Oceanside/Island Park Herald 11-07-2024

Gillen declares victory in CD4; Bynoe wins in 6th Senate District

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a wave of victories Tuesday night, Democrats reclaimed influential seats across Long Island, marking significant wins in Congress, the State Legislature, and local government. Democratic challenger Laura Gillen declared victory over incumbent Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, potentially securing her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, earning 51 percent of the votes to 49 percent.

“I am so humbled an honored to be your new Congresswoman,” Gillen said at the Democratic rally at the Garden City Hotel. “The coordinated campaign that we put together — we knocked on 300,000 doors. We made over 600,000 phone calls. We put out a campaign that was a winning campaign that we will emulate in the years.”

In the race in New York’s 6th State Senate District, Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe, the Democratic candidate, defeated Republican challenger Thomas Montenfinise, earning 60 percent of the votes. In State Senate District

9, Republican incumbent Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick won, retaining her seat with 55 percent of the vote to 45 percent for Democrat James Lynch.

On the Assembly side, State Assemblyman David McDonough, also a Republican, won re-election with 64 percent of the vote over Democratic challenger Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco.

In the race in New York’s 20th Assembly District, Republican incumbent Ari Brown won re-election, defeat-

ing Democratic challenger Tina Posterli, with 62 percent of the vote to Posterli’s 37 percent. Republican Assemblyman Brian Curran was defeated by Democrat Judy Griffin, who successfully reclaimed her seat. Griffin, who had previously served in the Assembly, campaigned on health care access, women’s rights, and economic development. Prop 1, which aimed to add protections against discrimination to the state Constitution, won approval by 79 percent of voters.

O’Side teacher is honored for excellence

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Joseph LaTorre, an English teacher at Oceanside Middle School and a co-founder of the school district’s Bridges Program, has been named an Educator of Excellence by the New York State English Council, an affiliate organization of the National Council of Teachers of English.

LaTorre, 41, of Long Beach, earned the honor for his dedication to his students, his innovative approach to teaching and his passion for helping young people develop not just academically but as individuals poised for success in life.

LaTorre was honored on Oct. 7, after being nominated by the district. He was notified about the award in August.

LaTorre is known for making lasting connections with his students, and creating a fun atmosphere in his classroom that helps foster learning. His teaching style is anything but traditional, as he fills his les-

sons with music, personal stories and humor, making learning a dynamic and engaging experience.

“Mr. LaTorre blasts music in the mornings, and it gets us going,” Minka Palazzolo, one of his students, said. “He makes his learning plans fun.”

LaTorre’s positive energy is evident from the way his students talk about him. They often mention how he motivates them to be their best, not just academically, but in their personal growth as well.

“He really pushes us to do our best, and makes us feel confident,” Samantha Godelman, another one of his students, said. “I love how he tells stories and makes the class interesting.”

For LaTorre, teaching is much more than following a curriculum — it’s about building a community. His classroom is filled with his students’ memorabilia, from inside jokes and shared experiences to April Fools’ Day pranks and themed

Continued on page 16

Adrienne Daley/Herald

Laura gillen declared victory over incumbent Congressman anthony d’esposito on tuesday night.

HERALD SchoolS

Oceanside debuts ‘Calm Down Cove

Social worker Amelia Cariddi and psychologist Jordan Marcus at School Two have collaborated to turn an under-used corner at the end of a hallway into a chilling out space for students. They’re calling it “Calm Down Cove” and have decorated it with ocean-themes and colors.

With permission from their teachers, students can take a three-minute break to relax on an oversized floor pillow, engage in deep breathing, squish some playdough, or cuddle a stuffed octopus. A timer helps remind them not to overstay their visit.

“Students can visit when they’re feeling stressed, or when they’ve completed a task and need a break,” Cariddi said. “Some students will work for it as a reward.”

Cariddi and Marcus help students with socialemotional learning tools, such as recognizing, accepting, and managing their emotions.

“Any time students can do something to support themselves, that’s a skill we want to encourage,” Marcus said.

When asked if they were inspired by the Wellness Center at Oceanside High School, Cariddi answered, “Oh, absolutely.”

— Kepherd Daniel

Shay, Emma, Matthew and Elijah, play a quick card game in School Two’s new ‘Calm Down Cove’.

Oceanside alum stars at Mt. Saint Vincent

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Victoria Gamarra, a standout soccer player and scholar, is gracefully approaching a significant milestone in her life. Now a junior at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, the 20-year-old 2022 graduate of Oceanside High School, is preparing for her senior year, where she will play her final season of competitive soccer. For Gamarra, soccer is more than a sport—it’s part of her identity, woven deeply into her family’s fabric.

“Soccer has been in my life for years,” she explained, tracing her roots back to when she first picked up a ball at the age of three. “My father played Division I soccer in college, and he was a soccer coach. Both of my brothers played club soccer as well. I’m the only one who stuck with it all the way to the college level.”

But as her junior season comes to a close, Gamarra is preparing to hang up her cleats after her senior year.

“I don’t really know what’s going to happen afterward because next year is my last year of organized soccer at a competitive level,” she said. “I’m trying to cherish every moment now and appreciating the game as much as I can before it’s time to move on.”

With a double major in Psychology and Spanish and a commitment to community service, Gamarra is embracing the transition from athlete to educator. In high school, she was involved in multiple

clubs. In college, she volunteers with Vincent’s Table, an outreach program providing food to families in need, which she describes as one of her most impactful experiences. Gamarra has excelled as soccer a player and captain. She was named the Most Outstanding Player after helping her team advance to the Skyline Conference tournament in 2023, an achievement that remains a highlight of her athletic career. She emphasizes the importance of balancing academics and athletics, a lesson she’s learned over years of navigating the dual demands.

“Being a student-athlete is not easy,” Gamarra acknowledges. “It comes with making small sacrifices—like telling friends, ‘I can’t hang out, I need to study,’ or choosing a workout over social activities. It all adds up in the end, and the dedication you put into both your studies and your sport pays off.”

Her advice to young athletes is clear: prioritize education.

“There are many people who want to be great athletes, but in college, you’re here to get an education and a degree. Athletics are important, but school really has to be up there. You need to balance it all with strong time management skills. At the end of the day, no one else can make you succeed. It’s up to you.”

Gamarra is already planning her next steps, with her sights set on graduate school immediately after she earns her bachelor’s degree. Her aspirations are centered on education, with a passion for working with children.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher

since I was little, but my focus has shifted a bit,” Gamarra explained. “I’m looking into master’s programs that combine elementary education and special education. I’d love to become a special education teacher or even a speech pathologist. The main thing is that I want to work with kids and make a positive impact in their lives.”

Mount Saint Vincent is about an hour away from Oceanside and Gamarra feels fortunate to have her family’s unwavering support at her games.

“My parents come to every single soccer game, so I see them at least once a week,” she said. “I don’t feel too far from home because I’m always seeing them.”

While living on campus has given her a sense of independence, Gamarra still treasures the connection she has with her family.

Despite her packed schedule as a student-athlete, Gamarra makes time to enjoy the social aspects of college life. She describes her favorite moments as the spontaneous, simple times with friends—whether it’s playing card games in someone’s dorm room or organizing movie nights.

“Those moments really help you forget about the stress and just live in the moment,” she said. “And I’ve had the chance to explore New York City a lot more. Even though I’m from Long Island, I hadn’t really spent much time in the city before.”

Gamarra recognizes that her time in college is precious, and she’s making the most of it. As Gamarra enters the final

At the University of Mount Saint Vincent, Oceanside’s Victoria Gamarra balances a academics and athletics with her goal of making an impact in the education field.

phase of her undergraduate career, her focus remains on finishing strong both academically and athletically. But her passion for education and her desire to work with children will guide her future beyond the soccer field.

With a clear vision for her next steps, Gamarra is ready to take on the next challenge—just as she has with every goal she’s set her mind to.

“Working with kids is really what I’m passionate about, and what my dream is after graduating,” she said. “Hopefully with the degrees that I get, I’m able to into an education field here in New York.”

Photos courtesy University of Mount Saint Vincent Gamarra’s passion for soccer shines through as she prepares for her final year of play. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in education and work with children.

I.P. students get fire prevention tips

In honor of Fire Prevention Month, Island Park School District pre-K through fourth grade students learned firsthand about fire safety from the experts.

Members of the Island Park Fire Department shared important tips and emergency protocols during their visit on Oct. 11. The students learned about home preparedness, what a fully dressed firefighter would look and act like when entering a home on fire, and what to do in emergency situations.

After the indoor presentation, the students toured the fire truck and emergency vehicles.

Island Park students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School enjoyed learning about fire prevention on Oct. 11 from members of the Island Park Fire Department.

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”

— H.P. Lovecraft

Many people are afraid of using a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) to protect their assets from being depleted for the cost of longterm care. Shining a bit of light on the subject may help eliminate this fear of the unknown. Contrary to what many believe, including many lawyers, CPA’s and financial advisors, you do not give up control when entering into the MAPT, even though it is called an irrevocable trust.

First, you reserve the right to change the trustee at any time. Yes, you must name one or more children as the trustee (manager) of the MAPT but it is a simple matter to change the trustee at any time for any reason or for no reason at all. It is up to you.

Secondly, you reserve the right to change who you leave your trust estate to upon death.

Circumstances change and your MAPT gives you the flexibility to “roll with the punches”.

Thirdly, while the MAPT only allows you to take the income (interest and dividends) from the trust, you may still make gifts of principal taxfree to your children at any time, in any amount. If you give more than $18,000 per person per year you must report the gift but there is no tax —the IRS just subtracts it from the amount you can give at death, currently over thirteen and a half million. We like to say that most of our clients are “comfortably under”.

Finally, you may revoke an irrevocable trust in New York on consent of all the parties. If you and your children all sign it may be undone. What if one of them will not sign? Not a problem. Remember we said you may change the trustee and who you leave it to. We simply remove the unwilling participant as trustee and beneficiary and then revoke the trust on consent of all the parties!

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

in Huntington

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/oceanside ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: oceaneditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl

Students got an up close look at the Island Park Fire Department truck.

Photos courtesy Island Park Public Schools

–Kepherd Daniel

O’Side’s Brian Andrew to present novel

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Island Park residents have a unique opportunity to explore the world of Greek mythology in a modern light as local author Brian Andrew presents a reading of his debut novel, Tales of the Bacchae: Queen of the Dead, at the Island Park Library on Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature not only a discussion of Andrew’s book but also a creative twist with mocktails inspired by the mythological tale.

Andrew, an attorney and former resident of Rockville Centre who now lives with his wife in Oceanside, has long been fascinated by Greek mythology. After moving to Oceanside in 2020, he channeled his fascination with Greek mythology and historical fiction into his first published book, Tales of the Bacchae: Queen of the Dead, which released in June and is a contemporary retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone and her descent into the underworld.

“These stories are meant to be fun,” Andrew said. “I think they’re a good tale. They explain a lot of things in the world, whether you believe it or not. They are a fun story, with different heroes and gods and goddesses and everyone running around this world explaining how things happen.”

At the heart of Tales of Bacchae is Koalemos, a character who becomes entangled in the world of gods, goddesses, and mystical creatures.

Koalemos, whose name is derived from an ancient Greek personification of foolishness, is madly in love with Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. When Persephone is abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld, Koalemos seeks help from Bacchus, the god of wine. As Koalemos embarks on a journey to reunite with his beloved, he is thrust into a world of intense emotions and dangerous adventures.

He soon discovers that love is not always as straightforward as it seems and that his journey might lead him toward something greater than the pursuit of romance—personal growth and a newfound sense of belonging. Andrew’s retelling blends ancient myth with con-

Event Details

What: Book reading and mocktail tasting with Brian Andrew, author of Tales of the Bacchae: Queen of the Dead

Where: Island Park Library, 176 Long Beach Road, Island Park

When: Thursday, Nov. 14 6:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

the world, and I think they still resonate with readers today because they deal with universal human experiences.”

As part of his presentation at the Island Park Library, Andrew offers attendees a chance to taste some of the mythology themselves—through mocktails. In a creative nod to the famous myth of Persephone eating the pomegranate seeds that bound her to the underworld, Andrew will prepare a mocktail using pomegranate as a key ingredient.

The drink, made from pomegranate juice, club soda, cranberry, and rosemary, will offer a refreshing and symbolic touch to the evening.

“It’s a fun way to connect the story to the audience in a fun way,” Andrew said. “Plus, pomegranates are such an important part of the Persephone myth, so it felt right to include them in some way.”

As Andrew looks forward to his event at the Island Park Library, he’s excited about sharing his work with the community.

temporary themes, offering readers a fresh look at characters they may remember from classic stories.

The novel brings readers face-to-face with well-known mythological figures like Demeter, Hades, and Bacchus while introducing new layers of meaning and modern relevance to their stories.

Andrew’s passion for Greek mythology is clear, but his novel is more than just a retelling of ancient myths. It is an

exploration of the timeless themes these stories present—friendship, identity, unrequited love and personal transformation.

“I wanted to write a story that people could enjoy while also reflecting on the lessons that myths can teach us today,” Andrew said.

He also sees his work as a bridge between the past and present.

“The myths were created to explain

“I’m really looking forward to meeting readers and hearing their thoughts on the book,” he said. “Writing Tales of Bacchae was such a personal journey for me, and I’m excited to see how others connect with it.”

Andrew’s debut novel, Tales of Bacchae: Queen of the Dead, is available for purchase anywhere books are sold including AuthorHouse.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Andrew’s website, BLPublishingBooks.com.

Courtesy Brian Andrew

Brian Andrew holding his debut novel, Tales of the Bacchae: Queen of the Dead. The Oceanside resident will be reading from his book at the Island Park Library on Nov. 14.

Oceanside works overtime for county title

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

With one overtime in the books and penalty kicks looming in Monday night’s Nassau Class AAA girls’ soccer championship game, Oceanside’s Kaylin Harrington had one thing in mind when she settled a throw-in pass from Molly Boller about 20 yards from the Massapequa net.

“My first instinct was to shoot,” Harrington said. “I knew we were getting close to PKs and I had a little space, so I just shot it.”

It turned out to be the shot heard ‘round Oceanside.

Harrington’s goal 5:35 into the second 15-minute sudden victory OT period gave the Sailors a 2-1 win over the threetime defending champion Chiefs and their first county title since 1978. She was swarmed by teammates at the top of box as a wild celebration followed on the field and in the stands at Farmingdale State College.

“So many emotions are running through my head,” she said. “Our team hasn’t accomplished this in decades and it’s so incredible. We’ve worked really

hard all year and it’s a big moment for us.”

The winning goal came less than a minute after Massapequa nearly added to its unprecedented storied history that includes 18 of the past 22 county titles, and 11 Long Island crowns and 7 state championships since 2003. A corner kick off the foot of Kala Mueller was redirected by Juiana Domingo and just missed finding the far post.

“Game of inches,” Massapequa coach Bruce Stegner said. “It was an evenly played game and Oceanside is deserving. We put a young team out there all season and I’m proud of how we answered their first goal tonight and kept battling.”

The Sailors, who tied Massapequa 1-1 Sept. 5 and defeated the Chiefs 2-0 on the road in the rematch 20 days later, advanced to meet Ward Melville or Commack in the L.I. Class AAA championship game Sunday at 5 p.m. at Farmingdale State.

“We’ve been working a really long time and these girls get all the credit,” first-year Oceanside coach Danielle Chiera said. “It’s always a battle with Massapequa and we knew this would not

come easy. I couldn’t be more proud. It’s a special group and I’m so happy they were able to find a way.”

The first half and opening 11 minutes of the second half were scoreless as both sets of defenders stood tall — Oceanside’s Daniella Cairo, Ryann Zydor, Savannah Castoro, Maddy McMurray and Addison Goldstein, and Massapequa’s Natalie Byrnes, Madeline Ferguson, Hayden Murphy and Nicole Castonguay.

The Sailors struck first with 28:46 remaining in regulation when Vanessa Frangiadakis headed in a perfect cross from Ava Bowers. The lead was shortlived, however, 3:08 to be exact, as Carly Schuler converted on a breakaway after taking a through ball from Castonguay.

“It was a quick momentum swing for sure, but the girls hung in there,” Chiera said.

Each goalkeeper made 6 saves—Julianna Ewashko for Oceanside and Domenica Rasi for Massapequa.

“We’ve had a longtime rivalry with Massapequa and it feels really good to win it,” Zydor said. “Our team is amazing. We never stop working.”

Media Origin Inc./Herald Kaylin Harrington’s goal in double OT gave the Sailors their first county championship since 1978.

Project 2025 plan for culture, health care

By Jenna ZaZa & Lori Saxena Special to the Herald

Third in a series.

Written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 922-page book detailing overhauls of the executive branch and proposing radical policy changes regarding the economy, culture, education and health care.

The controversial plans have Democrats in a tizzy, the Trump campaign distancing itself from the ideas and saying they would embrace the mandate’s demise. However, six of his former Cabinet secretaries and more than 140 people who played a role in the project also worked in his administration, according to a CNN report.

At its core, the initiative seeks to reshape the federal government, but its impact extends to the local level.

“The next President has a moral responsibility to lead the nation in restoring a culture of life in America again,” Heritage Foundation officials wrote in the project foreword.

Culture

Project 2025 is steeped in dividing culture wars saying, “The next conservative President must make the institutions of American civil society hard targets for woke culture warriors.” Its top goal is to prioritize the nuclear family model “as the centerpiece of American life” by rolling back hard-fought LGBTQ+ and Black rights.

It calls for the reversal of the 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized samesex marriage in all 50 states. Widespread anti-LGBTQ+ policies could significantly erode cultural and familial support for queer individuals.

“This policy document gives extended protections that violate individual civil and human rights,” Kiana Abbady, board chair of Long Island Progressive Coalition, said. “There would be no such thing as non-traditional families, that would only be the nuclear family, and that goes back to the denial of LGBTQ rights.”

Child protection rhetoric of antiLGBTQ+ has a long history but the ideology behind the project’s “optimal childrearing” family structure emerged in the late 1990s from religious conservative groups. Saying that children grew up best in households with both a man and woman parental figure. That argument is considered to be false, according to the American Psychological Association.

“So when [the project] says they want to prioritize nuclear family values, that is coded language,” said Jillian Gaeta, co-founder of Roots to Revolution and a New York City public school teacher. “What that means is they think that women who don’t have children … that couples who are gay and adopting children also have less value in our society.”

The project proposes limiting opportunities for people of color by stamping out all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the federal, state and local

Project 2025, a plan conceived by the conservative Heritage Foundation, could change the U.S. if Donald Trump is elected president.

level. DEI creates jobs, boosts the bottom line for companies and contributes significantly to the economy, according to research by McKinsey & Company.

According to a Suffolk County disparity study final report, persons of color “experience the greatest disparity, as they are significantly less likely to own a business.” It also discovered that there are statistically “significant disparities” in business earnings for minorities.

“The elimination of these programs that encourage economic advancement and economic opportunity for hard working Americans based on the color of their skin is abhorrent and it’s disappointing,” Abbady said.

Critics of the mandate argue that the proposed policies risk overextending government power to enforce rigid gender binaries and strip away support for marginalized communities.

“It was working on, for decades, to have the United States be a white, Christian, authoritarian nation,” Claudia Borecky, president of the Bellmore-Merrick Democratic club, said.

Health care

Project 2025 proposes decentralization of federal programs like Medicaid, increasing privatization, and implementing grant caps on health care.

A 2023 study in the international Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health of 1,695 healthcare facilities in Nassau County, revealed a disproportionate distribution of services, with the majority of facilities clustered in two affluent zip codes. Areas with high social vulnerability have a significantly sparser distribution of healthcare services.

Parts of Suffolk County are federally designated Medically Underserved

Areas due to insufficient access to primary care, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. These regions rely on federally qualified health centers and federal programs such as Medicaid.

Project 2025 aims to encourage health care funding that is specific to the needs of local communities and competition with private insurers. Decentralization could lead to reducing federal funding and limitations on Medicaid, which could exacerbate barriers in accessing medical care for vulnerable populations.

Currently, just over 25 percent of Suffolk County residents and a little more than 23 percent of Nassau County residents are enrolled in Medicaid, according to a United Hospital Fund report.

Michelle Jones, a nurse at Flushing Hospital, who is on the board of directors for the New York State Nurses Association, said these proposals would substantially increase the cost of health care if implemented.

“The cost of health care is going to skyrocket, and so is the cost of medication,” she said. “This, is going to put profit over patients and over the frontline workers who take care of these patients. This project will erode people.”

The project’s proposed health care policies also include reforming the Department of Health and Human Services into an anti-abortion-focused Department of Life.

Liberal organizations, such as EMILY’s List, have pledged to invest money and resources into flipping House seats currently held by anti-abortion Republicans.

“Project 2025 outlines tracking women’s pregnancies, including abortion, miscarriages, stillbirths ... dismantling sex education, and replacing birth con-

trol programs,” Yari Aquino, an EMILY’s List representative, said. “The way to stop Project 2025 from happening is to elect … Democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot.”

The Long Island Coalition for Life remains determined to influence public policy in a direction that bans abortion statewide with no exceptions.

“Our ultimate goal is to protect every preborn son and daughter in the womb, to end abortion and to bring back respect for the right to life of all people,” Celeste Broyles, a representative of the Coalition, said. “We don’t discriminate against babies who may have been conceived in rape … all babies deserve the right to life.”

In 2022, former State Sen. Anna M. Kaplan and Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti highlighted ongoing local abortion restrictions. Several communities still had “trigger laws” on the books that were passed in the early 1970s and were intended to limit the establishment of abortion clinics and impose stringent regulations on access. Hempstead, Huntington and Oyster Bay towns and the villages of Freeport and Williston Park had local abortion restrictions.

“Every person should have autonomy over their body and have the right to discuss that with their provider.” Jones said. “Under the project, people are defined by their role in their family, but even then they are a single person with the right to make decisions.”

Jenna Zaza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Jenna Zaza/Herald

Nassau Legislature adopts 2025 budget

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Nassau County Legislature has approved County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s proposed $4.2 billion budget for 2025. The plan, which keeps property tax rates flat and prioritizes investments in law enforcement and children’s early-intervention programs, sparked considerable debate and split votes on key legislative committees.

“I’m very pleased that the Republican Majority unanimously passed our no tax increase budget over the objections of Democrats who wanted a tax increase to give them more money to squander away on wasteful spending,” Blakeman said in a statement after the vote on Oct. 30. His office did not respond to requests for further comment.

The Legislature’s Finance Committee voted unanimously to advance the budget, while the Rules Committee was divided, with Republican members in favor and Democratic members, including Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, abstaining. DeRiggi-Whitton cited concerns over the budget’s reliance on reserves, the lack of movement on assessment reform, and financial uncertainties as reasons for the Democratic caucus’s stance.

Blakeman’s budget allocates significant funds for law enforcement and public safety, setting aside resources for two police cadet classes and two correction officer classes, totaling 206 new hires. The allocation is designed to address anticipated retirements and maintain adequate staffing in the Nassau County Police Department, which currently has 2,576 officers.

The spending plan also funds 38 additional full-time positions, primarily in health and human services as well as law enforcement, which will bringing the county’s workforce to 7,517.

Despite the additions, DeRiggi-Whitton said she was

UDELIa DeRIggI-WHIttoN Minority leader, Nassau County Legislature

concerned about the budget’s anticipated 30 percent reduction in police overtime expenses. She argued that the assumption lacks justification, given historical trends and expected police demands, noting that similar overtime cuts in the past have led to strain on publicsafety services.

“There’s no real evidence to back up the notion that we’ll see a decrease in overtime needs,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “With the same head count, expecting a 30 percent reduction seems overly optimistic and potentially risky for the county.”

The budget includes a $22 million boost in funding for early intervention and preschool services, bringing the total allocation to $185 million. The funds support speech, occupational and physical therapy services for children with special needs. Earlier this year, the county increased its reimbursement rates for service providers, addressing what had been among the state’s lowest rates.

Blakeman’s proposal keeps property taxes flat, in keeping with his commitment to avoid new tax burdens. But DeRiggi-Whitton argued that the spending plan falls short of delivering on Blakeman’s original campaign promises of tax relief and a reformed property assess-

ment system.

“For the third year in a row, we’re seeing a budget that doesn’t address his campaign’s core promises,” she said. “Homeowners are still waiting for the tax cuts and assessment reform that were central to his platform.”

Another sticking point for DeRiggi-Whitton and her Democratic colleagues is the budget’s heavy reliance on reserves, specifically federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, the county has a $207.4 million operating deficit, which the administration plans to offset by drawing on nearly $200 million in reserves. DeRiggiWhitton likened this to dipping into a household’s savings account to cover ongoing expenses.

“This one-time money is being used to patch budget gaps instead of creating sustainable financial plans,” she said. “Using such a large chunk of reserves in one year leaves us vulnerable to future budget challenges, especially if unexpected costs arise.”

In addition to the budget, legislators approved several key appointments during the meeting. Joseph Adamo, who had been serving as acting county assessor, was confirmed as the permanent assessor, despite questions about his certification status.

Jose Lopez was also confirmed as the permanent commissioner of the Department of Social Services, receiving bipartisan support. Lopez has served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, and brings extensive experience to the role.

The Legislature also approved a pay increase for Nassau County election commissioners, raising their salaries from $180,000 to $210,000.

The budget’s passage in the Republican-majority Legislature shifts the focus to NIFA, which will review the county’s financial plan. Its meeting to discuss the budget is scheduled for Nov. 20.

Oceanside SEPTA hosts Trunk or Treat

Oceanside SEPTA hosted a festive Trunk or Treat event at the Oceanside Schoolhouse Green on Oct.28. Families and children of all ages came out in the hundreds to enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed fun, with decorated trunks and candy giveaways. The event aimed to bring the community together while supporting children with special needs in the Oceanside School District. Participants made sure to bring their best Halloween costumes and celebrate in a safe, inclusive environment

— Kepherd Daniel

Children of

Dina Ewashko/Herald

Denise Tasoulis, Sam Giordano, Kathy Tapia, Chandler Taylor, Annamarie Timpano, and Maxi Russo enjoy the festivities at Oceanside SEPTA’s Trunk or Treat event.

all ages came out to enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed fun bringing Oceanside together with decorated trunks and Halloween candy.

Sade Balogun, Malcolm Balogun, and Toni Balogun enjoy the family-friendly Halloween fun at the Oceanside SEPTA Trunk or Treat.

Olivia Montano and Mia Avila get into Halloween spirit.

STEPPING OUT

By Karen Bloom

Join the party with Magical moments on ice and his pals

Ailey II

The latest dose of Disney magic arrives with a rockin’ start to the holiday season. Disney On Ice glides into UBS Arena with “Let’s Dance,” on Nov. 13, to the delight of families who enthusiastically embrace every Disney moment. This time around Mickey and the gang are groovin’ at the DJ table and everyone’s on the guest list.

Audiences feel the electric atmosphere from the get-go as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy remix favorite tunes into colorful stories. “Wish,” an homage to Disney’s 100th anniversary that debuted in the show last fall before the film’s release in theaters — is back in a big way. Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas is in the spotlight. Wish, Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together for “This Wish,” “I’m a Star” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!”

Go on a journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in “Frozen 2” with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.”

Also escape to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala. Audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life” as represented in “’The Lion King.” Skilled maestro Sebastian strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures. Everyone will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid.”

And, of course, everyone will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Ka.

These unforgettable characters and their adventures come alive as audiences are transported to world where imaginations soar — and in true Disney spirit “anything can happen if you just believe.”

So it goes with Mikaela Hyryläinen. The skater, who grew up and still makes her home in Finland, joined the Disney On Ice ensemble in 2019 after concluding her competitive skating career — and is living her dream. Proof that ‘Disney magic’ knows no boundaries.

A Disney fan since childhood, naturally, her first experience with the ice spectacle came about in 2006-07 when she attended a production as a young child with her Mom in Helsinki.

“I remember telling my mother that I enjoyed it so much that I would love to do something similar in the future. So that’s actually where everything started for me.”

Of course, Hyryläinen is quite partial to Elsa.

“Elsa’s my favorite since she comes from the Nordic countries like I do. She has these powers with snow and ice. It’s something that when I was growing up I really enjoyed, playing in the snow and all that. It’s cool that Disney has a character like her.”

As always the skating brings a new dimension to the stories we know so well. Solos, pairs, fast-paced ensemble numbers, along with acrobatic routines, keep everyone in awe of what they’re seeing.

awe of what they’re seeing. not

As Hyryläinen puts it: “We not only do the show on the ice, we also bring it into the air.”

She is especially enthusiastic about a segment in “The Little Mermaid” — Under the Sea — when the seven daughters of Triton ‘fly’ with aerial hoops.

Ailey II, which bills itself as “the next generation of dance,” continues its 50th anniversary of bringing “offthe-charts energy” to the stage. Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and led by Sylvia Waters for 38 seasons, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey’s vision for more than five decades. The program includes Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score; Houston Thomas’ world premiere Down the Rabbit Hole, a continuation of the choreographer’s Follow the White Rabbit (2022; also Francesca Harper’s Luminous, a work that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II and the artists who paved the way for future generations.

“They do splits and spins and all sorts of exciting tricks in the air,” she explains.

Expect to see acrobatic stunts throughout the show.

“We have swaypoles, freestyle skaters leaping off ramps, also other kinds of aerial acts that are so special. They help us tell the stories on an even deeper level.”

• Wednesday through Sunday. Nov. 13-17; times vary

• Tickets start at $30; available at DisneyOnIce.com

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

While the entire production always gets an enthusiastic response, audiences are especially fond of the “Circle of Life.”

“We see Simba and Nala on the Pride Rock and there are all kinds of different animals. We have flamingos, giraffes, impalas, obviously Timon and Pumbaa and even Zazu. It’s a huge celebration of Simba and Nala and their new cub,” she notes.

In fact ‘celebration’ is an apt descriptive of the entire spectacle. The show encourages fans, as per the Mouse House, to “celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure.”

And that pretty much sums it up for Hyryläinen.

“There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing young kids whose eyes light up when they see you and see certain characters on the ice,” she says. “They’re singing so loud, they’re clapping, they’re dancing, they’re having the best time. I’m so happy bringing the Disney magic to all the kids who attend our shows.

“I’m living my best life, getting to bring the stories to life. Plus, this job has taken me to so many cool places in the world. I couldn’t be more grateful for the path I chose.”

A final takeaway from Hyryläinen: “As long as you believe in the magic, as long as you have goals, as long as you have dreams, there’s nothing to stop you.”

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

What starts out as a party transforms into an adventure with Mickey and his crew spinning tunes to get it all going.

Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

The Seven Wonders

The Seven Wonders “go [their] own way’ when the band brings their popular Fleetwood Mac show to the Madison Theatre. The concert features all your favorite Fleetwood Mac songs — “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “You Make Lovin’ Fun,” “Rhiannon,” and more — delivered in a powerful performance by a band whose chemistry is as electric as the original. Certainly not your average tribute band, these musicians take it to the next level. While their collective performance experience spans decades, their presence and energy are vivacious, paying homage to the live show of the original Fleetwood Mac. Their onstage charisma invokes the styles of the original band in its prime. It’s a true testament to music’s timelessness.Their performances have been turning heads since their inception.

Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m. $50-$60. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.

Whiskey & Wings Benefit

Enjoy a tasty evening that pairs Buffalo wings and whiskey, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter, Thursday, Nov. 7, 5-8 p.m., at Amber Court of Westbury. With raffles and 50/50. 3400 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. RSVP to Laura LaFauci at llafauci@ ambercourtal.com or call (631)383-4341.

Talking birds

The South Shore Audubon Society invites all to a lecture program, “Galápagos Species: Why Birders’ Life Lists May Be Wrong,” with Prof. Russell Burke, of Hoftstra’s Biology Department, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., at Freeport Memorial Library. The Galápagos Islands are famous for unusual animals and plants. Counting them all requires thinking about what we mean by the term “species.”

Discussion involves determining what a species is. 144 W. Merrick Road (at S. Ocean Avenue) in Freeport. For more information about the program or South Shore Audubon, go to SSAudubon. org.

Local author talk

Oceanside author Brian Andrew speaks at Island Park Library, Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m., about his book “Tales of Bacchae: Queen of the Dead”, a modern retelling of the Persephone myth. Andrew will discuss the relevance of Greek mythology today and offer insights into his writing process. Attendees can also enjoy mocktails prepared by the author, inspired by Bacchus, a prominent figure in the book. 176 Long Beach Road. For more information, visit islandparklibrary.org.

Narcan Training

Island Park Fire Department hosts a Narcan Training session, Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., at their headquarters. The training covers how to identify an overdose, administer Narcan, and contact emergency officials. Participants will receive both a Narcan certification and a Narcan kit upon completion. 440 Long Beach Road, Island Park. To attend, register online at toh311.net/narcan-signup.

Having an event?

On exhibit

Nov.

15

Annual Food Drive and Thanksgiving Celebration

Island Park Civic Association will host its Annual Food Drive and Thanksgiving and Fall Celebration, Friday, Nov. 15, 6-9 p.m., at Dox Bar and Kitchen. Admission is $10 per person, which includes two beverage tickets and hors d’oeuvres. Donations of nonperishable food items and hygiene products benefit the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Island Park, while Kitty Cove will accept cat food, Gerber baby food, fleece blankets, and cat toys.

The Civic Association will also donate turkeys and Thanksgiving sides to local programs supporting families. 10 Broadway, Island Park. Admission For more information, email islandparkcivicassociation@ gmail.com or call (516) 2368183.

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.

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media.

It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Board games from days gone by

Enjoy an evening of learning and playing historic games at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House, Friday, Nov. 8, 7-9:30 p.m. The Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo takes visitors on journey through 5,000 years of board game history, from its roots in ancient times to more familiar examples from the time of the Phipps family. A brief lecture on board game history includes a presentation of each of the featured games. All are fully playable, and you can try them out yourself.

Games include: Senet, The Royal Game of Ur, Three Man’s Morris, Six Man’s Morris, Nine Man’s Morris, Twelve Man’s Morris, Mancala, Go, Chess, The Royal and Most Pleasant Game of The Goose, Backgammon. The Landlords Game (transition to the modern Monopoly). $15. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Pence reflects on Jan. 6 at LIA luncheon

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

One week before Election Day, former Vice President Mike Pence spoke candidly to about 700 people at the Long Island Association’s annual fall luncheon at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury. In an hour-long interview led by LIA President Matt Cohen, Pence, 65, spoke with conviction to a politically diverse crowd about the state of American politics, his break with Donald Trump, and the Republican Party’s future.

Pence didn’t mince words when expressing his views on the current political landscape, telling attendees he could not support the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, but he also acknowledged his decision not to endorse the Republican ticket.

“I could never support the Democrat ticket,” Pence said. “But I’m also not endorsing our ticket. I have real concerns about the direction of the Republi-

while “marginalizing the sanctity of life.”

One of the most poignant moments of the luncheon came as Pence recounted his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, some chanting threats against him. Pence explained that he was guided by the oath he took on President Reagan’s Bible, which he considered both a commitment to the American people and a

“The Bible says in Psalm 15, ‘He keeps his oath even when it hurts.’ I know something about that,” Pence said, adding that it is against the spirit of the presidency to dictate what votes were or were not counted.

As Pence described it, his differences with Trump surfaced only in the final days of their administration, when Trump, influenced by a group of lawyers outside the administration, became convinced that Pence had the authority to

overturn the election results. Despite their disagreements, Pence recalled that he and Trump “never had a cross word” throughout their four years together, and even reconciled shortly after Jan. 6, parting “very amicably.” He noted, however, that as time went on, Trump returned to much of the same rhetoric that had fueled the events of Jan. 6, solidifying their separation.

Pence’s said that the Republican Party needed to return to what he described as “mainstream conservatism.” He spoke of the importance of maintaining strong American leadership on the world stage, fiscal responsibility, limited government and traditional values. As he sees it, the GOP must decide whether to adhere to those principles or follow “the siren song of populism unmoored to conservative principle.”

Beyond his concerns about his party’s trajectory, Pence expressed a broader worry for the nation’s divided politics. “Our politics are more divided than any time in my life,” he said. “But I’m not convinced the American people are as divided as their politics.” He added that he hoped we would ultimately unite to face common challenges.

Pence closed on an optimistic note, acknowledging that while many Americans feel their values are being “trampled on and disrespected,” the U.S. can still uphold its role as “the leader of the free world.”

Roksana Amid/Herald

Long Island Association President Matt Cohen spoke with former Vice President Mike Pence about a range of topics, including his break from Donald Trump, the future of the Republican Party and the importance of upholding constitutional values.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S.

BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST THOMAS F.

CUCCURULLO, JR. AKA

THOMAS F.

CUCCURULLO, JESSE

CUCCURULLO,

Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 26, 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 November 20, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 171 Audubon Boulevard, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Island Park, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43 Block 396 and Lot 4. Approximate amount of judgment $745,289.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617699/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Michael J. Langer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-001555 82636 149462

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY SAMUEL HAMPTON LLC, Plaintiff against NEVADA VILLAS INC., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 18, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of

land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as (no street number) Nevada Avenue, Island Park, New York 11558. Sec 43 Block 70 Lot 485, 486, and 494. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $192,932.19 plus interest, fees, costs and attorneys fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608680/2021. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee File # 11-7175 149605

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-16, Plaintiff against UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF LINDA LONERGAN A/K/A LINDA S. LONERGAN, AND IF THEY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERALLY OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION, SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING DESIGNATION, NAMELY THE WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS,

EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHO AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 8, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 1043 Delaware Avenue, Island Park, NY 11558. Sec 43 Block 91 Lot 153 and 154. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Island Park, Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $528,351.36 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601698/2022.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Jared Andrew Kasschau, Esq., Referee File # 7755215 149698

LEGAL NOTICE

Distrito de Bomberos de Oceanside

Aviso Legal AVISO DE JUNTA ANUAL Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO DE BOMBEROS DE OCEANSIDE

POR FAVOR TOME NOTA de una reunión de votantes legales del Distrito de Bomberos de Oceanside, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York. Por la presente se da aviso de que, de conformidad con la ley, se llevará a cabo una reunión de los votantes debidamente calificados del Distrito de Bomberos de Oceanside el martes 10 de Diciembre de 2024, entre las 3:00 p. m. y 9:00 p. m., en el Edificio del Distrito de Bomberos, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, Nassau County, New York, con el propósito de elegir un (1)

Comisionado para servir por el término de cinco (5) años, a partir del 1 de enero de 2025 hasta el 31 de Diciembre de 2029. POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las personas que deseen ser candidatas, para el cargo de Comisionado, deberán presentar su(s) nombre(s) ante Tricia Schields, Secretaria de Distrito para dicho Distrito, por lo menos veinte (20) días antes de la fecha de elección por nominación presentado en el Formulario de Petición, suscrito por (25) votantes elegibles del Distrito y recibido a más tardar el 20 de noviembre de 2024. La Secretaria del Distrito estará en su oficina, en el Edificio del Distrito de Bomberos, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, el Miércoles, 20 de Noviembre de 2024, en el horario de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. para recibir peticiones. Solo aquellas personas que residan dentro del Distrito de Bomberos de Oceanside y que se hayan registrado en la Junta Electoral del Condado el 18 de noviembre de 2024 o antes tendrán derecho a votar en esta elección. 149815

LEGAL NOTICE

Oceanside Fire District Legal Notice NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF THE OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE of a meeting of the legal voters of the Oceanside Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York.

Notice is Hereby Given, that pursuant to law, a meeting of the duly qualified voters of the Oceanside Fire District will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M., in the Fire District Building, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, Nassau County, New York, for the purpose of electing one (1) Commissioner to serve for the term of five (5) years, from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that persons wishing to be a candidate, for the position of Commissioner, shall file their name(s) with Tricia Schields, District Secretary for said District, at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of election by nominations submitted in Petition Form, subscribed to by (25) eligible voters of the District and received no later than November 20, 2024. The District Secretary will be in her office, in the Fire District Building, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to receive petitions. Only those persons who reside

within the Oceanside Fire District and who have been registered with the County Board of Elections, on or before November 18, 2024 shall be entitled to vote at this election.

Tricia Schields

Secretary Oceanside Fire District 149814

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ELECTION

BARNUM ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT, ISLAND PARK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK TO THE REGISTERED VOTERS AND ELECTORS OF THE BARNUM ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT:

NOTICE IF HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Town Law an Election will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2024 at the Barnum Island Fire District, located at 4125 Austin Blvd, Barnum Island, Island Park, New York, for the purpose of electing one (1) Fire Commissioner for a term of five (5) years. The polls shall be open for the receipt of ballots from 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM and for such additional time as shall be necessary to permit the electors present at the time of closing to cast their ballots.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to a Resolution, adopted at a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Barnum Island Fire District held on the 15th day of October, 2024, as provided for in Section 176, subdivision 7, of the Town Law, candidates for Fire Commissioner shall file their names with the Secretary of the Fire District, Ms. Patricia Butler, 405 Club Ct, Oceanside, New York 11572, at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of such Election. Such nomination shall be submitted in petition form, specifying the term for which they are a candidate, subscribed by twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the district. Only resident electors are eligible to hold the office of Fire Commissioner. To vote at a Fire District election a person must be a registered voter in the Fire District under permanent personal registration and must have resided in the Fire District for the 30-day period next preceding the Fire District Election. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS.

PATRICIA BUTLER

Secretary, B.I.F.D.

FRANK BETTINESCHI

Chairman, B.I.F.D.

DATED: BARNUM ISLAND ISLAND PARK, N.Y. OCTOBER 21, 2024 149817

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF REGISTRATION ROLLS FOR ANNUAL ELECTION OF THE BARNUM ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT BARNUM ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT, ISLAND PARK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK TO THE REGISTERED VOTERS AND ELECTORS OF THE BARNUM ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Elections of the Barnum Island Fire District shall meet on the 18th of November, 2024, between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM at the Barnum Island Fire District, 4125 Austin Blvd. Barnum Island, Island Park, New York for the purpose of preparing the rolls of registered voters of the Barnum Island Fire District. The Annual Election of the Barnum Island Fire District will be held on the 10th day of December, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM at the Barnum Island Fire District, 4125 Austin Blvd, Barnum Island, Island Park, New York. PLEASE TAKE NOTE in 2024 and thereafter only those persons who have registered with the County Board of Elections on or before the 21st day before the Fire District Election Day shall be eligible to vote. In 2024, such registration must take place on or before Monday, November 18th. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

PATRICIA BUTLER

Secretary Barnum Island Fire District

FRANK BETTINESCHI Chairman Barnum Island Fire District

DATED: BARNUM ISLAND ISLAND PARK, NY OCTOBER 21, 2024 149816

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on The 19th day of November, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

HEMPSTEAD AVENUE (TH 253(B)/24) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 201 feet north of the north curbline of Coolidge Street, north for a distance of 68 feet.

(NR)ISLAND PARK

BROADWAY (TH 418/24) East Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of Georgia Avenue, south for a distance of 32 feet.

BROADWAY (TH 418/24) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of Georgia Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.

GEORGIA AVENUE (TH 418/24) South Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Broadway, west for a distance of 30 feet.

LEVITTOWN WANDER LANE (TH 416/24) North Side -NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 150 feet south west of the south curbline of Wisteria Lane, south for a distance of 96 feet.

SEAFORD CEDAR STREET (TH 421/24) East Side - NO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of Meyer Lane, then north for a distance of 50 feet.

WASHINGTON AVENUE (TH 425/24) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 17 feet north of the north curbline of Merrick Road, then north for a distance of 112 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations: FRANKLIN SQUARE HEMPSTEAD AVENUE (TH 253/24) West Side -NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 167 feet north of the north curbline of Coolidge Street, north for a distance of 168 feet.

(Adopted 8/6/24)

LEVITTOWN WANDER LANE (TH 575/22) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 150 feet south west of the south curbline of Wisteria Lane, south for a distance of 63 feet.

(Adopted 2/7/23)

SEAFORD WASHINGTON AVENUE (TH 257/93) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Merrick Road, north for a distance of 65 feet.

(Adopted 11/15/94) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: October 1, 2024

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 149802

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 11/13/2024 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 660/24. - 661/24. OCEANSIDE - Finnie Lau, Variance side yard setback, maintain split a/c units attached to dwelling; Maintain accessory structure (shed) with less than required side yard setback., S/s Evans Ave., 100’ W/o Messick Ave., a/k/a 283 Evans Ave. 665/24. - 671/24. OCEANSIDE - John Vice, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain garage addition, 2-story addition, 2nd story addition & roof over all attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain roof over attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain portico & roof over open porch both attached to dwelling; Variance, lot area occupied, maintain 2nd story deck with stairs attached to dwelling; Special exception to construct roof over with outdoor kitchen higher & larger than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum on both sides & with lot area occupied variance (demolish existing roof over), Variance, side yard, proposed stairs; Maintain pool equipment with less than required side & rear yard setbacks; Variance, side yard, install generator attached to dwelling., E/s Greentree Dr., 492.59’ S/o Jane La., a/k/a 3965 Greentree Dr. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 677/24. OCEANSIDE - KS4 Oceanside, LLC, Special exception for public assembly & amusement (proposed children’s gym in existing building)., W/s Long Beach Rd., 409.85’ S/o Tilrose Ave., a/k/a 2816 Long Beach Rd.

LaTorre is a mentor as well as a teacher

competitions. Students also gather occasionally to make class TikTok videos.

In LaTorre’s view, his classroom environment provides students with a space that they could feel comfortable being themselves, allowing them to open up and express their ideas.

“Everything in my classroom is deliberate,” LaTorre said. “We’re not just learning literature — we’re thinking critically, and I’m helping my students develop skills they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. I want them to leave here with the confidence to solve any problem.”

LaTorre’s Educator of Excellence Award reflects not just his classroom work but also his innovation in creating opportunities for students beyond traditional education models. One of his proudest achievements is co-founding — along with Mitch Bickman, the district’s social studies director — the Bridges Program, an initiative that connects the school districts of Oceanside and Uniondale.

LaTorre described the program as a way to “hack the standard career day” by offering students a deeper look into a wide variety of careers through small group meetings and real-world insights from professionals.

The program, now in its eighth year, is designed to help students develop the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in

their future careers. Students apply to the program in seventh grade and remain in the cohort until they graduate from high school. Along the way, they engage in sessions that emphasize lead-

Public Notices

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 Oceanside 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. 149813

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff

AGAINST DONALD SCHREINER, JR.,

MICHELLE RANOLDESCHREINER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 25, 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 December 9, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 235 Madison Ave, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Foxhurst Park, Oceanside, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54 Block 239 Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment $490,828.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612438/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening

practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003408 82714 149783

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. COLLEEN MULVEY A/K/A COLLEEN MULVY, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem and Military Attorney, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the

north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 37 Deal Road, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Island Park, Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 36 and Lots 325 & 328. Approximate amount of judgment is $250,240.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #012873/2013. Cash will not be accepted. John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149794

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can

ership, communication and purposedriven career exploration.

“Bridges is all about getting students to rethink what matters,” LaTorre said. “We want them to consider not just what they’ll do for a living, but what will make them feel happy and purposeful.”

The success of the Bridges Program has been remarkable, with alumni reporting life-changing impacts. LaTorre added that several students have gone on to universities such as Cornell, crediting Bridges with opening doors they hadn’t thought possible. Some even continue to collaborate with LaTorre, returning to speak to current students about their careers.

“We had one student who told me, ‘I didn’t know I could talk to people like this until I did Bridges,’ and now she’s in law school,” LaTorre said.

One of the most striking aspects of LaTorre’s career is the lasting relationship he builds with his students. Even after they graduate, many former students stay in touch with him, seeking advice or just checking in to share their successes.

“I get messages from former students all the time, and it’s always so rewarding,” LaTorre said. “They’ll call me up years later with life problems or just to chat. That connection never really goes away.”

LaTorre spoke about one former student, now a Long Beach police officer, who ran with him along the boardwalk after going through a difficult breakup in college.

“We were walking back to the car, and he just broke down in tears,” he said. “That’s the kind of lifelong relationship I want to have with my students.”

Central to LaTorre’s teaching philosophy is the idea of “high-agency thinking” — the belief that no problem is unsolvable. He instills this mindset in his students, encouraging them to

francesca Wasserman, the district’s director of english Language arts and libraries K-12, with Joseph Latorre, an educator of excellence award winner, and Brian Weinstein, a fellow english teacher.

approach challenges with resilience and creativity.

“I want my students to leave here knowing that there’s no problem they can’t solve,” LaTorre said. “That’s what being a high-agency person is all about. I want them to take ownership of their lives and their futures.

“It’s not just about getting a job,” he added. “It’s about creating a life that makes you happy and allows you to contribute to your community.”

LaTorre said being named an Educator of Excellence is a wonderful honor, but he doesn’t want to rest on his laurels. He said he wants to continue expanding the Bridges Program and find new ways to support his students in achieving their dreams.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized, but I’m always thinking about what’s next,” LaTorre said. “I want to keep pushing myself and my students to be the best we can be.”

Photos courtesy Oceanside School District

Joseph Latorre, oceanside middle School’s award-winning teacher, getting silly with students.

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Replacing concrete with glass in a high-rise condo?

Q. We have a condo in Florida, and read your column even when we’re there, which is half the year. Our condo board is proposing “improvements,” aside from all the regulatory issues we’ve been hit with due to building collapses and storms. Our building faces the ocean and is 17 stories tall. It has spectacular views and large balconies. One proposed renovation is to remove the concrete walls between the balconies, which we were told are not structural, and replace them with glass walls to improve our views and modernize the building. Aside from the huge cost increase we will be forever paying, do you think that’s a good idea? The board hired engineers to look at it, and they say it can be done. We are concerned about glass not holding up to hurricanes, since all of the balcony doors and windows had to be replaced with specially made strong frames and glass. What should we tell our board?

A. Your address helped me look at the satellite view from my computer. I’m skeptical about whether this would be an improvement. Certainly it would add glitz and glamour to the building, probably making the value as sky-high as the cost and the height. I understand why you live on a high floor, considering the views.

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But any building has to be examined as the sum of its many parts. Its appearance is only part of the equation. There are three basic components to what is defined as “architecture”: appearance, function and structure. To a trained professional, the composition will fail if the three components aren’t working together in a harmonious way.

In your building’s case, there are certain aspects that are taken for granted, but to an engineer or architect, the placement of those vertical fin walls not only accentuates the “verticality,” giving the building an illusion of greater height, but the fins act as a wind break to the balconies, which reduces the tendency for the wind to whip across the face of the building. This whipping wind is, at times, dangerous, and is referred to as the Bernoulli effect. This phenomenon sucks roof shingles off homes and gives lift to airplanes. It’s also the reason your toilet draws waste down the pipes when water flows from above the bowl downward.

In your case, the removal or replacement of those walls may actually negatively alter the function of the building’s integrity to withstand high winds in the name of glitzy appearance. I wouldn’t recommend the jack-hammering and saw-cutting of the fins unless I first spoke to the original designers to find out if it was their intention to have those spines on the outside of the building to strengthen against natural horizontal movement, and whether they intended them to break up the high winds in extreme hurricane events. Sometimes it’s better to leave a design alone when the conclusions are better but not well understood than to tinker and ruin the integrity.

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If only politics could emulate Notre Dame-Navy football

I’ve been a lifelong lover of sports, particularly baseball and college football. The rivalries. The tension. The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. Watching warriors in the arena. Having said that, I’m generally not one of those guys who equate the gridiron, the playing field, the rink, the tennis court or the boxing ring with the challenges of everyday life or those facing the nation. But there are exceptions. One in particular. I truly wish that the almost century-long football rivalry between the U.S. Naval Academy

Midshipmen and Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish could serve as a model for the world of politics and government.

Beginning in 1927, Navy and Notre Dame have played each other 98 times on the gridiron, missing only the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic. While Notre Dame has pretty much dominated the series, winning 82 of the games, this rivalry transcends so much of what passes for college sports and “student-athletes” today.

While every Notre Dame-Navy game is intense and hard-fought, there is no trash talk or demeaning the other team or its players. At the end of the game, no matter who wins or loses, the players on both teams stand respectfully together for the playing of their respective alma maters.

At the end of the game, no matter who wins, the players on both teams stand together.

A further differential between this and other rivalries is that these players are truly students, who must meet academic standards. Notre Dame always ranks at or near the top of colleges across the country in the percentage of athletes who graduate and receive degrees. Navy has similar standards, and its graduates are also obligated to serve five years of active military duty after graduation. Understandably, this has made it increasingly difficult to recruit top high school players who have dreams of going on to make millions of dollars in the National Football League rather than being shot at in combat. Certainly since the Vietnam War, Navy hasn’t been the football powerhouse it was during the 1940s and ’50s.

While Notre Dame has managed dur-

ing most of these years to compete at a high level, it has never considered dropping Navy from its schedule, thanks to a commitment it made after World War II, which Notre Dame survived only because of Navy. As a private Midwest school with no large benefactors at the time and so many students being drafted into the war effort, Notre Dame was faced with imminent financial collapse. The Naval Academy saved the day by setting up a major training base on the Notre Dame campus, providing the university with fiscal solvency and ensuring its survival as an academic institution — and a football colossus.

The Fighting Irish won the national championship in three of the four years following the end of the war.

Realizing and appreciating how obligated it was to Navy for its very survival, Notre Dame made a solemn commitment to keep Navy on its football schedule for as long as Navy wanted. So the rivalry and the series have continued all these years. But it goes beyond a financial obligation. There is a mutual respect between the schools that’s reflected at every level, including Notre

Dame’s emulation of Navy with its firstrate naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

No matter how often I’ve seen it, I am always moved by the pregame ceremonies, with each school acknowledging the other’s traditions, and the postgame alma mater camaraderie among the players, no matter how hard the battle or how bitter the defeat.

Think how gratifying it would be if our national leaders could follow the lead of Notre Dame and Navy. Fight hard but respect the other side. Look for common ground in the national interest without fear of being labeled a Republican In Name Only or a traitor by your own party.

No, politics is not college football. But our political leaders could learn something by emulating the best of college football, exemplified by the Fighting Irish and the Midshipmen.

And yeah, Notre Dame did beat Navy in this year’s game, 51-14, on Oct. 26. But even in the win-at-all-costs world of college football, the score was almost secondary in this unique traditional rivalry. Go Irish! Go Navy!

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

EIt’s

time for a new era of political civility

lection Day has come and gone. While the results are unofficial or pending, the passing of this period is the happiest thing that has happened to me in years. By any measure, the 2024 election season has been a brutal, emotional and unsettling time. Our nation has been bruised, battered and ripped apart by the tensions that elections can cause, and now, happily, the campaigns have come to an end. Depending on the results, we will soon either be talking about the winners’ plans for the future or steeling ourselves for days and weeks of bitter court battles. It may be that the lawyers will be fully engaged in what they do best, but it’s long past time for the country to begin thinking about how we can start the healing process that is so badly needed. So much of the division that we have been experiencing is the product of a political system that has no referee to stop any foul play or ugly communica-

tion. I have witnessed many campaigns over the years, and I have been involved in my own. But more recent campaigns have sunk to levels of conflict that previously were impossible to imagine.

The root cause of the bitterness can be attributed to the candidates, but the real cause is money, money and money. Since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed unlimited expenditures in elections, billions of dollars have poured into shadow committees, none of which care about dignity, decency or fair play. These “dark” committees, whose backers are unknown and well hidden, are not reluctant to drag campaigns into the gutter.

R ecent campaigns have sunk to levels of conflict previously unimagined.

law that would change how the political system is funded. But there are too many elected officials who like the current system and have no desire to clean it up. Many of them represent safe districts, and are happy to be able to beat up a challenger using phantom funding.

The average voter has no idea who or what is behind a political television commercial, except those that mention a candidate by name and voice that candidate’s approval. But there are countless commercials, mailings and social media postings that are misleading. They may mention some committee, but you will never know who is really behind the presentation.

You would think that members of Congress, who are often the object of smear campaigns, would want to pass a

The use of untraceable money isn’t just something that is connected to the campaign process. The same donors spend fortunes throughout the year, wining and dining legislators, favoring them with extravagant trips and coming up with countless other imaginative ways to curry favor with members of Congress. Some legislators get so much financial support from some industries or special-interest groups that it’s fair to say that they’ve been captured and are fully owned by them.

If the divisions in our country are linked to too much money in the system, how can America be healed? The answer is in the hands of the public. It may be unfair to suggest that the voters have any responsibility for the bitterness that we have experienced, but voters can’t be excused from helping to cure a government evil.

The thing that makes certain elected officials happy is the fact that average citizens are too busy to monitor the conduct of their legislators. Over the course of a typical year in office, members of Congress vote on dozens of bills, and the people back at home have no knowledge of how they vote. It’s the responsibility of the media to devote more space to reporting on how our representatives vote.

But to make our world a little more civil, voters must demand that Congress make a serious effort to clean up our corrupt campaign system. At least once or twice a year, call your congressman or congresswoman and ask what he or she is doing to change how we elect our officials. Don’t talk to a staff member. Insist on talking to the person who represents you.

It isn’t a hopeless task to seek changes in the election process. Nothing is written in stone, and you can make things happen. It’s time for an American political climate change.

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.

Now the real work begins

as the Herald reaches your mailbox, the election results may or may not be fully tallied.

Regardless of outcomes, one truth remains constant: Long Island is our shared home, and its future depends far more on what unites us than what divides us.

Although the voting machines are making their way from the gymnasiums of schools and recreation centers back into storage, democracy doesn’t pack up and leave town when the polls close. The real measure of our community’s strength is found in how we work together on the other 364 days of the year. And on that score, Long Island’s story is nothing short of remarkable.

Look around our communities. The volunteer firefighter rushing to an emergency call isn’t asking whether the home in danger voted red or blue. The teacher staying late to help struggling students isn’t checking their parents’ party registration. The civic association working to preserve local wetlands isn’t conducting political litmus tests at its meetings.

What binds our communities together runs deeper than partisan politics. We

letters

Peter King always fought for us

To the Editor:

I enjoy former Congressman Peter King’s commentary in the Herald, and I’ve appreciated his efforts to support Long Island through the years.

The various natural disasters that have recently occurred across the country bring back memories of Superstorm Sandy and Sept. 11, and the many federal and state officials who fought King’s efforts for relief. I think it would make an interesting column to see how many of those elected officials are now clamoring for similar relief in their jurisdictions.

ToM JAffA Rockville Centre

So who collects all those lawn signs?

To the Editor:

Election Day has come and gone. It reminds me of the 1960s television show “The o uter Limits.” With the end of around-the- clock commercials by politicians, political parties, political action groups and special-interest groups, we

all want our children to thrive in Long Island’s excellent schools. We share concerns about protecting our sole-source aquifer — the water beneath our feet that sustains every one of us. We worry about young families being priced out of our neighborhoods, and about our seniors being able to age in place in the communities they helped build. We take pride in our beautiful shorelines and want to preserve them for future generations.

These challenges don’t come with party labels attached. Potholes don’t care how you voted. High property taxes affect everyone’s wallet. Delays on the Long Island Rail Road don’t discriminate based on political affiliation. The solutions to these shared challenges won’t come from political grandstanding, but rather from the often unsung work of community engagement: attending town halls, participating in school board meetings, joining civic associations, supporting local businesses, and staying informed about local issues.

Whether it’s addressing water quality concerns, tackling the housing crisis, preparing for rising sea levels or ensuring that our downtowns remain vibrant,

the solutions will come from sustained community engagement, not just periodic trips to the polls. This means neighbors working with neighbors, towns collaborating with towns, and citizens engaging with their government at all levels.

As your community newspaper, the Herald has chronicled Long Island’s journey through countless election cycles. We’ve seen the political pendulum swing back and forth, but we’ve also witnessed something more fundamental: the enduring strength of our communities when residents commit to the daily work of democracy.

So whether you’re pleased or disappointed with Tuesday’s results, remember that the most important work happens between elections. Get involved. Stay informed. Attend local meetings. Join community organizations. Talk with neighbors who see things differently than you do. Model behavior you’d be proud for your children to emulate.

The ballot you cast on Tuesday mattered. But what you do today, tomorrow, and every day after could matter even more. Let’s all work together for a prosperous Long Island.

now return control of your TV to you — until the next election cycle. No more telephone robo calls, text messages or candidate campaign mailings clogging mailboxes and weighing down our hard-working postal employees.

finally, some peace and quiet! Candidates who claimed they cared about the environment should now do their part. Winners and losers should have their campaign staff and volunteers pick up all the

opinions Fentanyl is taking too many lives

the other day, I was browsing my LinkedIn feed and came across an illustration that caught my eye. There were three glass jars, all the same size, each containing a black ball. The first jar’s ball filled the jar. The second jar’s ball was smaller, and the third was tiny. a caption read, “People tend to believe that grief shrinks over time.”

Underneath was another set of jars, increasing from small to large. This time the balls were the same size, filling the first jar entirely, and as the jars grew larger, it was as if the jar was growing around the ball. The caption read, “What really happens is that we grow around our grief.”

Grief is universal. Some grieve when a favorite restaurant closes, while others mourn a pet or a relationship. But what about a parent grieving the loss of a child? as a father of two daughters, I can’t fathom losing one of them. The thought gives me a pit in my stomach. I can only imagine the pain becoming part of me, like an organ or an appendage.

In theory, I agree with the illustra-

tion’s message. It offers context to the unfathomable. But what if your child were murdered? Would that change things? What if the murder were preventable? I hope to never find out. Unfortunately, it’s a reality for many families, especially because of fentanyl.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of fentanyl. Most likely, you know someone who has died from it or has been affected in some way. Kids are dying, and families are being torn apart. you might be mistaken if you think it’s not happening in your neighborhood.

iHere are some sobering facts from the CDC:

■ Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

■ In 2022, it caused more than 73,800 preventable deaths.

n my years of recovery work, I’ve attended too many wakes and funerals.

Many associate overdoses with rock stars or homeless junkies, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. your child doesn’t need to be a drug addict to die from fentanyl poisoning — it’s everywhere. Complacency is fentanyl’s greatest ally. It’s being found in drugs like marijuana. Unless drugs are prescribed by a doctor or come from a reputable dispensary, you’re playing russian roulette.

Consider that scene in “The Deer Hunter”: your child is Christopher Walken, the gun he’s holding to his head is the party your child is attending, and the lone bullet is that Xanax laced with fentanyl that they’re trying for the first time.

Letters

thousands of campaign signs that litter our roads and highways. Perhaps they could use leftover campaign funds to hire homeless or unemployed people to collect this litter, along with people who have been sentenced to perform community service.

If candidates refuse to clean up after themselves, your local village, town or county department of highways or public works should do the job and send candidates the bill.

Larry Penner Great Neck

Let’s turn the seasonal page, not just on weather

To the editor:

We are entering a different season in a merica. It’s not a season everyone likes or voted for, but it’s changing. For some it’s better, for some it’s worse. For some it’s good news, and for some it’s bad.

your perspective colors your season. If you love autumn, then you have enjoyed the current season in much of a merica. you haven’t enjoyed it if you’ve been in the path of a hurricane, but you’ve enjoyed it if you live in most any other place in america. We’ve had a dry fall, but it’s been beautiful.

Political seasons are hard on the nation. We’ve been inundated by political advertisements for months. The presidential campaign went on forever. We are so ready to move on.

There’s always a new season around the corner. It’s best for all of us if we can make the best of each one. They pass by, so enjoy them, love them, roll with them.

Try to make the best of your current season in life. It’s not always easy. We don’t like the seasons when we’re sick, and seasons that are difficult, and even harsh and cruel, come to us all if we live long enough. So, enjoy the good ones.

Dr. GLenn MoLLeTTe

Comments about our stories? Send a letter to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com.

■ accidental overdose is now the second-leading cause of death among young people.

In Texas, law enforcement has seized over 505 million lethal doses of fentanyl. That’s enough to kill every person in the U.S. It’s simple math: Fentanyl = death.

In my profession, I facilitate free narcan training. narcan reverses opioid overdoses. It saves lives.

People often ask, “Why would a drug dealer want to kill their clients?” The answer is simple: fentanyl is cheap and highly addictive. That translates to higher profits and return customers: high risk but high reward.

In my almost 15 years of recovery, I’ve attended too many wakes and funerals for kids and adults. There’s an expression in recovery: Sometimes you have to step over the bodies. That should be reserved for battlefields, yet we live on a battlefield where fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction.

I serve on a Community Prevention

Coalition working to educate our kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It includes school administrators, social workers, police officers, local merchants, and parents who have lost loved ones to fentanyl. We focus on combating the spread of this deadly drug through our communities.

Grief shouldn’t be part of a parent’s job description, yet it often is. While it’s impossible to avoid all grief, we can reduce the chances of preventable loss. We must act to effect change. you don’t have to be a crusader, but sitting on our hands isn’t an option. We can spread awareness to prevent more fentanyl poisonings.

a mentor once told me, “If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.” Here’s the call to action: Join your local community coalition. Get trained to administer narcan. Talk to your kids about substance dangers. Write to local officials about their plans for the opioid crisis, and consult professionals about prevention strategies. Pick one action, and you’ll be part of the solution. a community that works together always wins.

Jason Mayo is a certified recovery peer advocate at a nonprofit community recovery and outreach center on Long Island. He is a contributing writer for The Sober Curator, has written for the Forbes Business Council and is the author of the children’s books “Do Witches Make Fishes?” and “The Boy and the Billy Goat.”

Framework by Lisa LaMagna & Billy Reyes In between changings of the guard at Buckingham Palace

Jason maYo

• 6:00-9:00PM

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MICHAEL J. DOWLING

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NORTHWELL HEALTH

ACCOUNTING:

JOHN FITZGERALD

Managing Partner

Citrin Cooperman

GURJIT SINGH

Chief Information Officer

Prager Metis CPAs

DIANE L. WALSH

Chief Marketing Officer

Prager Metis CPAs

BANKING & FINANCE:

STUART H. LUBOW

President & Chief Executive Officer

Dime Community Bank

DAVID A. PERLMUTTER

Managing Partner

Forest Hills Financial Group

MARK SANCHIONI

Senior Vice President & Chief Banking Officer

Ridgewood Savings Bank

JOSEPH TEDESCO

President & Chief Executive Officer

Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union

JOHN BURKE

Managing Director

Global Head of Business & Professional Services

Citi Commercial Bank

BIOPHARMA:

PATRICIA ECKERT, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Enzo Biochem, Inc.

COMMUNICATIONS:

ANDREW RAINONE

Senior Vice President, Business Sales

Optimum Business

EDUCATION:

MARIA CONZATTI, Ed.D.

Chief Administrative Officer Nassau Community College

TIMOTHY E. SAMS, Ph.D.

President

SUNY Old Westbury

ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION:

LOUIS BEKOFSKY Principal, Managing Partner VHB

WILLIAM MAXWELL Vice President The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

BILLY HAUGLAND II Chief Executive Officer Haugland Group LLC

ANDREW J. SOLANO Managing Partner Emtec Consulting Engineers

GAS/UTILITIES:

CHRISTINA ARMENTANO

Chief Operating Officer &

Executive Vice President Paraco

JOHN RHODES

Chief Executive Officer

Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)

ROSS TURRINI

Chief Operating Officer, New York Gas National Grid

ENERGY:

JIM FLANNERY Chief Operating Officer National Grid Ventures, US Northeast

HEALTHCARE:

MARIANELA CASAS, MPA

Chief Operating Officer

Association for Mental Health and Wellness

STACEY C. JACKSON-HARLEY

RN MA BSN

Chief Operating Officer

Harmony Healthcare

ANDREW MINTZ

Chief Executive Officer

The Smilist

MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT

President & Chief Executive Officer

Parker Jewish Institute For Healthcare and Rehabilitation

AMY SILVA-MAGALHAES

Chief Operating Officer

The Bristal Assisted Living

JOSEPH VERDIRAME

Chief Executive Officer

Alliance Homecare

AMIT SHAH, MD

Partner & Vascular Surgeon

PRINE Health

HOSPITALITY:

MICHAEL LESSING

Chief Executive Officer Lessing's Hospitality Group

LEGAL:

NICOLE JOSEPH, MSc

Chief Operating Officer & Finance Director

CM Law PLLC

JULIE WYETZNER

Executive Director &

Chief Operating Officer

Cona Elder Law PLLC

MICHAEL H. SAHN

Managing Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC

HOWARD M. STEIN

Managing Partner & Co- Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

NOT-FOR-PROFIT:

PHIL ANDREWS

President

Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce

LISA BURCH, MPH

President & Chief Executive Officer

EPIC Long Island, Inc.

RANDELL M. BYNUM

Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of Nassau County

MATTHEW COHEN

President & Chief Executive Officer

Long Island Association, Inc.

ERIKA FLORESKA

President

Long Island Children's Museum

JEFFREY FRIEDMAN

Chief Executive Officer

CN Guidance and Counseling Services

DAN LLOYD

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Minority Millennials, Inc.

DIANE MANDERS

Interim Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity of LI

JOHN MCGUIGAN

Chief Executive Officer

AHRC Suffolk

JEFFREY L. REYNOLDS, Ph.D.

President & Chief Executive Officer

Family and Children's Association

LUIS VAZQUEZ

President & Chief Executive Officer

Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

REAL ESTATE:

JOSEPH A. FARKAS

Chief Executive Officer & Founder Metropolitan Realty Associates LLC

RETAIL:

ROBERT KAY

Chief Executive Officer

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

CHRIS R. VACCARO

President & Executive Officer

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

TECHNOLOGY:

AMY E. NEWMAN

Senior Vice President, Administration Canon U.S.A, Inc.

TRANSPORTATION:

ROBERT FREE

Acting President

Long Island Rail Road

MARLON TAYLOR

President New York & Atlantic Railway

COREY J. MUIRHEAD

Executive Vice President

Guardian Bus Company

MICHAEL D. TORNABE

Chief Operating Officer

Guardian Bus Company *List still in formation