Oceanside/Island Park Herald 11-14-2024

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HERALD

Kepherd Daniel/Herald

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s chief financial and operating officer, John Pohlman, far left, and President Dr. Adhi Sharma presented a certificate of appreciation to veteran John Banham at the hospital’s veterans celebration on Nov. 7.

Mount Sinai South Nassau honors veterans at annual celebration

Mount Sinai South Nassau hosted its eighth annual Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 7, recognizing the men and women who have served the nation. At the hospital’s main campus, veterans, hospital staff, local leaders and community members gathered to celebrate service as well as perseverance, resilience and compassion.

Suheil Genovese, co-chair of the MSSN Veterans Committee and a U.S. Army veteran, described the success of initiatives like Suits on Soldiers, which provides veterans in need with clothing. Since its beginnings three years ago, the program has expanded to include Coats on Soldiers and Shoes for

Soldiers.

This year’s Veterans Bake Sale also broke records, raising over $4,800, with the proceeds going to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members. U.S. Navy veteran and the hospital’s director of safety and security Steve Biscotti presented a check for $5,000 to Robert F. Garrison VFW Post 3350, in East Rockaway, highlighting the hospital’s community efforts.

Oceanside resident Leslie Etwaroo, an Army veteran and the hospital’s information service director, was presented with a Mount Sinai South Nassau Veteran Employee Scholarship in recognition of his commit-

O’Side is ready to help out for the holidays

Oceanside’s strong tradition of giving back was on full display during the Oceanside Community Service dinner, spotlighting the organization and volunteers who contribute to its mission of helping local families in need.

Held last Thursday at the Alias Smith and Jones restaurant, at 2863 Woods Ave. in Oceanside, the OCS event brought together residents, local business leaders and community groups, all united in their shared commitment to supporting their neighbors.

I just like to see the smile on people’s face when they get a box of food.

side school board trustee, said. “We want to bring people together to share quiet conversation, enjoy a nice meal, and raise awareness about what we do.” Though not a fundraiser, the dinner is an opportunity for OCS to engage with the community, share updates on its services, and encourage donations through normal channels. OCS, a charitable organization that has been serving the community for more than 70 years, was founded in 1947 to address school absenteeism due to a lack of proper clothing and shoes for children from large, low-income families.

BoB TRANSoM OCS president

In years past, the annual dinner has served as both a fundraiser and a community gathering. While the event has evolved over the years, from a lively affair with music and raffles to a more intimate gathering, its purpose remains the same — bringing people together in the spirit of giving.

“This year’s dinner is more of a networking event,” Bob Transom, OCS president and Ocean-

At the heart of the organization is Transom’s wife, Betsy, who he described as his “whole right arm and left hand.” She handles the finer details, paperwork and lists, ensuring the pantry runs like clockwork. Al Marino, who Transom described as “indispensable,” plays a key role in pantry operations, while Laura Lisi, dubbed the “new guru,” brings a fresh understanding of the organiza-

CoNtiNueD oN PAge 5

O’Side’s Eric Neufeld runs through NYC

Oceanside’s Eric Neufeld, a physical education teacher and seasoned endurance athlete, completed the 2024 New York City Marathon on Nov. 3rd, marking his sixth time crossing the finish line of one of the world’s most iconic races.

Unlike his previous marathons, where he meticulously set pace goals and pushed himself to beat his personal bests, this year’s race was different for Neufeld. Injuries, including a painful case of plantar fasciitis and tendonitis in his foot, forced him to change his approach.

“This year I just went in looking to enjoy the day,” Neufeld explained. “I didn’t focus on a specific pace. I just wanted to take in the experience, the sights, and the energy of the crowd.”

For a runner used to targeting competitive times, such as his 2023 finish of 3 hours, 24 minutes, this was a significant mental shift. Neufeld completed the race in 3 hours and 33 minutes.

In early August, just weeks after completing the Lake Placid Ironman and a Half Ironman at Jones Beach, Neufeld developed plantar fasciitis, a notoriously painful condition that affects the heel and arch of the foot. His tendonitis, which flared up in his other foot, compounded the problem.

“Every night for a couple of weeks, I was icing both feet,” he said. “Training wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but I decided to run without any stress or pressure to hit a specific time.”

Neufeld described the physical pain as manageable during the race itself, with the first few miles being the toughest until his body loosened up.

“I felt it more toward the end of the race, but it didn’t limit me,” he said, reflecting on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course.

For Neufeld, the New York City Marathon has always been more than just a race. Neufeld’s family also plays a central role in his race day experience. His wife Monika and their children, along with Monika’s parents, watched from Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where Monika grew up cheering on marathon runners.

“The crowds are amazing,” Neufeld said. “ It’s just different from any other race I’ve done.”

His parents stationed themselves in Manhattan, near the base of the 59th Street Bridge, catching sight of him both there and later near Central Park.

“They always tell me how proud they are,” Neufeld said. “My dad, always sarcastically, says, ‘So, this is your last one, right?’ But they all know I’ll keep running.”

Neufeld’s passion for running and fitness is deeply ingrained in his life.

As a physical education teacher working in Queens, he tries to set an example for both his students and his own children.

“My dad would work out before and after work,” Neufeld recalled. “Fitness was always part of his personality, and it became part of mine too.”

At 39, nearing 40, Neufeld has certainly noticed the toll of time on his body. He admits that injuries now take longer to heal, and he can’t always train through them as he once did. But despite the setbacks, his motivation remains strong.

“It’s part of my routine, my lifestyle. On the days I don’t exercise, I just feel off,” he said. “It keeps me energized and focused. I want to set an example for my kids and my students—that fitness is essential for living a healthy life.”

Even during his “off-season,” Neufeld stays active. His typical training week includes swimming, cycling, gym sessions, and, of course, running. Though he’s taking a short break to heal, he plans to slowly build up his running again by Thanksgiving, ensuring that fitness remains central to his life.

Although he’s taking time to recover, it’s clear that this won’t be Neufeld’s last marathon. For Neufeld, it’s not just about the race day results—it’s about embracing the jour-

ney, facing the challenges, and crossing the finish line with a sense of pride.

And as his father jokingly asks if it will be his last race, Neufeld’s answer is likely a firm, “Not yet.”

Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.

Performing a life-changing brain surgery without a single incision.

Helping a new mom give birth—and receive a new liver.

At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.

North Shore University Hospital

Courtesy Monika Neufeld Oceanside’s Eric Neufeld completed his sixth New York City Marathon on Nov. 3.

MSSN honors leaders at annual soiree

Mount Sinai South Nassau hosted its annual Soirée Under the Stars fundraising gala at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park on Nov. 9. The event celebrated three honorees for their contributions to healthcare and the community while raising critical funds to support MSSN’s Cancer Programs.

Linda Armyn, President and CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, was recognized as the Corporate Honoree for her leadership in Bethpage’s community initiatives, including the hospital’s Truth in Medicine public health poll. Armyn, the first woman to lead Bethpage, has played a pivotal role in the credit union’s growth and its charitable engagement across Long Island.

Dr. Shahriyour Andaz, Director of Thoracic Oncology, received the Mary Pearson Award in honor of his leadership and compassion in lung cancer care. Dr. Andaz has been at the forefront of MSSN’s efforts to combat lung cancer, embodying the highest standards of patient care.

Shaeda Alloo, a veteran respiratory therapist, was presented with the Cupola Award for her dedicated service, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her professionalism and commitment to patients have made a lasting impact on the MSSN community.

The gala featured an expanded cocktail reception, a sitdown dinner, and an evening of dancing to live music. The live auction included notable prizes, such as tickets to the 2025 Ryder Cup at the Bethpage Black golf course.

Proceeds from the evening will bolster MSSN’s Cancer Programs, further enhancing the hospital’s ability to deliver exceptional care to the Long Island community.

Linda Armyn, President and CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, accepts the Corporate Honoree award at the 2024 Soirée Under the Stars for her contributions to community health initiatives, including the Truth in Medicine public health poll.

Auctioneer Tom Stevins addressed the crowd.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Shaeda Alloo, veteran respiratory therapist, honored with the Cupola Award for her dedicated service during the Covid-19 pandemic and her lasting impact on patient care at Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Dr. Shahriyour Andaz, Director of Thoracic Oncology, receives the prestigious Mary Pearson Award in recognition of his compassionate leadership in lung cancer care at Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Stefanie Bradley, Supervisor of Environmental Services sang the pledge of allegiance.

Planning for Single Relatives Living Alone

If you have a son, daughter, sister, brother or parent living alone for whom you are responsible, and they unfortunately become incapacitated or die, apart from the emotional and medical burdens, you may have significant legal and financial troubles. A little planning in advance for these contingencies will go a long way in making any such dire situation much easier to handle.

If they rent, then make sure they notify their landlord, in writing, that you have their permission to access the apartment. Also get a key to their apartment or home or at least know where you can get one (such as from a neighbor).

A power of attorney will allow you to handle their legal and financial affairs during any period of disability. However, a power of attorney automatically ceases on death. Once someone dies, only the executor under the will may handle legal and financial affairs and it may take months and sometimes years to become appointed executor by the Surrogate’s Court. A properly created and funded living trust, on the

other hand, gives you immediate control of their affairs upon death.

A health care proxy and living will allows you to gain access to their medical records, confer with medical professionals and make medical decisions for them if they are unable to, including termination of life support should there be no meaningful existence and no hope of recovery.

You should know where they keep records of their assets in their home or apartment. One of the benefits of a properly funded trust is that it will have a list of assets appended to the trust making it easy to locate what the decedent owned. A list of their assets, and any named beneficiaries, is also helpful.

Forms to provide personal information, such as who to contact in the event of death (friends, relatives, professional advisors), computer passwords, funeral and burial wishes and who is to receive which personal items, may be found on our website, trustlaw.com, under “Online Forms” clicking on “Final Instructions”.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Man charged with assault of woman in Oceanside

A South Hempstead man was arrested following an alleged assault in Oceanside on Saturday.

Police say John Ardolino became enraged while honking at a woman backing her car out of a parking space on Long Beach Road. Ardolino blocked the victim’s car with his vehicle, banged on her window, and attempted to strike her. When the woman exited her car to take a photo of his license plate, Ardolino allegedly struck her with his

Man arrested after dispute at Oceanside School Three Crime Brief

car, throwing her onto the hood before driving off.

The 28-year-old woman was treated at a local hospital for neck and back pain.

Ardolino was charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, third degree menacing, and leaving the scene of an incident. He was arraigned on Nov. 10 at First District Court in Hempstead.

Kepherd Daniel

A Baldwin man was arrested for allegedly causing a disturbance at an Oceanside polling station on Nov.5, according to a news release from the Nassau County Police Department.

Officers responded to 2852 Fortesque Ave., for a reported dispute. When they arrived, Mark Sebesta, 54, of Baldwin, who was a pollworker at Oaks Elementary School Three, was engaged in a verbal altercation with an unidentified man.

Police said Sebesta became aggressive after falsely identifying himself as a law enforcement officer. He was then taken into custody and brought to a hospital “for evaluation and treatment,” the release said.

Sebesta was charged with menacing, harassment, obstructing governmental administration, and criminal impersonation.

O’Side Community Service is ready to help

tion’s mission and future vision.

Longtime member Sandy Schoell, who also serves on the school board, works closely with Transom to ensure that the community’s needs are met. Treasurer Adrienne Rosman, the longest-serving member, joining in 1997, manages the organization’s finances, while Nancy Baxter, is the vice president and coordinator.

“We’re known as doers,” Transom said. “We don’t look for a pat on the back. I don’t really like to get pictures taken. I just like to see the smile on people’s face when they get a box of food.”

One of the key expansions of OCS’s offerings came 25 years ago with the creation of its food pantry. Originally, OCS worked in conjunction with St. Anthony’s Church to distribute food, but as demand grew, the organization sought a permanent space to house its own pantry. With the help of the Oceanside School District, OCS established its food pantry in adjacent to the Merle Ave. School gymnasium where it remains today.

For Transom, OCS is more than just an organization — it’s a personal mission. A longtime resident of Oceanside, he got involved with the organization in the 1980s after joining the Kiwanis Club. Under the mentorship of Al Cullinane, who had been a leader in OCS since its inception, Transom became deeply com-

Jaci Zitman/Herald

Helping to keep the oceanside Community Service flourishing are, clockwise from top left, al marino, Jill and michael d’ambrosio, Bob tramson, Sandie Schoell, Betsy transom, mark and adrienne rosman and ginny marino.

mitted to the organization’s work. He served as president for 12 years, and after a brief hiatus, returned to the role following the death of former president Leo Bonacasa this past summer.

Now retired, Transom spends much of his time volunteering with OCS and Island Harvest, another food bank. His dedication to helping families in need extends beyond the holiday season, working year-round to ensure that OCS is always ready to provide assistance to those who need it most.

As the holiday season approaches, OCS is working tirelessly to ensure that no family goes without food. In addition

to the Thanksgiving “Turkey Shoot,” OCS is preparing for its annual Christmas and Hanukkah deliveries, which include food baskets, toys for children, and gift cards for older kids. Transom takes particular pride in the organization’s commitment to providing fresh, high-quality food, including vegetables, eggs and dairy, alongside non-perishable items.

“You may have known somebody for 20 years, but you really don’t know what their situation is if they’re private,” Transom said. “We try to reach out to those people, too. I got a good eye for that.”

Desperately seeking turkeys: Campaign to collect turkeys and other food items for thanksgiving.

“Turkey Shoot” event: tuesday, nov. 26 at 8:30 a.m. at oceanside High School” – delivering turkeys with all the trimmings to 90-100 families on the free/reduced lunch program, and oceanside Community Service clients.

Holiday delivery: provide food, Kohl’s gift cards (ages 12-18), and up to 5-6 toys per child to families in need on dec 21.

December distribution: on dec. 20, assembling and distributing 160 baskets with fresh produce and staple food items at Castleton School.

Food Pantry operations: Serving 400-500 families monthly, with deliveries to homebound individuals.

operating Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m., at School #6.

I.P. honors veterans with annual service

The Village of Island Park and American Legion Post 1029 held their annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11 at the Memorial Monument. Community members gathered at the corner of Long Beach and Waterford Roads to honor local veterans and recognize their service to the country. Congressman Anthony D’Esposito spoke about the Villages veterans banner initiative. The American Legion Post 1029, in conjunction with the Village of Island Park, launched the initiative to honor the area’s war heroes with banners.

Since the beginning of the initiative, war veterans who live in Island Park, and their families or the families of fallen heroes, have been invited to submit photos of themselves during their service to the country and the pictures are then hung on banners lining Long Beach Road.

“These banners all say that they are our heroes, well they are the United States of America’s heroes. We are just proud to call them neighbors,” D’Esposito said.

The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes, a salute to the flag, and remarks from local leaders, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have bravely defended our freedoms. Attendees paid their respects with a moment of silence, expressing deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans.

Tim Baker/Herald
A solemn moment of silence is observed at the Memorial Monument to honor those who served in defense of the nation.
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito noted the work done for veterans in Island Park.
Residents of Island Park come together to show their appreciation for veterans at the Veterans Day Service, hosted by the Village and American Legion Post 1029.
Pat Martin Commander of American Legion 1029 gave a heartfelt speech.

HERALD SPORTS

Seniors lead Oceanside to huge season

The seniors on the Oceanside boys’ cross-country team went out with a bang, and nearly led the Sailors to their first country title.

Three had their personal best times, helping Oceanside finish a close second in the Nassau Class I championships at Bethpage State Park on Nov. 2. The Sailors were edged out by Port Washington.

“I think we did great,” Oceanside coach Al Lyson said. “Of course, our hopes are to win the county. We had a really deep team this year, we wound up losing by 10 points. That’s not a whole heck of a lot in crosscountry. So, that was a little disappointing. But a bunch of the guys had a personal best that day. So I can’t ask for more than that. It was a really good season. These guys did a great job, so I’m proud of it.”

A year after finishing third in the county championships, Lyson had an inkling his squad would again be one of the top three teams

this year. Fortunately, the Sailors were able to stay relatively healthy throughout the season and when the lights were their brightest, the seniors led the way.

“It’s a great feeling when I see my seniors really show up at that county race and give their best performance of their lives,” Lyson said. “I have a great sense of pride in that. They work so hard and so much goes into this and to see it pay off in that county race, I’m really happy for them.”

Leading the way was senior Tyler DeCiantis, who finished third in 16:31.70, behind Farmingdale’s George Thomatos (15:55.70) and Lukas Derasmo of Port Washington (16:21.30).

“He’s a very talented runner, he’s done great all year,” Lyson said. “I was super, super proud of him. He did better than I thought he was going to do, honestly. He’s just really talented and he showed it that day for sure.”

Jonathan Davi took fifth in 16:30.50. It was the first race this

season the sophomore wasn’t the team’s top finisher.

“He’s just an incredible talent and runs well all the time,” Lyson said. “Tyler just edged him out in that race, but I expect great things from this kid, moving forward for sure.”

Matthew Laudicina took 11th in 17:00.00, one second behind Port Washington’s Gael Ogmen. That, too, was the senior’s best time of his high school career, a testament to the work Laudicina put in after being hurt most of his junior season.

The third senior to record a personal best was Cole Rinn. College lacrosse is likely in his future, yet he finished 22nd in 17:14.00.

Dylan Herzog took 34th place in 17:45.00, the junior showing vast improvement year over year.

He’s part of a strong returning group that includes Davi, freshman Christian Carbonaro, and juniors Brendan Kilby and Kevin Fernandez, who will be chasing Oceanside’s first county title next fall.

Paul Grassini/Herald Senior Matthew Laudicina took 11th in the Class I championships and his 17-minute finish was the best of his high school career.

WEDNESDAY

20 • 6:00-9:00PM

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale

TRAILBLAZER AWARD & 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:

JOHN BURKE

Managing Director

Global Head of Business & Professional Services

Citi Commercial Bank

MICHELE DEAN

Chief Executive Officer

Suffolk Credit Union

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

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

CHRISTINE M. RIORDAN, Ph.D.

President Adelphi University

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:

MICHAEL GITMAN, MD President Long Island Jewish Medical Center

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

JON SENDACH, FACHE President North Shore University Hospital

AMIT SHAH, MD

Partner & Vascular Surgeon PRINE Health

JOSEPH VERDIRAME

Chief Executive Officer

Alliance Homecare

HOSPITALITY:

MICHAEL LESSING

Chief Executive Officer Lessing's Hospitality Group

LEGAL:

NICOLE W. 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 & 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

MICHAEL D. TORNABE

Chief Operating Officer

Guardian Bus Company

COREY J. MUIRHEAD

Executive Vice President

Guardian Bus Company

WASTE MANAGEMENT:

AZEEZ MOHAMMED

President & Chief Executive Officer

Reworld

*List still in formation

Hofstra students star in election broadcast

The Herbert School of Communications, at Hofstra University, had transformed overnight into a news station. Students were busy writing scripts and reporting live results on election night, on a program called “Hofstra Votes Live.”

The multi-platform broadcast brought together students from across the Herbert School and the university. They began planning the program months before the election in order to deliver comprehensive, real-time coverage — all under the mentoring and guidance of Hofstra faculty members. The broadcast aired from 8 p.m. to midnight, and reached audiences on campus, on YouTube and on 88.7 FM WRHU, Radio Hofstra University.

The program featured coverage with both a regional and national perspective, and included live reports from watch parties such as those for Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and his Democratic challenger Laura Gillen, who ultimately defeated him. One of the standout moments was a live report from Vice President Kamala Harris’s watch party, at Howard University, in Washington, by student reporter Jake Epstein. Student anchors also interview guests such as former New York Gov. David Paterson on air.

The students gained hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of live news coverage, and learned about the behindthe-scenes work that goes into producing an important broadcast on a historic night. They also felt for themselves the excitement and intensity of covering a

ment puts on every two years, and I’m really excited to see how it comes together. I’m both excited and nervous just because it’s four hours long — that’s like, that would be the longest I’ve ever been on air live.”

Days before the broadcast, student anchors like Ng took part in a special workshop hosted by WABC reporter Chanteé Lans, who shared some of the secrets of being a good anchor during a live broadcast.

In the past, “HVL” has covered presidential and midterm elections as well as Super Tuesday during the presidential primaries. Last year the broadcast won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Student Video Newscast for its coverage of the 2022 midterms.

“I’m really grateful, actually, to be one of the coordinating producers for ‘HVL’ for the 2024 presidential election,” junior Samantha Diamond said. “You know, seeing me as a freshman two years ago, I was one of the camera assistants. . . . And I was just, like, you know what? When I’m an upperclassmen and we do this again in two years, I want to be one of the leaders.”

presidential election.

“To be part of Hofstra Votes Live is a huge opportunity, and I feel so grateful being part of the team,” said Sarah Ng, a senior at Hofstra who served as one of the anchors of the national coverage.

“It’s a big production that the depart -

In addition to the main “HVL” broadcast, students also produced a special edition of “Hofstra News Now” that aired the day before Election Day. The broadcast examined key issues in the election, including reproductive rights, foreign affairs and inflation.

• Transmission is the

Courtesy Diego Olivras
Regional anchors Michael Dent and Camryn Bowden reporting the news for ‘Hofstra Votes Live’ on election night.

A fun Elvis & Diana Ross tribute in O’Side

The Oceanside VFW Post 5199 hosted a lively and entertaining tribute event on Sunday, featuring performances by Elvis and Diana Ross impersonators Steve Mitchell and Linda Miller. Attendees enjoyed a nostalgic evening of music, dancing, and community. The tribute artists brought the house down with renditions of classic hits, captivating the crowd with their authentic performances.

Guests were treated to a buffet dinner, which included a variety of Italian favorites such as Chicken Parmesan, Linguini in White Clam Sauce, Ravioli, and Meatballs. The lively atmosphere extended from the dance floor to the dinner table,.

The evening concluded with a dessert and coffee service, as attendees expressed their appreciation for the wonderful night of fun and music. The event served as a way for the community to come together and celebrate veterans.

–Kepherd Daniel

Jason Thomas/Herald photos
The veterans take to the dancing florin a special tribute night.
Steve Mitchell played the role of Elvis and rocked the VFW with ‘Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog’.
Linda Miller played her best impression of Diana Ross.
Barbara Davi, party coordinator got a huge hug for her efforts from Lora Kissinger, Auxiliary President of Baldwin unit 246.
Steve Mitchell sang and did his best impression of the king of rock and roll.

Hospital’s veterans services highlighted

ment to his education, and to helping fellow veterans. Etwaroo has been donating suits to Suits for Soldiers, a cause he feels strongly about, for the past five years.

“The biggest appreciation is for these veterans,” Etwaroo said. “Even getting this award for all of them, and all the fallen brothers and sisters that put their lives on the line all the time, I appreciate them all, the past and the present, and hopefully the future as we continue to serve.”

Etwaroo, 53, completed his undergraduate degree and MBA at Adelphi University, and is now studying for a doctorate in business administration at Marymount University. His ultimate goal is to become a professor, and share his wealth of real-life experience with future business leaders.

“I have all this breadth of experience,” he said. “I think it would be helpful to give back to the next generation and future generations, and give back to kids to show them all that could be done

Etwaroo took an untraditional educational path, having joined the military right out of high school. After he served in the Army, life and work took priority over school for many years, but he later realized the importance of education for personal and professional growth, which motivated him to return to school. He believes strongly in the power of education, and wants to be a role model for his six children and four grandchildren.

“As I got older, I realized that knowledge is

very important, especially when you’re trying to move forward, whether it’s in career, life and personal relationships,” he said.

John Banham, a 99-year-old Army World War II and Korean War veteran and military entertainer, was honored for his service. Banham served as a telegrapher in World War II, and entertained troops with music in Korea.

One of his significant memories from Korea was when Banham was chosen to repair a clarinet, leading to a special assignment in the military band. He also recalled being shot in the pinky and declining a Purple Heart because he didn’t feel he deserved it for such a minor injury.

A lifelong artist, Banham has long channeled what he sees into works of art. Growing up during the Great Depression, he carved Native American figures out of peach pits. Today he creates scenic landscapes using only tiny strips of paper.

“He taught us all the love of music,” his son Johnny Banham said. “We all played piano. I was a stage carpenter for the Metropolitan Opera House, and he taught me everything about woodwork. He’s very, very, very good with his hands.”

While Johnny highlighted his father’s love for music, carpentry, and artwork, describing how he created wooden chess sets and beautiful mosaic art pieces, Banham’s daughter, Eva, recalled the family values her father instilled in them.

“He also taught us to be patient, kind, loving, and think of family,” she said.

Kepherd Daniel/Herald Suheil genovese presented a Veteran employee Scholarship to oceanside resident and army veteran Leslie etwaroo.

He served the country. Now, the county.

Navy veteran Kerry Englander discusses his role as the American Legion’s Nassau commander

Kerry Englander, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of American Legion Post 1711 in Levittown, was appointed the Legion’s Nassau County commander in June. Representing nearly 30,000 veterans across 52 posts, he now oversees efforts to support those who served.

Englander, 79, joined Levittown Post 1711 in 2008, starting as historian before being named second vice commander. He became active in the Nassau County chapter of the American Legion in 2020, serving as vice commander of the second division, where he supervised 15 posts in central Nassau.

After three years in that role, he was promoted to adjutant. His journey toward leadership included training at American Legion College at SUNY Morrisville, where he strengthened his understanding of the organization’s mission.

“It’s so gratifying working with all the vets and vet services,” Englander said. “Helping veterans — that’s what the American Legion is. It’s vets helping vets and the community. We served our country, and now we’re serving our community — simple as that.”

Englander’s commitment to aiding

veterans was evident when he recently helped a fellow veteran with a staph infection transfer to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook for specialized care.

“He’s rehabilitating there, awaiting his hip replacement,” Englander said, highlighting his hands-on approach.

ment operations. Boys State has had many notable alumni throughout its 88-year history, including Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jordan. Englander said that he sees this program as an essential way to teach leadership and civic responsibility.

Englander’s own leadership journey began with his military service. From 1966 to 1968, he served on the USS Talladega, a troop transport ship based in California, before ending his tour in Pearl Harbor, where he trained recruits. Starting as a boatswain’s mate, he fondly recalls early duties, including cooking for the chiefs.

“Everybody’s gotta start someplace,” he said with a laugh.

After his military service, Englander pursued a career in information technology with Con Edison and now runs a tax practice. He got married to his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, and has a son, who is now 47, and a grandson, 11. His commitment to service, influenced by his family’s values and history, continues to shape his work with the Legion.

Englander’s advocacy has also extended to pushing for the reopening of the Mitchel Field commissary in Uniondale. In September, he joined other members of the American Legion, as well as Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in urging the Department of Defense to repair the damaged facility. The commissary’s closure has forced local veterans to travel to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for discounted food.

“The veterans and current military need this facility, especially with the economy the way it is today,” Englander told the Herald at the rally. “I believe that if the military and veterans are putting this facility, it should be opened up.

The Nassau County Legion chapter continues to advocate for more state funding to expand opportunities for Long Island students to attend Boys State, a prestigious program that immerses high school juniors in govern-

One of Englander’s proudest achievements as county commander has been the revival of the Nassau County oratorical contest, a constitutional speech competition for high school students. Contestants compete for up to $1,000 in scholarships by presenting an eight- to 10-minute speech on the U.S. Constitution, followed by a discourse on an assigned topic related to key amendments.

In his role as county commander, Englander remains focused on growing membership and strengthening the Legion’s community outreach. He values the mentorship of past county commanders, acknowledging their support as essential to his success.

“When you get into the county, you’re dealing with many posts,” he said. “The past commanders are critical to the making of a county commander … I couldn’t do it without them.”

For Englander, the American Legion is about more than honoring service — it’s about actively supporting veterans and their families. His leadership embodies the Legion’s core values of commitment, service and community.

Daniel Offner/Herald
Nassau County American Legion Commander Kerry Englander shared some of his goals as the representative of the county’s nearly 30,000 veterans.

Light the night with sweet

LuminoCity unwraps a colorful world of wonder

The holiday season is quickly approaching, so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience holiday magic at 14 acres of enchanting displays in Eisenhower Park.

Now in its fifth year, the popular holiday festival LuminoCity, which runs through Jan. 5, welcomes guests to a wonderland filled with giant lantern creations.

“It’s a really cool combination of light and art and a little sprinkle of holiday magic with this event,” John Baiata, LuminoCity’s onsite manager. Eisenhower Park is our signature event.”

All of the displays are new to Eisenhower Park this year.

The idea started with the founder Xiaoyi Chen, who grew up in China and was inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals as a child.

“She came to New York, went to art school here, and founded LuminoCity in 2018 with the idea to reimagine the traditional Chinese lantern festival into something that combined her acumen with the art world,” Baiata explains.

As you stroll along the paths, LuminoCity’s mascot, Lumi, lights you along the way. Visitors will see Lumi in various outfits as your glowing tour guide throughout your visit.

This year’s theme “Sweet Dreams,” stirs up a delightful blend of sugar and imagination into a candy-coated world of desserts and confections.

“Who doesn’t like a giant donut tunnel, or a forest made entirely of sweets?” asks Baiata.

Kids have added their own “Sweet Dreams” to the walk-through as part of Lumi’s Utopia, in partnership with Long Island Children’s Museum.

“We hold an art contest for children of different age categories. They submit works of art with a pre-agreed theme — this year’s theme was Sweet Dreams, such as candy and sweets — and the museum and our founder picked the winners,” Baiata says.

LuminoCity’s team acquires kids’ 2-D artwork that is brought to life as a 3-D light display for all to enjoy.

“The best part is the children seeing, for the first time, their pieces of art come to life. There’s this visceral excitement and just a gushing pride that you see from them and their parents as well,” Baiata adds.

“Art enriches our lives in so many ways that we take for granted sometimes. This really reminds us that imagination and art are central to our purpose here.”

Other can’t-miss attractions include a 50-foot Christmas tree and a majestic ice castle, which is

• Now through Jan. 5; weekdays 4:30-9:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 4:30-10 p.m.

• Tickets priced $24-$32 per person, children 3 and under free

• Purchase tickets at luminocityfestival.com or on-site.

• Eisenhower Park , East Meadow

described as bigger than a residential home. And, of course, a lantern Santa Claus returns to spread holiday cheer .

“I think that it creates this sense of wonder and adventure because as you approach, you’re looking up and you’re just kind of awed,” Baiata says.

Unlike Old Saint Nick, this process certainly can’t be completed in just one night. With a team of 40 members, the spectacle has been months in the making.

“It’s a big production staff required to get this all done. And it’s not just the creation. It’s also the maintenance because we’re outdoors, so we are beholden to the elements,” Baiata adds.

For an exciting twist, the festival also offers theme nights. Check out the website for additional ways to join in the fun.

When it’s time for a break, seek out the food truck nearby, with tempting eats and treats.

Whether you have been before, or it’s your first time, LuminoCity’s Holiday Light festival promises a night of memory-making experiences with friends and family.

“One of the most precious things in children is seeing the wonder in their eyes. And you want to cultivate that sense of wonder with your children; not just your children, but also your inner child,” Baiata enthuses.

“For the families who have already made (our festival) a tradition, we’re so grateful.”

Madeleine Peyroux

The acclaimed jazz singer, songwriter and interpreter brings her tour to the Landmark stage, following spring’s release of “Let’s Walk,” her first album in six years. Peyroux is acclaimed for her dusky, lyrical style and affinity for reinterpreting classic jazz, blues, and folk standards. Her extraordinary journey is one of the music industry’s most compelling. Emerging in her teens, much like songbird Edith Piaf, Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Years later, Peyroux would cite Piaf as an influence on her music and record a rendition of the classic La Vie En Rose, soulfully capturing the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. Madeleine’s thirst for creative exploration is unfading and her willingness to face creative challenges remains as solid now as it was three decades ago.

Sunday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. $70, $65, $58. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

‘Come and play”… on Sesame Street

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello everyone’s invited to sing, dance and play alongside some of their favorite friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide and seek. Elmo, his pals and other Muppets lead dances, songs, and games from the stage while you and your little ones participate in the audience. Join in lively dances, sing along to catchy tunes and interact with your favorite Muppets, As they say on Sesame Street: “Come and play, Everything’s A-Okay, Friendly neighbors there, That’s where we meet…”.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtesy LuminoCity Eisenhower Park glitters throughout the holiday season with the arrival of LuminoCity.

THE Your Neighborhood

The Weight Band

The Weight Band — helmed by by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band, and the guitarist who replaced Robbie Robertson — pays tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ensemble’s iconic, timeless and enduring 1968 album “Music from Big Pink.,” on the Paramount stage, Sunday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. The Weight Band, named for the classic The Band song “The Weight,” performs a rare and historic show showcasing the album in its entirety, along with outtakes and other favorites by The Band. The concert also include cuts from their latest album “Shines Like Gold,” a dynamic set of classic Americana that draws upon roadhouse rock, funky swamp pop, blues, country soul, and folk music. The band interprets and honors the legacy of “Music from Big Pink,” which changed rock and roll forever. The Band drummer Levon Helm inspired Weider to launch The Weight Band in 2013, as a vehicle for carrying on The Band’s iconic sound. Frontman Weider, a Woodstock native who joined The Band in 1985 and was a member until 2000, was also a member of the Levon Helm Band.

Originating inside Helm’s famed Woodstock barn Weider was inspired to carry on the musical legacy of the iconic group. Years of touring have seen The Weight Band revive “The Woodstock Sound,” keeping the spirit of Americana/Roots Rock alive. He is joined by keyboardist Brian Mitchell (Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band), bassist Albert Rogers (Jim Weider Band, Jimmy Vivino), drummer Michael Bram (Jason Mraz) and keyboardist Matt Zeiner (Dickey Betts). The veteran quintet shares a deep appreciation and knowledge for this music, which Weider describes as the “Woodstock Sound.” The Weight Band continues to serve as its torchbearer, with “Shines Like Gold” representing a sublime example of these masterful roots musicians at work. They continue to keep the sound vibrant by releasing new music. Replicating the music of The Band would be a tall order, but interpreting it is an art. The songs The Band created have pleased audiences for decades, and The Weight Band has found a way to honor the legacy while creating its own sound with original works that complement that legacy. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

In concert

Plaza

Theatricals’ welcomes Andy Cooney with his “Irish Celebration,” Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. Cooney’s outstanding voice and dynamic stage have filled the rafters of Lincoln Center and The National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a variety of songs directly to the hearts of the audience.

Cooney is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on the Irish music scene today. Christened “Irish America’s Favorite Son” by The New York Times, it is a title he richly deserves. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Temple Avodah Sisterhood Fall Thrift Sale

Temple Avodah Sisterhood Fall Thrift Sale welcomes all to shop, Sunday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Temple Avodah Annex. Find feature new and gently used fashions and accessories for all at bargain prices. 3050 Oceanside Road, Oceanside. For more information, contact (516) 766-6809.

Tea time

The festive season is underway at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy a cream tea (featuring scones, Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and tea), then a guided tour of decorated Westbury House, Tuesday, dec. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Wednesday, dec. 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thursday, dec. 5, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. $22.50 per person. Advance registration suggested. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

‘Oklahoma!’

Oceanside High School hosts student musical performances on Saturday, dec. 7, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. 3160 Skillman Ave.

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, opening Saturday, Nov. 16, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Owl Prowl

Check out Sands Point Preserve’s native owls calling in the woods at night, with biologist and ranger Eric Powers, Friday, Nov. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. Learn how to identify owls by sight and sound, and attract these beneficial birds to your own backyard. Then head out to the woods for a very quiet guided night walk in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife. Families welcome. Spaces are limited and registration required. $24 adult, $12 child, 8+; $18 adult, $6.50 child, 8+ members. 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Having an event?

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.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

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

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

Prevention Night

Oceanside High School will host the 3rd Annual Prevention Night, Thursday, Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m., in the school auditorium. Open to Oceanside High School students and parents. The session covers trends in youth substance use and their impact on the teen brain, with a special presentation and free Narcan training from the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Students will also be introduced to the OHS Youth Council; community service hours are available for teen attendance. For more information, visit. oceansidesafe.org or contact info@oceansidesafe.org. 3160 Skillman Ave.

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.

Public Notices

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

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

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

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

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

News briefs Island Park welcomes interim principal

Island Park Board of Education appointed Sandra Schneider as the interim principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School at the October board meeting. Students and staff officially welcomed Principal Schneider to the FXH family on Nov. 4.

Schneider’s career as an elementary educator spans over 30 years, serving for 20 years as principal of West Elementary School in the Long Beach School District. Following her retirement from Long Beach, Schneider continued her commitment to education by training and mentoring future school leaders through her work with the Center of Integrated Teacher Education and the College of St. Rose.

Throughout her career, she has been known as a visionary instructional leader, skilled in team building, and a strong advocate for developing a safe, nurturing, and academically rich learning environment. She has a deep understanding of the importance of both academic rigor and social-emotional development, balancing these elements to create an atmosphere where all students thrive.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and proven success in fostering a posi-

tive, engaging, and high-achieving school environment.” Island Park Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo said. “Her extensive background and unwavering dedication make her an exceptional fit for our elementary school as we navigate this leadership transition together.”

O’Side arboretum receives accreditation

Students at Oceanside High School Castleton celebrated with educators upon learning that Oceanside’s arboretum has received accreditation. With this recognition from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, the Oceanside arboretum joins the ranks of arboreta around the globe advancing the study, planting, and conservation of trees to improve the world.

READ THEM

The students, along with many volunteers including members of the Oceanside High School ACE program, had spent several years working to turn an aging botanical garden area founded in the mid-1980s into a thriving outdoor research and learning space. They were guided by their principal and teachers and were able to accomplish the goal with grant funding. The new Outdoor Research Center in the Arboretum opened in the fall of 2023.

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various

levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. According to OHS Castleton science teacher James Scannell, one of the criteria of accreditation is for the arboretum to document its species, either with labels, or with a map that identifies all of the trees in the collection. Oceanside’s arboretum has 27 species of tree including a rare and endangered Dawn Redwood. Arboreta that are accredited are encouraged to become leaders and serve as models for others. Students in grades K-6 visit the Oceanside arboretum in spring and fall and follow a specially developed curriculum for outdoor research that aligns with their grade level. For example, fourth graders do experiments to learn about the effects of oil spills. Sixth graders learn about flooding, design a solution to control flooding using a physical model, and evaluate the designs for how well they address the problem.

–Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Island Park Public Schools
Sandra Schneider has decades of experience that she will bring to Island Park.
Courtesy Oceanside School District
Castleton students help prepare the site for student visits and maintain the tools and plantings.

Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen

Assistant Business Administrator Position

The Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen is seeking an Assistant Business Administrator for an immediate opening. The successful candidate must possess a valid NYS SBA, SDBL, SDA, or SDL certification. The incumbent will assist the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Human Resources in all aspects of school business administration. The primary responsibilities include:

• Managing the District’s financial accounting system and procedures, processing accounting transactions, and preparing related month end/year end reports.

• Assisting in the preparation of the annual budget and related reports, responsible for grant recording and reporting.

• Managing the transportation process and responsible for the day-to-day transportation administration of the district.

• Maintain capital project files and ensure reporting of state aid forms on a timely basis for state aid. Coordinating all required reporting for audits and ST-3 filings. They assist in tuition billing, preparing cash flows as needed for necessary borrowings, develop regulations and processes to support Board of Education policies, assist in the supervision of certified and classified staff.

Administrative experience and Certified Public Accountant Preferred; proficiency in Microsoft products is required, incumbent should be an independent thinker and motivated self-starter.

All interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to stayal@valleystream13.com or apply on OLAS.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

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

Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.

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Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.

Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.

Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

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HomesHERALD

Dealing with the postSandy bureaucracy

Q. I saw an article about auditing government by our state comptroller and wondered if you saw how he outlined waste and mishandling federal and state funds, in recovering from Superstorm Sandy. He cited gaps in program “oversight.” Were you aware of problems? We got funds from the New York Rising program. It was an ordeal we hope to never repeat. Like our neighbors, our house was raised, but they got more money without questions. We received a letter demanding $20,000 back, claiming funds were misused. Our neighbor built an illegal ground-floor family room with a wet bar, yet we were told we could only have storage, for example, and the state didn’t even say anything when they passed inspection. Did you see that people were treated differently, and is there any recourse?

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A. Since the program has ended, I doubt that you can appeal. For 10 years after the storm I made many observations of the ways in which the officials at each level handled the specifics of insisting on everything from plastic laminate countertops versus quartz or granite, the waste of every property separately surveyed for groundwater depth, the use of the ground floor and the changes in whether you could have a window or door opening, and even whether you could have masonry steps when the program only allowed for wood steps, which were destined to need maintenance or replacement in a short period of time. There were many ways a design professional like me, working with the recipients of the funds, like you, could have helped to make the programs more efficient, safer, and less expensive for the government, but each time I tried to contact the fund management, my input was ignored. I met with the national head of FEMA while I was filming a documentary about disasters in Moore, Oklahoma, as well state legislators and our local New York Rising program director. In each case I got a business card and a “Shoot me an email and we’ll talk,” but never any follow-up.

I saw that it was a complete waste to ask homeowners to separately pay for groundwater testing on their property, for $1,000 to $2,500, in order to qualify for house-raising when an organized agency could have saved millions of dollars by getting testing done up and down entire blocks, mobilizing the testing company to come to a block once instead of randomly testing next-door neighbors’ properties a day apart. I was working with five neighbors at one time, and tried to get a state and local adviser to review procedures and applications in a single meeting, only to be told that one would meet on a Wednesday, the next the following week and squeeze another in by the month’s end. And, yes, I witnessed many differences in people’s treatment and how cases were handled, and I could not get an explanation when appealing on behalf of a homeowner. Perhaps the Homes and Community Renewal Agency can advise. Good luck!

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A call for tolerance amid the acrimony

Aweek and a half removed from the conclusion of the profoundly exasperating 2024 election cycle, it is abundantly clear that the political temperature remains at an unprecedented high.

Constructive discourse seems nonexistent. Divisive rhetoric and finger-pointing have emerged as the standards of the day, and the pendulum has swung far away from working together across the political spectrum to build consensus for the greater good. This unsustainable climate is driving us down the dead-end road of acrimony and dysfunction.

We must all recognize this moment as a time for introspection and taking personal responsibility for the direction in which we move forward. As our emo-

tions settle, we should consider the legacy that we will leave for the next generation and reflect on what we can do to create a better path of promise for the future for those who follow.

In recognizing the magnitude of this moment in our political history, it is imperative to consider focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. At our core, I believe we all share similar fundamental desires: to be able to live in an affordable, safe community where we, our families, and loved ones are treated with dignity and respect and can thrive, live authentically, and become the best versions of ourselves. We may have different customs, attend different religious institutions or celebrate in different ways, but the reality is this: We share more similarities than differences.

We must tamp down the divisive rhetoric that permeates our discourse.

ideals of tolerance and constructive problem-solving. Developing a willingness to listen and consider the possibility that an alternate way of thinking on an issue may have value is essential, and as a first step, I encourage everyone across the political spectrum to see how we can do better and contribute toward achieving this outcome.

seize on the work of forging a positive path for the next generation. Everyone is exhausted by the current political climate. We can and must do our part to work together, in order to give us all a better chance to live our best lives in a society where everyone is valued and protected.

Changing the toxic political climate starts with each one of us taking a long look in the mirror and embracing the

At this time of tremendous division, we must all renew our willingness to consider the legitimacy of differing perspectives and seek common ground on which reasonable people can begin to build a consensus. Start by focusing on something you can agree on and build from there. This isn’t an easy task, but it is a necessary one. We won’t always agree, but we must not always disagree. Even within our own families, we don’t concur on everything, but we move forward together.

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is an ideal time to

Our first task in this vital pursuit is tamping down the divisive rhetoric and intolerance that permeates our discourse. By focusing on understanding, empathy and bridge-building, we can pave the way for more united communities as we build a future that is inclusive, respectful of differences, and focused on creating solutions that benefit everyone.

Let’s come together — not as adversaries, but as neighbors and fellow citizens — and work toward a future in which our shared values and common goals guide us to a stronger and more resilient future. We are all better when we work together.

Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.

L.I. urgently needs sustainable waste management

As Long Island grows, so does the stress on the region’s infrastructure, resources and properties. With nearly 3 million residents calling Nassau and Suffolk counties home, Long Island is facing a waste management crisis of unprecedented proportions.

Long Island produces approximately 7 million tons of waste annually. This immense volume, comprising everything from household trash to commercial and construction debris, is straining a region that is already stretching its waste management infrastructure upsettingly thin. And with the imminent closure of the Brookhaven Landfill, the region’s last major landfill, the crisis will only escalate, underscoring the critical need for sustainable solutions — particularly waste-to-energy systems — to address the growing environmental and logistical pressures. There’s no other way to put it, really: Current waste management practices on Long Island are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Landfills are a dead end. They’re shutting down all over the Northeast,

forcing waste to be transported farther and farther — an ecological and environmental catastrophe burdening residents, businesses and municipalities alike. Long-distance transportation of waste adds to traffic congestion, exponentially increases the likelihood of illegal dumping, pollutes the air, and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions.

WLong Island urgently needs a more sustainable waste management strategy.

Reworld, a leader in sustainable waste solutions for over three decades, offers a solution to this growing crisis. With four strategically located thermomechanical treatment facilities — in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma — we’ve been instrumental in helping Long Island manage its waste more efficiently. These facilities are waste ecosystems, and employ a variety of sustainable capabilities that extract valuable resources from what many of us toss in our kitchen bins at home.

region’s energy needs in a sustainable manner.

e can no longer rely on outdated methods that damage our environment.

Throughout our more than 30 years on Long Island, we’ve been focused on working with community groups and environmental advocates to lead the way in developing and implementing advanced solutions to help the region achieve its environmental goals. The journey toward a sustainable future, however, is a collective one. It requires the active participation of residents, businesses and municipalities in waste reduction, recycling and support for sustainable waste management practices.

Our commitment to sustainability also extends to our metalrecovery services, where we recycle over 60,000 tons of ferrous and non-ferrous materials each year. To put this in perspective, the recovered metal could form a chain of paperclips that wraps around the Earth 85 times. This dedication to resource recovery highlights our mission to minimize waste and maximize the value of discarded materials.

municipalities throughout the year across Long Island to help organize pharmaceutical take-back events. This gives residents a way to safely and responsibly dispose of expired and unused prescription drugs. By facilitating proper disposal methods, Reworld and its municipal partners are helping reduce the risk of contamination, and help keep our communities safe and healthy by protecting critical infrastructure.

In addition to community programming, Reworld is also driving innovation in sustainable waste solutions on Long Island by implementing new technology at our facilities. We’ve developed advanced thermal-treatment methods and integrated high-efficiency combustion systems with cutting-edge environmental controls. Our Long Island plants operate with an unprecedented level of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

For example, each of these facilities houses waste-to-energy technology. By converting waste into renewable energy, we reduce the Island’s reliance on landfills while simultaneously generating electricity, thus contributing to the

For example, improper disposal of medications, whether flushed or thrown away, can lead to pharmaceutical contamination of groundwater, potentially affecting both the environment and public health. That’s why we partner with

Long Island stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our waste management infrastructure. We can no longer rely on outdated methods that damage our environment and strain our communities. By embracing sustainable practices, we can reduce landfill dependency, lower our carbon footprint and create a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.

Adel Omrani is president, East Region, of Reworld.

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Herald editorial

Delivering quality journalism matters most

last week’s news that The Newark Star-Ledger will cease its print edition and become digitalonly in February offers an opportunity to reflect on how quality journalism best serves our communities today.

The Star-Ledger’s shift, along with similar moves by other newspapers in New Jersey, reflects the complex reality facing modern newsrooms. But rather than seeing this as a choice between print and digital, let’s focus on what research consistently shows: Different formats serve different purposes, and many readers benefit from both.

Print newspapers continue to command exceptional trust and engagement. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that readers retain information better from print, and advertisers see stronger results from print campaigns. There’s something uniquely focused about the experience of reading a physical newspaper — the thoughtful progression through its pages, the serendipitous discoveries, the natural hierarchy that helps readers understand what matters

letters

Affordable housing tops the list of L.I.’s problems

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to the editorial “The Herald’s pact with you” (Oct. 31-Nov. 6), in which you ask, “What are the topics you care about?”

There are many problems affecting Nassau County, Long Island, New York state and the United States that I care about, but the one I find myself coming back to more than any other is housing, specifically the availability of affordable housing.

I live in Point Lookout, a community that has gentrified enormously since my parents bought a home here in 1957, for which they paid $17,500, taking a 10-year mortgage. It’s great for me, I guess, that my home has appreciated in value astronomically, but, in my opinion, not so good overall for the people of Long Island.

One of my daughters struggled to find somewhere to live on her own nearby, finally settling into part of a home in another Nassau County community, paying rent that’s at the very limit of what she can afford. And this is typical. As individuals and families struggle to pay their mortgages and property taxes, there are close to zero apartments and mixed-use developments being built.

In Long Beach, just down the road from Point Lookout, there are innumerable, mostly illegal apartments in homes, despite the periodic statements of various Long Beach officials

most. Digital platforms, meanwhile, excel at breaking news and interactive graphics.

The most successful news organizations today recognize that different stories, and different moments, call for different platforms.

At the Herald, we see firsthand how print and digital complement each other. Breaking news might first appear online, and then our print editions provide the context, analysis and depth that help readers truly understand issues affecting their communities. Each platform serves its purpose, and together they create a more informed community.

The future of news isn’t about choosing digital over print, or vice versa — it’s about delivering quality journalism through whatever channels best serve you, our readers. There’s no doubt that news will eventually be delivered by a technology that doesn’t even exist yet, and that’s OK.

Local newspapers, regardless of format, serve as champions of community achievements, watchdogs of public officials and chroniclers of the stories that

matter most to our readers. Whether you’re holding a printed page or scrolling on a screen, what matters most is the quality of the journalism you’re reading.

At the Herald, our commitment has remained unchanged for many decades: to provide trustworthy, impactful journalism that serves the people of Long Island. We’ll continue investing in both print and digital delivery, recognizing that our readers benefit from having choices in how they consume news. And, of course, we always want to hear from you about how we can serve you and your communities better.

The future of journalism depends not on the medium but on the continued support of readers who value quality local news. Whether you prefer print or digital, or both, your engagement helps ensure that professional journalism continues to thrive in our communities. Tell your friends and family to subscribe to their local newspapers, wherever in the world they live.

We look forward to being your trusted source of local news for years to come.

promising a crackdown on such apartments.

The opposition to building more housing on Long Island is fierce. Look what happened last year to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to encourage the construction of more housing throughout the state.

Local politicians rant and rave about how apartments and multi-unit developments near transit hubs will destroy the suburban character of Nassau County — as if developers were looking to build huge apartments in residential neighborhoods!

Fin our intensified max on here to

— while our young people and families who cannot afford to buy homes have almost no options for housing. Cowardly town, county and state politicians serve only their own self-interest in being re-elected, and do nothing to address this problem. And our young people, and others, continue to leave Long Island due to the lack of housing options.

have wholeheartedly Trumpist may be what the that Americans economic flict, afraid These the many the final watched

MICHAEL CrAvEN Point Lookout

What comes next? How about our neglected unity?

For me, like so many Americans, the last six months have been a whirlwind of emotions, as arguably the most historic election in our nation’s history built momentum, intensified and eventually reached a climax on election night. While I’m not here to share my opinion on the outcome, the big question facing every citizen and resident of our country is: What next?

It can be tempting to see the outcome of the election as the ultimate refutation of the left — proof that Americans have rejected progressive values and policies and have wholeheartedly embraced modern Trumpist conservatism. While there may be some truth to this, I believe that what the result ultimately showed was that Americans are afraid. Afraid of economic disaster, afraid of global conflict, afraid of violence at home. These are reasonable fears. Even for the many Americans who lived through the final throes of the Cold War or watched the twin towers fall on Sept. 11,

2001, our country has never seemed more like a powder keg ready to explode.

Which is why, now more than ever, we need to come together not just as liberals and conservatives, but as Americans. The United States has always been strongest when we’ve been united, and our darkest moments come when we turn on one another and lay blame at our neighbors’ doorsteps.

As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” and those words are as true today as they were 166 years ago.

everything from political rivals being forced to work together in government — such as when Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson collaborated to create our financial system while simultaneously establishing Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital — to having uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinners with relatives who have radically different political values.

m y dad will never forget the kind strangers far from home after the 9/11 attacks.

While conservatives may claim, rightly or wrongly, that progressives are softhearted dopes who focus on issues that don’t matter to real Americans, progressives may claim, rightly or wrongly, that conservatives are coldhearted dopes who focus on issues that don’t matter to real Americans. Perspective is everything, and trying to work together and understand not only what our differences are, but also why they exist, is the quintessential heart of the American experiment.

The intersection of our political and social culture has always been an uneasy compromise. This extends to

Letters

Not giving in to ‘our season of despair’

To the Editor:

I hope that Nov. 5, 2024, is not a date that will live in infamy, but I must express my justifiable concerns. I don’t fear the boogeyman in the closet. I fear a reality that may occur.

Hello, America: This is the time to say, “Oops, shoulda not done that.” This may be the season of our regret and despair. At the risk of sounding Cassandra-like, I fear for our democratic nation, I fear for our personal safety and I fear for our future.

Let’s start with our new leader, Donald Trump, awaiting sentencing on his criminal charges. How will the judicial system honor the decisions of the jurors? What will he do in the cases of the Capitol rioters? He could grant all or some of them pardons. What actions might he take on his first day in office? Which programs will he sign into law?

At risk are female reproductive rights, tariffs that could possibly raise the price of marketplace goods, more laws against vulnerable and targeted populations and the empowering of those who promote false science and other highly dubious theo-

ries. Many of us are concerned about what could happen to our health care and Social Security benefits. Will they change, possibly with decreases that will seriously impact an aging population? And, of course, there is the issue of border security, with its parallel implications of a ready labor market.

Like many of my fellow citizens, I hope that President-elect Trump doesn’t violate long-held democratic traditions and implement authoritarian governance.

I am worried about him using his platform to praise authoritarian leaders while demeaning our democratic allies. I am also concerned about him using pejorative and threatening language with his perceived enemies.

We who feel abandoned and in despair must stand strong, and must continue to make our voices heard through democratic means and processes. We must persist in speaking for the disenfranchised, so the liberties we have known and hope to preserve for future generations are not deserted and forgotten. This is our America — let us continue to carry the torch illuminating a better life for all, and not give in to our season of despair.

The idea that people who disagree politically could do so without resorting to violence is what separated our country from nearly all others when we declared our independence. It is one of the most sacred responsibilities that we as Americans must honor and hold dear, or risk losing the dream of a more just, more equitable society as envisioned by our Founding Fathers.

So while it’s easy to feel emotional following this election, remember that we need to heal the nation’s wounds, not worsen them. Think next time before you gloat to a “libtard” about winning the election — or calling every conservative voter you know a fascist. Are you really saying it because you believe it, or because emotions are running high and you feel like you need to show the

world how strongly you hold your beliefs?

In the days after the Sept. 11 attacks, my father was in California, desperately trying to get back home to my family. With all flights grounded, he and a friend rented a car and tried to make a cross-country drive.

Running on fumes on a remote stretch of highway, they came to a gas station that, unfortunately, was out of business. Stranded and worried about their loved ones, my dad and his friend were lucky enough to be found by some locals in a pickup truck. The saviors had a spare five-gallon tank of gas for the dirt bikes in the bed of the truck.

My dad always talked about how, while thanking them, he explained how and his friend were New Yorkers trying to get home to their families. Without missing a beat, one of the men responded, “We’re all New Yorkers today.”

That is what makes America great, not rhetoric or political stunts or moral grandstanding. And that is what we need to keep hold of in the aftermath of this election: that no matter what, we are all Americans, and that we’re all stronger when we work together.

Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@ liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

Bellmore Girl Scout Troop 965 visits the Herald — Garden City

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