Fire, water district commissioner races go to voters Dec. 10 HERALD Massapequa
Long Island champions!
Massapequa High School’s football team captured its third Long Island title in four years, defeating William Floyd, 42-40, last
University. Story, Pg. 10.
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Registered voters in the fire districts of Massapequa and North Massapequa and the water districts of Massapequa and South Farmingdale will head to the polls Tues., Dec. 10 to elect commissioners for each board.
Fire commissioners generally serve five-year terms and are responsible for establishing policies and procedures within the department, working with the other members to assess and secure equipment and apparatus. The board generally includes five commissioners who also formulate and are responsible for the district’s annual budget and expenses.
Water district commissioners generally serve three-year terms and are responsible for ensuring an adequate and healthy water supply and overseeing the district’s budget and finances, its contracts and legal commitments and the maintenance of its infrastructure.
Commissioners are all volunteers, but receive a stipend for attending meetings.
MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT
In the Massapequa Fire District, residents are voting to fill one seat on the board, currently held by Mike Hanna, who is seeking reelection to another five-year term with no opposition.
Hanna has been a member of the Massapequa Fire Department for 53 years and has served as a commissioner for 40 years.
“I have enjoyed working with the rest of the board and the fire officials to ensure the safety of the community and our volunteers,” said Hanna, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a constant focus on training for the volunteers. “With all of the changes in OSHA regulations, we have to make sure everyone is trained and prepared.”
The department has a new budget of $9.06 million, an increase over the current budget of $8.8 million and within the New York State tax cap.
The district serves approximately 18,000 homes and 2,000 commercial properties, providing both fire and
rescue services and other emergency services. Under a recent New York State law, fire departments are now able to bill insurance companies for ambulance costs when they provide those services to residents. Those monies are placed in a separate fire district account and can be used for costs associated with those services, such as gas, maintenance and purchase of new ambulances. Residents without insurance are not charged. Like all departments on Long Island, Massapequa is responding to an increasing number of calls with fewer volunteers, which has become a strain. Most other departments have hired full- or part-time Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to help relieve the dependency on the volunteers. Massapequa responds to between 600 and 800 rescue calls a year. For the first time, it will be hiring part-time
Saturday inthe Class I championship game at Stony Brook
Best Buddies in Massapequa HS celebrate at
Thanksgiving breakfast
There was no turkey and fixings, but there were bagels, cookies and juice at the Best Buddies Thanksgiving breakfast on Mon., Nov. 25 at the Massapequa High School Ames Campus. Students came together to celebrate the holiday and show their appreciation for each Students from the two Career and Community Connections (CCC) classes were joined by their buddies for a morning feast. There was conversation, dancing and a photo station. They played a game with Skittles, saying what they were grateful for based on the color can-
dy they chose.
Not only did students enjoy the festivities, but they also played an instrumental role in planning the event. In their CCC classes, they shopped for food and party supplies, baked items such as cookies, cornbread and muffins, made table centerpieces and delivered invitations to administrators.
The CCC classes are taught by Trish DePalma, Briana Lauria, Victoria Santoro and Kathleen Wegener. The Best Buddies club meets twice a month to promote social interaction through activities such as crafts and games.
Ninth graders Liam Stack, left, and Nicky Tucker used Skittles to talk about gratitude.
Superintendent William Brennan joined students at a photo station.
Some Best Buddies enjoy the Thanksgiving breakfast.
NYPD Det. Diller scholarship fund nets $70,000 at fundraiser
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and local businessman Larry Weinberger recently hosted an inaugural fundraiser for the Detective Jonathan Diller Scholarship Fund at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh on Nov. 20.
A total of approximately $70,000 was raised to directly fund annual scholarships for tuition at Diller’s former high school, St. Mary’s , in Mahasset.
Diller was a NYPD detective who lost his life in the line of duty March 25 when he was murdered during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens.
The scholarship fund was designed to serve as a lasting tribute honoring Diller’s life and legacy.
The fundraiser, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., drew in approximately 500 people, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, and representatives from the NYPD, Nassau County Police department, Suffolk County Police department, and other elected officials.
The Pipes & Drums of The Emerald Society of the NYPD performed, as did the Joe Saladino Band, featuring the supervisor on drums.
The event offered food, drinks, raffle prizes, live auctions, and entertainment. John Theissen ran a live auction, while John Murray, the proprietor of Mulchay’s, offered a special rate for use of the pub.
Nearly 50 local businesses sponsored or donated money or prizes to the fundraising effort. Raffle prizes included gift certificates and other items from a wide variety of local establishments, including VIP tickets to the Billy Joel Exhibit at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall
Congratulations to some of our local scholars
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
•Michael Flaherty of Massapequa Park recently enrolled in the University at Buffalo Honors College for the 2024-25 academic year.
•Skylar Avedisian of Farmingdale, attending Albright College, was recently named to New York Fashion Week Runway Crew. Avedisian is currently studying Fashion Design at Albright.
•Kaylee Roche of Massapequa, attending Hofstra University, attended the Jones Beach day(s) of service.
•Nadiye Pinarli of North Massapequa, attending Hofstra University, attended the Jones Beach day(s) of service.
•James Bacheller of Massapequa Park, attending Hofstra University, attended the Jones Beach day(s) of service.
•Anthony Favilla of Farmingdale, attending Hofstra University, attended the
Jones Beach day(s) of service.
•Jack Andros of North Massapequa recently graduated from SUNY Delhi with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sports Facilities Management.
•Kimberly Harding of Massapequa Park recently graduated from SUNY Delhi with an associate degree in Nursing.
•Tishauna Henry of Farmingdale recently graduated from SUNY Delhi with an associate degree in Nursing.
•Anthony Vega of Massapequa Park recently graduated from SUNY Delhi with an associate degree in Automotive Mechanics.
•Brianna Stidolph of Massapequa Park, attending Southern New Hampshire University, was recently named to the President’s List.
•Michael Stidolph of Massapequa Park, attending Southern New Hampshire University, was recently named to the President’s List.
•Gianna Ammirati of Farmingdale, at-
tending Southern New Hampshire University, was recently named to the President’s List.
•Vincent Austin of Massapequa Park, attending University of Maryland Global Campus, was recently named to the Dean’s List.
•Kelly Arent of Massapequa Park, a member of the Class of 2026 at Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, recently celebrated the start of clinical training with a Pinning Ceremony held by the school.
•Tara Colonel of Massapequa, a member of the Class of 2026 at Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, recently celebrated the start of clinical training with a Pinning Ceremony held by the school.
•Gianni Pangallo of Farmingdale recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at Buffalo State.
•Kayli Elliott of Massapequa recently matriculated as a member of the Class of
2028 at Buffalo State.
•Renae Malcolm of Massapequa was among the members of the New York Institute of Technology’s Class of 2026 nursing program who recently received their white coats. The White Coat Ceremony signifies the transition from classroom learning to clinical training.
•Philip Cassidy of Farmingdale recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with the Highest Honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
•Vincent Simonetti of Massapequa, attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, was recently inducted into the Order of the Engineer, a national organization dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards for the engineering profession.
•Rosy Duran of Farmingdale, a member of the New York Army National Guard, Company A, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, recently received a promotion to the rank of staff sergeant.
L. to r. Larry Weinberger, Stephanie Diller, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato at fundraiser..
Annual Holiday Home Tour returns with ‘Christmas Cheer’
Once again, the Amityville Junior League is holding its annual Holiday Homes tour.
This year’s event, “Christmas Cheer: All wrapped Up in a Bow,” will be Sat., Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour somebeautiful homes in the village and enjoy tea, cookies and raffles while greeting
your friends and neighbors.
For a list of homes and to buy tickets ($25 each), go to Eventbrite, https:// shorturl.at/3Uh7Q.
Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event at the Tea House, St. Mary’s Church, 175 Broadway. The Tea House will be open until 3:30 p.m. that day.
The home of the Cecere family: 116 S. Ketcham Avenue.
The Tea House at St. Mary’s Church
The home of the Escobedo-Ansanelli family: 65 Franklin Street.
The home of the Thompson family: 200 Bayview Avenue.
The home of Joe Volkens and Aaron Eury:141 Bayview Avenue.
Special one-stop passport weekend
set for O’Bay town halls Dec. 7-8
To help residents wanting to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Sat., Dec. 7, and Sun., Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light-colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both town halls during the weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth,
Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, valid driver’s license (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), current government ID (city, state or federal), current military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to adult renewals unless your passport is expired for more than 5 years.
LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m,, and during this special Passport Weekend.
For appointments in Oyster Bay, call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, call (516) 797-7962.
For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov
Read the Massapequa Herald Post every weerk. Go to liherald.com to subscribe
HERALD SPORTS
Hofstra hoops showing plenty of promise
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
With a largely new roster this season, fourth-year Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Speedy Claxton was expecting that the beginning of the new season could be a bit of a learning curve. The former standout Hofstra and NBA guard then saw quicker chemistry than he anticipated, providing hope that the 202425 campaign could culminate with a banner.
Hofstra won its first four games to start the new season with many new faces including a 49-48 upset victory against Big East foe Seton Hall at the Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 13. The hot start featured a number of scoring contributions with the Pride also finding ways to win games in a variety of fashions in three straight wins against Iona, Seton Hall and UMass after starting with
a blowout of Division III opponent SUNY Old Westbury.
“Those are three good wins and if you would have told me before the season we would get all three I’d be extremely happy and even if you told me I would only get one I would have been happy,” said Claxton, a former NBA guard who led Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament as a player in 2000. “It shows we can compete with anyone.”
The 4-0 start was followed up by stiff competition at Florida State and then 7th-ranked Houston. The Pride then headed to the Bahamas for three games over the Thanksgiving weekend and knocked off Rice in overtime 68-63 and edged Arkansas State 68-66 on a buzzer beater shot from graduate student forward Michael Graham.
Claxton added six transfers and two freshmen to the roster to go along with six returners from last year’s team that went 20-13 and fell to Long Island rival Stony Brook in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals.
Sophomore guard Jean Aranguren is one of the newcomers shining early as the team’s leading scorer. The Iona transfer registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in Hofstra’s 75-71 overtime win at UMass on Nov. 16.
The addition of Big East transfers Cruz Davis (St. John’s) and Jaquan Sanders (Seton Hall) are also paying dividends early on this season. Sanders was clutch in the Seton Hall win against his old team with 10 second half points while Davis tallied 21 in the UMass victory.
“All three of those guys have been playing well,” Claxton said. “I think that is why we have been performing well in the early part of the season.”
Other transfers added to the roster include Graham (Loyola Marymount), senior guard TJ Gadsden (Canisius) and redshirt sophomore guard Eric Parnell (Eastern Florida State). Graham is the team’s fourth leading scorer and recorded 14 in the dramatic Arkansas State win.
The Pride are also getting a leadership boost from returning players Silas Sunday and German Plotnikov, who both
saw key minutes last season. The 7-1 Sunday provides a big presence in the paint while Plotnikov is a long-range shooting threat who connected on 47.4 percent of his three-pointers last season.
“They’re both benefiting from being here last year and knowing how we do things,” said Claxton of Sunday and Plotnikov.
Hofstra’s December schedule is highlighted by a Sunday afternoon home game against Temple on Dec. 15 starting at noon. It will also serve as Hofstra’s annual Jewish Heritage Day game.
The CAA home schedule gets under-
way on Jan. 2 against William & Mary at 7 p.m. which will honor the 25th anniversary of David S. Mack Arena. Hofstra’s annual winter homecoming game will take place on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. against Stony Brook.
Hofstra was picked fourth in the CAA Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll behind Towson, defending champion College of Charleston and UNC-Wilimington.
“The conference is always going to be tough with some really good teams and really good coaches,” Claxton said. “It’s not gonna get any easier once we get into conference play”
photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Newcomer Cruz Davis popped in 21 points for the Pride in a Nov. 16 victory over UMass.
Sophomore Jean Aranguren is leading Hofstra in scoring in the early going.
Ray Fleming, former Amityville Fire Chief and APD officer, dies at 79
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Ray Fleming, a former Amityville Fire Department chief and a member of the Amityville Police Department’s Marine Unit, died Nov. 17, 2024, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was 79.
Fleming grew up in Amityville on Oak Street, the son of Ruth and Vincent Fleming. He graduated from Amityville Memorial High School and was a proud Eagle Scout.
Described as an integral part of both the fire and police departments, he was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a hand both professionally and personally.
“He was an all-around gentleman, always
there for everybody,” said his daughter, Lisa Balsan. “Whether he was in Amityville or in Lynchburg, he made friends wherever he went.”
Fleming was an accomplished mechanic and problem solver. His expertise was so wellregarded that the question “Is Ray around?” was commonly heard by members of the police and fire departments seeking help.
A longtime colleague of Fleming’s from the Amityville Police Department described him as a great guy and an integral part of the department. “I have known Ray for approximately 40 years, and he was the kind of guy who could do almost anything,” said former Amityville Police Officer Brian Scott.
One of Scott’s fondest memories was a fishing trip they took together to Upstate New York. “He caught a trout and cooked it for us and it the most delicious fish dinner I ever had,” said Scott, noting that from that day on, cooking was another expertise he attributed to Fleming’s long list of talents.
“In countless ways, ex-Chief Fleming was an invaluable asset to our organization,” said Stephen Juliano, Chief of Department, Amityville Fire Department. “He brought a wealth of knowledge to his craft, a passion for leadership, and, above all, a genuine friendship to everyone he encountered. His presence brought respect and admiration from all that knew him. As a mentor, he guided many firefighters who continue to serve our community today. He was a protector of many, spending much of his time safeguarding residents along the Great South Bay. Our hearts go out to the Fleming family during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by everyone in our department.”
Fleming moved to Lynchburg about five years ago where he and his wife formed a close friendship with Jim Martin and his wife, Catherine. The two met at a local restaurant when Catherine ordered the special of the day: shrimp. The waitress told her that there was no more shrimp; that the Flemings had ordered the last dinners. The two couples began talking after Catherine turned to the
Flemings laughing and asked, “Did you take my shrimp” The “shrimp” incident sparked a three-year friendship that continued until Fleming’s death.
“We’d get together and spend three or four hours talking and I found him to be a very interesting person,” said Martin. Martin added that Fleming would frequently tell him about Amityville and showed him a DVD of the village that recognized its 100th anniversary. “It is
Continued on page 12
Massapequa’s East Lake students donate sides, sweets and treats
As Thanksgiving approached, students were showing their generosity at East Lake Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. The student council held a food drive and donation bins in the lobby quickly filled up.
Students were asked to contribute a variety of nonperishable goods including cake mix, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, juice boxes, pasta, pudding and rice, as well as paper goods. Each grade was given a list of specific items to ensure a variety of goods would be collected.
All donations went to the food pantry at St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa. The student council, advised by
teacher Meggin Hall, promoted the food drive by making signs that were hung throughout the school.
“People need food and this is going to make them happy,” said fifth grade student council member Christian Paglia.
“It’s important because we’re a community and we have to help each other out,” added Zoe Tartaro.
Gio Florio said that the student council promotes being selfless, grateful and thinking about the needs of others.
This food drive followed a successful Treats for Troops collection earlier in November where students were asked to donate leftover, wrapped Halloween candy to send to active service members.
RE-ELECT - Michael Mazzola
MASSAPEQUA WATER DISTRICT COMMISSIONER
Dedicated to serving the community of the Massapequas
• Massapequa Water Commissioner
• 49 - year member of the Massapequa Fire Department
• Past Massapequa Fire District Commissioner
• Past President of the Massapequa Soccer Club
• Past President, Massapequa Kiwanis Club
• Vice President Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association
• Member Long Island Water Conference
• Lt. Governor Long Island South Central Kiwanis Division
Vote on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 4:00pm – 9:00pm Massapequa Water District • 84 Grand Avenue, Massapequa
Above: Students from the East Lake Elementary School student council, joined by Superintendent Dr. William Brennan and adviser Meggin Hall, are organizing a Thanksgiving food drive also recently wrapped up a Treats for Troops collection.
Left: Student council member Aaron Nunez donated Pop-Tarts to benefit the food pantry at St. Rose of Lima Church.
HERALD SPORTS
Massapequa holds off Floyd for LIC
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Clinging to a two-point lead with just over three minutes remaining in last Saturday’s Long Island Class I football championship game, Massapequa head coach Kevin Shippos didn’t need to dive deep into the playbook to close out a classic battle against William Floyd.
“When you’ve got Tyler Villalta, a senior who’s been doing this for three years, you put the ball in his hands and if we’re going down it’s going to be with him carrying the ball,” Shippos said.
Villalta took five consecutive handoffs from senior quarterback Joey Diesso and two resulted in first downs, allowing the Chiefs to run out the clock and secure their third L.I. title in four years with a 42-40 victory before a crowd of 3,000 at Stony Brook University.
“We fought through adversity a lot, especially these last three weeks against three incredible opponents,” Shippos said.
Villalta was simply dominant behind the blocking of linemen Tristan Tarasi, Alex Van Schuyler, A.J. Molenko, Thomas Biggin, Connor Pineda and Nolan Wieczorek, racking up 243 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 39 carries. He lost a fumble early in the fourth quarter that led to a Colonials’ touchdown but responded with one of his own on the ensuing possession.
“That’s the first time Tyler ever fumbled in his life and he was able to put it behind him and help us win,” said Diesso, who a week earlier caught a two-point conversion pass from Villalta to give Massapequa a 35-34 overtime win over Farmingdale for the Nassau Conference I championship. “We have 15 seniors and for most of us this was the last time we’d play football,” he added. “We didn’t want this to end any other way.”
Ja’Quan Thomas rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns, and Joshua Jordan had 172 yards receiving and a pair of scoring receptions from quarterback AJ Cannet for Floyd, which defeated Ward Melville for the Suffolk Division I crown and finished 10-2.
Massapequa’s win also completed a Nassau sweep of the four LIC games for the second time in four years. The Chiefs (11-1) joined Wantagh, Carey and Garden City in hoisting a trophy.
“Winning three LIC’s in four years is hard to do but it’s a testament to these kids, the coaching staff and the support from the community,” Shippos said.
The first half was nothing short of a track meet. Massapequa led 21-14 after the opening quarter, thanks to a pick-6 from Tarasi and two short touchdown runs by Villalta that offset 31- and 73-yard touchdown receptions by Jordan.
Diesso had a 17-yard touchdown run with 2:01 remaining before halftime to
make it 27-14, but Floyd scored twice in a span of 95 seconds. Geo Alvarez had an 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a defensive takeaway led to Thomas’ 3-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds left in the second quarter.
So the Chiefs, set to receive the second-half kickoff, were primed to take a 27-26 lead into intermission when lightning struck in the form of a 49-yard Hail Mary touchdown catch by junior Cole Villalta as time expired. After Tyler Villalta’s two-point conversion run, it was 35-26.
“That’s a play we practice every week, it’s called “Rip-60 make a play.” Shippos said of Diesso’s heave. “You just throw it down the field and see what happens. This one found its way into Cole’s hands and gave us a two-possession lead.”
After a scoreless third quarter, Thomas struck again with 9:31 remaining in the fourth and it was 35-32. Tyler Villalta (4:51) and Thomas (3:24) traded touchdowns, and the former had no plans to give Floyd another possession.
“I knew nothing was going to stop me from getting those last two first downs,” Tyler Villalta said. “Tons of respect to our linemen. They gave me space to run through and we got it done. It’s awesome.”
photos by Terry Uellendahl/Herald
Tristan Tarasi had a pick-6 for Massapequa in last Saturday’s wild 42-40 win over William Floyd in the L.I. Class I championship game.
Tyler Villalta had 243 yards and three touchdowns.
Kenny Gein was one of 15 seniors on Massapequa’s roster.
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.
Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th and 8th precincts and other fire and law enforcement agencies:
MAN ARRESTED ON ELDER SCAM CHARGE
Farmingdale: The Nassau County Police Department’s 8 th Squad reported the arrest of a Bronx man who was charged with an elder scam incident that occurred on Fri., Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m. Police gave this account:
An 83-year-old male received a telephone call from an unidentified male claiming to be the victim’s grandson. The victim was asked to call a lawyerwho was allegedly representing the victim’s grandson who had been arrested and needed cash for bail. The victim later realized it was a scam and contacted police.
Detectives were able to place the suspect under arrest as he attempted to pick up payment. While detectives attempted to place him in custody, they said, he resisted and refused to comply with the officers’ verbal commands. The man, identified as Cristhian Ortega Rodriguez, 24, of 2566 Bainbridge, the Bronx, was eventually subdued and placed under arrest. He was arraigned Sat., Nov. 23 at First District Court, 99 Main St., Hempstead.
SHOPLIFTING
Danielle Regan, 49 of Farmingdale was arrested and charged with shoplifting at the Target department store on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on Nov. 24 at approximately 3:50 p.m.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts. They are presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Keep informed. Read the Massapequa Herald Post newspaper.
Massapequa Philharmonic holding annual holiday concert Sun., Dec. 8
The Massapequa Philharmonic Or chestra will be holding its annual holiday concert in the Alfred G. Berner Middle School auditorium on Sun., Dec. 8 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
The concert will feature Broadway vocalist Sarah Ellis. Additionally, this season the Philharmonic will be partner ing with the Long Island Composers’ Al liance, and every concert will feature an original work.
Tickets are required to attend all con certs. The admission is $20; for seniors and students, there is a suggested dona tion of $20. Tickets can be purchased on
To purchase tickets in advance, visit eventbrite.com/cc/massapequa-philhar monic-orchestra-2024-2025-season-3480249. Alfred G. Berner Middle School is lo cated at 50 Carman Mill Rd., Massapequa.
Ray Fleming, former Amityville Fire Chief and APD officer dies at 79
Continued from page 8
just beautiful, and we want to take a trip there some day,” he said. “He was an incredibly inquisitive man and we talked about everything under the sun from cars, hunting, fishing and politics. He will be sorely missed.”
Amityville Police Chief Byron Burton expressed sadness at Fleming’s passing. “He was a good friend to all of us,” said Burton. “We were sad when he retired and are even sadder now to learn of his passing.”
Fleming is survived by his wife,
Re-Elect John Hirt
South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner
Farmingdale native John Hirt has served the public as South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner since 1998. John has dedicated his life to his family and community, worked tirelessly for public safety and is a pillar of volunteerism. The improvements made within the District under John’s leadership will have a lasting effect for generations.
• Farmingdale Resident Since 1958
• Water District Commissioner Since 1998
• Past President and Current Member, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association
• Member, American Water Works Association
• Member, Long Island Water Conference
• 20 Years of Experience as Operations Manager, FedEx
• Past Fire Commissioner and 48 Year Member, South Farmingdale Fire Department
• Past Assistant Fire Chief, Republic Airport, Farmingdale (1971 – 1986)
• Served in U.S. Navy During the Vietnam Conflict (1965 – 1968)
COME OUT AND VOTE
Patricia McCormick Fleming; his children, Adam and his wife, Vicky; David and his wife, Tammy; Frank Perna and his wife, Sue; Tim Perna and his wife, Shelia; Brian Perna and his wife, Kathy; Lisa Balsan and her husband , John. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Fleming’s memory to the Amityville Fire Department, P.O. Box 725, Amityville, 11701.
Cristhian Ortega Rodriguez
STEPPING OUT
Five times the charm
Laurie Berkner returns with a rockin’ holiday concert for families
By Alyssa Seidman
The scarcity of sun that marks winter’s return often brings Laurie Berkner back to her musical roots. On cozy winter evenings her family would gather ’round a songbook to recite melodies reminiscent of Christmas and falling snow.
“Music always made me feel safe, happy, and loved, and all those feelings come together around [this] time of year,” Berkner says. “Holiday songs were always something that brought up a lot of really warm feelings for me.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Berkner’s discography includes two bestselling albums about the most wonderful time of the year. Families adore her — she still wears the known as the ‘Queen of Kindie Rock’ — and can tale in her festive originals alongside yuletide classics once again when “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” arrives here at the Paramount, on Dec. 15.
Berkner is a veritable dynamo as singer/songwriter, author, lyricist, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records. With more than one billion total streams, over 500 million views on YouTube, and millions of albums, singles and DVDs sold, her songs have become beloved classics for families worldwide.
While working as a children’s music specialist at preschools and day care centers in New York City, she gained an instinctive understanding of kids’ natural rhythms and energy. This enabled her to launch the progressive “kindie rock” movement, a genre that is just as palatable to parents and caregivers.
Berkner has released 16 award-winning albums over the course of her decades-long career. She was the first recording artist to perform in music videos on Noggin — appeared regularly on the network’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” — and helped develop the animated musical preschool series “Sing It, Laurie!” for Sprout TV, now Universal Kids.
Berkner has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House, among many prestigious venues. She is regularly lauded by her peers, and has been dubbed “the Adele of the preschool crowd” (The New York Times), “the queen of kids’ music” (People), and “one of the most popular children’s performers in America” (Wall Street Journal).
Holiday hits
This is the fifth time “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” will grace The Paramount stage. She first brought her holiday concert to Long Island in 2019, and has delighted kids — and kids at heart — every year since, aside from 2020.
“It feels really great to be able to come back each year and make it feel like a tradition,” Berkner says. “It’s that feeling of coming together and doing something that feels really good, fun, and joyous.
“Mostly what I try to do is hit a lot of people’s favorites and put the songs I can’t get to into a medley for the encore. I’ll also be playing my new song ‘Walking With The Penguins,’ so they’ll
Courtesy Jayme Thornton
DoLaurie Berkner is ready to share some holiday cheer with her fans — as only she can. Groove along to festive originals alongside yuletide classics at “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour.
• Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.
• Tickets start at $20.50; available at LiveNation.com
• A $1 donation to Little Shelter Animal Rescue is included in each ticket
• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
hear that live for the first time.”
Her concert features original tunes from her popular holiday albums, “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” and “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas.” She’ll also play treasured holiday classics like “Deck the Halls,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.
Of course Berkner’s greatest hits — “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Waiting for the Elevator” and “Pig On Her Head” — are always in the mix. At that point everyone is sure to be singing and dancing along with their favorite stuffed animal on their head.
The hour-long show fully involves her audience from the get-go; yet two moments in particular stand out to Berkner.
“In every show I do ‘We Are The Dinosaurs,’ and it’s very hard to not start laughing while everyone is screaming. “When I sing ‘My Family’ I will ask people to hug the person they’re there with, and it’s amazing that they actually do it.”
Cultivating these shared experiences for her mixed-age audiences is Berkner’s aim for every performance, but especially at her holiday shows.
“Those events that feel exciting to the kids [yet] still fun and enjoyable for the parents are difficult to find, but my shows fit that bill. I feel really grateful to provide moments where they can connect with one another, and have a sweet, loving memory when they leave.”
New Year’s resolutions
With a new year on the horizon, Berkner shares some of her plans for 2025.
“I very likely will put out another album next year, but I also have a couple projects I can’t talk about yet,” she says.“There will be new music, new videos, and definitely some surprises — probably more on my plate than I should have!”
Her fans would expect nothing less.
Leggz Ltd.’s
‘The
Nutcracker’
Visions of sugarplums await when Leggz Ltd. Dance, presents its annual full-length production. Helmed by longtime Artistic Director Joan Hope MacNaughton, it’s as always, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. This year’s production stars Violeta Angelova as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who’s appeared with the Vienna State Oper and Suzanne Farrell Ballet, with George Sanders, who has danced with New York Theatre Ballet and The Little Prince Broadway, as the Cavalier. The gifted young dancers who round out the cast include 9-year-old Vivian Ng as Clara and 11-year-old Matthew Carnaval as The Prince — both Rockville Centre residents.
Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, showcases his musical journey and family legacy when he visits the Paramount stage. He celebrates his father with hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, while highlighting his own contributions to rock history. Encompassing tunes from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” and “Led Zeppelin IV,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to a legend. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo of one of the legendary artists of all-time.
Monday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Your Neighborhood Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
THE
The Hot Sardines
The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” Saturday, d ec. 14 , at 8 p.m. It’s a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines bring classic jazz standards with their own brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. Emerging over a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums that’s racked up more than 60 million streams across digital platforms, the Hot Sardines’ own “potent and assured” (The New York Times), “simply phenomenal” (The Times of London) brand of reinvigorated classic jazz landed them at the center of a whirlwind. . In the last two years, the Hot Sardines have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival, have sold out venues in New York City from Joe’s Pub to Bowery Ballroom and more than 150 tour dates from Chicago to London. They released two albums on Universal Music Classics to critical reviews and a #1 slot on the iTunes Jazz chart in the U.S. and internationally. Their unique recipe blends hot jazz and sultry standards from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, rich New Orleans sounds, a dash of ’40s Paris flavor, and vibrant musical surprises. It’s all steeped in salty stride piano and the music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller used to make. The result is straight-up foot-stomping jazz. Their name says it all: their iconic ‘hot’ styling will paint a vibrant picture with smoky sounds and audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form. With their contagious brand of joy, grit, glamour and passion, the 8-piece band invokes the sounds of nearly a century ago, yet stay right in step with the current age. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.
Concert program
Farmingdale Public Library hosts Tom Polito and Friends, Sunday, dec. 8, 2:30-4:30 p.m. The ensemble takes the audience on a journey through 50 years of popular music. Tom Polito is a Doo Wop Hall of Fame inductee and musical director of The Paragons. This event is part of the Town of Oyster Bay Distinguished Artist Series. Registration is not required; seating tickets are available at the reference desk starting at 2 p.m. on the day of the concert. For more information, call (516) 249-9090.
116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.
Annual Holiday Concert
Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra’s presents their annual holiday concert at Berner Auditorium, Sunday, dec. 8, 3-5:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with Broadway vocalist Sarah Ellis. Additionally, this season, MPO partners with the Long Island Composers’ Alliance, and every concert will feature an original work. Tickets will be required to attend all concerts. Admission is $20. For seniors 65 and over and students, a donation of $20 is suggested. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information or tickets, go to. https://rb.gy/h7jb97. 50 Carman Mill Road, Massapequa.
Follow a present-day Lighthouse Keeper on his rounds, Saturday, dec. 14, 10 a.m. This bottom-to-top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how Lighthouse Keepers in the 1860s to 2024 maintained the light. Includes a tour of the Lens Building, which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens, and the Boat House.
Tour takes approximately 2 /12 hours. $20, $15 for FILPS members. Reservations required. Limit 10 people. For more information call the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society at (631) 583-5327. 4640 Captree Island, Fire Island.
Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosts a Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, dec. 7, in Klestinec Park. Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 8. Enjoy festive music, local entertainment, hot chocolate and a guest appearance by Santa Claus. Everyone is invited. Broadway in Massapequa.
Gingerbread House craft
Bring your toddler to Amityville Public Library for winter stories and a gingerbread house picture frame craft, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 9:30-10:15 a.m. This program is for children 18 months through 3 years old. An Amityville Public Library Card is required to register for this program. To register, visit shorturl.at/YV4gQ. For more information, call (631) 2640567. 19 John St., Amityville.
Model Train Show
The TMB Model Train Show opens Saturday, Nov. 30. It features its ever-exciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings, Saturdays, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., on Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, 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.
Nina with a Twist
The Town of Oyster Bay’s Distinguished Artists Libraries Concert Series presents, Nina Et Cetera, at Bethpage Public Library, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Enjoy a blend of music from the past with a modern twist. 47 Powell Ave., Bethpage. For more information call (516) 931-3907.
Take and Make: Gingerbread Man
Plainedge Public Library invites students in grades 6-12 to make an adorable do-ityourself gingerbread man using a mini-terra cotta pot, paint and other fun materials. Pick up kits during library hours, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration is required. To register, call (516) 735-4133 or in person. 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa.
Holiday on Ice
The Town of Oyster Bay presents “Holiday on Ice,” Saturday, Dec. 21, 4:30 p.m., at Town of Oyster Bay’s rink, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage. For more information call (516) 797-4121.
Having an event?
Woman’s Club
Holiday Open House
Take part in the Holiday Open House tour in Amityville, Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a holiday tradition that has been a part of the village for more than 56 years. All proceeds from the tour go towards ascholarship award program and various local and charitable organizations.
This year’s event features the homes of the Thompson family, at 200 Bayview Ave; Joe Volkens and Aaron Eury, at 142 Bayview Ave.; the EscobedoAnsanelli family, at 65 Franklin St.; and the Cecere family, at 116 S. Ketcham Ave. For more information, call Allie McGlone at (631) 357-9762.
In concert
The Town of Oyster Bay’s Distinguished Artists Libraries Concert Series presents Nina Et Cetera, a blend of music from the past with a modern twist, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., at Bethpage Public Library. For more information, call (516) 931-3907. 47 Powell Ave., Bethpage.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Holiday at Westbury House
Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also Dec. 14-15. The “Christmas at Westbury House” celebration reflects what the festive season was like during those opulent decades of the early 1900s when the Phipps family lived there. The period rooms in which John S. Phipps (the eldest son of Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie’s partner at Carnegie Steel ) and his family resided are impeccably decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, plenty of greenery, and other horticultural arrangements. Take a self-guided tour through Westbury House and view specially decorated rooms for the holidays, have cookies and cider on the West Porch and meet and take photos with Santa while listening to ambient holiday music. The gardens will also be open, along with other special holiday events, including Holiday Flute Choir concert, Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., holiday market, and more. $15, $13 ages 62+ and students, $8 ages 7-17. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
Turkey Trot is a win for local runners
By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent
sau County.
Five days later, on Thanksgiving morning, 1,377 participants gathered despite constant rainfall for the Massapequa 5K at Burns Park.
The Massapequas hosted two highly successful 5K Turkey Trots this Thanksgiving season, with events held on November 23 and 28.On November 23, perfect running weather drew 529 participants to the Massapequa Park 5K at Brady Park, a 73-person increase from last year. Brooklyn’s Timothe Lambert took first place with a time of 15:50, followed by Massapequa Park’s Sal Nastasi, the runner-up for the second consecutive year. Timmy Callahan (4th overall) and Konrad Rogowski (5th overall) were also among the
Massapequa’s Jacqueline Tierney was the first female finisher, completing the race in 19:36. Katie Stone of Massapequa Park took 4th overall and 1st in the 40-44 age group. Other local winners included Anthony Massimino (1st, 14 and under), Kyle Gunther (2nd, 14 and under), Konrad Rogowski (1st, 25-29), Timmy Callahan (1st, 30-34), Nicole Raab (1st Female, 30-34), Jasmine Ostrom (1st Female, 35-39), Paul Karavis (1st, 40-44), Lauren Maher (3rd Female, 40-44), Nina Lyon (1st Female, 50-54), Cormac Molloy (2nd, 55-59), Anthony DiLeone (1st, 60-64), Cecilia McCormack (1st Female, 65-69), Paulette Lowe (1st Female, 75-79), and Norman Hershkowitz (1st, 85-89).
The event benefitted the YES Community Counseling Center, which provides substance abuse treatment and mental health services to families and individuals in Nas-
Dix Hills’ Anthony Leotta led the race with a time of 16:14, and Cristin DelaneyGuille of Long Beach was the first female finisher in 18:29.
Local top finishers included Massapequa Park’s Christopher Schimkus (2nd overall), and Massapequa’s Michelle Walker and Tiffany-Ann Matturro (2nd and 3rd female finishers).
Other local winners included: James Nicholas Pitta (2nd, 14 and under), Oscar Lorenzo (1st, 30-39), Jeff Faillace (1st, 40-49), Jessica Santolaya (1st Female, 40-49), Linda Lavallee (1st Female, 50-59), Vincent Cavataio (1st, 70-79), and John Molloy (1st, 80 and over).
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino was on hand to encourage the runners, and Massapequa Board of Education member Cher Lepre participated in the race. Massapequa High School track coach Richard Degnan brought team members to assist with race-day operations.
A kids’ Fun Run took place before the 5K, with a couple dozen young runners completing the quarter-mile race.
Proceeds from the Massapequa 5K Turkey Trot supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, both of which benefit those affected by blood cancers and support sick and underprivileged children.
Mike Polansky/Herald Runners take off at the start of 5K run
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers PT/FT
Responsibilities- Food preparation & service, sanitation awareness, other duties as assigned by the District.
Qualifications- Knowledge and experience with cooking, inventory, cashiering, recordkeeping, customer service, computer skills **Suffolk County Food Manager's Certificate preferred. Salary range starting at $20,980. Email resume to: humanresources@amityvilleufsd.org or apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland
Amityville UFSD
Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers Elementary & Secondary Level
Qualifications: NYS Certification Salary: $150 per day
Application: Interested candidates please apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
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Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS:
Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
HBCI SUPERVISOR FT: Seeking LCSW or LMSW for Crisis Intervention Program, Cedarhurst NY. 3+ yr exp, Supervision exp. $80K Annually + benefits Claufer@hamaspikkings.org 516-875-8400 x144
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000
Yes, those tall buildings really sway
Waterfront Luxury
Q. We were in Manhattan recently, and learned that tall buildings actually sway back and forth. We stared at the tallest apartment building in the Western Hemisphere, at 432 Park Ave., but couldn’t really tell. Do these buildings sway? How far? Wouldn’t that be dangerous, and how come we don’t hear about it? Why would people put up with that for so much money?
A. Yes, for anywhere from $2 million upward (pun intended) to around $200 million, you, too, can get a continuous amusement ride, or the sensation of always being on a cruise, if you like that sort of thing. When people, mostly at parties, ask me whether I have designed anything tall or famous, I wince, because I’d rather be asked if I’ve ever done anything that people enjoyed seeing or being in.
Few people ever discuss the failings of the most well-known architects. Most of the buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed leaked. Wright never really was a trained or licensed architect, but he made it to postage stamp status. When the 500-pound windows began flying out of I.M. Pei’s Hancock Tower in Boston, most people, except those who either nearly died or had to clean up the mess, never noticed. The list of the ways in which we learn from building design “aberrations” is endless, but the important thing is that we learn.
People who can afford to live in those tall buildings, above the crowds of common folk, must have to accept the soft sway of the windswept towers they rest their weary heads in. I have read many articles in technical magazines, and reports about how engineers have been tasked with trying to resolve the problems. In the case of 432 Park Avenue, two “dampers” were designed into the center of the tower, even though there is currently no code requirement for them.
The Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, which is much taller than 432 Park Avenue, has features including an aerodynamic shape to cut the wind, and a massive 660-ton pendulum that sways from cables in the core of the building. Even so, on the 163rd floor, the building sways 6½ feet back and forth. There are many different damper systems, flexible, viscoelastic collars and inserts between the rigid steel frame connections that transfer the forces by taking the heat away from the strain of the otherwise rigid joints. Without all of these shock-reducing components, sections would crack and crumble.
As it is, the residents of 432 Park Avenue have complained of air conditioning and heating malfunctions and acoustical discomfort from the creaking walls, whistling wind and stalled elevators. Most of the units are purchased for the beautiful vistas, and you can sell anything to someone who doesn’t do their homework. Many units have been leased and re-leased, bought and sold several times in the three years since the tower opened, with the prices going up and up. Better than buying the Brooklyn Bridge, right?
© 2024 Monte Leeper
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AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR BOLETAS DE VOTO EN AUSENCIA, POR CORREO ANTICIPADO Y MILITARES Y REGISTRO PERSONAL
Distrito Escolar Libre de Farmingdale Union
Ciudades de Oyster Bay y BabiloniaCondados de Nassau y Suffolk, Nueva York TENGA EN CUENTA que el 7 de enero de 2025 (la "Fecha de las Elecciones") se llevará a cabo una Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, las ciudades de Oyster Bay y los condados de Babylon, Nassau y Suffolk, Nueva York, en el West Gymnasium de la Escuela
Secundaria Weldon E. Howitt, en Farmingdale, Nueva York, a las 6:00 a.m. y las urnas se mantendrán abiertas para votar por máquina de votación electrónica entre las 6:00 a.m. a.m. y 9:00 p.m. hora prevaleciente, con el propósito de votar sobre las siguientes proposiciones:
PROPUESTA DE BONO NO. 1: REEMPLAZOS DE TECHOS Y SISTEMAS ELÉCTRICOS
Adopte la siguiente resolución, a saber:
SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, por la presente se autoriza a reemplazar techos y mejorar los sistemas eléctricos y relacionados en varios edificios e instalaciones del Distrito Escolar, incluidos los muebles originales, equipos, maquinaria, accesorios, aparatos y mejoras incidentales y gastos relacionados con los mismos a un costo máximo estimado de $ 22,150,000, y que dicha cantidad, o la cantidad que sea necesaria, se recaudará mediante la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible de dicho Distrito Escolar y se recaudará en cuotas anuales según lo dispuesto en la Sección 416 de la Ley de Educación; y, en anticipación de dicho impuesto, se emitirán obligaciones de dicho Distrito Escolar.
PROPUESTA DE BONO NO. 2: MÚSICA Y EDUCACIÓN TÉCNICA
PROFESIONALMEJORAS EN LOS EDIFICIOS E INSTALACIONES DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR
Suponiendo que se
Public Notices — Your right to know
apruebe la Proposición Nº 1, se adoptará la siguiente resolución, a saber: SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, Ciudades de Oyster Bay y los Condados de Babylon, Nassau y Suffolk, Nueva York, por la presente se autoriza a construir mejoras y adiciones y reconstruir la Escuela Secundaria Farmingdale, incluyendo mobiliario original, equipo, maquinaria, accesorios, aparatos y mejoras incidentales y gastos en relación con los mismos para la mejora de la educación técnica musical y profesional, a un costo máximo estimado de $55,850,000 y dicho monto, o tanto como puede ser necesario, se recaudará mediante la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible de dicho Distrito Escolar y se recaudará en cuotas anuales según lo dispuesto en la Sección 416 de la Ley de Educación, y en anticipación de dicho impuesto, se emitirán obligaciones de dicho Distrito Escolar.
DETERMINACIÓN DE SEQRA: Ambos proyectos de capital han sido determinados como una Acción No Listada de conformidad con las regulaciones del Departamento de Conservación Ambiental del Estado de Nueva York promulgadas de conformidad con la Ley de Revisión de la Calidad Ambiental del Estado ("SEQRA"), cuya implementación según lo propuesto, se ha determinado que no resultará en ningún impacto ambiental adverso significativo. Los materiales de cumplimiento de SEQRA están archivados en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, donde pueden ser inspeccionados durante el horario regular de oficina.
VOTANTES CALIFICADOS: Los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar tendrán derecho a votar en dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar. Un votante calificado es aquel que: (1) un ciudadano de los Estados Unidos de América, (2) dieciocho (18) años de edad o más, y (3) residente dentro del Distrito Escolar durante un período de treinta (30) días antes de la elección especial, y que no tenga prohibido votar (es decir, mentalmente incompetente o delincuente convicto). Los votantes calificados deben ser votantes registrados para
poder votar en dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito.
INSCRIPCIÓN PERSONAL ADICIONAL: Por la presente también se notifica que, de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación y el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes para dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar a partir de entonces cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro del Distrito Escolar o en las listas de registro personal permanente aplicables del Condado de Nassau o el Condado de Suffolk. Las personas calificadas para votar, que han sido registradas previamente para votar en el Distrito Escolar y votaron durante estos últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, no necesitan registrarse personalmente para esta elección especial. Las personas que se han registrado para votar en las elecciones municipales, del condado o nacionales de conformidad con la Sección 352 de la Ley Electoral no necesitan registrarse personalmente para esta elección especial. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. Cualquier persona de dieciocho años de edad o más, y que sea ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, y residente del Distrito Escolar durante los treinta (30) días inmediatamente anteriores al día para votar (y que no tenga prohibido votar) tiene derecho a registrarse y votar. El registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el 2 de enero de 2025, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la oficina del Secretario del Distrito está en funcionamiento, ubicada en la Escuela Secundaria Weldon E. Howitt, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicho Secretario de Distrito que tiene derecho a votar en esa elección o en lo sucesivo en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el registro. El registro así preparado de conformidad con §2014
de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, Escuela Intermedia Weldon E. Howitt, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York, y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del 3 de enero de 2025, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en días laborables, y cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 4 de enero de 2025 con cita previa, y en el lugar de votación el día de la votación.
Dicha inscripción no se llevará a cabo menos de cinco días antes de la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar.
De conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el jueves 2 de enero de 2025, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en la Escuela Secundaria Weldon E. Howitt, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la Reunión Especial del Distrito. en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho a votar en la Reunión y Elección de Distrito Especial para la cual se prepara dicho Registro, o cualquier reunión especial de distrito que se lleve a cabo a partir de entonces.
BOLETAS DE VOTO AUSENTE Y POR CORREO
ANTICIPADO: También se notifica que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo temprano se pueden solicitar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Cualquier solicitud de este tipo debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete días antes de la fecha de la mencionada Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante. Las boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado deben recibirse antes de las 5:00 p.m. del 7 de enero de 2025, la fecha de la elección, en
la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les hayan emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y de votante anticipado por correo estará disponible para inspección pública en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, 50 Van Cott Avenue, en Farmingdale, Nueva York, no menos de cinco días antes de la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito (excluyendo sábados y domingos) durante el horario regular de oficina que es entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. hasta la fecha de lo mencionado anteriormente Reunión y Elección Especial del Distrito Escolar. Además, dicha lista también se publicará de manera visible en el lugar de votación durante las horas de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar. Cualquier votante calificado puede, al examinar dicha lista, presentar una impugnación por escrito a las calificaciones de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en la lista de votantes ausentes o por correo anticipado y proporcionar las razones que por lo tanto conoce el Secretario del Distrito antes de la elección para su transmisión a los Inspectores de Elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas o directamente a los Inspectores de Elecciones el día de la votación antes del cierre de la votación. Encuestas. Cualquier impugnación por escrito de una boleta electoral anticipada por correo no se puede hacer sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto en ausencia.
VOTANTES MILITARES: Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito pueden solicitar una boleta militar solicitando una solicitud al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por fax al (516) 756-6893 o rfullam@farmingdaleschools.org o por correo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Farmingdale, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, Nueva York 11735. Para que a un votante militar se le emita una boleta militar, el Secretario del Distrito debe haber recibido una solicitud de boleta válida a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 12 de diciembre de 2024, la fecha 26 días antes de la fecha de la elección. En una solicitud de una solicitud de
boleta militar o boleta, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud o boleta por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta militar a menos que se devuelva por correo o en persona y (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas en la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar y que muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recibo por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. en la fecha de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo de la misma, con una fecha que se determina que es a más tardar el día antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar.
CANCELACIÓN POR NIEVE U OTRA EMERGENCIA: En el caso de un clima u otra emergencia que requiera la cancelación de la reunión del 7 de enero de 2025, dicha Reunión Especial de Distrito se llevará a cabo el 14 de enero de 2025 a la hora y lugar antes mencionados. Fechado: Farmingdale, Nueva York, 9 de octubre de 2024. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE FARMINGDALE UNION, LAS CIUDADES DE OYSTER BAY Y BABYLON, CONDADOS DE NASSAU Y SUFFOLK, NUEVA YORK.
/s/Rosemarie Fullam Secretario del Distrito Escolar 24679B. 11/20, 27, 12/ 4, 11
Notice of formation of BELTAGH REALTY, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/06/24. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 1430 Horseshoe Drive Bellmore, NY 11710,USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 24-680. 11/20, 27, 12/4, 11, 18,25
4,
NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
ABSENTEE, EARLY MAIL-IN AND MILITARY BALLOTS AND PERSONAL REGISTRATION
Farmingdale Union Free School District
Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special School District Meeting of the Farmingdale Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, will be held on January 7, 2025 (the “Election Date”) in the West Gymnasium at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, in Farmingdale, New York, at 6:00 o’clock A.M. and the polls shall be kept open for voting by electronic voting machine between the hours of 6:00 o’clock A.M. and 9:00 o’clock P.M. Prevailing Time, for the purpose of voting upon the following propositions:
BOND PROPOSITION NO. 1: ROOF REPLACEMENTS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Farmingdale Union Free School District, is hereby authorized to replace roofs and upgrade electrical and related systems at various School District buildings and facilities, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, appurtenances, apparatus, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith at a maximum estimated cost of $22,150,000, and that said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District shall be issued.
BOND PROPOSITION
NO. 2: MUSIC AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Assuming Proposition No. 1 is approved, shall the following resolution be ad-
Public Notices — Your right to
opted, to wit: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Farmingdale Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, is hereby authorized to construct improvements and additions to and reconstruct Farmingdale High School, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, appurtenances, apparatus, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith for music and career technical education improvement, at a maximum estimated cost of $55,850,000 and said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law, and in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District shall be issued.
SEQRA DETERMINATION: Both capital projects have been determined to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), the implementation of which as proposed, it has been determined will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact. SEQRA compliance materials are on file in the office of the District Clerk where they may be inspected during regular office hours.
QUALIFIED VOTERS: The qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote at said Special School District Meeting. A qualified voter is one who is: (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen (18) years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the special election, and not otherwise prohibited from voting (i.e., mentally incompetent or convicted felon). Qualified voters must be registered voters in order to vote at said Special District Meeting.
ADDITIONAL PER -
SONAL REGISTRATION:
Notice is hereby also given that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and Article 5 of the Election
Law, personal registration of voters is required for said Special School District Meeting and no person shall be entitled to vote thereafter whose name does not appear upon the register of the School District or on the applicable permanent personal registration lists of the County of Nassau or County of Suffolk. Persons otherwise qualified to vote, who have been previously registered for School District voting and voted during these last four (4) calendar years, need not personally register for this special election. Persons who have registered to vote in town, county, or national elections pursuant to Section 352 of the Election Law need not personally register for this special election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Any person eighteen years of age or over, and a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the School District for thirty (30) days next preceding the day for voting (and not otherwise prohibited from voting) is entitled to register and vote.
Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through January 2, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., prevailing time, on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation, located in the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on January 3, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, January 4, 2025
by appointment, and at the polling place on the day of the vote.
Such registration shall not take place less than five days preceding the date of the Special School District Meeting.
Pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Thursday, January 2, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M., prevailing time, at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Special District Meeting, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the Special District Meeting and Election for which said Register is prepared, or any special district meeting held thereafter.
ABSENTEE AND EARLY MAIL BALLOTS: Notice is also hereby given that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the office of the School District Clerk. Any such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the date of the aforesaid Special School District Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before such Special School District Meeting, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by 5:00 P.M. on January 7, 2025, the date of election, in the office of the School District Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued shall be available for public inspection in the office of the School District Clerk, 50 Van Cott Avenue, in Farmingdale, New York not less than five days prior to the date of the Special District Meeting (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) during regular office hours that are between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. until the date of the aforesaid Special School District Meeting and Election. In addition, such list shall also be posted con -
know
spicuously at the place of voting during the hours of such Special School District Meeting. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge to the qualifications of any person whose name appears on the list of absentee or early mail voters and provide reasons therefore known to the District Clerk prior to the election for transmittal to the Inspectors of Election before the close of the polls or directly to the Inspectors of Election on the day of the vote before the close of the polls. Any such written challenge to an early mail-in ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.
MILITARY VOTERS:
Military voters who are qualified voters of the District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk in person, by fax at (516) 756-6893 or rfullam@ farmingdaleschools.org or by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, Farmingdale Union Free School District, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application not later than 5:00 P.M. on December 12, 2024, the date 26 days prior to the date of the election. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.
No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on the date of the Special School District Meeting and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on the date of the Special School District Meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the Special School District
Meeting. SNOW OR OTHER EMERGENCY CANCELLATION: In the event of a weather or other emergency which necessitates cancellation of the January 7, 2025 meeting, said Special District Meeting shall be held on January 14, 2025 at the aforementioned time and place.
Dated: Farmingdale, New York, October 9, 2024. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE FARMINGDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWNS OF OYSTER BAY AND BABYLON, NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTIES, NEW YORK. /s/ Rosemarie Fullam School District Clerk 24-679A 11/20, 27, 12/4, 11
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: FRONTLINE PERFORMANCE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: KHEMCHAN SEWNARINE 712 LINCOLN STREET BALDWIN NY 11510
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 24-674. 10/30, 11/6, 13, 20, 27, 12/4
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Matthew A. Knee, Consultants, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY} on 10/25/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 2840 Rosebud Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 24-678. 11/13, 20, 27, 12/4, 11, 18
Public Notices — Your right to know
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA
PARK NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provision of the State of New York that a Public Hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762 for the following purposes:
Case No. 4463 To consider the variance application of Mr. Michael Lipori, 51 Van Buren Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect a six (6) foot fence in the second front yard and a four (4) foot solid fence in the front yard all in violation of Village Code.
Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-40 (A) Fences and Similar Obstructions which states: No person shall erect in any residential district of the Village a solid fence, such as but not limited to a basketweave type fence, a solid board fence or any synthetic or metal solid fence that is greater than six (6) feet in height or is before the front house setback; nor shall there be erected in such zone any fence more than 48 inches in height, except in the rear of the front line of the house, in which case the same shall be not more than six (6) feet.
Proposed six (6) foot fence to start at southwest corner foundation proceed to west property line with a zero (0) foot setback, continue to north property line and then continue east along north property line.
Proposed four (4) foot solid fence to be located forward of the south front foundation.
Case No. 4464 To consider the variance application of Mr. Christopher Gennardo, 220 Cartwright Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to maintain a rear addition, roof over patio, hot tub, trellis above hot tub, accessory structure, and lot coverage all in violation of Village Code.
Such proposals are in violation of the following Village Codes:
Chapter 345-30 B (1) (a) Front Yards: Minimum front yard setbacks must be 25 feet. The setback to the ex-
isting one story addition is located 20.5 feet, the setback to existing roof over patio is located 21.5 feet, setback to accessory structure is three (3) feet, setback to existing hot tub is two point three (2.3) feet, setback to existing trellis is located zero point seven five (0.75) feet all from north front property line.
Chapter 345-28 (C) Lot and Building Area which states: In a residential district the maximum lot coverage permitted shall be 30 percent. Total lot coverage for all structures is 31.8 percent.
Case No. 4465 To consider the variance application of Mr. Michael Stackpole, 240 Grand Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to maintain an inground pool, pool pavers, pool equipment, and accessory building all in violation of Village Code.
Such proposals are in violation of the following Village Codes:
Chapter 345-41 (H, J) Pools, Walkways, Distances which states: An unobstructed walk area of not less than 24 inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around pools below grade. Also, no portion of a pool, including walkways, pump, filters, showers, accessories or pool water disinfectants shall be located at a distance less than five (5) feet from any side or rear property lines or building setback line.
Pool pavers are less than five (5) feet from rear property line. Pool is located six point seven (6.7) feet from rear property line. Pool equipment is located three point two (3.2) feet from side property line. Accessory building is located zero (0) feet from side property line.
Case No. 4467 To consider the variance application of Mr. Anthony Tisi, 177 Harmony Drive, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect a two (2) story home to be built on an undersized lot in violation of Village Code. Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-28 A (1) Lot and Building Area; Windows and Courts, Areas of Lots and Buildings. For buildings hereafter erected, the minimum lot area for each dwelling house, exclusive of accessory buildings, garages, porches or other buildings appurtenant thereto, shall be as follows:
In a Residential A District and except as otherwise provided in the Residential AA District, the minimum lot area shall be 8,000 square feet, and each lot shall have at least 80 feet in front and rear and shall be at least 100 feet in depth on both sides.
The current lot size is shown at 6,000 square feet with a width of 60 feet.
Case No. 4468 To consider the variance application of Mr. James Maher, 244 Koehl Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to install an inground pool, pool equipment, waterfall, shed, pavilion, and barbeque island all in violation of Village Code.
Such proposal is in violation of the following Village Codes:
Chapter 345-30 (C) Through Lot which states: A through lot shall have a front yard on each frontage. Accessory structures are not permitted in a front yard. This includes the pool, pool equipment, waterfall, shed, pavilion, and barbeque island.
Chapter 345-41 (H, J) Pools, Walkways, Distances which states: An unobstructed walk area of not less than 24 inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around pools below grade. Also, no portion of a pool, including walkways, pump, filters, showers, accessories or pool water disinfectants shall be located at a distance less than five (5) feet from any side or rear property lines or building setback line. The proposed waterfall obstructs the required 24 inch required walkway around the pool.
Case No. 4469 To consider the variance application of Mr. Frank Abbey, 148 East Lake Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to maintain a generator in the second front yard in violation of Village Code.
Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-30 (D2) Permitted Structures in Front Yard which states: The following are permissible front yard encroachments; A front covered portico, porch, egress window well and a temporary storage container.
Existing generator is located 22 feet from second front yard north property line.
By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals November 25, 2024 24-686. 12/4
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-24-143427 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 98 Jackson Ave, Syosset, NY 11791, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Tommy Tacos Syosset LLC. 24-681. 11/27, 12/4
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: 0340-24-143413 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 152 Union Ave, Lynbrook, NY 11563, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Selita's Cafe Inc.
24-682 11/27, 12/4
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-24-144503 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 9 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at The Coffee Grind Inc. 24-685. 12/4, 11
the sign for I love you
ASL
Sign language learners unite at Massapequa comedy show
Tapping into funny moments from both childhood and his adult years, comedian Brad Klein entertained about 700 students from American Sign Language programs during a recent performance at Massapequa High School.
Klein is a CODA, a child of deaf adults, and shared his experiences growing up around both the deaf and hearing communities. His show was performed both verbally and in sign language. He explained that he uses his hearing privilege to advocate for deaf rights, and the best way to do that is through laughter.
In addition to his stand-up routines, Klein has made several videos with his parents about being a CODA and the differences between hearing and deaf. He played several of these for students.
“It’s okay to laugh at the little things that make us unique,” he said.
The program ended with a question-and-answer session as students from 16 schools on Long Island and in Queens inquired about a range of topics. The program was hosted by Massapequa’s World Language Department and the ASL Club and coordinated by teacher Melanie Smith. There was also an evening performance for members of the deaf community and hearing people who know ASL.
Massapequa ASL Club co-presidents Kayleigh Kennedy, a senior, and Dylan Lukowski, a junior, were excited to offer this experience to not only their Massapequa peers, but ASL students at other schools.
“It’s really great because it spreads awareness of a beautiful community,” said Kennedy. “Being able to build bridges between the hearing and deaf worlds is amazing. Hopefully this will lead to students becoming more personally invested in learning ASL.”
Lukowski, who is in his third year taking ASL, said the language was introduced to him by an older friend and it has allowed him to experience and gain perspective on another culture.
Right:
Massapequa ASL students were among the 700 audience members for the comedy show.
Making
were, from left,
teacher Megan Forrester, comedian Brad Klein, ASL Club copresidents Dylan Lukowski and Kayleigh Kennedy and ASL teacher Melanie Smith.
Candidates vie for seats on fire and water district boards
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
EMTs and paying for those services through the new fund.
“We have consistently attracted new volunteers, but increasingly, they come and they go,” said Hanna. “They generally join while in high school or college and then leave in their 30’s and 40’s as their financial responsibilities increase or they move out of the district.”
The polls are open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Main Firehouse, 259 Front St., Massapequa Park. For more information, call (516) 798-7231.
NORTH MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT
Voters in the North Massapequa Fire District will be asked to select two commissioners for the board. Running unopposed for a five-year term is incumbent Ralph Raymond. Competing for a vacant seat are Marc Timpano and Deborah Canova, both long-time members of the department.
Ralph Raymond is a 39-year member of the fire district who has served on the board for 12 years. He is running again, he said, because he wants to continue, on behalf of the volunteers and the public, to provide the best fire and rescue service possible. Raymond served as a former captain and chief in the department district. He is also a former president of the Association of Fire Districts in Nassau County. He now serves as 2nd vice president of that organization. Looking forward, he said, he wants to continue working with the other board members on state initiatives, including recruitment, retention and ambulance billing. In addition, he is working with fire department officials statewide on the new federal regulations on unfunded mandates that will require additional training for volunteers and extensive recordkeeping.
Raymond said he also wanted to ”ensure that our firefighters and EMS personnel have everything they need at no additional cost to the taxpayer.” One way the department can do that, he explained, is to take advantage of recovery billing for EMS services by recouping some of those costs through health recovery billing. Another initiative that can be supported through that account is to hire per-diem paramedics and EMTs, which can reduce response time on calls and also reduce the pressure on volunteers. “I want to thank the public for putting their trust in me, and I am looking forward to serving another five years,” he concluded.
Canova is the daughter of Commissioner Frank Nocerino, a former chief of the department and 40-year commissioner for the district. She is running to fill the vacancy caused by her father’s sudden death early this year.
“I am running for two major reasons: to follow in the footsteps of my father and to work to support and
protect the volunteers and the residents of North Massapequa,” she said.
She added, “I have worked on both ends of the department as a volunteer firefighter and on committees, including a recent committee that worked on the design and purchase of the new ladder truck. We worked to ensure that the volunteers were fully equipped with a state-of-the ladder truck that will provide them with everything they need when going on calls to protect the residents of North Massapequa.”
She is currently serving as lieutenant with Company #1. “I believe, being a resident and an active member of the department, I have a full understanding of the needs on both ends of the department,” she said, adding that she knows she can work well with the current board.
Canova is a lifelong resident of the district, with two children. She is a preschool teacher and works for the Town of Oyster Bay. She is also the current PTA president at Albany Avenue Elementary School.
Timpano is a former commissioner who served on the board for 10 years. A lifelong resident of North Massapequa, he said he has a proven record of service as a 45-year member. Throughout that time he did outreach work as a lecturer at schools and with community organizations discussing such things a fire safety, substance abuse. He has also coached and held intramural sports management positions while he and his wife have raised three children.
“I continue to stay active with the department as a driving instructor, engineer of fire apparatus, senior driver/pump operator and instructor,” Timpano said. He also oversees the department’s membership scholarship program.
“The position as a board member furthers my opportunity to give back not only to the other members of the department but also the residents of my community,” he said, adding that he supports Raymond in his reelection bid and looks forward to working with him.
The district operates with a budget of $3.6 million, which will increase to $3.7 million next year, and it serves approximately 8,500 residents and businesses. The budget is within the New York State tax cap.
The polls are open from 4 to 9 p.m. at North Massapequa Fire Headquarters, 1000 North Broadway, North Massapequa. For more information call the district office at 516-569-4000, ext. 329.
MASSAPEQUA WATER DISTRICT
Running for one seat on the board is Michael E. Mazzola. He was unavailable for an interview.
The district is operating with a proposed budget of $9.06 million and
serves approximately 13, 00 residents.
Voting will be held between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the district office, 84 Grand Ave., Massapequa.
SOUTH FARMINGDALE
WATER DISTRICT Commissioner John Hirt is running unopposed for another threeyear seat on the board.
Hirt has been a resident of Farmingdale since 1958 and a water commissioner since 1998. He is a past president and member of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association and a member of the American Water
Center
North Massapequa Fire Commissioner candidate Marc Timpano.
Works Association and the Long Island Water Conference. He has 20 years’ experience as Operations Manager with FedEx. He is also a past fire commissioner and 48-year member of the South Farmingdale Fire Department and was an assistant fire chief at Republic Airport from 1971 through 1986. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served during the Vietnam War from 1965 until 1968.
The district operates with a budget of $10.9 million and serves 12,600 homes and businesses.
Voting takes place at the District Office, 40 Langdon Rd., South Farmingdale between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Top left: North Massapequa Fire Commisioner incumbent Ralph Raymond
Top right: North Massapequa Fire Commissioner candidate Deborah Canova.
Center left, North Massapequa Fire Commissioner Ralph Raymons
right,
Bottom left, South Farmingdale Water Commissioner John Hirt.
Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism
Ihave always been an avid reader of newspapers, and have a great admiration for columnists, particularly Jimmy Cannon, and then Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. That’s why I so appreciate the opportunity to write a column for the Heralds.
All of this came rushing back at me as I was reading the recently published biography “Jimmy Breslin,” by Richard Esposito. Breslin was a unique character. No one understood New York’s people, neighborhoods and streets like him.
Breslin’s New York was Queens Boulevard, not Park Avenue. It was cops, prizefighters, bookies and cold beer (until he stopped drinking, anyway). I started reading his columns years ago, in the old Journal-American, and continued with him through the Herald Tribune, the Daily News and Newsday.
I first met Breslin in the 1980s, and we became close friends in the late 1990s. My wife, Rosemary, and I would go to dinner with Jimmy and his wife, Ronnie, at least once a month, and he and I would talk at least once a day. When Jimmy wanted to talk, he wouldn’t stop, and it was almost impossible to get off the phone with him, even if you had work to do. I found that the one way to close out a conversation was to compliment him on something. In true Irish fashion, he would get flustered, mumble a rushed goodbye and slam down the phone.
support in an Irish sort of way. He came to my daughter Erin’s wedding and reception, and stayed to the very end — and that was long after he’d stopped drinking!
W hen he wanted to talk, it was impossible to get off the phone with him.
Breslin was a great guy to be with. He was tough and cynical, but had endless stories and was a true friend — when he was still your friend. He wrote several columns about me during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment that I will always cherish, and he wrote a great blurb for my first novel (which he probably never read). We commiserated after the 9/11 attacks, attending funerals of mutual friends, giving each other
During these good times, though, I would have in the back of my head columns Breslin used to write when he was living in Baldwin, listing people he would no longer speak with. Though he stopped issuing those lists, I wondered when my number would be up. I found out in March 2003, when Rosemary sent him a heated note, blasting him for comparing President George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler.
That ended it. It was curtain time. No more phone calls or dinners. I did call him once when I heard there was a serious illness in his family.
“Jimmy, I heard the news,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m thinking of you.”
“Yeah,” he replied, “I’ll be thinking of you, too. Goodbye.”
Later I saw him at the renowned journalist Jack Newfield’s funeral, and
we had a quick handshake. Several years after that, in 2009, Rosemary and I went to the funeral of Breslin’s daughter Kelly at an old church in Lower Manhattan. Afterward we sat and talked with him at a table in the churchyard for 10 or 15 minutes. The conversation was warm and friendly, almost like it used to be. When it was time to say so long, I said, “Jimmy, we should get together.”
“Yeah,” he said. “We should. That’d be good.” We shook hands.
We never got together. I wish we had. Breslin died in 2017, and a large part of New York died with him.
Esposito’s biography brings back the memories not just of Breslin, but of the days when newspapers and their columnists — and the written word — had such a vital role to play in our society. While much of that has died, I commend the Herald for keeping the tradition alive for the people of Long Island.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
No matter who’s president, L.I.’s middle class struggles
Eight years ago, about four months into Donald Trump’s first term as president, the Herald published an op-ed I wrote entitled “What American Dream?” in which I lamented the ever-growing financial burden on Long Island’s middle class.
Despite all the hard work I put in, I wrote, I was decidedly worse off than my mother and father were a generation earlier. I laid equal blame on Democrats and Republicans, who had rotated in and out of Washington all my life and done little to stop the downward spiral. “And his promises notwithstanding,” I added, “President Trump will likely do little to change our trajectory.” He did not.
And, in all fairness, neither did President Biden.
Eight years ago I noted that my wife and I worked full time as teachers, but that she had to care for our kids alone during the week, while I tutored after school to keep up with ever-rising expenses.
Today I tutor two to three times as much as I did then. Not out of greed, but necessity. My wife continues to do the lion’s share of the work with the kids, but she, too, has taken on a second job, doing early intervention for specialneeds 2-year-olds. So, eight years ago, we basically needed three incomes to make it. Now we need four.
B
Some of my colleagues at school were elated after Election Day that we have another four years of Trump coming, almost as if their team had won the Super Bowl. It has always surprised me how any teacher can support the guy whose Supreme Court appointee, Neil Gorsuch, rendered the decisive vote in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that weakened public-sector unions like the ones we belong to.
House — our lives here on Long Island are not going to get any easier.
That’s because we’ve witnessed a steady erosion of the middle class since 1973, when real wages started to fall against the backdrop of an energy crisis and pronounced inflation. The true death knell was President Ronald Reagan’s taking office in 1980. Reagan slashed taxes for corporations and the wealthy with the idea that the financial benefits at the top of the economic food chain would trickle down to the rest of us. Only they didn’t.
y the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm.
To be fair, others at school were crestfallen.
I, on the other hand, for the first time in my adult life, paid absolutely no attention to this election, and did not watch one minute of election night coverage. Although I voted for Kamala Harris, I did not shed a tear.
That’s because I’ve heard this song before. I know how this movie ends. It doesn’t matter who’s in the White
I’m by no means an economist, but consider this: When I entered kindergarten in 1983, my mother was one of a few moms who needed to get a job to help make ends meet. The embarrassment of getting picked up by another classmate’s mother will forever be etched in my memory. Years later, my mother told me how the guilt I laid on her at the time absolutely broke her heart. Sorry, Mom. I love you.
But by the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm. I can only recall one or two classmates whose mothers didn’t work. Things had certainly changed, and they only continued to get worse.
I’m not piling on Republicans, because there were 20 years of Democratic presidents as well between then and now. My colleagues, both jubilant and dejected after this past Election Day, might remember that the roles were reversed in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected. Regardless of who has led the country, things haven’t gotten a whole lot better.
That’s because the people at the top — the corporate interests that really run America — don’t want them to. As the late, great comedian George Carlin said, “Our country’s a big club … and you ain’t in it!”
Nobody should have been surprised that Trump trounced the incumbentbacked Harris. Middle class voters have been drowning for 50 years, desperately hoping someone would toss them a life vest that never seems to come.
I wish I shared my Trump-supporting colleagues’ optimism, or even the Harris supporters’ melancholy, but I just don’t. I don’t think any real help is coming, regardless of who is in office.
I will gladly eat my words in four years if my wallet is fatter and prices are lower. But I doubt that’s going to happen.
Nick Buglione is a teacher, a freelance journalist and a former editor of the East Meadow Herald.
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In Long Islanders we trust
eginning with the birth of our nation, Long Islanders have shaped the policies of America as well as our country’s impact on the world. Suffolk County’s William Floyd was one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. President Theodore Roosevelt, who made his home in Oyster Bay, is often cited as one of our greatest leaders. Bellmore’s William Casey served as President Ronald Reagan’s CIA director during an era fraught with Cold War tensions.
As the Biden administration sunsets and President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration begins to take shape, Long Islanders are once again positioned to influence our nation and the course of human history.
Trump has nominated Howard Lutnick, from Jericho, to serve as secretary of commerce. Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of the global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, strongly supports the president-elect’s plans to impose tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, which would have dramatic impacts on the global economy.
Trump has chosen Dr. Dave Weldon, a Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon, a former congressman from Florida, would succeed fellow Long Islander Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native whom President Biden appointed to the role last year. (Another Baldwin native, Karine Jean-Pierre, has served as President Biden’s White House press secretary since 2022.)
Given the recent politicization of the CDC, as well as the anti-establishment views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom
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Trump has selected as his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — which oversees the CDC — Weldon is set to wield unique power in setting public health policy.
Biden named Dr. David Kessler, a graduate of Woodmere Academy (now the Lawrence Woodmere Academy) as the lead scientist on the coronavirus vaccine distribution efforts. Kessler formerly headed the Food and Drug Administration under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Trump has also named Steve Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, who was raised in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury, is a successful real estate developer and a major benefactor of Hofstra University, where he earned a law degree. (He shares that law school alma mater with Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-inlaw, Jared Kushner, and a convicted felon whom Trump has selected as ambassador to France.) Witkoff’s appointment continues Trump’s selection of Long Islanders for critical Middle East policy roles.
In Trump’s first term, the U.S. ambassador to Israel was David Friedman, who grew up in North Woodmere. The son of Rabbi Morris Friedman, who led Temple Hillel for 33 years and brought Reagan to the synagogue in 1984, David Friedman played a pivotal role in promoting Trump’s Middle East policies, from the decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, to supporting the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump also announced his choice of Garden City’s Kash Patel as director of
Randi just won’t stop with Trump
To the Editor:
I just finished reading Randi Kreiss’s column, “Dear readers, we can’t keep it in neutral” (Nov. 28-Dec. 4). It seems that Randi is totally consumed by Trump derangement syndrome. Donald Trump is a deeply flawed soul to be sure, but when compared with Hillary and Harris, he is Abe Lincoln.
When he left office, but for the horror of Covid, the country was at peace and the economy was in great shape. Could this country endure four more years of what we just went through? Obviously not! The fake dossier, the disgraceful lawfare, and it goes on and on.
Trump establishes the Depar tment of Government Efficiency and the left mocks him unendingly. When it pays enormous dividends, they will ignore it, as they always do. Thank God the country was sickened by the last four years and overwhelmingly decided to reject it!
RICHARD LAND
Woodmere
the FBI. Leaders on both sides of the aisle, however, have expressed concerns about that choice, because of what they perceive to be Patel’s desire to dismantle the very institution he has been tapped to lead, as well as his lack of relevant experience.
“I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director,” William Barr, who served as attorney general under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, wrote in his 2022 book, “One Damn Thing After Another.” “I told Mark Meadows,” Barr added, referring to Trump’s White House chief of staff, “it would happen ‘over my dead body.’ Someone with no background as an agent would never be able to command the respect necessary to run the day-to-day operations of the bureau.”
Finally, there’s former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, who, in 2022, unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York’s gubernatorial election. Zeldin, an Army veteran who represented New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, is poised to become Trump’s administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In that role, Zeldin would have wide-ranging powers to create or eliminate regulations that protect the environment.
Many of Trump’s selections must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. We expect most of them will be, or will serve in interim roles. Regardless, these Long Islanders are a testament to the region’s diverse influence on national politics and international diplomacy. We hope they don’t forget where they came from, and make decisions that uplift not only our country, but also the Long Island communities they once called home.
opinions
We must keep local control over school districts
oyster Bay town supervisor, representing over 300,000 residents — many of whom are parents, educators and stakeholders in our children’s future — i must express grave concern over the state Education Department’s proposal to regionalize public school systems statewide. On behalf of the Oyster Bay Town Board, i urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature to immediate halt the department’s plans, which would undermine local control, bypass legislative oversight, and potentially jeopardize the quality of education we hold dear.
The Town of Oyster Bay proudly supports local school districts, each uniquely tailored to meet the needs of their communities. The proposed regionalization plan is an unnecessary and ill-conceived “emergency regulation,” introduced without any actual emergency to justify such drastic changes. Even more troubling, the proposal circumvents local boards of education, the Legislature and, most important, the
Letters
voices of parents. Worse yet, under these plans, school districts would be stripped of the ability to opt out, effectively removing autonomy from local communities.
Oyster Bay is home to some of the nation’s most exceptional school districts, a point of pride for families who move here specifically for the high standard of education. This success is no accident; it is the result of years of careful planning, leadership and investment by local school boards and superintendents who understand the unique needs of their students. A one-size-fits-all, regionalized approach threatens to undermine this carefully built system. if regionalization were implemented, resources and educators would likely be redistributed and stretched thin. This could degrade the quality of education, disrupt local accountability, and force residents to shoulder additional financial burdens at a time when families are already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty.
lenges. We must ask ourselves, how does shifting resources away from high-performing schools improve education for all? The answer is simple — it doesn’t. instead, it risks dragging everyone down to a lowest-common-denominator approach that would help no one and harm many.
a one-sizefits-all, regionalized approach to education will undermine us.
Parents want their tax dollars to benefit their local schools, not to subsidize distant districts with unrelated chal-
The Education Department has framed this proposal as a response to an “emergency” in education, but where is the evidence? According to Education Week’s Quality Counts report, New york’s education system ranks among the top 10 in the nation. Our state’s schools, while not without challenges, are far from being in a crisis that requires such heavy-handed measures. instead of addressing specific issues in struggling districts, this plan imposes a blanket solution that would penalize successful schools and their communities. What’s more, the plan appears to be driven not by data or necessity, but by an agenda pushed by unelected Albany bureaucrats. Decisions about education should not be dictated by individuals who are disconnected from the needs of our students, families and educators.
Unfortunately, this regionalization
Framework by Tim Baker Shop safely during the holidays
To the Editor:
The Nassau County Police Department advises shoppers to be vigilant for their safety and the safety of others this holiday season.
Before leaving home, secure and engage alarms, and leaving lights on in frequented rooms to give the appearance that people are home.
Plan your shopping trips, know where you’re going and, if possible, go with someone else. Let someone know where you’re going. Park in an area that’s well lit, and make sure your valuables are out of sight. Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas. Don’t get out of your car unless you feel safe, lock your vehicle, and remember where you’ve parked.
As you shop, keep money and credit/debit cards in a front pocket, and limit the
number of cards and the cash you carry. To avoid identity theft, be careful when exposing your cards and other identification at cash registers and ATMs. Be aware that thieves use cellphones to capture card and identity information. Be cognizant of distractions that could be staged to avert your attention.
When you return to your vehicle, don’t do so with your arms full of packages. Use a cart. Be ready to unlock your car door. Check the parking lot for suspicious-looking people, and if you see anyone loitering nearby, don’t go to your vehicle.
Carry a whistle or other audible device, and if you feel threatened, use it. Before getting into your vehicle, look around and inside it. Once inside, lock the doors, and if you have to, use your horn to attract attention.
Always be aware of your surroundings. NAssAU COUNTy
proposal is not an isolated incident. it is part of a broader trend of state overreach into local matters. From efforts to mandate high-density apartment buildings in suburban neighborhoods to attempts to overhaul local election processes, the state has repeatedly sought to diminish local control. Each of these initiatives erodes the ability of communities to govern themselves in ways that reflect their values and priorities. We must stand firm against this overreach while reaffirming our commitment to local decision-making, especially when it comes to the education of our children.
The future of our children, our schools and our communities is at stake. regionalization is not the answer when it comes to improving education in New york state. it is a misguided attempt to fix problems that do not exist in many districts while failing to address the real issues in others.
i urge you to join us in opposing this plan. Let’s send a clear message to Governor Hochul, state lawmakers and the Education Department: Keep local control where it belongs — in the hands of parents, educators and communities. sign the petition at oysterbaytown.com/ schools.
Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.
Joseph saLadino
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