Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 08-08-2024

Lynbrook/east rockaway

371 Sunrise Hwy. Lynbrook 917-781-4186

Recalling a remarkable recovery story

By lYlE MARK BUl ADo

Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow illuminated its iconic tower in purple on July 27, commemorating the life-saving journey of Lynbrook resident Adam Schwam, a local businessman and entrepreneur who nearly died in a horrific accident 37 years ago.

On July 27, 1987, at age 16, Schwam was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident as the driver with his friend, Chris Narciso, as the passenger.

“We were going to rent a movie from Pick a Flick Video,” Schwam recalled.

lwas shattered. I had a compound fracture of my femur, so the bone came out of the skin, and my leg was folded up backwards.”

ife is like rock ’n’ roll — it flows. Live in the moment and enjoy it now.

ADAM SchwAM

Accident survivor

The accident occurred on Franklin Avenue in Lynbrook when a car made a left turn, hitting Schwam and leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

“I blacked out, and when I woke up, my head was cocked over, and my right leg was next to my head,” he said. “My face

Following the accident, Schwam was airlifted to NUMC, suffering from arrhythmia as well as his injuries. Doctors and surgeons at the hospital restored his heart rhythm, performed multiple surgeries and put him in the intensive care unit to save his life. Narciso was taken to then Franklin General Hospital (now Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, a part of Northwell Health) with minor injuries. Over the years the two lost contact.

“I had amnesia for months,” Schwam said, describing the dream-like state he experienced. “Everything is in slowmotion. I only felt pain for probably 10 seconds. Either I was in shock or because of head trauma.”

NUMC’s medical profession-

Continued on pAge 4

Courtesy David Conn

Lynbrook resident Adam Schwam rebuilt his life after suffering severe injuries in a motorcycle accident 37 years ago.

Students inducted into technical honor society

More than 100 students from 31 school districts in Nassau were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society this year. Five of these honorees came from the Lynbrook and East Rockaway school districts.

Lynbrook students Yahira Nanyanzi and Omar Reyes are both medical assisting students; Amiya Farrington is studying early childhood education; Ariana Canepa, is learning retail and business Skills. East Rockaway student, Erin Lynch, is a medical assisting student.

The students have achieved this prestigious honor through exemplary scholastic performance, dedicated community service and strong support from their teachers.

Being inducted into the NTHS is a significant achievement, as it represents the pinnacle of excellence in career and technical education. The technical honor society is renowned for recognizing students who display exceptional qualities such as honesty, leadership, responsibility and good character. The students truly embody the NTHS vision that “success favors the prepared

mind,” BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) officials said in a news release.

BOCES provides shared educational programs and services to school districts.

The NTHS is widely acknowledged by business,

industry, and educational institutions as the benchmark for student success and leadership in career and technical fields. Membership in the honor society not only highlights students’ achievements but also provides them with valuable

benefits, including personalized letters of recommendation for employment, college admissions, and scholarships.

The students’ diplomas and training certificates are stamped with the official NTHS seal, further underscor-

ing their accomplishments, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these outstanding students and their commitment to excellence.

— Justin McKenzie

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Amiya Farrington, left, Ariana Canepa, Omar Reyes and Yahira Nanyanzi, a along with Erin Lynch, not pictured, were among the over 100 Nassau County BOCES high school students who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Students have an ‘arr’some time at Pirate Day

The Lynbrook Summer Playground’s Pirate Day was a success on July 19 as students came ready with eye patches, hook hands, bandanas, and more, signaling a day of fun.

Each year, the Summer Playground welcomes all Lynbrook Public Schools students and Village of Lynbrook children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Kicking off the festivities at Marion Street and West End elementary schools, students showed off their pirate costumes in an exciting parade. Afterward, shipmates cooled down with ices and gathered for a variety of activities of their own choosing, including baseball and soccer games, a run through the sprinklers, and fun on the schools’ playgrounds.

Since opening this summer, students at Summer Playground have also tie-dyed shirts, taken regular trips to Woodmere Lanes for bowling, participated in interactive martial arts lessons, and enjoyed a game-filled carnival day. Soon, they will show their skills in a talent show and compete in the Summer Playground Olympics.

— Ben Fiebert

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Students got inventive with their costumes for the Lynbrook Summer Playground’s Pirate Day on July 19.

Games such as basketball were enjoyed among older and younger peers. At West End, students danced in coordinated rhythm.

Sprinklers are always a great way to cool off at the Summer Playground.

Students had fun recording a synchronized dance.

Smiles shine bright as friends gather for the fun.

Accident survivor built a successful business

als played a crucial role in Schwam’s recovery, he said.

“There were a bunch of doctors and staff, and the care was great,” he said.

Over the past three decades, Schwam has faced numerous medical challenges, and has undergone multiple cosmetic surgeries to reconstruct his jaw and cheekbones. In 2018 he had his knee replaced and his “leg rebuilt,” he said. Despite these hardships, he found motivation to persevere.

“They had me on painkillers back then, and I never went back to high school,” he said. “I never finished high school.”

Nevertheless, Schwam turned his life around, founding Sandwire Technology Group, which is based in Farmingdale, in 1998 and serving as its president. The purple that illuminated NUMC’s tower holds special significance for Schwam because it is the company color of Sandwire,

“Purple is my favorite color — it makes me smile,” Schwam said.

The lighting event symbolizes his gratitude for the care he received and his journey of resilience.

Schwam’s experiences have profoundly influenced his leadership at his company. He likened running his business to managing a hospital, with emergencies and critical operations happening daily.

with meg r yan, nassau university medical Center’s interim president and chief executive, on July 27, before a special lighting ceremony that recognized his life-saving journey.

“Nothing is more important to the success of your business than the functionality of your IT systems,” he said. Schwam’s commitment to service and his understanding of emergencies shape his approach to business, where failure is not an option.

Schwam continues to balance his role as a businessman with his personal life in Lynbrook — he said he is happily married to his wife of 25 years, Marisa, and they have two daughters, Allie, 22, and Ava, 19. Schwam’s success has always been

driven by his love for his family and his community. He is a member of Long Island Elite, a group dedicated to using business influence for community service.

“Our mission is philanthropy and business,” Schwam said, highlighting the group’s annual masquerade ball that has raised more than $2 million for charity.

Schwam said he wants to expand Sandwire beyond Long Island. “The height of the bar isn’t set,” he said of taking it national.

His partnership with a company in Iowa marks the beginning of this journey.

“Psychology first, business second, and technology third — that’s the recipe in our business for success,” Schwam added.

His near-death experience and the long journey of recovery have deeply shaped Schwam’s perspective on resilience and optimism.

“You can survive anything,” Schwam said. “I feel that there is no problem that can’t be solved, nothing that can’t be cured. It’s taught me to understand pain and compassion. I can live through it and hope others can too.”

Reflecting on his journey, Schwam’s message is clear: “Life is like rock ’n’ roll — it flows. Live in the moment and enjoy it now.”

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Leaving a Vacation Home to Family

We all know the road to you know where is paved with good intentions. Nowhere is this more true than leaving a vacation or beach home for the children to share after the parents have passed. We have often advised that if they are all happy and get along well this might very well lead to the end of those good feelings and relationships.

Inevitably, some will do more work on the premises than others, some will use the premises more than others, there will be disagreements as to maintenance and repairs. Some may never visit or use it at all.

Initially, all expenses tend to be shared equally, since all are equal owners. The foregoing issues, however, will quickly arise and then it will often be difficult or impossible to determine what each child’s fair share of the expenses should be. The one living across the country who never visits may insist that they be “bought out” or, if that’s unaffordable to the others, that the house be sold so that they can get their share.

Sooner or later, one of the siblings dies

and their share goes to a sister-in-law or brother-in-law who may remarry and bring a stranger into the shared arrangement. Or let’s say an owner of one-third of the house dies, and now their share goes to their four children. How is that going to work?

Vacation homes are an excellent example of why good estate planning is often more social work than legal work. In these cases we anticipate the problems and spend the time to figure out who wants and uses the home and perhaps leave it to those children only and compensate the others with money or other assets. If they all use and enjoy the home, we sometimes require that it be held jointly with the right of survivorship, allowing the last of the joint owners to decide who to leave it to.

While the possibilities are endless, each case should be looked at and thought through so as to keep harmony in the family by preempting any potential conflicts. Otherwise, it’s often a case of the old adage that “no good deed goes unpunished”.

Courtesy David Conn

adam Schwam

Spotted lanternflies seen all across Long Island

By Jenna Stanco Intern

There is a new resident species on Long Island, and it might be making itself at home in backyards across the region. Since 2020, New York State has identified spotted lanternflies throughout the island, all boroughs, and areas upstate, despite various efforts to control the population.

Spotted lanternflies are a species of planthoppers, insects known for jumping from one plant to another, feeding on plant juices. They are native to eastern Asia and are believed to have come to the US on a stone shipment to Pennsylvania, according to a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Since their presumed arrival in 2012, the bugs have established survival and perseverance throughout the Northeast. They were first identified in New York on Staten Island, but now can be found all throughout Nassau County by the tens of thousands.

“There are concerns that the spotted lanternflies feed on agricultural species, and also both non-native and native plants,” said Jane Jackson from the North Shore Land Alliance. She explained that the future of the local ecosystem “remains to be determined” if the species is not controlled.

The insects can be recognized in distinct phases throughout their year-long life cycle but are most notably apparent by their white spots and jumping movements. Smaller, newly hatched lanternflies, called nymphs, begin to appear in May. As the insect grows and the summer unfolds, they become larger, eventually taking on their distinctive red coloration. Around late July to mid-August, you can begin to recognize the lanternfly in its adult form - gray wings and black spots. The bugs typically live until December and lay their eggs in the fall.

The State Agriculture Department has considered the species to be invasive and “has taken an aggressive approach to managing SLF in New York State, including conducting surveys of high-risk areas across the State, implementing an external quarantine that restricts the movement of goods brought into New York from quarantined areas, inspecting nursery stock, stone shipments, and commercial transports from those quarantine areas, and launching a comprehensive education and outreach campaign to enlist the public’s help in reporting SLF,” according to Hanna Birkhead, the associate director of public information.

The Department works closely with the United States Department of Agriculture, the New York State Department of Environment Conservation, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation in responding to the presence of the bugs.

The insects can be found outside feeding on plants, particularly the tree of heaven, an invasive deciduous tree species also native to Asia. They tend to con-

Courtesy Humane Long Island

For over a decade, spotted lanternflies have been spreading across the Northeast, potentially disrupting native flora and fauna species.

gregate and are known to suck the sap out of their plant of choice, though they only really do damage to plant species that are also considered invasive, according to John Di Leonardo, president of Humane Long Island, the leading animal advocacy organization on Long Island.

“I think that spotted lanternflies are here to stay,” Di Leonardo explains. “They’re just trying to survive, and honestly, they’re consuming a lot of nonnative plants. If we’re saying non-native is bad, invasive is bad, then we can be happy that these guys are helping clear out the tree of heavens while they’re here.”

Despite the insect’s potentially helpful nature, the state agriculture department continues to implement control measures to help combat the perseverance of the species. Emily Ordonez of the department’s public information office explains that if you are to spot any of the spotted lanternflies in Nassau County, the appropriate response is to squash or step on them.

“SLF threatens the agriculture and forestry industries, including apples, grapes, hops, maple, walnut, and others, and is also a nuisance pest. SLF nymphs and adults feed on over 70 different plants with piercing-sucking mouthparts,” Ordonez said. “With each female SLF eliminated, we are theoretically reducing next year’s population of SLF by 60-100, so we very much appreciate everyone doing their part to stop this pest.”

Despite this, the population growth of the spotted lanternflies in the Northeast during recent years can be considered unmanageable and attempts to continue eradicating the bugs are “a fool’s errand,” according to Humane Long Island.

Di Leonardo said various attempts to spray chemicals and set traps to damage the insects do more harm to the environment than the bugs themselves do. “There was a lot of misinformation going out there that these animals are somehow harmful to humans, to many native plants, to pets, but all of that, pretty much, has been debunked,” said Di Leonardo. “They were originally saying that we were in danger of losing mature hardwood and forest to these animals. Now, you know, while they may feed on some of these, they pose almost no danger to them. The plants nearly always recover, with the exception of the tree of heaven and other invasive species.”

Beach wrestling returns to Long Beach

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Sunbathing, surfing and maybe even a few sandcastles took a back seat last Saturday as a wresting tournament with nearly 250 participants dominated a steamy summer day in Long Beach.

The [Reggie] Jones & [Paul] Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament, the second of its kind on the sand at Edwards Boulevard Beach since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, honored those two legendary coaches and “ran smoothly,” organizer Miguel Rodriguez said.

“It was such an incredible day and the city of Long Beach was a huge help,” said Rodriguez, a longtime member of the Long Beach High School wrestling program coaching staff who competed for the Marines from 1997-99 and took part in a handful of beach wrestling events himself.

“We were hoping for 100 wresters and ended up with close to 250,” he added. “It was a lot of work and took a lot of people to make it possible. The day turned out just perfect. We hadn’t hosted one in nine years, but this was the best-run tournament we’ve had in a long time and honored some special people.”

In addition to coaches Jones and Gillespie, the tournament was dedicated to late Long Beach wrestlers and graduates Lazar LaPenna, Joshua Encarnacion and Michael Berube. Three of the event’s four wrestling rings was named in their

honor, Rodriguez said.

While there was no shortage of high school varsity and JV, and middle school-aged competitors, Rodriguez noted the ages ranged from kindergartners through 55.

Dylan Martinsen, a 2019 Long Beach High School graduate, won the 172-pound weight group. His father, Kevin, 55, also competed. “I hadn’t wrestled since high school and it was really cool,” Dylan said.

“Everyone did a great job putting it together, and honoring the memories of the guys we’ve recently lost was touching.”

Each match consisted one of three-minute period and began in the neutral position — both wrestlers stood opposite one another in the center of the ring and waited for the referee’s whistle to start grappling. That was also the case for any restart, Rodriguez said. The first wrestler to score three points advanced. In the event of a tie at the end of three minutes, the wrestler who scored the last point was declared the winner.

“Most matches didn’t last the full three minutes, but one of the finals did,” Rodriguez said. “We had 14 different categories and about 50 first-place medals handed out.”

The goal moving forward, Rodriguez said, is to take the tournament up a notch on the beach wrestling stage. “Not only do we want to make this an annual event, but we’re hoping it can be a qualifier for the Beach World Series,” he said.

Arianna Balsamo, left, and Matthew Sarro were two of the nearly 250 wrestlers to flock to Long Beach to grapple on the sand in the East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament named after legendary coaches Reggie Jones and Paul Gillespie.

Michelle Ebel/Herald photos

Gregg LaPenna, left, and Kevin Martinsen were two of the elder competitors in last Saturday’s beach wrestling tournament.

Jack O’Grady, top, tussled with Tristan Doughertyse.

Mount Sinai’s emergency nurses are honored

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The Emergency Nurses Association has awarded the prestigious 2024 Lantern Award to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department.

The department staff received the award for reducing wait times and for demonstrating commitment to exceptional and innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The award is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, a trailblazing nurse and the founder of modern nursing, who was known by the nickname “Lady with the Lamp.”

MSSN’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department, along with emergency departments at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, are three of only 94 emergency departments across the United States that met the Lantern Award criteria this year, according to the hospital.

Colleen Schaefer, quality operations coordinator for South Nassau’s Emergency Department, submitted the application and the necessary data.

“This was brought forward by our former director, Christina Salucci, and another Mount Sinai emergency department received the award last year,” Schaefer said, “so we really pushed and came together as a department to apply for the award this year.”

Melissa Berman/Herald

For its teamwork and an enduring commitment to service excellence, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department was awarded the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award for reducing wait times and for innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The Emergency Department nurses found out they had won early last month.

in a key measurement of patient satisfaction and performance.

“This is a testament to the ED staff, especially the nurses, for the amazing work they do on a daily basis,” Itzkowitz said. “Talk about the care they provide to all the patients, the patient experience and the patients who want to come here. We are providing a service to the community that they want in that area.”

MSSN’s emergency room simultaneously reduced the “left without being seen” patient rate to below 2 percent and handled a significant increase in post-pandemic patient volume.

“It goes without saying how proud I am and excited to be part of this,” Itzkowitz added. “We know the amazing team that we have — it’s just a matter of time till we’re recognized for the amazing work that the nursing team provides.”

The Lantern Award also recognized the ongoing education and training of the nursing staff to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to societal needs.

Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, who is an emergency physician by background, said he was immensely proud of the ED staff and leadership.

Dr. Jay Itzkowitz, clinical chair of the department, helped implement a series of innovations that led to improvement

“I think for both leadership and staff, it just signifies how hard we’ve worked together as a department, and we experience growth and change,” Schaefer said. “Our staff is adapting excellent to that, and we’re making sure that we’re growing our team and providing safe patient care for all our patients.”

“It’s very rewarding to see it — it’s a good reflection on the culture in the ED and organization,” Sharma said. “This award is a great milestone, but the best is yet to come.”

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AI helps level the educational playing field

Embracing

new technologies like ‘adaptive learning’ is proving to be key

By Nicole Wagner & Danielle Schwab

Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.

While some educators have gotten acquainted with artificial intelligence hesitantly, many school districts across Nassau County have embraced the technological tool in the classroom. It’s no secret that AI is changing the academic landscape. Educators, parents and students are in a race to keep up with its abilities, and especially about how it can — and will — be used in education. A helpful visual representation of just how AI can help students is a ramp. Ramps are used in buildings to make different levels accessible to people who can’t climb steps. But many of those who can take the steps use ramps as well. AI can be seen as a tool that all students can use to make education more accessible and to serve their individual needs.

Meeting students where they are

The Franklin Square school district has embraced AI as a way to help individualize education for students from pre-K through sixth grade. District Superintendent Jared Bloom spoke with the Herald about the multitude of ways AI can help keep students engaged, tai-

loring lessons to their interests.

One tool that district students and parents have used is Goblin.Tools, an AI-powered site that can identify an essay’s key points if a student need to create a Power Point or poster board for a given assignment.

“You can even break those chunks into smaller chunks,” Bloom said. “So it really becomes manageable, and you can really understand what are the key components of that assignment.”

Another way in which AI can help teachers and students is by varying the reading level of a passage. This has been a welcome change for educators in Franklin Square, Bloom explained: 20 years ago, teachers had to find a handful of different reading passages for the various skill levels in their classrooms.

student’s interests, whether it be music, sports, art or anything else. “We know that when students are interested in a topic, they’re going to be more engaged and more open to learning,” Bloom said.

to keeping kids engaged

gling to understand a topic — and for families who can’t afford a home tutor.

“Now you can take one passage and run it through AI, and be able to hand that reading out to kids all on the same topic without having to go out and get new material,” Bloom said. “And that’s very helpful for students.”

The promise of personalization in any subject excites Bloom about AI. A fourth-grade math problem can be plugged into AI and personalized to a

Nassau County BOCES’ Special Education Department, which serves 1,800 students at 10 Nassau BOCES schools, is exploring AI’s potential in special education. Ken Kroog, assistant director of the department, said that AI can help students through what’s known as “adaptive learning.” During online assessments, AI tailors questions based on a student’s performance in real time.

“So let’s say if I answer correctly or achieve a certain level of proficiency, the subsequent questions will challenge me at a greater level,” Kroog explained. “So you get a real clear picture of where, exactly, I’m performing across the different skill areas.”

Students who are visually or audibly impaired can use tools like Otter.ai to transcribe a lecture to better understand what is going on in the classroom. Katherine Lewis, a disability counselor at Nassau Community College, said she uses this tool to help students. AI can be a great help for students who are strug-

“To be able to sit with your child and utilize some of these tools that are out there, free of charge, helping support an understanding of a particular topic, is pretty magical,” Bloom said.

Students at NCC can benefit from AI when the college’s learning centers are unavailable. Genette Alvarez-Ortiz, vice president of academic affairs, said she hoped it could be used around the clock to help students when staff are not accessible.

“In terms of availability, there are challenges with the evening coverage and weekend coverage,” Alvarez-Ortiz said of the college’s learning centers. “We may be able to look at AI as a possibility to help support our learning centers.”

Benefits that AI offers educators

Staff in the Franklin Square school district have reported that personalization and customization of lessons for students can “support students in new and different ways that we wouldn’t have been able to do as easily” without AI, according to Bloom. These tools help teachers save time when creating lesson plans.

“I’m really hopeful that we’re going to be able to get to that point where we’re utilizing AI to make everybody’s life a little bit better and easier,” he said,

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Nassau BOCES staffers have embraced the power of artificial intelligence to enhance student learning.

AI is changing education in so many ways

“and as a result of that, we’re customizing and personalizing for kids in ways that we wouldn’t have been able to do as quickly before.”

kind of both.”

Student reception

WBOCES educators have not only used AI tools as time-savers when creating lesson plans, but have also used them as “thought partners,” Kroog said. “It allows special educators to differentiate learning for students, customizing instruction for specific learning needs and leveraging their strengths to give them a very personalized, individualized learning experience,” he said.

This helps teachers in the Special Education Department at BOCES as they work on time-demanding aspects of their jobs, such as report writing and individualized education programs, or IEPs.

As an elementary-focused school district, Bloom said, Franklin Square’s students are using AI differently than a kindergarten-through-12th grade district would. However, the students who are able to use AI prompts have been very excited to embrace the tool. The district has been trying to give students a variety of opportunities to learn how to program, prompt AI, design video games and more to increase their exposure to different technologies.

e know that when students are interested in a topic, they’re going to be more engaged and more open to learning.

JAred Bloom Franklin Square superintendent

Rockville Centre school district Superintendent Matthew Gaven said he also believes AI can be used to tailor lessons to students’ needs.

“Computers and teachers have always given the diagnosis, but not always the prescription,” Gaven said. “Like, ‘How do you get better?’ So AI is

“That’s the world that they’re growing up in,” Bloom said. “We have to be preparing our kids for their future, for their tomorrow.”

In Rockville Centre, students in middle and high school have the chance to enroll in an elective AI course that uses the coding program kidOYO. Gaven said that students have embraced the elective courses that teach AI research at the middleschool level and prompting at the highschool level.

“Our students are going to have these tools embedded in their lives,” Gaven

said. “They need to know how to use them responsibly. They need to know what they’re good for and what they’re not good for. And then they need to know, you know, how do you take the stuff that AI generates and add value on top.”

What are its limitations?

AI does have its limitations. Teachers still need to vet its output to see what’s applicable and what’s not. It’s a process that Kroog believes requires human expertise to navigate.

The technology must comply with New York State Education Law 2-D, which protects students’ and teachers’ personal information.

“Educators need to know how to use them right for their own instruction, and then teach students how to use them responsibly to support their learning,” Kroog said. “And with that comes a lot of learning, a lot of training on our part, and then a lot of understanding of what AI can do and what it can’t do.”

Maintaining academic integrity while using AI is something Bloom is passionate about. “I believe that with enough support and with enough training, just like with the calculator, we’re going to be able to help students to see how it is a tool to improve learning, and not a tool to just get you the answer,” he said.

As Gaven sees it, the future looks

■ ChatForSchools.SkillStruck.com

■ Diffit.ai

■ Goblin.Tools

■ Firefly.Adobe.com

■ Canvas.com

■ Chat.Openai.com

■ Claude.ai

■ Gemini.Google.com

■ Perplexity.ai

■ Otter.ai

bright for the ways AI will be used to help students in the years to come. “If AI truly allows individual pathways for students — you know, really specifically tailored instruction, with the resources that support it,” he said, “then I think it’s going to be a tremendous help for all of our students, particularly our students with special needs.”

August 22 ND issue

ext. 250

Community gathers for annual barbecue

St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook host summertime festivities

The St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus Council No. 2228 in Lynbrook hosted its annual barbecue on Aug. 3, bringing together community members of all ages for a day of fun and festivities.

The event featured a variety of different attractions, including carnival games, music, food and much more to ensure fun and entertainment for everyone.

During the annual barbecue, attendees enjoyed an array of delicious food, as the aroma of fresh grilled foods filled the air. The menu included several summertime barbecue staples such as burgers, hot dogs, and a selection of refreshing drinks to keep everyone cool in the heat.

Music could be heard playing throughout the afternoon, providing a lively backdrop for families, friends and neighbors to gather and mingle as they partook in a number of different activities.

For the younger crowd, the bounce houses and silly summer crafts proved to be a highlight, offering endless fun and excitement, especially for the more creative parents and their kids who took the opportunity to express their creativity.

There were also many exciting carnival games that challenged guests to test their skills for the chance to take home prizes. One of the standout attractions was the Wacky Racers, where kids competed in friendly go-kart races, adding a fun yet competitive element to the festivities.

The Knights of Columbus council put in a lot of time and dedication to creating a memorable day for the community. This annual barbecue not only provided an opportunity for families and neighbors to bond but also supported the organization’s mission to promote and conduct educational, charitable, religious and social welfare works by fostering a sense of camaraderie and dedicated service to the village.

To find out more about the organization and ways that you can get involved with the Knights of Columbus St. Mary’s / Maris Stella Council No. 2228, visit LynbrookKofC.com.

— Daniel Offner

Alice Moreno/Herald photos

The St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus Council No. 2228 in Lynbrook bring the community together during its annual barbecue on Saturday.

Max Herrera, 10, and Frankie Covello, 13, give each other a high-five while participating in carnival games.

Emilia Coletti, 7, enjoys jumping around in the bounce house.

Gene van Haaren, left, and Daniel Samuels sing and dance along to Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ during the Knights of Columbus BBQ event on August 3.

Mike Swafforn, left, and Frank Trotta play a friendly game of cornhole at the Knights of Columbus barbecue on Aug. 3.

Donna Ferrara and Jude Rottkamp helped organize the event on Aug. 3.

STEPPING OUT

Inside the hive at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

There’s a special “day” for everyone and everything it seems. So it’s certainly fitting that the helpful yet often misunderstood honey bee gets its due. And that brings us to Aug. 17, aka “National Honey Bee Day.” Long Island Children’s Museum goes all out to celebrate the hard-working insect with two days of “Honey Hoopla” activities, Aug. 16-17.

The museum has been home to over 20,000 honeybees year-round since 2012, when a hive was introduced to the Feast for Beasts exhibit, which opened in January of that year. The museum welcomed visitors to the first “Honey Hoopla” that year so that everyone could experience the first harvesting of honey from the then newly active hive.

Now Honey Hoopla returns — in a big way.

Families can check in on the busy bugs from an observational beehive, still located in the Feasts for Beasts exhibit. There, honeybees travel in and out of the hive, pollinating flowers in the museum’s pollinator garden and working together to create a productive thriving colony.

“They all have an important task to do, and they really stick to that role. And then, of course, there’s the queen, the leader of the hive,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.

The fruit of their labors? Lots and lots of honey, of course Color, aroma, and taste can change based on the nectar of the flower. Families are welcome to taste many different varieties of honey, including, of course, from the museum’s honey harvest. And for those interested, the museum’s honey is available for purchase in the Museum Store.

“A lot of people maybe don’t know that honey can taste different from different varieties of flowers or the location. We’re offering different honey varieties that the kids can taste test and try to match up,” Niver says.

Bees certainly give us more than that sweet treat. Families become fully involved in exploring the role of honey bees in our ecosystem through hands-on activities.

• Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.)

• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

Visitors will learn that honeybees are responsible for pollinating some of Long Island’s most abundant crops including melons, pumpkins, tree nuts, and berries; and that the honey bee population is in danger and decreasing rapidly. Without these pollinators, we would lose some of our favorite foods such as chocolate, grapes, apples, and pears.

‘Families can also explore the use of honeycombs, from which wax is made. The “Happy Beeday” activity is an opportunity to make and decorate beeswax birthday candles.

“They’ll have a strip of colored beeswax and wicks they’ll wrap and roll up to create the candle, and then any scrap pieces of wax can be used to decorate it,” says Niver.

A local beekeeper will be on hand to demonstrate how honey is harvested from those honeycombs. In addition, kids can get involved in bee-themed crafts throughout the galleries that highlight how we can help the bees so that our fruit and vegetable crops can be healthy.

After some time buzzing around, visitors might want to take a break, with a free theatrical reading of Gay Thomas’ book, “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The charming story engages families with adorable illustrations and an uplifting message about cooperation and the great benefits of working together for a common goal, along with plenty of bee facts.

While we understand that honey bees do so much for our environment, climate change and pesticides put the insects at risk of colony collapse disorder, where worker bees will exhibit abnormal behavior that leads to the destruction of the colony.

“They’re in danger of continuing to decrease due to different environmental factors,” Niver explains. “If we don’t have the bees here to help us pollinate, then we don’t have the abundance of crops that we can use for our food, and we’ll lose the success of our crop.”

To that end, the museum has launched its Name a Honey Bee Campaign so that visitors can join in bee preservation efforts. A donation of $10 allows families to name one of the museum’s bees, to be recognized on a visual display featuring the bee’s new name and the donor’s name through year’s end.

“It’s very easy for people to feel fearful of bees because they don’t want to be stung, and maybe they assume that all bees are looking to sting and cause harm,” Niver adds. “But the reality is that the honey bees are very docile, and they are just looking to make their honey. They’re really our friends.”

Photos courtesy LICMl

The industrious honey bee buzzes into the spotlight to captivate museum visitors. Participate in a theatrical reading and meet Gay Thomas, author of the “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” and explore an observational beehive during the event.

Gladys Knight Hop aboard that “Midnight Train to Georgia” when the legendary soul chanteuse brings her Farewell Tour to Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair. Gladys Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential, and beloved living singers on the planet. And while the Empress of Soul may have been in the business for more than 60 years now, that hasn’t stopped her from continuing to rock that beat as only she can do. She’s bringing her classic Motown-style R&B to fans one last time before she bids us farewell. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s fierce vocal power, elegant precision, and heartfelt performances have cemented her as one of music’s true icons. If you’re enjoy her classic Motown-style R&B, then you’ll surely want to see her perform — one more time. “That’s What Friends Are For,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” — you know the hits, now hear her bring them to life once again.

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $63. Tickets available at LiveNation. com. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury.

Paula Poundstone

The iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that’s become the stuff of legend. When she isn’t collecting hotel soaps while on tour or panel-ing on NPR’s #1 show, “Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me!,” she hosts the popular Maximum Fun podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” “Nobody” is a comedy field guide to life, complete with taste tests, cats of the weeks and leading experts in everything from beekeeping to prosopagnosia. Her stand-up credentials are endless, along with numerous TV appearances. Her second book, “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness,” in which she offers herself up as a guinea pig in a series of thoroughly unscientific experiments, was recognized a semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor (the highest recognition of humor writing in the U.S.).

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. $55. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Neighborhood

THE

Aug. 17

Double Vision

The 1970s and ‘80s come alive when Double Vision brings their “Foreigner Experience” to the Paramount Stage, Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m. Whether you’re a lifelong Foreigner enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of their music, Double Vision promises a night of electrifying entertainment that will leave you singing along and craving more.

Composed of some New York City’s top professional rock musicians, the band delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess in bring audiences all the hits from the band that you’ve come to love, while honoring Foreigner and its audience, with a show second to none. The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll lives on, one unforgettable performance at a time, with this group of talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans. Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy.

Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for every audience member. With an impressive catalog of classics at their fingertips, Double Vision transports audiences to an era when arena rock ruled and Foreigner reigned supreme. Each show is a testament to their musical prowess, transporting fans to a time when anthems were born and memories were made. Sing along to some of the greatest hit tunes , including “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Urgent,” “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and more. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Movie Night

Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, Aug. 14, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See Disney’s recent animated musical comedy “Wish.” Audiences are welcomed to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

John Mannone Fluke Tournament

Participate in the 5th Annual John Mannone Fluke Tournament Help, Saturday, Aug. 17, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Hewlett Point Yacht Club. Funds raised support the Tunnel To Towers Foundation. $75 fee, includes barbecue, beer and soda after last weigh-in; also raffles and 50/50 with cash prizes. Open only to recreational fisherman. 75 Seawane Road, East Rockaway. For more information contact Cliff Candiotti at (516)-5576158.

Mayor’s Golf Outing

Enjoy the day playing golf with friends and business associates while supporting the Lynbrook Community Chest, on Monday, Aug. 12, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Inwood Country Club. There are opportunities for non-golfers to participate with the option to be sponsors or donate items for one of the many raffle baskets. Play golf, honor some Lynbrook businesses, win raffles, and finish off with a delicious dinner. 50 Peppe Drive, Inwood. To register, visit TinyURL.com/3t6xnmzw.

East Rockaway Kiwanis Car Show

Stop by East Rockaway Kiwanis car show, every Monday. Car enthusiasts display their classic cars beginning at 6 p.m. with music entertainment by DJ Ken Kojak, who spins doo-wop classics and oldies. Weekly raffles games, prizes, and giveaways will be at the event.

All proceeds are donated to the East Rockaway Schools Graduation scholarship fund and other Kiwanis community non-for-profit partners. 13 Weeks Main St., next-door to the Post Office. Any questions, call Michaelene at (516) 7219657.

Seasonal Sprouts

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Seasonal Sprouts session, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-noon. Children (ages 4 to 6) can tour the gardens with guided activities exploring smells, sight, sound, and touch, even taste in planting a tasty veggie. $8 per child, $15 adult. Registration required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Lynbrook Cruise Nights

Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce car shows are back on Atlantic Avenue, every Thursday! Come enjoy a nice evening out in Lynbrook. Check out the cars and have dinner in one of Lynbrook’s local restaurants. Spectators are free! Showing a car? It’s $5. Staging starts at 5:30 p.m., at 14 St. James Place between Forest and Earl. For more information, visit LynbrookUSA.com or call (516) 242-4649.

Summer tunes

Enjoy a tribute to ‘70s radio hits with 45 RPM, at Eisenhower Park, Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. The New York City-based band of vocalists and musicians recreates the songs and their era with the C’mon Get Happy show, an entertaining and visually engaging evening that has you singing and dancing along. It’s a whole night of “wow, I remember that one” moments. Get “hooked on a feeling” with 45 RPM. Bring seating Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Summer sounds

Enjoy the vibe at Lazy Lobster, with great food and great sounds, Friday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m. Listen to hits from the ‘80s with Common Ground. 10 Front St., East Rockaway

Having an event?

Circus antics

Get in on the action with I. FLY Trapeze, Long Island’s only flying trapeze and circus arts school. Families will enjoy “Wild West Circus,” Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m., at Eisenhower Park. I.FLY Trapeze puts spectators up close to the aerialists who perform amazing feats of athleticism and agility 25 feet in the air. Performances include Chains, Silk and Lyra, with comedy and on the grounds acts with Balancing and Baton, also a Flying Trapeze Finale. Next to the Nassau County Aquatic Center off Merrick Ave., East Meadow. Free parking available in lot 1A adjacent to the trapeze. For more information, visit IFlyTrapeze. com.

Lynbrook Village Board Meeting

The Lynbrook Village Board meets, Monday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m., at Lynbrook Village Hall. 1 Columbus Dr. For more information, call (516) 599-8300.

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

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.

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

‘Walkin’ After Midnight’

Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist. She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Task force focuses on human trafficking

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Law enforcement agents, state legislators and experts on human trafficking met at a conference at Nassau Community College on July 31.

The Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking was created to help Nassau and Suffolk investigators, policy makers and safe houses share what they need to protect victims.

The Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking — the state organization responsible for providing annual reports on the topic — is three years out of date, resulting in a critical lack of data since coronavirus lockdowns eased. Since then, organizations that help victims have strained to mitigate the harm done by human traffickers.

“It is a problem that is everywhere, but nobody is actually seeing it,” Assemblyman Brian Curran said.

The participants discussed state financial support, law enforcement tools, aid for exploited migrants, and educational programs to help New Yorkers recognize when someone is a victim of trafficking.

Attorneys and law enforcement personnel considered the effects of changes in trafficking-related charges — some are not officially “sex crimes,” so perpetrators don’t end up on the state’s Sex Offender Registry — and proving a victim was exploited is difficult for prosecutors, Christine Guida, deputy chief of the Nassau County Special Victims Bureau, explained.

The difficulty of bringing cases to trial can begin much earlier. Trafficking victims are often young — high school and college students — or struggle to communicate due to a language barrier. In virtually every case, they are threatened by traffickers not to come forward.

“People think that in order to do the unthinkable, there has to be some kind of torture involved,” defense

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

The task force is composed of local law enforcement, legislators and members of organizations that provide services to people in need, representing a range of groups that deal with different aspects of human trafficking.

attorney Diane Clarke said. “That’s not the case.”

The goal of training and education programs is to demystify what human trafficking is and how it works. Deepening the public’s understanding of trafficking can make tools such as simple hand signals for help increasingly viable for victims to escape their captors.

The Empower, Assist and Care Network is one of many organizations that provide housing, case management and other forms of aid to victims across Long Island and New York City.

“It is my hope that these conversations are going to continue in a way that is coordinating and enhancing our services, and advocating for funding,” said Neela Mukherjee Lockel, president and CEO of the EAC Network. “We’re going up against giant criminal enterpris

We are Zionists.

The 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av (Mon. night and Tues., Aug. 12-13) is the saddest in Jewish history, commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temples (which were on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, now occupied by the Dome of the Rock). The Western [retaining] Wall, the Temple’s remnant, is the holiest place accessible to Jews today. Through the millennia, Jews have recited Psalm 137: ‘If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem (Zion) in memory even at my happiest hour.’ Jews are not ‘settler colonial’ interlopers in the Land of Israel; Jews are the indigenous nation of the Land, having returned home to the Jewish state of Israel and to Zion (which is Jerusalem).

es. That’s what human trafficking is, and we need money and resources to do that.”

Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds is president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, which has been providing shelter for runaway, homeless and trafficked children for over 140 years. It also has a mental health program that serves about 400 young people, in addition to programs for those suffering from addiction.

“We’re here today to make a couple suggestions about ways to improve systems of care,” Reynolds said. “This would include educating health and human service workers about how to spot the signs of trafficking, what to do about it, and how to intervene.”

The conference was the first step in renewing the fight

Talking film at HewlettWoodmere Public Library

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

The language of filmmaking is the mother tongue of Greg Blank, an East Rockaway native and Lynbrook High School alum, as the filmmaker and cinema lecturer brought his professional knowledge to Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library on July 26.

Returning to the Five Towns spot at 1125 Broadway in Hewlett was a full circle moment for Blank, as he had shot an art gallery segment there for the “Push Pause Long Island,” a Verizon Fios show, which he produced early in his career.

The Friday adult program, titled “A Film Buff’s Guide to Cinema Language,” covered techniques and clips from classic films.

Blank structured the lecture to cover the major elements of film language, including screenwriting, producing, cinematography and music/audio design.

Wcolor and movement, and then juxtaposing it in the editing process,” Blank said.

The last major element Blank he included in his presentation was music and audio design.

“Music has the ability to shape, and in some cases, alter or even subvert what the filmmaker is communicate,” Blank said.

Throughout the presentation, Blank showed and analyzed scenes from “Airplane!,” “The Deer Hunter,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Goodfellas” and “Sophie’s Choice,” in the library’s Gold Hall to show how these elements interact on the big screen.

e like to show all the different facets of creative work and how it’s done.

MiCHEllE YoUnG HWPL director

Screenwriting includes building a storyline, characters, settings and dialogue for a film, Blank said.

“They have to make it compelling in order to get that film produced,” he said. “So, you want to have a good screenplay, so you can pitch it to a studio or to a producer and say, this is going to make a great movie.”

The producer’s role, Blank said, is to coordinate all aspects of the film’s production.

“They basically hire all of the other ‘artistic departments,’ the art director, the cinematographer, the director,” he said. Next, Blank covered cinematography, which includes techniques in camera placement and lens choice.

“It’s playing with light and shadow and

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff against BRIAN SUGRUE, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 9, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Premises known as 117 West Boulevard, East Rockaway, NY 11518. Sec 42. Block 45 Lot 12. All that certain plot, parcel, piece of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bay Park. Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,416.52 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606420/2022.

Jah Barnes, a program attendee, is a writer and signed up so to could get inspiration.

“I think a lot of these fields are related, like, film, music, writing,” Barnes said. “They all kind of go hand in hand. I’m trying to get, like creative tips.”

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library hosts a variety of programs, for adults, children and teens including book clubs, cooking classes, crafts, sport activities and workshops.

Library Director Michelle Young said they enjoy hosting programs such as the Friday film lecture, because HWPL is designated Nassau County art music library. They offer a wide variety of concerts, movie showings, music material and art along with lectures on these topics.

“We like to show all the different facets of creative work and how it’s done,” Young said. “We have a really interesting, a really great built in audience, they’re just art and music aficionados and we have a huge interest in film here too.”

For more information on HewlettWoodmere Public Library programs, visit HWPL.org.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Ralph John Madalena, Esq., Referee File # XPNMN188 148031

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST JAMES MANTHOS, LINDA MANTHOS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 11, 2014, 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 August 26, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Second Street,

Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 241, Lot 25, A/K/A Section 38, Block 241, Lots 25-27. Approximate amount of judgment $756,633.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #013847/2013. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-295303 81529 148109

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook will hold a Public Hearing to consider the application of 831 Sunrise LLC for a Special Use Permit pursuant to Village Code §252-52(D) and §252-116 to allow underground parking below the building known as and by 831 Sunrise Highway to accommodate seventeen parking spaces in an existing basement; under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed use would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7PM on August 19, 2024 at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, New York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN GIORDANO, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR LYNBROOK, NEW YORK Dated: July 22, 2024 148241

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & DECISION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a PUBLIC HEARING and DECISIONS on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. in the Court Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following cases: PUBLIC HEARING #1015 - 300 Merrick LLC, 300 Merrick Road, Lynbrook § 252-54 Off Street Parking Requirements - Change of use from office to vocational school will be subject to a 5-car parking variance. DECISION#1013 - 875 Sunrise Realty LLC, 875 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook, BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 148382

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST SERIES 2005-6, Plaintiff AGAINST ERIC EISENLAU, MARK FAUSER, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 7, 2016, 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 September 9, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 5 John Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 42, Block: 89, Lot 104. Approximate amount of judgment $368,273.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #012428/2012. 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”. Steven Keats, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-293459 81663 148292

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstCARLOS DURANGO, 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 6, 2023, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and CARLOS DURANGO, 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 September 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 49 STRATFORD RD, LYNBROOK, NY 11563; and the following tax map identification: 42-187-17, 18 & 19. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004724/2016. Theresa Ann Driscoll, 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. 148354

Parker Schug/Herald

Greg Blank, an East Rockaway native and filmmaker, hosted a lecture at HewlettWoodmere Public Library on the pillars of film language, on July 26.

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Taxes: $15,290.87

Malverne $692,000

Morris Avenue. Colonial. Fully renovated and move-in ready. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. New eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. New bathrooms, roof and windows.

Taxes: $14,800

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

Merrick $1,350,000

Valerie Court. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Large custom eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Custom upgrades include 2 fireplaces, skylight and radiant heated flooring in main bathroom. All large rooms. Upper level Trex deck leads to paved yard with built-in pool. Security system.

Taxes: $29424.24

Oceanside $1,212,500

Oceanside Parkway. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Master bathroom with walk-in closet. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling. Security system.

Taxes: $23,265.16

Rockville Centre $850,000

Hamilton Road. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basment. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Expansive home on a beautiful block is meticulously maintained and filled with period charm and elegance. It features four spacious levels of living space, including all oversized bedrooms and light filled sunroom with backyard access. Ensuite master bedroom. Private backyard with pavered patio and mature landscaping

Can we just elevate, or do we need to rebuild?

Q. We’re doing a major house lift, making changes to our existing first floor and adding a second floor. We thought it made sense to get a design and then stop, because this way we didn’t spend a lot of money on full construction plans and then end up disappointed that it was over our budget. Simple turned into complicated, as it often does. The contractor and the architect agreed that the house should just be reconstructed (nothing saved) and the estimators insisted on much more information to give us a price. Are we going about this the right way? We’re already disillusioned that we aren’t going to be able to build within our budget, and we don’t even have numbers to make a decision. What should we do?

A. Your house project isn’t sounding too “uplifting,” and frankly, from your description, you shouldn’t be lifting the original house. You may spend more than $50,000 just trying to save the little bit of the original house, moving plumbing and wiring, trying to work around the existing materials and reconstructing old ones. Money is the driving factor in most construction projects, and although it’s frustrating, you must either politely persist with evaluating costs with the contractor, or get to the finish line with plans to give estimators something to work with.

First, though, you should recognize that the current first floor will become a second floor, and the new floor above will be a third floor if you plan to have a lowest level high enough to park cars underneath or use for accessible, stand-up storage. Federal guidelines require that the new lowest level not be used for anything but car or general storage, and the state requires indoor sprinklers.

It’s really up to the contractor working with you, and the architect, to reach predictable costs for the total project. You need to pay both of them to spend the time necessary to hit a targeted budget. The contractor will then work with getting together material, labor and overhead costs, with profit and a cushion for issues that can arise, like weather, material delivery delays and scrambling when something isn’t available or a truck breaks down.

While it’s not completely unreasonable for estimators to want more information, putting together a preliminary budget isn’t a mysterious, unheardof request. My concern when this happens is that all parties need to cooperate. The reason for the architect’s involvement is to answer questions and guide decision-making about sizes of structure, material choices and code compliance. If the contractor or a subcontractor makes projections on the design of structure, for example, it must be understood that the architect makes the final decision about wall thicknesses, insulation values, structural components, and even window and door sizes. These are safety and code-related conditions that are governed by law.

The costs can escalate when plans are completed, so reducing the project to meet a budget, up front, is important. Good luck!

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OpINIONS

Save a life: drive above the influence

On June 28, the driver of a speeding SUV plowed into a Deer Park nail salon, killing four people, including off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack. Authorities say the driver of the car, a 64-year-old Dix Hills resident, was intoxicated, and had consumed 18 beers just the night before.

Sadly, this tragedy is not unique, as fatal traffic collisions involving intoxicated and impaired drivers have surged on Long Island since the coronavirus pandemic.

Last Aug. 7, an 18-year-old Freeport man was intoxicated when he raced through a red light in West Hempstead and crashed into a parked car, killing Katerine Vanges Hernandez just two days before her seventh birthday.

Just a day earlier, a 33-year-old man from Lindenhurst was under the influence of fentanyl and cocaine when he rocketed his car into a vehicle stopped at a traffic light. The violent collision killed U.S. Marine veteran Patrice Huntley, his 13-year-old daughter, Hannah, his 10-yearold son, Jeremiah, and, eventually, his

I6-year-old step-granddaughter Chantel, who succumbed to her injuries six days later. The driver reportedly reached a speed of 120 miles per hour, and failed to brake until a half-second before impact, hitting the Huntley family car at 95 mph.

Each of these tragedies was devastating, and perhaps even worse, they were all preventable. As news headlines remind us daily, families will have to live the rest of their lives with the physical, mental and emotional trauma and irreparable loss caused by someone else’s poor judgment.

AAccording to a recent report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, the pandemic had a negative impact on traffic safety in New York. From 2019 to 2022, the report stated, the state saw a 45 percent increase in the number of fatalities involving drivers with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit, which is 12 percentage points above the national average. In 2022, about two-thirds of traffic fatalities in New York involved a combination of unsafe speeding and alcohol.

patterns and behaviors in the U.S. changed significantly. Of the drivers who remained on the roads, some engaged in riskier behavior including speeding, failure to wear seat belts, and driving under the influence.”

recent increase in fatalities on the road has been attributed to riskier driving.

According to a recent Newsday report, lawmakers and safe-driving advocates are renewing calls to lower New York’s legal blood alcohol content level from 0.08 to 0.05 percent. But this policy change would place a disproportionate burden on law enforcement. Traffic stops, checkpoints and arrests have their place, but are just one piece of the trafficsafety puzzle.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee could and should be doing more to promote programming and resources to ensure driver, pedestrian and road safety. Culturally, the DMV has been reduced to a bureaucratic, inconvenient, soul-sucking entity, and appears to be divorced from proactive efforts to ensure safety on the roads.

program needs to be better promoted and advertised, and made more accessible.

Safe-driving advocates such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving are also calling for the widespread implementation of driver assistance, monitoring and alcohol-detection systems in vehicles across the U.S. Driver-assistance technology enables a car to take action such as lane-keeping assistance and collision intervention. Driver monitoring systems include cameras or other sensors that monitor such things as eye movement without compromising privacy, advocates say. Alcoholdetection sensors in the vehicle determine whether a driver is drunk, keeping the public safe while ensuring privacy.

Many of these technologies are on the way, as the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 authorized the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete a rule-making process and issue final safety standards for impaired-driving-prevention technology on all new cars by November 2024.

The recent increase in fatalities has been attributed to increased risks taken by drivers. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, “After the declaration of the public health emergency in March 2020, driving

For example, the DMV has an Impaired Driver Program available not only through court mandates, but to anyone who wants to join voluntarily. The IDP offers in-depth education on alcohol and other drugs to help participants identify and change high-risk behavior. The

No matter your preference or politics, it will take a comprehensive, all-handson-deck effort to ensure that more children and families are not harmed, and that the victims of these fatal collisions did not die in vain.

Karl A. Valere is chief of staff and senior policy adviser of Assemblyman Khaleel M. Anderson. He lives in Baldwin.

Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us

n a world where news breaks instantly on our phones, cracking the world open in an instant, behold the weekly newspaper, the tortoise of the news business. As I write, I realize it’s not all bad to have time to think between 72-point headlines.

When I wrote last, almost a month ago, President Biden was still the presumptive Democratic nominee, although there was plenty of chatter about his slow walk and whispery talk. He was adamant: He would not step down. He was ready to fight. Many of us who think Biden has done an outstanding job in office came to believe he was not up to another four years. He looked frail. He appeared to overestimate his ability, at age 81, to meet the demands of the job. It felt disloyal to urge him to make way for a younger contender, but loyalty to our democracy had to come first. I celebrated his willingness to relinquish power, wished it had come sooner, but we had a potential new candidate.

Three weeks ago, Kamala Harris was (and still is) the vice president, and at that point her own presidential dreams were on hold. Donald Trump was salivating like a lion at the Roman Forum, waiting to take on Biden in the next debate. After the president’s shockingly poor performance in the first one, the Donald was closing in for the kill.

J.D. Vance? Barely a twinkle in Trump’s eye a month ago. He’s the guy who wrote “Hillbilly Elegy.” Suddenly he morphed into a mega-MAGA, with extreme, creepy ideas about women’s rights and personal freedoms. Trump thought Vance would make a perfect addition to the ticket.

That was July 13. Then, curtains up on the Republican National Convention, just days after the attempted assassination, with a buoyant Trump telling the world he was still standing.

I hope all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement.

A few weeks back, Thomas Matthew Crooks was a shy kid from rural Pennsylvania who got it into his head to kill the former president. And he nearly did, grazing Trump’s ear as he stood at the podium at an outdoor rally. I saw it happen, and time stopped until Trump was hustled to safety. I lived through the years of JFK, MLK and RFK dying in heartbreaking eruptions of political violence. Those murders scarred the political landscape forever.

Those were enough big news items for five years, compressed and pounded under pressure into just days, until the whole country, burnished like a diamond, seemed brilliant and raw. You could hear us, an entire nation, sucking in deep calming breaths, trying to steady ourselves.

Then, on July 21, Biden announced that he was stepping out of the presidential campaign and endorsing Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

I’m writing this all down because after some amount of time, nobody will believe that it all happened just like this over the past few weeks.

Then the head of the Secret Service stepped down because of her agency’s failure to stop the assassination attempt.

Then a kind of organic political wave swelled out of nowhere, pushing people forward to support Harris in a tsunami of relief and joy. Black women for Kamala. White Dudes for Kamala. White

Women for Kamala.

That’s where I lost the thread. Aren’t we all supposed to be coming together as Americans to choose our president? Can’t we be Citizens for Kamala? Am I a Short Woman for Kamala or a CR-V Driver for Kamala or a Yasso Pop Fanatic for Kamala? We’re dividing and subdividing into micro cells.

Then that changed, too. I decided to embrace the political moment.

Momalas for Kamala is born. Momala is Harris’s nickname in her family, but it’s more than that. According to the Urban Dictionary, “A momala is a trusted guardian. Outside of the family, a momala is the mother of a neighborhood. In a village, she is mother and healer. In a state, she is the mother of health, knowledge and creativity. For a country, she is the mom of compassion and strength.”

We all have mothers or are mothers or value mothers. Momalas are us, men and women, young and old.

I hope all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement to elect Harris president. I hope Trump will summon the courage to meet her toe to toe in a debate. I hope the young voters in this country will shed their indifference and get into the fray.

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

RANDI KREISS

KARL A. VALERE

On Friday, honor our Indigenous heritage

as we mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Friday, it’s crucial for us here on Long Island to reflect on the rich indigenous history that shapes our communities and landscapes. From the Shinnecock and Montaukett to the Unkechaug and Setauket, Native American tribes have been integral to Long Island’s story since long before European settlers arrived.

The names of our towns and landmarks echo this heritage: Montauk, Quogue, Peconic, Ronkonkoma, Hauppauge, Patchogue, and many more. These names aren’t just relics of the past, but living reminders of the peoples who stewarded this land for millennia. They represent a deep connection to the environment and a complex cultural tapestry that continues to influence our region today.

But we must also confront the painful history of exploitation and displacement that followed European settlement. The original inhabitants of Long Island, like indigenous peoples across the Americas, faced immense challenges as their lands were seized, their populations decimated by disease, and their cultures suppressed. The Shinnecock Nation, for instance, was engaged in a long struggle for federal recognition, and continues to make its case for the return of ancestral lands.

Despite these hardships, indigenous communities have shown remarkable resilience. The Shinnecock Nation continues to maintain its cultural practices

Letters

D’Esposito shouldn’t meddle in NYC’s business

To the Editor:

and advocate for its rights. The Unkechaug people, on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, have preserved their language and traditions. These communities serve as a living link to Long Island’s past and as vital contributors to its present and future.

Nationally, Native Americans have made countless contributions to American society, often unrecognized. From agricultural techniques that feed millions to democratic principles that influenced the U.S. Constitution, indigenous knowledge and practices have shaped the nation in profound ways. Native American code talkers played a crucial role in World War II, using their languages to create unbreakable codes. In science, medicine, arts, and sports, indigenous Americans continue to excel and innovate.

Globally, indigenous peoples are at the forefront of environmental protection efforts. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices offer valuable insights for addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity. From the Amazon rainforest to the Arctic tundra, indigenous communities are often the most effective guardians of critical ecosystems.

As we commemorate this international day — which is followed in October by Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed just in the United States — it’s essential to move beyond mere recognition to active support and engagement. On Long Island, we can:

1. Educate ourselves about local indige-

Imagine if residents of the five boroughs dumped tons of toxic wastes in the South Shore district represented by Congressman Anthony D’Esposito. Imagine further that a New York City politician loudly denounced a plan to protect the health of D’Esposito’s constituents.

The congressman would surely be outraged. So why does he support a permanent ban on congestion pricing in Lower Manhattan? (“Congestion pricing may be paused, but the fight continues,” July 25-31.)

Car commuters whom D’Esposito defends spew pollutants every day in the congestion-pricing zone. The fact that these tailpipe emissions are invisible does not make them less deadly than mounds of toxic garbage.

Studies suggest that 153,000 fewer cars would enter the zone once congestion pricing takes effect. And that will result in sharp decreases in nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter.

nous history and current issues facing Native communities.

2. Support indigenous-owned businesses and cultural events.

3. Advocate for the protection of sacred sites and the return of ancestral lands.

4. Incorporate indigenous perspectives in local decision-making, especially when it comes to environmental issues.

5. Promote the teaching of Native American history and cultures in our schools.

Recognizing indigenous peoples isn’t about dwelling in the past, but rather about creating a more inclusive and just future. It’s about acknowledging that the first inhabitants of this land have valuable knowledge, perspectives, and rights that deserve respect and consideration. As Long Islanders, we have a unique opportunity to honor the indigenous heritage that surrounds us daily. From the shores of Peconic Bay to the bluffs of Montauk, we walk in the footsteps of those who came before us. Let’s ensure that their stories, struggles and triumphs are not forgotten, but celebrated as an integral part of our shared history. This International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let’s commit to building stronger relationships with Native communities, supporting their rights and aspirations, and benefiting from their wisdom. In doing so, we enrich our own lives and communities while taking a step toward healing historical wounds and creating a more equitable society for all.

Why I support Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for the Hub

For over two decades, the 72 acres known as the Nassau Hub, which encompass the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, has been struggling to be redeveloped. Despite several ill-fated attempts to reimagine this prime piece of real estate owned by the county, at the end of 2022 it continued to languish, with no viable prospects on the horizon.

Then a wonderful thing happened. In January 2023, New York state announced that it was finally moving ahead with the bidding on ultimately awarding three downstate casino licenses, after a referendum approved by voters in 2013. Soon after that announcement, Las Vegas Sands, a premier global entertainment giant, expressed interest in bringing a world-class flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino resort to the Hub. After a number of discussions with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Sands unveiled plans for a privately funded, transformative $6 billion project, easily the biggest Long Island has ever seen. The economic benefits of the project alone were staggering, and

included the potential for millions of dollars in annual tax revenues for the county, including an immediate $54 million non-refundable upfront payment. It also promised more than 8,500 union jobs during the course of the development, thousands of permanent jobs and a ripple effect of millions of dollars to be paid by Sands to the surrounding business community for ongoing goods and services during construction, continuing once the complex was up and running.

Ibeen open and transparent about its plans. Top-level executives have attended public hearings before the County Legislature, and have also held dozens of meetings throughout the region with various business and civic organizations, community groups, unions and other interested parties.

t’s crystal clear to me that this $6 billion project is one that makes sense.

Sands also included public safety in the mix, and would commit millions of dollars that would help boost the Nassau County Police Department and emergency response capabilities, in addition to its own sophisticated state-of-the-art security measures throughout the complex.

The proposed project is much more than a casino. In fact, the casino would account for only about 10 percent of the overall footprint, with the rest containing a five-star hotel, a showcase live-performance venue, a luxurious day spa, upscale retail shopping and fine dining, a convention center — which Long Island sorely lacks — and a variety of other entertainment programming.

From Day One, Las Vegas Sands has

Letters

Levels of that latter type of pollution are now 60 percent higher in Manhattan than the upper limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

The congressman shows no respect for the New York City elected officials who decided, after years of debate and voluminous research reports, to impose a fee on drivers who poison the air breathed by Manhattan residents and workers.

D’Esposito should practice good-neighborliness by dropping his opposition to an initiative that will save many lives.

KEVIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

We were honored to care for

Rosemary King

To the Editor:

As the administrator for the Emergency Department at North Shore University Hospital, I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to Rosemary King for a swift recovery following her recent surgery with Dr. Tamayo. Additionally, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the kind words her husband, former Congressman Peter King, shared in his column in the July 18-24 issue of the Herald, “In a medical emergency, we were in experts’ hands.”

Our team was deeply moved by Mr. King’s account of his family’s experience.

LANDON WITz, MHA Senior manager, Operations Emergency Medicine

North Shore University Hospital Manhasset

Jerry’s right: Project 2025 is a horror story

To the Editor:

Thanks to Jerry Kremer for his op-ed, “If you like horror stories, read Project 2025,” in the July 18-24 issue. I am so grateful when our local newspapers are able to bring national issues to the forefront. It’s so important to get this kind of information to local communities that are sometimes insulated within their own little world.

Project 2025 hasn’t received much attention until recently — despite the Heritage Foundation’s in-depth involvement in the Trump presidency and this year’s Trump campaign. It is so important that trusted local public servants sound the alarm on this extremely dangerous agenda, and that people are made to realize it is indeed very real.

ELIzABETH MURPHY Franklin Square

Support for the project has been growing, and now includes a wide variety of unions, chambers of commerce, business groups, civic organizations, nonprofits and residents, many of whom have spoken out before the Legislature, most recently at a hearing last month.

Understandably, a project of this magnitude has been met with opposition. From what I’ve seen, however, most of the arguments can either be addressed or are rather unconvincing. For example, claiming that the entertainment complex will lead to increased levels of gambling, given the legalized gambling opportunities that anyone with a smartphone can access, weakens that line of reasoning.

I also find it interesting that while Hofstra University is opposed to the project, Nassau Community College has fully embraced it, and is working with Sands to create new curriculum that will offer programs focusing on the hos-

pitality and entertainment industry, as well as training programs, mentorships and internships that will open career paths for hundreds, if not thousands, of the college’s diverse student population. So where do things currently stand? The County Legislature is moving forward with taking over as lead agency of the state-mandated environmental review process, to deal with all of the potential environmental concerns raised by a project of this magnitude. Once that process is complete, the Legislature will vote on whether to grant a lease that would allow Sands to build on the site. Sands would then still need to meet the state’s requirements and ultimately be chosen for one of the three casino licenses.

As legislators, one of our primary jobs is to do what’s in the best interests of the residents of our districts and those throughout Nassau County. In this case, when I weigh the pros and cons of the Sands proposal, it’s crystal clear that it’s a project that makes sense, so I fully support it. The reality is that the state is planning to award three downstate licenses. There’s no guarantee that Sands will be selected, but passing up the opportunity to finally transform this fallow property and the long-term benefits that would result from it can’t be ignored.

Bill Gaylor represents Nassau County’s 14th Legislative District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Three-on-three basketball draws all kinds of fans — Hempstead

BILL GaYLor

Mount Sinai South Nassau Recognized for Excellence in Emergency Nursing Mount

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Emergency Nurses Association’s 2024 Lantern Award for outstanding patient care and reducing wait times, and for excellence in nurse retention, achieving a zero vacancy rate and one percent turnover rate.

The Lantern Award also recognizes nursing sta commitment to ongoing education and training and fostering an environment of learning and professional growth.

We congratulate Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department nursing sta for their commitment to patient care, quality, safety and a healthy work environment.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.