Oceanside/Island Park Herald 01-09-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

HERALD

Courtesy New York Giants Oceanside’s Ali Berke sang the national anthem before the Giants’ game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 29.

Oceanside’s anthem star shines in biggest stadium yet, Giants’ MetLife

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

For many artists, the journey to stardom is a marathon, not a sprint, and for Ocean side’s Ali Berke, 2024 proved to be a pivotal year in her career.

The 24-year-old singer-songwriter ended the year on a high note, singing the national anthem before the New York Giants-Indianapolis Colts game on Dec. 29 at MetLife Stadium, the largest venue in which Berke has performed.

“To be singing for an NFL team is the biggest deal to me,” she said last week. “The Giants were so accommodating and kind, which isn’t something you experience everywhere. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.” Berke’s 2024 schedule included perfor-

mances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in major sports arenas including Madison Square Garden, before a Knicks game, Wrigley Field for the Cubs and Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, for the Reds. While she has enjoyed every moment, the Giants game now occupies a special place in her heart.

“It was my biggest venue yet, and being a lifelong New Yorker, getting to sing for local teams is always special,” Berke, a 2018 graduate of Oceanside High School, said. “Madison Square Garden was also incredible, because that’s a huge bucket-list item for me. The Knicks are a great team to sing for, and any time I get to sing for New York is always going to be special.”

“The Giants organization runs like clockwork,” Ali’s father and manager, Jack Berke,

Tom Lehman is named 2025 Citizen of Year

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Tom Lehman, Oceanside School District’s athletic director, has been named the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Citizen of the Year in a celebration of his dedication, leadership and community spirit.

“He can never do enough for anybody in the community,” said Chamber member Joe Cibellis. “I personally think he’s one of the biggest assets the Oceanside School District has had in a long time.”

Tom is one of the most special people we’ve had in Oceanside ever. It’s been an honor to work with him.

Lehman will be honored during the chamber’s annual cocktail reception at Temple Avodah on Feb. 13. Lehman’s recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to the community over the past four years.

“I was taken aback because, I feel like I just do my job and try to support as many kids or people as possible,” Lehman said about his recognition. “That’s just how I operate. It’s humbling, and I was definitely surprised.”

Lehman, 45, moved to Oceanside in 2008, and became the school district’s athletic director in 2019. A native of Queens, Lehman started his career in education in 2003, after earning a bachelor’s’ degree and then a master’s in physical education from Queens College. His early positions included physical education teacher, coach and assistant principal in Queens and, later, athletic director in Westchester.

“Oceanside was almost like a dream job when it became available,” Lehman said. “I didn’t say anything to anybody until I finally got the word that I was going to get it, which was an honor.”

Under his leadership, the Oceanside athletic program has flourished, emphasizing academic excellence, community service and mentorship. Initiatives like peer tutoring, leadership development through the Scholar-Athletes in Service to COntInueD On pAGe 8

Gearing up for another Hempstead Mulchfest

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The holiday season may be winding down, but in the Town of Hemsptead, there’s still time to celebrate sustainably at the town’s 5th Annual Mulchfest.

Residents are invited to bring their Christmas trees to Veterans Memorial Park at 1700 Prospect Ave., East Meadow on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where the trees will 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. “This holiday tradition sees scores of residents turning their Christmas trees into mulch, with each year getting better and better.”

A “Mulchfest” is an event where people can bring their natural Christmas trees to be recycled into mulch, a nutrient-rich material often used in gardening and landscaping. During a Mulchfest, trees are shredded into mulch using wood chippers, and participants are usually offered free mulch to take home for personal use.

The event promotes eco-friendly practices by preventing discarded trees from going to landfills and repur-

mals, like the Town of Hempstead’s goats, that enjoy eating pine. It’s a sustainable way to “give back” during the holiday season while responsibly disposing of Christmas trees.

The eco-friendly event gives families the opportunity to extend the season of giving by repurposing their trees into nutrient-rich mulch for gardening, moisture retention, and weed prevention. Residents can take home a free bag of mulch or choose to have the mulch donated to the town’s goats. Additionally, broken-down cardboard will be accepted and recycled during the event.

For those unable to attend Mulchfest, Christmas trees can be dropped off at the homeowner disposal area next to Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve at 1600 Merrick Road, between Monday, Jan. 13, and 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.

Above, a goat at the park munches on a tree at a past event.

posing them in ways that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health, retaining moisture, and reduc -

ing weeds. Some Mulchfests also use excess mulch for community landscap ing projects or even as snacks for ani

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH AT 9:30 A.M.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH AT 11 A.M.-1 P.M.

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Discover a Faith-based Educational Journey at St. Agnes Cathedral School At St. Agnes Cathedral School we believe that every child is a precious gift from God. We invite you to experience our exceptional academic program at our upcoming Open House.

Nurturing Environment: We cultivate a community based on love, compassion, and respect. Here, every child is encouraged to grow, explore, and develop their unique talents in a caring, supportive atmosphere.

Rigorous Academic Excellence: Our curriculum blends faith with innovative teaching methods, offering a challenging yet enriching academic experience that sparks curiosity and fosters a lifelong passion for learning.

Spiritual Growth: Alongside academics, we emphasize spiritual development, guiding students to understand and live by the values of faith, hope, and charity, shaping strong moral foundations for their future.

Physical and Creative Development: Our students enjoy physical education classes in our spacious gym, with K-8 students also participating in daily recess. Through art, music, and enrichment activities, they experience a well-rounded education that nurtures both body and mind.

Community Engagement: Our Mothers’ Club, Fathers’ Club, Parent-School Association, and School Board work together to help our students grow and thrive, fostering meaningful connections between families, teachers, administration, and students.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our new STEM Center features a science lab, STEM lab, and Art Room. Designed to inspire creativity and innovation, our modern classrooms provide an engaging environment for students to explore and learn.

CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

ST. AGNES OPEN HOUSE

The Town of Hempstead will hold its annual Mulchfest on Jan. 11 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow. Residents can turn their Christmas trees into mulch, which they can either take home or donate to the Nigerian Dwarf goats that inhabit the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick.

I.P. resident is valedictorian at Long Beach High

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Long Beach High School has announced the top two students in this year’s senior class: Island Park resident Daniel Brenner is the valedictorian, and LiLin Garfinkel is the salutatorian.

Brenner, 17, was born in China, where his father was working for Lockheed Martin as a radar engineer. He grew up admiring his dad’s work, which sparked his interest in engineering. His family moved back to the United States when he was 12, landing in Island Park, where, in a sign of things to come, he was the valedictorian of Island Park Middle School.

“That was really early to be ranking people,” Brenner joked.

When he got to Long Beach High, he started taking International Baccalaureate classes, intending to work toward an IB Diploma. It was no surprise, given the influence of his father’s work, that he concentrated in the sciences.

“I want to major in engineering, so I’m more focused on STEM classes,” Brenner explained, referring to science, technology, engineering and math. “I really like calculus. I really like physics. I think they’re very interesting and they’re math-heavy, so I find that cool.”

Outside the classroom, Brenner is a member of the National Honor Society, and vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society — despite the fact that he didn’t learn to play a musical instrument until 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit, and he found himself bored. He was playing catch with his mom one day, he recalled, and just said, “I want to learn an instrument.”

He decided on the alto saxophone, because it “sounds cool.” He taught himself, watching YouTube videos to learn the fingerings. He joined the high school band later than most of the other student musicians, but he has more than held his own. Now Brenner plays in the school pep band, the jazz band and the wind ensemble.

and treasurer of the school’s robotics club. He used to watch Formula One racing when he was growing up, interested as much in the engineering and assembly of the cars as he was in the racing. He is also an athlete, the captain of the high school’s badminton and bowling teams.

Brenner said he never had the goal of being the class valedictorian. “I just worked my best,” he said. “I just tried my hardest.”

I just worked my best. I just tried my hardest.

DANIEl BRENNER Valedictorian

He also taught himself Japanese. “I self-taught Japanese because I used to watch anime a lot, especially in China,” he said. “I watched anime and I was like, why not learn Japanese? I have an 1,800-day Duolingo streak right now,” he added, referring to his use of the online language platform. “I started in seventh grade.”

Brenner takes a great deal of pride in being a mechanical design lead in

Garfinkel, 16, has also followed a unique path in her Long Beach educational career. She was in sixth grade when the pandemic initially spread, and then had an especially strange school year — as did everyone — the year after, as a seventh-grader. Since the learning process wasn’t normal, she studied a lot by herself, focusing on the core subjects of math, science, social studies and English. She ended up so far ahead that she took algebra and geometry in middle school and actually skipped eighth grade, going right to the high school.

“I was both excited and nervous,” Garfinkel said of the two-grade jump. “I remember the first day of school, everyone was confused. I didn’t really like explaining it — I don’t like the

whole conversation. But the funny thing is, I didn’t tell anyone in my old grade that I was skipping, so I just disappeared.”

She said she feels as if she missed out on some of the normal eighthgrade experiences, but that set her up for early success. She was well prepared for higher-level classes, and is also aiming for an IB Diploma. Garfinkel is now the vice president of treasury of the National Honor Society, and captain of the math team.

Beyond her academic success, she is also a co-founder and vice president of the school’s Asian American Pacific Islander Culture Club, and treasurer of the Class Club. She plays viola, and is a member of the Chamber Orchestra and the high school’s Principal Quartet. She also volunteers at the Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island, where she helps teach Mandarin and traditional Chinese culture to young students.

Garfinkel began playing tennis in middle school, and is now captain of the varsity team. But despite her success in and out of the classroom, she never thought much about being a topranking student.

“I wasn’t thinking of it as a goal,” she said. “It wasn’t really something that I would put over anything else, but I tried my hardest with my grades.”

Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

Daniel Brenner and LiLin Garfinkel are Long Beach High School’s 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian.

Officials celebrate Oceanside soccer

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder and Town Clerk Kate Murray presented a commemorative sign to members of the Oceanside High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, who recently won the 2024 Nassau County Class AAA Championship. Also attending were Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Danielle Chiera, Assistant Coach Tina Pumo, and Junior Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Dakota Ejnes; Athletic Director Thomas Lehman; Oceanside Board of Education President Mike D’Ambrosio and members Sandie Schoell and Donald Maresca; Superintendent of Schools Phyllis Harrington; and Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.

Grehn, a nurse practitioner and spokesperson for the Limb Kind Foundation, talks with School Three students about managing her prosthetic devices. She unwrapped the cheetah print covers on her prosthetics to show how she can match her legs to her outfits and then demonstrated how she gets around when she removes her legs before bed. The students will be sponsoring a model for the Limb Kind Foundation’s Show Your Shine adaptive runway event in January.

School Three sponsor Limb Kind Foundation model

A Forgotten American Treasure

Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac appeared from 1732 to 1758. Amongst other information, it provided pithy sayings and proverbs, many of which have withstood the test of time.

“An empty bag cannot stand upright.”

“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”

“Anoint a villain and he’ll stab you: stab him and he’ll anoint you.”

“An old young man will be a young old man.”

“Don’t think to hunt two hares with one dog.”

“Eat few suppers and you’ll need few medicines.”

“Great almsgiving, lessens no man’s living.”

“Happy’s the wooing that’s not long a doing.”

“He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.”

“If your riches are yours, why don’t you take them with you to the other world.”

“Lost time is never found again.”

“The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?”

“They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.”

“The sleeping fox catches no poultry.”

“The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.”

“When you’re good to others, you are best to yourself.”

“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.”

Editor’s Note: The filing requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (last week’s column) has been suspended by the courts until further notice.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Students in Stacey Greenfield’s Project Extra class at School Three will once again sponsor a model for the annual Limb Kind Foundation Fashion Show known as Show Your Shine, which will be held at the Huntington Paramount on Jan. 25. Show Your Shine raises awareness of limb difference and limb loss, promotes confidence and kindness, and raises funds to provide prosthetics for children in parts of the world where insurance coverage for prosthetics is lacking.

The students learned about Nate, a 12 year old from Connecticut who loves acting, gaming, eating and cooking all different types of foods. Nate’s legs, left arm, and three fingers on his right arm were amputated when he was three years old due to complications from

sickle cell anemia. He’s looking forward to Show Your Shine and the students hope to meet him “virtually” before the fashion show.

The Limb Kind Foundation was started by Oceanside prosthetist Robert Schulman and his sister, occupational therapist Jill Smith. One of Limb Kind’s spokespeople is Nicole Grehn, a nurse practitioner whose legs were amputated after a heart virus. All three visited School Three just before the holidays to talk about Limb Kind, Nate, and Show Your Shine. Grehn, who loves animal prints, showed off her cheetah-print wrapped legs to the students and talked about how she manages her prosthetic devices.

–Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Oceanside School District

Nicole

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

HERALD SchoolS

O’Side School Eight students donate mittens

Second grade teacher Alison Okun of School Eight organized an opportunity for students to engage in charity when she encouraged students to do extra chores at home to earn donations. With the funds that they raised, students purchased mittens and hats for children in need.

Bob Transom, who heads up Oceanside Community Service, in addition to serving on the board of education, visited School Eight just before the holidays to collect the donations. Oceanside Community Services will provide them to the Martin Luther King Center in Rockville Centre and Bethany House in Baldwin.

–Kepherd Daniel

School Eight second grade students pose with Bob Transom of Oceanside Community Service, who came to collect the mittens and hats they are donating to children in need.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HERALD SPORTS

Hofstra wrestling begins exciting new era

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra wrestling alum Jamie Franco is now leading the program where he thrived on the mats as a student-athlete looking to raise it to new heights.

Franco, a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier at Hofstra in the early 2010s, was named the Pride’s 13th- head coach on July 1, 2024 replacing Dennis Papadatos after he took an administrative role in the university’s athletic department. It marks another return home for Franco, who served as an assistant coach under Papadatos from 2016 to 2023 before spending a season on the wrestling staff at Columbia University last year.

“I always wanted to be a head coach and to be able to get this opportunity was a dream come true for me,” said Franco, who won 75 matches at Hofstra including a conference title at 133 pounds in 2013. “To come back to my alma mater and get my first head coaching gig at Hofstra was really special.”

After graduating Hofstra in 2014 with a business degree, Franco was operations manager of the famed Longo and Weidman MMA Training Center in Garden City where Hofstra wrestling legend Chris Weidman trained when he held a UFC middleweight title from 2013 to 2015. Franco maintains a close relationship with Weidman and recently brought his longtime trainer Ray Longo in a cross training session with the wrestlers.

“I think it’s always good to get these guys training outside of just wrestling to make them physically and mentally tougher,” Franco said.

Franco inherited a roster with plenty of former Long Island high school wrestling standouts including 133-pound Ryan Arbeit, who won a county title for Wantagh in 2022. The redshirt freshman was voted a team captain in October along with Massapequa High School product Chase Liardi, Justin Hoyle of Maple Valley, Wash and Ross McFarland of Pennellville, N.Y.

Two of Arbeit’s former Wantagh teammates are also on the Hofstra roster including red-shirt junior Mat Rogers, who won a New York State Championship in 2020 and Joe Russo, who was sidelined last season after joining the Pride from Nassau Community College. Russo was sidelined at the beginning of the season with an injury, but Franco is hoping he can make a contribution as the dual meet schedule heats up.

The Nassau County South Shore presence on the Hofstra mats also includes 165-pound redshirt junior Eric Shindel, who was an All-County wrestler at JFK High School in Bellmore in 2020 and 2021.

Fellow 165-pounder Kyle Mosher, who won a New York State title with South Side High School in Rockville Centre, joined the Pride this season as a graduate student after competing as an undergraduate student

at Columbia under Franco.

“He is looking really good early in the season so we’re looking to keep building on it,” said Franco of Mosher, who placed eighth in the 30-team Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 7. “He’s on everyone’s radar now.

Franco recorded his first dual meet win as Hofstra head coach with a 21-12 victory against Duke at home on Nov. 16. The Pride entered the new year at 4-3 and will next be in action on Jan. 9 with an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) road match at Binghamton. The Pride then has home matches in the Mack Sports Complex scheduled Jan. 26 against Penn starting at noon and Feb. 2 versus Franklin & Marshall at 4 p.m.

The Pride will look to make some noise at the EIWA Championships at Lehigh on March 7-8 and qualify at least three of four wrestlers for the NCAA Championships in Philadelphia from March 20-22.

“The guys are growing every week,” Franco said. “I think we’re going to see a more gritty team for us in the EIWAs so I feel like we’re going to get a bunch of placers there this year.”

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Massapequa native Chase Liardi is one of Hofstra’s captains.

Ross McFarland and the Pride are looking to make noise under new coach Jamie Franco, a Hofstra wrestling alumn.

Oceanside’s Ali Berke is hitting all the right notes

said of the preparations leading up to her latest performance. “Even the sound check at 9:45 a.m. was choreographed to perfection. They announced it just like the game: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the national anthem, performed by Ali Berke.’”

The Oceanside native, who’s also known as Ali the Anthem Girl, is on an ambitious quest to perform the anthem at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, a journey that has garnered her significant attention and admiration. Thus far she has sung at 14 MLB stadiums, beginning at Citi Field before a Mets-Phillies game in 2017 and most recently performing before a NationalsPhillies game in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28.

Her talent and growing recognition haven’t gone unnoticed by the media. Earlier last year, Berke was interviewed on the radio station WINS and appeared on WCBS-TV, WPIX-TV and WGN-TV.

“It was surreal,” she recalled. “To have media outlets reaching out and covering my journey was incredible. It felt like a domino effect — once one story was out, more followed.”

Berke has performed in at least one stadium or arena in all four major sports, and aims to complete her tour of MLB venues in the next few years. With football season winding down, she and her team — her father and her publicist, Nabeela Aysen — are turning their

attention to basketball and baseball. Talks are underway with the Brooklyn Nets, and the Berkes hope to secure additional MLB opportunities this year.

“We’re aiming for 20 or more baseball performances this season,” Jack, a sports agent, said. “It’s ambitious, but we’re ready for it.”

His daughter’s visibility has also opened up opportunities beyond sports. In November, Ali performed at Z100’s Dunkin’ Lounge at the FM station’s stu-

dios in Manhattan, a step toward her ultimate goal of making a name for herself as a recording artist.

As she reflected on 2024, she acknowledged that it was easy to get lost in the fast pace of it all. “At times it felt like I hadn’t done enough,” she said. “But when I really sit back and think about it, I realize how much I’ve accomplished. Between the traveling, the media coverage and singing in front of thousands, it was an amazing year.”

Berke balances her musical career with a number of jobs including nanny, salad bar worker and birthday party assistant, but spends time in the Loft Sound Studio in Syosset at least once or twice a week. And while she remains focused on future anthem performances, she also plans to release original music and perform at other music venues and festivals.

“I’ve always wanted to share my stories through my songs,” she said. “This past year, the anthem performances took up a lot of my time, but now I want to focus on my original music and taking my career to the next level.”

“We’re gaining momentum,” Jack said. “This is just the beginning.”

Nonetheless, both father and daughter are candid about the challenges of making it in the music industry. “It’s like applying for a job,” Jack said. “You knock on doors, send your resume, and hope to get an interview. But once you’re in, it’s about proving you belong there.”

As Ali reflects on her journey, she is filled with gratitude for all that has happened so far. “This has been a year of growth, both personally and professionally,” she said. “I’m excited to see what 2025 has in store.”

Berke can be found on Instagram and TikTok, at Alitheanthemgirl and aliberkeofficial.

Courtesy New York Giants

The 24-year-old Oceanside pop singer’s star

Tom Lehman is all about community

Others program, and service projects such as clothing drives have become hallmarks of Lehman’s tenure.

Tom Lehman is a genuine and sincere person and educator,” said High School teacher Frank Luisi who leads the Scholar Athletes program. “He has a great heart and practices servant leadership. He leads by serving others. I’ve been in Oceanside since 1975, and I’ve seen many great people, administrators, teachers and coaches. Tom is one of the most special people we’ve had in Oceanside ever. It’s been an honor to work with him.”

Lehman and his wife, Andrea, who works at a Rockville Centre law firm, have two daughters, Jordyn, 13, and Makenzie, 9. Lehman said he enjoys being more involved in his daughters’ lives and activities now that he works in the community in which they live.

T“I think the thing with sports is it’s a platform for people to come together from different backgrounds, walks of life and experiences, and even kids,” Lehman added. “Whether it was in Long Island City or whether it’s Oceanside, I think kids can kind of come together for a common purpose through sport. I do think that’s the biggest thing that sports provides.”

he mindset that I had as an educator is making sure that students had the platform to be successful in whatever they chose to do

Tom

“The mindset that I had as an educator is making sure that students had the platform to be successful in whatever they chose to do,” he said. “In terms of being an athletic director here in Oceanside, while I miss coaching, every single day, I think this role that I have, I get to work closely with all of the coaches and all the programs, but also be a person that the kids could turn to for advice, or if they just need anything at all. I think it’s really special, and it’s the closest thing I could do to coaching teams myself. So I love that aspect of it.”

Lehman Oceanside School District athletic director

Viewing sports as more than just competition, he sees it as a platform for personal growth, teamwork and resilience, he said.

Lehman’s approach extends beyond athletics, embracing all students, including those involved in arts, music and vocational programs. By attending games and school events, he ensures visibility and personal connections with students and families. His efforts have fostered a culture of inclusion and encouragement, where every student feels valued and supported.

“My office is in high school, so if I’m able to ask a kid how they’re doing, or good game yesterday, if they’re on a sports team, I think connecting with kids that way just shows them people care,” Lehman said.

Lehman credits much of his success to teamwork, working closely with coaches, educators and district staff to ensure professional development and innovative practices. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, shared vision and a service-oriented mindset — qualities that have earned him respect throughout the district.

“Oceanside is a special place,” he said. “They believe in community. It’s not just the school district, it’s different organizations in Oceanside. Everybody kind of works together hand-in-hand, whether it’s

community service, Chamber of Commerce, or different local businesses that kind of rally together. And I think being part of that in any way possible, whether it’s supporting or leading initiatives, I think that’s important.”

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Courtesy Tom Lehman Lehman will be honored on Feb. 13 at Temple Avodah.

Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.

The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.

Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

Nassau Community College students, faculty protest course cuts

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Students and faculty at Nassau Community College are voicing their frustration over the lack of course offerings and departmental cuts.

Faculty packed the college’s multipurpose room to hear colleagues and students voice their concerns at the annual winter luncheon on Dec. 17.

The event was hosted by the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, a local union affiliated with New York State United Teachers. Frustrations over course cuts and departmental reductions were highlighted.

According to NCCFT president Faren Siminoff, the campus is not meeting its mission, which is to offer a “robust offering of courses” scheduled throughout the day for students.

Administrators have doubled since last year, she said, but the college has eliminated 21 departments, cut funding to student services and clubs, all while limiting its schedule of classes.

Jerry Kornbluth, the vice president for Community and Government Relations at Nassau Community College, said in a statement that the college aims to preserve and expand course offerings while retaining tenured professors despite a nationwide decline in college enrollment. He noted that the college has reduced its budget deficit from $14.8 million to $4.8 million, while boosting enrollment by 8% over the

past year.

Department mergers, he said, were carefully planned in alignment with union agreements to improve efficiency.

In addition, Kornbluth stated that the theater and dance department will not be eliminated, and will continue to offer majors and seasonal productions, ensuring its ongoing presence on campus.

“Our priority remains preserving and enhancing the affordable, highquality education that Nassau Community College is known for,” Kornbluth said in a statement.

“We look forward to continuing to be a place where students thrive, whether they are entering the workforce or transferring to a fouryear institution.”

I

that uses this college.”

Joining students and staff were County Legislators Thomas McKevitt and Siela Bynoe, who spoke of the importance that community colleges provide for middle-class students. Bynoe was elected to state senate in November.

f there’s nothing there for them, they’re not going to register. This is totally counter to the rhythm and needs of the community that uses this college.

Siminoff claims that students have found it difficult to find courses that fit their busy schedule, especially for those who work. The college, she said, would reportedly cancel a course offering early, sometimes a week or two after registration opens, even though students register weeks later.

FAREn SImInoFF President, NCCFT

“If there’s nothing there for them, they’re not going to register,” Siminoff said. “This is totally counter to the rhythm and needs of the community

McKevitt said he wished people could see the college’s potential as a place where students, who might not be able to afford tuition for private institutions, can succeed and be tomorrow’s leaders.

“The reality is that the private institutions have priced the middle class out of higher education,” McKevitt said, “which is why Nassau Community College is more important than it has ever been before.”

Richard Ginsburg, chairman of the theater and dance department at NCC, claimed administration planned to “deactivate” the program. Ginsburg had instructed and guided students for over 40 years throughout the department’s 61-year history, adding that the arts are essential to education, and the state owes it to itself to sustain and encourage such programs.

“We had survived and grew through

a deadly pandemic,” Ginsburg said, “but we will not survive through this administration, as next fall, the theater department will go from historically nine, full-time teaching faculty to zero.”

Simran Gil, an international student and president of the Filipino Cultural Society, said at the beginning of this semester, her club allegedly received “zero dollars in funding” despite submitting all their paperwork on time.

Gil said her club addressed this issue to the Faculty Student Association and Student Government Association and eventually received $250, which Gil said was “far too little” to support the club’s activities, which was half of what they received in 2021, she added.

“We need a clear answer regarding the discrepancies in our budget and accountability for how funds are allocated,” Gil said.

Bynoe is a graduate at Nassau Community College, who worked full-time while attending courses in the evening. She described her experience as a foundation that led her to a master’s in public administration at Long Island University and wants the college to be sustainable for current students and generations to come.

“We want to make sure that their children and their children’s children have an opportunity to have an affordable, quality education,” Bynoe said, “One that can allow them to springboard to other universities and go into vocations of their choice.”

Charles Shaw/Herald

Richard Ginsburg, chair of the theater and dance department at Nassau Community College, spoke at the Dec. 17 luncheon hosted by the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers about the planned deactivation of his program, citing the importance of arts in education. According to Jerry Kornbluth, the vice president for Community and Government Relations at Nassau Community College, the college is not eliminating the department.

O’Side PA graduate celebrates white coat ceremony

Hofstra University’s Class of 2024 Physician Assistant Studies students, including Anjali Mohan from Oceanside, celebrated the culmination of their rigorous academic journey at the annual White Coat Ceremony on Dec. 18.

The event, held at the Adams Playhouse, marked their transition from PA students to healthcare professionals. The students donned their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to patient care.

“This cohort holds a special place for me as the first group I’ve guided from interviews to graduation since joining Hofstra,” said Scott Gould chair and associate professor of PA studies, who opened the ceremony. “Remember the firehose of knowledge you’ve absorbed over these 28 months has prepared you to tackle any challenge ahead. I am confident you will excel as compassionate and skilled PAs, making a lasting impact in healthcare.”

These awards highlighted the diverse talents and dedication of the graduates, reflecting their commitment to excellence both in the classroom and in clinical settings.

Class representative Danielle Slevin of Merrick, recipient of the Leadership Award, delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of her classmates. She reflected on her journey through the program, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and staying connected to their “why” - the driving force behind their decision to pursue careers as PAs.“If

there’s one thing that was stressed more during the didactic year than anything else, it was teamwork,” Slevin said.

“We’ve grown so much as a cohort over the last 2.5 years, and I know that we will all be excellent clinicians. Keep advocating for the PA profession and showing the world what a vital role we play in health care.”

The keynote address was delivered by Steve Bello, market president of the Eastern Region at Northwell Health. Bello offered words of wisdom and inspiration for the graduates as they embark on their new roles in the healthcare system.

“This is a major accomplishment to be here,” Bello said. “Making it past the selection process to get into the program is a triumph but then to go through the hard work, and the late nights, showcases your determination and drive to contribute to the PA field.”

He went on to offer some tips to the graduates as they transition from the classroom to the exam room.

“There is no greater responsibility than to help people in their time of need, and this makes you a leader. I hope you answer the phone at 2 a.m. when someone calls you asking for help and you answer

the call every time, not just once. Your academic achievements will make you a more talented clinician, but what makes you a great professional is your work effort, your ability to work in a team, and how you make an impact on people’s lives.”

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Physician Assistant Oath, a solemn pledge to prioritize the health, safety, and dignity of all patients while upholding the values of lifelong learning and professional collaboration.

— Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Hofstra University

Hofstra Physician’s assistant graduates with faculty at the Fall 2024 White Coat Ceremony in December.

Here’s to the New Year and self-actualization GUEST COLUMN

As I began pondering this New Year of life, I found myself keeping company with a repetitive thought I affectionately refer to as, coming home to inner peace. An emotion inspired by my recent milestone birthday. Moments when I found my inner voice guiding me down a new, unexpected path as if to say, “it is time for you to make peace within yourself and all that has been this life. To release what no longer serves you as best you can, while learning how to cultivate personal inner peace.” To invest in strengthening my own inner foundation of self-worth.

You are your greatest Investment

Prioritizing your health, both mental health and physical well-being, is a key aspect of investing in yourself. It is like building a wealth of wellness, where every action contributes to a richer, fuller life experience.

Prioritize investing in yourself and your personal energy

To emotionally invest in yourself, actively engage in activities that nurture your well-being, foster personal growth, and cultivate a positive relationship with your own emotions, including practices like: setting mean-

ingful goals, pursuing personal interests, practicing self-care, developing emotional awareness, learning new skills, expressing gratitude, and taking responsibility for your own happiness; essentially, dedicating time and energy to enriching your inner life and building a strong sense of selfworth.

How to invest and manage your emotions

Managing emotions involves self-awareness and understanding the root causes of your feelings. Start by identifying and acknowledging your emotions without judgment. Take a moment to reflect on what triggered them. Practice techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, to stay present and centered. Establish healthy outlets for emotional expression, such as journaling, art, or physical activity. Set realistic goals and prioritize self-care to maintain balance in your life. Remember to seek professional help if needed, as therapists can provide guidance in developing effective emotional

management.

Self-actualization

Self-actualization is the process of realizing your full potential through personal growth, creativity, and self-fulfillment. Selfactualized people are fulfilled, doing all they are capable of, and have a keen sense of self-awareness. are grounded, calm, and stable, and they remain true to their core values. Self-realization feels like a deep sense of inner peace, clarity of purpose, and a profound connection to one’s authentic self. The theory of self-actualization is attributed to prominent humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow.

What is an example of a self-actualized person?

Self-actualization accepts that everyone is unique, and their needs, values, and desires will always be different. Self-actualization allows for differences and that the process of achieving it will manifest differently for everyone.

An example of a self-actualized person might be a scientist who dedicates their life to research out of pure passion, regardless of fame or financial gain, or an artist who creates for the joy of expression. Such individuals are deeply motivated by personal values and often pursue goals aligned with their true self, rather than external expectations.

On a personal note: As we begin this new year, consider the benefits of cultivating personal inner peace. After all, we humans spend a lifetime focusing our time, attention, and effort on so many responsibilities that we often forget what it means to connect and invest within ourselves. So, here’s to 2025! May it be a year of cultivating newfound hope, aspirations, joy, and inner peace as we each are, our own greatest investment. Special thanks to my dear friend, Michael Raab, who introduced me to the topic of self-actualization

Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on mental health topics.

D onna P isacano B rown

STEPPING OUT

Step inside an epic adventure with Anna, Elsa and the Madrigal clan moments on ice

By Karen Bloom

Welcome the New Year in true Disney style. The latest Disney ice extravaganza arrives at UBS Arena in Elmont ready to enchant families once again. This time around the spotlight is on two of the newest tales — beloved by Disneyphiles in the Disney canon: “Frozen” and “Encanto.” Audiences can share in the special joy of these captivating adventures when Disney On Ice’s glides into UBS Arena, now through Jan. 12.

Families will be transported into two of Disney’s most popular ﬁlms as the world of Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family unfolds up close. These adored characters are, of course, joined by Mickey and his crew. Along with Minnie, Donald and Goofy, audiences will sing-along to everyone’s favorite songs interpreted through world-class skating, aerial acrobatics and dynamic special effects.

• Now through Sunday, Jan.12; times vary

• Tickets start at $35, pre-show character experience also available for a fee; purchase at ticketmaster.com or disneyonice.com or in person at box ofﬁce

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

As always, the atmosphere is electric from the get-go. From the opening segment with Mickey and the gang, we quickly arrive in Arendelle to the delight of all the “Annas” and “Elsas” in the audience. Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer, narrates the story everyone knows so well. Artful skating (what could be more ﬁtting?) transports families to the snowy kingdom to be a part of Anna’s adventure to ﬁnd Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven take audiences along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer.

Elsa’s solo segment skated to “Let It Go” is among the highlights of the show’s ﬁrst half. “It’s a big moment,” says Rebekah Johnson, who — off ice at this point — is exhilarated by the audience response.

At age 19, Johnson is experiencing the Disney magic for the ﬁrst time as a performer. She joined the cast in September as an ensemble skater and couldn’t be happier.

Skating since she was two-years-old, the St. Paul, Minn.-based Johnson says “I always knew I was meant to be a show skater.”

Like her many castmates, she’s embraced Disney from a young age.

“I’ve always loved the princesses and ‘Frozen’,” she enthuses. “I’ve dreamed about skating for Disney for so long.”

From her ﬁrst Disney On Ice experience as a young child to revisiting the spectacle as a teenager more recently, she knew this was where she belonged.

“When I saw the show again, I thought ‘this is so cool.’ I still dreamed about being a princess.”

While Johnson is not quite there yet, she’s relishing every moment as the youngest member of the cast and every moment on ice.

“I’ve wanted to skate for Disney for so long,” she continues. “It’s all very surreal, but it’s real!”

After a very Frozen adventure, the show’s second half takes everyone to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where we meet the Madrigals, that extraordinary family who live in

Yacht Rock Revue

The kings of ‘70s tribute hit the road with an authentic throwback to the era. Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the ‘70s and’80s sun-soaked melodies. The Atlantabased 10-piece ensemble blends impeccable musicianship with a deep reverence for the genre. Their original album “Escape Artist” is a bold homage to this iconic sound. YRR continues to captivate audiences nationwide with their infectious energy and unabashedly joyous performances. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, YRR has emerged as pivotal in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Whether performing in intimate venues or rocking arenas, their concerts promise an immersive musical journey that celebrates the timeless allure of smooth grooves.

Friday and Saturday, Jan.10-11, 8 p.m. $55, $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita — her enchanted family home — alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and ﬂowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers.

For the ﬁrst time live, everyone can witness Tia Pepa, who can control the weather with her emotions; her husband Felix; their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear; and Bruno, the mysterious and misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future.

“I’m especially partial to ‘Encanto,” Johnson says. “It’s so upbeat, high energy, that everyone [in the audience] gets so exited.”

And, of course, We Don’t Talk About Bruno.

Here audiences especially respond to the aerial segment, which showcases the skaters’ acrobatic skills above the ice, along with plenty of ice dancing.

“It looks magical,” Johnson says.

And that’s the timeless Disney mantra: “Anything can happen if you just believe.”

In the end, audiences leave with the understanding that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special.

Or as Johnson puts it: “Magic is inside all of us.”

At the end, special appearance from Mulan and Li Shang, Belle and Prince Adam, Ariel and Eric, Aladdin and Jasmine, Miguel from Coco, and Moana celebrate that iconic Disney “magic” in a rousing ﬁnale.

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

Smooth Dre’s Rhythmic Odyssey

Experience the pulse of Brooklyn hip-hop with Smooth Dre and his crew. A renowned ﬁgure in Brooklyn, he’s carved a niche in the hip-hop world with his unique style and profound lyrical narratives. Known for blending classic beats with rich, contemporary rhythms, Smooth Dre delivers music that resonates with authenticity and depth. His journey from underground circuits to mainstream stages has been marked by a steadfast dedication to his craft and an unwavering commitment to his roots. Smooth Dre’s inﬂuence extends beyond music; he is a cultural icon who embodies the spirit of hip-hop in every aspect of his life. Dive into a night of relentless beats and lyrical storytelling with Smooth Dre, a maestro of urban soundscapes, with his friends.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. $70. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny.org.

Photos: Dreams do come true when the royal sisters of Arendelle are joined by the Madrigal family in a ice spectacle that fully brings both ﬁlms to life.

THE Your Neighborhood

Dave Atell

Jan.

Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best, when Dave Atell visits the Paramount stage, Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. An all-timegreat joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, 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 has headed several shows of his own. “Insomniac” followed Attell on late-night trips, tracking down and interviewing anyone who wasn’t asleep for some reason (usually either night workers or drunk people), while “Dave’s Old Porn...well, you can Google that one yourself.” When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. $59.50, $49.50, $44.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

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) 622-6812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury. Chamber Installation

Dinner

Save the date for a special evening hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., at Kombert Caterers. The gala honors the Hal Knopf Team at Compass as Business of the Year and Thomas Lehman as Citizen of the Year, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the community. Join us in celebrating these outstanding honorees. 3050 Oceanside Road. For more, visit oceansidenychamber.org.

In concert

Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes the New Year, with an Elvis tribute, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2:30 p.m. Ritchie Santa performs “Elvis Is In The House,” keeping the King’s legacy alive. Santa often shares how, even 47 years after his passing, Elvis connects people who might never have met otherwise. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Watercolor class with Peter Lora

Explore watercolor techniques in a six-week class running Wednesdays, starting Jan. 8, 1-2:30 p.m., at Friedberg JCC. Through Feb. 12. 15 Neil Court, Oceanside. For more information call the Friedberg JCC (516) 7664341

Morning Meditation

Explore your innate abilities in connection to the healing power which lies within you, at Oceanside Library, Saturday, Jan. 11, 10-11 a.m. Workshop is run by Patricia Anderson.For more, call (516) 766-2360 or visit oceansidelibrary.com. 30 Davison Ave.

Beginner Mah Jongg for Moms

Moms can learn Mah Jongg in six Tuesday evening sessions from Jan. 21-Feb. 28, 6:30–8:30 p.m, at the Friedberg JCC. 15 Neil Court, Oceanside. For more information call the Friedberg JCC (516) 766-4341

Beginner Mah Jongg Lessons

Start learning Mah Jongg over six Wednesdays, Feb. 20-April 10 (no class on March 19), 3:45–5:45 p.m., at the Friedberg JCC. For more information call the Friedberg JCC (516) 766-4341

Have questions about tech?

Need help with your device? Get one hour of one-on-one help from a librarian, at Oceanside Library, every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. For your session, have a clear goal(s) in mind (i.e.: navigating smart phone, attaching documents to email, creating a spreadsheet for a specific purpose, etc.). Come prepared with all login usernames and passwords you might need and bring a notebook in case you would like to take notes. Tech help is by appointment only. Sessions are limited to a maximum of once a month per patron. 56 Atlantic Ave. Register at OceansideLibrary.com or call (516) 766-2360.

Musical seasons

Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the 2025 unique chamber music series, “Four Seasons in Music,” Sunday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m. The duoJalal ensemble-in-residence led by Kathryn Lockwood on viola, with percussionist Yousif Sheronick, violinists Deborah Buck and Emma Frucht and cellist Caroline Stinson presents a German flavored. Celebrating Germany’s rich history of extraordinary composers, including Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms, to the less traditional, this concert will warm you up on a winter afternoon.

A reception follows. $56, $45 members. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For tickets and information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

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.

College Scholarship workshop

Oceanside Library offers a session on scholarship opportunities, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Learn where to find scholarships, the different types available, when/how to apply. Registration required. Oceanside Library, 30 Davison Ave. The event is free, but registration is required. Visit oceansidelibrary. com or call (516) 766-2360 to register. 30 Davison Ave.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up 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.

Fit As A Fiddle

Jan. 11

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate Family Fit Lifestyle Month, Saturday, Jan. 11, noon-2 p.m. Families can make a take-home custom fitness game to get in tip top shape by having fun, at the drop-in program. For ages 3 and up. Free with admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Students write cards for MSSN patients

Under the guidance of English as a New Language teachers Dee Martelucci and Stephanie Matina, students at School Two wrote cards for children who will be at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital over the holidays.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: AuerbachSolutions, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 12/03/24. 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:AuerbachSolutions 117 W Waukena Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150809

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 MERRILL LYNCH

MORTGAGE INVESTORS

TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED

CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-WMC5, -against-

CINDY B SOMMER, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 9,

2023, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS

TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED

CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-WMC5 is the Plaintiff and CINDY B SOMMER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 28, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 411 WANAMAKER ST, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 43-219-88.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 006889/2014. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee.

O’Side high hosts best buddies holiday glow bowl

Oceanside High School hosted its third Best Buddies Holiday Glow Bowl on Dec. 12, a festive event that has quickly become a beloved tradition for students and staff alike. The celebration, which took place in the auxiliary gym, brought together approximately 125 participants for an afternoon of fun, friendship, and holiday cheer.

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150647

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, -against3665 CARREL BLVD OWNERS CORP, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 31, 2024, wherein TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC is the Plaintiff and 3665 CARREL BLVD OWNERS CORP, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN

SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 28, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 3665 CARREL BLVD, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 60-38-262.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601517/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150645

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

The Glow Bowl, co-founded by school counselor Megan Librizzi and former PE teacher Brian Barbaccia, is now a collaborative effort between the Best Buddies club and the Physical Education department. PE/Health teachers Brian Gilbert and Jason Carlock, Best Buddies advisors Laura Garelick and Andrew Landers, and club president Theresa Mazeika, helped organize this year’s event.

Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, including bowling under holiday lights, music, dancing, and posing for pictures in a blacklight photo booth. Holiday lights adorning the gym and separating the makeshift bowling lanes were the main sources of light, and glowsticks worn as necklaces and headbands added to the fun.

The event showcased the strong community spirit at Oceanside High School, with students from various groups coming together to help out as well as celebrate, including junior Daniela Sanchez, who volunteered her photography skills to document the occasion. Best Buddies, an international program that fosters friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, currently boasts a membership of 112 students and 27 buddies at OHS.

This year’s glow bowl holds special significance as it marks the beginning

A student volunteer helps out with setting up the holiday lights for the Oceanside High School Best Buddies Glow Bowl.

of Best Buddies’ 20th year at Oceanside High School. The chapter, which was one of the first high school chapters in New York State, and the first on Long Island, is planning a celebration in the spring to commemorate this milestone.

–Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Oceanside School District

Photos courtesy Oceanside School District

Students at the Oceanside High School Best Buddies Glow Bowl.

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

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 Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

CLERK

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My meeting with a president, and what might have been

Thank you, Jimmy Carter.

When I was a student in Florence, Italy, in 1979, I was invited to a fellow student’s home in Munich. There I was awakened by loud noises out in the street, and watched a huge truck with giant arms and claws that was lifting several odd-shaped bins from two street corners at the same time.

My friend explained that this was something called “recycling.” The truck was gathering separated bins of brown, green and clear glass and paper, all at the same time. I was intrigued, and further investigated this new idea, writing six pages of notes. After I returned to the U.S., I hand-wrote that six-page letter to the president of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

Then a strange thing happened. Our office secretary in Monroe, Michigan, came to my desk and said that a man named William Ruckleshaus, chairman of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, was on the phone, and wanted to speak to me. He explained that President Carter had received my letter and wanted to meet. I was 22 years old.

Because it was election time, the president was doing town hall meetings across the country, and selected a high school near my home in Toledo, Ohio. I was sent a special pass to give to Secret Service agents, and on Oct. 25, 1980, at 9:42 am, in a crowded gymnasium, I presented my pass to a tall Marine-like agent who seemed to be aware of the arrangement. He didn’t hesitate. I was walked behind a backdrop by two agents, down a hallway and seated in a classroom.

In walked President Carter, and he came over, shook my hand and sat in a school desk next to me. He was holding my letter on recycling, and we discussed the many specific things he was interested in implementing, starting with government, to reduce waste in the United States. I kept answering, “Yes, Mr. President,” and he kept saying, “Call me Jimmy.”

As we talked, he smiled that big Jimmy Carter grin, and I kept thinking he was too genuinely sincere, too nice to be the president, too down-to-earth — and how surreal the moment was. But the most surreal of all was when he asked me if I would come to Washington, D.C., and work with him to implement this program from the White House. I immediately answered, “Yes, Mr. President,” still unable to call him Jimmy. Then he smiled at me one more time and said, “Of course, I have to get re-elected.”

He lost to Ronald Reagan, and the rest is history. I always wonder how my life would have been, working with the president, overseeing a new program that never materialized. I wouldn’t have crossed paths with the young lady who has shared my life for 43 years, never enjoyed the two daughters we raised or the grandchildren we fuss over, might not have opened my own architectural practice, moved to Long Island or started writing a column for the Herald. I wonder. Thank you, Jimmy Carter!

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Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House

When Donald Trump is inaugurated as our 47th president the week after next, he will (once again) be the only president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt who is a born-and-bred New Yorker. Despite his recent relocation to Florida, where he has presided from Mar-a-Lago like an overlord, Trump has never escaped his New York roots. This is important to New York and Long Island. I say this not because of any native-son pride, but because downstate New York has unique issues and challenges that can be best understood and addressed by a true New Yorker. Like me, Trump grew up in Queens, but that’s where the geographic comparison ends. He was raised in very upscale Jamaica Estates. I grew up in very bluecollar Sunnyside. Same time; different stations. Of course, that didn’t stop

Trump from implying to people in Washington that he and I grew up together. So much so that non-New York members of Congress would ask me, “What kind of guy was he growing up?” And my misleading non-answer would always be, “Same as he is today.”

WDespite the very different economic aspects of our upbringings, Trump and I, in many ways, spoke the same language. I distinctly remember when he invited me to the White House in February 2017, a few weeks after his inauguration, for a routine billsigning ceremony. As we spoke for just a few minutes, he gave a big smile and said, “It’s great to hear that New York accent down here.”

anti-MS-13 efforts succeeded in crushing the gang’s reign of terror in Nassau and Suffolk counties.)

e’ll need President Trump’s support and cooperation to address critical issues.

Probably the most relaxed I ever saw Trump was when he invited me to join him at ringside for a night of UFC fights at Madison Square Garden in November 2019. The loud fullhouse crowd chanting “USA!” and giving him thumbs ups was a stark contrast to the Ukraine impeachment proceedings against him that were under way at the same time in Washington.

This year, his giant rallies at Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum were major parts of his winning campaign.

Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo and former Congressman Lee Zeldin. Trump’s brother Robert lived in Garden City for many years until he died in 2020. On a somber note, I was there last March when Trump came to the funeral home in Massapequa to comfort the family of murdered NYPD hero Jonathan Diller.

Several times when I was talking with him on Air Force One, when he was flying to Long Island to address the MS-13 murder spree, I felt as if I were speaking with just another guy on a Queens street corner, and had to keep reminding myself that I was talking to the president of the United States. (His

Trump also had friendships with Long Islanders such as former U.S. Sen. Al D’Amato, from his years in Washington, and Joe Mondello, who was Trump’s attorney in several business transactions and was later appointed ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago by Trump. More recently, the president-elect has formed close friendships with County

Over the next several years, New York will need the support and cooperation of President Trump to address critical issues, including illegal immigration, crime and drugs, health care for those who continue to be affected by the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, aging infrastructure, congested traffic and high taxes. We will especially need him to fight off anti-New York elements in the Republican Party who have too often in the past clearly demonstrated their geographic bias. Together, whether Republican or Democrat, New Yorkers should work to find common ground with the president to make New York great again.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

The challenge of being president in challenging times

We are entering a new year, in which there will be many challenges for all of us. But the biggest ones will be for President-elect Donald Trump, who is about to embark on a historic second term. We know what he will do on Inauguration Day, but the real question is what kind of president he will be when the history of his second term is written.

Trump made many promises to voters, and there is no doubt that he will fulfill many of them. Voters were clearly concerned about the immigration challenges at the borders, and Trump has pledged to close them down and begin a program of mass deportations. Many voters were unhappy with the way our government works, and for better or worse, there will be changes. The proposed appointees to the Trump cabinet are in most cases total unknowns when it comes to government experience. Thinking that his new

team will be able to function effectively is a big wish that may or may not come true. Many of the proposed cabinet members have never run any type of business, and in some cases their only qualification is that Trump likes them. That could be a recipe for disaster.

Thinking that Trump’s new team will be able to function effectively is a big wish.

Aside from the promise to shut down the borders, the big Trump pledge was that he would do something about the high cost of things like eggs and other household needs. In the weeks since the election, he has made it clear that cutting down on such things as grocery costs is too difficult to accomplish.

Much of his presidency will be defined on Jan. 20, when he will sign a number of executive orders. Some may win broad public acceptance, but others may lead Trump voters to question whether they were the reason they supported him. The pledge to pardon Jan. 6 rioters pleased a small segment of the population, but freeing convicted thugs would send the wrong message in a country that prides itself on law and order.

Trump has pledged to dramatically

cut energy costs by embarking on massive oil and gas drilling programs. Whether that can have any effect is questionable, because the country experienced record oil and gas drilling in 2024, and creating extra product doesn’t mean that prices will go down. We consumers know from experience that the oil and gas producers don’t give any discounts to motorists or homeowners.

Some Trump voters have expressed a desire for our country to curtail any overseas relationships and to once again make the United States into an isolationist country. We went through that experience in the 1930s, when Adolf Hitler was beginning to map out his plan to control Europe and the rest of the world. Since those dark days, we, our friends and supporters have created NATO, and our country has assured our allies that we will defend them if any of our enemies attack them. Obviously, that means China or Russia.

There is no doubt that the Trump presidency will bring about many changes in the way our nation functions. History shows that every president makes some type of imprint on the

country. In many cases, he spends a lot of time trying to erase his predecessor’s accomplishments, and Trump will devote a substantial amount of time to doing exactly that.

In the run-up to Jan. 20, he has talked about a takeover of Greenland and a seizure of the Panama Canal. Greenland still has strong ties to Denmark, which we can be sure isn’t in the mood to give up a land mass rich in precious minerals and other raw materials. Panama controls the canal under a treaty entered into by President Jimmy Carter. Serious attempts to seize the canal would raise questions around the world about America’s written word.

Four years go by fast, and as the clock ticks, historians assess the accomplishments and mistakes of every president. We hope there will be many positive changes from a Trump administration, and that America will be a better place after his tenure ends. That’s my wish for 2025 and beyond, and, I’m sure, everyone’s hope.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

JERRY KREMER

HERALD

Feeling under siege? Combat the chaos.

are you still emotionally shaken by the violent, seemingly random acts that occurred shortly before we turned the calendar and again on New Year’s Day?

On Dec. 22, a woman was burned alive on a Brooklyn subway train. On New Year’s Eve, a man was critically injured when he was pushed into the path of an oncoming subway train in Manhattan.

On Jan. 1, the year just hours old, we awoke to the news of multiple deaths and dozens of injuries when a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Later that morning, a Tesla Cybertruck detonated outside a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others. And four gunmen opened fire outside a nightclub in Queens that night, injuring 10.

When these kinds of headlines intrude into our lives, we may feel as though the world is unraveling. The ripple effects are profound: Lives are lost or forever changed, public spaces are emptied, and once-reliable joys like festivals, parades and football bowl games are relegated to the realm of unimportance.

This sense of being constantly on edge is exhausting. But amid the grief and uncertainty, there are ways to process our emotions, respond constructively, and help ourselves and others find solace and strength.

What should we do?

When violence or tragedy strikes, the

letters

Advocating for child care in New York

To the Editor:

The year ahead will be filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Our leaders in New York must create the conditions necessary for every child to thrive, while safeguarding our state’s safety net.

We must demand full funding for our child care and public education systems, ensure that every family has a home and access to health care, guarantee clean air and safe environments, and protect every immigrant. We must demand that our state takes a bold position and does not waver from it. Most important, we must demand that the ultra-wealthy and extremely profitable corporations pay their fair share, because that’s the key to funding the essential services that help everyone succeed.

For too long, corporate politicians and their wealthy donors have put their interests ahead of the needs of our public schools, child care and working families. It’s time for a change. Here’s what we’re fighting for to make this

first imperative is safety. Avoiding highrisk situations and being vigilant in public spaces are more important than ever.

We must also safeguard our emotional and psychological well-being. Start with staying informed, but not letting yourself be overwhelmed. The 24-hour news cycle has a way of amplifying fear, and while information is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to step back. Be selective about your sources of information, and balance the hard truths of current events with stories that remind you of the good in humanity.

It’s also essential to strengthen our communities. Feeling under siege isolates us, making us retreat into individual fear. But fear is best countered collectively. Reach out to neighbors, join local groups or participate in civic events that promote unity.

Advocate for solutions. Moments of crisis are not always random acts of chaos; they are often symptoms of systemic issues, whether it’s gun violence, mental health crises or deep societal divisions. Supporting policies and groups that address these root causes — and working constructively with people whose opinions differ on the issues — is one way to reclaim a sense of agency in a world that feels out of control.

How should we feel?

The emotions stirred by these tragedies are complex and valid. There’s fear, anger, sadness and sometimes even guilt

— guilt over feeling powerless or for wanting to escape the constant barrage of bad news. It’s important to allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.

Be resilient. Focus on what you can control. Small, deliberate acts — reaching out to a friend, writing to a policymaker or simply stepping outside for a walk — can help restore a sense of balance. While we may not be able to prevent every tragedy, we can control how we respond to them.

How can we help?

Be present. Show up for others. Simple gestures, such as offering an attentive ear or a comforting word, are appreciated. Help the people who are directly affected. Donate to relief funds, volunteer at community centers or contribute to organizations addressing the systemic causes of violence and instability.

Share stories of courage, kindness and resilience. Elevate these stories — not in an effort to persuade others to ignore the pain, but to remind you and them that even in the darkest moments, light filters through.

Feeling under siege doesn’t mean we are powerless. It means that we are called to action — both in our personal lives and in our communities. We are called to care for one another, to demand better from our leaders, and to work toward a future in which safety and joy are not fleeting privileges but shared realities.

Let’s put politics aside and just save lives

in politics, disagreements are inevitable. They’re part of a system designed to encourage debate and foster diverse perspectives. But some issues transcend politics — or at least they should.

The fight to equip our first responders with life-saving epinephrine autoinjectors, or EpiPens, is one of those issues. And yet, despite its life-or-death implications, my legislation to mandate EpiPens in Nassau County police vehicles has been stonewalled by County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Republican leaders in the Legislature.

I introduced this bill inspired by stories like that of Georgina Cornago, whose son Gio died tragically in 2013 of an allergic reaction. Georgina has turned her unimaginable pain into a relentless mission to prevent others from suffering the same loss. Through her foundation, Love for Giovanni, she’s educated countless people about the dangers of food allergies, advocated for epinephrine accessibility and helped save lives. Her story has touched the hearts of many, including mine.

nCornago’s advocacy has already borne fruit. In 2019, thanks to her tireless efforts, New York passed Gio’s Law, which allows first responders like police officers to carry epinephrine. But her mission is far from over. On a national stage, she continues to push for epinephrine to be as ubiquitous as AEDs, ensuring that no child — or parent — is left defenseless against anaphylaxis. Yet here in Nassau County, where Gio’s story began, we’ve failed to honor his legacy by failing to act.

Anaphylaxis doesn’t care about your socioeconomic status, your neighborhood or your political affiliation. It can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. A child at a birthday party accidentally eating the wrong cake. A teenager at a school event who doesn’t realize there are peanuts in the dessert. A parent walking in the park. Seconds can mean the difference between life and death, and police officers, often the first on the scene of an emergency, can administer epinephrine quickly.

lives and the peace of mind it offers families. Training officers to use the devices takes less than 30 minutes. Nassau police officers already carry Narcan to combat opioid overdoses, and equipping them with EpiPens is a logical, lifesaving next step.

assau County police should carry potentially lifesaving EpiPens.

Cornago has said time and again, “Every second counts.” Yet here we are, wasting months on partisan bickering while lives hang in the balance. Neighboring Suffolk County has already implemented similar measures, demonstrating both the feasibility and necessity of such a program.

So why are Nassau Republicans blocking this bill? The answer escapes me, and I suspect it escapes the parents who worry every day about their children’s safety. This obstructionism isn’t just shortsighted — it’s morally indefensible.

standard. Imagine a Nassau County in which every patrol car carries the tools to save a life. Imagine the relief parents would feel knowing their local police officers are equipped to protect their children from anaphylaxis. This is an achievable goal, and it starts with passing this legislation.

Cornago’s advocacy has shown us what’s possible when determination meets compassion. She’s organized events like Trunk or Treat to create safe spaces for kids with allergies. She’s worked to install public signs in parks, raising awareness of food allergies. She’s even helped educate school districts about the need for accessible EpiPens. Her efforts have saved lives. Now it’s time for the County Legislature to do its part.

At just $100 per EpiPen thanks to a new price cap on the drug — a cost that could be reduced through bulk purchasing — the cost of implementing this program is negligible, especially when weighed against the potential to save

Letters

happen:

■ Tax the ultra-wealthy and corporations. New York has the public dollars we need, but only when we pass legislation that makes millionaires, billionaires and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. The Invest in Our New York campaign shows how we can raise revenue to support our schools, affordable child care and working families. By ensuring fair taxation, we will finally provide the support our kids, educators, and child-care workers have needed for far too long.

■ A fairer, stronger future for all. Every child needs access to a highquality education, no matter their background. But we can’t make that happen without a state budget that prioritizes equity. The Invest in Our New York campaign offers a blueprint for raising the public dollars needed to fund our education and child-care programs. It’s time for a state budget that focuses on the well-being of all New Yorkers — not just the wealthiest.

Your voice is crucial to making these changes a reality. Join us for Child Care Advocacy Day, on Jan. 28, and AQE Advocacy Day, on Feb. 4. Together we can ensure that the 2025 budget prioritizes public education,

early care and learning, and universal child care, so that all of New York’s children have the resources they need to succeed.

Let’s make 2025 the year we secure a more just and equitable future for every New Yorker.

ZAkIYAH

SHAAkIR-ANSARI

MARINA MARCOu-O’MALLEY Co-executive

directors, Alliance for Quality Education NY

He’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods,’ too

To the Editor:

Re Peter king’s column, “Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly (Dec. 19-25): I agree with you, Mr. king: “Blue Bloods” will be missed. It was very well acted and written. What really bothers me is that CBS would not reconsider, despite strong ratings and even stronger outcry about the show ending.

How about another network taking the show, or even better, HBO? It would have worked. It’s a shame that it ended its run this way.

TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside

It’s time for us to focus on what truly matters: protecting our community. For years, Cornago has been fighting to ensure that no other family has to endure the loss she suffered. Her dedication should inspire us all. Yet instead of supporting her mission, some in the Legislature seem more intent on scoring political points.

Imagine a world in which Gio’s Law isn’t just a state initiative but a national

To my Republican colleagues, I say, listen to Georgina. Listen to the countless parents who’ve written, called and pleaded for action. Listen to the doctors and first responders who know what’s at stake. This is not about politics; it’s about saving lives.

Let’s not allow bureaucracy and partisanship to stand in the way of progress. We owe it to Gio’s memory, to Georgina’s tireless efforts, and to every Nassau County family to act now. Passing this legislation is not just the right thing to do — it’s the only thing to do.

Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

Framework by Alexis Morledge

At Blarney Castle — but did he kiss the stone? — County Cork, Ireland