long Beach, winning 25-21, 17-25, 25-17, 25-20.
“They just came together and played incredibly, supporting each other, never got down, had the momentum most of the game; blocking was outrageous, serve receive was best I’ve seen all year,” Mepham coach Tom Wildeman said.
Captains Sam Raikos (18 kills and 10 digs) and Makayla Daube (19 assists and 6 kills) led the way for the Pirates, who captured their first-ever county crown.
“Two really good teams, we split with them during the regular season so we knew it was going to be a really tough game, we knew that it was going to come down to five or four sets,” Long Beach coach Katherine Meyers said. “My girls played really well, I’m really proud of them.”
The first set proved to Mepham that Long Beach was beatable, with
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
A lack of talent wasn’t the reason Long Beach’s girls’ cross-country program was unable to win a meet last season.
“It was an aberration but we didn’t have enough kids and it takes five to score in a race,” coach Greg Milone said. “We still don’t have a huge team, but we had an influx of competitive and talented freshmen to go along with the returning kids who improved.”
So after a rough 2023, the revamped Marines finished 11-2 this fall and placed fifth out of 14 teams in the Nassau Class I championship meet Nov. 2 at Bethpage State Park.
“I wouldn’t have predicted 11 wins, but we started 4-0 and I knew early on we’d be solid all the way through if we stayed healthy,” Milone said. “Other coaches complimented how our program quickly garnered attention.”
Caelin Feehan, Sophia Stevenson and Blanca Esposito returned from last year’s modest roster and dropped
the Pirates cutting through their opponents’ defense almost immediately out of the gate, converting onthe-court miscommunications into free points. What made the points pile on was Mepham’s defense, anchored by senior libero Grace Brassill. The Long Beach offense, save for a couple of unreturnable serves, could not find its footing with Brassill in the way.
“Grace is such a good player, her serve-receive today was the best I’ve seen all year,” Wildeman said. “she did her homework, so [Grace] was reading the hitters, seeing the set, seeing their shoulders turn, and she’s just a really good defender.”
In the second set, however, the Marines wanted to write this story. Mepham’s Sam Bremer, who ended the evening with seven kills, four blocks and seven digs, said that she felt the team’s energy drop in the second set, leading to Long Beach evening the match at one set apiece. Franky DeCicco, Hayley Lipinski, Ivanka Priymak and Sara Biancamano led the way for the Marines.
“We told the girls from the beginning that this is an accomplishment just to be here, and they need to play not just for themselves but for their community and for their team,” Meyers said. “Once they
their times to another level whilst freshmen Julia Glenz, Payton Dunckley, Molly Graham and Calla Peters helped get Long Beach back on the county map.
“Caelin, Sophia and Blanca stuck with it and worked hard every day last year knowing we didn’t have enough bodies to win any meets,” Milone said.
Feehan, a junior, finished 29 th in the county meet to earn All-Conference honors. Her time was 21 minutes, 15.6 seconds. “Caelin is a leader who always brings a positive attitude and great work ethic,” Milone said. “She runs year round and was consistently in our top five all season.”
Stevenson, new to cross-country in 2023, is a model of consistency, the coach noted, and a grinder who looks to get better every day. A sophomore, she was also All-Conference after placing 40th in the county meet in 21:56.90.
Milone called Esposito a “multitalented kid” who became stronger each race this fall and the junior nearly cracked 23 minutes Nov. 2.
Glenz, Dunckley, Graham and Peters thrived under middle school
realized that this is bigger than just them, they really focused on not as much nerves, and really focused on playing for their town and their school.”
It was a completely different conversation on the other side of the net.
“Just get back to covering, backing up our blockers and our hitters,” Wildeman said. “They got to put [the second set] behind them and they did.”
The vibe shift was subtle in the third and self-evident in the fourth. Mepham had a few long serves, but after that cooled down to walk away with the 25-17 third-set W, tightening loose ends from the mistakes of the second stanza.
Halfway through an intense fourth set, Mepham started to tip the scale in its direction with its serve-bump-hit-block routine translated to a five-point lead. Later, kills from Sam Bremer and Kailey Harrison put the Pirates in front 24-17. A few erroneous plays gave Long Beach hope when the set tightened to 24-20, put away by one final Mepham kill.
“It feels so good,” Bremer said. “We worked so all season and trained so hard; to finally get that win is so validating.”
coach Dan Vaeth and proved their talents on the varsity stage. Either Glenz or Dunckley was the Marines’ top runner in every meet and placed 9th and 18th, respectively, in the county to earn All-County recognition. Glenz finished in 19:57.1 and Dunckley wasn’t far behind in 20:34.
“Julia and Payton are super competitive and did very well in spring track as eighth-graders,” Milone said.
“Julia has an incredible ability to maintain pace throughout a race, and Payton trains and races as hard as anyone.”
Graham reached All-Conference status as well despite not completing the county race. During the regular season she was Long Beach’s third or fourth scorer in meets. “Molly is one of the key reasons we had such a successful season,” Milone said.
Peters, a strong 400-meter performer in track just getting her feet wet in cross-country has “all the tools to make a giant leap,” Milone said.
“I’m thrilled to see this kind of turnaround and we’ll be bringing everyone back next year,” Milone said.
Paul Grassini/Herald Payton Dunckley was one of four freshmen who boosted Long Beach from a winless 2023 to an 11-2 record this fall.
Media Origin Inc./Herald Long Beach’s Ivanka Priymak soared at the net during the team’s four-set defeat to Mepham in the Class AA final Monday afternoon.
From influencer to bridge commissioner
Hewlett’s Emily Austin appointed to NCBA leadership
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Emily Austin, a social media influencer from Hewlett Harbor, was appointed the newest commissioner of the Nassau County Bridge Authority on Oct. 22.
Austin, 23, joins four other commissioners, and will serve as an unpaid volunteer for five years. The board has monthly meetings, and she will attend her first one in December.
I want to use my platform to make sure there’s open communication between the residents and the board, and really utilize technology as much as I can to have dialogue within the community.
EMILy AuStIN Commissioner, Nassau County Bridge Authority
From taking part in the Miss New York competition to marketing her own skin care brand, People’s Beauty, Austin has experience in various industries, she said. A 2019 graduate of North Shore Hebrew Academy, she attended Hofstra University, where she studied journalism, and landed an internship at the United Nations. After dropping out of Hofstra, she earned a liberal arts degree from Touro University in 2023.
She became known on social media in 2019, when she competed in Miss New York, before serving as a judge for the 2022 Miss Universe competition, in New Orleans.
When her father, Ron Austin, ran for mayor of Hewlett Harbor in 2020, Emily served as his chief of staff. Austin lost to Mayor Mark Weiss.
As she became more involved in the community, Emily Austin attended
political events hosted by U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. A member of Chabad of Hewlett, she attends High Holiday events and speaks on religious issues.
“I always made it clear that one day I know I have a future in political office,” Austin said, “but I just want to start small, and not take on more than I can handle.”
In September 2024, Blakeman told her about the opening on the bridge authority. He explained the importance of the bridge, its infrastructure and, she said, “how the community takes this very seriously.” She studied documents on the bridge’s history.
“I took a week or two to study the papers, and told the county executive that if you nominate me, I will take this
responsibility seriously,” she said. Having experienced Hurricane Sandy at age 12, and knowing the damage the bridge sustained, helped Austin understand how devastating it was for the community, and how important the bridge remains.
“I learned that we’re the only bridge that doesn’t receive taxes, so that’s why we’re so dependent on the tolls that, sometimes, people get so upset about,” she said. “I had to learn the concerns of the community with the priorities of Nassau County.”
One of her strengths, Austin said, is problem-solving. “I want to use my platform to make sure there’s open communication between the residents and the board, and really utilize technology as much as I can to have dialogue within the community,” she said. “Just bring a
little bit of a young Gen-Z aspect to it — we’re the technology gurus. If I can make sure everyone’s voice is heard through what’s easiest, social media, anything technological, then, I’ll be the one to do that.”
Blakeman nominated Austin to be a commissioner at an Oct. 6 ceremony in Cedarhurst marking the anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel.
“Emily Austin is deeply committed to Nassau County,” Blakeman wrote in a statement, “and has demonstrated through her advocacy, especially on social media, that she is a serious and professional individual who will contribute greatly to the continued success of the Nassau County Bridge Authority.”
Courtesy Emily Austin Hewlett Harbor resident Emily Austin is a new commissioner of the Nassau County Bridge Authority.
Jeff Bessen/Herald
Emily Austin spoke about defending Israel at a rally to support the Jewish state on Oct. 6 at Andrew J. Parise Park in Cedarhurst.
Hofstra students star in election broadcast
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
The Herbert School of Communications, at Hofstra University, had transformed overnight into a news station. Students were busy writing scripts and reporting live results on election night, on a program called “Hofstra Votes Live.”
The multi-platform broadcast brought together students from across the Herbert School and the university. They began planning the program months before the election in order to deliver comprehensive, real-time coverage — all under the mentoring and guidance of Hofstra faculty members. The broadcast aired from 8 p.m. to midnight, and reached audiences on campus, on YouTube and on 88.7 FM WRHU, Radio Hofstra University.
The program featured coverage with both a regional and national perspective, and included live reports from watch parties such as those for Republi-
The students gained hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of live news coverage, and learned about the behindthe-scenes work that goes into producing an important broadcast on a historic night. They also felt for themselves the excitement and intensity of covering a
ment puts on every two years, and I’m really excited to see how it comes together. I’m both excited and nervous just because it’s four hours long — that’s like, that would be the longest I’ve ever been on air live.”
Days before the broadcast, student anchors like Ng took part in a special workshop hosted by WABC reporter Chanteé Lans, who shared some of the secrets of being a good anchor during a live broadcast.
In the past, “HVL” has covered presidential and midterm elections as well as Super Tuesday during the presidential primaries. Last year the broadcast won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Student Video Newscast for its coverage of the 2022 midterms.
“I’m really grateful, actually, to be one of the coordinating producers for ‘HVL’ for the 2024 presidential election,” junior Samantha Diamond said. “You know, seeing me as a freshman two years ago, I was one of the camera assistants. . . . And I was just, like, you know what? When I’m an upperclassmen and we do this again in two years, I want to be one of the leaders.”
presidential election.
“To be part of Hofstra Votes Live is a huge opportunity, and I feel so grateful being part of the team,” said Sarah Ng, a senior at Hofstra who served as one of the anchors of the national coverage.
“It’s a big production that the depart
In addition to the main “HVL” broadcast, students also produced a special edition of “Hofstra News Now” that aired the day before Election Day. The broadcast examined key issues in the election, including reproductive rights, foreign affairs and inflation.
Courtesy Diego Olivras
Regional anchors Michael Dent and Camryn Bowden reporting the news for ‘Hofstra Votes Live’ on election night.
Black Friday Weekend Sale Event
Friday, November 29th
Sat, Nov. 30th: 7pm - Midnight!
Sunday, December 1st
Marking Veterans Day with moving ceremony
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County veterans, families and community members gathered in Eisenhower Park on Nov. 10 to honor those who served on Veterans Day, paying tribute to local heroes whose courage and sacrifice have protected the United States’ freedoms and values. In a poignant ceremony led by the United Veterans Organization at the county’s veterans memorial in the park, speakers focused on respect, courage and resilience — and of course, the importance of Veterans Day and veteran service agencies.
“On Veterans Day, we veterans remember our service — we think about friends that we made, and some of the friends that we’ve lost,” Morris Miller, who’s on the UVO’s board of directors, said during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “We served with distinction. We served with honor. And even though many of us are older, greyer, out of shape — we would not hesitate at a moment’s notice to serve our country, if asked.”
Following a convocation, given by Chaplain Eric Spinner of the United Veterans Organization, a Color Guard was presented by active servicemen and women, youth organizations, and various veteran organizations.
Following his convocation, Spinner offered remarks for those who are prisoners of war and those who are still listed as missing in action.
“As you entered these grounds today, you may have noticed this small table in place,” Spinner said, referencing a display in front of the lectern. “This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are com-
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and State Senator Steve Rhoads carried a wreath to the POW-MIA memorial, and held their hands over their hearts during the presentation of ‘Taps.’
monly called POWs or MIAs — we call them brothers. They are unable to be with us at this time, and so we remember them.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, State Senator Steve Rhoads, State Assemblyman-elect Daniel Norber, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder all attended Sunday’s ceremony.
“We have enemies that hate our way of life, they hate our prosperity, they hate our spirit, they hate our love of country,” Blakeman said. “So today, we’re here to remember. May God bless our veterans, may God bless our active military, and may God bless America.”
Ryder said both veterans and police
offers have a bond over the word “service.”
“And what does it mean — unconditional service,” he said. “You didn’t ask for anything when you signed up to serve your country. You just went out to do it, and do it because you honored the flag, the constitution, the way of life here in the United States — that freedom we all get to enjoy.”
Among all of the speakers, perhaps no one is more involved directly with veteran affairs than Ralph Esposito, director of Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency. There’s an office in East Meadow, right behind the main tower of the Nassau University Medical Center, which offers support, health care, food and other resources to veterans.
Active and former military personnel presented the Color Guard during the ceremony, while veterans watched on in salute.
“I feed 1,650 people a month that are veterans,” Esposito said of the office he runs. “That should not be. Veterans should not be hungry. Our veterans shouldn’t have to sleep in the park. There’s a lot more to be done, and as long as I’m living, I want to fight to get it done. I promise you that.”
The United Veterans Organization held a Veterans Day ceremony at the Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale on Sunday as well.
For more on veteran affairs and resources offered in Nassau County, visit NassauCountyNY.gov or call (516) 572-6565. Its headquarters are 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building ‘Q,’ East Meadow.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Veteran organizations from across Nassau County participated in Sunday’s ceremony at the county’s veterans memorial in Eisenhower Park. Above, Elmont Post No. 1033 Legion Riders with the Patriot Guard Riders of New York.
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale
TRAILBLAZER AWARD & KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MICHAEL J. DOWLING
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NORTHWELL HEALTH
ACCOUNTING:
JOHN FITZGERALD
Managing Partner
Citrin Cooperman
GURJIT SINGH
Chief Information Officer
Prager Metis CPAs
DIANE L. WALSH
Chief Marketing Officer
Prager Metis CPAs
BANKING & FINANCE:
JOHN BURKE
Managing Director
Global Head of Business & Professional Services
Citi Commercial Bank
MICHELE DEAN
Chief Executive Officer
Suffolk Credit Union
STUART H. LUBOW
President & Chief Executive Officer
Dime Community Bank
DAVID A. PERLMUTTER
Managing Partner
Forest Hills Financial Group
MARK SANCHIONI
Senior Vice President & Chief Banking Officer
Ridgewood Savings Bank
JOSEPH TEDESCO
President & Chief Executive Officer Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union
BIOPHARMA:
PATRICIA ECKERT, CPA
Chief Financial Officer Enzo Biochem, Inc.
COMMUNICATIONS:
ANDREW RAINONE
Senior Vice President, Business Sales
Optimum Business
EDUCATION:
MARIA CONZATTI, Ed.D.
Chief Administrative Officer Nassau Community College
CHRISTINE M. RIORDAN, Ph.D.
President Adelphi University
TIMOTHY E. SAMS, Ph.D.
President SUNY Old Westbury
ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION:
LOUIS BEKOFSKY
Principal, Managing Partner VHB
WILLIAM MAXWELL
Vice President The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
BILLY HAUGLAND II
Chief Executive Officer Haugland Group LLC
ANDREW J. SOLANO
Managing Partner Emtec Consulting Engineers
GAS/UTILITIES:
CHRISTINA ARMENTANO
Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President Paraco
JOHN RHODES
Chief Executive Officer Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
ROSS TURRINI
Chief Operating Officer, New York Gas National Grid
ENERGY:
JIM FLANNERY
Chief Operating Officer National Grid Ventures, US Northeast
HEALTHCARE:
MICHAEL GITMAN, MD President Long Island Jewish Medical Center
STACEY C. JACKSON-HARLEY
RN MA BSN
Chief Operating Officer
Harmony Healthcare
ANDREW MINTZ
Chief Executive Officer The Smilist
MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT
President & Chief Executive Officer
Parker Jewish Institute For Healthcare and Rehabilitation
AMY SILVA-MAGALHAES
Chief Operating Officer
The Bristal Assisted Living
JON SENDACH, FACHE President North Shore University Hospital
AMIT SHAH, MD
Partner & Vascular Surgeon
PRINE Health
JOSEPH VERDIRAME
Chief Executive Officer
Alliance Homecare
HOSPITALITY:
MICHAEL LESSING
Chief Executive Officer Lessing's Hospitality Group
LEGAL:
NICOLE W. JOSEPH, MSc
Chief Operating Officer & Finance Director
CM Law PLLC
JULIE WYETZNER
Executive Director &
Chief Operating Officer
Cona Elder Law PLLC
MICHAEL H. SAHN
Managing Partner
Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC
HOWARD M. STEIN
Managing Partner & Co-Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP
NOT-FOR-PROFIT:
PHIL ANDREWS
President Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce
LISA BURCH, MPH
President & Chief Executive Officer
EPIC Long Island, Inc.
RANDELL M. BYNUM
Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Nassau County
MATTHEW COHEN
President & Chief Executive Officer Long Island Association, Inc.
ERIKA FLORESKA
President Long Island Children's Museum
JEFFREY FRIEDMAN
Chief Executive Officer
CN Guidance and Counseling Services
DAN LLOYD
Chief Executive Officer & Founder Minority Millennials, Inc.
DIANE MANDERS
Interim Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director
Navy veteran Kerry Englander discusses his role as the American Legion’s Nassau commander
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Kerry Englander, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of American Legion Post 1711 in Levittown, was appointed the Legion’s Nassau County commander in June. Representing nearly 30,000 veterans across 52 posts, he now oversees efforts to support those who served.
Englander, 79, joined Levittown Post 1711 in 2008, starting as historian before being named second vice commander. He became active in the Nassau County chapter of the American Legion in 2020, serving as vice commander of the second division, where he supervised 15 posts in central Nassau.
After three years in that role, he was promoted to adjutant. His journey toward leadership included training at American Legion College at SUNY Morrisville, where he strengthened his understanding of the organization’s mission.
“It’s so gratifying working with all the vets and vet services,” Englander said. “Helping veterans — that’s what the American Legion is. It’s vets helping vets and the community. We served our country, and now we’re serving our community — simple as that.”
Englander’s commitment to aiding
ment operations. Boys State has had many notable alumni throughout its 88-year history, including Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jordan. Englander said that he sees this program as an essential way to teach leadership and civic responsibility.
Englander’s own leadership journey began with his military service. From 1966 to 1968, he served on the USS Talladega, a troop transport ship based in California, before ending his tour in Pearl Harbor, where he trained recruits. Starting as a boatswain’s mate, he fondly recalls early duties, including cooking for the chiefs.
“Everybody’s gotta start someplace,” he said with a laugh.
After his military service, Englander pursued a career in information technology with Con Edison and now runs a tax practice. He got married to his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, and has a son, who is now 47, and a grandson, 11. His commitment to service, influenced by his family’s values and history, continues to shape his work with the Legion.
veterans was evident when he recently helped a fellow veteran with a staph infection transfer to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook for specialized care.
“He’s rehabilitating there, awaiting his hip replacement,” Englander said, highlighting his hands-on approach.
Englander’s advocacy has also extended to pushing for the reopening of the Mitchel Field commissary in Uniondale. In September, he joined other members of the American Legion, as well as Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in urging the Department of Defense to repair the damaged facility. The commissary’s closure has forced local veterans to travel to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for discounted food.
“The veterans and current military need this facility, especially with the economy the way it is today,” Englander told the Herald at the rally. “I believe that if the military and veterans are putting this facility, it should be opened up.
The Nassau County Legion chapter continues to advocate for more state funding to expand opportunities for Long Island students to attend Boys State, a prestigious program that immerses high school juniors in govern-
One of Englander’s proudest achievements as county commander has been the revival of the Nassau County oratorical contest, a constitutional speech competition for high school students. Contestants compete for up to $1,000 in scholarships by presenting an eight- to 10-minute speech on the U.S. Constitution, followed by a discourse on an assigned topic related to key amendments.
In his role as county commander, Englander remains focused on growing membership and strengthening the Legion’s community outreach. He values the mentorship of past county commanders, acknowledging their support as essential to his success.
“When you get into the county, you’re dealing with many posts,” he said. “The past commanders are critical to the making of a county commander … I couldn’t do it without them.”
For Englander, the American Legion is about more than honoring service — it’s about actively supporting veterans and their families. His leadership embodies the Legion’s core values of commitment, service and community.
Daniel Offner/Herald
Nassau County American Legion Commander Kerry Englander shared some of his goals as the representative of the county’s nearly 30,000 veterans.
Light the night with sweet
LuminoCity unwraps a colorful world of wonder
By Danielle Schwab
The holiday season is quickly approaching, so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience holiday magic at 14 acres of enchanting displays in Eisenhower Park.
Now in its fifth year, the popular holiday festival LuminoCity, which runs through Jan. 5, welcomes guests to a wonderland filled with giant lantern creations.
“It’s a really cool combination of light and art and a little sprinkle of holiday magic with this event,” John Baiata, LuminoCity’s onsite manager. Eisenhower Park is our signature event.”
All of the displays are new to Eisenhower Park this year.
The idea started with the founder Xiaoyi Chen, who grew up in China and was inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals as a child.
“She came to New York, went to art school here, and founded LuminoCity in 2018 with the idea to reimagine the traditional Chinese lantern festival into something that combined her acumen with the art world,” Baiata explains.
As you stroll along the paths, LuminoCity’s mascot, Lumi, lights you along the way. Visitors will see Lumi in various outfits as your glowing tour guide throughout your visit.
This year’s theme “Sweet Dreams,” stirs up a delightful blend of sugar and imagination into a candy-coated world of desserts and confections.
“Who doesn’t like a giant donut tunnel, or a forest made entirely of sweets?” asks Baiata. Kids have added their own “Sweet Dreams” to the walk-through as part of Lumi’s Utopia, in partnership with Long Island Children’s Museum.
“We hold an art contest for children of different age categories. They submit works of art with a pre-agreed theme — this year’s theme was Sweet Dreams, such as candy and sweets — and the museum and our founder picked the winners,” Baiata says.
LuminoCity’s team acquires kids’ 2-D artwork that is brought to life as a 3-D light display for all to enjoy.
“The best part is the children seeing, for the first time, their pieces of art come to life. There’s this visceral excitement and just a gushing pride that you see from them and their parents as well,” Baiata adds.
“Art enriches our lives in so many ways that we take for granted sometimes. This really reminds us that imagination and art are central to our purpose here.”
Other can’t-miss attractions include a 50-foot Christmas tree and a majestic ice castle, which is
• Now through Jan. 5; weekdays 4:30-9:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 4:30-10 p.m.
• Tickets priced $24-$32 per person, children 3 and under free
• Purchase tickets at luminocityfestival.com or on-site.
• Eisenhower Park , East Meadow
described as bigger than a residential home. And, of course, a lantern Santa Claus returns to spread holiday cheer .
“I think that it creates this sense of wonder and adventure because as you approach, you’re looking up and you’re just kind of awed,” Baiata says.
Unlike Old Saint Nick, this process certainly can’t be completed in just one night. With a team of 40 members, the spectacle has been months in the making.
“It’s a big production staff required to get this all done. And it’s not just the creation. It’s also the maintenance because we’re outdoors, so we are beholden to the elements,” Baiata adds.
For an exciting twist, the festival also offers theme nights. Check out the website for additional ways to join in the fun.
When it’s time for a break, seek out the food truck nearby, with tempting eats and treats.
Whether you have been before, or it’s your first time, LuminoCity’s Holiday Light festival promises a night of memory-making experiences with friends and family.
“One of the most precious things in children is seeing the wonder in their eyes. And you want to cultivate that sense of wonder with your children; not just your children, but also your inner child,” Baiata enthuses.
“For the families who have already made (our festival) a tradition, we’re so grateful.”
Madeleine Peyroux
The acclaimed jazz singer, songwriter and interpreter brings her tour to the Landmark stage, following spring’s release of “Let’s Walk,” her first album in six years. Peyroux is acclaimed for her dusky, lyrical style and affinity for reinterpreting classic jazz, blues, and folk standards. Her extraordinary journey is one of the music industry’s most compelling. Emerging in her teens, much like songbird Edith Piaf, Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Years later, Peyroux would cite Piaf as an influence on her music and record a rendition of the classic La Vie En Rose, soulfully capturing the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. Madeleine’s thirst for creative exploration is unfading and her willingness to face creative challenges remains as solid now as it was three decades ago.
Sunday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. $70, $65, $58. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
‘Come and play”… on Sesame Street
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello everyone’s invited to sing, dance and play alongside some of their favorite friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide and seek. Elmo, his pals and other Muppets lead dances, songs, and games from the stage while you and your little ones participate in the audience. Join in lively dances, sing along to catchy tunes and interact with your favorite Muppets, As they say on Sesame Street: “Come and play, Everything’s A-Okay, Friendly neighbors there, That’s where we meet…”.
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy LuminoCity Eisenhower Park glitters throughout the holiday season with the arrival of LuminoCity.
The Weight Band
The Weight Band — helmed by by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band, and the guitarist who replaced Robbie Robertson — pays tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ensemble’s iconic, timeless and enduring 1968 album “Music from Big Pink.,” on the Paramount stage, Sunday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. The Weight Band, named for the classic The Band song “The Weight,” performs a rare and historic show showcasing the album in its entirety, along with outtakes and other favorites by The Band. The concert also include cuts from their latest album “Shines Like Gold,” a dynamic set of classic Americana that draws upon roadhouse rock, funky swamp pop, blues, country soul, and folk music. The band interprets and honors the legacy of “Music from Big Pink,” which changed rock and roll forever. The Band drummer Levon Helm inspired Weider to launch The Weight Band in 2013, as a vehicle for carrying on The Band’s iconic sound. Frontman Weider, a Woodstock native who joined The Band in 1985 and was a member until 2000, was also a member of the Levon Helm Band.
Originating inside Helm’s famed Woodstock barn Weider was inspired to carry on the musical legacy of the iconic group. Years of touring have seen The Weight Band revive “The Woodstock Sound,” keeping the spirit of Americana/Roots Rock alive. He is joined by keyboardist Brian Mitchell (Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band), bassist Albert Rogers (Jim Weider Band, Jimmy Vivino), drummer Michael Bram (Jason Mraz) and keyboardist Matt Zeiner (Dickey Betts). The veteran quintet shares a deep appreciation and knowledge for this music, which Weider describes as the “Woodstock Sound.” The Weight Band continues to serve as its torchbearer, with “Shines Like Gold” representing a sublime example of these masterful roots musicians at work. They continue to keep the sound vibrant by releasing new music. Replicating the music of The Band would be a tall order, but interpreting it is an art. The songs The Band created have pleased audiences for decades, and The Weight Band has found a way to honor the legacy while creating its own sound with original works that complement that legacy. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
In concert
Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes Andy Cooney with his “Irish Celebration,” Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. Cooney’s outstanding voice and dynamic stage have filled the rafters of Lincoln Center and The National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a variety of songs directly to the hearts of the audience.
Cooney is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on the Irish music scene today. Christened “Irish America’s Favorite Son” by The New York Times, it is a title he richly deserves. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Ask the tech guy
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop? Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. to get answers to your pressing tech questions. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachPL.org.
Animation Afternoon Movie Series
All ages will enjoy Long Beach Public Library’s new movie series, Thursday, Nov. 21, 4-6 p.m., showing Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” The popular film returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new emotions!
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachPL. org.
Mah Jongg club
Do you play Mah Jongg and want to meet other community members who play? Join in the game, at Long Beach Library, Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the auditorium. Practice your skills and have fun while you do it. Bring your own Mah Jongg tiles. 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. com or call (516) 432-7201.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MARY MARKS, RON MARKS AKA RON EVAN MARKS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 3, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 47 East Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 99, Lot 61-64. Approximate amount of judgment $1,405,702.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600924/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Fay Mattana, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-005692 82952 149677
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT
SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., CSMC MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6, Plaintiff - against - MAGGIE HEYMAN, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 10, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 3rd
day of December, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 259 West Hudson Street, Long Beach, NY 11561.
(Section: 59, Block: 55, Lot: 50 and 51)
Approximate amount of lien $894,882.67 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 010922/2013.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: October 20, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
149671
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York
State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 11/20/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
690/24. POINT LOOKOUT - Christopher Connolly, Variances, lot are occupied, front yard
average setback, side yard, side yards aggregate, rear yard, construct 3-story dwelling with 2nd & 3rd floor decks, roof deck & 2 a/c units on platform attached to dwelling., E/s Freeport Ave., 118.29’ S/o Bayside Dr., a/k/a 6 Freeport Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Point Lookout within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 149964
To place a
at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstMATTHEW HENRY, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 19, 2023, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and MATTHEW HENRY, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 671 EAST WALNUT STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-185-68, 69 & 70. 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, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 603252/2018. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150032
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1, Plaintiff, AGAINST UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF SARAH WARD MOORE A/K/A SARAH WARD A/K/A SARAH MOORE, DANIELLE COPELAND A/K/A DANIELLE MOORE AS NEXT OF KIN AND HEIR AT LAW OF SARAH WARD MOORE A/K/A SARAH WARD A/K/A SARAH MOORE, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on July 19, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM premises known as 157 W Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 59, Block 69 and Lot 50, 51, 52. Approximate amount of judgment $872,190.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #602521/2019. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 149956
City officials, PSEG, chamber members and local photographers joined Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer, of Artists in Partnership, Inc., and Ronda Gale, the artist behind the planters along Park Avenue.
Keeping up on beautifying Long Beach
Linda Herman from PSEG Long Island joined Long Beach City Manager Dan Creighton and Deputy City Manager Phil Ragona, Artists in Partnership, Inc. Director Johanna MathiesonEllmer, members of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and painter and artist Ronda Gale and the local photographers whose work inspired the planter paintings for a “tour” of the six planters on East Park Ave.
The project was funded through a PSEG Long Island Outdoor Commerce
and Beautification Grant secured by AIP, and executed by renowned artist and professional tattooist, Gale. The City of Long Beach and CSEA workers provided and planted day lilies, adding the finishing touch to each of the planters.
If you’d like to learn more about future initiatives, check out the AIP website at AIP4Arts.org or join them at an open general meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, TheLongBeachChamber.com.
New location, same local doctor
For years, Dr. Matt Cohen has been a staple in Long Beach pediatrics. He’s not only treated families, but has made impacts in their lives as well. Now, he’s moved to a bigger location, across the street, where the old Sorrento’s used to be, at 255 W. Park Ave. The new spot has much more space and a newer feel, but the care won’t change.
Courtesy Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer
Brendan Carpenter/Herald
Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen
Assistant Business Administrator Position
The Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen is seeking an Assistant Business Administrator for an immediate opening. The successful candidate must possess a valid NYS SBA, SDBL, SDA, or SDL certification. The incumbent will assist the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Human Resources in all aspects of school business administration. The primary responsibilities include:
• Managing the District’s financial accounting system and procedures, processing accounting transactions, and preparing related month end/year end reports.
• Assisting in the preparation of the annual budget and related reports, responsible for grant recording and reporting.
• Managing the transportation process and responsible for the day-to-day transportation administration of the district.
• Maintain capital project files and ensure reporting of state aid forms on a timely basis for state aid. Coordinating all required reporting for audits and ST-3 filings. They assist in tuition billing, preparing cash flows as needed for necessary borrowings, develop regulations and processes to support Board of Education policies, assist in the supervision of certified and classified staff.
Administrative experience and Certified Public Accountant Preferred; proficiency in Microsoft products is required, incumbent should be an independent thinker and motivated self-starter.
All interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to stayal@valleystream13.com or apply on OLAS. Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen is
or
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DELI COUNTER HELP: Overnight Position 10pm-6am/ 2pm-10pm/ All Shifts. Experienced Preferred. Oceanside 24Hr. Bagel 516-678-7070
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable
Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS:
Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
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
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
Eldercare
HomesHERALD
Dealing with the postSandy bureaucracy
TApartments For Rent
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Q. I saw an article about auditing government by our state comptroller and wondered if you saw how he outlined waste and mishandling federal and state funds, in recovering from Superstorm Sandy. He cited gaps in program “oversight.” Were you aware of problems? We got funds from the New York Rising program. It was an ordeal we hope to never repeat. Like our neighbors, our house was raised, but they got more money without questions. We received a letter demanding $20,000 back, claiming funds were misused. Our neighbor built an illegal ground-floor family room with a wet bar, yet we were told we could only have storage, for example, and the state didn’t even say anything when they passed inspection. Did you see that people were treated differently, and is there any recourse?
A. Since the program has ended, I doubt that you can appeal. For 10 years after the storm I made many observations of the ways in which the officials at each level handled the specifics of insisting on everything from plastic laminate countertops versus quartz or granite, the waste of every property separately surveyed for groundwater depth, the use of the ground floor and the changes in whether you could have a window or door opening, and even whether you could have masonry steps when the program only allowed for wood steps, which were destined to need maintenance or replacement in a short period of time. There were many ways a design professional like me, working with the recipients of the funds, like you, could have helped to make the programs more efficient, safer, and less expensive for the government, but each time I tried to contact the fund management, my input was ignored. I met with the national head of FEMA while I was filming a documentary about disasters in Moore, Oklahoma, as well state legislators and our local New York Rising program director. In each case I got a business card and a “Shoot me an email and we’ll talk,” but never any follow-up.
I saw that it was a complete waste to ask homeowners to separately pay for groundwater testing on their property, for $1,000 to $2,500, in order to qualify for house-raising when an organized agency could have saved millions of dollars by getting testing done up and down entire blocks, mobilizing the testing company to come to a block once instead of randomly testing next-door neighbors’ properties a day apart. I was working with five neighbors at one time, and tried to get a state and local adviser to review procedures and applications in a single meeting, only to be told that one would meet on a Wednesday, the next the following week and squeeze another in by the month’s end.
And, yes, I witnessed many differences in people’s treatment and how cases were handled, and I could not get an explanation when appealing on behalf of a homeowner. Perhaps the Homes and Community Renewal Agency can advise. Good luck!
Monte
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A call for tolerance amid the acrimony
Aweek and a half removed from the conclusion of the profoundly exasperating 2024 election cycle, it is abundantly clear that the political temperature remains at an unprecedented high.
sCoTT
Constructive discourse seems nonexistent. Divisive rhetoric and finger-pointing have emerged as the standards of the day, and the pendulum has swung far away from working together across the political spectrum to build consensus for the greater good. This unsustainable climate is driving us down the dead-end road of acrimony and dysfunction.
We must all recognize this moment as a time for introspection and taking personal responsibility for the direction in which we move forward. As our emo-
tions settle, we should consider the legacy that we will leave for the next generation and reflect on what we can do to create a better path of promise for the future for those who follow.
In recognizing the magnitude of this moment in our political history, it is imperative to consider focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. At our core, I believe we all share similar fundamental desires: to be able to live in an affordable, safe community where we, our families, and loved ones are treated with dignity and respect and can thrive, live authentically, and become the best versions of ourselves. We may have different customs, attend different religious institutions or celebrate in different ways, but the reality is this: We share more similarities than differences.
We must tamp down the divisive rhetoric that permeates our discourse.
ideals of tolerance and constructive problem-solving. Developing a willingness to listen and consider the possibility that an alternate way of thinking on an issue may have value is essential, and as a first step, I encourage everyone across the political spectrum to see how we can do better and contribute toward achieving this outcome.
seize on the work of forging a positive path for the next generation. Everyone is exhausted by the current political climate. We can and must do our part to work together, in order to give us all a better chance to live our best lives in a society where everyone is valued and protected.
Changing the toxic political climate starts with each one of us taking a long look in the mirror and embracing the
At this time of tremendous division, we must all renew our willingness to consider the legitimacy of differing perspectives and seek common ground on which reasonable people can begin to build a consensus. Start by focusing on something you can agree on and build from there. This isn’t an easy task, but it is a necessary one. We won’t always agree, but we must not always disagree. Even within our own families, we don’t concur on everything, but we move forward together.
With the holiday season fast approaching, now is an ideal time to
Our first task in this vital pursuit is tamping down the divisive rhetoric and intolerance that permeates our discourse. By focusing on understanding, empathy and bridge-building, we can pave the way for more united communities as we build a future that is inclusive, respectful of differences, and focused on creating solutions that benefit everyone.
Let’s come together — not as adversaries, but as neighbors and fellow citizens — and work toward a future in which our shared values and common goals guide us to a stronger and more resilient future. We are all better when we work together.
Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.
L.I. urgently needs sustainable waste management
As Long Island grows, so does the stress on the region’s infrastructure, resources and properties. With nearly 3 million residents calling Nassau and Suffolk counties home, Long Island is facing a waste management crisis of unprecedented proportions.
Long Island produces approximately 7 million tons of waste annually. This immense volume, comprising everything from household trash to commercial and construction debris, is straining a region that is already stretching its waste management infrastructure upsettingly thin. And with the imminent closure of the Brookhaven Landfill, the region’s last major landfill, the crisis will only escalate, underscoring the critical need for sustainable solutions — particularly waste-to-energy systems — to address the growing environmental and logistical pressures. There’s no other way to put it, really: Current waste management practices on Long Island are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Landfills are a dead end. They’re shutting down all over the Northeast,
forcing waste to be transported farther and farther — an ecological and environmental catastrophe burdening residents, businesses and municipalities alike. Long-distance transportation of waste adds to traffic congestion, exponentially increases the likelihood of illegal dumping, pollutes the air, and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions.
Long Island urgently needs a more sustainable waste management strategy.
region’s energy needs in a sustainable manner.
W
e can no longer rely on outdated methods that damage our environment.
Reworld, a leader in sustainable waste solutions for over three decades, offers a solution to this growing crisis. With four strategically located thermomechanical treatment facilities — in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma — we’ve been instrumental in helping Long Island manage its waste more efficiently. These facilities are waste ecosystems, and employ a variety of sustainable capabilities that extract valuable resources from what many of us toss in our kitchen bins at home.
For example, each of these facilities houses waste-to-energy technology. By converting waste into renewable energy, we reduce the Island’s reliance on landfills while simultaneously generating electricity, thus contributing to the
Throughout our more than 30 years on Long Island, we’ve been focused on working with community groups and environmental advocates to lead the way in developing and implementing advanced solutions to help the region achieve its environmental goals. The journey toward a sustainable future, however, is a collective one. It requires the active participation of residents, businesses and municipalities in waste reduction, recycling and support for sustainable waste management practices.
Our commitment to sustainability also extends to our metalrecovery services, where we recycle over 60,000 tons of ferrous and non-ferrous materials each year. To put this in perspective, the recovered metal could form a chain of paperclips that wraps around the Earth 85 times. This dedication to resource recovery highlights our mission to minimize waste and maximize the value of discarded materials.
For example, improper disposal of medications, whether flushed or thrown away, can lead to pharmaceutical contamination of groundwater, potentially affecting both the environment and public health. That’s why we partner with
municipalities throughout the year across Long Island to help organize pharmaceutical take-back events. This gives residents a way to safely and responsibly dispose of expired and unused prescription drugs. By facilitating proper disposal methods, Reworld and its municipal partners are helping reduce the risk of contamination, and help keep our communities safe and healthy by protecting critical infrastructure.
In addition to community programming, Reworld is also driving innovation in sustainable waste solutions on Long Island by implementing new technology at our facilities. We’ve developed advanced thermal-treatment methods and integrated high-efficiency combustion systems with cutting-edge environmental controls. Our Long Island plants operate with an unprecedented level of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Long Island stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our waste management infrastructure. We can no longer rely on outdated methods that damage our environment and strain our communities. By embracing sustainable practices, we can reduce landfill dependency, lower our carbon footprint and create a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.
Adel Omrani is president, East Region, of Reworld.
M. DAVis
oMrAni
Herald editorial
Delivering quality journalism matters most
last week’s news that The Newark Star-Ledger will cease its print edition and become digitalonly in February offers an opportunity to reflect on how quality journalism best serves our communities today.
The Star-Ledger’s shift, along with similar moves by other newspapers in New Jersey, reflects the complex reality facing modern newsrooms. But rather than seeing this as a choice between print and digital, let’s focus on what research consistently shows: Different formats serve different purposes, and many readers benefit from both.
Print newspapers continue to command exceptional trust and engagement. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that readers retain information better from print, and advertisers see stronger results from print campaigns. There’s something uniquely focused about the experience of reading a physical newspaper — the thoughtful progression through its pages, the serendipitous discoveries, the natural hierarchy that helps readers understand what matters
letters
Affordable housing tops the list of L.I.’s problems
To the Editor:
I’m writing in response to the editorial “The Herald’s pact with you” (Oct. 31-Nov. 6), in which you ask, “What are the topics you care about?”
There are many problems affecting Nassau County, Long Island, New York state and the United States that I care about, but the one I find myself coming back to more than any other is housing, specifically the availability of affordable housing.
I live in Point Lookout, a community that has gentrified enormously since my parents bought a home here in 1957, for which they paid $17,500, taking a 10-year mortgage. It’s great for me, I guess, that my home has appreciated in value astronomically, but, in my opinion, not so good overall for the people of Long Island.
One of my daughters struggled to find somewhere to live on her own nearby, finally settling into part of a home in another Nassau County community, paying rent that’s at the very limit of what she can afford. And this is typical. As individuals and families struggle to pay their mortgages and property taxes, there are close to zero apartments and mixed-use developments being built.
In Long Beach, just down the road from Point Lookout, there are innumerable, mostly illegal apartments in homes, despite the periodic statements of various Long Beach officials
most. Digital platforms, meanwhile, excel at breaking news and interactive graphics.
The most successful news organizations today recognize that different stories, and different moments, call for different platforms.
At the Herald, we see firsthand how print and digital complement each other. Breaking news might first appear online, and then our print editions provide the context, analysis and depth that help readers truly understand issues affecting their communities. Each platform serves its purpose, and together they create a more informed community.
The future of news isn’t about choosing digital over print, or vice versa — it’s about delivering quality journalism through whatever channels best serve you, our readers. There’s no doubt that news will eventually be delivered by a technology that doesn’t even exist yet, and that’s OK.
Local newspapers, regardless of format, serve as champions of community achievements, watchdogs of public officials and chroniclers of the stories that
matter most to our readers. Whether you’re holding a printed page or scrolling on a screen, what matters most is the quality of the journalism you’re reading.
At the Herald, our commitment has remained unchanged for many decades: to provide trustworthy, impactful journalism that serves the people of Long Island. We’ll continue investing in both print and digital delivery, recognizing that our readers benefit from having choices in how they consume news. And, of course, we always want to hear from you about how we can serve you and your communities better.
The future of journalism depends not on the medium but on the continued support of readers who value quality local news. Whether you prefer print or digital, or both, your engagement helps ensure that professional journalism continues to thrive in our communities. Tell your friends and family to subscribe to their local newspapers, wherever in the world they live.
We look forward to being your trusted source of local news for years to come.
promising a crackdown on such apartments.
The opposition to building more housing on Long Island is fierce. Look what happened last year to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to encourage the construction of more housing throughout the state.
Local politicians rant and rave about how apartments and multi-unit developments near transit hubs will destroy the suburban character of Nassau County — as if developers were looking to build huge apartments in residential neighborhoods!
tour neighbors, work
tribute about and more Despite challenges sense of many That’s community humbled ty the p
— while our young people and families who cannot afford to buy homes have almost no options for housing. Cowardly town, county and state politicians serve only their own self-interest in being re-elected, and do nothing to address this problem. And our young people, and others, continue to leave Long Island due to the lack of housing options.
MICHAEL CrAvEN Point Lookout
canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
topinions Reflecting on progress and looking ahead
hank you. Over the past two years, I have had the incredible honor of traveling throughout the 9th Senate District to meet our neighbors, to see the extraordinary work they’re doing to serve and contribute to our communities, and to hear about the challenges and struggles they face every day. As a mother and a small-business owner, I’m all too familiar with many of these challenges — inflation and the increasingly high cost of living, concerns about public safety and antisemitism, and helping our children navigate a seemingly more and more troubled world.
Despite how insurmountable these challenges appear, there is almost a sense of comfort in knowing that so many of us are facing them together. That’s why I sought to be a voice for our community two years ago, and why I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity the residents of the district have
given me to continue advocating for them in Albany for the next two years.
With the 2025 state legislative session quickly approaching, I am committed to ensuring that the priorities and concerns of the residents of our communities are heard in the Capitol. I will continue to highlight the experiences my constituents share with me to help make the case for tackling the issues impacting everyday New Yorkers. It is imperative that lawmakers return to Albany with a focus on lowering costs and combating the affordability crisis head-on.
ilong-term if they ultimately decide to resume this disastrous proposal. rather than further burdening New Yorkers with more taxes and costly mandates, we need to rein in state spending to drive down the costs of goods and utilities.
t’s clear that residents don’t like policies that result from oneparty control.
After years of control by a one-party supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature, and after two consecutive budgets that included a billion-dollar-or-more handout to New York City’s selfimposed migrant crisis, New York voters have rejected the State Senate’s supermajority. It’s clear that residents aren’t in favor of the tax-and-spend policies that have resulted from one-party control, and gimmicks like pausing the congestion pricing tax on commuters shortly before an election won’t work
Letters
Not giving in to ‘our season of despair’
To the Editor:
I hope that Nov. 5, 2024, is not a date that will live in infamy, but I must express my justifiable concerns. I don’t fear the boogeyman in the closet. I fear a reality that may occur.
Hello, America: This is the time to say, “Oops, shoulda not done that.” This may be the season of our regret and despair. At the risk of sounding Cassandra-like, I fear for our democratic nation, I fear for our personal safety and I fear for our future.
Let’s start with our new leader, Donald Trump, awaiting sentencing on his criminal charges. How will the judicial system honor the decisions of the jurors? What will he do in the cases of the Capitol rioters? He could grant all or some of them pardons. What actions might he take on his first day in office? Which programs will he sign into law?
At risk are female reproductive rights, tariffs that could possibly raise the price of marketplace goods, more laws against vulnerable and targeted populations and the empowering of those who promote false science and other highly dubious theo-
ries. Many of us are concerned about what could happen to our health care and Social Security benefits. Will they change, possibly with decreases that will seriously impact an aging population? And, of course, there is the issue of border security, with its parallel implications of a ready labor market.
Like many of my fellow citizens, I hope that President-elect Trump doesn’t violate long-held democratic traditions and implement authoritarian governance.
I am worried about him using his platform to praise authoritarian leaders while demeaning our democratic allies. I am also concerned about him using pejorative and threatening language with his perceived enemies. We who feel abandoned and in despair must stand strong, and must continue to make our voices heard through democratic means and processes. We must persist in speaking for the disenfranchised, so the liberties we have known and hope to preserve for future generations are not deserted and forgotten. This is our America — let us continue to carry the torch illuminating a better life for all, and not give in to our season of despair.
MIrEILLE TAub Freeport
In the years since shortsighted bail reform policies went into effect in 2020, New Yorkers have been clamoring to restore common sense to our judicial system. That’s why the very first bill I introduced was intended to return judicial discretion, and allow judges to consider whether a defendant poses a threat to the community when setting bail, a common-sense practice allowed by 49 states and the federal government, but prohibited in New York.
Antisemitism, which once lurked mostly in the shadows, has reared its head in public, yet state lawmakers in the majority didn’t take action on any of the proposals laid out by my colleagues and me in the Antisemitism Working Group report.
While it may be a challenge — one that I welcome — to persuade some of
my colleagues across the aisle to change course by lowering costs for New Yorkers and empowering law enforcement and our judicial system to keep our communities safe, I am optimistic about the opportunities to work with lawmakers of all stripes to combat the youth mental health crisis. Last year, bipartisan legislation I cosponsored to protect children from harmful social media algorithms was signed into law. I hope to build on this progress and bolster access to mental health services in our schools.
It is unlikely that New York’s problems will be fixed overnight, and there will no doubt be further challenges in getting our state back on the right track, but every day I am inspired by the stories from friends and neighbors who help make our communities a better place to live. It is these stories, these friends and these neighbors who motivate me to serve them. So I want to thank you not only for the support and the opportunity to continue serving as your state senator, but also for everything you do — big and small — to add to those communities to make them the best places call home. Thank you.
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th Senate District.
Framework by Tim Baker
Bellmore Girl Scout Troop 965 visits the Herald — Garden City