Kristyl and Robert Siskol brought their live Christmas tree to be made into mulch. Above, with Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Clerk Kate Murray. If residents didn’t want mulch, their trees could be donated to the town’s Nigerian Dwarf goats, that live at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick. John Vulpe, at right, showed off some of the mulch. Story, more photos, Page 10
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
The West Hempstead School District has been offering English as a New Language classes for students entering the country, teaching them to speak, read and write in a new language and helping integrate them into the local community.
Y
Formerly known as English as a Second Language program, ENL classes are taught to students in kindergarten through the 12th grade at Chestnut Street School, Cornwell Avenue School, George Washington School and West Hempstead Secondary School. Multilingual education programs became a state requirement for public schools in 1974 to accommodate students struggling with a language barrier in the classroom.
them in learning English while respecting their native language and allowing them to flourish,” Klafter said. “It’s very rewarding — in the beginning of the year, some of those students might come in not knowing any English at all, and by the end, you really see a great improvement.”
ou really see a great improvement.
JAClYN Kl AfTER teacher, Chestnut Street School
Jaclyn Klafter, a teacher at Chestnut Street School, has worked with elementary school English language learners in her general education classes for four years.
“We are here to support
Debra Schiavo, a Chestnut Street School teacher for 18 years, co-teaches those classes with Klafter and instructs her own classes exclusively for English language learners.
“They really enjoy it,” Schiavo said. “They receive individualized attention — it’s a small group when I do my standalone sessions. I teach my class like any other class, because in kindergarten all the students are working on reading, writing, listening and speaking.”
Katie DiGregorio, the program’s director for five years, said, “We have a lot of students coming from various different countries all over the globe. We have students who speak a vari-
Continued on page 9
Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too. Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow has officially launched his campaign for Nassau County executive, pledging to bring accountability, affordability and responsible governance back to the county.
Koslow, a Democrat who represents parts of Freeport, Merrick and Bellmore in the legislature, plans to end the misuse of public funds and focus on policies that benefit Nassau County residents, rather than political agendas.
“This administration has broken their promises and failed Nassau residents,” Koslow said in a Jan. 8 news release. “Nassau County families are being squeezed while their tax dollars are wasted on frivolous lawsuits, inflated salaries, and self-serving political promotions. I’m running to restore trust, eliminate waste, and make our county more affordable for everyone.”
Jay Jacobs, the New York state and Nassau County Democratic Committee chairman, said, “This is an important moment for Nassau County. We need a leader that will put families first, fight for fiscal responsibility, and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Seth Koslow has the integrity and vision to lead Nassau County out of the current administration’s incompetence.”
Koslow, 42, grew up in Baldwin, and was first elected to the legislature in 2023 to represent the newly formed 5th District. A former prosecutor in Queens, he’s currently a criminal defense attorney who resides in Merrick with his wife, three children and rescue pup.
“We deserve better,” Koslow told the Herald last week. “As a dad, as a coach, as a family man — living and growing up in Nassau County — I’ve seen Nas -
Legislator Seth Koslow, at the lectern, is running for Nassau County executive. He spoke at a news conference in December, advocating for the implementation of Gio’s Law — mandating all NCPD vehicles be equipped with epinephrine auto injectors.
sau County for the last 40-something years. I’ve seen the good and bad, and I don’t like where we’re going.”
Koslow’s priorities, outlined in his campaign announcement, include making Nassau County more affordable by lowering property taxes and implementing fiscally responsible policies to ease the burden on residents; eliminating waste by ending unnecessary legal battles and reducing oversized administrative expenses to ensure public funds are used effectively; introducing accountability measures to ensure every dollar is spent with residents’ best interests in mind; and strengthening communities by investing in essential services, infrastructure, law enforcement and education to improve the quality of life across Nassau County.
Koslow criticized County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration for spending “countless dollars defending
lawsuits” because of the county’s transgender ban, which prohibits girls’ and women’s teams with transgender athletes from competing at public facilities; the county’s mask ban, which makes it a crime for those wearing a mask or face covering to hide their identity, except for health or religious reasons; and the county’s plan to form an armed, civilian militia that could operate as a de facto police force during emergencies.
“People in Nassau County are concerned about their money and their affordability — that’s important to them,” Koslow said. “These other issues are not important to them. They may be on a national scale, but that’s not what’s important in local, every day politics.”
Blakeman, a Republican, was elected to the county executive position in 2021.
In response, Chris Boyle, a spokesman for Blakeman, said in a statement,
“Bruce Blakeman didn’t raise taxes even after inflation went through the roof, refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, put more cops on our streets, fought against radical pro-criminal policies and made Nassau the safest county in America. There’s no better choice for county executive than Bruce Blakeman.”
According to Koslow, Nassau County was dubbed “the safest county in America” because of its police force — not because of Blakeman.
“We have a fantastic police force, and I know that they want more police officers,” Koslow said. “We should reinvest in that to make sure we have the safest county in America forever.”
In regards to accountability, Koslow cited the county’s 2025-2028 budget, which was sent back to the drawing board by the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation that supervises the county’s finances.
“NIFA kicked back the budget because administration was playing fast and loose with the way they did their accounting and how they accounted for certain funds,” Koslow said. “And if it wasn’t for NIFA demanding that they redo the budget, would that budget have been accurate or would it have been illegal, incorrect, and we’d be in hole next year?”
Koslow said his campaign would be “solution-oriented.”
“We’re all tired of elected officials and candidates pointing out the problems in our communities,” he said. “We all know what the problems are, but no one’s willing to offer solutions. I intend to offer solutions that are real — they may not be the solutions people agree with, but they’re going to be at least solutions I think we can accomplish.”
The election for the county executive seat will take place this November.
Surrounded by her family and friends, State Sen. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick took the oath of office to begin her second two-year term serving the residents of the 9th Senate District.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents several Nassau County communities, including her native Malverne, Elmont, Franklin Square, Long Beach, the Five Towns and Valley Stream.
“Being sworn in for a second term is both a tremendous honor and a humbling responsibility,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said in a news release. “I remain committed to continuing the fight for policies that uplift our residents, strengthen our communities, and address the challenges facing our region.”
As the legislative session begins, she said she remains focused on ensuring affordability for New Yorkers, supporting local schools and enhancing public safety.
“I will continue to be a voice for the hardworking residents of our district, putting their needs first and pushing for real solutions to the issues we face,” she said in the release. “We can make a real, tangible difference to create a stronger future for our community.”
Working alongside her colleagues and engaging with constituents to deliver meaningful results throughout the 2025 legislative session are two of the things she looks forward to, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick added.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
For 2025, the exemptions for estate taxes rise to $7.16 million for New York estate taxes, and to $13.99 million for Federal estate taxes. The annual gift tax exclusion rises to $19,000. If your estate is, or may become, greater than the New York threshold, early intervention can avoid the hefty New York estate taxes, which start at over $600,000. Some of the techniques are (1) setting up two trusts, one for husband and one for wife, and using them to double the New York exemption, (2) gifting out so much of the estate so as to reduce it below the New York exemption, at least three years before the death of the donor, and (3) using the “Santa Clause” providing that the amount over the threshold be donated to a charity or charities of your choosing so as to reduce the estate to no more than the exemption.
For Medicaid, the house is an exempt asset so long as a spouse is residing there, up to $1.1 million of equity for 2025. Seeing as over 80% of nursing home residents do not have a spouse, it is better to plan ahead with
a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) to get the five year look-back for nursing facility care. In that case, the house would be protected by the trust rather than the unreliable spousal exemption. Unless your other assets have been protected by the MAPT, an individual may keep about $31,500 and a spouse at home can keep up to about $158,000.
The often-delayed imposition of the new two and a half year look-back for home care, is not on the horizon for 2025. Currently there is no look-back for home-care and you do not have to worry about getting home care until you actually need it. Nevertheless, this may change in the future so the MAPT remains as an important as a tool to qualify you for home care as well as protecting your assets from a nursing home. Assets should be moved into the MAPT years ahead of time if you want to be able to afford to stay in your own home and get home health aides for assistance with the activities of daily living, should the need arise.
Rockville Centre’s Laura Gillen took the oath of office administered by House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and officially was installed as the representative for the 4th Congressional District.
Gillen defeated incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a rematch of the 2022 race for the two-year term.
A former Hempstead town supervisor, Gillen was joined by her family in Washington, D.C. for her swearing in on Jan. 6.
At freshmen orientation late last year, Gillen had the opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.
“I am honored that the people of New York’s Fourth Congressional District have entrusted me with the responsibili-
ty of representing them in Congress,” Gillen said in a statement after being sworn in.
“As we look ahead to this Congress, I am ready to get to work on the bipartisan priorities that Long Islanders care most about: lowering costs, giving hardworking Long Islanders a middle-class tax break by restoring the full SALT deduction, ensuring clean drinking water, and taking much-needed action to secure our border,” she said.
“I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship, and I look forward to working with anyone — Democrat or Republican — who is committed to working productively to deliver on the pressing issues that we face,” Gillen added.
Students at the Cornwell Avenue Elementary and George Washington schools in West Hempstead honored their police officers in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Assisted by their teachers, students created their own heartfelt letters, drawings and posters to thank members of the Nassau County Police Department’s 5th Precinct. A represen-
tative of Assemblyman Ed Ra visited both schools to collect the thank-you notes from students on Jan. 8. Cornwall Avenue students are in grades one through three. George Washington students are in grades four to six.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Cornwell Avenue School second grader Charli Castiglia has been taking part been in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program with her family since she was 3. She has always supported her family in helping distribute boxes to local businesses and collecting toys. She wanted to be an active participant by distributing boxes of her own. Castiglia wrote a letter to Cornwell Avenue
Principal Deanna Sinito and West Hempstead Superintendent Dan Rehman asking if she could bring Toys for Tots boxes to the schools in the district. She handed out five boxes, one to each school, and collected nine bags of toys with 252 items to donate.
“I’m really proud of myself,” she said in a news release after collecting and counting the donations. “I helped a lot of kids!” –Jeffrey Bessen
Maidenbaum’s successful challenges have resulted in millions of dollars in property tax savings across Nassau County, Long Island. They are reliable and consistent; and their results prove it!
Shalom Maidenbaum is a pioneer in Nassau County residential property tax reduction. The team continues to stay ahead of their competitors with state-of-the-art technology that enhances their ability to make compelling arguments and obtain assessment reductions for homeowners.
Maidenbaum proudly serves Nassau County homeowners, and deeply values its community. From advocating for fair assessments to supporting local hospitals, sports leagues, educational nonprofits and more – giving back is their privilege.
Maidenbaum prides itself on its customer service, happily educating taxpayers on how the Nassau County property tax assessment system works. Clients are always in the know with real-time status updates available on their personal secure websites.
Unlike its competitors, with Maidenbaum there are no surprises and no cutting corners. There are no hidden fees, expenses or penalty clauses in their contracts. Once you choose Maidenbaum, they take care of every aspect of your case from beginning to end - file the grievance on your behalf, analyze your case, appear at all necessary conferences and hearings, and will even handle your village grievance.
With its 35 years of experience, reliable results, and ever-growing client base – join your neighbors in choosing Maidenbaum – the trusted choice of most Nassau County homeowners.
• Cremation Services F&B AD 2022 New Size.qxp_Layout 1 3/16/22 5:43 PM Page 1
• Funeral Directors available 24 hours a day
34 Hempstead Avenue (at Peninsula Blvd) Lynbrook, New York 11563 516-599-3600 • fax 516-599-3602
LEILA pAz
Carey Senior Basketball
A FOUR-YEAR STARTER and two-time AllCounty selection, Paz reached a milestone Dec. 19 in Carey’s defeat to New Hyde Park. As part of her 18-point performance, she recorded her 1,000th career point, joining a short list of those in the program to accomplish the feat. Paz entered this week’s action leading all of Nassau County in scoring at a shade under 27 points per game. She hit for 30 or more points in half of Carey’s first 10 games.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Girls Basketball: South Side at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Baldwin
Boys Basketball: Mepham at MacArthur
Boys Basketball: Elmont at South Side
Girls Basketball: MacArthur at East Meadow 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Jericho at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Garden City at Calhoun 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Hewlett 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17
Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Wrestling: Oceanside at Farmingdale 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. South 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Wrestling: MacArthur at Long Beach 6 p.m.
Wrestling: Mepham at Calhoun 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lawrence at North Shore 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Calhoun 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Herricks at East Meadow 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Oceanside 1 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Freeport at Syosset 1 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
Despite having its winning streak end last Thursday night, the Malverne boys’ basketball team has positioned itself well for a second regular-season conference championship in three seasons thanks to a recent hot stretch and success against conference foes.
The Mules (7-5, 4-1 Conference A7) had won four straight and seven of nine before a disappointing 55-52 setback at Seaford, which marked the team’s first loss in five divisional games. Friends Academy, the defending Class A champs, beat North Shore that same night to draw even with Malverne atop the standings.
Malverne will visit Friends in a rematch on Friday night. In the first meeting on Dec. 12, the Mules outscored their Locust Valley rivals 17-7 in the first quarter and held on for a 63-56 win behind 20 points and nine steals from senior guard Lorenzo Maione.
“The toughest game, I think, will be going to Friends,” associate head coach Walter Aksionoff said. “We beat them at our place, but going back there now, it’s a tough place to play.”
The Mules held on to sole possession of first for as long as they could during their winning streak that bridged the New Year, but it certainly wasn’t easy. On Dec. 30, they trailed Carle Place by 11 points at halftime before rallying for a 63-61 overtime win to avoid a third straight loss and pulled off a more improbable victory on Jan. 6 by coming back from 13 down in the final minute of the third quarter to shock North Shore 52-50.
North Shore held a 50-46 lead with less than 40 seconds remaining in regulation when sophomore Shane Lee hit a 3-pointer from the right corner to cut the Mules’ deficit to one. Lee then harassed Vikings guard Lucas Schimsky into a turnover that was collected by sophomore forward Isaiah Smith, who would eventually drill another trey from the left arc with 19.6 seconds left for the winner.
of their first five Conference A7 games.
Lee and Smith were also the defensive stars by trapping Schimsky at the right baseline in the final seconds, forcing the Viking to put up an off-balance shot that fell short before the buzzer sounded.
Smith finished with 12 points to go with an astounding 18 rebounds. Junior Bryce McIntosh led Malverne with 15 points and Lee scored eight.
“He doesn’t score much, but he is a presence getting rebounds [and] getting some blocks,” Aksionoff said of Smith.
The Mules have been strong finishers this season by virtue of their plus-51 scoring advantage (209-158) in the final frame.
“That comes into conditioning,” Aksionoff said. “The better teams can hang a little bit, but the other teams don’t usually have one or two superstars. Not many teams play like we do, full court the whole game and press, press, press.”
Smith is averaging almost 11 points a game in his varsity debut season. Maione (9.8 ppg), McIntosh (8.0), and sophomore Andrew Innocent (7.3) have provided scoring depth, with the latter scoring 72 of his 88 points from beyond the arc.
Before the holiday break, a magical Malverne tradition continued at Maurice W. Downing Primary School as Principal Erick Walter donned his conductor hat and took the kindergartners on a fantastical holiday journey aboard the “Polar Express.”
Inspired by the 1985 fantasy children’s picture book of the same name written and illustrated by American author Chris Van Allsburg and, of course, the 2004 movie featuring the voice of Tam Hanks in multiple roles, the students pretending to be travelers each received a ticket that was punched before entering the gym, where Walter was waiting to share with them this holiday tale complete with music and sound effects to bring the imaginary trip to life in their minds.
After the story was over, the students got off the train and went back to their classrooms where a special holiday gift was waiting.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Students displayed their ‘Polar Express’ tickets with Principal Erik Walter before heading back to class where they each received a special holiday gift.
By JEFFREY BESSEN, CAROLYN JAMES & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ
Special to the Herald
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer began with a joke. Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, moderated a discussion among Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Richard Schaffer, president of the Long Island Supervisors Association. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke about having an impact.
The ballroom at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury, was filled with many appointed and elected government officials, along with many more movers and shakers, on Jan. 10 for the LIA’s annual State of the Region Breakfast.
This is a portion of what the elected leaders had to say.
Sen. Chuck Schumer
The former U.S. Senate majority leader, now the minority leader, began the morning with joke. The punch line of a tale about a woman being sentenced to four nights in jail for stealing a can of four peaches is her husband interrupting the proceeds by shouting, “She also stole a can of peas!”
The room filled with laughter, and then Schumer turned serious on several topics, including his hard work to attain his position in the Senate. He noted that despite the partisanship in Washington, Long Island elected leaders from both political parties are working together to bring federal money to the region.
“I’ll keep fighting for Long Island,” Schumer said, noting a $400 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for the Long Island Power Authority to strengthen the electrical power infrastructure.
Schumer said he was committed to reinstituting the deduction for state and local taxes, as should the entire state congressional delegation.
“We should be united in doing that, so that our people will stay here, new people will want to come here,” he said. “There is no reason for any member of the New York delegation shouldsettle for anything less than the full restitution of SALT with no cap.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul
The governor, who traveled to the event on the Long Island Rail Road, noted that the state would be investing $1.5 billion in the LIRR. The state is also allocating over $51 million for public safety on Long Island.
“We have to have the courage and vision to do more,” Hochul said of the issue of affordable housing.
She acknowledged the impact of climate change, from the wildfires in California to the fires in upstate New York in November, and from flooding in the Hudson Valley in July to flooding in Suffolk County in August.
“So, we have to be ready for this,” Hochul said. “We are the first genera-
tion to feel the ill effects of climate change, and we’re the last generation that can do something about it.”
She advocated for offshore wind power generation, saying it’s the way to go.
She also said she was motivated to help businesses big and small, because of the economic hard times she saw growing up. “No large business ever started as a large business — they all started small,” Hochul said, noting her mother’s small business to help displaced homemakers.
Since she became governor, she said, 53,000 jobs have been created on Long Island, and that in 2023 alone, 47,000 new businesses started here.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman Blakeman touted his record as county executive.
“Nassau County was named by U.S. News & World Report as the safest county of all the United States of America,” he said, crediting officers of the county Police Department. “They do an outstanding job,” he said. “The men and women work very, very hard to keep us all safe.”
On the proposed Sands casino, Blakeman said the process is progressing, and he believes the county has the best application.
“I think it will generate a lot of jobs — we’re talking about potentially $5 billion in construction jobs,” he said. “We’re talking about revenue that will be spread out in various communities. I believe that, hopefully, we can get a favorable decision from the licensing board, and we’ll go full speed ahead.”
On affordable housing, Blakeman said, “We have 80-year-old sewers that need to be revitalized … and we need at least $100 million over the next five years to do that.”
County Executive Ed Romaine Romaine declared that “Amtrak is coming to Ronkonkoma,” and spoke about affordable housing. Referring to the state’s push to bring development to Nassau and Suffolk counties, Romaine said he agreed that Long Island would benefit from meeting the housing needs of lower-income residents, senior citizens and young people.
He quickly added a caveat, however. “We also need the infrastructure,
including sewers, to support these projects,” Romaine said, noting that there are 3,400 projects under consideration in Suffolk that can’t be built because the county doesn’t have the sewer capacity — and that is the major obstacle for almost every major project undertaken on Long Island.
Increasing affordable housing on Long Island, once a local and regional issue, is front and center in Albany, as the state — dangling lots of state dollars — urges counties, towns and villages to embrace its new housing initiative. He added that the measure has been greeted with mixed reviews, as local officials remain concerned that opting into the state program will undercut local controls like planning and zoning codes.
Romaine was visibly angry about the taxes that Suffolk residents pay on their home electric and heating bills. He promised to suspend those taxes, as well as the gasoline tax.
“We should make it more affordable for the average person to live here,” he said. If not, people will move off Long Island “like the rest of the state. (People) don’t just vote at the ballot box; they vote with their feet. New York lost (more) people than any other state. That’s a wake-up call.
Supervisor Richard Schaffer
Schaffer, the Town of Babylon supervisor and the Suffolk County Democratic chairman, noted his beginnings in the County Legislature, where he worked across the aisle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“We’re not elected to come here and put on a show to make it into Newsday or make it onto News12,” Schaffer said. “We’re here to get things done.” He noted that that is his philosophy, and Romaine’s thinking as well.
“The stars have aligned, and not only do we have people who have known each other for a very long time, but also key, trust each other in order to do the right thing,” Schaffer added of his relationships with Romaine and Town of Islip Supervisor
ety of different languages — Spanish, Urdu, Turkish, Russian and Chinese.”
The school district’s English as a New Language program educates, on average, 150 students per year, and students of different language levels receive different degrees of assistance. The program focuses on integrating English language learners into general education classes, with a partnered instructor, and adds a 10th period during the school day for language education.
For students who need further instruction, the program places them in a class that teaches subjects in a more accessible way to help them reach their full potential, DiGregorio said.
Each year, the program holds a Thanksgiving luncheon and a spring international luncheon, allowing students and teachers time to connect and learn about each other’s backgrounds.
To help these students feel at home, instructors have partnered with the West Hempstead Public Library to coordinate field trips and informational sessions about the library’s resources.
“We do try to make sure that we’re making those community connections,” DiGregorio said. “So it’s a really nice way to get everybody involved in literacy, no matter what language you speak.”
Kelinda Sylvain, a 10th grader at West Hempstead Secondary School, arrived from Haiti as an eight grader in 2022. When she came to West Hempstead, she spoke no English, but because of the program, she is now proficient in a total of three languages, English, French and Haitian Creole.
She moved on from the English as a New Language program at the end of ninth grade after earning high marks on her language aptitude exam and is now
enrolled in several Advanced Placement courses.
“I like AP Capstone because it pushed me to do more, and I am a shy person in general, but AP capstone has pushed me to speak in public and come out of my comfort zone,” Sylvain said.
Her AP Capstone class involves a large amount of college-level reading and research, culminating in her public speaking presentation to the Board of Education about her time at West Hempstead Secondary School.
“One of the best things is the teachers,” Sylvain said. “They will push you beyond what you think is your potential. The teachers celebrate what you bring to a class.
“I used to be shy,” she added. “When I had Ms. Ferguson in ninth grade, she pushed me to take a non(English as a New Language) English class because she knew that I could do it.”
Edin Morales-Gomez, an 11th grader, came to the West Hempstead Secondary School from Guatemala in 2023 and became proficient in English through the program.
“I love that there are so many teachers in West Hempstead who want to help me achieve my goals and become successful,” he told the Herald.
Holden
photos The town held its 5th annual Mulchfest on Jan. 11, at
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Residents in the Town of Hempstead came together on Jan. 11 to celebrate sustainability at the 5th annual Mulchfest, turning their Christmas trees into mulch and helping the environment while feeding some friendly goats.
The event, held at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow, invited residents to bring their natural Christmas trees to be shredded into mulch for personal use or donated as snacks for the Nigerian Dwarf goats at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve.
“Mulchfest is back for the fifth year in a row, and the goats at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve are bleating in excitement,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said ahead of the event. “This holiday tradition sees scores of residents turning their Christmas trees into mulch, with each year getting better and better.”
During the event, natural Christmas trees were recycled into mulch, which can be used in gardening and landscaping. The shredded trees provided residents with eco-friendly mulch to take home or to support community landscaping projects.
Mulchfest promotes eco-friendly practices by preventing discarded trees from going to landfills and repurposing them in ways that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health, retaining moisture, and reducing weeds.
Levy Park and Preserve is the Town of Hempstead’s nature preserve, that boasts trials and panoramic views of the South Shore of Long Island, along with piers for fishing and a kayak launch. About 20 years ago, the town introduced the park’s newest inhabitants — Nigerian Dwarf goats, who would serve as natural weed control, as well as a friendly face at the base of the park’s entrance.
Christmas trees — despite their piney needles — are quite the delicacy for the goats.
The event gave families the opportunity to extend the season of giving by repurposing their trees into nutrient-rich mulch for gardening and moisture retention. Attendees received free bags of mulch or chose to donate the mulch to the town’s goats. Brokendown cardboard was also accepted and recycled during the event.
For those unable to attend Mulchfest, Christmas trees can still be dropped off at the homeowner disposal area next to Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve at 1600 Merrick Road through Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs,” Clavin said.
The surplus mulch created during Mulchfest will be used for landscaping and planting projects throughout Hempstead Town’s parks, ensuring that residents’ contributions support the community year-round.
The town’s trucks were filled to brim with mulch. Surplus mulch created during Mulchfest will be used for landscaping and planting projects throughout town parks this year.
Students put
Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and realworld experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.
Applying strong values in many selfless ways
Catholic school students apply the moral and spiritual lessons they learn in the real world by participating in charitable community initiatives throughout the year and by responding every day to others in a respectful and helpful manner. This spirit of caring and community in our students helps to give them the enduring moral foundation to become active, contributing members of society.
Through faith we grow
A strong Catholic identity as taught in Long Island’s Catholic schools matters. These schools are uniquely empowered to help children in some very important ways. Catholic schools:
√ Help socialize children in a positive way.
√ Reinforce the positive values that you live in your family.
√ Reassure children that they are safe and loved, and that God loves them.
√ Teach children that their value is not based on how others see them.
√ Feature teachers who are models of the faith.
Photo: Catholic schools demonstrate a proven record of achievement. Students excel today and gain the confidence to succeed all their lives.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH AT 9:30 A.M.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH AT 11 A.M.-1 P.M.
REGISTRATION:
JANUARY 28TH, 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. & 7:00-8:00 P.M. JANUARY 29TH, 9:30 - 10:30 A.M.
Discover a Faith-based Educational Journey at St. Agnes Cathedral School
At St. Agnes Cathedral School we believe that every child is a precious gift from God. We invite you to experience our exceptional academic program at our upcoming Open House.
Nurturing Environment: We cultivate a community based on love, compassion, and respect. Here, every child is encouraged to grow, explore, and develop their unique talents in a caring, supportive atmosphere.
Rigorous Academic Excellence: Our curriculum blends faith with innovative teaching methods, offering a challenging yet enriching academic experience that sparks curiosity and fosters a lifelong passion for learning.
Spiritual Growth: Alongside academics, we emphasize spiritual development, guiding students to understand and live by the values of faith, hope, and charity, shaping strong moral foundations for their future.
Physical and Creative Development: Our students enjoy physical education classes in our spacious gym, with K-8 students also participating in daily recess. Through art, music, and enrichment activities, they experience a well-rounded education that nurtures both body and mind.
Community Engagement: Our Mothers’ Club, Fathers’ Club, Parent-School Association, and School Board work together to help our students grow and thrive, fostering meaningful connections between families, teachers, administration, and students.
State-of-the-Art
Facilities: Our new STEM Center features a science lab, STEM lab, and Art Room. Designed to inspire creativity and innovation, our modern classrooms provide an engaging environment for students to explore and learn.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
11AM - 1PM
Come
Kindergarten
2-year
After
Enrichment and
The timeless values that create better prepared, more capable, and more confident young adults. An important part of your child’s program is the learning of values. This is often the most easily observable difference in a ‘Catholic school kid’.
While the specific order and organization of when these values are taught might differ from school-to-school, the values and the discipline to live them are enduring qualities and are taught consistently across all Catholic elementary schools.
The schedule below details how one of our schools creates a focus on two values in each in of the nine years of elementary and middle school.
Kindergarten – Courtesy and Respect: Learning the importance of politeness and good manners in dealing with others, as well as the need to respect one another, and personal and public property.
First Grade – Punctuality and Neatness: Being on time for school and with assignments and being neat in both school work and homework.
Second Grade – Kindness and Generosity: Understanding the need to reach out and help one another and realizing the joy in giving more than is expected.
Third Grade – Hard Work and Perseverance: Recognizing the importance of diligence and a good work attitude, the satisfaction of doing our best and the need to keep trying despite obstacles.
Fourth Grade – Honesty and Responsibility: Being truthful and keeping our word, doing the right thing even when no one else is looking, accepting the consequences of our actions and meeting our obligations.
Fifth Grade – Patience and Discipline: Learning to be patient with ourselves and others, saying “yes” to the right things and “no” to the wrong things, and taking charge of ourselves by controlling our actions and emotions.
Sixth Grade – Tolerance and Justice: Learning to accept and appreciate the differences in others and treating them with equality and fairness.
Seventh Grade – Thoughtfulness and Compassion: Understanding the needs and feeling of others and treating them with equality and fairness.
Eighth Grade – Loyalty and Courage: Caring about our relationships with others and being willing to show it through our actions; having the strength and will to do what is right even when we’re afraid or it’s unpopular.
The move from elementary school to middle school marks the beginning of a new set of expectations and a new world of opportunities. Challenging academic curriculum, inspired Catholic teachings, and an array of new afterschool activities give each student the intellectual, spiritual and social preparation needed for greater achievement in high school, college and beyond.
A renewed focus on study skills and research skills begin to prepare students for the rigors of high school, and the programs and activities the students once participated in, they now lead. They mentor younger students, assume larger roles in liturgies, and lead activities ranging from science fairs to drama productions. From captaining sports teams to supervising community service work, middle school students learn to motivate and manage others.
Maintaining academic superiority
The middle school program continues the student’s challenging academic curriculum. Rigorous literature, math, computer, art, music and foreign language classes continue to engage all students, and qualifying students can enhance their studies with accelerated programs. Middle school students consistently score in the top percentages on national and state testing and most schools boast a 100 percent acceptance rate into prestigious Long Island Catholic high schools.
The moral and spiritual lessons students have learned along the way guide them in charitable activities and community service. From stocking food banks to sharing with those less fortunate, Catholic school students put their faith into action by responding to others in a caring, respectful and helpful manner every day. Middle school students also play an important role in the school by mentoring others through participation in buddy programs and by modeling their faith for younger students.
As students reach middle school they begin to assume more important roles in their faith community. Middle school students assist with the Parish ministries including Parish Outreach, they function as altar servers, and they participate in prayer groups. Seventh and eighth grade students mentor younger students, they lead the Student Government, staff the Safety Patrol, participate in the National Junior Honor Society and lead prayer services. It is in the middle school level that lifetime bridges between our students and the parish are created.
Putting A broader range of sports and activities
In addition to continuing some of the interests students have been cultivating since Early
Education in language, band and choir, middle school students get to help their fellow students by supporting the school’s labs as a member of the Technology Club, they assist other students as Library/Media Club members, and the can participate in STEM Science Fairs and Math Bees. Aspiring journalists create and produce school newspapers or produce radio or TV broadcasts. The athletic types participate in CMSAA (Catholic Middle School Athletic Association) organized interscholastic new ties club tion
advanced and more frequent.
Putting Becoming the young men and women who will shape the future
Confident in their abilities, Catholic middle school students spread their wings and begin to soar. With values built on a rock-solid foundation and an exceptional education that has engaged each child’s unique abilities, students begin to blossom into young man and women of character.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce has launched a series of workshops to strengthen small businesses and address common challenges entrepreneurs face in an increasingly digital economy across the region. The first one was Tuesday, and there are six more, scheduled for Thursday and on Jan. 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29.
“This is really all about supporting small businesses and their positive impact across the board in Nassau County,” the council’s president, Frank Camarano Jr., said. “The chambers are our workers on the ground, in every community, hand in hand with the folks that live there. Now, while it’s great having so many — it really is — they’re obviously smaller, so the available resources are harder for them to tap into, and it all gets spread out. Also, each voice, individually, is sometimes hard to hear, yet combined — what a difference. That’s where we come in, to support them, of course, and make up for as many missing pieces as we can along the way.
a grant made possible by County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature,” the council’s second vice president, Joseph Garcia, said. “It shows they understand the hardships small businesses have faced as we endured and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The initiative stems from a survey of local chambers and small business owners, identifying areas where support is needed the most. Three specialized workshops have been developed, covering financial management, marketing and communications and computer systems.
Each session will focus on practical, hands-on training to equip participants with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive.
address website optimization, cybersecurity best practices and implementing business software, along with guidance on system backup and recovery procedures.
“The goal of this first round of workshops is to provide the type of support usually reserved for big, multi-milliondollar companies and franchises,” Garcia said. “Bringing this to small businesses of all types in Nassau County will pay dividends for our business owners, our county, in additional sales taxes, and strengthen our communities.”
attend the workgroups in their zone, and cannot participate in the same workgroup across multiple zones.
This workshop series is part of the council’s broader efforts to support Nassau County’s small businesses as they navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economic landscape.
In February, the council will expand its resources by relocating its offices to Nassau Community College. The move will enhance its capacity to serve the business community through additional workshops, collaborative programs with college faculty and enhanced hands-on business education experiences, and provide internship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with local enterprises.
The financial management workshop will explore topics such as tax planning, cash flow management and strategies for acquiring capital. Attendees will also learn bookkeeping fundamentals and techniques for preparing and analyzing financial statements.
Every Detail Tailored to Fit Your Vision
“There’s this saying, ‘When something is done correctly, it looks like nothing has been done at all,’” Camarano continued. “No fanfare, just a lot of work. It’s the chamber way. It’s our way.”
“The workshops are paid for through
“We are grateful to Nassau Community College President Maria P. Conzatti and Jerry Kornbluth, along with their dedicated staff, for their partnership in this initiative,” Gary Slavin, treasurer of the council, added. “This collaboration will create valuable opportunities for both our small business community and the college’s students.”
The marketing and communications workshop will help businesses develop effective social media strategies, implement online marketing techniques and optimize their e-commerce operations. The computer systems workshop will
The workshops are divided into three zones based on location: In Zone One, north of Route 25, they will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Roslyn. In Zone Two, south of Route 25 and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway, they will take place at American Legion Post 44, in Malverne; and in Zone Three, south of Route 25 and east of the Meadowbrook, will be held at American Legion Post 1066, in Massapequa. The Herald is presenting on marketing in Zone One on Jan. 21.
Each zone will host three separate workgroups on different nights, for a total of nine workgroups. Businesses are encouraged, but not required, to
“With the massive support of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature, and not just financially, we are all getting it done together,” Camarano said. “We are very proud, and extremely thankful.”
For more information or to register, visit ncchambers.org.
Detail Tailored to Fit Your Vision At the Seawane Club, no detail or request is too big or too small to ensure your dream comes to life better than you could have ever imagined
Every Detail Tailored to Fit Your Vision
Team
At the Seawane Club, no detail o too big or too small to ensure you comes to life better than you cou imagined
At the Seawane Club, no detail or request is too big or too small to ensure your dream comes to life better than you could have ever imagined
Our extensive Food & Beverage program offers the flexibility to tailor menus to your unique tastes and the diverse preferences of your guests, including Kosher catering Curate your perfect celebration with our Catering Director for all your Kosher and non Kosher festivities
Our extensive Food & Beverage program offers the flexibility to tailor menus to your unique tastes and the diverse preferences of your guests, including Kosher catering
Our extensive Food & Beverage offers the flexibility to tailor men unique tastes and the diverse pre your guests, including Kosher ca Curate your perfect celebration w Catering Director for all your K non Kosher festivities
Curate your perfect celebration with our Catering Director for all your Kosher and non Kosher festivities
everything you need. S special event today, by emailing events by
REAL ESTATE DEAL OF THE YEAR
Joseph Farkas, Esq
Chief Executive Officer and Founder Metropolitan Realty Associates LLC
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Michael T. Puntillo
Managing Partner PX4 Development
TOP ENGINEER
Stephen A. Hayduk, P.E.
Senior Principal Hayduk Engineering LLC
INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS IMEG
EXCELLENCE IN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY CITIZENSHIP
Christopher Capece
President Heatherwood Luxury Rentals
PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY
Jeremy Longo
General Manager Belfor Property Restoration
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Sheldon L. Shrenkel
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Nassau County IDA
TOP MORTGAGE BROKER OF THE YEAR
Nicholas Ceccarini
President Weatherstone Mortgage Corp
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Founder and Design Principal in Charge Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & IMPACT
Patricia Oliva
Chief Executive Officer Consumer Direct Title
INNOVATION IN LEGAL TECHNOLOGY
Alexander Paykin, Esq
Managing Director and Owner The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P C
EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE FINANCE
Vito Giannola
Executive Vice President & Chief Banking Officer
Provident Bank
KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
John Starck
President & Chief Executive Officer Showcase Kitchens
EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE & TITLE LAW
Paula Parrino, Esq.
Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President of Operations Nationwide Court Service FATHER/SON POWER TEAM
Stanley H. & Kenneth Schuckman
Founder / President Schuckman Realty
Glen Johnson, a music teacher at the Howard T. Herber Middle School in the Malverne school district, for being given with the prestigious Long Island School Hero Award by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.
Johnson’s unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment for his students sets him apart as a true role model, school district officials said.
His efforts extend beyond music education, as he consistently demonstrates kindness, empathy and leadership, inspiring his students to excel both as musicians and as compassionate individuals. He is considered relentless on his focus to empower students and mold them into future role models.
The award, bestowed upon outstanding school staff members nominated by the Long Island community, highlights Johnson’s extraordinary dedication to creating positive and lasting impacts in the lives of his students, district officials said.
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying is dedicated to combating bullying and fostering empathy, understanding, and acceptance within the community.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Let those chef skills take center stage on wintry day
By Karen Bloom
Settle in for some comfy winter nesting during these frigid days. And, of course, it’s certainly time to refocus on a healthier eating now that we’re finished with those weeks of festive over-indulgence.
January is the ideal time to reset and get into the kitchen and work on some “Top Chef” skills. It’s not that difficult with some great comforting — healthy — foods to warm the heart and soul.
Experiment with new culinary creations that incorporate bold flavors for delicious results. Nothing pleases the senses quite like a hearty dish on a cold evening. Try adding these recipes to your repertoire.
A classic stick-to-your-ribs stew is the ideal project for a chilly weekend. A terrific winter warmer-upper, serve with a hearty bread or corn bread.
• 5 pounds bone-in short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/3 cups Zinfandel wine
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 6 large potatoes, washed, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 pound small fresh mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen whole green beans
• 1 can (16 ounces) peeled whole tomatoes, undrained
Dredge ribs in flour to coat; reserve leftover flour. Heat oil in 8-quart Dutch oven on moderate heat. Add half of ribs and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove ribs. Repeat instructions for remaining ribs.Stir in the reserved flour. While stirring, add 1 cup water and wine and stir until thickened.Return ribs to the pan. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper and bouillon and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat to simmer for about 1 hour, or until ribs are tender. Remove ribs with slotted spoon and cover with foil to keep warm. Add potatoes, mushrooms and beans. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add ribs and tomatoes with liquid, and heat through. Use slotted spoon to remove meat and vegetables to large serving platter. Remove gravy to serving container and serve with ribs. Makes 6 servings.
Settle in with a warming, welcoming bowl of pasta, especially tasty on a winter’s niight.
• 12 ounces uncooked campanelle pasta
• 1 tablespoon Bertolli Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
• Alfredo sauce
• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
• 6 eggs
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In pot of salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than directed on package. Drain pasta.
In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and shallots. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add wine; cook 3-4 minutes, or until most liquid has evaporated. Stir in peas, prosciutto, Alfredo sauce and cheese. Add pasta; toss gently. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes to coat pasta with sauce.
In saucepan, bring water to boil and add eggs. Cook 6 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water and cool before peeling.
Top each serving with soft-set egg and black pepper.
Note: Gouda or Gruyere can be substituted for Fontina. Unpeeled, cooked eggs can be stored in refrigerator up to one week.
Alfredo Sauce:
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• Pasta cooking water, as needed
In a saucepan or skillet, warm the butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted.
Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water if necessary.
A rustic soup loaded with lentils and kale can be flavorful centerpiece to healthy, satisfying meal. This filling soup is packed with vegetables and has a hint of heat from the sausage, giving it a zesty warm, spicy flavor.
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed, or sausage of your choice
• 2 celery stalks (with leafy tops), thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced medium
• 3/4 cup-1 cup dried lentils
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 bunches (about 3/4 pound) kale, preferably Tuscan, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils, broth, and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a rapid simmer, partially cover, and cook until lentils and vegetables are tender, 25 minutes.
Add kale and season with salt. Return soup to a rapid simmer, cover, and cook until kale wilts, about 5 minutes. Remove soup from heat, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve this soup in individual bowls with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top and a crusty slice of bread to sop up the broth at the bottom of the bowl.
Note: Spinach or chard can be substitute for the kale in this recipe. The soup can be enhanced by adding a couple of thyme or rosemary sprigs as it simmers. If it’s too thick to your liking, more broth can be added.
Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best. An all-time-great joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Dave Atell is most at home in comedy clubs. He built a loyal following by barnstorming the country with his brand of off-color “very adult” humor, and his audiences got even bigger after his cult-favorite travel show, “Insomniac.” Atell continues to be a presence on TV — including his hit Netflix specials “Hot Cross Buns” and “Bumping Mics” — while constantly writing new material and taking it on the road. Beginning his comedy career in the early ‘90s, Attell ascended through New York’s stand-up ranks alongside the likes of Louis C.K. and Jon Stewart. After a brief stint writing for SNL, Attell branched out on his own. When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Old Westbury Gardens maybe closed for the season yet everyone is invited to escape winter’s chill with a special musical interlude in Westbury House’s delightful music room.“Majestic Melodies: An Evening of Piano and Song” pairs the dazzling vocals of Broadway’s Nathaniel Hackmann with the virtuosic talent of pianist Philip Edward Fisher. Hackmann, fresh off his celebrated role as Biff Tannen in “Back to the Future: The Musical,” which just finished its Broadway run, is a powerhouse performer. His commanding stage presence thrills audiences both on Broadway and in concert halls worldwide. He’s joined by Fisher, an accomplished pianist praised for his refined style and exceptional versatility.
Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m. $50; OWG members receive 20 percent discount. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For more information and tickets, visit oldwestburygardens.org.
See a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage, Saturday, Jan. 25 , at 2 p.m. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a highenergy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Repeatedly praised by critics, for their “mind-boggling artistry and athleticism” and their “great feats of daring at the extreme edges of human capability,” their acts have reached millions live and millions more through appearances on most major television networks. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The Acrobats of Cirque-tacular bound from one breathtaking, death-defying feat of acrobatic daredevilry to another. Musclepopping, mind-boggling artistry and athleticism charm and awe the audience.
The performers are revered as cuttingedge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Cirque-tacular’s entertainers have shared the stage with a who’s who of A-list celebrities. They leave no stone unturned to test the limits of human mind and body. The fun of their show is doubled with explosive music that complements the performance and act. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
As part of Malverne’s commitment to community and cultural learning experiences, the school district will be honoring MLK Day, Tuesday, Jan. 20, with a student-led community event. For more information, visit malverneschools.org. Let Freedom Ring with MLK
The West Hempstead Board of Education holds its next business meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., in the videoconference room of the Secondary School. 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead.
Sign up for the Malverne Youth Board winter tennis program, held Saturdays, now through Feb. 8, at Point Set in Oceanside. Ages 7 and up welcome to participate. Adult sessions, 10 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon. Youth session, ages 10 and under, noon to 1 p.m. $175 per person. Register at Malverne Village.org.
Get in the game. Bring your mah jongg card and set to Malverne Public Library, Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. Players of all experience levels welcome. For more information, visit malvernelibrary.org or call (516) 599-0750. 61 St. Thomas Place.
Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of images from that era and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.”
The program is part of the AdvoKids monthly series that focuses on teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and others and teaching adults how to support their kids’ advocacy efforts. For ages 5 and up. $4 with admission, $3 members. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.
Meet up with friends and neighbors for a friendly afternoon of bridge, Wednesdays, at Malverne Public Library, 1-4 p.m. All levels are welcome to attend! No registration required. For more information, visit malvernelibrary.org or call (516) 599-0750. 661 St. Thomas Place.
Looking to improve flexibility? Reduce stress and enhance your wellbeing? Come to 32 Church St. in Malverne. New students can get unlimited classes for the first two weeks after a payment of $39. Business hours vary by day of the week. Contact (516) 9926311 or go to peacefulyoga. net for more information.
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility. Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces.org/barrytech or call (516) 622-6812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.
British-born country rocker
Albert Lee performs, Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at My Father’s Place supper club. He started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
He continues to tour, playing his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/info, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Having an event?
Benefit concert
Creative Corner in West Hempstead hosts two shows, Saturday, Jan. 25, acoustic retro, 8-9 p.m., and an open jam, 9:30-10:30 p.m., featuring the music of the Beatles, Neil Diamond, the Eagles, Elton John, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, and more. Suggested donation $10 to benefit the Israel Chesed Center in Hewlett. 482 Hempstead Ave.
Barks and Brews
Visit Broadway Tavern for “Barks and Brews,” Sundays, noon-2 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks and adorable pups. Everyone is encouraged to bring their dogs to the event, which has an open yard, water and treats waiting for your furry friends. 8 Broadway.
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.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. Opens Jan. 18, on view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Long Island Children’s Museum continues its Musical Explorers! Series, with a performance by a Jazz at Lincoln Center ensemble on the museum’s stage, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 19-20, noon and 2 p.m. Charles Turner (vocals), Summer Camargo (trumpet), David Drake (piano), Brandi Disterheft (bass) and David Hawkins (drums) present “Louis Armstrong’s Great Migration.” The program, especially created for young audiences, underscores the deep connection between this American musical genre, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. $5 with museum admission; $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets and information.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Lisa Pearce a/k/a Lisa Williamson; Robin Williamson; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 4, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 4, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 480 Hopatcong Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview, near Rockville Center, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 35 Block 460 Lot 853. Approximate amount of judgment
$287,760.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 602518/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Russell Burman, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: December 12, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 150764
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., -againstJUANA E. BONILLA, 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 October 19, 2023, wherein MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P. is the Plaintiff and JUANA E. BONILLA, 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 February 6, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 234 SYCAMORE STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 35-377-40 & 41. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WEST HEMPSTEAD, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601557/2018. Janine T. Lynam, 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. 150756
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 13, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 13, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 771 Maple Place, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate lying and being at West Hempstead, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 269 and Lot 47. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,113,780.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610562/2020. Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 193351-1 150873 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 01/22/2025 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S. Bank, National Association as Legal Title Trustee for Truman 2016 SC6 Title Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Sheikh S. Hossain
A/K/A Sheikh Hossain
A/K/A Sheikh N. Hossain, ET AL., Defendant(s).
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 62/25. WEST HEMPSTEAD - King Ho, Variances, front yard setbacks on Jennings Ave. & Nightingale Rd., construct garage & roofed over open porch both attached to dwelling., N/W cor. Jennings Ave. & Nightingale Rd., a/k/a 730 Jennings Ave. N.C.P.C. Local determination.
63/25. WEST HEMPSTEAD
- Jason Drosnick & Sylvia Monet Drosnick, Maintain 6’ high fence forward of dwelling which may substantially obstruct line of sight., E/s Mayfair Ave., 290’ N/o Hempstead Tpke., a/k/a 30 Mayfair Ave.
ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
150975
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 1-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held January 7, 2025 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 1-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 1-2025, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.
Dated: January 7, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 150968
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Most people wake up in the morning five days a week, grab some breakfast and coffee and head to work.
Every Wednesday roughly 30 people gather in the upstairs ballroom in the Hewlett firehouse and make business connections, and in most cases friendships.
Breakfast Connect, considered the largest networking group in the Five Towns, according to leader Andrew Liebowitz, meets for 60 or so minutes from 8 to 9 a.m., which includes businesses from those communities as well as surrounding ones such as Lynbrook, Oceanside and Rockville Centre.
“When you do meet every week you build relationships, it’s hard when you don’t,” Liebowitz said as he began the Jan. 8 meeting that included a dozen exhibitors.
Thelp each other, and become more referable,” Liebowitz said. “We’re a friendly group, along the way we’ve made friendships and everyone is close in this group.”
It is not mandatory to attend every week, but attending on a regular basis is recommended, he added.
Stephen Marks, an executive recruiter who works from home, said he belongs to Breakfast Connect to socialize with other business people.
he idea of free networking is important, it’s something we’re proud of.
ANdREw LiEBowiTz leader, Breakfast Connect
He noted that many of the people who are part of Breakfast Connect were members of the original Business Network International group that began in the Five Towns in 2004. A decade later him and several others formed a free networking group — BNI charges members — that has met in a number of different locations, including the Woodmere Club and Bagel Boss in Hewlett.
“The idea of free networking is important, it’s something we’re proud of,” Liebowitz said. At Breakfast Connect you can dress how you want. We don’t take referrals in this group, referrals are earned.”
Meeting every week, he added is a plus and the best way to build relationships.
“Every week we get to speak, talk about each other’s business, ways to
“I see it as a place of learning and meeting new people,” the East Rockaway resident said at that Wednesday meeting. “It’s engaging.”
Looking to expand his Lynbrook-based We Fix 516 construction business, John Muscat attended his first Break Fast Connect meeting.
“I want to meet people and get the word out in the neighborhood,” he said, adding that being a part of a group will “change the day up a little bit.” “Right now it’s word of mouth and I want to get things going and push it a little more.”
Audrey Reiman, vice president of First National Bank of Long Island in Hewlett, equated being involved with the networking group to providing good customer service as she said he bank do.
“We answer the phone on the first or second ring,” she said touting her bank’s ability to service their customers. “We what to spread the word to everyone that are a real community bank.”
Liebowitz likes to say, “To resist is business missed.”
“It’s family first, business second and networking third,” he said about the group’s outlook on life’s priorities. “Things happen.”
To connect, go to BreakfastConnect. com.
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to
TQ. I am being told that I can buy new kitchen cabinets much cheaper from a Chinese company than the local cabinet companies. I have been shopping around, and cabinets are quite expensive for my small kitchen, around $35,000. The imported kitchen from China is much less, around $18,000, and looks very nice, a similar style. What can you tell me about whether I am getting a good deal or whether the cabinets are poorly made?
A.This is a timely yet touchy subject, with so much uncertainty about what direction product costs will go in the near future. I receive 32 industry publications per month, and I have just learned that the U.S. Commerce Department issued a ruling in July that China was found to be skirting United States import duties by producing cabinet components in China, but then further processing the products in Vietnam and Malaysia, so the cabinetry did not appear to come from China.
Even though this latest judgment pertains specifically to solid wood and engineered-wood products, which is most of what cabinetry is made of, it also includes drawer fronts and doors, which may have been produced elsewhere and assembled in any one of those countries or the U.S. While the components’ foreign production and later assembly saved money, the cabinet door is closing on whether you will save money in the near future.
When I speak to cabinetmakers, assemblers and installers locally, I get a mix of opinions about the quality of the products. First are the components: Many raw materials are hard to trace with imported cabinets, so the type of wood can vary. Because U.S. industry standards are often much higher, the amount of warping and twisting in foreign wood can be greater due to less quality control in the humidity and curing of the solid wood components. The same is true of “engineered” wood products, which come in various types of panels such as wood strips, like plywood, or from glued sawdust pressed together under high pressure. The sawdust and the glues come from unknown origins, and some glue may be made from animal processes, which can lead to a terrible smell as the panel ages.
Then there is the connecting of components, which may be only glued or stapled. Better products have interlocking dovetailed joints. Sometimes what you don’t see is what makes the difference.
While more expensive American-made products are made with higher quality control, it won’t be long before all products go up in price. Price increases notoriously happen at the end of January each year, but with the looming possibility of higher tariffs, you may discover that the old saying, “He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay” is accurate. Waiting for a bargain may not save you anything, and you get what you pay for. And “The dissatisfaction of poor quality lingers long after the excitement of a cheaper price has been forgotten.” Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn:
Announcements
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!
Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry
Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
Miscellaneous For Sale
SLIDING SHOWER CHAIR f or easy in/out of tub. Never used. Top quality. Less than half of original price. $150. Priced to move. 516-208-5593.
Wanted To Buy
FREON WANTED
Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275
Finds Under $100
CARGO CARRIER, FOR rooftop, Soft, used once, call for specs, $50. (516)225-9191
CD TOWERS (2) Southwestern Kokopelli Design Holds 90+ $45 (516) 287-7027 call/text
FLEXIBLE FLYER SLED, Classic steel rail, Wooden deck, 16"wide 54"long In Baldwin. $10 (516) 254-3640
GENUINE LEATHER BLACK Swivel Chair, Good Condition. 516-554-3643. Curbside pick-up, Malverne, $95.
GIRLS CLOTHES SIZE 10, New with Tags. $11 each. Lot of 10 pieces. 917-420-5814
HOOVER RUG SHAMPOOING Machine with all Attachments, and Cleaning Supplies. $75 LIke New. 516-486-7941
STEMWARE, CRYSTAL FROM Macy's Water, Wine, Champagne. 6 each. Original Boxes. Never Used. $95. (516)225-9191
TEENAGE BOYS CARGO Shorts: Size 16, New with Tags, $10. Denim, Beige and Grey 917-420-5814
TIFFANY STYLE CHANDELIER: 1970s, Multicolor glass, 20 inch diameter $15 (516) 965-0982
WALL SAFE: HEAVY Duty, Fits in Wall between Studs, 15"x15" with 2 Keys. $50. 516-486-7941
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Painting Renovations And Repairs Free Estimates Licensed/ Insured CBJ Home Improvements LLC 917-865-5927, 516-218-2448
Home Improvement
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE
your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Health & Fitness
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719
Attention:
As county executive, I have refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, held the line on taxes even as inflation went through the roof, and brought a common-sense approach to important issues that affect Nassau families. The recent awards our county has received, including being named the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report and the best county to live in New York by Niche magazine, are a testament to those unwavering principles.
Earning the distinction of being the best New York county to live in can be directly attributed to our safe neighborhoods, world-class programs and facilities, and strong economic opportunities.
We are committed to building on this success in the years to come while protecting our residents’ quality of life from extremist politicians in Albany. Being named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement, the strength of our emergencyresponse teams, and our investments in public safety. An increased police presence in Nassau County communities is crucial to maintaining that safety. Since taking office, I have sworn in 291 new police officers and 147 new correction officers and deputy sheriffs.
BTraining Village to ensure that our police officers continue to receive toptier training to protect and serve Nassau families.
eing named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement.
While some local governments across the nation are defunding their police, the County Legislature and my office are investing in law enforcement while providing the best training, tools and resources to effectively protect residents and their families. We plan to go further by building a state-of-the-art Police
Protecting public safety also means protecting our residents from the emerging threat of drones. The county utilizes an advanced system that is well ahead of the curve in detecting and tracking drones. I have granted authorization to the Nassau County Police Department to neutralize drones that threaten the public, ensuring the safety of residents. I am also demanding that the federal government share advanced drone-mitigation technology with local police so that we can redirect drones and effectively control our airspace.
As we celebrate all of our achievements, we must also remain vigilant against policies that could undermine our progress. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Clean
Slate law is a pro-criminal, misguided policy that allows criminals to have their records sealed after committing serious crimes. This law undermines the safety of residents by allowing criminals to avoid accountability, and making it harder for law enforcement to track repeat offenders. I encourage you to contact the governor and your state legislators to tell them that it is wrong! From Clean Slate to cashless bail and sanctuary laws, New York state is headed in the wrong direction, while Nassau County is headed in the right direction. It continues to thrive as the safest and best place to live because of our unwavering commitment to public safety and quality of life. As we face challenges, we must remain vigilant and proactive. Together we can safeguard our communities from misguided policies and enhance the quality of life for all Nassau families. Let us champion what is right for our communities, a safe and prosperous Nassau County for generations to come.
Bruce Blakeman is the county executive.
As I look back on my first few weeks as a congresswoman, I have been guided at every turn by the promise I made on the campaign trail: I will always put Long Island first. When I first decided to run for Congress, I knew the mission was simple: to listen to the concerns of my constituents and to work across the aisle whenever possible to deliver real results for Nassau County. Long Islanders have made it clear that they want action on securing our borders and overhauling our broken immigration system. Its shortcomings are the results of decades of inaction, despite our congressional responsibility to fix these gaps. I said my Day One priority would be fixing immigration and keeping Americans safe, and I meant it.
That’s why my very first act in office was crossing party lines to vote for the Laken Riley Act, to prevent future tragedies, protect our communities and deter crime. This bill gives the
Department of Homeland Security the ability to detain those who commit certain crimes while here without legal rights if they have not otherwise been detained. While we work on more comprehensive solutions to address immigration and the border crisis, we must give law enforcement officials the tools to deter crime and protect our communities.
Nassau County residents have been clear: They want solutions, not partisanship.
I have been clear that these comprehensive solutions must start with securing our southern border, a priority shared by many of my constituents. We must hire more border patrol officers, erect physical barriers where necessary, and ensure that law enforcement has the resources to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. While we secure our southern border, we must also be focused on streamlining our asylum process and protecting pathways to legal immigration for hardworking, eligible people who will contribute to our economy.
Second, in every corner of the district, I’ve heard from hardworking Long Islanders of every background who are counting on Congress to tack -
le the cost-of-living crisis. That starts with giving the middle class a tax break by reinstating the deduction for state and local taxes and doing away with the unfair double taxation that is hurting so many of us. In my first week in office, I wrote to House and Senate leadership calling for immediate negotiations to reinstate the SALT deduction in any upcoming tax package. I’ve been clear: We must get this done for New Yorkers, and I look forward to working with my SALT Caucus colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver this much-needed middle-class tax relief.
I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship. As Hempstead town supervisor, I reached across the aisle to revitalize our infrastructure, reduce taxes and pass anti-corruption reforms. I worked every day with the Town Board’s Republican majority to deliver on the issues that mattered most, while taking aim at government waste and promoting transparency. I’ll bring that same mindset of bridging political differences and finding compromise to
every day of my service representing the 4th District. With the pressing issues we face, it is more important than ever that we reject extremism and work to deliver results on the shared values and priorities that matter most.
Nassau County residents have been clear: They want problems solved, not partisanship. I’ll always prioritize effective governance and policies that directly enhance our communities over party loyalty or political extremism. I will work with anyone, from either party, to deliver what is best for Nassau County.
As I’ve met more of my new congressional colleagues of both parties, I’m hopeful that the productive relationships we’re building enable thoughtful legislation that advances our shared values. America is diverse in creed, thought and background, but we all strive for the same things: lower costs, access to health care, good jobs, and a better future for our children. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and if Congress can focus on our shared priorities, we can deliver not only for our constituents, but for all Americans.
gressional District.
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced a significant policy shift last week: It will no longer employ independent fact-checkers to monitor and flag false content on its platforms.
While the company says it will continue to remove illegal activity, hate speech and explicit material, the abandonment of fact-checking signals an alarming retreat from the fight against misinformation and disinformation. The decision isn’t just a step backward — it is a surrender that carries grave consequences for the future of public discourse, democracy and social cohesion.
We have seen the potential for misinformation to destabilize our society. From conspiracy theories about election fraud to false narratives about coronavirus vaccines, unchecked falsehoods have exacerbated a public health crisis, deepened our political polarization and even been the cause of violence.
Meta’s platforms have often been central to the spread of such misinformation, because its algorithms often promote and prioritize it. The company’s decision to abandon fact-checking signals that it is no longer willing to bear the responsibility of combating this dangerous trend, leaving a vacuum that bad actors at home and abroad are likely to exploit.
The announcement comes at a time when public trust in crucial institutions like the courts and the media is already at a historic low. By stepping away from fact-checking, Meta is essentially declaring that truth is a relative concept in the digital age. This dangerous idea has dire implications.
If platforms as influential as Facebook and Instagram refuse to differentiate between fact and fiction, the lines between credible information and out-
and-out lies and conspiracy theories will blur even further. This will inevitably empower those who benefit from sowing chaos and confusion, whether they are political extremists, foreign actors, or profit-driven disinformation peddlers.
The broader context of Meta’s decision is equally troubling. Over the past few years, tech companies have faced increasing scrutiny and pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. Some conservatives have accused platforms of censorship, particularly in high-profile cases like Facebook’s suspension of then President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Republicans in Congress and conservative courts have cast social media moderation as government overreach and an attack on free speech.
But Meta’s retreat from fact-checking is not a victory for free speech; it is a capitulation to chaos. Free speech thrives in an environment where truth and accountability prevail. Local newspapers, which are committed to objective journalism, continue to fact-check and be a source of fairness and truth, but platforms without that commitment become echo chambers for lies, propaganda and hate. The removal of guardrails does not level the playing field; it tilts it in favor of those who manipulate information for power or profit.
This creates a toxic environment in which hate speech and antisemitism flourish, as recent trends have shown. Marginalized groups, often the primary targets of such rhetoric, will bear the brunt of the harm.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish global human rights organization, stated that it is “deeply concerned” about the decision.
“This reckless move disregards the immense responsibility social media companies bear in protecting vulnerable
‘The Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate’
To the Editor:
Last week, the U.S. Postal Service held a meeting with the Long Island Postal Customer Council, a gathering that brought together local commercial mailers, business partners and industry professionals.
The spotlight of the meeting was the Postal Service’s 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America. This ambitious initiative aims to modernize the postal network, enhance service across all mail and shipping categories, and restore long-term financial sustainability. Attendees had the opportunity to understand how this plan has been positively impacting businesses across Long Island.
As part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal
communities and mitigating the spread of harmful and dangerous ideologies,” the center said in a statement. “History has repeatedly shown that online hate does not remain confined to the digital realm — it manifests in tragic offline consequences.”
By abandoning its responsibility to curb misinformation, Meta risks alienating users and advertisers who value trustworthy, safe online spaces. In a world where lies often spread faster than truth, elections can be swayed by disinformation campaigns, public health initiatives can be derailed by conspiracy theories and trust in scientific and journalistic institutions can erode beyond repair.
The question of who bears responsibility for curbing misinformation in the digital age is complex, but Meta’s decision sets a dangerous precedent. If one of the most influential companies in the world believes it can abdicate this responsibility without consequences, other platforms are likely to follow. This may well create a domino effect in which the internet devolves into a freefor-all of unchecked falsehoods and extremism.
We must demand better. Governments and regulators must step in where companies such as Meta have stepped back, enforcing stricter rules about misinformation and holding platforms accountable for the content they amplify. Nongovernmental organizations and independent watchdogs must also play a role in promoting digital literacy and factchecking.
Meta’s retreat from that crucial responsibility is more than a corporate decision; it is a warning sign. If we fail to act, the world Meta is helping to create could be one in which truth, accountability and even democracy itself are the casualties.
Long Island is known for many things, from our beautiful beaches and lighthouses to historic sites, great seafood and wineries. yet, beneath the charm and attractions, Long Island grapples with a major obstacle: an aging and insufficient transportation network that can’t keep pace with our growing population.
As Long Island continues to grow, our region faces a challenge that threatens both its economy and quality of life, with a transportation and infrastructure network that is underfunded, poorly maintained, and inadequate to meet the needs of our residents.
Currently, transportation funding is overseen by the New york metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes New york City and several surrounding counties. This arrangement leaves Long Island competing for resources with the largest metropolitan center in the county, a challenge that often means Long Island’s needs are underrepresented and underfunded.
w
e have the population and economic output of many states, but not the infrastructure.
The Long Island region’s share of transportation funding has dropped from 23 percent to just 6 percent. We’re in dire need of a fairer allocation that meets the region’s unique needs. This is why we need a dedicated Nassau Suffolk metropolitan Planning organization.
The creation of a Long Island-specific planning organization would ensure that our region has a clear,
Service has introduced several new products and services aimed at helping businesses thrive. From USPS Ground Advantage, a ground shipping solution that provides an affordable and reliable way to send packages in the U.S., to USPS Connect Local, which gives small to medium-sized businesses access to low-cost, sameday/next-day package delivery to local customers in their neighborhood.
We’re giving businesses of all sizes the benefits of USPS’s optimized network.
USPS offers transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges, and Informed Delivery, a free service that gives customers a preview of mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon, and the ability to set package tracking notifications and schedule email reminders for important mail pieces.
At the meeting, satisfied industry partners and business professionals shared their experiences, highlighting how the Postal Service has enabled them to connect affordably with their customers — especially during a period in which business costs are continually escalating.
As the Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate, it remains a trusted partner for businesses on Long Island and across the nation.
Amy GIbbS USPS strategic communications specialist Melville
To the Editor:
The Press Club of Long Island, the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, believes that Nassau County’s decision to replace Newsday with the New york Post as its official paper is a disservice to residents.
The decision is also an attack on a free press, viewed by political observers and journalists as punishing Newsday for its watchdog coverage, the essence of journalism’s mission.
Public notices are meant to inform, but fewer readers of the Post in this region mean fewer people will see them. Newsday’s strong local readership and deep connection to Long Island ensure that critical information reaches the community. The Post, with limited ties to Nassau County, lacks the local insight and audience necessary to fulfill this responsibility.
This shift jeopardizes transparency and public engagement. Residents deserve a publication that reflects their needs and understands their community.
boARD oF DIRECToRS Press Club of Long Island
coordinated approach to transportation planning, empower Long Island to secure its fair share of federal transportation funding, streamline project execution, and drive long-term economic growth.
Long Island would have direct access to apply for federal dollars, bypassing state-level bottlenecks and allowing for tailored projects that address our specific challenges, including solutions to the oakdale merge, the deadly Southern State Parkway and the electrification of the Port Jefferson line of the Long Island Rail Road.
Smaller regions of the state — including Ithaca, with a population of about 107,000 — have their own transportation planning organization that allows them to apply for federal funding directly. And yet, Long Island’s 3
million residents — more people than most major American cities — are grouped in with New york City and other regions.
This is more than a call for funding; it’s a call to recognize Long Island’s unique position as a vital economic and cultural hub. our region has the population and economic output of many U.S. states — we need infrastructure that reflects that.
Long Islanders share a vision for better roads, bridges, and tunnels, expanded transit options, reduced congestion, and an improved quality of life. We deserve a metropolitan Planning organization to secure our region’s future. Thanks to Assemblyman Steve Stern and Senator monica martinez for introducing legislation— now we need the legislature to act and pass A.10705/S.9918 and make this vision a reality.
Mark Herbst is executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association.
