Merrick Herald 01-16-2025

Page 1


In observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a symposium was held last week in Nassau County featuring Jessica Melton, the bureau chief of human trafficking at the Queens County District Attorney’s office and Christine Guida, the deputy chief of the special victims bureau with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office. .

Taking on human trafficking at recent prevention symposium

In observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, several members of the Nassau County community came together for a symposium at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola last week to inform the public about human trafficking, and how to help prevent it.

The symposium detailed that there is a common misconception that human trafficking and human smuggling are the same thing, terms which are not interchangeable. Trafficking is the exploitation of sex or labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Smuggling is the importation of people into the country which avoids immigration laws.

Over the past few months, Nassau County has seen more and more trafficking victims who are missing persons from other jurisdictions.

Christine Guida, the deputy chief of the special victims bureau with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, has been managing these cases since 2012, and identified a common problem.

“A huge underlying theme is that victims do not identify as victims,” Guida said. “I never see someone come into my office and say, ‘I’m a victim of trafficking.’ They can admit to me every single thing the trafficker has done to them, but they will never believe that they are a victim.”

This is because they’ve been manipulated, put down and diminished, Guida said,

Your Market Leader!

Seth Koslow is running for county executive

Nassau County Legislator

Seth Koslow has officially launched his campaign for Nassau County executive, pledging to bring accountability, affordability and responsible governance back to the county.

Koslow, a Democrat who represents parts of Freeport, Merrick and Bellmore in the legislature, plans to end the misuse of public funds and focus on policies that benefit Nassau County residents, rather than political agendas.

seen the good and bad, and I don’t like where we’re going.

“This administration has broken their promises and failed Nassau residents,” Koslow said in a Jan. 8 news release. “Nassau County families are being squeezed while their tax dollars are wasted on frivolous lawsuits, inflated salaries, and self-serving political promotions. I’m running to restore trust, eliminate waste, and make our county more affordable for everyone.”

Jay Jacobs, the New York state and Nassau County Demo-

cratic Committee chairman, said, “This is an important moment for Nassau County. We need a leader that will put families first, fight for fiscal responsibility, and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Seth Koslow has the integrity and vision to lead Nassau County out of the current administration’s incompetence.” Koslow, 42, grew up in Baldwin, and was first elected to the legislature in 2023 to represent the newly formed 5th District. A former prosecutor in Queens, he’s currently a criminal defense attorney who resides in Merrick with his wife, three children and rescue pup.

“We deserve better,” Koslow told the Herald last week. “As a dad, as a coach, as a family man — living and growing up in Nassau County — I’ve seen Nassau County for the last 40-something years. I’ve seen the good and bad, and I don’t like where we’re going.”

Koslow’s priorities, outlined

CoNTINueD oN PAGe 9

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald

Speaker Mike Johnson swore in Laura Gillen, third from right, into office, third from left on Jan. 6. Owen Gillen, far left, Myles Gillen, Johnson, Chris Flanagan, Gillen, Austen Gillen and Laine Gillen.

News briefs

Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman

Rockville Centre’s Laura Gillen took the oath of office administered by House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and officially was installed as the representative for the 4th Congressional District.

Gillen defeated incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a rematch of the 2022 race for the two-year term.

A former Hempstead town supervisor, Gillen was joined by her family in Washington, D.C. for her swearing in on Jan. 6.

At freshmen orientation late last year, Gillen had the opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.

“I am honored that the people of New York’s Fourth Congressional District have entrusted me

with the responsibility of representing them in Congress,” Gillen said in a statement after being sworn in.

“As we look ahead to this Congress, I am ready to get to work on the bipartisan priorities that Long Islanders care most about: lowering costs, giving hardworking Long Islanders a middle-class tax break by restoring the full SALT deduction, ensuring clean drinking water, and taking muchneeded action to secure our border,” she said.

“I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship, and I look forward to working with anyone — Democrat or Republican — who is committed to working productively to deliver on the pressing issues that we face,” Gillen added.

Guy Savia named to Town of Hemsptead IDA

Guy Savia, a Bellmore entrepreneur, has been named to the boards of the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency and the Town of Hempstead Local Development Corporation.

Savia, who owns a medical supply company, a hospitality management firm, and a commercial real estate holding company on Long Island, was appointed during the town board’s Dec. 10 meeting.

“Guy Savia brings an invaluable wealth of business knowledge to our agencies,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said. “The Town is pleased to appoint a professional like Guy Savia, whose background will serve both the busi -

ness development of the town as well as the overall economy with jobs and business growth.” Savia fills the vacancy left by Flo Girardi, who departed earlier this year. The IDA is a public benefit agency that promotes economic growth in the Town of Hempstead, New York’s largest town. It offers financial assistance and tax relief to qualified businesses, facilitating more than $2 billion in project financing and creating or retaining over 11,000 permanent jobs. For more information, visit TOHIDA.org or call (800) 593-3870.

Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen
Guy Savia

Hempstead residents turn their trees into mulch

Residents in the Town of Hempstead came together on Jan. 11 to celebrate sustainability at the 5th annual Mulchfest, turning their Christmas trees into mulch and helping the environment while feeding some friendly goats.

The event, held at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow, invited residents to bring their natural Christmas trees to be shredded into mulch for personal use or donated as snacks for the Nigerian Dwarf goats at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve.

“Mulchfest is back for the fifth year in a row, and the goats at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve are bleating in excitement,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said ahead of the event. “This holiday tradition sees scores of residents turning their Christmas trees into mulch, with each year getting better and better.”

During the event, natural Christmas trees were recycled into mulch, which can be used in gardening and landscaping. The shredded trees provided residents with eco-friendly mulch to take home or to support community landscaping projects.

Mulchfest promotes eco-friendly practices by preventing discarded trees from going to landfills and repurposing them in ways that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health, retaining moisture, and reducing weeds.

Levy Park and Preserve is the Town of Hempstead’s nature preserve, that boasts trials and panoramic views of the South Shore of Long Island, along with piers for fishing and a kayak launch. About 20 years ago, the town introduced the park’s newest inhabitants — Nigerian Dwarf goats, who would serve as natural weed control, as well as a friendly face at the base of the park’s entrance.

Christmas trees — despite their piney needles — are quite the delicacy for the goats.

The event gave families the opportunity to extend the season of giving by repurposing their trees into nutrient-rich mulch for gardening and moisture retention. Attendees received free bags of mulch or chose to donate the mulch to the town’s goats. Broken-down cardboard was also accepted and recycled during the event.

For those unable to attend Mulchfest, Christmas trees can still be dropped off at the homeowner disposal area next to Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve at 1600 Merrick Road through Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs,” Clavin said.

The surplus mulch created during Mulchfest will be used for landscaping and planting projects throughout Hempstead Town’s parks, ensuring that residents’ contributions support the community year-round.

If residents didn’t want mulch, their trees could be donated to the town’s Nigerian Dwarf goats, that live at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick. John Vulpe, above, showed off some of the mulch.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The Town of Hempstead held its 5th annual Mulchfest on Jan. 11, inviting residents to turn their natural Christmas trees into mulch. The event was held at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow.
Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Clerk Kate Murray tossed a tree into a wood chipper at the park during the event.
The town’s trucks were filled to brim with mulch. Surplus mulch created during Mulchfest will be used for landscaping and planting projects throughout town parks this year.
Kristyl and Robert Siskol brought their live tree to be made into mulch. Above, with Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Clerk Kate Murray.

Protecting Your Future

Tax and Medicaid Law Changes for 2025

For 2025, the exemptions for estate taxes rise to $7.16 million for New York estate taxes, and to $13.99 million for Federal estate taxes. The annual gift tax exclusion rises to $19,000. If your estate is, or may become, greater than the New York threshold, early intervention can avoid the hefty New York estate taxes, which start at over $600,000. Some of the techniques are (1) setting up two trusts, one for husband and one for wife, and using them to double the New York exemption, (2) gifting out so much of the estate so as to reduce it below the New York exemption, at least three years before the death of the donor, and (3) using the “Santa Clause” providing that the amount over the threshold be donated to a charity or charities of your choosing so as to reduce the estate to no more than the exemption.

For Medicaid, the house is an exempt asset so long as a spouse is residing there, up to $1.1 million of equity for 2025. Seeing as over 80% of nursing home residents do not have a spouse, it is better to plan ahead with

a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) to get the five year look-back for nursing facility care. In that case, the house would be protected by the trust rather than the unreliable spousal exemption. Unless your other assets have been protected by the MAPT, an individual may keep about $31,500 and a spouse at home can keep up to about $158,000.

The often-delayed imposition of the new two and a half year look-back for home care, is not on the horizon for 2025. Currently there is no look-back for home-care and you do not have to worry about getting home care until you actually need it. Nevertheless, this may change in the future so the MAPT remains as an important as a tool to qualify you for home care as well as protecting your assets from a nursing home. Assets should be moved into the MAPT years ahead of time if you want to be able to afford to stay in your own home and get home health aides for assistance with the activities of daily living, should the need arise.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com

Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success

Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

Winter reading program kicks off on Jan. 21 at the library

Children, teens, and adults are invited to join the winter fun with the North Bellmore Public Library’s Winter Reading Club. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21, library cardholders can register for children’s, teen, or adult reading clubs. Participants can sign up at the library’s reference desk or online and receive a welcome bag to kick off their reading journey. Teen and adult participants are encouraged to share book ratings to earn entries for a chance to win a special grand prize. Children, or little listeners from birth to grade 5, can color in a pair of mittens for every book they read or listen to. For every five pairs of mittens, children can check in with a children’s librarian to redeem a raffle ticket, which can be placed in the raffle basket of their choice.

Grand prizes include Apple AirPods for adults, a LEGO building set for teens, and a Polaroid camera bundle for children.

The Winter Reading Club runs through Friday, Feb. 28.

“We encourage every cardholder to dive into great reads and make this winter unforgettable,” Jessica Tymecki, director of the North Bellmore Public Library, said.

Individuals who live or work in the North Bellmore School District are eligible for a free library card. Non-residents who work within the district can bring a pay stub as proof of employment to the library during regular business hours to open a card.

OBITUARY

Beverly

Beverly Jarrett, who spent two decades as a special education teacher in Levittown schools and was a longtime Long Island resident, died Dec. 25. She was 97.

Jarrett died of natural causes, according to her family.

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 is looking for...

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1927 to Kay and Paul Bernhardt, she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Skidmore College in 1949. She later completed a master’s degree in education at Hofstra University.

She married Paul Jarrett in 1950. After several years in New York City, the couple moved to Merrick, Long Island, in 1956. She lived in Merrick for more than 50 years before moving to Massapequa Park.

During her 20-year career with the Levittown School District, Jarrett helped countless children develop essential life skills. She was also active in her community, serving as co-president of the Temple Beth Am Sisterhood at Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore.

An avid painter, she could often be found creating watercolors at Planting Fields Arboretum. She enjoyed reading, gardening, international travel, and spending time at Jones Beach State Park.

Her husband died in 2013 after 63 years of marriage. She is survived by four children, Mark, Kenneth, Richard and Patricia; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Beverly Jarrett
Jarrett, 97

State Senator Steve Rhoads is launching his third year of Mobile Office Hours across the 5th State Senate District, offering constituents one-on-one meetings with local libraries. The tour will visit eight locations between January and June.

Rhoads’ mobile office hours set to resume at local libraries

State Senator Steve Rhoads is launching the third year of his Mobile Office Hours program across Senate District 5, offering constituents one-on-one meetings at local libraries. The program, which has hosted over two dozen sessions in the past two years, aims to strengthen direct communication between the senator and community members.

Residents can schedule appointments through Rhoads’ District Office at (516) 882-0630, with walk-ins accommodated as time permits.

The mobile office hours will be held at eight libraries across Nassau County: Hicksville Public Library on Jan. 19 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Merrick Library on Jan. 26 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Island Trees Public Library in Levittown on Feb. 1 from 10 a.m.-noon; Wantagh Public Library on Feb. 15 from noon-2 p.m.; North Merrick Public Library on Feb. 27 from 6-8 p.m.; Bethpage Public Library on April 16 from 6-8 p.m.; East Meadow Public Library on May 3 from 10 a.m.-noon; and North Bellmore Public Library on June 2 from 6-8 p.m.

“Although I legislate as a State Senator in Albany, my commitment to the hardworking residents of Senate District 5 remains resolute,” Rhoads said. “I strive to be an honest voice, readily accessible to hear your concerns, and effective in developing practical solutions that address the day-to-day challenges you face.

“From tackling issues from affordability to public safety and everything in between, I believe in transparency and open communication, and it’s this connection to the community that truly drives my fight for common sense in Albany,” he added. “I am excited to continue meeting with the residents of the district I am very proud to represent, and I cannot wait to hear the ways in which I can better serve our communities.”

Rhoads emphasized his focus on issues ranging from affordability to public safety, stating his dedication to transparency and common-sense solutions in Albany. Additional dates and locations will be announced soon, according to his office.

The projecT includes: Purchase and installation of a fully integrated public address/mass communications system. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references and cost.Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, and work is to commence by March 3, 2025 and be completed by April 30, 2025.

Courtesy Office of State Senator Steve Rhoads

Officials address the State of the Region

Special to the Herald

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

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

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

Sen. Chuck Schumer

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

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

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

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

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

Gov. Kathy Hochul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

County Executive Bruce Blakeman Blakeman touted his record as county executive.

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

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

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

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

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

He quickly added a caveat, however. “We also need the infrastructure,

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

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

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

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

Supervisor Richard Schaffer

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

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

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos
LIA President and CEO Matt Cohen, far right, moderated the panel discussion, which included Long Island Supervisors Association President Richard Schaffer, far left, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that restoring the deduction for state and local taxes was a priority.
Gov. Kathy Hochul touched on a number of topics at the State of the Region event at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

Nassau Chamber group begins workshops

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTORIAL

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

Maidenbaum’s successful challenges have resulted in millions of dollars in property tax savings across Nassau County, Long Island. They are reliable and consistent; and their results prove it!

Shalom Maidenbaum is a pioneer in Nassau County residential property tax reduction. The team continues to stay ahead of their competitors with state-of-the-art technology that enhances their ability to make compelling arguments and obtain assessment reductions for homeowners.

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

Maidenbaum prides itself on its customer service, happily educating taxpayers on how the Nassau County property tax assessment system works. Clients are always in the know with real-time status updates available on their personal secure websites.

Unlike its competitors, with Maidenbaum there are no surprises and no cutting corners. There are no hidden fees, expenses or penalty clauses in their contracts. Once you choose Maidenbaum, they take care of every aspect of your case from beginning to end - file the grievance on your behalf, analyze your case, appear at all necessary conferences and hearings, and will even handle your village grievance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRANk CAmARANO JR.

LEILA pAz

Carey Senior Basketball

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

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Jan. 16

Girls Basketball: South Side at Elmont 5

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Baldwin 7

Boys Basketball: Mepham at MacArthur 7

Boys Basketball: Elmont at South Side 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at East Meadow 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Long Beach

Girls Basketball: Garden City at Calhoun

Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Hewlett

Friday, Jan. 17

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

Wrestling: Oceanside at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

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

Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.

Girls Baskietball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Wrestling: MacArthur at Long Beach 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Mepham at Calhoun 7 p.m.

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

Saturday, Jan. 18

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

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

Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Oceanside 1 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Freeport at Syosset 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Mepham adds to winning streak

After its 68-54 victory over New Hyde Park last Saturday, the Mepham girls’ basketball team is on a five-game win streak with an 8-3 overall record.

Makayla Daube and Sophia Beck posted double-doubles to lead Mepham to the win, with Daube scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, and Beck adding 20 points and 10 rebounds. Daube also crossed the 1,000-career point threshold.

Overall, Mepham head coach Jim Mulvey is happy with how the team is looking so far, given their rocky start to the season for a few reasons.

“We’re doing okay, we started off in the Wantagh Tournament, we schedule a hard beginning,” he explained.

Uniquely, Mepham’s star Daube is also an intense volleyball player, one who was part of the successful county title run in 2024.

“We had a bunch of kids coming out of volleyball that went to the Long Island championship, so our top player had a little bit of a tweaked ankle, [so] we got to always get into form with our program,” Mulvey explained.

“Because most of our team is not basketball-first kids, it takes a little while to get into the basketball mode,” added assistant coach Rich Hinnerschietz.

“We have a [Division] 2 basketball player in Daube but we have mostly lacrosse players, soccer players, volleyball players, so to get them into basketball form it takes a little bit of time,” Mulvey confirmed. “It feel like we hit our stride now.”

As the season is moving along, something that the coaching staff realized it that while they have seven seniors, the cast is still rotating as to who gets minutes to best execute game plan.

“We’ve tried to run our fast break, which is doing wonders, we’re scoring a lot in transition,” Mulvey said. “We’re pressing more, we don’t really want to get set in a half-court offense, we want to kind of run and get opportunities in fast-break. So for the most part working on our fastbreak and defense, you have to work on defense everyday.”

their

to five last

Senior Sierra Barbosa has a key role in leading the team as the go-to point guard, with Mulvey singing her praises in the offensive and defensive work she puts up.

The senior leadership is really what’s helping this team jell.

“They’re definitely battle-tested, it’s just us trying to get all of the puzzle pieces mixed in, but the seniors definitely provide that ‘been there, done that’ [element],” Mulvey said. “The leadership of Sophia Beck [and] Daube who are our two captains, and Grace Skulavik, they’re tested from last year, having been in this environment, playing AAU basketball, they’re used to this environment they really don’t

get phased anymore.”

The upperclassmen don’t overshadow the underclassman as Mulvey explained that they have a buddy system, where players are paired up across ages to foster growth and connection.

“They have to work together, that’s their buddy for the year, and [upperclassmen] have to show leadership and take them under their wing,” he explained. “A kid like Mia Troiano is a 10th grader, she stepped up and had six threes in a game. We have Bree McGovern who’s a freshman, who was up and down with us as varisty, JV with us in the middle school, and she’s playing well.”

Donovan Berthoud/Herald
Senior Sierra Barbosa is running the show from the point for the Pirates, who upped
win streak
Saturday defeating New Hyde Park.

He’s running on a solutions-oriented campaign

in his campaign announcement, include making Nassau County more affordable by lowering property taxes and implementing fiscally responsible policies to ease the burden on residents; eliminating waste by ending unnecessary legal battles and reducing oversized administrative expenses to ensure public funds are used effectively; introducing accountability measures to ensure every dollar is spent with residents’ best interests in mind; and strengthening communities by investing in essential services, infrastructure, law enforcement and education to improve the quality of life across Nassau County.

Koslow criticized County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration for spending “countless dollars defending lawsuits” because of the county’s transgender ban, which prohibits girls’ and women’s teams with transgender athletes from competing at public facilities; the county’s mask ban, which makes it a crime for those wearing a mask or face covering to hide their identity, except for health or religious reasons; and the county’s plan to form an armed, civilian militia that could operate as a de facto police force during emergencies.

“People in Nassau County are concerned about their money and their affordability — that’s important to them,” Koslow said. “These other issues are not important to them. They may be on a national scale, but that’s not what’s important in local, every day politics.”

Blakeman, a Republican, was elected to the county executive position in 2021.

In response, Chris Boyle, a spokesman for Blakeman, said in a statement, “Bruce Blakeman didn’t raise taxes even after inflation went through the roof, refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, put more cops on our streets, fought against radical pro-criminal policies and made Nassau the safest county in America. There’s no better choice for county executive than Bruce Blakeman.”

According to Koslow, Nassau County was dubbed “the safest county in America” because of its police force — not because of Blakeman.

“We have a fantastic police force, and I know that they want more police offi-

cers,” Koslow said. “We should reinvest in that to make sure we have the safest county in America forever.”

In regards to accountability, Koslow cited the county’s 2025-2028 budget, which was sent back to the drawing board by the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation that supervises the county’s finances.

“NIFA kicked back the budget because administration was playing fast and loose with the way they did their accounting and how they accounted for certain funds,” Koslow said. “And if it wasn’t for NIFA demanding that they redo the budget, would that budget have been accurate or would it have been illegal, incorrect, and we’d be in hole next year?”

Koslow said his campaign would be “solution-oriented.”

“We’re all tired of elected officials and candidates pointing out the problems in our communities,” he said. “We

The projecT includes: Purchase and installation of Securetech Safebolt barricade locks and related equipment, including fire rated doors. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at GrantBids2025@gmail.com

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, and work is to commence by March 3, 2025 and be completed by April 30, 2025.

all know what the problems are, but no one’s willing to offer solutions. I intend to offer solutions that are real — they may not be the solutions people agree

with, but they’re going to be at least solutions I think we can accomplish.”

The election for the county executive seat will take place this November.

Jordan Vallone/Herald
nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, above at the lectern, is running for nassau County executive. He spoke at a news conference in december 2024, advocating for the implementation of gio’s Law in nassau County — which would mandate all police vehicles be equipped with epinephrine auto injectors.

Celebrating outstanding All-County musicians

The North Bellmore School District is proud to announce that 28 students have been selected to participate in this month’s All-County Music Festival, hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association. Fifth and sixth grade musicians from the band, chorus and orchestra were selected based on their NYSSMA solo performance scores and teacher recommendations.

Ensemble rehearsals take place at schools throughout the county during the weeks of Jan. 6 and Jan. 13. Weekend concerts are held at the LIU Post Tilles Center.

The district extends its congratulations to all of the students who were chosen.

From John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, Ethan Andreau and Nicholas Truglio were selected for band; Jake Duverneau, Charlotte Giannetta, Brooke Murphy, Elliot Renz, and Brooke Sheehan for chorus; and Arianna Lettieri and Alayna Mangels for orchestra.

From Martin Avenue Elementary School, Isabelle Dang was selected for orchestra.

From Newbridge Road Elementary School, Elianna Lopez was selected for band; Nina Cannistraci, Henry Cohen, Marion Chelsea De Jesus, and Kyra Devlin for chorus; and Lauren Corace for orchestra.

From Park Avenue Elementary School, Andrew Udilovich was selected for band; Marco Artale, Xcenia Benden, Veronica Calise, Elianna Macaluso, and Micah Millington for chorus; and Temitayo Otuyemi for orchestra.

And from Saw Mill Road Elementary School, Frank Figueiredo was selected for band; Rebecca David, Isabella Rodriguez, and Eliana Weissman for chorus; and Mariam Subhan for orchestra.

The students learn under the direction of music teachers Skylar Berkley, Christopher D’Orio, Maritza Lopez, Ed McCullagh, Carol Ng, Alexander Roff, Patrice Ryan and Lisa Uckardes.

— Jordan Vallone
Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District
Numerous fifth and sixth grade students from John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School were selected to participate in this year’s All-County Music Festival hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association.
Isabelle Dang will represent Martin Avenue Elementary School in the All-County orchestra.
Newbridge Road Elementary School’s All-County musicians include band, chorus and orchestra students.
Isabelle Dang will represent Martin Avenue Elementary School in the All-County orchestra. Saw Mill Road had five students selected for the All-County Music Festival.

STEPPING OUT

Savor the moment in your cozy kitchen

Let those chef skills take center stage on wintry day

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

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

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

Country Stew

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

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

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 cups water

• 1 1/3 cups Zinfandel wine

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 6 large potatoes, washed, peeled and quartered

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

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen whole green beans

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

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

Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas

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

• 12 ounces uncooked campanelle pasta

• 1 tablespoon Bertolli Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

• Alfredo sauce

• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded

• 6 eggs

Dave Atell

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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

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

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

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

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

Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan

• Pasta cooking water, as needed

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

Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water if necessary.

Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup

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

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

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

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

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced medium

• 3/4 cup-1 cup dried lentils

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

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

• Coarse salt and ground pepper

• 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

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

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

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

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

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

‘Majestic Melodies’

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

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

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

THE Your Neighborhood

Jan. 25

Acrobats of Cirque-tacular

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

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

Icebreaker Marathon

Start off the New Year on the right foot with a series of races at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, Jan. 25. The Icebreaker marathon, half marathon and 5K are slated to begin around 9 a.m. in the park’s Field 2, near Parking Lot 2. To register and for more information, visit EliteFeats.com/25icebreaker.

Bellmore Chamber installation

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores hosts its annual installation dinner, Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. Celebrate a year of business and looking ahead to another at Crest Hollow Country Club. To register and for more information, visit bellmorechamber. com. 8325 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.

Read to

a dog

Fans of pups and reading will find joy in both at Bellmore Memorial Library, Saturday, Jan. 18. At an event geared for children ages 4-12, young readers will get to share a book of their choice with a friendly, trained therapy dog from Therapy Dogs of Long Island. There are multiple timeslots between 10 and 11 a.m. available. Registration required. To register and learn more, visit bellmorelibrary.org. 2288 Bedford Ave.

Let Freedom Ring with MLK

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of images from that era and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.”

The program is part of the AdvoKids monthly series that focuses on teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and others and teaching adults how to support their kids’ advocacy efforts. For ages 5 and up. $4 with admission, $3 members. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility. Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces. org/barrytech or call (516) 6226812 for more information.

1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.

Merrick Chamber installation

Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosts its 89th annual Installation Dinner and Awards Celebration, Thursday, Jan. 30, at Mio Posto, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The chamber will celebrate a year of business and honor its Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Professional of the Year and Merchant of the Year. To register, visit merrickchamber.org. 16

Merrick Ave.

In concert

British-born country rocker

Albert Lee performs, Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at My Father’s Place supper club. He started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”

He continues to tour, playing his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/info, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.

Having an event?

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Art showcase

Merrick Library showcases the works of Joseph Reboli, a beloved Long Island artist known for his stunning oil paintings that capture the essence of local life. The exhibits opens with a special program, Saturday, Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m. Lois Reboli offers insights into her husband’s life and legacy. For more, visit MerrickLibrary.org.

2279 Merrick Ave.

Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On Exhibit

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

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

Musical Explorers

Long Island Children’s Museum continues its Musical Explorers! Series, with a performance by a Jazz at Lincoln Center ensemble on the museum’s stage, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 19-20, noon and 2 p.m. Charles Turner (vocals), Summer Camargo (trumpet), David Drake (piano), Brandi Disterheft (bass) and David Hawkins (drums) present “Louis Armstrong’s Great Migration.” The program, especially created for young audiences, underscores the deep connection between this American musical genre, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. $5 with museum admission; $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets and information.

Bellmore resident Timothy Tunison took part in the Town of Hempstead Stop Throwing Out Pollutants Program last month at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Supervisor Don Clavin assisted Tunison in safely discarding hazardous materials, contributing to a cleaner community.

On Tour Company to present ‘Honk!’

The Calhoun High School On Tour Company is continuing its 2024-2025 season with its second production, Anthony Drewe and George Stiles’ “Honk!” Performances will be held in the Calhoun High School auditorium, located at 1786 State Street, Merrick. They will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

With direction by Sal Salerno, musical direction by James Crichton and choreography by Robert Tunstall, tickets to “Honk!” can be reserved by phone at (516) 992-1377 or purchased at the door.

“Honk!” is a musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “The Ugly Duckling.” The story follows a duckling named Ugly who, embarks on a journey full of challenges, meeting a variety of unique characters and learning to embrace his uniqueness. The show celebrates themes of acceptance, self-discovery and belonging, and is the perfect musical for the whole family. At both matinee performances, there will be special activities and prizes for elementary school students.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

The Calhoun High School On Tour Company is continuing its 2024-2025 season with its second production, Anthony Drewe and George Stiles’ “Honk!”

can be purchased at the door. To reserve tickets before the performance, call the box office at (516) 992-1377. This year’s season consists of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Honk!,” and upcoming productions of “Carnival!” and Thorton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth.”

The talented cast features Evan Leicht as Ugly, Addi Kelson as Ida, Nathaniel Botta as Cat, Justin Lapidus as Drake, Jack Messinger as Bullfrog, Nicole Markowitz as Queenie, Sophie Kovoros as Lowbutt, Aaron Kaplan as Turkey, Soul Brar as Penny, Brooke Thatcher as Dot, Nattie Martin as Maureen, Kenneth Howe as Greylag, Jackson Amiruddin as Father Swan, Isabella Verderosa as Grace, Zahara Parveez as Mother Swan and Amiera Cavé as Henrietta.

Tickets for “Honk!” are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. They

James Drake and Dale Parkinson founded the On Tour Company in 1973. Subsequent instructors included Dianne Meistrell and John Fredrickson, notable among several others. Under the direction of Sal Salerno, the On Tour Company began performing in 1985 and is now one of the finest school drama programs on Long Island and in New York State. It has existed at Calhoun for 50 years — with Salerno serving as the director for the last 38 years. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, James Crichton will serve as the director of the On Tour Company.

— Jordan Vallone

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, and work is to commence by March 3, 2025 and be completed by April 30, 2025.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

REAL ESTATE DEAL OF THE YEAR

Joseph Farkas, Esq

Chief

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Michael T. Puntillo

ENGINEER

Stephen A. Hayduk, P.E.

Senior Principal Hayduk Engineering LLC

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS IMEG

EXCELLENCE IN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY CITIZENSHIP

Christopher Capece

President Heatherwood Luxury Rentals

PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY

Jeremy Longo

General Manager Belfor Property Restoration

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP

Sheldon L. Shrenkel

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Nassau County IDA

TOP MORTGAGE BROKER OF THE YEAR

Nicholas Ceccarini

President Weatherstone Mortgage Corp

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Founder and Design Principal in Charge Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & IMPACT

Patricia Oliva

Chief Executive Officer Consumer Direct Title

INNOVATION IN LEGAL TECHNOLOGY

Alexander Paykin, Esq

Managing Director and Owner The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P C

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE FINANCE

Vito Giannola

Executive Vice President & Chief Banking Officer Provident Bank

KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

John Starck

President & Chief Executive Officer Showcase Kitchens

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE & TITLE

LAW

Paula Parrino, Esq.

Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President of Operations Nationwide Court Service

FATHER/SON POWER TEAM

Stanley H. & Kenneth Schuckman

Founder / President Schuckman Realty

Nassau court system offers services to victims

and their sovereignty has been taken away.

“In the trafficking world there are always consequences,” Guida said. “You don’t make enough money in a night. You don’t text back the customers quick enough. You sleep too much, fall asleep with customers waiting…I’m constantly seeing victims that do not have a feeling of self-worth.”

A huge underlying theme is that victims do not identify as victims.
Christine GuidA Deputy chief, Nassau County Special victims bureau

According to Jessica Melton, the bureau chief of human trafficking at the Queens County District Attorney’s office, traffickers manipulate

victims and survivors based on their vulnerabilities.

“This could be poverty, or facing discrimination, or being food insecure, or needing housing,” she said.

“It could be people who have substance abuse issues, or mental health issues. Or fearing immigration consequences. Traffickers manipulate these fears.”

A misconception, Melton said, is that human trafficking always involves violence — but this is not the case.

“Some of these situations are violent,” Melton said.

“But the majority of them, the traffick-

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 01/22/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

41/25. MERRICKStephen Koshers & Mitchell Koshers, Renewal of grant for variance in off-street parking & permission to park in Res. “B” District & in front yard setback on Merrick Ave., S/W cor. Merrick Ave. & Meadowbrook Rd., a/k/a 1094 Merrick Ave.

44/25. MERRICK - Brian Alarcon, Variances, front yard average setback, rear yard, construct 2nd story addition to dwelling., N/s Margaret Blvd., 212.50’ E/o Hewlett Ave., a/k/a 113 Margaret Blvd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at

https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

150991

in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 3-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held January 7th, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 3-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 3-2025, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: January 7, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 150970

LEGAL NOTICE Canderella, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 10/17/24. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 2637 Kenny Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Purpose: Any lawful. 150998

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 20I6-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST ALICE PETROSILLO-VICINO, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 11, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 28, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1096 Ava Road, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 522, Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment $528,695.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600233/2020. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure

er uses very, very deep forms of psychological manipulation.”

A major theme of the symposium was that trafficking victims and survivors, as well as traffickers, can be anyone — and anywhere.

“I have cases in the wealthiest, most affluent, sections of Nassau County,” Guida said. “It’s everywhere. It’s at every hotel. It’s at the hotels where you’re putting your families up that are coming to visit you for Christmas — the Marriott, the Hyatt — the nicer hotels that we have.”

Dr. Pepper Martin, president of the nonprofit Women Intended For Excellence, helped organize the symposium with Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, who represents parts of Merrick, Bellmore, and Freeport.

At the symposium, she stressed the point that everyone can be affected.

sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Matthew S. Vishnick, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-006482 83413 150600

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. WILLIAM GROSS, et al, Defts. Index #614605/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 2, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 29, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 62, Block 211, Lot 17. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

WILLIAM R. BOCCIO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #101992 150657

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: MANISHMA, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/25/24. 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: 2059 Merrick Road Merrick, N.Y. 11566 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150583

“This is something that transcends socioeconomic status, ethnicity — it affects everyone,” Martin said. “We’re impacted emotionally, of course, but we’re also impacted morally, ethically and financially because of this issue…I don’t want to glorify it, but this is a crime that literally doesn’t discriminate.”

There is a Human Trafficking Intervention Court in Nassau County. Guida said the court has a special traumainformed purpose — to assist victims of human trafficking, that also may have committed crimes, like prostitution.

“The purpose of this court is to ensure that persons in prostitution and people who are charged with these crimes do not end up with criminal convictions,” Guida said.

“What we want to do is flood them with services, and resources, and give them what they need to get out of the life of prostitution.”

The courts also make sure that the traffickers don’t get their convictions vacated like the victims and survivors. The district attorney’s office weeds through the cases and makes sure traffickers don’t go to that court.

“We’re not looking to send a trafficker or promoter of prostitution to this court,” Guida said. “We want the people being victimized to have their cases dis-

missed.”

They also want to get the maximum punishment for the traffickers.

“We try our best to get upstate jail time,” Guida said. “We always want to get sex offender registration, but it only comes with certain convictions.”

It’s difficult to both identify and investigate these cases, she added. “Our evidence gets lost quickly,” Guida said. “It’s a lot of electronic media.”

There’s plenty community members can do to prevent human trafficking from occurring. “How can you help?” Guida asked rhetorically. “Be aware of the red flags. Be aware of your surroundings…If you see a location, a massage parlor or something that doesn’t seem right, you can make a complaint… an anonymous tip. Talk to your children, your nieces, your nephews, your friends, your congregation members. Talk to them about the red flags.”

For more on the symposium and information shared, visit WomenIntendedforExcellence.org. Additional resources about human trafficking are available at the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, by texting 233733, or at HumanTraffickingHotline. org.

psychologist dr. teresa taylor Williams shared a personal story about a loved one who was victim of human trafficking.

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos dr. pepper martin, president of the nonprofit Women intended for excellence, helped organize the symposium with nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for

To place an ad call

Apartments For Rent

MASSAPEQUA:

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

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

A.This is a timely yet touchy subject, with so much uncertainty about what direction product costs will go in the near future. I receive 32 industry publications per month, and I have just learned that the U.S. Commerce Department issued a ruling in July that China was found to be skirting United States import duties by producing cabinet components in China, but then further processing the products in Vietnam and Malaysia, so the cabinetry did not appear to come from China. Even though this latest judgment pertains specifically to solid wood and engineered-wood products, which is most of what cabinetry is made of, it also includes drawer fronts and doors, which may have been produced elsewhere and assembled in any one of those countries or the U.S. While the components’ foreign production and later assembly saved money, the cabinet door is closing on whether you will save money in the near future.

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

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

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

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!

Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry

Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

SLIDING SHOWER CHAIR f or easy in/out of tub. Never used. Top quality. Less than half of original price. $150. Priced to move. 516-208-5593.

Wanted To Buy

FREON WANTED

Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

CARGO CARRIER, FOR rooftop, Soft, used once, call for specs, $50. (516)225-9191

CD TOWERS (2) Southwestern Kokopelli Design Holds 90+ $45 (516) 287-7027 call/text

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

GENUINE LEATHER BLACK Swivel Chair, Good Condition. 516-554-3643. Curbside pick-up, Malverne, $95.

GIRLS CLOTHES SIZE 10, New with Tags. $11 each. Lot of 10 pieces. 917-420-5814

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

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

TEENAGE BOYS CARGO Shorts: Size 16, New with Tags, $10. Denim, Beige and Grey 917-420-5814

TIFFANY STYLE CHANDELIER: 1970s, Multicolor glass, 20 inch diameter $15 (516) 965-0982

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

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

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

Exterminating

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Home Improvement

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

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

Home Improvement

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

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful

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

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

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

Legal Services

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

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities

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

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

We are committed to building on this success in the years to come while protecting our residents’ quality of life from extremist politicians in Albany. Being named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement, the strength of our emergencyresponse teams, and our investments in public safety. An increased police presence in Nassau County communities is crucial to maintaining that safety. Since taking office, I have sworn in 291 new police officers and 147 new correction officers and deputy sheriffs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Blakeman is the county executive.

Bipartisanship is the way forward

As I look back on my first few weeks as a congresswoman, I have been guided at every turn by the promise I made on the campaign trail: I will always put Long Island first. When I first decided to run for Congress, I knew the mission was simple: to listen to the concerns of my constituents and to work across the aisle whenever possible to deliver real results for Nassau County. Long Islanders have made it clear that they want action on securing our borders and overhauling our broken immigration system. Its shortcomings are the results of decades of inaction, despite our congressional responsibility to fix these gaps. I said my Day One priority would be fixing immigration and keeping Americans safe, and I meant it. That’s why my very first act in office was crossing party lines to vote for the Laken Riley Act, to prevent future tragedies, protect our communities and deter crime. This bill gives the

Department of Homeland Security the ability to detain those who commit certain crimes while here without legal rights if they have not otherwise been detained. While we work on more comprehensive solutions to address immigration and the border crisis, we must give law enforcement officials the tools to deter crime and protect our communities.

Nassau County residents have been clear: They want solutions, not partisanship.

I have been clear that these comprehensive solutions must start with securing our southern border, a priority shared by many of my constituents. We must hire more border patrol officers, erect physical barriers where necessary, and ensure that law enforcement has the resources to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. While we secure our southern border, we must also be focused on streamlining our asylum process and protecting pathways to legal immigration for hardworking, eligible people who will contribute to our economy.

Second, in every corner of the district, I’ve heard from hardworking Long Islanders of every background who are counting on Congress to tack -

le the cost-of-living crisis. That starts with giving the middle class a tax break by reinstating the deduction for state and local taxes and doing away with the unfair double taxation that is hurting so many of us. In my first week in office, I wrote to House and Senate leadership calling for immediate negotiations to reinstate the SALT deduction in any upcoming tax package. I’ve been clear: We must get this done for New Yorkers, and I look forward to working with my SALT Caucus colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver this much-needed middle-class tax relief.

I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship. As Hempstead town supervisor, I reached across the aisle to revitalize our infrastructure, reduce taxes and pass anti-corruption reforms. I worked every day with the Town Board’s Republican majority to deliver on the issues that mattered most, while taking aim at government waste and promoting transparency. I’ll bring that same mindset of bridging political differences and finding compromise to

every day of my service representing the 4th District. With the pressing issues we face, it is more important than ever that we reject extremism and work to deliver results on the shared values and priorities that matter most.

Nassau County residents have been clear: They want problems solved, not partisanship. I’ll always prioritize effective governance and policies that directly enhance our communities over party loyalty or political extremism. I will work with anyone, from either party, to deliver what is best for Nassau County.

As I’ve met more of my new congressional colleagues of both parties, I’m hopeful that the productive relationships we’re building enable thoughtful legislation that advances our shared values. America is diverse in creed, thought and background, but we all strive for the same things: lower costs, access to health care, good jobs, and a better future for our children. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and if Congress can focus on our shared priorities, we can deliver not only for our constituents, but for all Americans.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

LAURA GILLEN
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

Abandoning fact-checking is dangerous

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

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

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

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

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

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

letters

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘The Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate’

To the Editor:

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

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

As part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal

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

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

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

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

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

opinions

L.I. deserves its fair share of transportation funding

Long Island is known for many things, from our beautiful beaches and lighthouses to historic sites, great seafood and wineries. yet, beneath the charm and attractions, Long Island grapples with a major obstacle: an aging and insufficient transportation network that can’t keep pace with our growing population.

As Long Island continues to grow, our region faces a challenge that threatens both its economy and quality of life, with a transportation and infrastructure network that is underfunded, poorly maintained, and inadequate to meet the needs of our residents.

Currently, transportation funding is overseen by the New york metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes New york City and several surrounding counties. This arrangement leaves Long Island competing for resources with the largest metropolitan center in the county, a challenge that often means Long Island’s needs are underrepresented and underfunded.

w
e have the population and economic output of many states, but not the infrastructure.

The Long Island region’s share of transportation funding has dropped from 23 percent to just 6 percent. We’re in dire need of a fairer allocation that meets the region’s unique needs. This is why we need a dedicated Nassau Suffolk metropolitan Planning organization.

The creation of a Long Island-specific planning organization would ensure that our region has a clear,

Letters

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

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

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

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

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

coordinated approach to transportation planning, empower Long Island to secure its fair share of federal transportation funding, streamline project execution, and drive long-term economic growth.

Long Island would have direct access to apply for federal dollars, bypassing state-level bottlenecks and allowing for tailored projects that address our specific challenges, including solutions to the oakdale merge, the deadly Southern State Parkway and the electrification of the Port Jefferson line of the Long Island Rail Road.

Smaller regions of the state — including Ithaca, with a population of about 107,000 — have their own transportation planning organization that allows them to apply for federal funding directly. And yet, Long Island’s 3

million residents — more people than most major American cities — are grouped in with New york City and other regions.

This is more than a call for funding; it’s a call to recognize Long Island’s unique position as a vital economic and cultural hub. our region has the population and economic output of many U.S. states — we need infrastructure that reflects that.

Long Islanders share a vision for better roads, bridges, and tunnels, expanded transit options, reduced congestion, and an improved quality of life. We deserve a metropolitan Planning organization to secure our region’s future. Thanks to Assemblyman Steve Stern and Senator monica martinez for introducing legislation— now we need the legislature to act and pass A.10705/S.9918 and make this vision a reality.

Mark Herbst is executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association.

Framework by Kevin Kelley

Nassau County’s official paper is the Post?

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

Island

In the background, the Himalayas’ Annapurna range — Nepal
marC HerBst

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.