Rockville Centre Herald 01-23-2025

Two village residents earn hospital awards

By KEPHERD DANIEl kdaniel@liherald.com

Two Rockville Centre residents were among the recognized healthcare leaders, community advocates and dedicated staff members honored by Mount Sinai South Nassau at the Oceanside Hospital’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.

At the Jan. 16, ceremony, individuals were honored for their contributions that embody the late civil rights leader’s values of service, leadership, and community care. They were presented with the Mount Sinai South Nassau Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Award for their exceptional achievements and commitment to fostering Among the honorees was Rockville Centre resident Janice Campbell, nurse manager of the hospital’s ParentChild Education Resource Center and co-chair of its Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council. Campbell came to the United States from Brazil in 2008.

SIBSPlace volunteers commemorate 20 years

By KEPHERD DANIEl kdaniel@liherald.com

For the past 20 years lifelong Oceanside residents Judie and Vic Horowitz have been dedicated volunteers at SIBSPlace, a nonprofit in Rockville Centre that supports healthy children in families coping with devastating illnesses such as cancer. SIBS stands for survivorship

in brothers and sisters. The couples’ weekly visits to SIBSPlace have made them familiar and beloved faces among the families, staff and children there.

Celebrating their 67th year of marriage, Judie, 87, and Vic, 89, embody the spirit of renewal and determination.

“At SIBSPlace, the kids don’t see differences — they see each other as family,” Judie said.

“That’s the way the world should be, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that.”

At SIBSPlace, the couple helps to create an atmosphere of trust and support, by attending weekly sessions and special events, such as holiday parties, bringing warmth and stability to children who benefit from the structured, nurturing environment.

Another highlight of their week is visiting Rhame Avenue Elementary School in East Rockaway every Thursday with Daisy, the couple’s therapy dog. Each time they visit the school, Daisy brings smiles to children across two classes — one with non-verbal students who enjoy petting her and another where the older kids practice reading aloud to Daisy

and watch her hold a paintbrush with her mouth to paint pictures on a canvas.

“Daisy just has a way of breaking down barriers and making everyone feel at ease,” Vic said. “Seeing the kids light up when she does her tricks is the best part of our day.”

Despite their age, the Horowitzes are firmly committed to

Courtesy Judy Griffin office

At the Mount Sinai South Nassau hospitals MLK Day celebration Rockville Centre residents Janice Campbell and Naginder Singh were among the honorees. Above, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, left, Christine and Keith Doud, Singh, Campbell and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin.

At 99, Jack Banham is still making art

By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent

Jack Banham is 99, and about 15 years ago he began creating what has grown into a collection of hundreds of pieces of art made out of tiny strips of premium paper, and he is still doing it.

Jack was a radio operator in World War II, and a musician in the Korean War. After the wars he met the love of his life, Terry, at a Sadie Hawkins dance in Manhattan. His four grown children all own many pieces of his paper art. Last weekend, it was on display at the Oceanside Library.

Jack introduced his children to art when they were very young.

“He would make art out of a peach pit,” said Johnny Banham, his youngest son and Rockville Centre resident. “He would take a peach pit and carve it into a Native American. When walking on the street he would find things and pick them up and put them to good use. He always had that ability to find that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

“My dad, Jack, has been instilling music and art in us since we were children,” said Eva Banham, his second oldest. “We all played some kind of instrument…He’s just an amazing person, so creative, so talented, strong and it keeps him occupied.”

Jack, who splits time between Rockville Centre and Melville with his daughter, only uses 2.75 reading glasses to make his art, no magnifying glasses. He sometimes layers the paper to create shading. It’s all done with Elmer’s glue and no top coat. He doesn’t use any models, photos or drawings for inspiration. He doesn’t sketch it first either, it all comes from his mind.

“He sits there when he’s getting ready for his nap and just dreams,” Eva said. “He’s sometimes in a fog, he’s in a dream, and he’s trying to place all the colors and he just comes up with these ideas. Some when he’s walking around, some he just dreams about.”

It takes Jack about a month and a half to do each piece. Most of them are average sized wall art, some smaller, some larger. He does mostly landscapes, but also some portraits.

“He’ll do an hour, then he’ll take a nap, then he’ll get some lunch, then he’ll work on it again for an hour, then take another nap and get a snack,” Johnny said. “I would say he works on it about four or five hours a day.”

After trying stained glass, oils and acrylic, Jack says he got into paper art because it was less expensive and easier than other mediums.

“It’s cheap to make, you know it’s paper,” Jack said. “Expensive frames but I manage to make most of them myself.”

Jack started playing music when he was 13. His stage name was Reed Conley.

“(I) formed a little band and had a lot of fun after that,” he said. “I would’ve continued music as my second love if it were not for World War Two.”

The rest of Jack’s bandmates all went into the Navy when the war started.

“The only reason I went into the

army was I couldn’t swim, so I couldn’t follow my boys.”

After being called back to service in the Korean War, Jack would have liked to stay a musician, but there was no work to be had in that business. He wanted a family with Terry, so he had to get a steadier job. He worked for Pfizer for decades before retiring to follow his other love - art.

Eventually, he started exhibiting his

art across Long Island. His family chooses the pieces that will be exhibited.

“His daughter called us and said he has been exhibiting his art all over Long Island,” said Deborah Keehner, head of adult programming at the Oceanside Library. “And because they’re Oceansiders and we just opened up the new building, she wanted him to be exhibited here and I jumped on it right away. Especially when I saw his beautiful work.”

Keehner understands how meaningful and demanding the artistic process is.

“In his later years, John embraced the intricate art of paper cutting, transforming tiny fragments into masterpieces of magic,” Keehner said. “His art reminds us of the beauty that emerges when patience, precision and imagination come together…Art has an extraordinary power. It connects us, inspires us, and allows us to see the world rough new perspectives.”

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The Oceanside library art reception had several unique displays. Clockwise from top left was Debbie Shea, Penny Frondelli, Deborah Keehner, Michelle Owen, Jack Banham and Agnes Marie Caputo.

Johnny and Eva Banham gathered with their father Jack Banham as his art was displayed at the Oceanside Library.

Veteran Jack Banham still enjoys displaying his art.

Honorees inspired by the work of MLK

specialist in women’s health, she began her tenure at Mount Sinai in 2009 and has since been a key member of a multidisciplinary team.

“This honor is a reflection of the collective effort of our team,” she said. “It’s a testament to what we can accomplish together.”

As the founder of the “There for Her” committee — Tracking Health Equity, Raising Efforts for Healing, Empowerment, and Respect — Campbell has spearheaded projects to address birth disparities and ensure respectful, patient-centered care for diverse populations. Under her guidance, the committee organized the hospital’s inaugural Maternal Health Equity Symposium in 2024, which focused on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women. Campbell’s efforts gained national recognition in 2022 when she received the inaugural Award for Extraordinary Nurses in Patient Safety from the National Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Growing up in Brazil, Campbell said she admired Dr. King’s work from afar.

“I grew up in another country, listening to his work, thinking it was something that I would never be part of it but then, when we moved to the U.S. we learned that it’s such a strong part of the culture,” she said. “It’s so inspirational the way that he was able to fight

“With

by

for human rights in a peaceful way.”

Rockville Centre resident Naginder Singh received the honor for her lifelong dedication to community service. Born and raised in India just a few years before the 1947 partition, which forced her family to flee Pakistan and resettle in New Delhi, Singh overcame tremendous hardship to build a life centered on family, education and giving back.

When her late husband, Dr. Harbhajan Singh was offered a chance to pur-

the End in Mind”

Subtitled Dying, Death and Wisdom in an Age of Denial, Dr. Mannix’s book is a series of true stories allowing readers to “experience” what happens when people are approaching the end of their lives: how they cope; how they live; what matters most; how dying evolves; what a deathbed is like; how families react. She finds that there is little to fear and much to prepare for.

While many people imagine dying to be agonizing and undignified, Dr. Mannix reassures us that this is rarely the case. Instead, people gradually sleep more often until unconsciousness sets in. This was common knowledge when death took place in the home – until about 1900 when funeral homes first came into being. Knowing what to expect can be immensely comforting to the dying person and their supporters.

Palliative care specialists believe that enabling people to be architects of their own solutions is key to respecting their dignity. They are only in a new phase of life; they have not abdicated their personhood.

The author advocates reclaiming “death” and

“dead” from modern day euphemisms such as “passed away” and “lost” and further that despite a well-lived and contented life, we often say they “lost their battle” instead of that they simply died. These attitudes disable us from having straightforward, unambiguous conversations about death. The conspiracy of silence about death often leads to the heartbreak of the dying being unable to convey their hopes and wishes.

“The dreadful reality, told with honesty and compassion, allows patients and their families to make choices based on truth, instead of encouraging the misleading, hopeless quest for a medical miracle that promotes futile treatment, protracts dying and disallows goodbyes.”

There are only two days with fewer than 24 hours in each lifetime, one is celebrated every year, yet it is the other than makes us see living as precious. Dr. Mannix points the way to what we can become: beacons of compassion, living in the moment, looking backwards with gratitude and forgiveness, and focused on the simple things that really matter.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

sue a career in medicine in the United States, the family moved to Massachusetts in 1968, and nine years later made their way to New York, where they made a home in Rockville Centre.

After Naginder earned her master’s degrees in history and early childhood education, She worked as a social worker in Nassau County while raising her two sons and supporting her husband throughout his esteemed medical career upon graduating from Amristar Medical College in 1963.

Her community involvement includes contributions to the Mount Sinai South Nassau Veterans Committee, the Sandel Senior Center and the local Lions Club.

In 2024, she was honored with the Robert Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, which was established by Lions Clubs International to highlight outstanding service to either a local Club, district or overall community. This further solidified her legacy of compassion and dedication to Rockville Centre and its residents.

“I am so blessed, and I’m very, very fortunate to live in Rockville Centre,” Singh said. “This hospital has given love and support to my family for all these years. I’m very grateful and very fortunate to be part of your family.”

Representatives from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick presented citations to the honorees, recognizing their profound impact on the community.

Christine and Keith Doud, of Merrick, were celebrated for their transformative contributions to the hospital and beyond. The Douds, who have been married for 12 years, have exemplified teamwork and altruism in their respective roles at the hospital.

Christine Doud, a 23-year veteran of the hospital, has served on numerous councils and committees, earning accolades such as the ATNM Award of Excellence and the Daisy Team Member Award. In addition, she co-designed the “Who Will You Be Today” campaign, which encourages actionable kindness and promotes workplace morale.

Keith Doud, an engineering department team member, has been instrumental in supporting the hospital’s Veterans Committee initiatives, including the “Suits on Soldiers” and “Coats for Soldiers” drives, which have provided more than 1,000 items to veterans in need. Together, the couple spearheaded the Toys for Tots program and the Santa at Sunrise fundraiser, benefiting countless children and families during the holiday season.

“There are so many great people working here who are equally deserving,” Christine Doud said. “To be recognized for something we’re so passionate about is truly overwhelming.”

For the Douds, their work at Mount Sinai is more than a job — it’s a family affair. Christine Doud’s sister served the hospital for nearly four decades, and her niece is also part of the team.

“It’s like a family business,” Keith Doud remarked, reflecting on the significance of being honored during the Martin Luther King Day celebration. As each honoree received recognition, the audience was reminded of Dr. King’s legacy.

“It’s not uncommon for us to quote Martin Luther King,” Keith Doud noted. “To be recognized on a day that celebrates his legacy makes this even more special.”

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com

ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext.

Book Review:

Kathryn Mannix, M.D.

rockville centre

Kepherd Daniel/Herald

rockville Centre resident naginder Singh was one of several people presented with the mount Sinai South nassau dr. martin Luther King, Jr. Service award for her contributions to the hospital and her community.

MAKAYLA DAUBE

Mepham Senior Basketball

A FIFTH-YEAR VARSITY basketball player, Daube accomplished two rare milestones this season while leading the Pirates to 10 wins in their first 13 games. Mepham’s 2025 Valedictorian, she reached both the 1,000point and 1,000-rebound plateaus. On Jan. 9, in a 54-40 victory over Herricks, she also became the program’s single-game scoring leader with 34 points. In the fall, Daube helped Mepham to its first-ever volleyball county title.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Jan. 24

Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at Elmont 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Wantagh at Mineola 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Long Beach at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Mepham at Carey 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Freeport 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Hewlett 7 p.m.

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

Saturday, Jan. 25

Girls Basketball: Floral Park at Lynbrook 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: North Shore at Seaford 12

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

Boys Basketball: Mineola at Wantagh 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Clarke at V.S. North 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at North Shore 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Wheatley at West Hempstead 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Uniondale at Farmingdale 12 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 27

Girls Basketball: Freeport at Oceanside 6:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 7 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

South Side captures 11 of first 12

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

South Side’s boys’ basketball team isn’t waiting for its best players to become seniors. With an 11-1 record so far, the Cyclones are ready to compete now, relying on talent and teamwork over experience to maintain a winning tradition in Rockville Centre.

“We’re still young,” head coach Jerry D’Angelo said. “We make young mistakes, and we’re still going to make mistakes as we get closer and closer to playoffs. What I hope is that we learn from our mistakes and get better.”

Currently in his 23rd season at South Side, D’Angelo has developed a system that relies on roster depth and detailed preparation. Adapting this to a younger roster has been a project, but the results thus far speak for themselves.

The Cyclones set the tone early with a 66-56 win on the road against defending Class AA state champion Elmont in the Dec. 10 conference opener.

“We try to enforce that the role that we’re asking you to do doesn’t define you as a personal player,” D’Angelo said. “It takes awhile for our kids to buy into that. They think their role is to score, and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s to do other things to make us more successful.”

This new-look South Side team is rising from the ashes of a fallen contender. Last year, in the school’s first season in the newly realigned Nassau Class AA, a loaded Cyclones roster came up short in the Nassau championship against Elmont. Only five players from that team returned. Without an experienced core, South Side has leaned heavily on its rising stars. Junior guard John Pericolosi is leading the way. After earning minutes as a sophomore, Pericolosi has come back taller and stronger, commanding the floor as the team’s only junior captain. In a 63-41 win over Lynbrook on Dec. 23, he scored a career-high 27 points, shooting 5-for-5 from three-point range.

As with any team coached by D’Angelo, this is far more than a one-man show. Junior forward Ryan Schmitt has made the most of his imposing frame and

Paul Grassini/Herald Connor Fernandez and the Cyclones served notice early with a victory over defending Class AA state champion Elmont in the conference opener.

dynamic shooting to become the team’s second-highest scorer. Senior captains Connor Fernandez and Sean Arnott provide much-needed experience, effectively initiating newer players.

Senior guard Charlie Munro has improved on defense to earn more minutes and take over several games from beyond the arc. D’Angelo also described Jack Mullin and Dylan Walsh as relentless hustlers and unflinchingly supportive teammates.

In South Side’s lone defeat against Roslyn on Dec. 19, it struggled to make free throws in an unfriendly gym and lost 65-64

in overtime. Due to a scheduling quirk, it was only the Cyclones’ second away game. A wild 64-62 win in Manhasset’s gym on Jan. 11 kicked off a three-week stretch that will include five road trips.

The morning after their game against Manhasset, South Side players woke up early to volunteer with Hoops for All, a local organization that teaches basketball to children with special needs. It is something D’Angelo has helped organize for the last nine years, another tradition for these new Cyclones to honor as they begin to craft their own legacy.

LONG LIVE

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.  Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

LIRR record on-time rate isn’t whole story

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

With New York City’s new congestion pricing system now in place, Gov. Kathy Hochul rode the rails to Syosset earlier this year, urging city-bound Long Island commuters to leave their cars at home and embrace “world-class” public transit.

On Long Island, the tolling program is expected to increase commuters’ reliance on the Long Island Rail Road. Weekday ridership climbed from about 77 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 to roughly 80 percent last year.

Transit officials, meanwhile, are highlighting the improved service of the railway system, emphasizing a propublic transit message to court suburban commuters looking to avoid the $9 toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. LIRR President Rob Free boasted that a higher percentage of trains operated on time last year than ever before.

“Our 95.6 percent on-time performance in 2024 is our highest non-Covid year in the history that we’ve been tracking on-time performance,” Free said.

Three years of growth and growing pains

An analysis of LIRR data over the past three years, however, combined with riders’ firsthand accounts, paints a fuller — and undeniably more complicated — picture.

The number of late trains nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, from 8,691 to 17,064. The surge, Free contends, resulted from the increase in post-pandemic service over the last two years amid landmarks like the opening of Grand Central Madison terminal in 2023.

“We operated over 77,000 more trains in 2023 than in 2022,” Free said. “We’ve operated a little over 316,000 trains in 2024, compared to 302,000 trains in 2023. That’s a huge lift.”

The new service into Midtown Manhattan brought with it a complete overhaul of the system’s train schedules. Some service lines and connections were cut, while others added more frequent service.

By the end of November 2024, the number of late trains for the year dropped to 11,480, as disruptions eased — although the number of delays remained higher than in 2022.

LIRR’s own operations are main culprit for delays

Despite fears of commuter frustrations and confusion with the opening of the new terminal, the main cause of train delays in 2023 and 2024 wasn’t passenger-related interruptions. Instead, it was train operations — issues like scheduling conflicts, slow boarding and late departures. These were problems largely within the transit agency’s control that ate into the time passengers needed to board and disembark.

Other problems, like delays caused by train door malfunctions in an aging fleet, were up 79 percent in the first half of 2024, compared with the same period in 2023. And the much-needed upkeep of the LIRR’s ailing infrastructure, from

According to state data, while the LIRR achieved a record 95.6 percent on-time performance in 2024, the number of delays remain higher than in 2022 due to operational issues, infrastructure maintenance, and the impact of increased service volume.

Riders report overall satisfaction with their service but, complained about missed connections, and weren’t happy about the possibility of another fare increase.

signal repairs to track maintenance, has also been a major contributor to train delays over the past two years.

For his part, Free said that a “heightened focus on infrastructure maintenance” has helped, cutting switch failures by 31 percent in 2024, with further work focusing on improving safety and efficiency planned for this year — even if that means more delays.

Historic on-time rate, but average delays stay the same

LIRR trains are more punctual overall, but the average delay of a late train hasn’t gotten any shorter. Rather, wait times have held steady — between 11 and 12 minutes — over the past three years.

Given what he described as an “explosion” of service since the beginning of 2023, Free views this consistency in lateness as a sign of a functioning

system. In the nation’s largest transit system, with lines of service so “interconnected that one hiccup on one of our branches can have systemwide impacts on our total operation, the on-time performance we are achieving is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

Still, critics point out that the data on train delays misses a key detail: the agency’s “on or close to schedule” standard allows for a grace period of up to six minutes. Delays under six minutes aren’t counted, masking a significant portion of minor setbacks that can still disrupt commuters’ plans.

Riders like Sasha Hanson, who commutes from Valley Stream to her interior design job at Stonehill Taylor in Manhattan, contends that these unofficial hold-ups can be just as vexing when they cause missed connections, particularly at Jamaica Station.

“It gets obnoxious, especially when transfer delays hit at the last minute— usually right as you’re getting off the train,” Hanson said. “It’s not like you can avoid it ahead of time on your commute.”

The “amount of trains that we operate through this terminal is a huge impediment to our operation,” admits Free. “We are looking to improve this situation by putting in higher speed switches, lengthening the platform, and installing a new signal system among other capacity improvements.”

Riders give LIRR high marks — but not for fares

Despite delays, last fall’s MTA survey found that 76 percent of nearly 22,000 commuters surveyed were satisfied overall with their service. Yet some commuters who speak well of the railway also balk at the idea of higher fares.

“I don’t think fares should increase, because it’s costing me a lot of money just to get to school,” said Raya Adiva, a Valley Stream resident and high school senior who depends on the LIRR to get to school in the city.

The specter of more expensive fares looms over commuters as the MTA Board approves a $19.9 billion budget for 2025, which includes plans for a potential 4 percent hike in fares and tolls.

“What’s important to keep in mind is that the price of a monthly ticket is still cheaper now than it was in 2019,” Free said. “The way we institute fares is predictable, so our customers know when it’s coming. We’ve done an incredible job of maintaining cost and giving people good value for their money.”

Data Wrapper Illustration by Juan Lasso/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

Volunteer couple finds ways to stay active

staying active, both physically and mentally. For Judie, the fitness journey became a necessity two years ago after she was diagnosed with osteopenia, a condition that weakens bones and could lead to osteoporosis.

Her husband, a longtime regular at the gym, encouraged her to join him more often, and together they began training at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside under the guidance of Rocco Perotta, of Rockville Centre. They hit the gym several times a week, prioritizing strength training, cardiovascular health and overall wellness.

“Rocco makes it fun,” Judie said. “I never thought exercising could be enjoyable, but with him, it’s so varied that you’re never bored.”

Her determination was especially evident following a fall that left her with a fractured pelvis a few years ago. Even after completing rehabilitation at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, when she returned home, she hesitated to climb the five slippery steps leading to her front door.

But Perotta and Vic were on hand to make sure she was safe. “Rocco came over to spot me,” she said. “Knowing he was there gave me the confidence to do it. He was my security blanket.”

And her husband has always been her steadfast supporter. A military veteran, a former boxer and all-around athlete,

Vic’s energy and positivity have been a constant source of motivation for her.

“If you told me they just met and fell in love last week, I’d believe it,” Perotta said.

“They’re an inspiration to everyone who meets them,” he added. “They push each other in the most playful, loving way, and they’re always up for a new challenge.”

The couple’s workouts are anything but typical for their age group. Perotta puts them through a varied routine that

includes weighted exercises, and even some light boxing.

“I don’t give them a ‘senior’ workout,” the trainer from Rockville Centre said.

Their fitness routine is not just about health, but it’s also about enabling their active volunteer lifestyle. Whether hosting children at SIBSPlace or attending volunteer events, their physical stamina and mental resilience have remained essential. As the Horowitzes continue to defy the limits of age, their message is

clear.

“You’re never too old to stay active, learn new things, and give back to your community,” Judie said. “It’s all about keeping an open mind and a positive attitude.”

Perotta, who has become more than just a trainer to them, agreed wholeheartedly.

“They’re proof that you can find fulfillment at any stage of life,” he said. “I’m honored to be a part of their journey.”

Judie and Vic Horowitz share a laugh while training with their trainer, rocco perrotta. their workouts are a mix of determination and playful competition.

Kepherd Daniel/Herald photos

JCC trainer rocco perrotta watches Vic Horowitz’s exercise technique.

Cristie Tursi reshapes science department

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Cristie Tursi, of Rockville Centre, has a bachelor’s from Fordham University, a master’s from Columbia University and advanced certificates from Long Island University. She got her start teaching physics at Regis High School in the city, spent a year teaching at Molloy, then spent eight years — from 2012 to 2020 — teaching physics at Southside High School in Rockville Centre.

Ihave a sense of pride in all

She took the next step in 2020, being named the new director of Science for Long Beach Public Schools. For the last five years, she has been working nonstop to revamp and expand the district’s science department across each school, and has no plans of slowing down.

CRIsTIE TuRsI science director

“That first year when I got here, everybody was trying to figure out how to do school again after Covid,” Tursi remembered. “What I know how to do best is build relationships and that’s what I spent that whole first year doing. From that first year of just getting to know people and what people needed, that we grew from it. I have a sense of pride in all of it because the work that we do now grew from just getting to know each other as a team.”

Throughout the first few years of heading the district’s science team, Tursi has helped grow and add numerous programs and branches to an already expansive department. In the time, the district has added new elementary STEM programs and innovation labs, a working greenhouse, a sixthgrade space experiment program, partnerships with Cold Spring Harbor Labs and the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, and has grown the middle school and high school science research programs, among even more things.

Students in the science research programs conduct a lot of studies and projects, such as growing lettuce with different types of bacteria, acid rain, regeneration, contaminants in waterways, and more. The young researchers in the program have taken part in multiple competitions across Long Island, with many placing first, second and third. Both the middle school and high school classes are now under the supervision of its teacher Kristen Conklin, who, along with Tursi, takes great pride in the success of the students.

“They really put a lot of effort in,” Conklin said of the students. “Some students even collaborate with scientists outside in the field. That’s one of the goals of science research, is to get them that real world experience and to connect them with professionals.”

Science students at Long Beach High School have taken part in unique projects outside science research as well. Students in IB Environmental Science

have been raising trout, getting the eggs, studying them and then release them back into the wild. Also, out by the exit to the school, there was a patch of land that was juts grass. Over the last five years, students have been working to plant all different species of plants, making it a new little forest area.

Right outside of the building that the middle school and Lido Elementary School share is the district’s own working greenhouse. The greenhouse, which officially debuted in 2021, is maintained by Brian Pross, a middle school technology teacher, and his students. They maintain the structure and plants — while in season — and Pross is even working to get permits to allow the serving of the food they grow in the greenhouse.

“A lot of kids go into trades, and to give them all this exposure while they’re here, with us, in this nurturing environment that we can provide and all the different exposure to things is very cool,” Tursi said of the greenhouse and

all the other district offerings.

Recently, Tursi has been working hard with the district on the implementation of a new science Regents that comes out this year. Most districts — like Long Beach — opted to wait a year before administering it to ensure the staff and students alike were as ready as they could be for the new tests.

She’s also a member of the Long Island STEM Educational Leadership Association. The group allows her the opportunity to keep in touch with what other teachers and administrators are doing across Long Island, and to train teachers on how to implement new standards into their schools.

Tursi works hard to ensure the relationships and collaboration across the district stay strong and, every other month, has common planning meetings with the teachers at the four elementary schools and does grade level meetings. During the months in between, she holds “office hours” to keep in touch constantly to make sure everyone gets

what they need. She also meets with the middle school and high school teachers every other week.

“She is the most kind, organized person,” Halle Conklin, a science teacher at Lindell Elementary School, said, while smiling, looking at Tursi. “She genuinely cares so much. Sometimes, if a director comes in, people get nervous, but everyone always feels so comfortable. You’re always willing to help and it’s so appreciated.”

Tursi is proud of the work she and the district has accomplished together so far, but has plans for even more in the future. It’s a lot of hard work, but she enjoys every minute of it.

“It does not feel like work,” she said. “I honestly love what I do. I love the world of curriculum.”

Students in the district’s science research programs do everything from studying plants and microorganisms to acid rain and regeneration.

Photos courtesy Cristie Tursi

Cristie Tursi not only works hard at her relationships with the district’s teachers, but the students as well.

Brendan Carpenter/Herald Long Beach’s Director of Science, Cristie Tursi, right, with Kylee Nichols, a Lido Elementary STEM teacher, who recently won a contest to gift her students with Hess Trucks.

Cristie Tursi has helped expand the STEM programs in each of the four elementary schools, which now have a ‘menu’ of offerings.

of it.

A modern approach to traditional values

‘Character Education’ has a new name: Social and Emotional Learning

Catholic education has always been unique because it is values-based, and places a high level of importance on personal and interpersonal skills. This difference has been realized through the expectation of certain kinds of conduct in a Catholic school that reflects a student’s self-respect, and respect for others. Responsibility, and accountability for one’s actions have always been part of the higher expectation in Catholic school.

After years of experimenting with the latest educational fads, schools of all types across the nation are recognizing that investing in the social and emotional management skills of students will have a greater effect on the trajectory of their lives. Public, private and Catholic schools have all shown greater interest in what is now known as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Catholic schools, because they have never lost sight of this, are further along in the development and implementation of SEL programs.

Catholic schools across the Diocese of Rockville Centre have maintained their focus on the ‘character education’ of students, even as more permissive educational models were being implemented elsewhere. While currentday Catholic school has embraced the integration of new educational technologies, personalized learning and new curriculum elements, the commitment to traditional values and religious tradition have never wavered. Catholic school has continued to teach biblical principles and traditional values, focusing imparting spirituali-

ty and self-discipline. In doing so, character education has systematically, yet seamlessly, been an integral part of the educational experience of generations of students.

Today, the heightened interest in SEL makes it clear that Catholic schools were on the right track all along.

Why Social Emotional Learning matters

Social Emotional Learning is viewed as attentiveness to the whole child’s needs. It is comprised of five major components: selfawareness, self-management, decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness.

Self-Awareness: A self-aware student will recognize how his or her thoughts, emotions, actions, and values impact their behavior.

Students are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that change is possible, and that they have the ability to become selfsufficient and confident.

Self-Management: Students are taught to regulate their own thoughts, emotions, and actions to align with their values. Selfmanagement emphasizes motivation, impulse control, organizational skills, and goal-setting.

Responsible Decision-Making: Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions within an ethical framework. Being a responsible decision maker requires problem identification, analysis, self-evaluation, and reflection.

Relationship Skills: Development of skills like communicating effectively, engaging in

appropriate social behavior, and participation in group and collaborative activities.

Social Awareness: The ability to empathize with others, including those with whom they disagree, as well as those from different moral, cultural, and ethical backgrounds.

As everyone who has attended Catholic school can attest, these five principles are traditional parts of a Catholic education. In fact, these characteristics are often the most easily

distinguishable differences in the way a young man or woman ‘carries themselves’ in their daily interactions with others. They are the characteristics that we subconsciously recognize and silently attribute to the student being ‘a Catholic school kid’.

Photo: Faith-based rigorous academics are enhanced by innovative teaching practices that prepare students for the modern tech-based world in which we live.

CATHOLIC SHOOLS WEEK

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

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

REGISTRATION:

JANUARY 28TH, 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. & 7:00-8:00 P.M. JANUARY 29TH, 9:30 - 10:30 A.M.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST. AGNES OPEN HOUSE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE: January 29 10:00 - 1:00

Arena Football team to call Coliseum home

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Arena Football is coming back to Nassau County, and this time it’s in a brand-new league in the form of the ENTFLA – the Entertainment Football Association.

Spearheaded by Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed, flanked by league owner Doug Freeman with a slight style different: other than the fact that it will be indoors, is that it will be on 7-on-7 format with a reduced play clock, along with the elimination of kicking on fourth down, leading to overall higher-scoring and higher-paced games.

Uniondale and Nassau Coliseum will be the home of one of four teams in the ENTFLA, with the other teams based in Morristown, NJ, Danbury, CT and Fitchburg, MA. The season is projected to run from June to August.

The emphasis of the new league in the land of Billy Joel and bagels was to bring professional sports to local, blue-collar families without breaking the bank, with an added emphasis on entertainment appropriate for the entire family while at a pro game, confirmed by its mission statement.

League advisor Tommy Benizio said the real purpose is to bring something that’s affordable, fun and entertaining, giving families in Long Island a place to come without driving hours and pay hundreds of dollars in tickets and parking passes to watch football live in an arena.

Plus, it’s meant to be fun.

“Between the players flying over the wall, landing in your lap and knocking your hotdog out of your hand, you catch a football you get to keep it, the cheerleaders, the mascot, the dancing and T-shirt canons, it is a fun and entertaining thing for three or four hours on Sat-

urday nights,” Benizio said. “So before you can come into the building we want live music and jumping castles for kids and a beer garden, it’s a party.”

With over 100 high school football teams on the island, the league’s owners hope for a close connection between the youth of Long Island growing in the sport they love, and the professionals engaged in it. Roosevelt High School football head coach Joe Vito is excited to see how a local pro football team will create an additional positive influence for his players.

“I’m excited to be able to have my team come here and see and maybe dream about maybe being this one day,” Vito said. “I try to expose our kids to a lot of things and coming to this is will be something they’ll be exposed to, so they’re excited to get the opportunity to come.”

Reed, the league commissioner, is key on the possibility of giving all types of NCAA football players another avenue to play the sport they love even if they don’t make it to the Show.

“We’re gonna be pulling kids from college, that pool, and a lot of these that are going to play in this league, when they play in this league, it’s another avenue for them to get to the Big Time,” Reed said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you’re good enough and display those attributes that a team might want, you can find somewhere to go and get a chance. We feel this league is about that.”

Each team will play 8 regular-season games.

“Anytime that we could have another opportunity to have more of our kids play professional football, is a great opportunity that we love as we coach the youth,” Vito said.

The nickname for the “Long Island” or “New York” franchise will be determined through a naming contest. Visit goentfla.com for more information.

Courtesy ENTFLA

Buffalo Bills legend Andre Reed is commissioner of the new Entertainment Football Association, which debuts in June with four franchises including Long Island.

The governor assesses the state of the state

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off her fourth year in office on Jan. 14 by outlining her proposed 2025 agenda in her State of the State address. That agenda includes more than 200 initiatives, many of which would have an impact on Long Island.

Here are some of the key proposals Hochul discussed.

Affordability

Unsurprisingly, Hochul began the address with the issue on every New Yorker’s mind: the cost of living. New Yorkers have seen rising prices in housing, food, utilities, transportation and health care. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in New York is 26 percent higher than the national average.

The governor proposed tax cuts, rebate checks and savings from free school lunches, an initiative that could save a family of five $5,000 a year.

“I’m calling for a sweeping middle-class income tax cut benefitting 8.3 million taxpayers making less than $323,000,” she said. “The tax cut I propose today and will fight for in the coming months will deliver the lowest tax rates in seven decades and save hardworking taxpayers $1 billion.

“But that’s just the start,” she added.

A proposed $3 billion in inflation relief rebates would provide one-time payments of $300 or $500 based on income level and tax filing status. The initiative would have to be approved by the State Legislature.

Hochul’s budget also includes expanding the state’s child tax credit. Under the proposal, families could see the credit increase by as much as three times the cur rent amount — up to $1,000 per child under age 4, and

Tim Baker/Herald

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 14, discussing a wide range of policies. Above, the governor appeared at the Long Island Association’s State of the Region Breakfast on Jan. 10.

$500 for children ages 4 to 16. The changes would be phased in over two years.

She governor also proposed that households making up to $323,200 — roughly 77 percent of taxpayers — would be given an income tax break that could save households hundreds of dollars a year for roughly.

Education

Hochul unveiled a proposal that would offer free tuition to New Yorkers pursuing associate’s degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, teaching, technology and engineering. The initiative would build on the state’s existing financial aid programs, and target residents between 25 and 55 seeking to learn new skills to look for jobs in essential industries.

Nearby states, including Massachusetts, have launched similar tuition-free college programs to address labor shortages and promote economic mobility.

Hochul also announced her support for universal free school meals. That would mean boosting state funds to expand an existing program that could reach 280,000 students who aren’t already covered.

Mental Health

Hochul, who is expected to seek re-election in 2026, took office in 2021 when residents statewide were grappling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many students faced — and continue to face — mental health challenges.

That has been a central focus throughout her administration. In her latest initiative, she aims to address concerns about random acts of violence committed by those with severe, untreated mental illness. Her agenda includes strengthening Kendra’s Law, which mandates outpatient treatment for certain people with mental illnesses who are not receiving care.

Additionally, Hochul is advocating for a Teen Mental Health First Aid program, to equip high school students with the skills to maintain their mental health and offer support to their peers. She also promoted mental health resources for after-school programs, to ensure students access to licensed health care facili-

RVC superintendent set to retire in June

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

John Murphy, a cornerstone of the Rockville Centre School District for 28 years, is set to retire in June. Murphy, who began his career in 1997 as an English teacher at South Side High School, has held numerous roles, including International Baccalaureate coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent for human resources. In August, the Board of Education appointed him deputy superintendent, a role in which he continued to make a significant impact.

Superintendent Matt Gaven announced Murphy’s retirement with deep gratitude during a recent Board of Education meeting, praising his dedication and contributions.

“This evening, we are accepting with deep regret the resignation of John Murphy for purposes of retirement in June,” Gaven said. “John has faithfully and expertly served our school district for many years as an outstanding teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent. In each role, John has served professionally and with the care of our students always predominant in his mind.”

Murphy’s legacy at South Side High School includes steering the school through the challenges of the Covid-19

Dan Offner/Herald

John Murphy, deputy superintendent of the Rockville Centre school district, recently announced that he will be retiring in June after more than 25 years in the district.

pandemic, fostering a healthy learning environment, and prioritizing teacher development. His work emphasized creating a cohesive educational community where students felt a strong sense of belonging without compromising academic standards.

Gaven also highlighted Murphy’s intellectual prowess and passion for lit-

example in the remaining months of his tenure.”

Board of Education President Kelly Barry expressed her gratitude for Murphy’s contributions, saying, “Mr. Murphy, I’ve known you for longer than two and a half years. At this moment, I just simply, on behalf of the board, want to say thank you. Thank you for all that you are. Thank you for all that you’ve done for so many of us, all of our students, and our staff over the course of your career here in Rockville Centre.”

Other district leaders echoed these sentiments. Tara Hackett described Murphy as “the lifeblood of this district,” adding, “We don’t know what Rockville Centre looks like without you. You’ve been a pinnacle of hope, love, and support, and have worn your emotions on your sleeve for us all of these years. You truly are the heart of this district, and we will miss you deeply.”

erature.

“His understanding of curriculum, his prodigious intellect and vocabulary, and his love for literature combined with his relentless energy will be greatly missed,” Gaven said. “For me, personally, John has been an absolutely amazing colleague and thought partner. I will continue to do my best to learn from his

Janet Gruner praised Murphy’s character, saying, “Mr. Murphy, I’ve said it to you before, but your integrity is one of the things I value most about you. It will be sorely missed, and you will be sorely missed.”

Murphy’s departure marks the end of a distinguished career defined by his unwavering commitment to students, staff, and the community. As he prepares for his retirement, the district faces the challenge of filling the void left by one of its most dedicated leaders.

*MEET THE 2025 HONOREES*

REAL ESTATE DEAL OF THE YEAR

Joseph Farkas

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Michael T. Puntillo

Managing Partner

PX4 Development

TOP ENGINEER

Stephen A. Hayduk, P.E.

Senior Principal Hayduk Engineering LLC

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

IMEG

EXCELLENCE IN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY CITIZENSHIP

Christopher Capece

President Heatherwood Luxury Rentals

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AWARD

David Orwasher

Chief Development Officer Breslin Realty

PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY

Jeremy Longo

General Manager Belfor Property Restoration

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP

Sheldon L. Shrenkel

Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director Nassau County IDA

TOP MORTGAGE BROKER OF THE YEAR

Nicholas Ceccarini

President Weatherstone Mortgage Corp

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Founder & Design Principal in Charge Zambrano Architectural Design LLC

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & IMPACT

Patricia Oliva

Chief Executive Officer Consumer Direct Title

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE FINANCE

Vito Giannola

Executive Vice President & Chief Banking Officer Provident Bank

KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

John Starck

President & Chief Executive Officer Showcase Kitchens

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE & TITLE

LAW

Paula Parrino, Esq

Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President of

FATHER/SON

Stanley H & Kenneth Schuckman

News briefs

Molloy, Energeia Partnership ends

After 20 years the collaboration between Molloy University and the Energeia Partnership ended in November and the school’s sponsorship came to a close the following month.

The Energeia Partnership was a part of Molloy’s Advancement Office. Its founder, Paul Tonna, a former Suffolk County legislator, was the subject of several stories by the North Shore Leader, a weekly newspaper in Locust Valley.

The Leader’s stories likened Energeia to a “cult,” a claim that Tonna denied. He filed a $50 million lawsuit in October. The Molloy/Energia split came two months after the stories were published.

“Molloy University is proud to have provided a foundation for the noble mission and ideals of the Energeia program and its partners in serving the Long Island community,” Molloy’s president James Lentini said in a statement. “We

look forward to its continued growth and impact under the umbrella of this new not-for-profit organization.”

Energeia Partnership “is a leadership academy dedicated to identifying and addressing the serious, complex, and multi-dimensional issues challenging the Long Island region,” according information on SmartCataLogiq.com.

A default judgment in Tonna’s favor was granted earlier this month by a state Supreme Court. The ruling noted that the Leader and staff didn’t respond in a timely manner. On Feb. 11, a hearing to create a schedule for discovery on possible damages was scheduled to be held.

Energeia will operate under the nonprofit corporation — the Ethicus Project Inc. — created in November. It will continue to do business as Energeia. Molloy will have a member of the university on the company’s board. –Jeffrey Bessen

Birthday Wishes group drops off presents

South Side High School’s Birthday Wishes Club members delivered presents to Birthday Wishes of Long Island on MLK Day of Service. Jonah Testa, left, is the student ambassador for Birthday Wishes and founder and president of the school’s Birthday Wishes Club, Josh Feigenbaum is the club’s vice president, and Casey Testa and Eric Green are members.

Herald file photo

Molloy University parted ways with Energia Partnership after the group’s founder Paul Tonna became embroiled in a controversy with a North Shore newspaper.

Courtesy Mary Jane Testa

News brief

All aboard for safe boating classes

It’s winter, but it’s a good time to start planning for another boating season by registering now for safe boating classes through the Town of Hempstead. Brianna’s Law requires all boat operators to obtain a boating safety certificates.

Upcoming Safe Boating Class

The first course is designed for ages 10 to 18 and takes place over two sessions at the Department of Conservation and Waterways, 1401 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout.

■ Saturday, Feb. 1: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

■ Saturday, Feb. 8: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate. The town’s bay constables will lead the classes.

The Town of Hempstead is offering safe boating classes for participants earn the required boating safety certificate.

“Teaching the next generation to safely operate a boat is a rite of passage for many Long Island families,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, said in a news release. “By starting young, we’re building a culture of safety, experience, and respect for our waterways.”

About Brianna’s Law

This state law honors Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Islander killed in a 2005 boating accident. The law mandates safety certification for all

boat operators, helping to create safer waters for everyone.

More Courses Coming Soon

Additional courses for both youth and adults will be announced in the near future.

To register for the February class or inquire about future courses, contact the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

Residents who have already been certified but need a replacement card can visit: Bit.ly/4jkJ1p6. –Jeffrey Bessen

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

STEPPING OUT

Photos courtesy LICM

In the Orion spacecraft, future astronauts interact with buttons, levers and sounds as they learn facts about what it takes to bring humans to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.

Space explorers need to utilize limited resources on the moon to live and survive. At this work station, children transport objects to and from the surface using foam blocks.

for an out-of-this-world adventure

‘Moon to Mars’ touches down at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

Calling all future space explorers! It’s time to set course to the moon, and beyond, with opportunities for kids to fuel their imaginations and dream bigger — and farther — than ever before.

“Moon to Mars” has rocketed into Long Island Children’s Museum, on view through May 4. The traveling exhibit, — created by Omaha Children’s Museum and designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at Johnson Space Center — brings the wonders of space to life for young learners. Through six immersive play zones, future explorers get a first-hand look at current space technology and discover the possibilities of future missions.

“We have the resources to bring a really complex topic to life for children, where they can understand what makes a mission possible like what tools are used or why astronauts need to wear protective clothing,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.

Inspired by the current realities and the future dreams of space travel, the exhibit’s connection to real NASA technology is what makes it so compelling. Kids can climb aboard the Orion Spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts on future Artemis missions — using buttons, levers and sounds — or take the wheel of the Lunar Rover to explore the moon’s rugged surface.

“With the recent advancements in space exploration, like the launch of the James Webb telescope and the evolution of SpaceX, it’s the perfect time to introduce an exhibit focused on the future Artemis Mission,” Niver says. “We have so many leaps in space exploration and so many new things on the horizon.”

Clearly, creating advanced space technology is no simple feat. It involves creativity, problem-solving and much trial and error on the part of a diverse team. Young space explorers have the chance to dive into that engineering process, designing and building their very own rockets, and then launching their creations across the room.

“There’s a lot of engineering components that come into this, involving critical thinking for kids. These people [the spacecraft systems developers] have an incredible amount of skill and knowledge about space and creating these structures, but there are still things that they might realize don’t work, and to solve the problem,” Niver adds.

“The exhibit offers children endless opportunities to nurture their curiosity through the most effective way we know they learn: play. It also provides a valuable opportunity for parents to discover ways to incorporate big concepts like space exploration, physics and engineering into play at home. Whether it’s building a Martian landscape with pillows or creating a rocket ship out of a cardboard box, these activities spark storytelling that encourages imagination and inspires the ‘big thinkers’ of tomorrow.”

After young “explorers” have landed at their destination, there’s still much to be discovered. Visitors can get geared up in a spacesuit and explore a new world.

Among the components, kids can construct a new base using pulleys and blocks at the Moon Base Builder to make the planet or moon inhabitable.

Once the base is complete, step through the lunar leaps and feel the changes in gravity as you walk — or jump.

• Now until May 4

• $18 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

“You could take a leap and you have to work really hard to jump far on the moon. You wouldn’t have to do that because you don’t have the gravitational force pulling you as strong,” Niver explains.

Additional learning opportunities are found at the Space Academy Kiosk video display. It covers all things space exploration such as life in space, spacesuits, and real-life astronauts.

Each activity shows the boundless nature of space in kidfriendly fashion, perhaps even inspiring some future astronauts and space engineers.

“They can step into the role. It helps kids to connect to something that isn’t exactly what they know, they could put on a costume or a spacesuit and really embody that character. Hands-on play is a great way to engage them in content or topics that may be a little bit more foreign to them,” Niver says.

“The astronauts, at one point, were kids too. They dreamed of the same thing as you. You can understand the path that they went through that led them to their current career,” she adds.

As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience. This time around, the museum is partnering with its Museum Row neighbor, Cradle of Aviation Museum.The Cradle’s portable, inflatable planetarium dome, the Digitalis Planetarium, will be in residence Feb. 17-21, for more space exploration. Families can discover the majesty of the stars and our universe during a 30-minute presentation led by a trained Cradle of Aviation educator. Four planetarium performances will be offered each day.

The LICM stage also gets in on the act with the futuristic production of “Interstellar Cinderella,” Feb. 7-March 21. Set in 3017, Cinderella is a space engineer who is looking to revolutionize space travel with her new invention.

While the exhibit is “in orbit” be sure to check out more related programming; information is on the museum’s website.

Acrobats of Cirque-tacular

Families will enjoy a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage,. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a high-energy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The performers are revered as cutting edge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Explosive music that complements the performance and act adds to the fun.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

‘Dancing with the Stars’

Dancing with the Stars is back on tour to heat up winter with a dazzling live production. See the ballroom brought to life in this new edition featuring everyone’s favorite Dancing with the Stars pros and special guests. They’ll perform glittering new numbers as well as some of the unbelievable showstoppers featured in season 33. The high-energy show puts the dancers in the spotlight, showcase their dynamic moves as seen during the series, along with some lively new twists. The tour delivers an unforgettable night of electrifying dance performances from worldrenowned dancers who topped the leaderboard.

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Intergalatic adventures take flight.

Feb. 1

‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band, Saturday, Feb. 1 , 8 p.m. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. dynamic live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music.

The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.

Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility. Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register at nassauboces. org/barrytech or call (516) 6226812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:3011:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. For more information, visit CHSLI.org.

Comic showcase

Plaza Theatricals’ rolls into 2025 with the latest edition of the 50+ Comedy Tour, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2:30 p.m. Laugh along with an all new lineup of some of the funniest comedians on the scene. And they all have one thing in common: they’re all over age 50!

Hosted by Long Island Comedy Festival’s Paul Anthony, the lineup includes “Banjo” Les Bayer and Chris Monty. $40, $35 seniors. Get in on the fun at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.

Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment

Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 599-5705.

Long Island Choral Society auditions

Long Island Choral Society, under the Direction of Michael C. Haigler, holds auditions for new members for the final concert of their 96th Season. Auditions are by appointment only and will be held Mondays, continuing Jan. 27, also Feb. 3 and 10, at Garden City Community Church. The Berlioz Requiem is a piece known for its power and beauty that offers a rare musical performance opportunity while bringing the Choral Society’s 24-25 concert season to an exciting close.

If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. Those interested can schedule an audition by calling (516) 6526878 or via e-mail at audition. info@lics.org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 31, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and making art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Lunar New Year

Welcome the Year of the Snake at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday and Sunday, Jan 25-26, noon-4 p.m. Stop by to learn all about the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and learn about this special year, which is believed to bring an abundance of opportunities and fortune. everyone. Enjoy dance and musical performances, on the LICM stage, view live artisan demonstrations and create themed take-home crafts. For ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Having an event?

Virtual Property Tax Grievance Seminars

Nassau County Leg. Bill Gaylor hosts two 2025 Virtual Property Tax Assessment Grievance Seminars for all homeowners who disagree with the assessed value of their home as indicated on the 2026-2027 Tentative Notice of Assessment. The first is Thursday, Jan. 30, noon; followed by Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Representatives from the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission (ARC) will answer questions and show residents how to use ARC’s online tools to file an “Application for Correction of Assessment” online or via mail. You may dispute the assessed value of your home until March 3. For information on your specific property visit LRV. nassaucountyny.gov. For forms and applications, visit nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/ ARC/forms.html. To log in to the seminar, go to the link on Leg. Gaylor’s website: nassaucountyny.gov/ld14. For more information, contact Leg. Gaylor’s office at (516) 5716214.

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

On exhibit

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

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

Hempstead House tour

Feb.

16

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

January 23, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSRMF MH MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST II,, Plaintiff -againstMICHAEL EGAN A/K/A MICHAEL C. EGAN; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; CITIBANK, N.A.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NASSAU COUNTY CLERK; EMERALD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC; VITALCAP FUND; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Index No. 616933/2023. Mortgaged Premises: 70 Reid Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Section: Section: 38 Block: 415 Lot: 20 To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement to secure $195,000.00 and interest, covering the premises known as 70 Reid Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Said Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement consolidated a Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on June 15, 2001 in Liber Book M21085, Page 685, Control Number 921 with a mortgage dated January 16, 2004. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff

designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING

YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP

1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 151003

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on FEBRUARY 6, 2024 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

MARVIN AND CEDAR AVENUE ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE

UPGRADES 2025 Bid No. 2501E1(1136)

The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than January 30, 2025. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri

Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 151149

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Meeting Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: February 11, 2025

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board Of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a hearing in the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE

February 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM Case No.: 01-2024

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA Façade Renovation. Property Location: 10 North Village Avenue

Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on this specific date, the Rockville Centre Planning Board will conduct a public hearing to conduct a Site Plan and Exterior Design review for these subject properties. Anyone interested shall have an opportunity to be heard on the application. Dated: January 16, 2025

PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK

Donna Joyce, Chairperson Casey Murphy, Esq, Board

Counsel

Patrick D. O’Brien, Corresponding Secretary Information and records for Planning Board Cases are available at 110 Maple Ave, RVC 151150

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

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 23, 2025

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over

News brief

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick

State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is supporting a community-wide book drive intended to promote literacy and reading. The book drive is an opportunity for donors to give back to the community, the news release continued, and can help support reading and education across Nassau County.

“We know the power of a good book— it can inspire, educate, and open doors to new worlds,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said in a news release. “I encourage everyone to donate new or gently used books and help us make a difference in the lives of others.”

Books can be donated at five public libraries in Nassau County Lynbrook, Long Beach, Elmont, Lawrence and Malverne until Feb. 7. All donations will go to Book Fairies, a Freeport-based nonprofit organization that distributes books to communities in need on Long Island.

For more information, call Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s office at (516) 766-8383.

–Renee DeLorenzo

supports book drive

Where to donate books

Lynbrook Public Library 56 Eldert St., Lynbrook

Long Beach Public Library 111 West Park Ave., Long Beach

Elmont Memorial Library 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

Peninsula Public Library 280 Central Ave., Lawrence

Malverne Public Library 61 St Thomas Place, Malverne

Public Notices

the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.

The Nassau County

Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited

to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and

without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 151098

Employment HERALD

LONG B EACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

visit www.longbeach.org to learn

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.

NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.

These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.

These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.

If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org

If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OFFICE ASSISTANT PT

Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755

OUTSIDE

SALES

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

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to

The fires in L.A. got us wondering

Cozy Cape: Your Dream Home

WANTAGH AVENUE High Traffic Successful Strip Shopping Center, Near Two High Schools Suitable For Medical/ Office 516-967-5805

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Q. I, like many others, am upset about the terrible fires happening in California. We were discussing it the other day, and are wondering what your opinion is about how these fires spread so quickly, considering that we were also having high winds at the same time. Are our homes safe? Do we have better building regulations? Could the same thing happen to us that’s happening in California? What can we do to prevent this and what do you think California should do?

A. It can happen here. We must all listen, observe and learn from this tragedy to avoid repeating it in our own communities. I have often written about the beginnings of rules and regulations, which began after the great fire of London in 1666 and, in this country, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It took many decades and many lives lost to recognize that building codes were needed, however.

Unfortunately, the typical response, historically, is to immediately express horror, but as time goes on, become complacent that something that bad couldn’t happen here. Yes, it can happen anywhere, and certainly in communities where the buildings are closer together. So we need to listen when we’re told that it could happen, and realize why fire could burn down any community where nature’s forces work against our best planning.

We have seen the devastation, and some of us realize the many elements that contribute to disaster, such as drought, high winds, finish materials that combust and lack of ability to escape, to name a few. Our building codes are focused on life safety and limiting fire spread. At the right temperature, nearly everything burns.

California has similar codes, but many buildings were constructed prior to the newest, more stringent codes and did not have safety requirements for one- or two-hour resistive surface materials, interior sprinklers or opening protective devices like special shutters that drop to enclose spaces and reduce fire spread. Our roofs, siding, fences and interior materials, just like California’s, can ignite readily when hot embers land on them.

Rebuilding in California will have to include interior sprinklers, non-combustible exterior materials and community training in what to take, when to evacuate and how to do so safely without blocking the path of emergency responders. I expect that we will see greater distances between dwellings and backyard structures, less vegetation, cannons mounted on utility poles to shoot fire-retardant and fire break walls that can lift out of the ground to separate buildings. There are products on the market to do all of these things, though most have been developed for flood prevention or highly flammable building conditions. More people will choose cement board siding that mimics everything from stone to wood siding to preserve styles that are consistent with the building shape, and metal, cement or ceramic tile roofs that will not combust if a hot ember or coat lands on it, and metal window frames. Remember to choose safe materials. Good luck!

516-486-7941

TEENAGE BOYS CARGO Shorts: Size 16, New with Tags, $10. Denim, Beige and Grey 917-420-5814 TIFFANY STYLE CHANDELIER: 1970s, Multicolor glass, 20 inch diameter $15 (516) 965-0982

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

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

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

Electricians

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

Exterminating

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

Home Improvement

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

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

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

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717.

T“he Sopranos” revolutionized television entertainment when it made its debut on HBO in 1999, and continued through 2007. On the surface, it was an organized-crime story centered on a mob guy in New Jersey named Tony Soprano. Below the surface, however, “The Sopranos” explored new levels of the complexity of human nature.

Yes, Tony Soprano was a monster capable of vicious brutality. But he was also an uppermiddle-income family man living in suburbia with a wife, Carmela, and two children he truly loved. Sure, he had his goomba, but he genuinely cared about and provided for Carmela, and would say hardly a bad word about her. He was a doting father who would take his daughter, Meadow, to visit prospective college campuses while taking time out along the way to murder

opinions ‘Woke up this morning . . .’

someone who had crossed him. All in a day’s work.

Then there was Tony’s mother, who had also plotted to kill him. Underlying all these contradictions was the reality that this vaunted tough guy and super stud was in therapy with Dr. Melfi, who treated him for anxiety and depression.

There was also a supporting cast of rogues and characters that would cause anyone anxiety. Big

TPussy was Tony’s loyal friend, who turned out to be an FBI informer — a “rat.” Tony killed him, and dumped his body off the family boat so he could swim with the fishes. Bobby Bocola was an overweight killer who could play Santa Claus, and got himself shot to death in Trainland, the model train store on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook.

Uncle Junior was an aging mob leader and family patriarch who was capable of casual cruelty.

hree of the stars of ‘The Sopranos’ offer their takes on what made the show special.

Recently, my wife, Rosemary, and I went to the historic Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts to see “In Conversation With the Sopranos,” with Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bocola), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy), who reminisced about their experiences on the show and answered questions from the capacity crowd. The audience was made up of real people — middle-income Long Island families, many of whom, no doubt, had moved out here from New York City. Listening to the questions they asked, you’d conclude that they must have watched and rewatched every “Sopranos” episode.

discussing how they got their parts and their opinions of the other actors. James Gandolfini — Tony Soprano — was the glue that made “The Sopranos” work so well, and was extremely generous and always supportive. Dominick Chianese (Uncle Junior) was an exceptional actor and a totally mild-mannered gentleman off screen. Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts, was a psycho on and off screen but a loyal friend.

Christopher, Tony’s young protégé, killed his girlfriend, Adriana, when he found out that she, too, was an informer. Paulie Walnuts smothered his mother’s friend to death with a pillow when she caught him stealing her money.

Schirripa is a good friend and a truly great guy, totally down to earth. I’d met Imperioli and Pastore when they did a similar show with Steve about six years ago in Westbury. Both are very talented but regular guys.

The show was terrific, with the trio

Particularly funny was Pastore’s story about how a real-life mob-connected restaurant in the Bronx had proudly displayed his framed photo on the wall — but because the show depicted him as a “rat,” the picture was taken off the wall and destroyed. Their presentations were terrific, as was the question-and-answer session. They had a great rapport with the audience. After the show I met briefly with them, and told them “The Sopranos” would never grow old. Schirripa and I said we’d connect again soon. I’m looking forward to it.

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

When was the last time you read a book?

iam a minority in so many ways that I never realized I’m part of a shrinking population of people who read books for fun. We read because we want to. We read because, for some of us, there’s no better way to spend our time. We read because there’s no other human experience that can transport us to another time and place, completely immersing us in the joys and tribulations of people who are the invention of a writer’s mind. I’ve known for some time that young people aren’t choosing to read books when the competition is TV or social media. I don’t need studies to tell me that, head to head, when it’s reading vs. streaming, reading loses with most teens most of the time.

The Atlantic recently ran a piece by Rose Horowitch revealing that at some of the country’s “elite” colleges, many students are neither willing nor able to read the books they’re assigned for classes. They say they just can’t do it — can’t concentrate for so long, can’t stay

with a narrative. Classes that once required some 10 books for the year now assign “excerpts.”

The students aren’t failing to perform. We have failed in preparing them to read properly.

When Horowitch investigated further, she discovered that the problem begins in high school. In recent years, with the ascendance of social media and smartphones, there has been a parallel decline in reading. More disturbing, many teachers are accommodating the change by dumbing down the curriculum, assigning summaries or chapters instead of whole books.

GPT to see what AI could do with the assignment.

Damn good is the answer. Plot summary, excellent. Discussion of themes, better than I could do. Analysis of language, good enough.

A re parents of young kids reading to them, or are they, too,distracted by phones?

Last week I began teaching a book group for adults. We do a book a week for eight weeks; they’ve had the syllabus since May, so there has been ample time to prepare. These folks are in the class for the pure joy and intellectual stretch of abandoning themselves to a narrative imagined by someone else.

I realize that high school and college kids can probably get by with ChatGPT to find summaries and analyses of the books they’re assigned in class. So, after I had reread the first book for my class and completed my notes, I went to Chat-

But what is missing entirely is any discussion of the emotional component of reading. The summaries can inform you, but they can’t make you feel. I’m remembering reading “Sophie’s Choice” in 1982, my heart twisted around the character as she chose which of her children would live. I’m talking about reading “Beloved” as a teen and perceiving racism in a profoundly new way. When I discovered “Lonesome Dove,” I disappeared for days into the Old West, way past the clichés of cowboys and cattle drives.

This isn’t just a woe-is-me essay. There’s an answer to the problem, and it is to limit or ban smartphone use and social media for children and young teenagers. We limited cigarette smoking and we demanded seat belts. Enlightened and committed leaders can do this. Informed parents can do this.

Kids read before they could Google. They picked up books before they could stream. Living in a world where high

school and college students don’t or can’t find the intellectual bandwidth to read a book is tragic for them personally and for our country. I wonder if parents of young children are regularly reading to them and introducing books, or if they, too, are distracted by phones.

Children who don’t read books grow up to be adults who don’t read, and never learn the subtleties of language and the possibilities of lives and worlds other than their own.

As we begin a new year, here are the books that I’m teaching. Maybe you’ll read one or two. If you do, write to me and we can share our impressions.

“Migrations,” by Charlotte McConaughy; “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” by Oscar Wilde; “Something I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You,” by Alice Munro; “The Matrix,” by Lauren Groff; “Slow Horses,” by Mick Herron; “The Wren, the Wren,” by Anne Enright; “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama,” by Nathan Thrall; “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck.

We worry about the rise of book banning in today’s America. Remember the horrific dystopia of “1984”? The irony is that book banning and book burning aren’t necessary in a culture that doesn’t read books.

Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

RAnDi KREiss

Rockville centRe

Established 1990

Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001

Daniel Offner

Senior Editor

rObert Palma

Multi Media Marketing Consultant

2

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com

Copyright

HERALD

eeditorial

Serve the constituents, not the parties

arlier this month, those who were elected and re-elected in November took their oaths of office.

Long after the last ballot is counted, and as soon as the oaths are administered, the most important chapter begins — the work of governing. And now that Gov. Kathy Hochul has delivered her State of the State address and the legislative session is underway, New York’s elected officials face an urgent challenge: to move beyond partisan rhetoric to deliver for the people who entrusted them with power. While the election season is often defined by fiery speeches and ideological divides, the responsibilities of governing require cooperation, compromise and a steadfast focus on serving the taxpayers.

Hochul laid out her vision for the year in her address last week, touching on issues that transcend party lines, including affordable housing, public safety, economic growth and climate adaptability.

These are not Democratic or Republican issues; they are New York issues, and they demand solutions from leaders on both sides of the aisle. Yet the immediate responses to Hochul’s proposals

letters

Peter King walks a tightrope with Trump

To the Editor:

showed how entrenched partisanship can overshadow a shared commitment to progress.

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but some of the reactions to the State of the State were all too predictable, either filled with vitriol for Hochul’s policies or unquestioningly agreeing with everything she said.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of divisiveness. The political climate in New York, as in much of the country, is polarized, with both parties often more focused on scoring points than solving problems. But taxpayers deserve better. They expect their representatives to work together — less as Democrats and Republicans than as public servants dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.

Addressing housing affordability, for example, isn’t merely a policy discussion — it’s a pressing issue for families struggling to make ends meet. Likewise, public safety can’t be reduced to talking points; it affects the lives of residents of cities, towns and villages across the state. And economic growth isn’t about partisanship — it’s about creating jobs, supporting small businesses and helping communities thrive. These priori-

Re Peter King’s column “Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House” (Jan. 9-15): King should be commended for his once again skilled sleight of hand when it comes to comments about President Donald Trump. King managed to call him an “overlord” while at the same time showering him with praise for his supposedly singlehanded eradication of MS-13 on Long Island. King can certainly walk the tightrope very well. Lest we forget, Trump’s focus on the gang was a convenient opportunity for him to launch his narrative that all migrants are criminals, murderers or rapists. The FBI, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, most important, Long Island law enforcement should be praised for their diligent, exhausting work on this scourge. And any child could see through Trump’s blatant politicization last year of Officer Jonathan Diller’s murder. Really, Peter. How amusing that King chooses to focus on Trump’s New York roots, his beginnings in Queens and King’s memory of a smiling Trump appreciating King’s New York accent. As if these things could overshadow our new president’s slew of bankruptcies, criminal indictments, multiple accusations of sexual abuse and documented perpetration of fraud on the public via Trump University and the Trump Foundation. King also

ties require collaboration, creativity and the willingness to engage in tough but constructive dialogue.

The stakes are high. Trust in government is fragile, and elected officials must demonstrate that they can deliver results. That means setting aside political differences to focus on what unites us: a shared desire for a prosperous, safe and equitable New York. It means finding common ground on key issues while respecting differing perspectives.

As the state’s leaders embark on this legislative session, they must remember that their duty is not to a political party, but to the people they represent. Voters have made it clear time and again that they don’t want endless gridlock or partisan posturing; they want solutions. They want leaders who prioritize progress over politics.

The work of governing is not glamorous, and most of the time it doesn’t make headlines. But it is the foundation of a functioning democracy. Now that the campaigns, the election and the swearing-in ceremonies are behind us, it’s time for the winners to roll up their sleeves, put the rhetoric aside and get to work. The future of our state — and the trust of its people — depend on it.

notes that Trump has made friends with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former Congressman Lee Zeldin and county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo — MAGA supporters all. Birds of a feather flock together.

Of course, King is afraid that he and all the other Long Island MAGA tools that

Trump used while campaigning will be discarded in his junk heap of no-longeruseful sycophants now that the election is over. King is genuflecting to Trump again in an attempt to garner favor for New York in light of Trump’s continuing belligerent rhetoric about blue states and big cities. Most importantly, Long Islanders need a

opinions Rubbing elbows with three great men

Columnists generally like to write about happy things, or at least not dwell on the subject of death. But over the past few weeks, three very significant people have died, and in some or many ways, I had direct contact with all of them. I refer to the late President Jimmy Carter, Chuck Dolan and Dick Parsons.

I don’t claim to have been a buddy of President Carter’s, but I had one interesting experience with him that is still fresh in my memory. During my years in the Assembly leadership, there was a custom that all potential Democratic candidates for president be introduced to the members of both houses of the Legislature. It was the job of an assigned member to escort the potential candidate around the Capitol for the meet-and-greet.

Apparently, nobody in the leadership offered to take then Governor Carter to

meet the elected members. Almost by default, I raised my hand and offered to do the escort work. My first task was to meet Carter at the Albany airport. At the stroke of noon, he arrived in the waiting area, looking to find his good shepherd. I greeted him and drove him to the Capitol so he could make his pitch for why New York should support his candidacy.

it was the White House operator, and to my surprise, President Jimmy Carter was calling.

During the following three hours, Carter made his case for being the next president. Late that afternoon, we returned to the airport, and I wished him the best of luck. He wasn’t convinced that he could win over doubting Democrats, but he was determined to go to all of the key delegate-rich states to convince the doubters that he was the man for the job.

Two years later, the modest and humble Georgian was the president. On a February afternoon, our home phone rang, and the woman calling said she was the White House operator. Despite being skeptical, I took the call, and to my surprise it was Carter calling.

Letters

repeal of the state and local tax write-off cap imposed as punishment by Trump during his first term. Former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito promised to get that done, but caved in the end. Maybe the recent visit to Mar-a-Lago by Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Nick Lalota, Mike Lawler and the rest was enough to satiate Trump’s need for sucking up from his MAGA crew, and we’ll see a lifting of the SALT cap.

New Yorkers don’t need to “work to find common ground with the president” to become great again. We are one of the most beautiful and economically stable states in the country, with resources and opportunities not available in any other part of the nation. Do we have problems to be addressed? Sure we do. But we’re still great.

ELIzABETH MuRPHY Franklin Square

Town hikes taxes, and mailers, ads keep coming

To the Editor:

Nassau Republican officials at every level shamelessly waste taxpayer money on mailers and op-ed pieces that are purely partisan attacks on Democrats, and they cite one-party rule in Albany, overlooking the stark reality that Nassau County, its cities, towns and most villages, is currently ruled by a single-party GOP machine, as it has been for most of

He told me that he would be making a number of public-works grants on Long Island, and asked if I had any preferences for a grantee. I recommended my hometown of Long Beach as the recipient of federal dollars — but I never heard from Carter again.

On a note closer to home, I was one of thousands of people who had a chance to know Charles Dolan, who created Cablevision and countless other innovations. He was a giant in the communications industry, but he was just plain Chuck in private.

I had the good fortune to be invited to his Christmas receptions and his famous July Fourth parties. On every occasion, he had the ability to make you feel like you were the only person at the event.

One August, Chuck invited my wife and daughters to the Hampton Classic, a major event for equine aficionados. Chuck had acquired a new camera and took pictures of my family, which I used on our family holiday card that year. I credited him as the photographer, and I got a call from him, thanking me for giv-

ing him the recognition. At all times, Charles, the titan of the industry, was just plain Chuck.

My last tribute is to the late Dick Parsons, a giant in so many businesses who was known for his great negotiating skills. I met him in the late 1960s, when he was a counsel to Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. He eventually went into the private sector, as chairman of the Dime Community Bank and Time Warner.

I still fondly remember a lunch appointment of ours on the afternoon of the O.J. Simpson trial verdict. We spent an hour discussing how Simpson could avoid a conviction, but at all times he was just Dick Parsons, a regular guy talking about a world of issues.

After decades of meeting great people, I very much miss those who were humble and gracious, never making a big deal of the power and influence they were lucky to possess. There aren’t many of those people left on this planet.

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

Framework by Tim Baker

our lives.

We all suffer from the Nassau and Town of Hempstead GOP’s relentless crusade to stay in power by gerrymandering, doling out patronage and perks to friends and family in the town’s employ, spending millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan mailers and television ads while imposing double-digit tax increases and fees on beleaguered taxpayers.

While Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin gave generous raises to his inner circle, again, he and his Town Board socked every town homeowner with a double-digit tax increase, sneaking in a 12.1 percent tax hike in December and over $850,000 in raises this month without mentioning it in any of the town’s famous and constant mailers. And this year the town refuses to post the names of those receiving raises. What are they hiding?

The town’s devious attempt to hide this nepotistic, self-serving resolution to give themselves, their families and friends substantial raises epitomizes Clavin’s resolve to hide the truth from voters. Or is this just a way to avoid recusing themselves from voting on raises to relatives?

It’s time for this charade to end. Clavin must stop raising our taxes in years he isn’t running, and then sending out tax-paid mailers at $80,000 a pop, claiming he is freezing taxes in an election year.

DAvE DENENBERG Merrick

In last week’s brief “Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman,” a few of the people in the accompanying photograph were misidentified. Those in the photo included Owen Finegan, Myles

The view from the Nassau University Medical Center — East Meadow

JerrY kremer

Finegan, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Chris Finegan, u.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, Austen Finegan and Laine Finegan. The date of Gillen’s swearing-in was Jan. 3.

mountsinai.org/southnassau