Massapequa Herald 01_15_2025

HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

Local author pens another book

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Massapequa author Lois Schmitt has released “Bearly Evident,” the fourth book in her Kristy Farrell Mystery series. Schmitt combines her love of mystery and animals in the story, which she says will captivate readers as they uncover the motive behind the murder.

“Bearly Evident” follows wildlife reporter Kristy Farrell as she stumbles upon a body at Happy Place Animal Sanctuary. Five sanctuary

employees emerge as suspects, each with powerful motives for committing the crime. As with her previous books, Schmitt includes a subplot— this one involving her mother’s best friend becoming a victim of a pyramid scam, which ties into the main mystery. The story also features a detective who tries to undermine Kristy’s investigation, as well as wild animals escaping the sanctuary.

Schmitt describes the Cozy Mystery genre as one in which the main character, often an ama-

MSD opts out of state plan

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

The Massapequa Board of Education has opted out of New York State’s newly introduced school regionalization plan, citing concerns over local control.

On Dec. 9, the New York State Department of Education amended its regulations to allow local districts to withdraw from the process of developing the plan. The Massapequa School District, which had expressed opposition to the plan earlier, immediately exercised its right to opt out.

At its Dec. 12 meeting, the board passed a resolution declaring its decision to “exercise its right not to participate in the development of a regionalization plan or in any aspect of the regionalization plan.” The resolution also directed Superintendent of Schools William Brennan to notify the State Education Department’s Office of Education Policy.

The board’s decision reflects its strong stance against any initiative that could undermine local control or lead to the redistribution of taxpayer funds to other districts. The resolution emphasized the importance of maintaining full control over district operations, calling it “paramount to the Massapequa community, our students, and our schools.”

Despite opting out of the development process, board members remain uncertain whether the district can refuse to implement a regionalization plan if one is finalized.

Board Vice President Jeanine Caramore expressed concern about the ambiguity surrounding this issue. “There is a very marked difference between the ability to opt out of the planning process and the ability to opt out of the eventual plan,” Caramore said. “The issue is still real and it’s still out there hanging over our heads.”

Board President Kerry Wachter echoed those concerns, questioning whether the state would back down from its original stance. She emphasized that under current regulations, districts must comply with the final plan, regardless of their participation in its creation.

“It’s clear that the State Education Department has a plan, and they are sticking to it,” Wachter said. “We must continue raising awareness and pushing back collectively to ensure local voices are heard and that our communities retain the ability to make decisions that best suit their needs.”

Wachter also voiced support for legislative efforts like the Our Schools, Our Rules Act, introduced by Senators Jack

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Tim Baker/Herald

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul spoke at the Long Island Association’s annual breakfast last week. See story on Page 11.

Safety Alert: Long Island Limousine Association cautions against hiring unlicensed operators, opens tip line

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.

The Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) is urging Long Islanders to hire only licensed car, van, or limousine operators and has launched a new tip line to report unlicensed drivers.

The initiative was announced at a press conference Fri., Dec. 27, at All Star Limousine Company in Lindenhurst, with Babylon Town Councilman Anthony Manetta present to show support for public safety.

Tom Gouldsbury, president of LILA and owner of Azure Limousine, explained that many unlicensed operators are using social media to solicit customers who may not realize they are hiring an unlicensed driver.

“Many people are doing this as a part-time gig, and it’s unsafe,” Gouldsbury said. “Our members, on the other hand, carry up to a million dollars in insurance coverage.”

He advised customers to verify the legitimacy of the service they are hiring, including checking that the ve-

hicle’s license plate is not the same as a personal vehicle.

“We are highlighting this issue during the holiday season to help ensure people get home safely,” Gouldsbury added. “Licensed operators follow high safety standards and have first-aid and emergency training.”

LILA Vice President Charles Gandolfo, of Dynasty Limousine, emphasized the dangers of relying on social media posts to hire transportation.

“Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, a ride to the airport, or another destination, don’t be fooled by posts offering unlicensed services,” Gandolfo said. “Hiring licensed operators ensures a higher level of safety, accountability, and proper insurance coverage.”

To report an unlicensed vehicle operator, residents can call LILA’s tip line at (631) 944-8448 or email contactlilalongisland@gmail.com.

“Protect yourself and your loved ones by hiring licensed drivers,” Gouldsbury said. “Enjoy special occasions the right way.”

The Maidenbaum team has been successfully helping taxpayers maintain a fair assessment of their homes for 35 years.

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Maidenbaum proudly serves Nassau County homeowners, and deeply values its community. From advocating for fair assessments to supporting local hospitals, sports leagues, educational nonprofits and more – giving back is their privilege.

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With its 35 years of experience, reliable results, and ever-growing client base – join your neighbors in choosing Maidenbaum – the trusted choice of most Nassau County homeowners.

Town of Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta with LILA President Tom Gouldsbury and Vice President Charles Gandolfo.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award presented to Farmingdale educator Samuel Thompson

Dr. Samuel Thompson, assistant superintendent of administration in the Farmingdale School District, was honored by the Town of Oyster Bay and his colleagues when the Town Board presented him with the Town of Oyster Bay Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award to, for his exemplary service as an educator for more than 20 years.

“The Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to noteworthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement, adherence to the principals of a just society and continued involvement in support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Dream,” said Supervisor Joe Saladino. “Dr. Thompson represents the ‘Gold Standard’ of community service, guiding our town’s youth on the right path and thus helping to shape a better future for all. His ability to lead with resilience and compassion through both the global pandemic and the unimaginable Farmingdale bus tragedy has been inspirational, and he continues to show us what it means to be a true Daler.” Thompson served as Farmingdale High School’s assistant principal for eight years, followed by another six as principal. He has also worked within the Island Trees, Baldwin and Herricks school districts in addition to teaching as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University, where he received his Doctor of Education.

Gift cards are still a post-holiday favorite —just make sure to spend them well before the clock runs out

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging holiday gift card recipients to take a moment in the new year to track down those cards before they disappear into the state’s vault of unclaimed funds.

In a reminder just in time for postholiday shopping, DiNapoli highlighted how unused gift cards can be turned over to the Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF) after five years of inactivity. In 2024 alone, OUF recovered more than $21 million from gift cards—over three times the amount recovered in 2014 ($5.8 million). DiNapoli is encouraging New Yorkers to spend their gift cards sooner rather than later.

“’Tis the season of giving, not losing, so please spend those gift cards and check to see if you have unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Many New Yorkers don’t realize that gift card balances may be transferred to our office after five years of inactivity. Last year, we recovered over $21 million worth of lost money from unspent gift cards.”

As of last year, New York City residents are owed the most unclaimed funds from unused gift cards—nearly $48 million—followed by Long Island residents ($11.4 million) and those in the Hudson Valley ($7.8 million).

Each business day, DiNapoli’s office returns an average of $1.5 million in un-

claimed funds and works with retailers to identify cardholders. If a gift card has been registered online, refunded, or purchased through a store account, retailers can provide OUF with the owner’s name. If not, retailers report card details, like the card number and balance, which can then be used by the rightful owner to claim their funds.

A new law taking effect in 2025 aims to speed up the process: Gift cards with unclaimed balances of $250 or less will be returned more quickly—no claim form required. If OUF can verify an owner’s identity and mailing address, a check will be sent directly to them.

DiNapoli also reminded gift card recipients to read the fine print, noting that fees or expiration dates may apply. To avoid any issues, he encourages people to register their cards with the retailer.

Currently, the Office of Unclaimed Funds holds more than $19 billion in unclaimed assets—many of which are tied to forgotten gift cards. So, before the next holiday rolls around, make sure those gifts of cash keep their value and don’t become unclaimed funds.

For more information and to check for any unclaimed funds go to: https:// shorturl.at/0ULzv.

You can also call the Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-221-9311.

More than a decade of playing the trumpet has paid off for Massapequa High School senior Austin Benedict, who was selected to participate in the 2025 AllEastern music conference, hosted by the National Association for Music Education. The student-musician will attend the conference in Hartford, Conn. from April 24-27. He will join the Concert Band, which will be conducted by Director of Bands for the University of California L.A. Dr. Travis J. Cross. Austin will attend workshops led by accomplished musicians. He began playing the trumpet 12 years ago under the tutelage of his father, and

joined his first ensemble in fourth grade as a member of Lockhart Elementary School band. Since then, he has been selected to the All-County music festival every year and the All-State conference twice.

Austin, who was nominated by his band teacher, Andrew Dwork, looks forward to playing alongside other top musicians from the region. The theme for this year’s festival is “Advocate! Elevate! Celebrate!”

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Austin said. “I hope to meet new people, play new music and learn from others.”

Austin Benedictis shown above

Lois Schmitt’s books inspired by Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie

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teur sleuth, is drawn into the mystery through their regular job. She notes that “Bearly Evident” can be enjoyed as a standalone book, as each installment provides readers with enough background to understand the series’ central theme.

Schmitt has lived in Massapequa since 1974. Her passion for writing, particularly mystery stories, has been lifelong. While her previous career focused on technical writing—as a media spokesperson for Nassau County Consumer Affairs and an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College—mysteriesies have always been her true interest.

“I love mysteries, and I’m usually pretty good at solving them when I read books from my favorite mystery authors,” Schmitt said.

She cites Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie as early influences and credits her research for “Bearly Evident”— including a trip to Yellowstone and a visit to an animal sanctuary—as one of the most enjoyable aspects of the writing process.

For aspiring writers, Schmitt offers advice: be persistent, establish a writing routine, and network. She emphasized that networking had been key to securing her publisher, Encircle Publications.

Currently, Schmitt is brainstorming ideas for her next book. “What I usually do after I finish a book is think of ideas before I go to bed at night, and I’ll write them down,” she explained. “It takes a couple of weeks to a month for a new story

idea to form.”

Schmitt also draws inspiration from everyday life.

“I am an observer. You walk around, and you see things,” she said.

Schmitt will present “Bearly Evident” at Grace Episcopal Church, 23 Cedar Shore Drive, Massapequa, on Thursday, Jan. 16, as part of the “Young at Heart” senior club. The event, titled “The Art of the Mystery—Solving the Murder Along with the Sleuth,” will include excerpts read from the new book.

For more information, call (516) 7981122.

MSD officials say no to state’s plans

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Martins and Steve Rhoads and Assemblyman Blake Blumencranz. She believes the act would protect local control and ensure that decisions about schools remain in the hands of the communities they serve.

In other business at the meeting, the board:

•Observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of 17-year-old Massapequa student Connor Kasin, who passed away. Caramore called Connor’s

death “a profound heartbreak.”

•Heard a presentation from Dr. Brian Trapani, assistant superintendent for curriculum & instruction, on how Massapequa’s academic programs help prepare students for college and careers.

•dopted the district’s Budget Development Calendar for 2025-2026.

The next meeting of the Massapequa Board of Education will be held Feb. 6, 8 p.m. at Massapequa High School, where the Board will conduct its first budget discussion.

WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: cjames@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 329 E-mail: cjames@liherald.com

Local author Lois Schmitt

What veterans should know about hospital emergency room visits

As 2024 wraps up and the new year arrives, I’d like to review a few key items of interest for veterans. One issue that frequently arises is veterans not getting accurate information about emergency hospital visits.

If a veteran requires emergency care, they can go directly to the VA hospital in Northport and get treatment, as long as they are registered with the VA and have a valid ID card. It’s important to note that if a veteran is admitted to the VA hospital, the usual 72-hour notice requirement does not apply. However, if the veteran seeks care at a non-VA facility, they must contact the VA within 72 hours of the emergency. The key number to call is the VA emergency hotline at (844) 7247894. Keep this number handy so you or a family member can call if necessary, as it helps expedite any issues or delays in processing care.

If your condition requires a hospital stay or surgery, the first step is to notify your primary care doctor at the VA, even if the diagnosis comes from a non-VA provider. The VA doctor can help ensure the bill is handled correctly by notifying the billing department. If there are any issues, you can always call the VA Northport main number at (631) 261-4400 for assistance.

There was a recent case where a veteran with a serious health issue had to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility after a non-VA hospital stay. However, complications arose when the hospital

refused to release the veteran because of delays in paperwork. The veteran’s primary care doctor at the VA did not act on the required documentation, leaving the veteran and his wife in a difficult situation. After I made calls to the VA’s public relations office and the Northport administration director, the issue was resolved. This serves as a reminder of how important it is for the VA’s processes to run smoothly and in a timely manner.

I also want to highlight the efforts of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, which has played a major role in the annual “Toys for Tots” toy drive. This initiative, started by the late Patricia Orzano, continues to provide toys to needy children each year.

The U.S. Marine Corps began this drive, and Patricia’s dedication has ensured its continued success. Supervisor Joseph Saladino spoke at a recent gathering, emphasizing the importance of this tradition. Other attendees included Town of Oyster Bay Tax Receiver Jeff Pravado, Assemblyman John Mikulin, Nassau Legislator Jack Kennedy, Town Councilwoman Laura Maier, and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce President Robin Hepworth.

A quick update on the parking lot construction at the VA hospital in Northport: Dr. Antonio Sanchez, the director, expressed his thanks for the public’s patience during the ongoing renovation. During my recent visit, I saw that the foundation of the new lot is nearly complete. The project is moving forward, and we look forward to its completion.

Public Notices

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-24-147128 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 152 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY 11001, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at The Paddock Bar Public House LLC.

25-101. 1/8, 15

Legal Notice

Notice is hereby given that a license (number pending) for beer, wine and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer wine and cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 113-115 Front Street Massapequa Park, NY 11762 Nassau County for on premises consumption.  Taglio Pizza Massapequa, LLC.

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF TENTATIVE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT ROLL

TAKE NOTICE: The Assessment Roll for the Village of Massapequa Park for the Year 2025 has been completed and will be filed in my office at the Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York on the 3rd day of February 2025 where the same will remain open for public inspection until Tuesday, February 18, 2025. BE IT ALSO KNOWN: that the latest state equalization rate for the Village of Massapequa Park is 1.10 and the final residential assessment ratio (RAR) for the Village is 1.04

LINDA TUMINELLO

Village Administrator/Clerk

By Order of the Board of Trustees Dated at Massapequa Park, New York this 14th day of January 2025 25-106. 1/15

Veteran's Column

By Sal Polito

VA Northport Construction Update. The ongoing construction project at the VA Northport Veterans Hospital is on track for completion of Phase 1 by January 2025, according to Dr. Sanchez, Director of Operations. Despite delays, he is confident that the new parking lot and the women’s facility expansion will soon be finished. These changes aim to improve services for veterans, but Dr. Sanchez noted that funding for the Northport facility is creating shortfalls in funding for community services. He urged veterans to contact their U.S. Senators and Congress members to advocate for more funding to maintain these critical services.

numbers directly impact funding. Efforts to engage younger veterans are ongoing, and we hope these initiatives succeed.

As always, Director Ralph Esposito is seeking volunteer drivers to assist veterans with transportation to and from VA appointments. Without these volunteers, many veterans would be unable to afford transportation to necessary appointments. If you have some free time to help, please contact Director Esposito directly at (516) 572-6512.

Lastly, I attended Nassau County Traffic Court in Garden City on December 19, where 30 veterans had received various traffic tickets, including violations for running red lights, stop signs, and speeding. Judge McAndrew graciously dismissed all of the charges, telling the veterans, “Thank you for your service.” These updates reflect the ongoing support and care we continue to provide for our veterans. As we head into 2025, let’s continue to work together to ensure they receive the respect and resources they deserve.

East Meadow VA Clinic and Medical Equipment Needs. The East Meadow VA Clinic is currently lacking essential medical equipment such as X-ray machines, EKGs, and sonograms. Veterans often have to travel to the Northport hospital for these procedures, which can be stressful. We are calling on the community to “squeak” and demand improvements by reaching out to local officials to address this gap in services.

Veteran Admissions and Outreach

Each year, approximately 2,200 veterans pass away, while 2,200 new veterans are admitted. The Northport outreach program is focusing on attracting younger veterans, as

Veterans Luncheon and Award Recipients . On November 21, 2024, the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosted a free luncheon for veterans at the Elks Club. Special thanks to local restaurants that generously donated food: Sals Place, The Little Lounge, Ciminelli’s Pizza, Mario’s, Mercato’s Kitchen, Patrizia’s of Massapequa, Sequa Deli, Vincent’s Pizzeria, and Zona Restaurant. During the event, the following veterans were honored for their extraordinary service: Sgt. Joseph Canova, U.S. Marine Sgt. Francis Marcinek, U.S. Air Force, Post 88; Sgt. Nelson Vergara, U.S. Marine Corps, VFW Post 7277 and E-3 Ralph Esposito, U.S. Navy, Director of Nassau County Veterans Service. We are proud of these veterans and thank them for their service.

May God bless our veterans and their families.

The writer is a member of the American Legion Post 1066 Massapequa, N.Y. and works for the town of Oyster Bays Veterans Services. If any veteran needs information about this article or any other veteran related information please call us a Town Hall South (516) 797-7875 and any one of their certified representatives can help you.

LEILA pAz

Carey Senior Basketball

A FOUR-YEAR STARTER and two-time AllCounty selection, Paz reached a milestone Dec. 19 in Carey’s defeat to New Hyde Park. As part of her 18-point performance, she recorded her 1,000th career point, joining a short list of those in the program to accomplish the feat. Paz entered this week’s action leading all of Nassau County in scoring at a shade under 27 points per game. She hit for 30 or more points in half of Carey’s first 10 games.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Jan. 16

Girls Basketball: South Side at Elmont 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Baldwin 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Mepham at MacArthur

Boys Basketball: Elmont at South Side

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at East Meadow

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Long Beach 7

Girls Basketball: Garden City at Calhoun 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Hewlett 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17

Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Oceanside at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.

Girls Baskietball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Wrestling: MacArthur at Long Beach 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Mepham at Calhoun 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at North Shore 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Calhoun 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Herricks at East Meadow 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Oceanside 1 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Freeport at Syosset 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

East Meadow defeats Farmingdale

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

East Meadow head coach Tom Rottkamp went to a ‘box-and-one’ defense in hopes of slowing down Farmingdale’s high-octane offense. By time the fourth quarter rolled around, the scheme worked to perfection.

Mazin Ibrahem scored seven of his 24 during the decisive final frame and fellow senior Will Casseus added 12, including two key 3-pointers late in the third quarter, as the Jets extended their winning streak to five by topping the Dalers 53-45 in a big Conference AAA-2 boys’ basketball matchup at Farmingdale last Friday evening.

Brendan Cronin hit the game-tying basket with 4:27 left and finished the game with nine points for East Meadow (8-3, 4-1 conference), which limited Farmingdale (8-3, 3-2) to just a single basket over the final nine minutes, 15 seconds. Four of the Jets’ wins during their run have come on the road.

“That was a great win for East Meadow basketball,” Rottkamp said.

Senior Jake Mangio, who became the seventh Daler in school history to reach 1,000 career points three days earlier, had nine points in the opening quarter but could only muster one third quarter free throw the rest of the way. His 23.8 scoring average entering the game placed him among the Long Island leaders.

“Just a stretch of not making shots,” Mangio lamented. “They did have a pretty good game plan coming in with locking me and then playing zone between the rest of the other players. We’ll be good. It’s just one loss.”

Erik Kubelka had a team-high 18 points for the Dalers, who had a threegame winning streak snapped.

The Jets’ defense that harassed Mangio involved one ‘chaser’ playing man-toman defense while the other four defenders play zone in a ‘box’ formation. Ibrahem and Casseus shared the chaser role.

“We know all about [Mangio], we just weren’t sure how we were going to stop him,” Rottkamp said. “Obviously we didn’t early on, and, if you noticed, we

played a box-and-one on him. We felt we had it in our back pocket if we felt we needed it and obviously we did.”

Farmingdale led 28-26 at halftime and went on 13-3 run to start the third to push the lead to 12 with 2:31 left. Ibrahem then hit a 3-pointer from the right arc, and after Farmingdale’s Andrew Dillon scored from down low, Casseus put on his mini show with a 3-pointer with 37 seconds left and a buzzer-beating shot from just inside the midcourt stripe that brought East Meadow to within 43-38.

“It was big,” Casseus said of the shot. “It picked up our energy.”

East Meadow scored the first nine points of the fourth, keyed by Ibrahem’s 3-pointer from the right corner 45 seconds into the session and two free throws from him that gave the Jets the lead for good at 45-43 with 3:36 remaining.

Farmingdale’s only basket in the fourth came on J.J. Collins’ drive with 2:45 left.

“They were just more tougher and physical than us, which was a little disappointing,” Farmingdale head coach Jim Pastier said. “The desperate team wanted it more and they were desperate at that point, and they rose to the occasion.”

Media Origin Inc./Herald Farmingdale’s JJ Collins secured a rebound during last Friday’s 53-45 defeat to visiting East Meadow in a Conference AAA-2 matchup.

Faith-based education

Students put moral values to work in their lives every day

Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and realworld experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.

Applying strong values in many selfless ways

Catholic school students apply the moral and spiritual lessons they learn in the real world by participating in charitable community initiatives throughout the year and by responding every day to others in a respectful and helpful manner. This spirit of caring and community in our students helps to give them the enduring moral foundation to become active, contributing members of society.

Through faith we grow

A strong Catholic identity as taught in Long Island’s Catholic schools matters. These schools are uniquely empowered to help children in some very important ways. Catholic schools:

√ Help socialize children in a positive way.

√ Reinforce the positive values that you live in your family.

√ Reassure children that they are safe and loved, and that God

OBITUARY

Ann Bonita Caupain, devoted nurse worked at local hospitals, at 83

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.

Ann Bonita Caupain, a longtime Amityville resident and dedicated nurse who served at several local hospitals, died on July 1, 2024, at the age of 83.

Born March 30, 1941, in Brooklyn to Robert Q. Caupain and Lucille Robinson Caupain, Ms. Caupain was the eldest of two children. The family later moved to Amityville, where her father built the home in which she lived for the remainder of her life. The house, which has been home to five generations, remains in the family today.

Ms. Caupain graduated from Amityville High School in June 1959 and went on to attend Morgan State University, where she studied Liberal Arts. Afterward, she worked at Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace division before pursuing a career in nursing.

Her daughter, Linda White, recalled that her mother had an exceptional ability to explore different careers and take on numerous roles. “She had a gift for career exploration and the many talents of multitasking,” White said. “She wasn’t limited by what she dreamed of, but rather pur-

Town announces special skating sessions for public on Martin Luther King holiday

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that residents looking for a fun way to spend their Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday can head to one of the Town’s three ice skating facilities, where holiday hours will be in place, offering extended public skating opportunities.

“For a fun, family-friendly activity, residents can head to one of the Town’s ice skating rinks – outdoors at Marjorie Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, and indoors at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage – on Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” said Councilwoman Maier. “All three facilities will be offering special public sessions

to provide children who are off from school with a fun-filled activity.”

On Monday, January 20, all Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Rinks will be open for public sessions from 1 to 3 p.m and 4-6 p.m.. The outdoor ice rinks are located at Marjorie Post Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa, and at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7900 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is located within Bethpage Community Park at 1001 Stewart Avenue, in Bethpage. For more information, including information about the Town’s Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating, or general skating sessions, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ice

CRIME WATCH

Continued on page 9

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at:

Massapequa Herald Post Newspaper, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329. We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photos with the articles.

2025 tax bills have been mailed

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes

Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the first half of the 2024 General Tax Levy was due on January 1 but can be paid without penalty through February 10.

“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” said Pravato. “After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1,” Don’t delay, make your payment before February 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”

The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card. There are also outdoor walkup windows. On February 7 and 10, both offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Drop Boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make

payments when the Tax Office is closed.

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539. Be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s S.D. code, section, block, lot and phone number on the check. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before February 10.

Residents can access 2025 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com.

Residents may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75, or by credit card for a much higher fee charged by the credit card companies. Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee. When calling the Tax Office at (516) 624-6400 or sending an email to receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov , residents are requested to have the school district, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

DEER PARK MAN ARRESTED ON WEAPONS CHARGES

Nassau County police arrested a Deer Park man on January 5, , charging him with multiple weapons and narcotics offenses.

According to detectives, officers from the Bureau of Special Operations were on patrol when they observed Vincent Fandetta, 40, of 1 Overton Street, operating a green 1996 Chevrolet van eastbound on Sunrise Highway near Unqua Road. The vehicle had illegal tinting on the front and passenger windows and non-working license plate lamps.

Officers followed the van and said the suspect failed to maintain his lane. They activated their emergency lights and sirens near Louden and County Line Roads, but the suspect continued driving until he pulled over on the ramp to Route 110 southbound.

Officers recovered several weapons, including a black expandable baton, a switchblade knife, a defaced silver Raven Arms P25 .25-caliber handgun, a loaded magazine with six .25-caliber bullets, yellow metal knuckles, and a BB gun. They

also discovered multiple yellow Ziplock bags containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine, as well as numerous pills suspected to be controlled substances.

Fandetta was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, criminal possession of a firearm, seven counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and four traffic violations.

He was arraigned on Jan. 6 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead. LARCENIES

South Farmingdale: The representatives for Home Depot in Airport Plaza, report the theft of seven DeWalt Impact Drivers, three DeWalt combo kits with a total value of $1,149. on Dec. 30, 8 p.m.

• The owner of a vehicle parked on Birch Lane reported to police on Dec. 28 that someone removed the front driver side tire and rim of her vehicle while parked on the street. The report was filed at 9:15 a.m.

Farmingdale: An assortment of dog food was removed from Pet Smart, 241 Airport Plaza on Dec. 31.

BURGLARY

East Farmingdale: A small case containing cash was stolen from inside a home on Central Avenue. The report of the theft was made on Jan. 3, 12 a.m.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Im-

paired: Krystal Krill, 40 of Deer Park; David Juene, 23 of Uniondale; Eric Brooks, 60 of Valley Stream.

Gang Assault: Sergio Celestin, 38, of 9243 245 St., Floral Park. Petit Larceny: Vanessa Vetrone, 32, of 1 Tanner Lane, Levittown.

Ann Bonita Caupain

Cache of weapons found in DP man’s vehicle. Photo/NCPD

Ann Bonita Caupain, devoted longtime nurse, at 83

sued what she was passionate about.”

In addition to her work at Northrop Grumman, Ms. Caupain held various positions, including working as a cashier at the local A&P grocery store in Amityville. Her career in nursing spanned several hospitals, including Lakeside Hospital in Copiague, Massapequa General Hospital and Central General Hospital in Plainview. She also worked as an EKG and lab technician at Brunswick Hospital in Amityville. She later became a registered and certified nursing assistant. Her daughter described Central General as her “second home.”

Beyond nursing, Ms. Caupain opened “Ann’s Day Care” in her home, which was affectionately renamed “Grandma Ann’s Daycare” by the children who attended.

“She loved kids and loved to cook for everybody,” said her daughter, Wanda Caupain. “And the more children she had, the happier her heart was.”

Her son, Allen Robinson, also reflected on his mom always being there for her children and grandchildren. “After a day of fishing with my son Bryce, I will miss the front yard fish fries and Mom’s presence while I coached the Copiague Eagles youth football games,” he said.

Above all, Ms. Caupain’s family and the people she cared for in her community were the center of her life. Her children shared that their mother would occasionally bring hospital residents from her work home to offer them a taste of family life, and said that she gave so much of herself. “She would invite perfect strangers in for a meal, and the grandchildren always knew that Grandma’s house was always open,” said Linda.

Ms. Caupain’s impact on the community extended beyond her family and her children stated that she raised a lot of the children in the community and was someone who would give you the shirt off her back in a heartbeat.

Ms. Caupain was also known for delivering multiple children in the surrounding community, including her first granddaughter, Danielle, at home, and her children said that if anyone ever needed a place to stay or help getting to the hospital, it was their mom who would come through for no one could care for them like ‘Gramz.’

In her free time, Ms. Caupain enjoyed her house plants, and crabbing, which was a tradition passed down from her father. She frequently took daycare children on

Ms. Caupain was also deeply involved in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, completing its Leadership and Training program. She later joined The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Stennis Division CVN 74, where she earned the Unit Commendation Star 1, multiple officer ribbons, and the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade in January 2002. In October 2002, she was honored with the Exceptional Service Award.

field trips to teach them how to crab by the water. She also had a deep love for her four-legged companion, Nyla, and enjoyed trips to Wildwood, New Jersey, where she could visit the amusement park, enjoy curly fries, and try her luck at the coin casinos.

“She taught and prepared me for life and will always be my best friend, my heartbeat, my rock, my mom,” said Linda.

In a joint message, her grandchildren stated: “Grams, you left a big hole in everyone’s life but we carry on each day, knowing you’re still watching over us.”

Ms. Caupain is predeceased by her parents, Robert and Lucille Caupain, and her grandson, Brian Green. She is sur vived by her children: Wanda Caupain of Massapequa, Linda White of Amityville,

and Allen Robinson and his wife, Kim, of Massapequa. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Danielle N. Green, Keith B. Green Jr. (Bud) and Jahlil, Bryce, Peyton and Ayva Robinson, and great grandchildren Aiyana, Briani, Savannah and Grayson Green and Yasir B. Jones (Yaya), as well as her four-legged companion daughter Nyla and a host of family, friends and the community she loved.

Ms. Caupain reposed at Powell Funeral Home in Amityville on July 14, 2024. A service followed at the Prayer Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C on July 15, officiated by Bishop Walter C. Willie Jr. and Pastor Jerry L. Turner of Salem Baptist

HERALD NEIGHBORS

21 graduating Farmingdale student athletes advance to compete on the collegiate level

Farmingdale School District celebrated the accomplishments of 21 graduating student-athletes who will be advancing to compete at the collegiate level. A commitment signing ceremony took last month, to recognize these exceptional individuals for their unwavering commitment to academics and athletics.

Held at Farmingdale High School, the ceremony was a significant event filled with pride, excitement, and heartfelt congratulations. Parents, coaches, and friends gathered to celebrate these student-athletes, who have demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

“Your passion and dedication to your sport have brought you to this moment,” said Jeanne Berkoski, director of athletics. “A heartfelt thank you to the parents for your crucial role in supporting your children’s athletic pursuits.”

Paul Defendini, superintendent of schools, highlighted the importance of balancing academics with athletics, encouraging students to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await them.

“The entire Daler community extends its warmest congratulations to these talented student-athletes as they embark on the next chapter of their athletic and academic journeys,” he said.

“Their achievements inspire all students, showcasing the rewards of hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset.”

The following Farmingdale High School graduating studentathletes have signed to play college sports: Juliana Abbene: Softball at Mercy University; Angel Cartagena: Baseball at Iona University; Jack DeLeo: Baseball at the University of Mount Saint Vincent; Andrew Dillon: Baseball at SUNY Oneonta; Ava Fierst: Softball at St. John’s University; Gavin Gatchalian: Football at Saint Anselm College; Logan Genna: Lacrosse at SUNY New Paltz; Mia Hayes: Diving at Drexel University; Katie Hecker: Softball at Russell Sage College; Colin Horowitz: Baseball at SUNY Maritime College; Matthew Hughes: Lacrosse at the University of Bridgeport; Matt Ippoliti: Lacrosse at Long Island University; Kiara Kegel: Softball at Farmingdale State College; Aidan MacGilvray: Lacrosse at Saint Leo University; Jake Mangio: Lacrosse at Bryant University; Jack Molloy: Baseball at the College of Staten Island; Allison Priestley: Swimming at SUNY Oswego; Kevin Renneisen: Lacrosse at DeSales University; Dylan Rosenberg: Soccer at Russell Sage College; Loveleen Singh: Cross Country at Molloy University and Riley Walsh: Lacrosse at Belmont Abbey College.

Massapequa’s All-County music selections reaches triple digits

The Massapequa School District is proud to announce more than 100 student-musicians have been selected to participate in the 2025 All-County Music Festival. The annual event is hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association.

The All-County honorees represent musicians from the band, chorus and orchestra in grades 5-12. Students are selected based on NYSSMA solo performance scores and teacher recommendations.

Ensemble rehearsals are taking place throughout the first two weeks of January at various schools. The vocal and instrumental musicians perform with their peers from schools throughout Nassau County. Concerts are held on Jan. 12 and Jan. 17-19 at the LIU Post Tilles Center.

Director of Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Green and the entire music faculty congratulate the students on this great achievement.

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

In the photo: More than 30 students from Massapequa High School were selected to participate in this year’s All-County Music Festival hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association.

Officials address the State of the Region

By JEFFREY BESSEN, CAROLYN JAMES & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ

Special to the Herald

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer began with a joke. Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, moderated a discussion among Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Richard Schaffer, president of the Long Island Supervisors Association. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke about having an impact.

The ballroom at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury, was filled with many appointed and elected government officials, along with many more movers and shakers, on Jan. 10 for the LIA’s annual State of the Region Breakfast.

This is a portion of what the elected leaders had to say.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

The former U.S. Senate majority leader, now the minority leader, began the morning with joke. The punch line of a tale about a woman being sentenced to four nights in jail for stealing a can of four peaches is her husband interrupting the proceeds by shouting, “She also stole a can of peas!”

The room filled with laughter, and then Schumer turned serious on several topics, including his hard work to attain his position in the Senate. He noted that despite the partisanship in Washington, Long Island elected leaders from both political parties are working together to bring federal money to the region.

“I’ll keep fighting for Long Island,” Schumer said, noting a $400 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for the Long Island Power Authority to strengthen the electrical power infrastructure.

Schumer said he was committed to reinstituting the deduction for state and local taxes, as should the entire state congressional delegation.

“We should be united in doing that, so that our people will stay here, new people will want to come here,” he said. “There is no reason for any member of the New York delegation shouldsettle for anything less than the full restitution of SALT with no cap.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul

The governor, who traveled to the event on the Long Island Rail Road, noted that the state would be investing $1.5 billion in the LIRR. The state is also allocating over $51 million for public safety on Long Island.

“We have to have the courage and vision to do more,” Hochul said of the issue of affordable housing.

She acknowledged the impact of climate change, from the wildfires in California to the fires in upstate New York in November, and from flooding in the Hudson Valley in July to flooding in Suffolk County in August.

“So, we have to be ready for this,” Hochul said. “We are the first genera-

tion to feel the ill effects of climate change, and we’re the last generation that can do something about it.”

She advocated for offshore wind power generation, saying it’s the way to go.

She also said she was motivated to help businesses big and small, because of the economic hard times she saw growing up. “No large business ever started as a large business — they all started small,” Hochul said, noting her mother’s small business to help displaced homemakers.

Since she became governor, she said, 53,000 jobs have been created on Long Island, and that in 2023 alone, 47,000 new businesses started here.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman

Blakeman touted his record as county executive.

“Nassau County was named by U.S. News & World Report as the safest county of all the United States of America,” he said, crediting officers of the county Police Department. “They do an outstanding job,” he said. “The men and women work very, very hard to keep us all safe.”

On the proposed Sands casino, Blakeman said the process is progressing, and he believes the county has the best application.

“I think it will generate a lot of jobs — we’re talking about potentially $5 billion in construction jobs,” he said. “We’re talking about revenue that will be spread out in various communities. I believe that, hopefully, we can get a favorable decision from the licensing board, and we’ll go full speed ahead.”

On affordable housing, Blakeman said, “We have 80-year-old sewers that need to be revitalized … and we need at least $100 million over the next five years to do that.”

County Executive Ed Romaine Romaine declared that “Amtrak is coming to Ronkonkoma,” and spoke about affordable housing. Referring to the state’s push to bring development to Nassau and Suffolk counties, Romaine said he agreed that Long Island would benefit from meeting the housing needs of lower-income residents, senior citizens and young people.

He quickly added a caveat, however.

“We also need the infrastructure,

including sewers, to support these projects,” Romaine said, noting that there are 3,400 projects under consideration in Suffolk that can’t be built because the county doesn’t have the sewer capacity — and that is the major obstacle for almost every major project undertaken on Long Island.

Increasing affordable housing on Long Island, once a local and regional issue, is front and center in Albany, as the state — dangling lots of state dollars — urges counties, towns and villages to embrace its new housing initiative. He added that the measure has been greeted with mixed reviews, as local officials remain concerned that opting into the state program will undercut local controls like planning and zoning codes.

Romaine was visibly angry about the taxes that Suffolk residents pay on their home electric and heating bills. He promised to suspend those taxes, as well as the gasoline tax.

“We should make it more affordable for the average person to live here,” he said. If not, people will move off Long Island “like the rest of the state. (People) don’t just vote at the ballot box; they vote with their feet. New York lost (more) people than any other state. That’s a wake-up call.

Supervisor Richard Schaffer

Schaffer, the Town of Babylon supervisor and the Suffolk County Democratic chairman, noted his beginnings in the County Legislature, where he worked across the aisle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“We’re not elected to come here and put on a show to make it into Newsday or make it onto News12,” Schaffer said. “We’re here to get things done.” He noted that that is his philosophy, and Romaine’s thinking as well.

“The stars have aligned, and not only do we have people who have known each other for a very long time, but also key, trust each other in order to do the right thing,” Schaffer added of his relationships with Romaine and Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

LIA President and CEO Matt Cohen, far right, moderated the panel discussion, which included Long Island Supervisors Association

President Richard Schaffer, far left, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that restoring the deduction for state and local taxes was a priority.

Gov. Kathy Hochul touched on a number of topics at the State of the Region event at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

Nassau Chamber group begins workshops

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce has launched a series of workshops to strengthen small businesses and address common challenges entrepreneurs face in an increasingly digital economy across the region. The first one was Tuesday, and there are six more, scheduled for Thursday and on Jan. 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29.

“This is really all about supporting small businesses and their positive impact across the board in Nassau County,” the council’s president, Frank Camarano Jr., said. “The chambers are our workers on the ground, in every community, hand in hand with the folks that live there. Now, while it’s great having so many — it really is — they’re obviously smaller, so the available resources are harder for them to tap into, and it all gets spread out. Also, each voice, individually, is sometimes hard to hear, yet combined — what a difference. That’s where we come in, to support them, of course, and make up for as many missing pieces as we can along the way.

“There’s this saying, ‘When something is done correctly, it looks like nothing has been done at all,’” Camarano continued. “No fanfare, just a lot of work. It’s the chamber way. It’s our way.”

“The workshops are paid for through

a grant made possible by County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature,” the council’s second vice president, Joseph Garcia, said. “It shows they understand the hardships small businesses have faced as we endured and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The initiative stems from a survey of local chambers and small business owners, identifying areas where support is needed the most. Three specialized workshops have been developed, covering financial management, marketing and communications and computer systems.

Each session will focus on practical, hands-on training to equip participants with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive.

address website optimization, cybersecurity best practices and implementing business software, along with guidance on system backup and recovery procedures.

“The goal of this first round of workshops is to provide the type of support usually reserved for big, multi-milliondollar companies and franchises,” Garcia said. “Bringing this to small businesses of all types in Nassau County will pay dividends for our business owners, our county, in additional sales taxes, and strengthen our communities.”

The financial management workshop will explore topics such as tax planning, cash flow management and strategies for acquiring capital. Attendees will also learn bookkeeping fundamentals and techniques for preparing and analyzing financial statements.

The marketing and communications workshop will help businesses develop effective social media strategies, implement online marketing techniques and optimize their e-commerce operations. The computer systems workshop will

The workshops are divided into three zones based on location: In Zone One, north of Route 25, they will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Roslyn. In Zone Two, south of Route 25 and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway, they will take place at American Legion Post 44, in Malverne; and in Zone Three, south of Route 25 and east of the Meadowbrook, will be held at American Legion Post 1066, in Massapequa. The Herald is presenting on marketing in Zone One on Jan. 21.

Each zone will host three separate workgroups on different nights, for a total of nine workgroups. Businesses are encouraged, but not required, to

attend the workgroups in their zone, and cannot participate in the same workgroup across multiple zones.

This workshop series is part of the council’s broader efforts to support Nassau County’s small businesses as they navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economic landscape.

In February, the council will expand its resources by relocating its offices to Nassau Community College. The move will enhance its capacity to serve the business community through additional workshops, collaborative programs with college faculty and enhanced hands-on business education experiences, and provide internship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with local enterprises.

“We are grateful to Nassau Community College President Maria P. Conzatti and Jerry Kornbluth, along with their dedicated staff, for their partnership in this initiative,” Gary Slavin, treasurer of the council, added. “This collaboration will create valuable opportunities for both our small business community and the college’s students.”

“With the massive support of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature, and not just financially, we are all getting it done together,” Camarano said. “We are very proud, and extremely thankful.”

For more information or to register, visit ncchambers.org.

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 is looking

FRANk CAmARANO JR.

STEPPING OUT

Savor the moment in your cozy kitchen

Let those chef skills take center stage on wintry day

By Karen Bloom

Settle in for some comfy winter nesting during these frigid days. And, of course, it’s certainly time to refocus on a healthier eating now that we’re finished with those weeks of festive over-indulgence.

January is the ideal time to reset and get into the kitchen and work on some “Top Chef” skills. It’s not that difficult with some great comforting — healthy — foods to warm the heart and soul.

Experiment with new culinary creations that incorporate bold flavors for delicious results. Nothing pleases the senses quite like a hearty dish on a cold evening. Try adding these recipes to your repertoire.

Country Stew

A classic stick-to-your-ribs stew is the ideal project for a chilly weekend. A terrific winter warmer-upper, serve with a hearty bread or corn bread.

• 5 pounds bone-in short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 cups water

• 1 1/3 cups Zinfandel wine

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 6 large potatoes, washed, peeled and quartered

• 1/2 pound small fresh mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen whole green beans

• 1 can (16 ounces) peeled whole tomatoes, undrained

Dredge ribs in flour to coat; reserve leftover flour. Heat oil in 8-quart Dutch oven on moderate heat. Add half of ribs and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove ribs. Repeat instructions for remaining ribs.Stir in the reserved flour. While stirring, add 1 cup water and wine and stir until thickened.Return ribs to the pan. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper and bouillon and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat to simmer for about 1 hour, or until ribs are tender. Remove ribs with slotted spoon and cover with foil to keep warm. Add potatoes, mushrooms and beans. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add ribs and tomatoes with liquid, and heat through. Use slotted spoon to remove meat and vegetables to large serving platter. Remove gravy to serving container and serve with ribs. Makes 6 servings.

Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas

Settle in with a warming, welcoming bowl of pasta, especially tasty on a winter’s niight.

• 12 ounces uncooked campanelle pasta

• 1 tablespoon Bertolli Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

• Alfredo sauce

• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded

• 6 eggs

Dave Atell

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In pot of salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than directed on package. Drain pasta.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and shallots. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add wine; cook 3-4 minutes, or until most liquid has evaporated. Stir in peas, prosciutto, Alfredo sauce and cheese. Add pasta; toss gently. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes to coat pasta with sauce.

In saucepan, bring water to boil and add eggs. Cook 6 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water and cool before peeling.

Top each serving with soft-set egg and black pepper.

Note: Gouda or Gruyere can be substituted for Fontina. Unpeeled, cooked eggs can be stored in refrigerator up to one week.

Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan

• Pasta cooking water, as needed

In a saucepan or skillet, warm the butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted.

Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water if necessary.

Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup

A rustic soup loaded with lentils and kale can be flavorful centerpiece to healthy, satisfying meal. This filling soup is packed with vegetables and has a hint of heat from the sausage, giving it a zesty warm, spicy flavor.

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed, or sausage of your choice

• 2 celery stalks (with leafy tops), thinly sliced

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced medium

• 3/4 cup-1 cup dried lentils

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 1/2 bunches (about 3/4 pound) kale, preferably Tuscan, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces

• Coarse salt and ground pepper

• 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils, broth, and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a rapid simmer, partially cover, and cook until lentils and vegetables are tender, 25 minutes.

Add kale and season with salt. Return soup to a rapid simmer, cover, and cook until kale wilts, about 5 minutes. Remove soup from heat, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve this soup in individual bowls with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top and a crusty slice of bread to sop up the broth at the bottom of the bowl.

Note: Spinach or chard can be substitute for the kale in this recipe. The soup can be enhanced by adding a couple of thyme or rosemary sprigs as it simmers. If it’s too thick to your liking, more broth can be added.

Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best. An all-time-great joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Dave Atell is most at home in comedy clubs. He built a loyal following by barnstorming the country with his brand of off-color “very adult” humor, and his audiences got even bigger after his cult-favorite travel show, “Insomniac.” Atell continues to be a presence on TV — including his hit Netflix specials “Hot Cross Buns” and “Bumping Mics” — while constantly writing new material and taking it on the road. Beginning his comedy career in the early ‘90s, Attell ascended through New York’s stand-up ranks alongside the likes of Louis C.K. and Jon Stewart. After a brief stint writing for SNL, Attell branched out on his own. When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

‘Majestic Melodies’

Old Westbury Gardens maybe closed for the season yet everyone is invited to escape winter’s chill with a special musical interlude in Westbury House’s delightful music room.“Majestic Melodies: An Evening of Piano and Song” pairs the dazzling vocals of Broadway’s Nathaniel Hackmann with the virtuosic talent of pianist Philip Edward Fisher. Hackmann, fresh off his celebrated role as Biff Tannen in “Back to the Future: The Musical,” which just finished its Broadway run, is a powerhouse performer. His commanding stage presence thrills audiences both on Broadway and in concert halls worldwide. He’s joined by Fisher, an accomplished pianist praised for his refined style and exceptional versatility.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m. $50; OWG members receive 20 percent discount. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For more information and tickets, visit oldwestburygardens.org.

Country Stew Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup

THE Your Neighborhood

Acrobats of Cirque-tacular

See a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage, Saturday, Jan. 25 , at 2 p.m. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a highenergy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Repeatedly praised by critics, for their “mind-boggling artistry and athleticism” and their “great feats of daring at the extreme edges of human capability,” their acts have reached millions live and millions more through appearances on most major television networks. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The Acrobats of Cirque-tacular bound from one breathtaking, death-defying feat of acrobatic daredevilry to another. Musclepopping, mind-boggling artistry and athleticism charm and awe the audience.

The performers are revered as cuttingedge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Cirque-tacular’s entertainers have shared the stage with a who’s who of A-list celebrities. They leave no stone unturned to test the limits of human mind and body. The fun of their show is doubled with explosive music that complements the performance and act. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Art League of Long Island’s 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition

Art League of Long Island presents its 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition, a showcase of the remarkable talents within its vibrant community of artists.

The exhibit, hosted in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, features an array of works from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts. This annual event is a cherished tradition that highlights the diversity and creativity of ALLI’s over 400 memberships. From emerging artists embarking on their creative journey to seasoned professionals, each participant demonstrates the profound artistic spirit that fuels the Art League of Long Island’s mission.

It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate creativity across mediums and generations. Due to the high volume of submissions, the exhibition is split into two parts, with Part I showcasing artists with last names M-Z and Part II with last names A-L. This format alternates each year, ensuring equal opportunities for members to shine. Part I dates runs through Jan. 24; Part II runs Feb. 1-28 For more information about the exhibition, upcoming events, or how to support the Art League of Long Island, visit .artleagueli. org or call (631) 462-5400. Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills. Jan. 17

Co-ed Badminton

For adults looking for an indoors sport to keep active in the winter, join Co-ed Badminton! Classes take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, at Hicksville Athletic Center. Classes are for those 18 years of age or older and run for 10 weeks. Online registration is open at oysterbaytown.com/portal. There are fees for the classes. For information, (call 516) 7977945. 167 Broadway, Hicksville.

Long Island Winter Run

The 2025 NYS Parks Winter Run Series continues on Sundays, Jan. 19 at Robert Moses State Park, Babylon, Field #2, Jan. 26 at Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, Field #3 and Feb. 2 at Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, Field #4. You can register for an individual race or for the full series. Individual registration is $20 and registration for the full series is $50. Registration is online at shorturl.at/njdxP. There will be post-race refreshments and an awards ceremony.

In concert

Jericho Public Library hosts the Gypsy Felons, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m. The band will play songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s and tell the interesting stories behind the music. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the Jericho Public library. For more information, call the Library (516) 935 -6790. 1 Merry Lane, Jericho.

Model Train Show

The TMB Model Train Show features its ever-exciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings, Saturdays, Jan. 18 and Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., Jan. 19 and Feb. 9, at the Upper Room Church. With new scenic areas to discover as well as familiar sights and a wide variety of trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains, all set in 6,500 square feet of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. So, mark your calendars now. 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. For more information go to tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Jan. 18

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Jan. 18, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and making art together. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Deep sea exploration

Are you ready to dive into the unknown at The Whaling Museum? Kids and adventurous adults can use a blacklight to hunt for hidden clues about out-worldly creatures that dwell in the ocean’s depths in an event “Deep Sea Explorers” throughout January. For more information, more upcoming events, membership and tickets, go to coldspringwhalingmuseum.org or call (631) 367-3418. 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor.

Having an event?

Book Buddies Teen Signup

Students in grades 6-12 can become a book buddy at Massapequa Public Library, Friday, Jan. 17, to a younger student and read stories together. Participating in this program will earn you one hour of community service. For more information, call (516) 799-0770. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

AARP Defensive Driving Class

Massapequa Public Library hosts an AARP Defensive Driving Class, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This six-hour driving class will save you 10 percent on your auto insurance each year for 3 years and may reduce up to 4 points off your license. Fee is required. To register and for more information, stop by the library at 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park or call (516) 798-4607 ext. 6304. You can also register at massapequa. librarycalendar.com/event/ aarp-driving-19686.

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, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. Opens Jan. 18, on view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Resume Preparation Part I

Get your resumes ready in this new year by attending Resume Preparation I at Massapequa Public Library, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7-8:30 p.m. For more information and to register, call (516) 798-4607 ext. 6304. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

Creative Writing Group

Farmingdale Public Library hosts a creative writing group on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a chance to share your work and get inspired by other writers sharing their work. Preference is given to UFSD #22 residents. To register and for more information, call (516) 249-9090 ext. 204 or 206. Merritts Road., Farmingdale.

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592

- TELEPHONE: (516) 6246232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –

KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI

*************************

***************************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JANUARY 23, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 24-456

MASSAPEQUA

THOMAS LOMONACO:

(A) Variance to construct roof-over outdoor kitchen exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 12-113 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated March 29, 2012.

W/s/o Park Ln., 120.76 ft. N/o Michigan Ave., a/k/a 86 Park Lane, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-464

MASSAPEQUA

JOSEPH BALABANICK:

(A) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high vinyl fence exceeding maximum height across side/front yard (Marie Place) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing addition to detached garage exceeding maximum height and building coverage of the principal building than permitted by Ordinance.

SW/ cor. of Leonard Dr. & Marie Pl., a/k/a 70 Leonard Drive, Massapequa, NY

Public Notices — Your right to know

APPEAL NO. 24-471

MASSAPEQUA

MARISSA FERRARO:

(A) Variance to allow existing wood deck having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing hot tub having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing covered front porch deck exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (North Nassau Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance.

NW/ cor. of N. West Blvd. & N. Nassau Ave., a/k/a 841 N. West Blvd., Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-474

MASSAPEQUA

FRANK VIOLA: (A)

Variance to allow existing detached garage having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o N. Utica Ave., 420 ft. E/o N. Bay Ave., a/k/a 225 N. Utica Avenue, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-475

MASSAPEQUA

ROBERT HOLZAPFEL: (A) Variance to allow existing 8.1 ft. by 10 ft. shed having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct second story addition and front roofed over porch exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 13-59 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated February 21, 2013.

N/s/o Euclid Ave., 61.41 ft. W/o Franklin Ave., a/k/a 121 Euclid Avenue, Massapequa, NY

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 01/23/25 PAGE 2

APPEAL NO. 24-481

MASSAPEQUA

SOUTHSIDE BUILDING

CORP.: (A) Variance to construct new dwelling on

vacant lot having less width of lot at street and width of lot from front property line to required rear yard than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 03328 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated August 7, 2003. E/s/o Erlwein Ct., 218.90 ft. S/o Merrick Rd., a/k/a Erlwein Court, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-482

MASSAPEQUA

SOUTHSIDE BUILDING

CORP.: (A) Variance to construct new dwelling on vacant lot having less width of lot at street and width of lot from front property line to required rear yard than permitted by Ordinance.

(B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 03327 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated August 7, 2003.

E/s/o Erlwein Ct., 275 ft. S/o Merrick Rd., a/k/a Erlwein Court, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-483

MASSAPEQUA

SOUTHSIDE BUILDING

CORP.: (A) Variance to construct new dwelling on vacant lot having less width of lot at street and width of lot from front property line to required rear yard than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 03329 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated August 7, 2003.

E/s/o Erlwein Ct., 332 ft. S/o Merrick Rd., a/k/a Erlwein Court, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-554

MASSAPEQUA

RYAN KELLY: (A) Variance to allow existing outdoor kitchen and roof over having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing roof over and trellis exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing roof over exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing pool equipment having less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted

by Ordinance.

W/s/o Springdale Ave., 200 ft. N/o Suffolk Rd., a/k/a 23 Springdale Ave., Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-485

SEAFORD

FRANK MAGGI: (A) Variance to allow existing 14.5 ft. by 16.7 ft. wood deck having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing raised patio having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing 7.9 ft. by 9.6 ft. shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing 7.9 ft. by 9.6 ft shed, roof-over front porch, 14.5 ft. by 16.7 ft. wood deck and raised patio exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to allow existing roof-over front porch, 14.5 ft. by 16.7 ft. wood deck and raised patio exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (F) Variance to construct driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Meadow Ln., 846.09 ft. E/o Douglas Pl., a/k/a 4094 Meadow Lane, Seaford, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-442

MASSAPEQUA

LORI MACCARRONE: (A) Variance to allow existing rear roofed over patio having less rear yard setback and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to install 16 ft. by 34 ft. rectangular-shaped vinyl lined in-ground swimming pool with 10 ft. by 8 ft. sunledge and 10 ft. by 6 ft. spillover spa having less rear yard setback and side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to install pool equipment having less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Brewster Rd., 165.22 ft. W/o Cedar Shore Dr., a/k/a 110 Brewster Road, Massapequa, NY

JANUARY 13, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-103 1/15

NOTICE TO BIDDERS MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT

CONTRACT g: ROOF REPLACEMENT AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT

CONTRACT H: HVAC REPLACEMENT

1 Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758

H2M Project No. : MPFD 2404

Contract G- General Construction Work Contract M- Mechanical Construction Work

Will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the Office of the Commissioners, located at 1 Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York 11758. Proposals will be opened at that time.

Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained as a download for Forty Nine Dollars and 00 cents ($49.00) at the following website: www.h2mprojects.com under “public projects” beginning 4:00 pm prevailing time on Wednesday January 15, 2025.

Complete hard copy sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from Rev, 330 Route 17A, Suite #2, Goshen, New York 10924

Tel: 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars and 00 cents ($100.00) for each set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be payable to MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instruction to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at www. h2mprojects.com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies or the addenda to be issues. Ther will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: ROOF AND HVAC REPLACEMENT AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT.

Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT, in an amount equal to fire percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section.

Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening.

A pre-bid meeting and walk thru is scheduled for 10:00am on Friday, January 24, 2025. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the site, at which time they will be escorted to the areas of work.

It is the Board of Fire Commissioners intention to award the contracts to the lowest qualified bidder who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board of Fire Commissioners, is in the best interest of the District. Bids include all costs associated with the project. By submitting a bid, the bidder represents that they are familiar with the site and project conditions. Additionally, prior to submitting its bid, Contractor shall make Architect and Owner aware of any problems and/ or inconsistencies in the bid documents.

Issue Date: January 15, 2025

Massapequa Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners Massapequa, NY 25-105. 1/15

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 $16.50 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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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 $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

HomesHERALD

Two For One Deal

TAre foreign-made cabinets a bargain or a bad idea?

Q. I am being told that I can buy new kitchen cabinets much cheaper from a Chinese company than the local cabinet companies. I have been shopping around, and cabinets are quite expensive for my small kitchen, around $35,000. The imported kitchen from China is much less, around $18,000, and looks very nice, a similar style. What can you tell me about whether I am getting a good deal or whether the cabinets are poorly made?

A.This is a timely yet touchy subject, with so much uncertainty about what direction product costs will go in the near future. I receive 32 industry publications per month, and I have just learned that the U.S. Commerce Department issued a ruling in July that China was found to be skirting United States import duties by producing cabinet components in China, but then further processing the products in Vietnam and Malaysia, so the cabinetry did not appear to come from China.

Even though this latest judgment pertains specifically to solid wood and engineered-wood products, which is most of what cabinetry is made of, it also includes drawer fronts and doors, which may have been produced elsewhere and assembled in any one of those countries or the U.S. While the components’ foreign production and later assembly saved money, the cabinet door is closing on whether you will save money in the near future.

When I speak to cabinetmakers, assemblers and installers locally, I get a mix of opinions about the quality of the products. First are the components: Many raw materials are hard to trace with imported cabinets, so the type of wood can vary. Because U.S. industry standards are often much higher, the amount of warping and twisting in foreign wood can be greater due to less quality control in the humidity and curing of the solid wood components. The same is true of “engineered” wood products, which come in various types of panels such as wood strips, like plywood, or from glued sawdust pressed together under high pressure. The sawdust and the glues come from unknown origins, and some glue may be made from animal processes, which can lead to a terrible smell as the panel ages.

Then there is the connecting of components, which may be only glued or stapled. Better products have interlocking dovetailed joints. Sometimes what you don’t see is what makes the difference.

While more expensive American-made products are made with higher quality control, it won’t be long before all products go up in price. Price increases notoriously happen at the end of January each year, but with the looming possibility of higher tariffs, you may discover that the old saying, “He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay” is accurate. Waiting for a bargain may not save you anything, and you get what you pay for. And “The dissatisfaction of poor quality lingers long after the excitement of a cheaper price has been forgotten.” Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper,

Ask The

Monte

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry

CARRIER, FOR rooftop, Soft, used once, call for specs, $50. (516)225-9191 CD TOWERS (2) Southwestern Kokopelli Design Holds 90+ $45 (516) 287-7027 call/text

FLEXIBLE FLYER SLED, Classic steel rail, Wooden deck, 16"wide 54"long In Baldwin. $10 (516) 254-3640

HOOVER RUG SHAMPOOING Machine with all Attachments, and Cleaning Supplies. $75 LIke New. 516-486-7941

STEMWARE, CRYSTAL FROM Macy's Water, Wine, Champagne. 6 each. Original Boxes. Never Used. $95. (516)225-9191

WALL SAFE: HEAVY Duty, Fits in Wall between Studs, 15"x15" with 2 Keys. $50. 516-486-7941

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

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

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

mount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

Legal Services

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

Wanted

With a new year come new commitments

As we usher in a new year, we are presented with the opportunity to start fresh, to reflect, and to strive for growth. This is a time to reset our priorities and plan for a better future — not just for ourselves, but for the communities we are part of.

The beginning of the year also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of service to others, as we honor one of history’s most inspirational leaders, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday was Wednesday.

Dr. King’s enduring legacy calls us to reflect on his remarkable leadership, his unwavering commitment to justice, and the power of peaceful activism. He taught us what it means to make our communities stronger by embodying tolerance, equality and compassion. His dedication to the principles of nonviolence

and justice remains a timeless call to action, urging us to engage in service and stand in solidarity with one another as Americans.

King’s vision for a just and compassionate world transcends his era. It is a message for all generations, including ours, to create meaningful change through service and unity. In the Town of Oyster Bay, we honor his legacy each January by recognizing those who dedicate themselves to serving others. This year we presented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Samuel Thompson, an administrator in the Farmingdale school system.

Let’s use the example of Dr. King, whose birthday we mark this week, as inspiration.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Thompson has been a guiding force, mentoring and inspiring children to follow the right paths in life. He exemplifies the qualities that King championed — community leadership, mentorship and the power of being a role model. Thompson’s contributions remind us that acts of service, no matter how small, can

have a profound impact. You don’t need to be a world-renowned figure to make a difference. Sometimes it’s the simple, everyday gestures — helping a neighbor, holding a door, offering a kind word — that ripple outward, improving lives and strengthening our communities.

Research and experience show that even small acts of kindness, such as letting another car merge, giving a compliment or lending a helping hand, can transform someone’s day — and possibly their life. Imagine the collective impact if we all committed to doing just one small thing to uplift those around us.

King taught us that true leadership is rooted in service. His life demonstrated the profound strength of love, courage and the belief that we are all interconnected. In today’s complex world, we must embrace these values and work together to foster inclusivity, empathy and engagement. By doing so, we honor his legacy and help create a better future for our families, our communi-

ties and our country.

In the spirit of King’s teachings, I encourage you to take a step back this year and reflect on what truly matters. Use this time to slow down, appreciate life’s blessings, and seek opportunities to serve others. This doesn’t require grand gestures; small, intentional actions — whether volunteering, mentoring or participating in honest, open dialogue — can build stronger, more connected communities.

As we commemorate King’s birthday and the transformative impact of his work, let us renew our commitment to service. Let us challenge injustice wherever it exists, build bridges across divides, and embody the principles of empathy and solidarity that King so powerfully championed. As he once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

This year, let us all strive to answer that question with action. Together, through love, respect and service, we can honor King’s legacy and create a brighter, more just world.

Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.

Suffolk is learning that wastewater shouldn’t be wasted

At long last, Suffolk County has a county executive who fully understands the need to send treated wastewater back into the underground water table that is Long Islanders’ sole source of potable water, instead of dumping it in nearby water bodies including the Atlantic Ocean. And Ed Romaine has legislative support.

The passage of a referendum in November’s election provided the funding to do this. The measure amended the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act, and increased the county sales tax by one-eighth of a cent to raise money to build sewers and install high-tech innovative/alternative septic systems and fund, as the measure stated, “projects for the reuse of treated effluent.”

Last month, at the Bergen Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, in West Babylon, Romaine announced that wastewater from the plant would be used to irrigate an adjacent county golf course, and within the plant. It was built to serve the Southwest Sewer District and send 30 million gallons of treated wastewater a day through an

outfall pipe and out into the Atlantic.

As a Suffolk legislator and Brookhaven town supervisor, Romaine repeatedly emphasized the need to send treated wastewater back into the underground water table. “This,” he said at Bergen Point, “is one of 10 county wastewater treatment plants that we are currently considering for water reuse. By utilizing what otherwise would have been a byproduct, we can decrease the pressure on our aquifer by hundreds of millions of gallons a year and even help recharge the aquifer.”

Cquality … I thank the county executive and hope all these planned projects will work together.”

Legislator Steven Flotterson, of West Islip, the deputy presiding officer, said, “Bergen Point is just one of the many sites where a golf course is close to a treatment plant. But golf course irrigation is just one example of ways in which we are now moving forward together.”

ounty Executive Ed Romaine knows that it should be sent back underground.

In 2016, treated effluent from the Riverhead Sewage Treatment plant began being used to irrigate the adjacent Indian Island County Golf Course instead of dumping it into the Peconic River. Romaine intends to have all sewer systems built in Suffolk recharge wastewater. “We’re not as stupid as they were years ago,” he said, “where all they did was take that outfall pipe and send (wastewater) out to the ocean or the Long Island Sound.”

Romaine was joined at Bergen Point by a bipartisan group of Suffolk legislators, including Kevin McCaffrey, of Lindenhurst, presiding officer of the Suffolk Legislature, who said that reuse would “let Bergen Point be known for helping water quantity as well as water

Five decades ago, as the Southwest Sewer District was taking form, I wrote extensively about the folly of sending a massive amount of wastewater daily into the Atlantic. Leading opponents of the scheme were Charlie Pulaski, conservation chairman of the Suffolk County American Legion, and George A. King, chairman of the Long Island Baymen’s Association. They warned of adverse impacts to many streams, Carlls River and the Great South Bay.

In recent times, the Islip-based Seatuck Environmental Association advanced a Long Island Water Reuse Road Map & Action Plan. The 2023 plan identified 50 golf courses in Nassau and Suffolk that were within two miles of wastewater treatment facilities and thus available for recharge, along with other locations including “sod farms and greenhouses, as well as for lawns at

educational campuses” and “commercial centers.”

The plan can be viewed through a box titled Water Reuse at Seatuck’s website, seatuck.org. Its Executive Summary states, “Over the past half century, water quality in Long Island’s groundwater aquifers … as well as both freshwater and coastal surface waters, has steadily declined … During this same time period, Long Island’s water quantity problem has also come into focus.”

The U.S. Geological Survey released an 83-page hydrology report last year about the water table beneath Nassau County — which is 88 percent sewered, with sewage treatment plants dumping wastewater into adjacent water bodies — which said that the water table is now “under stress” with saltwater intruding as freshwater is being depleted.

In the late 1800s, Brooklyn lost its potable underground water supply by over-pumping from the water table below it and the consequent saltwater intrusion, along with pollution — and became dependent on a now fully subscribed upstate reservoir system. Losing potable water cannot be allowed to happen to the rest of Long Island.

Now Romaine and Suffolk legislators are tackling the vital water supply issue.

Karl Grossman is a professor of journalism at SUNY Old Westbury, host of the TV program “Enviro Close-Up with Karl Grossman” and the author of six books.

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Massapequa

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Abandoning fact-checking is dangerous

Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced a significant policy shift last week: It will no longer employ independent fact-checkers to monitor and flag false content on its platforms.

While the company says it will continue to remove illegal activity, hate speech and explicit material, the abandonment of fact-checking signals an alarming retreat from the fight against misinformation and disinformation. The decision isn’t just a step backward — it is a surrender that carries grave consequences for the future of public discourse, democracy and social cohesion.

We have seen the potential for misinformation to destabilize our society. From conspiracy theories about election fraud to false narratives about coronavirus vaccines, unchecked falsehoods have exacerbated a public health crisis, deepened our political polarization and even been the cause of violence.

Meta’s platforms have often been central to the spread of such misinformation, because its algorithms often promote and prioritize it. The company’s decision to abandon fact-checking signals that it is no longer willing to bear the responsibility of combating this dangerous trend, leaving a vacuum that bad actors at home and abroad are likely to exploit.

The announcement comes at a time when public trust in crucial institutions like the courts and the media is already at a historic low. By stepping away from fact-checking, Meta is essentially declaring that truth is a relative concept in the digital age. This dangerous idea has dire implications.

If platforms as influential as Facebook and Instagram refuse to differentiate between fact and fiction, the lines between credible information and out-

letters

and-out lies and conspiracy theories will blur even further. This will inevitably empower those who benefit from sowing chaos and confusion, whether they are political extremists, foreign actors, or profit-driven disinformation peddlers.

The broader context of Meta’s decision is equally troubling. Over the past few years, tech companies have faced increasing scrutiny and pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. Some conservatives have accused platforms of censorship, particularly in high-profile cases like Facebook’s suspension of then President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Republicans in Congress and conservative courts have cast social media moderation as government overreach and an attack on free speech.

But Meta’s retreat from fact-checking is not a victory for free speech; it is a capitulation to chaos. Free speech thrives in an environment where truth and accountability prevail. Local newspapers, which are committed to objective journalism, continue to fact-check and be a source of fairness and truth, but platforms without that commitment become echo chambers for lies, propaganda and hate. The removal of guardrails does not level the playing field; it tilts it in favor of those who manipulate information for power or profit.

This creates a toxic environment in which hate speech and antisemitism flourish, as recent trends have shown. Marginalized groups, often the primary targets of such rhetoric, will bear the brunt of the harm.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish global human rights organization, stated that it is “deeply concerned” about the decision.

“This reckless move disregards the immense responsibility social media companies bear in protecting vulnerable

‘The Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate’

To the Editor:

Last week, the U.S. Postal Service held a meeting with the Long Island Postal Customer Council, a gathering that brought together local commercial mailers, business partners and industry professionals.

The spotlight of the meeting was the Postal Service’s 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America. This ambitious initiative aims to modernize the postal network, enhance service across all mail and shipping categories, and restore long-term financial sustainability. Attendees had the opportunity to understand how this plan has been positively impacting businesses across Long Island.

As part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal

communities and mitigating the spread of harmful and dangerous ideologies,” the center said in a statement. “History has repeatedly shown that online hate does not remain confined to the digital realm — it manifests in tragic offline consequences.”

By abandoning its responsibility to curb misinformation, Meta risks alienating users and advertisers who value trustworthy, safe online spaces. In a world where lies often spread faster than truth, elections can be swayed by disinformation campaigns, public health initiatives can be derailed by conspiracy theories and trust in scientific and journalistic institutions can erode beyond repair.

The question of who bears responsibility for curbing misinformation in the digital age is complex, but Meta’s decision sets a dangerous precedent. If one of the most influential companies in the world believes it can abdicate this responsibility without consequences, other platforms are likely to follow. This may well create a domino effect in which the internet devolves into a freefor-all of unchecked falsehoods and extremism.

We must demand better. Governments and regulators must step in where companies such as Meta have stepped back, enforcing stricter rules about misinformation and holding platforms accountable for the content they amplify. Nongovernmental organizations and independent watchdogs must also play a role in promoting digital literacy and factchecking.

Meta’s retreat from that crucial responsibility is more than a corporate decision; it is a warning sign. If we fail to act, the world Meta is helping to create could be one in which truth, accountability and even democracy itself are the casualties.

opinions

Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities

as county executive, I have refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, held the line on taxes even as inflation went through the roof, and brought a common-sense approach to important issues that affect Nassau families. The recent awards our county has received, including being named the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report and the best county to live in New york by Niche magazine, are a testament to those unwavering principles.

Earning the distinction of being the best New york county to live in can be directly attributed to our safe neighborhoods, world-class programs and facilities, and strong economic opportunities. We are committed to

building on this success in the years to come while protecting our residents’ quality of life from extremist politicians in Albany.

being named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement, the strength of our emergencyresponse teams, and our investments in public safety. An increased police presence in Nassau County communities is crucial to maintaining that safety. Since taking office, I have sworn in 291 new police officers and 147 new correction officers and deputy sheriffs.

BTraining Village to ensure that our police officers continue to receive toptier training to protect and serve Nassau families.

eing named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement.

While some local governments across the nation are defunding their police, the County Legislature and my office are investing in law enforcement while providing the best training, tools and resources to effectively protect residents and their families. We plan to go further by building a state-of-the-art Police

Letters

Service has introduced several new products and services aimed at helping businesses thrive. From USPS Ground Advantage, a ground shipping solution that provides an affordable and reliable way to send packages in the U.S., to USPS Connect Local, which gives small to medium-sized businesses access to low-cost, sameday/next-day package delivery to local customers in their neighborhood.

We’re giving businesses of all sizes the benefits of USPS’s optimized network.

USPS offers transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges, and Informed Delivery, a free service that gives customers a preview of mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon, and the ability to set package tracking notifications and schedule email reminders for important mail pieces.

At the meeting, satisfied industry partners and business professionals shared their experiences, highlighting how the Postal Service has enabled them to connect affordably with their customers — especially during a period in which business costs are continually escalating.

As the Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate, it remains a trusted partner for businesses on Long Island and across the nation.

Amy GIbbS USPS strategic

communications

specialist Melville

Nassau County’s official paper is the Post?

To the Editor:

The Press Club of Long Island, the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, believes that Nassau County’s decision to replace Newsday with the New y ork Post as its official paper is a disservice to residents.

The decision is also an attack on a free press, viewed by political observers and journalists as punishing Newsday for its watchdog coverage, the essence of journalism’s mission.

Public notices are meant to inform, but fewer readers of the Post in this region mean fewer people will see them. Newsday’s strong local readership and deep connection to Long Island ensure that critical information reaches the community. The Post, with limited ties to Nassau County, lacks the local insight and audience necessary to fulfill this responsibility.

This shift jeopardizes transparency and public engagement. Residents deserve a publication that reflects their needs and understands their community.

Protecting public safety also means protecting our residents from the emerging threat of drones. The county utilizes an advanced system that is well ahead of the curve in detecting and tracking drones. I have granted authorization to the Nassau County Police Department to neutralize drones that threaten the public, ensuring the safety of residents. I am also demanding that the federal government share advanced drone-mitigation technology with local police so that we can redirect drones and effectively control our airspace.

As we celebrate all of our achievements, we must also remain vigilant against policies that could undermine our progress. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Clean

Slate law is a pro-criminal, misguided policy that allows criminals to have their records sealed after committing serious crimes. This law undermines the safety of residents by allowing criminals to avoid accountability, and making it harder for law enforcement to track repeat offenders. I encourage you to contact the governor and your state legislators to tell them that it is wrong! From Clean Slate to cashless bail and sanctuary laws, New york state is headed in the wrong direction, while Nassau County is headed in the right direction. It continues to thrive as the safest and best place to live because of our unwavering commitment to public safety and quality of life. As we face challenges, we must remain vigilant and proactive. Together we can safeguard our communities from misguided policies and enhance the quality of life for all Nassau families. Let us champion what is right for our communities, a safe and prosperous Nassau County for generations to come.

Bruce Blakeman is the county executive.

Framework by Kevin Kelley

In the background, the Himalayas’ Annapurna range — Nepal

BrUCe a . BLakeman

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