Troop 1403 Scout earns Gold Award
By TAYloR GRAYSoN tgrayson@liherald.com
The Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently honored 51 scouts who have earned Gold
establishing a nonprofit organization or developing educational materials for schools. Throughout the process, ideally, she becomes an innovative problem-solver and a confident leader, gaining essential skills that prepare her for personal
man at Seton Hall University. She knew from the beginning that she wanted to use her project to positively impact children, so
ing their awareness of the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets. To do so, she authored a children’s book, “Katie and Marlow the Monkey,” which tells the story of a girl caring for an exotic monkey.
ed a website and conducted workshops on the safety and mals, offering guidance on their unique nutritional and
rant-quality fare.
His meals not only use fresh, organic ingredients, but are also tailored to meet each patient’s dietary needs.
“Hospital food has a bad reputation,” Ficke said. “We’ve been trying to work on the quality of the food by doing local, fresh and
A high school Girl Scout begins her Gold Award journey by identifying a civic or social issue that matters to her. She then builds a team to support her project, which is intended to have a lasting impact on her community — for instance, by
The process a creating a manuscript was new to her, but she jumped into it. “I had to do a lot of research on how to create each part of the book,” she said. “In the end, I’m really happy I did that. I’m not really an illustrator. I used a website which allowed me to formulate books and format them. I went ContinueD on
Malverne/West HeMpstead
Tim Baker/Herald Michael D’Angelo, a farmer and the operations manager of Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s.
Crossroads Farm helps redefines hospital dining
By JUAN l ASSo jlasso@liherald.com
The underwhelming caliber of most hospital food is, for Russell Ficke, a problem worth solving. So, for the past five years, Ficke, the executive chef at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, and his staff have been working to ensure that everything that leaves the hospital’s kitchen is restaurant-quality fare.
His meals not only use fresh, organic ingredients, but are also tailored to meet each patient’s dietary needs.
“Hospital food has a bad reputation,” Ficke said. “We’ve been trying to work on the quality of the food by doing local, fresh and
organic wherever possible, because we believe that food is medicine.”
LIJ has recently teamed up with Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s, in Malverne, in a farm-to-hospital partnership. Each week, the farm delivers 100 to 300 pounds of fresh, seasonal produce to the hospital for patients’ meals.
“We’ve been getting a lot of tomatoes, so I’ve been making tomato sauce,” Ficke said. So far, the deliveries have mostly comprised Crossroads’ surplus produce, but, Ficke explained, “Next season, it will look more like a 50-50 partnership, where I’ll request specific items for them to grow for the menu.”
Michael D’Angelo, the farm’s operations
ContinueD on pAGe 2
Troop 1403 Scout earns Gold Award
By TAYloR GRAYSoN tgrayson@liherald.com
The Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently honored 51 scouts who have earned Gold Awards this year, recognizing their positive impacts on their communities. Among them was Aaralyn Poligadu, of West Hempstead, a member of Troop 1403. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can attain.
establishing a nonprofit organization or developing educational materials for schools. Throughout the process, ideally, she becomes an innovative problem-solver and a confident leader, gaining essential skills that prepare her for personal and professional success.
I believe it was so worth it because I learned so much, including how to be independent
A ARAlYN
“Every Girl Scout who earned their Gold Award this year demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and passion in tackling societal challenges,” Rande Bynum, chief executive of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said. “We are immensely proud of each one for achieving their goals and making lasting impacts in their communities. This year, our Girl Scouts addressed critical issues such as environmental justice, mental health, and gender equality in sports. We applaud their significant contributions.”
PolIGAdU West Hempstead
Poligadu, 17, is now a freshman at Seton Hall University. She knew from the beginning that she wanted to use her project to positively impact children, so she focused on raising their awareness of the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets. To do so, she authored a children’s book, “Katie and Marlow the Monkey,” which tells the story of a girl caring for an exotic monkey. Poligadu also created a website and conducted workshops on the safety and responsible care of exotic animals, offering guidance on their unique nutritional and living requirements.
A high school Girl Scout begins her Gold Award journey by identifying a civic or social issue that matters to her. She then builds a team to support her project, which is intended to have a lasting impact on her community — for instance, by
The process a creating a manuscript was new to her, but she jumped into it. “I had to do a lot of research on how to create each part of the book,” she said. “In the end, I’m really happy I did that. I’m not really an illustrator. I used a website which allowed me to formulate books and format them. I went ContinueD on pAGe 7
CRF tapped for program with LIJVSH
manager, is optimistic about the future of this joint venture. “We’re going to be sitting down with them in the next month or so, to really talk about what they would really like and see more of,” he said of LIJ. “We’re going to be growing for them specifically next year, instead of just really working with surplus.”
A new era of hospital food
For decades, the quality of the food many hospitals serve seems to have ranked low on their priority lists. Tight spending — and, as a result, limited food budgets — have led medical facilities to stock vending machines and line their cafeteria counters with massproduced, pre-packaged meals, in the interest of efficiency and convenience.
Health experts say the price of that convenience is steep. An often-cited study published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition found that one in three hospitalized adults in the United States is at risk of malnutrition. Patients often leave their meals uneaten, risking their health. The problem, Ficke argues, is how hospitals outsource and prepare their dishes.
Food that scores high on taste and freshness has been treated with fewer pesticides and has fewer preservatives, he said. The fewer artificial add-ons on patients’ plates, the better they feel and, potentially, the sooner they recover.
Locally sourced, deliciously served
“The advantage of locally sourced fruits and vegetables is that you get them at the peak of their freshness and flavor,” Ficke said. “When cooked properly, you don’t need to load it up with sodium or bury it in heavy sauces and butter or cream to make it taste good.”
According to D’Angelo, all of the produce harvested
at Crossroads is naturally grown and shipped under conditions meant to maximize its freshness.
“Produce is put through our wash station, where they are dunked in cold water and sit there for some time,” he said. “They are then transferred to our cooling station, to ensure those greens can last in the fridge for up to a week.”
Ficke said that in the Northwell Health system, the hospital’s parent company, patient reviews are positive across the board when it comes to food quality. As well, LIJ’s transformed menu has cut down on the number of meals being sent back to the kitchen or thrown in the trash.
Gone are the days of nurses and doctors having to arm-twist patients into eating food that might meet dietary requirements for their illness, but might also but offend their palates.
The true cost of better hospital fare
Investing in better food service, however, whether by hiring executive chefs or nutritionists, can often prove prohibitively expensive. This is particularly true for hospitals facing financial constraints and dealing with challenges like staffing shortages.
Thanks in large part to the powerful backing of Northwell, Ficke Russell is fortunate to have the resources to raise the hospital’s culinary bar. Some of this summer’s dishes — from Belgian waffles to Duck confit and frisée salad — bear an uncanny resemblance to the offerings of upscale eateries.
And the hospital can foot the bill for volumes of homegrown, in-season produce each week. “(Northwell) pays the going market price for local organic produce,” D’Angelo said.
According to Ficke, the hospital currently sources 20 to 30 percent of its produce from Crossroads, and the rest from large fresh-food distributors like Baldor. The goal is to increase the farm’s contribution as it expands its production capacity.
The Crossroads-LIJ farm-to-hospital partnership is shattering the old paradigm of hospital fare, and D’Angelo says it motivates growers like him to continue their efforts.
“We don’t often get to see the final destination of all the stuff that we grow,” he said. “Knowing that the food that we’re growing, the food that we’re putting so much work into, is going to help people when they’re not having their best days and need their nutrition — there’s no words to describe the way we feel about this.”
HERALD SCHOOLS
West Hempstead hosts Homecoming
School spirit was on full display during West Hempstead Secondary School’s annual homecoming celebration on Oct. 5.
From members of the board of education to students from grades K-12, the school community paraded from Chestnut Street School to West Hempstead Secondary School. In addition, the secondary school’s marching band provided music
while the cheerleaders helped to promote school spirit. After the parade, the school held a carnival and a ‘Stuff the Bus’ food drive to support people in need.
The Rams varsity football team capped off homecoming with an impressive 28-6 victory over Oyster Bay High School.
–Taylor Grayson
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Riley Leddick (17), Walker Stern (17), William Cruz Jr. (16), and Jayden Bonilla-Ayala (17) walk onto the field for the coin toss.
The West Hempstead cheerleaders lead the crowd in a cheer “Go Rams”!
#3 Captain Jaiden Theewitts (16) takes the snap. #10 Anthony Scheidet of Oyster Bay foreground.
Patti Toron of Patsy’s Entertainment hands out fresh cotton candy to Arow O’Brien (4) and Aaron Mathew (4) at the carnival.
Angie Alfaro (17) and Ibraheem Abdur-Rahman (17) Homecoming King & Queen wave to the crowd.
Malverne students raise $450 for cancer
By Taylor Grayson tgrayson@liherald.com
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Maurice W. Downing Primary School Student Council Delegates, led by advisors Ms. Coreia and Ms. Smyth, inspired their fellow students to take action and raise money for a local charity.
On Sept. 26, students and staff were asked to wear yellow to bring awareness and send the message that every child should have a BRIGHT future. In addition, and in the spirit of “children helping children,” the students asked for a $1 donation from their families to benefit the Mary Ruchalski Foundation, a local pediatric cancer research charity.
During a special meeting on that day, the first and second grade Student Council delegates were joined by Carol Ruchalski, the mom of Mary, for whom the organization was formed in memory of. Mrs. Ruchalski spoke to the students about her work on behalf of children and donated a book to their library entitled “Ordinary Mary’s,” a story of kindness, caring and compassion that will inspire all the students to do good deeds. Mrs. Ruchalski also gave the students yellow shoelaces and lanterns that they can use to illuminate the school in support of this cause.
At the end of the visit, the students, represented by second grade Student Council president Seraphina Chambliss, were proud to present Mrs. Ruchalski with their donation of $450 that was raised by the Downing school community.
The district is so proud of these amazing young students who are contributing positively to the community and setting an example for the rest of us on how to be good citizens.
Integrity and Gratitude
If we had to choose only two concepts as a prescription for a good life, they would be integrity and gratitude. While we usually associate integrity with honesty, the word also means “fits together” as in integrated or integration. Oddly enough, both meanings are also interrelated. When someone is honest, their life tends to “fit together”. It works. As one sage put it, if you’re honest you never have to remember what you said. People who have integrity are consistent. You can count on them. Wikipedia says “the word integrity evolved from the Latin adjective ‘integer’ meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the inner sense of ‘wholeness’ deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character.”
If you or someone you know finds their life is “not working” there may be a lack of integrity somewhere that needs to be sought after and rooted out.
Gratitude has to do with appreciation. Appreciation means to add value to. Things that appreciate tend to grow, just as being
grateful for something or someone raises its or their value in our estimation. Even though, at any given time, countless more things are going right than going wrong in most of our lives, too many of us focus more on what’s going wrong and take for granted what’s going right — our health, our loved ones, our resources.
Grateful people tend to be giving people —and giving people are the happiest among us. Takers can never be as happy as givers because takers can never get enough. Givers already have more than enough, which is why they have some to give away. But having enough is not a state of fact, it is a state of mind. Once you can cultivate that state of mind you are on your way to a happy life. One of the best ways to rewire your brain from focusing on the negative to focusing on the positive, is to keep a “Gratitude Journal”, examples of which may be easily googled. The elusive “holy grail” of being happy can be found by cultivating integrity and gratitude in your life.
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Courtesy of Malverne School District
Maurice W. Downing Primary School first and second grade Student Council delegates with Carol Ruchalski of the Mary Ruchalski Foundation.
Mary Ruchalski reads to Downing Student Council Delegates.
“The
—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/EcoDev
NASSIR EDWARDS
Elmont Senior Football
A MAJOR PART of Elmont’s run to the Nassau and Long Island boys’ basketball championships last winter, Edwards is also one of the county’s top football wide receivers. Although he didn’t have a catch Sept. 28 in a driving rainstorm against Lynbrook, he did more than his share of damage on the defensive side of the ball. Edwards had a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and a 70-yard interception return for a score to lead an 18-7 victory.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Oct. 10
Football: V.S. North at Floral Park 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Carey 2:15 p.m.
Football: Jericho at Mepham 2:15 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at Calhoun 2:15 p.m.
Football: South Side at Garden City 3 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Wantagh 3 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Lynbrook 4:30 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Long Beach 4:30 p.m.
Football: Roosevelt at Baldwin 4:30 p.m.
Football: Malverne at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Hempstead 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Hicksville at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Lawrence at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Oceanside at MacArthur 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Malv/East Rockaway at Lynbrook 5:30 p.m.
Football: Elmont at Manhasset 6:30 p.m.
Football: Herricks at V.S. Central 6:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Seaford at Plainedge 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Wantagh at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mineola at South Side 6:45 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Calhoun at Roslyn 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at MacArthur 6:45 p.m.
Football: East Rockaway at Island Trees 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Steady progress for Rockin’ Mules
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Malverne/East Rockaway’s girls’ soccer team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end last Saturday, but the Rockin’ Mules still managed a hardfought 1-1 draw with visiting Uniondale thanks in large part to junior goalkeeper Kiera Stephens.
Stephens made 24 saves, including 16 in the first half, and allowed just a penalty kick goal to Karla Martinez as Malverne/East Rockaway (7-2-2 in Nassau Conference AAA/AA5) overcame the absence of top defender Sophia Pappas for all but the first 20 minutes due to injury.
“We lost to them 3-0 the first time, so to battle back from being down 1-0 at halftime to get the tie, we’ll take it,” Stephens said. “Everyone on defense worked hard and we possessed the ball more in the second half. It’s fun to be having such a great season.”
Nicole Buzzetta netted the game-tying goal with 26 minutes remaining and the Rockin’ Mules almost won it in the closing seconds. The Knights (6-0-5) extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games but have some work to do to catch Roosevelt for the conference top spot.
“We’ve been pretty steady in all areas of the field,” Uniondale assistant coach Tim Godoy said. “The girls are working well together and our captains have been great. We have a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen that’s developed nice chemistry.”
Martinez, who also scored on a penalty kick in the first meeting between the teams Sept. 12, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a hard shot just inside the right post on a penalty kick. Stephens guessed correctly and barely missed getting her fingers on it.
“Next time I might have to go left,” Martinez said of her penalty kick direction. “I’m just glad it went in.”
Stephens, who made 15 saves against Uniondale in the road defeat and has 143 stops in 11 games, was kept extremely busy in the first half. Pappas, described by first-year coach Alexa Adduci as the
Rockin’ Mules’ defensive leader, watched the final 60 minutes from the bench after tweaking a knee. Eighth-grader Scarlet Minnick, freshman Ariana Chinchilla, Dayanara Jose Merino, Paulina Cuthbert, Ariella Pabon and Sonia Velasquez did a tremendous job in the second half, limiting Uniondale’s chances. Cuthbert (9) and Chinchilla (7) are also the team’s leading goal scorers.
“We had a lot of kids step up today and Kiera was incredible,” Adduci said.
“Kiera has become more and more aggressive with each game. She was a two-year starter on JV and she’s just a
confident keeper.”
With a must-win scenario against Roosevelt on deck, the Knights will host the rematch on their new turf field. The first meeting was a 1-1 draw. Godoy said the defensive work of Emily Ramos, Kimberly Calderon, Sara Chavez and Kimberlyn Hernandez, and the steady goalkeeping of Ashley Bonilla has been outstanding.
“We’ve been working hard since the preseason,” Uniondale’s Madelyn Hernandez said. “It’s my fourth year and this is our best team. We’re a dedicated group and added some fresh young talent.”
Tony Bellissimo/Herald
Junior goalkeeper Kiera Stephens made 24 saves last Saturday to help Malverne/ East Rockaway battle Uniondale to a 1-1 draw.
Aaralyn Poligadu earns the Gold Award
on YouTube to learn how to create audiobooks and utilize Canva,” an online tool that helps a reader find the book, which was not formally published.
Poligadu has been a Girl Scout since she was young, and thanked her troop for helping her develop an interest in exploring. “I truly love it,” she said. “I love the adventures we went on to many different places. They broadened my views and ideas. I believe it was so worth it, because I learned so much, including how to be independent.”
Research indicates that Girl Scouts who earn Gold Awards are more likely to assume leadership roles and become civically engaged. Seventy-two percent said that earning the award helped them secure college scholarships, and 87 percent said that it helped them develop skills that were beneficial for their careers.
Courtesy Girl Scouts of Nassau County
girl Scouts of nassau County jump for joy outside their headquarters.
A Ar Alyn Polig Adu
Bynoe aims to use her experience in Albany
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
When Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe announced her campaign for the seat in the 6th State Senate District last December, she highlighted her decades of work in Mineola and emphasized that there is still more work to be done across the state.
During her visit to the Herald for a Roundtable session, Bynoe, 56, reflected on her time as a public servant — a path inspired by her parents, who were dedicated to serving their community.
“I believe that my parents, the way they raised my sister and I, it was to really do hard work,” she said. “They were public servants themselves, and they taught us the value of always making sure you work to make wherever you live or work a better place.”
Before becoming the legislator for District 2, Bynoe built a foundation in public service as commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority, to which she was appointed by the North Hempstead Town Council in 2008. The Westbury native was elected to the Westbury Board of Education in 2010, where she served two terms and focused on educational policies. In 2014, she was elected to the County Legislature in a special election.
Despite being in the minority in Mineola, Bynoe said that many of the things she has accomplished — including the passage of the Ground Water and Public Supply Facts Report Law and implementation of police body cameras — could be advanced to the state agenda if she were elected to the Senate.
in the 6th District. With many years of public service, she wants to be a voice for all Long Islanders.
ly for folks who we want to ensure have access to health care; they could be right on the campus.”
On the topic of mental and behavioral health, Bynoe is a strong advocate of increasing access to mental health resources, a pressing issue in today’s society. In Mineola, she successfully passed legislation to conduct a study and recommend alternative police responses to calls about mental health crises.
Earlier this year, Baldwin Middle School unveiled an in-house wellness center on its campus. Asked if she would push for more in-house facilities at schools, Bynoe said that she would, in a thoughtful way.
“We should go to those community organizations, including schools, that can host those types of facilities on their campuses and have folks that are already doing the work, fund them, and go in and talk to the young people,” she said.
With years of experience in the legislature, Bynoe aims to be the voice for Long Island residents in Albany if she is elected, addressing their concerns and striving for balance.
“We need to turn the corner — it’s a public-benefit hospital that provides Trauma One care, and we have tons of people within the Senate district that rely on that hospital,” Bynoe said. “There are opportunities there for senior housing, workforce housing, especial-
Her top priority in Albany would be to preserve public benefits and resources like Nassau University Medical Center, which was on the brink of a financial collapse earlier this year. Another priority is the need for housing, particularly the potential for residential development on the NUMC campus.
“Making sure that we have a voice — a strong voice in the Senate that really has a pulse on the issues and the concerns of Long Islanders,” she said. “I also want to go to Albany to bring some balance and make sure that, despite the fact that we have fewer members, we are equally as important, and our issues need to be addressed.”
Montefinise targets rising crime, economy
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The 6th State Senate District hasn’t had a Republican representative since 2018 — when then Sen. Kemp Hannon had occupied the seat for 29 years — but Thomas Montefinise aims to change that in November.
Montefinise, an Oceanside native, graduated from Oceanside High School, and then went to Nassau Community College before transferring to Hofstra University, where he earned a degree in history. He went on to finish a law degree at CUNY School of Law.
He has had a diverse career, with jobs ranging from repairing commercial kitchen equipment at a friend’s business to managing municipal contracts and real estate matters at the Nassau County attorney’s office. He has also practiced matrimonial, family and criminal law.
One of the key issues Montefinise is campaigning on is the rising crime that he says is affecting his neighborhood and communities across Long Island. He is particularly critical of the state’s bail reform law, which allows those charged with misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies to be released while awaiting their court dates.
“There’s a lot of crazy stuff that I see going on,” Montefinise said at a recent Herald Roundtable. “Bail reform, cashless bail — I mean, I represented criminal defendants, and everybody deserves to have their stories heard. (But) there’s a process. Everybody deserves a day in court, but you also need to give the tools to the prosecutors and police to be able to get their job done, because if people start feeling like they can’t call the police to help them, and feel like they can’t rely on the prosecutor to protect them, the system falls apart.”
Also on next month’s ballot is a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would ban discrimination based on many types of discrimination, including age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Montefinise said he read through the proposition once, and based his understanding on his law school education.
“I do think that there are legitimate reasons, sometimes, to make a categorization based on sex and gender,” he said. “This is based on the way I’ve been reading it, and kind of where I think they’re heading. They’re trying to elevate that to strict scrutiny, (and) strict scrutiny means no classification can ever be made.”
Montefinise said he was also concerned about the state of middle-class people living on Long Island, and described them as being “squeezed out.”
“I think one of the major things that we need to look at is making sure that we don’t increase spending and we reallocate spending,” he said. “We need to look at where the dead weight is. Where are we throwing money?”
He used the ongoing influx of migrants as an example.
“We need to raise and be able to lift up wages, and be able to incentivize programs,” Montefinise said. “That’s really what we need to do. We have to reallocate money. I think what we’re doing is we’re cutting money, and we’re spending it in all the wrong places.”
Engaging with constituents is essential for anyone running for public office, and Montefinise noted that he has been actively listening to district residents who share their concerns and needs, a process that has been new territory for him.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Thomas Montefinise is running on the Republican ticket for the seat in the 6th State Senate District, currently held by Democrat Kevin Thomas, who is not seeking re-election after serving since 2019.
“I’ve met a lot of people,” he said. “I’ve never done something like this before, but I’ve been hearing about the economy, prices of goods, inflation, and safety. It’s been an awesome experience.”
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe is running for State Senate
News briefs
West Hempstead’s Nurse of Excellence
Nurse leaders from Long Island’s hospitals and nursing education programs gathered Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Watermill Caterers, Smithtown, NY, to bestow recognition upon their nurse peers at the Nurse of Excellence Award Ceremony hosted by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC). One nurse from each of the Hospital Council’s member hospitals was nominated for the award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and clinical practice. Deans of area nursing schools also submitted nominations recognizing nursing excellence in education and clinical practice.
West Hempstead resident Vincenza Coughlin PHD(c), RN, director, nursing professional practice and education at NYU Langone HospitalLong Island, took the top honor for clinical nursing excellence andRoosevelt resident, Rewa Thompson, DNP, RN, clinical associate professor at Stony Brook School of Nursing, took the top honor for nursing education excellence. This year there were 21 nominees. Those nominees were selected from a field of about 500 nurses at hospitals and teaching institutions from across Long Island.
Coughlin is a leading researcher, innovator, and pioneer in the world of nursing professional development and leadership. She has helped more than 500 nurses achieve professional advancement and promotion. She has presented her research at numerous conferences and developed the Nursing Education Competency Algorithm that serves as a validated framework for differentiating education and competency through standardization of practice.
Thompson is a staunch advocate for women’s health and for health equity. She has developed initiatives that foster understanding and empowerment among nursing faculty, students, and community members. Thompson is a subject matter expert in the education workgroup for the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing.
The Hospital Council’s annual salute to nurses is fashioned after the New York State Legislature’s Nurse of Distinction Program that ended in 1995. NSHC is one of the few hospital associations in the state to continue this program voluntarily. The NSHC represents Long Island’s not-for-profit and public hospitals.
Legislator Koslow supports local sports
Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow joined the Freeport Red Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 6 for their series of homecoming games at Freeport High School. The mission of the Freeport Red Ravens Sports & Academic Club Inc. is to encourage youth to strive for excellence in athletics and academics. The organization serves youth in the communities of Freeport, Roosevelt, Uniondale, Baldwin, Oceanside, Long Beach, Merrick, Rockville Centre, Lyn-
brook, and Hempstead.
“Since becoming a father, coaching youth sports has grown to become one of my passions because I see first-hand how it benefits our next generation,” Legislator Koslow said. “Red Ravens homecoming was an amazing day filled with community spirit and support for our local athletes, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.”
Vincenza coughlin
–Taylor Grayson
Courtesy Office of Legislator Seth I. Koslow
Legislator Koslow & Ravens Football Team.
Run or Walk
Malverne hosts village-wide garage sale
Each year, Malverne village members host a garage sale to get out with the old and in with the new. Starting at Malverne train station, there was an interactive map for all who chose to participate. Over 150 households participated in the sale this year. Kids and adults alike sold things that were precious to them. The sale, overall was very successful.
–Taylor Grayson
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
Emma Hooten with her son Carmine (5 yrs). Carmine had several action figures for sale.
Friends Kenia Palazzo and Julia Rich went through some piles of sport items.
Kathleen Pasquarelli has her garage saleshe is a Cancer survivor who sells a few items as a fundraiser.
Ryker Hake, 12, had a table of games and other entertainment items for sale.
Susan Schmitt shows a rack of her goods that she has available for sale.
STEPPING OUT
Fl!ppin’ out at the circus
It’s all a thrill with daredevils under the Big Top
By Danielle Schwab
The Big Top has sprung up on Long Island once again for a Fl!p Circus spectacular that brings audiences up close to the action.
The circus spectacle, which wowed audiences here earlier in the spring, brings its intimate Big Top experience back, now through Oct. 15, to Hicksville’s Broadway Commons.
Fl!p Circus was started by the Vazquez family, a long line of circus performers dating back over 50 years. Its older counterpart, the Circus Vazquez, originated in Mexico City in 1969 and has since ventured to the U.S.
While Circus Vazquez has one of the largest tents in America, Fl!p Circus has one of the smallest with around 800 seats. It brings a refreshing, more intimate look at the circus experience with no seat more than 50 feet from the ring.
“It makes it very different and very unique. We wanted to create a show that appealed more to the traditional side of the circus,” says Alexa Vazquez, a fourth-generation performer.
• Now through Oct. 15
• Weekdays, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1 and 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
• Tickets start at $50 adult, $30 children; available at flipcircus.com or can be purchased in person at box office
• Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway, Hicksville
“The seats are made for a 360-degree view, so wherever you’re sitting, you’re getting the best view. You feel like a part of the performance,” she continues.
Training since she was 15, Vazquez showcases her acrobatic skills in her mesmerizing Hula Hoop gymnastics act. She weaves various hoops together simultaneously, including a giant hoop, the Cyr Wheel.
“It’s something where, if you lose concentration very quickly, it can go very wrong,” Vazquez explains.
“But at the same time it’s fun because people see a gigantic wheel, but then they see a smaller one. It’s confusing for them, but fun at the same time.”
Fl!p Circus takes traditional acts and gives them a contemporary twist with — in the grand circus tradition — an international flair. Jugglers, trapeze artists and daredevils from throughout the world — including Brazil, India, Chile, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and the U.S. — live and travel together from location to location.
That global flavor is led by Brazil’s favorite clown, Bubi Guiner, who brings his classic comedic routines and side-splitting antics to the U.S. for the first time. He may even invite you on stage as part of the show.
From India, watch as Hasan Ansari thrills audiences with his flexibility, performing body-bending maneuvers on a wooden pole, leaving you wondering how a human body can do that. Ukraine’s Anastasia & Misha present a stunningly synchronized and poetic presentation of dance and acrobatics. Also Pavel Valla Bertini, a fifth-generation performer from the Czech Republic, keeps everyone on the edge of their seats
with his unparalleled one, three and even 15-wheeled unicycle skills.
Others delight audiences with their fast-paced juggling skills, energetic roller skating feats, graceful dancing and acrobatics.
There’s always something new to enjoy, no matter how many times you go, according to Vasquez.
“Every year that it comes to town, you’re going to see a different show,” she says.
Every act brings a different culture to the stage. Each is accompanied by a special musical score, played by the Fl!p Circus Band. The versatile soundtrack ranges from classic instrumental to upbeat rock.
“I always like to say, with Flip to expect the unexpected,” says Vazquez. “As you walk into the stands — (with) the music, the lights, and the way the atmosphere is set — you’re inside a different world, and it’s something that you have to experience yourself.”
And, of course, there’s an assortment of tasty circus treats to munch on from the concession stand.
Capturing over 200 years of circus tradition into high-energy show, Fl!p Circus invites everyone to immerse themselves in the experience.
“We just want the audience to enjoy the show, and we want them to be transformed into what we’re doing,” says Vasquez. “We want the audience, when they come in, to feel welcome, to feel like they’re a part of the family.”
Tom Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’
Get an unprecedented insights into the life of one of America’s top chefs when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved multiple-Awardwinning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-yearsold — a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom — and it changed his life. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, “Why I Cook” shares Colicchio’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, into Tom’s life yet.
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.$95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Anthony Pascal and Anthony Rapp
Get ready to be swept away with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original stars of “Rent.” Their enduring friendship, spanning three decades, forms the heart and soul of this duo show, promising an evening filled with music, anecdotes and laughter. Pascal and Rapp’s friendship and history create an unforgettable evening of music, stories and fun. Expect songs from highlights throughout their careers, music that has influenced their lives, and of course some of the iconic hits from where it all began — meeting on the stage of “Rent.” Jonathan Larson’s iconic show, remains an international phenomenon, contuing a trajectory that began with it’s Off-Broadway opening all those years ago.
Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. $69, $64, $54. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Visit landmarkonmainstreet.org for tickets and information, or call (516) 7676444.
Photos courtesy Fl!p Circus
Modern yet vintage describes the Fl!p Circus experience.
THE Your Neighborhood
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Icons, collaborators and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have a relationship that’s evolved in unexpected ways since their SNL days. Their comic prowess has surely reached new heights since their involvement in Hulu’s smash hit “Only Murders in the Building.” The pair takes another comic turn as special guest performers at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala, Saturday, oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. These two funnyman display their impeccable talents as “The Dukes of Funnytown!” — a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century.
Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.” Tickets start at $70. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
‘The Birthday Party’
Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded, opulent mansion, Saturday, oct. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m.; also oct. 18-19, oct. 25, oct. 31, and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store.
Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
Adelphi’s Best of Broadway: Decades
Jump into the dazzling world of Broadway as Adelphi’s talented students bring to life the magic of shows that opened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago, Sunday, oct. 20, 4 p.m. Enjoy modern and classic Broadway hits from shows like “Suffs” (2024); “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2014); “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984) and “Anything Goes” (1934). Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Food Truck Fridays at Crossroad Farms
Love food, music and having fun? Food truck Fridays happen every Friday, 5-9 p.m., at Crossroad Farms. Meet up with neighbors and friends. 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne. Contact (516) 341-0075 with any questions.
Lakeview Fall Community Cleanup
Show your love for the earth at Lakeview’s annual fall cleanup, Saturday, oct. 12, 9-11:30 a.m. at the Lakeview LIRR station. Open to all and free of charge. Questions or concerns, email
Spooky Fest is back
A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.
Oct. 12
Family movie
Enjoy family movie time on Malverne Public Library ‘s big screen, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-4 p.m. See “Halloweentown,” rated G, When a young girl living with her secret witch mother learns she too is a witch, she must help her witch grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces. Snacks are provided. No registration necessary.61 St. Thomas Place. Visit malvernelibrary.org or call (516) 599-0750 for more information.
Lakeview Barbecue
BBQ fanatics will love this! Taste some great BBQ with some great people, Sunday, Oct. 13, starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are being sold online soon and more info will be available shortly. Go to lakeviewcommunityassociation.com for more information.
Having an event?
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Oct. 12, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition “Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Tribute concert
Plaza Theatricals’ tribute series continues, Sunday, Oct 20, 2:30 p.m., with Shades of Grey. From his best-remembered role as the iconic Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret,”both on Broadway and in the film version, to his more recent portrayal as the Wizard of Oz in “Wicked,” Joel Grey continues to entertain audiences of all ages. And now, continuing his own tradition of creating unique and memorable performances, Bob Spiotto takes to the boards once again, in both story and song, to educate and entertain, as he pays tribute to this legendary performer. See the concert at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Tax Exemption Seminar
TOH Receiver Of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll presents a tax exemption workshop, at Malverne Public Library, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. Find out about the exemptions available to taxpayers that will help lower their tax burdens. Taxpayer forums are free. Reservations are recommended and seating is limited. To make a reservation, email taxforums@hempsteadny. gov or call (516) 414-6598. 61 St. Thomas Place.
Honoring Long Island’s best in health care
By Melissa Berman
Health care professionals traded their scrubs and lab coats for suits and cocktail dresses at the third annual Herald Excellence in Healthcare Awards at the Heritage Club, in Bethpage, on Sept. 18, which honored the best in their field.
The event, organized by the RichnerLIVE team at the Long Island Herald, drew more than 300 attendees, and recognized more than 10 health care professions.
“Tonight is not only a celebration of achievement, but also a sincere expression of gratitude to those who tirelessly safeguard the health and well being of our community,” Amy Amato, Richner Communications’ executive director of corporate relations and events, said. “Your dedication, resilience and passion are truly inspiring.”
Awards were presented to 46 health professionals, including three special honors: Distinguished Visionary, Organization of Excellence and Excellence in Nursing Advocacy.
“From dedicated doctors and nurses to visionary hospital executives and inspiring educators, these honorees are the backbone of our communities’ health,” Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications, said. Michelle Ballan, of the Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, who received an Excellence in Healthcare award, expressed her gratitude for being recognized for her hard work.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be here and to be celebrated, because I’m just a liaison for individuals with disabilities to eradicate and minimize the health care disparities that exist in different settings,” Ballan said. “To be honored for the health care award, it’s really just an extension of the work that my team does for individuals with disabilities, who are the true experts.”
Having worked in the home care field for 20 years, Joseph Verdirame, CEO of Alliance Homecare/TrustHouse, has learned that there are no shortcuts, and you need to provide exceptional care for the patient, he said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time building and developing our business model to really enhance the way home care is provided in the industry,” Verdirame, who also won the Excellence in Healthcare award, said. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished today for all the work we’ve put in.”
According to Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, who won an Excellence in Healthcare award, it was a dream come true to be honored, and he finally feels that all the effort, sweat and tears he put into his work has come to fruition.
“When you have other people recognize what you do, and appreciate that, it’s priceless,” Fandos said.
The keynote speaker was Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Henry Schein and the winner of the Distinguished Visionary Award. “Health care is local, and it is critical that we maintain an outstanding quality of health care system here on Long Island,” Bergman said, and
of PR at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, with Stuart Richner of Richner Communications.
told the crowd, “Thank you for what you do, being amongst the nation’s best health care systems.”
The major sponsors of the awards included Alliance Homecare, Henry Schein, Nassau University Medical Center, the New York State Nurses Association, Northwell Orthopedics, Stony Brook Medicine, The Aspen Group and Trusthouse.
Muriel Donnelly, VP
Honoree Jennifer Lazzaro, of Hearing and Brain Centers of America, Long Island.
Honoree Denis Nankervis, of Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health.
Honoree Dr. Howard Goodman, the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, with Jessica Kleiman of the Long Island Herald.
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Honoree Michelle Ballan, of Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, with her family and friends.
Jason Thomas/Herald photos Honoree John McGuigan, of AHRC Suffolk, right, with Stuart Richner.
Honoree Dr. Brian Mayrsohn, of Maywell Health.
Dr. Jill Kaman, of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Keynote and Distinguished Visionary recipient Stanley Bergman, of Henry Schein.
Honorees Roxanne Carfora, of AgelessMD, and Dr. Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center.
Honorees from Aspen Dental, Lina Patino, DDS, and Roumiana Tzvetkova, DMD.
Honoree Megan C. Ryan, of Nassau University Medical Center.
Honoree Catherine Canadeo, center, of Catherine Canadeo Health & Wellness Corp.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Dr. Todd J. Cohen, of New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Melissa Schachter, of the Speech Language Place.
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD — October 10, 2024
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
The Board of Commissioners of the West HempsteadHempstead Gardens Water District hereby declares that on the 18th day of September 2024, at a duly convened meeting of the Board, the District passed a resolution pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 6-c (8) authorizing the district’s expenditure of One Million Three Hundred Thousand dollars ($1,300,000) from the District’s Water Enhancement Projects Reserve Fund, for the purpose of upgrading the electrical infrastructure at its 575 Birch Street Facility in West Hempstead, NY 11552. Board of Water Commissioners Dated: September 19, 2024 149400
Todo residente del Distrito que esté calificado para votar por un funcionario municipal será elegible para ocupar el cargo de Comisionado del Distrito. Todo elector de la ciudad de Hempstead, que haya residido en el Distrito de Agua de West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens durante un período de treinta (30) días antes del 1 de Diciembre de 2024 y sea un votante calificado, tendrá derecho a votar en este elección. Por orden de la Junta de Comisionados del Agua Distrito de Agua de West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens
Fecha: 03 de Octubre de 2024 West Hempstead, Nueva York 11552 149399
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2025 on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at the Fire Headquarters located at 295 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY and Whereas, the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 15, 2024 so that it is available for public inspection prior to the budget hearing.
NOW, therefore, BE IT
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF ELECTION
For a WATER COMMISSIONER of the West HempsteadHempstead Gardens Water District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
CRIME bRIEfs
Fifth precinct reports Hempstead murder
The Homicide Squad reports the details of a Homicide that occurred on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 12:05 AM in West Hempstead. According to Detectives, Fifth Precinct Officers responded for a 911 call for a stabbing in the rear of La Candela Restaurant located at 205 Hempstead Turnpike.
tims; a female, 51, who was stabbed multiple times and a male, 50, with a laceration to his hand. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICIA PÚBLICA AVISO DE ELECCIÓN
Para un COMISIONADO DE AGUA del Distrito de Agua de West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Estado de Nueva York.
A LOS VOTANTES
CALIFICADOS del Distrito de Agua de West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens:
POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevarán a cabo elecciones para el Distrito de Agua de West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens el Martes 10 de Diciembre de 2024, entre las seis (6) p.m. y las nueve (9) p.m. en la Oficina del Distrito de Agua de West Hempstead, 575 Birch Street, West Hempstead New York con el propósito de elegir un (1) Comisionado de Agua por el período de tres (3 ) años, comenzando el 1 de Enero de 2025 y terminando el 31 de Diciembre de 2027.
POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con una resolución de la Junta de Comisionados del Agua, adoptada el día 27 de Octubre de 1936, los candidatos a Comisionado del Agua deberán presentar sus nombres ante el Secretario de la Junta de Comisionados, en su oficina, 575 Birch Street. , West Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, el día 8 de Noviembre de 2024 o antes y la información se presentará en un formulario de petición suscrita por veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Section 103 of the New York State General Municipal Law, that the Elmont Public Library Board of Trustees, Elmont, New York 11003 will accept sealed bids at the Elmont Public Library, Business Office, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, New York 11003, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10:00am., at which time the following bid will be opened and read aloud.
Bid: EPL 2024-02, Install Replacement LED Light Fixtures in Theatre
The bid documents are available and may be examined at the Elmont Public Library, Business Office, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, New York between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
All bids must be submitted on the Bid Forms supplied by the Elmont Public Library and subject to all detailed specifications, terms and conditions stated herein.
The Elmont Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids in part or whole and waive any informality, and to accept the bid which is deemed most favorable to the interests of the Elmont Public Library, Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau.
Dated: 10/01/2024 By Order of the Elmont Public Library Board of Trustees 149403
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Public Hearing
West Hempstead Fire District Annual Budget for 2025
Whereas, on the 17th day of September, 2024, pursuant to Section 105 of the Town Law and Section 181 of the Town Law, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Hempstead Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District
RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Hempstead Fire District has adopted a proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2025 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 15, 2024 and a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead and at the office of the West Hempstead Fire District Secretary at 295 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY where it may be inspected by any interested persons during office hours. In addition, copies will be available on the night of said hearing.
NOW, therefore, BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Hempstead Fire District will hold the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing to be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2025 on Tuesday October 15, 2024 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at Fire Headquarters 295 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY. NOTICE IS HEARBY GIVEN that the aforesaid budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the West Hempstead Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Hempstead Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said resolution and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning same on Tuesday October 15, 2024 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at Fire Headquarters 295 Hempstead Turnpike West Hempstead, NY.
Dated: September 25, 2024 West Hempstead, NY Board of Fire Commissioners West Hempstead Fire District Town of Hempstead Attest: Kenneth Brohm, Fire District Secretary 149401
TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS of the West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held for West HempsteadHempstead Gardens Water District on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, between the hours of six o’clock (6) P.M. and nine o’clock (9) P.M. at the Office of the West Hempstead Water District, 575 Birch Street, West Hempstead New York, for the purpose of electing one (1) Water Commissioner for the term of three (3) years, beginning January 1, 2025 and expiring December 31, 2027.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Water Commissioners, adopted on the 27th day of October, 1936, candidates for Water Commissioner shall file their names with the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners, at their office, 575 Birch Street, West Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on or before the 8th day of November, 2024 and information shall be submitted in petition form subscribed to by twentyfive (25) qualified voters of the District. Every resident of the District, who is qualified to vote for a Town officer, shall be eligible to hold the office of District Commissioner. Every elector of the Town of Hempstead, who shall have resided in West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the 1st day of December, 2024 and is a qualified voter, shall be entitled to vote in this election.
By Order of the Board of Water Commissioners West HempsteadHempstead Gardens Water District Dated: October 3, 2024 West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552 149398
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTESS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN
Upon arrival, officers located two vic-
At 3:58 AM the female victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by a hospital physician. The investigation is still ongoing.
Update on Hempstead stabbing death
A woman was stabbed to death in a parking lot outside a restaurant after leaving a family gathering on Long Island Sunday, Sept. 29
The suspect is somehow connected to the victim, and there was apparently an ongoing feud.
The victim, 51-year-old Glen Cove resident Ana Ruth Espinoza, was ambushed in the parking lot and fatally stabbed, according to police. The male victim was
treated and released. The male victim, Espinoza’s husband tried to stop the attack and suffered a severe cut to his hand, police said.
Police have identified the suspect as 27-year-old Glen Cove resident Erick Efren Corado Gonzalez.
Police arrested Gonzalez Sunday in Linden, New Jersey. Charges against him are still pending.
Public Notices
INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT THELMA PATTON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 14, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 461 Pinebrook Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block K and Lot 687. Approximate amount of judgment is $372,696.78 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602054/2018. Cash will not be accepted.
Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149382
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. GESNER SEJOUR, et al, Defts. Index #608202/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 35, Block 456, Lots 582-584. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. MARY ELLEN DIVONE, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #101820 149390
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU SANTANDER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST JONATHAN ANGULO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 23, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 146 Malverne Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565. All that certain plot piece or
parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Malverne, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 22, Lot 4. Approximate amount of judgment $709,732.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603397/2023. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-001470 82211 148976
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 October 30, 2024 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: September 18, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 149139
floral
park-Bellerose elementary school District
The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year
Teacher a ides .............
$17.95/hr.
Floral Park-Bellerose
Teaching a ssistants .... $19.95/hr.
Elementary School District
s ecurity personnel $20-$25/hr.
Teacher Aides
Bus Drivers..... $25.14-$26.87/hr.
We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.
School Nurse, Part-Time
We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.
Bus Monitors .............. $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub .................. $175/day cleaners ................. $40,454/year
Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org
After School Child Care opportunities are also available. Please apply through scope www. scope online.us
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS:
Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
To Deliver Papers To Businesses in Massapequa, Amityville and Babylon 2 Days Per Week
Must Have Own Vehicle/Van
This is an independent contractor role for Richner Communications Compensation based on stops starting at $275/week
If Interested contact Jim at jrotche@liherald.com or 516-569-4000 x211
JOURNEYMAN
COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL
Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k
To place an ad call 516-569-4000
Should we avoid cedar for siding, too?
Amazing Location
REAL ESTATE
House For Sale
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
EAST ROCKAWAY: 3 BRS, FBTH, Second Floor, 2 Parking Spots, Pets OK. $2800 Includes Heat/ Water. 516-596-9470
Garages For Rent
VALLEY STREAM OVERSIZED GARAGE With Upstairs, 20x20, For Storage. $800/Month. Call 646-399-5785
Out Of Town/Real Estate
CATSKILLS: 3 BEDROOMS, 2 baths, 14 acres. 26x48 poured foundation, Needs Work. $169K. Owner. 607-434-8350
NQ. We want to replace our cedar siding, and you wrote about not using cedar. Is that just for decks, or also for siding? Our community in Massachusetts insists on cedar siding, but has been accepting lookalikes if they meet their appearance standards at the community review. It wouldn’t make sense for us to consider cedar if it’s as much of a problem as you stated. Please let us know your opinion on what we should do, since we want to try to get the siding done before the winter.
A. In my column, answering the question about decks, I wrote that I don’t recommend cedar as either a structural material or finish board material because of its instability and maintenance issues, for decks, specifically. Natural wood is more reactive to the environment, because it used to be in the middle of a tree, and wasn’t intended to be exposed to the weather in its natural state.
The stronger, solid hardwoods are less reactive, but cedar is a soft wood that easily expands and contracts. Although it’s resistant to insects, it doesn’t last as long as other products. As a siding material, it’s not as big a problem, and it’s reminiscent of the original New England historical architecture it was employed for. It’s very attractive, and the issue of stability and durability is different for its use as a siding material.
There are two basic kinds of natural cedar siding, cedar shakes and cedar shingles. Shingles are cut with blades and shaped uniformly, while shakes, also called “split” shakes, are cut to size at double the thickness (or more) and then split in half. That mimics the rustic and non-uniform look our first settlers developed for making the homes and meeting houses they constructed as weatherresistant as they could manage. The techniques and original tools are still used today.
You may want to reconsider when to do the work, whichever style you choose, because cedar is generally harvested in the winter and early spring, and you’ll get better-quality material to work with in the spring than in the fall. The reason the wood is harvested when it is is because the ground around cedar trees is boggy and swampy, and heavy equipment can’t get to the trees until the ground is hard and stable. (Incidentally, foresting requirements dictate that for every tree harvested, two trees must be planted, and about 1 percent of all cedar trees are taken in a season, meaning there will be plenty of cedar for you when you need it.)
Make sure you have an installer who knows to use a waterproofing membrane and drainage filter fabric first, before the cedar is applied, so the shingles or shakes don’t constantly sit against a wet wall after they’re attached. The original settlers understood this, and used strips of cedar to keep the shakes off the wall to drain and dry. Wetting and drying cycles cause accelerated decay. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Monte Leeper
SAVE
Antiques/Collectibles
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
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Finds Under $100 CHARTER CLUB HOME (angels depicted) set of 4 assorted salad/ dessert plates, boxed. $39, 516-884-9994
DOG LADDER: DELUXE, Metal Frame, New, Never Used. Originally $100, Only $25 Firm. 516-486-7941
RADIAL TIRE R255/65R16 In New Condition. $20 Firm! 516-486-7941
SERVICES
Cable/TV/Wiring
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
Cleaning Services
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Electricians
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Exterminating
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!
Home Improvement
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Power Washing
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Telephone Services
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Satellite/TV Equipment
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Remembering a cherished friendship with Nelson DeMille
The bestselling, superbly gifted novelist Nelson DeMille recently died. The author of 23 books, including 17 bestsellers, DeMille was so much more than a brilliant writer. He was first and foremost an outstanding human being and a loyal friend.
The first book of his that I read was “Cathedral,” in the early 1980s. It was a gripping tale of an attack on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was hooked. Among all of Demille’s books, I found “Gold Coast,” a satiric depiction of Long Island’s North Shore, to be a true classic. My wife, Rosemary, became an almost obsessive reader of his works.
I didn’t actually meet DeMille until the early 2000s, when I was privileged to be invited to several lunches hosted by Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New York jurist Sol Wachtler at which DeMille was also a guest. I was struck immediately by what a regular guy he was. Totally unassuming and down-to-earth. Humorous. Extremely intelligent, and
TAknowledgeable on so many topics. Never once telling us how many bestsellers he authored, or mentioning his service in Vietnam as an infantry commander, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.
Those early gatherings opened the way for lunches, dinners and social gatherings at which Rosemary and I would see Nelson and his wife, Sandy, as well as get-togethers he and I would have with guys we each knew. I distinctly recall the wonderful evening Rosemary and I enjoyed at DeMille’s home, celebrating his 75th birthday with his family and a multitude of friends.
TRosemary, who, in what turned out to be Sandy’s final social event, invited her to a formal congressional lunch in Washington honoring then first lady Melania Trump.
That evening, Sandy joined Rosemary, our daughter, Erin, and me for dinner at a Capitol Hill restaurant, and she was as outgoing and upbeat as ever. Just months later, in September 2018, she died. As devastated as he was, Nelson never showed even the slightest bit of self-pity.
he bestselling author was still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont.
Conversations with him ran the gamut of his varied interests, including dedication to his family and his concern for others. Nothing was more saddening or distressing than when Sandy, a nonsmoker, was stricken with lung cancer. The years following her diagnosis in 2014 were marked by peaks of hope, but then by the darkest valley in 2018, when Sandy succumbed after waging a courageous, uncomplaining struggle. She was an absolute delight to be with. Intelligent and always upbeat. Sandy was the center of her husband’s life. She was especially friendly with
Rosemary and I continued to get together with DeMille and, if anything, our friendship and admiration for him only deepened. More than ever, I realized that, with all his fame and success, he was, at heart, still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont. Though he moved easily with the socially upscale and the movers and shakers, he very much identified with cops, firefighters, construction workers and military veterans. Those were the people who, through guts and dedication, make our nation work with little recognition or acclaim.
DeMille also never left Long Island. His roots were here, and this was where he stayed.
He continued his literary efforts,
writing, as always, in longhand on yellow legal pads, and rushing feverishly to meet his publisher’s deadlines. His final work was “Blood Line,” published in 2023, which he co-wrote with his son, Alex. Last Oct. 11 I had the privilege of moderating a discussion of “Blood Line” with the two of them before a large audience at LIU Post.
Weeks later, on Oct. 28, Rosemary, and I got together with DeMille at the Paramount, in Huntington, at a reception prior to a performance by Bill O’Reilly and Sid Rosenberg. DeMille was in good spirits, and seemed entirely healthy, but that was the last time we were with him. Soon after, he let us know he was being treated for cancer, but was confident all would be well.
This went on for months. On June 6, Rosemary received an email from him, saying he had just one procedure left, and then we’d be getting together for dinner. That was the last we heard from him. Nelson died of esophageal cancer on Sept. 17.
His wake and funeral, attended by hundreds of admirers and friends, were a celebration of a wonderful man of great accomplishment. He will be missed. Nelson DeMille, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
historic election for all the wrong reasons
his has been a political year like no other in my lifetime. It may be the only year that was dominated by mean-spirited and ugly conduct, all in the name of winning an election. I am not naïve, having run 12 successful campaigns for public office. But the desperate campaign being run by Donald Trump, in his quest for renewed power, will stand out in the history books for many years to come.
Let’s start with this backdrop. Trump lost the 2020 election by 7 million votes. His years of claims that his success was “stolen” are fake by any measure. He admitted that he was beaten by challenging the election results in Georgia. If you lost an election, why would you be asking the Georgia secretary of state to “find 11,780 votes”? What is sad is that there are millions of Americans who have fallen for that charade.
The second historical event that
taints the Trump re-election effort is the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill. Trump once told Americans that they shouldn’t believe what they saw with their own eyes. Whether you’re blind or able to see, at Trump’s urging, hundreds of people broke down the doors to the Capitol and destroyed government property, and their actions contributed to the death of five people. That is not my conclusion. It is the findings of countless jurors who heard the facts after weeks and weeks of criminal trials.
Donald Trump’s vision of the nation is depressing and false.
And so, with the blemish of a torrent of facts that would undo any reelection effort, Trump commenced his 2024 campaign. He once claimed he would “drain the swamp,” but instead he has created a new swamp by conducting a campaign heavy with racial undertones, vicious personal attacks and attacks on the American court system.
There have been so many vitriolic assaults that it would take more than one column to adequately describe all of them. One of the current ones that deserves public scorn is his attacks on
the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Despite the pleas of the Republican governor of Ohio, the mayor of Springfield and many other elected officials, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have continued to spread false charges about Haitians eating dogs and cats.
I long ago learned that personal attacks on your opponent don’t get much voter applause. Trump has decided that calling his challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, “mentally impaired” is a way to get voter support. He also thinks that attacking her appearance is a way to win over skeptical women voters. These tasteless tactics are not the way to get the support of the fast-shrinking independent vote.
One of the winning ways to get voters to be your boosters is to offer solid policy proposals and to give the public a chance to hear your vision for the next 10-plus years. Trump has offered little in way of new ideas, but has Project 2025 as his policy proposal. That 900-plus-page volume, drafted by former officials of his administration, calls for
dismantling the federal government as we know it and turning it over to prescreened loyalists who will complete a menu of bureaucratic horrors. Perhaps the most vexing part of the current Trump effort is his constant harping on what he thinks our country looks like. He describes America as a “failed state.” His vision of the nation is depressing and false. He claims that many thousands of the migrants who have come to America have committed major crimes. Any honest presidential contender would not tear down the country at a time when it wants a leader with a brighter view of the nation. Obviously, my view of the Trump campaign is not a flattering one. Am I a partisan? I have spent all of my life cultivating relationships with my Republican counterparts, and have succeeded because of our mutual respect. But I draw the line when it comes to Donald Trump. I just don’t think he is the true face of America.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
JERRY KREMER
Also serving Lakeview Established 1994
Incorporating:
rhoNda
2 Endo Boulevard
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516)
HERALD
HeraLd editoriaL
Calling for fire safety, honoring local volunteers
With Fire Prevention Week — Oct. 6-12 — upon us, it’s important to reflect on the significance of fire safety in our communities, and to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians who keep us safe.
These men and women are truly local heroes, but they are also neighbors just a phone call away who risk their lives in hazardous situations that include fires and floods. They should never be taken for granted, and this annual observance serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing fires and responding to emergencies of all kinds.
There are 71 fire departments in Nassau County — 69 all-volunteer, and two with both professionals and volunteers — along with six volunteer ambulance corps that provide fire, technical rescue and emergency medical help, all serving 1.3 million residents. In Suffolk, more than 125 volunteer fire and EMS agencies serve that county’s population of more than 1.5 million.
Fire Prevention Week is a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of fire hazards and promoting practices that can saves lives. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance in 1925 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated much of the city and claimed hundreds of lives.
“Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” is this year’s theme. The goal is to
Letters
educate people about the crucial role smoke alarms play in preventing injury and death when a fire breaks out in a home.
Three of every five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms, and the risk of dying in a house fire is cut in half when there are functioning alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This underscores the fact that fire prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about saving lives.
The American Red Cross also stresses the importance of installing smoke alarms. At the organization’s Sound the Alarm events, volunteers install smoke alarms for free. For more information, go to RedCross.org.
Education is paramount, too. Children, adults and seniors benefit from learning how to prevent fires and to respond appropriately if one breaks out. Teaching children not to play with matches, encouraging adults to avoid being distracted while cooking and reminding seniors to be mindful of electrical appliances are just a few essential lessons that can reduce the likelihood of fires.
It’s also important to honor the brave people who respond when fires and other emergencies occur. Volunteer firefighters often juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities, yet they still make time to respond to calls for help — whether it’s a house fire, a car accident or a medical emergency.
Letter writer defending D’Esposito was ‘splitting hairs’
To the Editor:
In his letter last week, “Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?” Christopher Kane complained that the Herald owes Congressman Anthony D’Esposito an apology for an article about the hiring of his mistress and the daughter of his fiancée that was headlined “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” Kane argued, in part, that D’Esposito didn’t violate any ethics rules because he wasn’t married to his fiancée.
However, according to a Sept. 23 article in The New York Times, “The House code of conduct prohibits members of Congress from employing spouses or relatives, including stepchildren. Though Mr. D’Esposito has never married, congressional ethics experts said that employing a woman akin to his stepdaughter, who shared a home with him, could breach the requirement that members of Congress ‘adhere to the spirit and the letter of the rules.’”
The Times article continued, “A separate provision adopted in the wake of the #MeToo movement explicitly states that lawmakers ‘may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works
They undergo extensive training to ensure that they are equipped to handle the myriad dangerous conditions that can arise in an emergency, and they are often the only line of defense when a home catches fire and lives are on the line. It’s no wonder that so many people find firefighters’ dedication so inspiring.
The same is true for volunteer EMTs, who provide critical care during medical emergencies, administering life-saving treatment before a victim can be transported to a hospital. Their swift action and expertise often mean the difference between life and death.
A former Suffolk County volunteer firefighter and EMT who continues to serve as a paid paramedic and a New York City police officer explained why he became a first responder.
“I wanted to participate in something that allowed me to help my neighbors at their most vulnerable points in life, while also providing me with valuable life experience and training,” he told the Herald. “The fire department put me on a path to serve the people and communities that I live and work in, as well as (having) a second family I know would come to my aid should my family or I need it.”
We strongly urge you to be there for your local fire department’s next fundraiser or open house, salute the volunteers at their next holiday parade and, if you’re able, consider becoming one of them.
under the supervision of the member.’”
Although D’Esposito was not married to his fiancée, with whom he was allegedly cohabiting, it appears that in
his letter, Kane was doing nothing more than splitting hairs!
Lastly, while he criticizes Laura Gillen, who “identifies as a Catholic,” apparently Kane is not that troubled
We badly need congestion pricing
Ibelieve congestion pricing is an absolute necessity, for several reasons. First of all, traffic in the metropolitan area is an absolute nightmare. You can’t get into New York City in a reasonable amount of time unless you leave at 5 a.m. or after 9 p.m. most days from any direction — long Island, Westchester, Connecticut or New Jersey.
once you get to Manhattan, traffic is so bad that you can walk faster than you can drive. I know, because I work on the upper East Side and often walk to appointments and meetings. It’s faster than waiting endlessly in a taxi or uber.
the rafts of Citi bikes, bike lanes, bus-only lanes and outdoor restaurants built during and after the coronavirus pandemic make Manhattan more intolerable for driving than ever before. according to a tomtom report, New York tops the list of cities with the worst traffic in america. the average commuter spent just under 25 minutes driving about six miles in 2023.
Secondly, our mass transit system has been allowed to deteriorate over the decades, because politicians have always kicked the can down the road. the Second avenue subway was originally proposed over 100 years ago. today, three stations have been built, and the extension to Harlem has been put off, because congestion pricing, which was supposed to help pay for it, has been halted.
Ithe 7 Subway line was to have had a stop in Hell’s kitchen, the “10th avenue station,” to alleviate passenger congestion on the West Side and serve the growing neighborhood, but that, too, was killed for lack of funds and political will.
regional train service and rehabilitating the century-old subway system. the more comfortable and convenient the train system, the more people will use it, and the more drivers will opt out of the maddening rush to get to the city.
f only we could come up with a way to charge people based on their net worth.
Much of the current subway system is antiquated, some of it was damaged by saltwater intrusion during Superstorm Sandy, and the signal system is a hazard unto itself, slowing the system down and causing accidents.
So how do we resolve our urban traffic nightmare? there is no doubt that rail lines into Manhattan should be the No. 1 priority. they move the most people at the fastest speeds into and out of the city. Congestion pricing would be of enormous benefit in funding better
Letters
by D’Esposito’s reported affair with a married woman (which ended her marriage) while he was engaged to someone else. Do we really want to be represented by someone who is so ethically challenged?
RobERt tollE Cedarhurst
Abortion rights must be enshrined in N.Y.’s Constitution
to the Editor:
I was unclear about Proposition 1, and my concern grew when I learned that women in states with abortion bans are dying. I wondered if New York’s abortion laws could withstand the radical extremists influencing our Supreme Court, Congress and potentially the White House. Despite Republican assurances against a national abortion ban, I remain skeptical, especially since the Supreme Court previously deemed Roe v. Wade settled law. Moreover, the G o P made no effort to block the proposed ban on the abortion pill. While an outright abortion ban may not be imminent, without enshrining abortion rights in New York’s Constitution, it’s plausible that there will be attempts to erode women’s rights gradually. For these reasons, it’s crucial to condemn the fear-
Now, there are valid reasons why congestion pricing is unfair. If I’m a millionaire, I don’t care about paying $15 to drive below 60th Street, but if I make $50,000 a year, it’s putting a huge dent in my wallet. box trucks or moving vans would pay $24, large trucks $36, which would make goods and services cost more for New Yorkers.
It’s unfortunate that we can’t devise a methodology that could charge people based on their net worth. If a license tag could be connected to an IRS filing, we could charge wealthy people a different rate than those of more modest means.
beyond a system like that, we must resurrect the congestion pricing program to start to reduce traffic into Manhattan, and use those funds to upgrade Mta trains, subways and buses. If we do nothing, we will have wasted $500 million installing the apparatus to track vehicular traffic into the city, while
mongering falsehoods spread by the radical right about the ballot initiative and to vote “yes” on Proposition 1.
StEPHaNIE CaPuaNo Wantagh
Now Trump will approve the SALT deduction?
to the Editor:
then-President Donald trump and the Republicans limited our income tax deduction for state and local taxes. For two years the Republicans have controlled the House, so why haven’t Congressman a nthony D’Esposito and the M a G a Republicans in the House introduced legislation to give us back our S alt deductions?
Now, in a desperate attempt to help D’Esposito keep his House seat, t rump comes to New York and tells us he’s going to give us back the Salt deduction. He’ll do that right after he finishes building the wall and Mexico pays for it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. It won’t be all bad when D’Esposito loses the election. His friends in the town of Hempstead will give him a good job.
DENNIS PatRICk bRaDY Rockville Centre
doing nothing to reduce traffic and pollution and build a city for the future. It is also unconscionable that fare evasion cost the Mta an estimated $690 million in 2022, including $315 million from buses and $285 million from subways — 10 percent of the Mta’s annual budget.
and beyond the dollars and cents, New York City now ranks as one of the most ozone-polluted cities in the world thanks to the millions of cars, trucks and buses in stop-and-go gridlock traffic, with drivers endlessly circling for parking spaces and taxis, ubers and lyfts driving nonstop, looking for their next fare.
So how to move the massive number of people in the metropolitan area from destination to destination? Make the best use of the advanced train system that enlightened people built 120 years ago, and that provided 2 billion rides in 2023, on over hundreds of miles of track, picking up and dropping off people at 472 stations. but you can’t build out and upgrade the system without money, and congestion pricing is the ticket.
Jim Paymar is a veteran New York television anchor and reporter who has worked at CNBC, WNBC and WABC. He anchors a podcast, “The Big Shift with Jim Paymar.”
Framework by Tim Baker
Election Letters to the Editor policy
In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.
At the Family Street Festival — Bellmore
In October 2022, Tamar Lemoine of Valley Stream felt a lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. She had previously put o a biopsy after a mammogram in 2021 detected a suspicious mass, so she knew that this time she would need to act fast.
Tamar was referred to Dr. Christine Hodyl, Director of Breast Health Services at Mount Sinai South Nassau, who created a comprehensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy and breast-conserving lumpectomy surgery along with the removal of several lymph nodes. Her treatment ended with a month of radiation therapy sessions. Now cancer-free, Tamar urges women to get their annual mammograms.
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, o ering patients a multidisciplinary approach to fight cancer without having to leave Long Island.
In October 2022, Tamar Lemoine of Valley Stream felt a lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with late-stage