HERALD SEAFORD
Ava Caruso and Anastasia Perlegis are Seaford High School’s class of 2025 salutatorian and valedictorian, respectively.
Top of their class at Seaford High Perlegis and Caruso named valedictorian and salutatorian
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Anastasia Perlegis and Ava Caruso have become role models at Seaford High School, achieving top academic honors while inspiring their peers to excel.
Their dedication paid off this year, earning Perlegis the title as Seaford’s class of 2025 valedictorian with a weighted grade point average of 107.46, while Caruso was named salutatorian with a 107.29 GPA.
Nicole Schnabel, the high school’s principal, described the pair as model students who want to continue to show the community what that means. The two students have truly earned their accomplishment, Schnabel said, and now they are paving the way for other people to earn it as well.
“They’re just incredible young women, and they are going to shape a lot of the future for us,” Schnabel said.
Both Perlegis and Caruso credit hard
work and late study nights for their achievements. Throughout their time at Seaford, Perlegis enrolled in 14 Advanced Placement classes while Caruso took 13 college-level courses.
“You have to make sacrifices sometimes,” Caruso said. “I don’t hang out with friends during school days, because you can’t manage it with sports and homework.”
Among Caruso’s favorite courses was AP Research, which she tackled in her junior year. Going in, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in environmental science research. Seeing the research process, along with being independent in her studies, was an impactful moment that helped her envision her career.
“It was just my favorite thing,” Caruso said. “I would come home and I’d want to work on my research paper. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
Perlegis was also in Caruso’s AP Research
Annual drive collects over $10K in toys
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
The John Theissen Children’s Foundation, based in Wantagh, partnered with 13-year-old Emma Vulpi for her 6th annual toy drive on Dec. 21, which collected more than $10,000 worth of toys for children in hospitals and shelters.
“I’m doing this for all the children with cancer and people in shelters, because they also deserve a Christmas,” Emma said. “It was a really fun experience, it’s nice to see everybody be happy.”
Isaid she would rather buy toys for children in the hospital.
The Vulpi family’s toy drive runs all year, collecting toys in preparation for the holiday season.
Last year, Emma Vulpi was a recipient of the 17th State Assembly District’s “Women of Distinction” Award for her extraordinary efforts to support children going through difficult times.
t’s nice to see everybody be happy.
EmmA VUlPI Student, W.T. Clark Middle School
Local businesses rallied to support the toy drive, including the A&S Pork Store and Deli in Massapequa, the Cornell Cooperative Farm, and the Grand Stage Diner in East Meadow.
Emma, a 7th grade honor roll student at W.T. Clarke Middle School, began her annual toy drive on her seventh birthday when she received several gift cards to buy herself toys. To her parents’ surprise, she
Emma was aware of these children thanks to awareness programs from St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Today, she has gotten to know many of those children. Last year, they donated $6,000 worth of toys to the JTCF, which distributes toys to children in Long Island’s hospitals and shelters.
“It’s sad that we have to raise money for the kids in shelters, but it’s heartwarming to watch all these kids get what they want for Christmas,” Emma said.
The whole Vulpi family
Continued on PAge 5
Courtesy Seaford School District
Students compete at Wantagh Geography Bee
It took 16 rounds for a winner to emerge in the annual Wantagh Middle School Geography Bee on Jan. 9, during which students displayed impressive knowledge of the nation and the world. Ultimately, it came down to two competitors in a spirited backand-forth battle.
Eighth grader Paul Felice took first place after correctly answering Germany as the country in which lederhosen and dirndls are worn during Oktoberfest celebrations. The second-place finisher was seventh grader Ahsan Saleem, who went head-tohead with Paul for seven rounds. Third place went to eighth grader Joe Bianculli.
All three top finishers from the 2024 competition made it back to the finals this year. Last year, Ahsan finished first and Paul tied for second.
The Geography Bee began with class competitions. The 25 winners from sixth, seventh and eighth grade social classes then met in the library for the finals. Teacher David Cippoletti read aloud the questions. Each round had a different focus, such as state nicknames, the seven continents and cities of the world. It was a double-elimination tournament so students were out after two incorrect answers.
Director of Humanities Julie Rosslee noted that geography concepts are found across the curriculum. Students use their knowledge from English, social studies, science and world languages classes to answer challenging questions.
Courtesy Wantagh School District
Wantagh administrators and teachers congratulated the top students in the annual Geography Bee.
Koslow announces campaign for county executive
Legislator
focusing on things that matter in ‘local, every day politics’
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow has officially launched his campaign for Nassau County executive, pledging to bring accountability, affordability and responsible governance back to the county.
Koslow, a Democrat who represents parts of Freeport, Merrick and Bellmore in the legislature, plans to end the misuse of public funds and focus on policies that benefit Nassau County residents, rather than political agendas.
I“This administration has broken their promises and failed Nassau residents,” Koslow said in a Jan. 8 news release. “Nassau County families are being squeezed while their tax dollars are wasted on frivolous lawsuits, inflated salaries, and self-serving political promotions. I’m running to restore trust, eliminate waste, and make our county more affordable for everyone.”
District. A former prosecutor in Queens, he’s currently a criminal defense attorney who resides in Merrick with his wife, three children and rescue pup.
“We deserve better,” Koslow told the Herald last week. “As a dad, as a coach, as a family man — living and growing up in Nassau County — I’ve seen Nassau County for the last 40-something years. I’ve seen the good and bad, and I don’t like where we’re going.”
’ve seen the good and bad, and I don’t like where we’re going.
SEth KOSLOw Nassau County legislator
Jay Jacobs, the New York state and Nassau County Democratic Committee chairman, said, “This is an important moment for Nassau County. We need a leader that will put families first, fight for fiscal responsibility, and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Seth Koslow has the integrity and vision to lead Nassau County out of the current administration’s incompetence.”
Koslow, 42, grew up in Baldwin, and was first elected to the legislature in 2023 to represent the newly formed 5th
Koslow’s priorities, outlined in his campaign announcement, include making Nassau County more affordable by lowering property taxes and implementing fiscally responsible policies to ease the burden on residents; eliminating waste by ending unnecessary legal battles and reducing oversized administrative expenses to ensure public funds are used effectively; introducing accountability measures to ensure every dollar is spent with residents’ best interests in mind; and strengthening communities by investing in essential services, infrastructure, law enforcement and education to improve the quality of life across Nassau County.
Koslow criticized County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration for spending “countless dollars defending lawsuits” because of the county’s transgender ban, which prohibits girls’ and women’s teams with transgender athletes from competing at public facilities; the county’s mask ban, which makes it a crime for those wearing a mask or face covering to hide their identity, except
for health or religious reasons; and the county’s plan to form an armed, civilian militia that could operate as a de facto police force during emergencies.
“People in Nassau County are concerned about their money and their affordability — that’s important to them,” Koslow said. “These other issues are not important to them. They may be on a national scale, but that’s not what’s important in local, every day politics.”
Blakeman, a Republican, was elected to the county executive position in 2021.
In response, Chris Boyle, a spokesman for Blakeman, said in a statement, “Bruce Blakeman didn’t raise taxes even after inflation went through the roof, refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, put more cops on our streets,
fought against radical pro-criminal policies and made Nassau the safest county in America. There’s no better choice for county executive than Bruce Blakeman.”
According to Koslow, Nassau County was dubbed “the safest county in America” because of its police force — not because of Blakeman.
“We have a fantastic police force, and I know that they want more police officers,” Koslow said. “We should reinvest in that to make sure we have the safest county in America forever.”
In regards to accountability, Koslow cited the county’s 2025-2028 budget, which was sent back to the drawing board by the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation that supervises the county’s finances.
“NIFA kicked back the budget because administration was playing fast and loose with the way they did their accounting and how they accounted for certain funds,” Koslow said. “And if it wasn’t for NIFA demanding that they redo the budget, would that budget have been accurate or would it have been illegal, incorrect, and we’d be in hole next year?”
Koslow said his campaign would be “solution-oriented.”
“We’re all tired of elected officials and candidates pointing out the problems in our communities,” he said. “We all know what the problems are, but no one’s willing to offer solutions. I intend to offer solutions that are real — they may not be the solutions people agree with, but they’re going to be at least solutions I think we can accomplish.”
The election for the county executive seat will take place this November.
Boat slip lottery applications open at Wantagh Park
Nassau County residents seeking boat slips at Wantagh Park, 1 King Rd, Wantagh, can now apply for the 2025 season lottery. Applications will be accepted through March 7 until 3 p.m. The lottery drawing is scheduled to take place on March 8 at 10 a.m. at Wantagh Park.
To apply, residents must provide several documents, including a valid Nassau County Leisure Passport, a New York State driver’s license, a current boat registration, and a recent residential tax or utility bill. Additionally, there is a $36 nonrefundable application fee, which can be paid by cash or credit card. Checks will not be accepted. Only one application per boat is permitted. Any boat slips not renewed during the Jan. 2–31 renewal period will be added to the lot -
tery inventory. Slip assignments are based on Nassau County ordinance fees, with seasonal rates varying by dock and amenities. The 2025 marina rates for electric docks cost $88 per foot plus $110 for electric boats 22 feet or longer. Non-electric docks are $73 per foot for boats between 15 and 24 feet.
Wantagh Park’s marina office is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., weather permitting, but will be closed on Jan. 20, Feb. 12, and Feb. 17. For more information, residents can contact the office at 516-571-7460.
Lottery participants should note that any slip openings during the 2025 season will be awarded from the existing lottery list, and seasonal fees are not pro-rated if a slip is assigned later in the season.
— Charles Shaw
how to apply for a boat slip
■ Application period: Jan. 2 – March 7, 2025 until 3 p.m.
■ Lottery drawing will take place on March 8 at 10 a.m. at Wantagh Park
■ Required documents include a Nassau County Leisure Passport, New York State driver’s license, boat registration and a recent tax or utility bill.
■ Application fee is $36 non-refundable, cash or credit only.
■ Slip rates for electric docks are $88 per foot plus $110 for electric boats 22 feet and up; Non-electric docks are $73 per foot for boats 15 feet to 24 feet.
■ For more information, contact Wantagh Park Marina Office at 516571-7460.
■ Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. daily. The park will be closed on Jan. 20, Feb. 12 and Feb. 17.
Herald file photo
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow
Herald file photo Nassau County residents can apply for the 2025 Wantagh Park boat slip lottery through March 7, with the drawing set for March 8 at the park.
Top students discuss their time at Seaford
class, and saw how enthusiastic she was working on her research.
“Ava was the happiest person walking into that room every day,” Perlegis said.
As for Perlegis, she enjoyed AP Biology in her junior year, which cemented her decision to pursue a career in the medical field, hoping to become a pediatric physical therapist. The information in the course stuck with her, and she became fully engrossed in biological studies, because it could be information that would benefit her and others one day.
“If I learn this, maybe it’s a step closer to helping somebody else,” Perlegis said. “I’m so focused on it, and I just really want to know more about it.”
Outside of school, Perlegis is involved with her church, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox in Merrick. Her life, she said, centers around the church, which she attended every Sunday growing up. Now, she is a member of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America and an assistant teacher at the Hellenic School at her church.
Meanwhile, Caruso has been involved with several sports throughout her time at Seaford, serving as captain of the field hockey, track and bowling teams. Bowling, she said, stands out for her, because it was the first sport she participated in when she joined in mid-
encourage their peers to excel at the high school.
dle school. The experience, she added, made her more comfortable to take the chance and participate in more sports.
“I’ve formed so many good friendships through bowling,” Caruso said.
“My best friends are on the team, and the people who have graduated from the team I still talk to.”
Both Caruso and Perlegis are members of the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, of which
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Perlegis is president. Perlegis is also a member of Leo’s Club, a youth organization sponsored by Lions Clubs International, and was the 2024 homecoming queen. As for Caruso, she is the vice president of her graduating class and a member of Mathletes and Science Club.
Jennifer Pimentel, Perlegis’s guidance counselor, said the valedictorian has always been a motivated student, and knew early on that she was going to
be a high achiever at Seaford High School. She takes the initiative to learn, Pimentel noted, which makes it easy for teachers to guide her.
“She’s a hard worker, she’s dedicated, she’s motivated, so yeah, nothing but proud of her,” Pimentel said. “I would definitely say that she’s one of Seaford’s brightest scholars in my opinion.”
Sarah Squicciarini, Caruso’s counselor, was not surprised when she heard she was named salutatorian and was excited to tell her during their senior meeting.
“I knew she was going to be a rock star here,” Squicciarini said. “She’s definitely an academic and athletic student who gives a lasting impression on everyone.”
Both Caruso and Perlegis will graduate with an AP Capstone diploma and are looking to complete their Seal of Biliteracy, a national recognition awarded to high school students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages.
Both students credit their teachers for pushing them and being accessible when they have questions. Seaford High School, they said, is a place students shouldn’t be afraid to try new things and are given plenty of opportunities to succeed.
“There’s a lot of teachers and people that are willing to put in a lot of effort to help you,” Caruso said.
Tax and Medicaid Law Changes for 2025
For 2025, the exemptions for estate taxes rise to $7.16 million for New York estate taxes, and to $13.99 million for Federal estate taxes. The annual gift tax exclusion rises to $19,000. If your estate is, or may become, greater than the New York threshold, early intervention can avoid the hefty New York estate taxes, which start at over $600,000. Some of the techniques are (1) setting up two trusts, one for husband and one for wife, and using them to double the New York exemption, (2) gifting out so much of the estate so as to reduce it below the New York exemption, at least three years before the death of the donor, and (3) using the “Santa Clause” providing that the amount over the threshold be donated to a charity or charities of your choosing so as to reduce the estate to no more than the exemption.
For Medicaid, the house is an exempt asset so long as a spouse is residing there, up to $1.1 million of equity for 2025. Seeing as over 80% of nursing home residents do not have a spouse, it is better to plan ahead with
a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) to get the five year look-back for nursing facility care. In that case, the house would be protected by the trust rather than the unreliable spousal exemption. Unless your other assets have been protected by the MAPT, an individual may keep about $31,500 and a spouse at home can keep up to about $158,000.
The often-delayed imposition of the new two and a half year look-back for home care, is not on the horizon for 2025. Currently there is no look-back for home-care and you do not have to worry about getting home care until you actually need it. Nevertheless, this may change in the future so the MAPT remains as an important as a tool to qualify you for home care as well as protecting your assets from a nursing home. Assets should be moved into the MAPT years ahead of time if you want to be able to afford to stay in your own home and get home health aides for assistance with the activities of daily living, should the need arise.
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Courtesy Seaford School District
Seaford High School principal nicole Schnabel, left, congratulated anastasia perlegis and ava Caruso on achieving the honors of Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. according to Schnabel, perlegis and Caruso are model students who
Vulpi family supports Theissen Foundation
comes together to support the toy drive, bringing in grandparents and siblings to gather donations and make their own.
Patrick Vulpi, Michele’s husband and Emma’s father, died in April of 2024 from ALS.
“She really wanted to continue this in honor of her dad,” Michele said. “As devastating as it all was, between the diagnosis and then him dying, it was still nice to see a community help us with everything.”
“I know that he would want me to do this, like, going forward with other families in need,” Emma said.
The John Theissen Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization that for 33 years focused on collecting toys for sick and underprivileged children. The foundation also helps families cover medical expenses for children in the hospital.
Theissen, as a teenager, was brought to Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park for brain tumor removal. During his stay, he met Tasha, a fellow patient who was seven years old.
“This little girl was always just like an angel on my side,” he said.
Tasha, Theissen said, was frequently admitted to the hospital because of her medical condition — and despite the challenges she faced, she always tried her best to make other patients feel bet-
ter during their stay.
Tasha’s generosity left a lasting impression on Theissen. He held his first toy drive in 1992, and continues to pay it forward.
Generosity from Theissen and the Vulpi family make projects like the Wantagh Family Fun Center possible.
“After 31 years, we were able to pur-
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chase a building,” Theissen said.
The Family Fun Center offers arcade games, arts and crafts, a movie theater room and more, all free of charge. In addition to in-house services, the center also has a Wish Room, offering toys for children’s birthdays and other events.
The center is funded from donations to the foundation, including annual sup-
port from Vulpi family.
“Emma’s amazing, she really is,” Theissen said. “She’s an old soul for her age, and what she’s been able to do, and what she’s gone through while still being able to be resilient, is incredible.
“I’m honored to know her,” he continued. “I know when I was a kid, I certainly wasn’t doing anything like what Emma’s been doing.”
If you are interested in donating to Emma’s toy drive, contact Michele Vulpi at (516) 524-3451.
To learn more about the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, visit jtcf.org.
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
with
Photos courtesy Michele Vulpi
emma Vulpi among $10,000 worth of toys she collected for children with cancer and in shelters to ensure they had gifts on Christmas morning.
emma Vulpi and John theissen preparing to distribute the collected toys.
LEiLA pAz
Carey Senior Basketball
A FOUR-YEAR STARTER and two-time AllCounty selection, Paz reached a milestone Dec. 19 in Carey’s defeat to New Hyde Park. As part of her 18-point performance, she recorded her 1,000th career point, joining a short list of those in the program to accomplish the feat. Paz entered this week’s action leading all of Nassau County in scoring at a shade under 27 points per game. She hit for 30 or more points in half of Carey’s first 10 games.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Jan. 16
Girls Basketball: South Side at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Baldwin
Boys Basketball: Mepham at MacArthur
Boys Basketball: Elmont at South Side
Girls Basketball: MacArthur at East Meadow 7
Girls Basketball: Jericho at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Garden City at Calhoun
Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Hewlett 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17
Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Wrestling: Oceanside at Farmingdale 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. South 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.
Girls Baskietball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Wrestling: MacArthur at Long Beach 6 p.m.
Wrestling: Mepham at Calhoun 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lawrence at North Shore 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Calhoun 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Herricks at East Meadow 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Oceanside 1 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Freeport at Syosset 1 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Balanced Seaford is battle-tested
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
New Seaford boys’ basketball head coach Jay Lynch challenged his team from the jump with a rigorpus non-league schedule he hopes reaps rewards down the stretch.
The Vikings began the new season with three challenging games against Lynbrook, Manhasset and Valley Stream Central before breaking through with their first win, 60-49 at CHSAA powerhouse All Hallows in the Bronx on Dec. 7.
“The non league has been very difficult, but the students are showing tremendous improvement as we go along,” said Lynch, who took over this season Ralph Rossetti, who won 403 games over the course of 43 years “They are picking up the system, the defense is improving and I think we’re going to be fine in conference play with the top heavy, loaded, non-league schedule we had.”
Lynch said the All Hallows victory was big from a confidence perspective and showed what the team is capable of achieving when they hit open shots. Senior guard Kyle Britton led the way with 21 points with Brian Hennessy registering 12 in a game Seaford led 29-16 at halftime.
Britton, who was a standout receiver on the Seaford football team in the fall, has emerged as the Vikings’ leading scorer this winter including another 21-point performance in a 70-63 Conference VII win against Island Trees on Dec. 17. He also tallied 18 points in a narrow 63-56 league loss to Friends Academy on Dec. 20.
Senior Justin Betz has also stepped up as a big man inside with his 6-6 size with large improvements in his game.
“He’s taken over control of the middle, he can hit the three and he can drive to the basket,” said Lynch of Betz. “We’re getting a lot of good play out of him.”
Junior point guard Mike Spinella has also displayed steady leadership leading the backcourt with limited turnovers in Seaford’s uptempo offense. Versatile junior Brian Falk, who has committed to play lacrosse at Army-West Point, has also emerged as a focal point of the offense averaging nearly 10 points a game.
Seaford enters the week at 3-3 in conference play and in prime position to earn a playoff spot with a .500 or better league record. Lynch, who last winter led a JV team that went 16-3, said the tough competition was an adjustment for his varsity newscombers, but should pay dividends for the league schedule in January and February.
“We want to play the best and I think that tremendously difficult non-league schedule is going to prepare us for the competition in our league,” Lynch said.
The Vikings closed last week with a 55-52 home win against Malverne last Thursday in which Betz and Ayden Das each scored 14 points and Britton had 13 on the strength of four 3-pointers. Seaford trailed 25-24 at halftime before taking command in the third quarter with a 19-11 run during the eight-minute period.
Seaford will visit Wheatley on Friday before a week break for midterms. The Vikings then host North Shore for a Saturday afternoon game on Jan. 25 at noon.
Jonathan Lent/Herald
Ayden Das had 14 points Jan. 9 as the Vikings picked up a huge conferecne VII victory over red-hot Malverne.
Faith-based education
Students put moral values to work in their lives every day
Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and realworld experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.
Applying strong values in many selfless ways
Catholic school students apply the moral and spiritual lessons they learn in the real world by participating in charitable community initiatives throughout the year and by responding every day to others in a respectful and helpful manner. This spirit of caring and community in our students helps to give them the enduring moral foundation to become active, contributing members of society.
Through faith we grow
A strong Catholic identity as taught in Long Island’s Catholic schools matters. These schools are uniquely empowered to help children in some very important ways. Catholic schools:
√ Help socialize children in a positive way.
√ Reinforce the positive values that you live in your family.
√ Reassure children that they are safe and loved, and that God
Officials address the State of the Region
By JEFFREY BESSEN, CAROLYN JAMES & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ
Special to the Herald
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer began with a joke. Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, moderated a discussion among Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Richard Schaffer, president of the Long Island Supervisors Association. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke about having an impact.
The ballroom at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury, was filled with many appointed and elected government officials, along with many more movers and shakers, on Jan. 10 for the LIA’s annual State of the Region Breakfast.
This is a portion of what the elected leaders had to say.
Sen. Chuck Schumer
The former U.S. Senate majority leader, now the minority leader, began the morning with joke. The punch line of a tale about a woman being sentenced to four nights in jail for stealing a can of four peaches is her husband interrupting the proceeds by shouting, “She also stole a can of peas!”
The room filled with laughter, and then Schumer turned serious on several topics, including his hard work to attain his position in the Senate. He noted that despite the partisanship in Washington, Long Island elected leaders from both political parties are working together to bring federal money to the region.
“I’ll keep fighting for Long Island,” Schumer said, noting a $400 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for the Long Island Power Authority to strengthen the electrical power infrastructure.
Schumer said he was committed to reinstituting the deduction for state and local taxes, as should the entire state congressional delegation.
“We should be united in doing that, so that our people will stay here, new people will want to come here,” he said. “There is no reason for any member of the New York delegation shouldsettle for anything less than the full restitution of SALT with no cap.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul
The governor, who traveled to the event on the Long Island Rail Road, noted that the state would be investing $1.5 billion in the LIRR. The state is also allocating over $51 million for public safety on Long Island.
“We have to have the courage and vision to do more,” Hochul said of the issue of affordable housing.
She acknowledged the impact of climate change, from the wildfires in California to the fires in upstate New York in November, and from flooding in the Hudson Valley in July to flooding in Suffolk County in August.
“So, we have to be ready for this,” Hochul said. “We are the first genera-
tion to feel the ill effects of climate change, and we’re the last generation that can do something about it.”
She advocated for offshore wind power generation, saying it’s the way to go.
She also said she was motivated to help businesses big and small, because of the economic hard times she saw growing up. “No large business ever started as a large business — they all started small,” Hochul said, noting her mother’s small business to help displaced homemakers.
Since she became governor, she said, 53,000 jobs have been created on Long Island, and that in 2023 alone, 47,000 new businesses started here.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman Blakeman touted his record as county executive.
“Nassau County was named by U.S. News & World Report as the safest county of all the United States of America,” he said, crediting officers of the county Police Department. “They do an outstanding job,” he said. “The men and women work very, very hard to keep us all safe.”
On the proposed Sands casino, Blakeman said the process is progressing, and he believes the county has the best application.
“I think it will generate a lot of jobs — we’re talking about potentially $5 billion in construction jobs,” he said. “We’re talking about revenue that will be spread out in various communities. I believe that, hopefully, we can get a favorable decision from the licensing board, and we’ll go full speed ahead.”
On affordable housing, Blakeman said, “We have 80-year-old sewers that need to be revitalized … and we need at least $100 million over the next five years to do that.”
County Executive Ed Romaine Romaine declared that “Amtrak is coming to Ronkonkoma,” and spoke about affordable housing. Referring to the state’s push to bring development to Nassau and Suffolk counties, Romaine said he agreed that Long Island would benefit from meeting the housing needs of lower-income residents, senior citizens and young people.
He quickly added a caveat, however. “We also need the infrastructure,
including sewers, to support these projects,” Romaine said, noting that there are 3,400 projects under consideration in Suffolk that can’t be built because the county doesn’t have the sewer capacity — and that is the major obstacle for almost every major project undertaken on Long Island.
Increasing affordable housing on Long Island, once a local and regional issue, is front and center in Albany, as the state — dangling lots of state dollars — urges counties, towns and villages to embrace its new housing initiative. He added that the measure has been greeted with mixed reviews, as local officials remain concerned that opting into the state program will undercut local controls like planning and zoning codes.
Romaine was visibly angry about the taxes that Suffolk residents pay on their home electric and heating bills. He promised to suspend those taxes, as well as the gasoline tax.
“We should make it more affordable for the average person to live here,” he said. If not, people will move off Long Island “like the rest of the state. (People) don’t just vote at the ballot box; they vote with their feet. New York lost (more) people than any other state. That’s a wake-up call.
Supervisor Richard Schaffer
Schaffer, the Town of Babylon supervisor and the Suffolk County Democratic chairman, noted his beginnings in the County Legislature, where he worked across the aisle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“We’re not elected to come here and put on a show to make it into Newsday or make it onto News12,” Schaffer said. “We’re here to get things done.” He noted that that is his philosophy, and Romaine’s thinking as well.
“The stars have aligned, and not only do we have people who have known each other for a very long time, but also key, trust each other in order to do the right thing,” Schaffer added of his relationships with Romaine and Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
LIA President and CEO Matt Cohen, far right, moderated the panel discussion, which included Long Island Supervisors Association
President Richard Schaffer, far left, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that restoring the deduction for state and local taxes was a priority.
Gov. Kathy Hochul touched on a number of topics at the State of the Region event at the Crest Hollow Country Club.
My vehicle slowly traveled on the icy road while the snow fiercely fell upon my windshield.
I closely paid attention to all the warning signs displayed alongside the roads. Warning of icy roads, accidents ahead, deer crossing and more. It made me wonder about the many struggles we have been through and the unknown that is yet ahead. Where does one derive the strength to deal with all these changes? The world around us is constantly changing, new leadership, recently adapted laws, and wars around the globe.
It made me think of a story I once heard of a small sprout, fragile and uncertain, planted in an abandoned field. The sapling was alone against the forces of nature. The winds were fierce, the storms relentless, and the sapling often wondered if it would ever grow strong enough to stand tall in the face of such struggles. But gradu-
Stepping into 2025 NEW YEAR GREETING
ally, over time, something began to change. The storms that had once felt so overwhelming started to shape the plant. The winds, though harsh, forced its roots to dig deeper into the earth. The rain, though unpredictable, nourished it, giving it strength it didn’t know it had. With each passing season, the sapling grew, its branches reaching higher, its trunk growing sturdier. Eventually, what had seemed so weak and fragile became a strong, towering tree, resilient and beautiful, standing firm against whatever came its way.
There were moments when we felt overwhelmed, when we weren’t sure we could keep going. But just like the tree, we have grown in ways we may not have expected. Every challenge, every difficult moment, has rooted us deeper, has shaped us into something stronger. We are not the same as we were last year. We are different. We are more resilient, capable and ready for what lies ahead.
moment, but if we look back, we’ll see how far we’ve come.
As we step into 2025, I think we all share something of that sapling’s journey. This past year, many of us have faced struggles, personal, emotional, or collective.
In 2025, let us remember that, just like the tree, we are meant to grow. Even when life feels uncertain, or the struggles feel overwhelming, we are being shaped, strengthened, and prepared for something greater. We may not always see the growth in the
This year, let’s commit to embracing the growth we have already experienced and trust that, no matter what happens, we are ready for the next step. The road ahead will surely have its challenges, but it will also be filled with opportunities for us to rise, to stretch higher, and to become more of who we are meant to be. Like the tree that eventually provides shelter and shade to others, we, too, can offer support, love, and kindness to those around us. Together, we can grow into the people we are destined to be. Here’s to 2025! May it be a year of strength, of growth, and of new beginnings!
Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum PhD.
Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.
Rabbi Moshe WeisbluM
Hempstead residents turn their trees into mulch
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Residents in the Town of Hempstead came together on Jan. 11 to celebrate sustainability at the 5th annual Mulchfest, turning their Christmas trees into mulch and helping the environment while feeding some friendly goats.
The event, held at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow, invited residents to bring their natural Christmas trees to be shredded into mulch for personal use or donated as snacks for the Nigerian Dwarf goats at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve.
“Mulchfest is back for the fifth year in a row, and the goats at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve are bleating in excitement,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said ahead of the event. “This holiday tradition sees scores of residents turning their Christmas trees into mulch, with each year getting better and better.”
During the event, natural Christmas trees were recycled into mulch, which can be used in gardening and landscaping. The shredded trees provided residents with eco-friendly mulch to take home or to support community landscaping projects.
Mulchfest promotes eco-friendly practices by preventing discarded trees from going to landfills and repurposing them in ways that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health, retaining moisture, and reducing weeds.
Levy Park and Preserve is the Town of Hempstead’s nature preserve, that boasts trials and panoramic views of the South Shore of Long Island, along with piers for fishing and a kayak launch. About 20 years ago, the town introduced the park’s newest inhabitants — Nigerian Dwarf goats, who would serve as natural weed control, as well as a friendly face at the base of the park’s entrance.
Christmas trees — despite their piney needles — are quite the delicacy for the goats.
The event gave families the opportunity to extend the season of giving by repurposing their trees into nutrient-rich mulch for gardening and moisture retention. Attendees received free bags of mulch or chose to donate the mulch to the town’s goats. Broken-down cardboard was also accepted and recycled during the event.
For those unable to attend Mulchfest, Christmas trees can still be dropped off at the homeowner disposal area next to Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve at 1600 Merrick Road through Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs,” Clavin said.
The surplus mulch created during Mulchfest will be used for landscaping and planting projects throughout Hempstead Town’s parks, ensuring that residents’ contributions support the community year-round.
If residents didn’t want mulch, their trees could be donated to the town’s Nigerian Dwarf goats, that live at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick. John Vulpe, above, showed off some of the mulch.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The Town of Hempstead held its 5th annual Mulchfest on Jan. 11, inviting residents to turn their natural Christmas trees into mulch. The event was held at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow.
Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Clerk Kate Murray tossed a tree into a wood chipper at the park during the event.
The town’s trucks were filled to brim with mulch. Surplus mulch created during Mulchfest will be used for landscaping and planting projects throughout town parks this year.
Kristyl and Robert Siskol brought their live tree to be made into mulch. Above, with Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Clerk Kate Murray.
STEPPING OUT
Savor the moment in your cozy kitchen
Let those chef skills take center stage on wintry day
By Karen Bloom
Settle in for some comfy winter nesting during these frigid days. And, of course, it’s certainly time to refocus on a healthier eating now that we’re finished with those weeks of festive over-indulgence.
January is the ideal time to reset and get into the kitchen and work on some “Top Chef” skills. It’s not that difficult with some great comforting — healthy — foods to warm the heart and soul.
Experiment with new culinary creations that incorporate bold flavors for delicious results. Nothing pleases the senses quite like a hearty dish on a cold evening. Try adding these recipes to your repertoire.
Country Stew
A classic stick-to-your-ribs stew is the ideal project for a chilly weekend. A terrific winter warmer-upper, serve with a hearty bread or corn bread.
• 5 pounds bone-in short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/3 cups Zinfandel wine
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 6 large potatoes, washed, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 pound small fresh mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen whole green beans
• 1 can (16 ounces) peeled whole tomatoes, undrained
Dredge ribs in flour to coat; reserve leftover flour. Heat oil in 8-quart Dutch oven on moderate heat. Add half of ribs and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove ribs. Repeat instructions for remaining ribs.Stir in the reserved flour. While stirring, add 1 cup water and wine and stir until thickened.Return ribs to the pan. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper and bouillon and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat to simmer for about 1 hour, or until ribs are tender. Remove ribs with slotted spoon and cover with foil to keep warm. Add potatoes, mushrooms and beans. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add ribs and tomatoes with liquid, and heat through. Use slotted spoon to remove meat and vegetables to large serving platter. Remove gravy to serving container and serve with ribs. Makes 6 servings.
Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas
Settle in with a warming, welcoming bowl of pasta, especially tasty on a winter’s niight.
• 12 ounces uncooked campanelle pasta
• 1 tablespoon Bertolli Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
• Alfredo sauce
• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
• 6 eggs
Dave Atell
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In pot of salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than directed on package. Drain pasta.
In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and shallots. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add wine; cook 3-4 minutes, or until most liquid has evaporated. Stir in peas, prosciutto, Alfredo sauce and cheese. Add pasta; toss gently. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes to coat pasta with sauce.
In saucepan, bring water to boil and add eggs. Cook 6 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water and cool before peeling.
Top each serving with soft-set egg and black pepper.
Note: Gouda or Gruyere can be substituted for Fontina. Unpeeled, cooked eggs can be stored in refrigerator up to one week.
Alfredo Sauce:
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• Pasta cooking water, as needed
In a saucepan or skillet, warm the butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted.
Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water if necessary.
Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup
A rustic soup loaded with lentils and kale can be flavorful centerpiece to healthy, satisfying meal. This filling soup is packed with vegetables and has a hint of heat from the sausage, giving it a zesty warm, spicy flavor.
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed, or sausage of your choice
• 2 celery stalks (with leafy tops), thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced medium
• 3/4 cup-1 cup dried lentils
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 bunches (about 3/4 pound) kale, preferably Tuscan, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add lentils, broth, and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a rapid simmer, partially cover, and cook until lentils and vegetables are tender, 25 minutes.
Add kale and season with salt. Return soup to a rapid simmer, cover, and cook until kale wilts, about 5 minutes. Remove soup from heat, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve this soup in individual bowls with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top and a crusty slice of bread to sop up the broth at the bottom of the bowl.
Note: Spinach or chard can be substitute for the kale in this recipe. The soup can be enhanced by adding a couple of thyme or rosemary sprigs as it simmers. If it’s too thick to your liking, more broth can be added.
Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best. An all-time-great joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Dave Atell is most at home in comedy clubs. He built a loyal following by barnstorming the country with his brand of off-color “very adult” humor, and his audiences got even bigger after his cult-favorite travel show, “Insomniac.” Atell continues to be a presence on TV — including his hit Netflix specials “Hot Cross Buns” and “Bumping Mics” — while constantly writing new material and taking it on the road. Beginning his comedy career in the early ‘90s, Attell ascended through New York’s stand-up ranks alongside the likes of Louis C.K. and Jon Stewart. After a brief stint writing for SNL, Attell branched out on his own. When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
‘Majestic Melodies’
Old Westbury Gardens maybe closed for the season yet everyone is invited to escape winter’s chill with a special musical interlude in Westbury House’s delightful music room.“Majestic Melodies: An Evening of Piano and Song” pairs the dazzling vocals of Broadway’s Nathaniel Hackmann with the virtuosic talent of pianist Philip Edward Fisher. Hackmann, fresh off his celebrated role as Biff Tannen in “Back to the Future: The Musical,” which just finished its Broadway run, is a powerhouse performer. His commanding stage presence thrills audiences both on Broadway and in concert halls worldwide. He’s joined by Fisher, an accomplished pianist praised for his refined style and exceptional versatility.
Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m. $50; OWG members receive 20 percent discount. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For more information and tickets, visit oldwestburygardens.org.
Country Stew Campanelle with Prosciutto and Peas Lentil, Kale and Sausage Soup
Your Neighborhood
THE
Acrobats of Cirque-tacular
See a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage, Saturday, Jan. 25 , at 2 p.m. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a highenergy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Repeatedly praised by critics, for their “mind-boggling artistry and athleticism” and their “great feats of daring at the extreme edges of human capability,” their acts have reached millions live and millions more through appearances on most major television networks. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The Acrobats of Cirque-tacular bound from one breathtaking, death-defying feat of acrobatic daredevilry to another. Musclepopping, mind-boggling artistry and athleticism charm and awe the audience.
The performers are revered as cuttingedge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Cirque-tacular’s entertainers have shared the stage with a who’s who of A-list celebrities. They leave no stone unturned to test the limits of human mind and body. The fun of their show is doubled with explosive music that complements the performance and act. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Reading Wonderland
Seaford Public Library hosts its 10th annual “Walking into a Reading Wonderland” adult winter reading program through Feb. 22. Adults 18 and older can register online or at the library Participants can submit weekly book reviews online or in-person for a chance to win gift certificates to local restaurants, with grand prizes including a Kindle Fire HD 10. Winners will be announced on Feb. 24. For details, visit seafordlibrary.org. 2234 Jackson Ave.
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. 20 and 27, also Feb. 3 and 10, 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) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics. org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.
Square and Line Dance
Temple B’Nai Torah invites everyone to their annual Square and Line Dance, Saturday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The evening includes a hot buffet dinner, snacks, coffee and soda. Entry fee is $40 per person. Contact Brian at bellobl@gmail.com or call (516) 781-4966 for more information and reservations. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh.
Let Freedom Ring with MLK
Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of images from that era and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.”
The program is part of the AdvoKids monthly series that focuses on teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and others and teaching adults how to support their kids’ advocacy efforts. For ages 5 and up. $4 with admission, $3 members. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.
JANUARY 22 | 7:00PM
JANUARY 29 | 5:00PM
TONY AWARD® WINNER JAMES MONROE IGLEHART IS “ A KNOCKOUT LOUIS ARMSTRONG! ”
In concert
British-born country rocker
Albert Lee performs, Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at My Father’s Place supper club. He started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
He continues to tour, playing his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Wantagh BOE meets
Wantagh Board of Education holds its business meetings, Thursdays, Jan. 23 and Feb. 6, 8 p.m., at Wantagh High School. 3297 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh. For more information, visit wantaghschool.org.
Game
time
Enjoy Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday, noon-4 p.m., at Congregation Beth Tikvah. $5 contribution, no outside food, as snacks and drinks will be supplied. Bring your games and cards, lessons available. 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. For more info, email mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.
Icebreaker Marathon
Start off the New Year on the right foot with a series of races at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, Jan. 25. The Icebreaker marathon, half marathon and 5K are slated to begin around 9 a.m. in the park’s Field 2, near Parking Lot 2. To register and for more information, visit EliteFeats.com/25icebreaker.
Bingo at Temple B’nai Torah
Temple B’nai Torah hosts a fun-filled bingo session, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and every Thursday, 7:15 -10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 221-2370.
Having an event?
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility. Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces. org/barrytech or call (516) 6226812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.
Adam Ferrara performs at Governor’s Comedian and podcaster Adam Ferrara takes to the stage at Governor’s Comedy Club, Friday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m.; also Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. General admission for both shows is $25. For more information, visit govs..com.
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. Opens Jan. 18, on view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Musical Explorers
Long Island Children’s Museum continues its Musical Explorers! Series, with a performance by a Jazz at Lincoln Center ensemble on the museum’s stage, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 19-20, noon and 2 p.m. Charles Turner (vocals), Summer Camargo (trumpet), David Drake (piano), Brandi Disterheft (bass) and David Hawkins (drums) present “Louis Armstrong’s Great Migration.” The concert, especially created for young audiences, underscores the deep connection between this American musical genre, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. $5 with museum admission; $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets and information.
REAL ESTATE DEAL OF THE YEAR
Joseph Farkas, Esq
Chief
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Michael T. Puntillo
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
PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY
Jeremy Longo
General Manager Belfor Property Restoration
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Sheldon L. Shrenkel
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Nassau County IDA
TOP MORTGAGE BROKER OF THE YEAR
Nicholas Ceccarini
President Weatherstone Mortgage Corp
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Founder and Design Principal in Charge Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & IMPACT
Patricia Oliva
Chief Executive Officer Consumer Direct Title
INNOVATION IN LEGAL TECHNOLOGY
Alexander Paykin, Esq
Managing Director and Owner The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P C
EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE FINANCE Vito Giannola
Executive Vice President & Chief Banking Officer Provident Bank
KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
John Starck
President & Chief Executive Officer Showcase Kitchens
EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE & TITLE
LAW
Paula Parrino, Esq.
Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President of Operations Nationwide Court Service
FATHER/SON POWER TEAM
Stanley H. & Kenneth Schuckman
Founder / President Schuckman Realty
Nassau Chamber group begins workshops
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce has launched a series of workshops to strengthen small businesses and address common challenges entrepreneurs face in an increasingly digital economy across the region. The first one was Tuesday, and there are six more, scheduled for Thursday and on Jan. 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29.
“This is really all about supporting small businesses and their positive impact across the board in Nassau County,” the council’s president, Frank Camarano Jr., said. “The chambers are our workers on the ground, in every community, hand in hand with the folks that live there. Now, while it’s great having so many — it really is — they’re obviously smaller, so the available resources are harder for them to tap into, and it all gets spread out. Also, each voice, individually, is sometimes hard to hear, yet combined — what a difference. That’s where we come in, to support them, of course, and make up for as many missing pieces as we can along the way.
“There’s this saying, ‘When something is done correctly, it looks like nothing has been done at all,’” Camarano continued. “No fanfare, just a lot of work. It’s the chamber way. It’s our way.”
“The workshops are paid for through
a grant made possible by County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature,” the council’s second vice president, Joseph Garcia, said. “It shows they understand the hardships small businesses have faced as we endured and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The initiative stems from a survey of local chambers and small business owners, identifying areas where support is needed the most. Three specialized workshops have been developed, covering financial management, marketing and communications and computer systems.
Each session will focus on practical, hands-on training to equip participants with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive.
address website optimization, cybersecurity best practices and implementing business software, along with guidance on system backup and recovery procedures.
“The goal of this first round of workshops is to provide the type of support usually reserved for big, multi-milliondollar companies and franchises,” Garcia said. “Bringing this to small businesses of all types in Nassau County will pay dividends for our business owners, our county, in additional sales taxes, and strengthen our communities.”
The financial management workshop will explore topics such as tax planning, cash flow management and strategies for acquiring capital. Attendees will also learn bookkeeping fundamentals and techniques for preparing and analyzing financial statements.
The marketing and communications workshop will help businesses develop effective social media strategies, implement online marketing techniques and optimize their e-commerce operations. The computer systems workshop will
The workshops are divided into three zones based on location: In Zone One, north of Route 25, they will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Roslyn. In Zone Two, south of Route 25 and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway, they will take place at American Legion Post 44, in Malverne; and in Zone Three, south of Route 25 and east of the Meadowbrook, will be held at American Legion Post 1066, in Massapequa. The Herald is presenting on marketing in Zone One on Jan. 21.
Each zone will host three separate workgroups on different nights, for a total of nine workgroups. Businesses are encouraged, but not required, to
attend the workgroups in their zone, and cannot participate in the same workgroup across multiple zones.
This workshop series is part of the council’s broader efforts to support Nassau County’s small businesses as they navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic economic landscape.
In February, the council will expand its resources by relocating its offices to Nassau Community College. The move will enhance its capacity to serve the business community through additional workshops, collaborative programs with college faculty and enhanced hands-on business education experiences, and provide internship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with local enterprises.
“We are grateful to Nassau Community College President Maria P. Conzatti and Jerry Kornbluth, along with their dedicated staff, for their partnership in this initiative,” Gary Slavin, treasurer of the council, added. “This collaboration will create valuable opportunities for both our small business community and the college’s students.”
“With the massive support of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Legislature, and not just financially, we are all getting it done together,” Camarano said. “We are very proud, and extremely thankful.”
For more information or to register, visit ncchambers.org.
FRANk CAmARANO JR.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
U.S. BANK TRUST N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF11 MASTER PARTICIPATION
TRUST, Plaintiff against
VICTOR RUANO A/K/A
VICTOR M. RUANO, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 5, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 3883 Franklin Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783. Sec 52 Block
295 Lot 4. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Seaford (unincorporated area) in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $619,956.33 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 612877/2022.
The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee File # AYSN385 150879
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
LOCAL LAW NO. 3-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held January 7th, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 3-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 3-2025, amending Section 197-5 of the Code
of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: January 7, 2025
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 150970
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE SECURITIES BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiff - againstSUZANNE M. BRADY, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 15, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 23rd day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
Premises known as 3677 Smith Street, Wantagh, NY 11793.
(SBL#: 57-89-105)
Approximate amount of lien $614,197.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 010340/2015.
John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: November 20, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules
issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 150606
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
INDEX NO. 000185/2010 COUNTY OF NASSAU
BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST
COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR AS LIMITED
ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF KAYE N POPE A/K/A KAYE POPE; RICHARD POPE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF KAYE N POPE A/K/A KAYE POPE, JOEL POPE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF KAYE N POPE A/K/A KAYE POPE, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY VIRTUE OF POTENTIAL UNPAID TAXES OR LIENS AGAINST JOEL POPE, Defendants.
Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 3766 JOY CT, SEAFORD, NY 11783
Section: 52, Block: 482, Lot: 1 To the above named
Defendants
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. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF
SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $544,185.00 and interest, recorded on December 21, 2006, in Liber 31349, Page 404 of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 3766 JOY CT, SEAFORD, NY 11783. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
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.
Dated: September 17, 2024
Attorney for Plaintiff Christina Bruderman, Esq.
Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman
Rockville Centre’s Laura Gillen took the oath of office administered by House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and officially was installed as the representative for the 4th Congressional District.
Gillen defeated incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a rematch of the 2022 race for the two-year term.
A former Hempstead town supervisor, Gillen was joined by her family in Washington, D.C. for her swearing in on Jan. 6.
At freshmen orientation late last year, Gillen had the opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.
“I am honored that the people of New York’s Fourth Congressional District have entrusted me with the responsibili-
ty of representing them in Congress,” Gillen said in a statement after being sworn in.
“As we look ahead to this Congress, I am ready to get to work on the bipartisan priorities that Long Islanders care most about: lowering costs, giving hardworking Long Islanders a middle-class tax break by restoring the full SALT deduction, ensuring clean drinking water, and taking much-needed action to secure our border,” she said.
“I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship, and I look forward to working with anyone — Democrat or Republican — who is committed to working productively to deliver on the pressing issues that we face,” Gillen added.
News brief
Nassau judge appointed as next U.S. attorney for Eastern District
President-elect Donald Trump announced Jan. 6 that Judge Joseph Nocella, of Seaford, will serve as the next U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The district encompasses Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island.
Nocella, a Columbia Law School graduate, has served as a Nassau County district court judge since 2022, and was elected family court judge for the county last November. His legal career includes more than a decade in private practice, a clerkship with U.S. District Judge Lawrence M. McKenna, and a term as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District from 1991 to 1995.
Trump praised Nocella’s commitment to “law and order” in a Truth Social post, adding, “It is my great honor to announce that Joseph Nocella, Jr., will be the next United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman thanked Trump for making the appointment.
“Joe Nocella is a seasoned prosecutor with great integrity and will be a valuable asset in fighting crime and protecting the homeland,” Blakeman said in a statement.
–Charles Shaw
— Jeffrey Bessen
Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen
Speaker Mike Johnson swore in Laura Gillen, third from right, into office, third from left on Jan. 6. Owen Gillen, far left, Myles Gillen, Johnson, Chris Flanagan, Gillen, Austen Gillen and Laine Gillen.
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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
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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.
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for
Two For One Deal
TAre foreign-made cabinets a bargain or a bad idea?
Q. I am being told that I can buy new kitchen cabinets much cheaper from a Chinese company than the local cabinet companies. I have been shopping around, and cabinets are quite expensive for my small kitchen, around $35,000. The imported kitchen from China is much less, around $18,000, and looks very nice, a similar style. What can you tell me about whether I am getting a good deal or whether the cabinets are poorly made?
A.This is a timely yet touchy subject, with so much uncertainty about what direction product costs will go in the near future. I receive 32 industry publications per month, and I have just learned that the U.S. Commerce Department issued a ruling in July that China was found to be skirting United States import duties by producing cabinet components in China, but then further processing the products in Vietnam and Malaysia, so the cabinetry did not appear to come from China.
Even though this latest judgment pertains specifically to solid wood and engineered-wood products, which is most of what cabinetry is made of, it also includes drawer fronts and doors, which may have been produced elsewhere and assembled in any one of those countries or the U.S. While the components’ foreign production and later assembly saved money, the cabinet door is closing on whether you will save money in the near future.
When I speak to cabinetmakers, assemblers and installers locally, I get a mix of opinions about the quality of the products. First are the components: Many raw materials are hard to trace with imported cabinets, so the type of wood can vary. Because U.S. industry standards are often much higher, the amount of warping and twisting in foreign wood can be greater due to less quality control in the humidity and curing of the solid wood components. The same is true of “engineered” wood products, which come in various types of panels such as wood strips, like plywood, or from glued sawdust pressed together under high pressure. The sawdust and the glues come from unknown origins, and some glue may be made from animal processes, which can lead to a terrible smell as the panel ages.
Then there is the connecting of components, which may be only glued or stapled. Better products have interlocking dovetailed joints. Sometimes what you don’t see is what makes the difference.
While more expensive American-made products are made with higher quality control, it won’t be long before all products go up in price. Price increases notoriously happen at the end of January each year, but with the looming possibility of higher tariffs, you may discover that the old saying, “He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay” is accurate. Waiting for a bargain may not save you anything, and you get what you pay for. And “The dissatisfaction of poor quality lingers long after the excitement of a cheaper price has been forgotten.” Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities
As county executive, I have refused to make Nassau a sanctuary county, held the line on taxes even as inflation went through the roof, and brought a common-sense approach to important issues that affect Nassau families. The recent awards our county has received, including being named the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report and the best county to live in New York by Niche magazine, are a testament to those unwavering principles.
Earning the distinction of being the best New York county to live in can be directly attributed to our safe neighborhoods, world-class programs and facilities, and strong economic opportunities.
We are committed to building on this success in the years to come while protecting our residents’ quality of life from extremist politicians in Albany. Being named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement, the strength of our emergencyresponse teams, and our investments in public safety. An increased police presence in Nassau County communities is crucial to maintaining that safety. Since taking office, I have sworn in 291 new police officers and 147 new correction officers and deputy sheriffs.
BTraining Village to ensure that our police officers continue to receive toptier training to protect and serve Nassau families.
eing named the safest county in America reflects the hard work of law enforcement.
While some local governments across the nation are defunding their police, the County Legislature and my office are investing in law enforcement while providing the best training, tools and resources to effectively protect residents and their families. We plan to go further by building a state-of-the-art Police
Protecting public safety also means protecting our residents from the emerging threat of drones. The county utilizes an advanced system that is well ahead of the curve in detecting and tracking drones. I have granted authorization to the Nassau County Police Department to neutralize drones that threaten the public, ensuring the safety of residents. I am also demanding that the federal government share advanced drone-mitigation technology with local police so that we can redirect drones and effectively control our airspace.
As we celebrate all of our achievements, we must also remain vigilant against policies that could undermine our progress. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Clean
Slate law is a pro-criminal, misguided policy that allows criminals to have their records sealed after committing serious crimes. This law undermines the safety of residents by allowing criminals to avoid accountability, and making it harder for law enforcement to track repeat offenders. I encourage you to contact the governor and your state legislators to tell them that it is wrong! From Clean Slate to cashless bail and sanctuary laws, New York state is headed in the wrong direction, while Nassau County is headed in the right direction. It continues to thrive as the safest and best place to live because of our unwavering commitment to public safety and quality of life. As we face challenges, we must remain vigilant and proactive. Together we can safeguard our communities from misguided policies and enhance the quality of life for all Nassau families. Let us champion what is right for our communities, a safe and prosperous Nassau County for generations to come.
Bruce Blakeman is the county executive.
Bipartisanship is the way forward
As I look back on my first few weeks as a congresswoman, I have been guided at every turn by the promise I made on the campaign trail: I will always put Long Island first. When I first decided to run for Congress, I knew the mission was simple: to listen to the concerns of my constituents and to work across the aisle whenever possible to deliver real results for Nassau County. Long Islanders have made it clear that they want action on securing our borders and overhauling our broken immigration system. Its shortcomings are the results of decades of inaction, despite our congressional responsibility to fix these gaps. I said my Day One priority would be fixing immigration and keeping Americans safe, and I meant it. That’s why my very first act in office was crossing party lines to vote for the Laken Riley Act, to prevent future tragedies, protect our communities and deter crime. This bill gives the
Department of Homeland Security the ability to detain those who commit certain crimes while here without legal rights if they have not otherwise been detained. While we work on more comprehensive solutions to address immigration and the border crisis, we must give law enforcement officials the tools to deter crime and protect our communities.
Nassau County residents have been clear: They want solutions, not partisanship.
I have been clear that these comprehensive solutions must start with securing our southern border, a priority shared by many of my constituents. We must hire more border patrol officers, erect physical barriers where necessary, and ensure that law enforcement has the resources to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. While we secure our southern border, we must also be focused on streamlining our asylum process and protecting pathways to legal immigration for hardworking, eligible people who will contribute to our economy.
Second, in every corner of the district, I’ve heard from hardworking Long Islanders of every background who are counting on Congress to tack -
le the cost-of-living crisis. That starts with giving the middle class a tax break by reinstating the deduction for state and local taxes and doing away with the unfair double taxation that is hurting so many of us. In my first week in office, I wrote to House and Senate leadership calling for immediate negotiations to reinstate the SALT deduction in any upcoming tax package. I’ve been clear: We must get this done for New Yorkers, and I look forward to working with my SALT Caucus colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver this much-needed middle-class tax relief.
I’ve always been guided by the principles of compromise and bipartisanship. As Hempstead town supervisor, I reached across the aisle to revitalize our infrastructure, reduce taxes and pass anti-corruption reforms. I worked every day with the Town Board’s Republican majority to deliver on the issues that mattered most, while taking aim at government waste and promoting transparency. I’ll bring that same mindset of bridging political differences and finding compromise to
every day of my service representing the 4th District. With the pressing issues we face, it is more important than ever that we reject extremism and work to deliver results on the shared values and priorities that matter most.
Nassau County residents have been clear: They want problems solved, not partisanship. I’ll always prioritize effective governance and policies that directly enhance our communities over party loyalty or political extremism. I will work with anyone, from either party, to deliver what is best for Nassau County.
As I’ve met more of my new congressional colleagues of both parties, I’m hopeful that the productive relationships we’re building enable thoughtful legislation that advances our shared values. America is diverse in creed, thought and background, but we all strive for the same things: lower costs, access to health care, good jobs, and a better future for our children. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and if Congress can focus on our shared priorities, we can deliver not only for our constituents, but for all Americans.
Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
LAURA GILLEN
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN
Abandoning fact-checking is dangerous
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced a significant policy shift last week: It will no longer employ independent fact-checkers to monitor and flag false content on its platforms.
While the company says it will continue to remove illegal activity, hate speech and explicit material, the abandonment of fact-checking signals an alarming retreat from the fight against misinformation and disinformation. The decision isn’t just a step backward — it is a surrender that carries grave consequences for the future of public discourse, democracy and social cohesion.
We have seen the potential for misinformation to destabilize our society. From conspiracy theories about election fraud to false narratives about coronavirus vaccines, unchecked falsehoods have exacerbated a public health crisis, deepened our political polarization and even been the cause of violence.
Meta’s platforms have often been central to the spread of such misinformation, because its algorithms often promote and prioritize it. The company’s decision to abandon fact-checking signals that it is no longer willing to bear the responsibility of combating this dangerous trend, leaving a vacuum that bad actors at home and abroad are likely to exploit.
The announcement comes at a time when public trust in crucial institutions like the courts and the media is already at a historic low. By stepping away from fact-checking, Meta is essentially declaring that truth is a relative concept in the digital age. This dangerous idea has dire implications.
If platforms as influential as Facebook and Instagram refuse to differentiate between fact and fiction, the lines between credible information and out-
letters
and-out lies and conspiracy theories will blur even further. This will inevitably empower those who benefit from sowing chaos and confusion, whether they are political extremists, foreign actors, or profit-driven disinformation peddlers.
The broader context of Meta’s decision is equally troubling. Over the past few years, tech companies have faced increasing scrutiny and pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. Some conservatives have accused platforms of censorship, particularly in high-profile cases like Facebook’s suspension of then President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Republicans in Congress and conservative courts have cast social media moderation as government overreach and an attack on free speech.
But Meta’s retreat from fact-checking is not a victory for free speech; it is a capitulation to chaos. Free speech thrives in an environment where truth and accountability prevail. Local newspapers, which are committed to objective journalism, continue to fact-check and be a source of fairness and truth, but platforms without that commitment become echo chambers for lies, propaganda and hate. The removal of guardrails does not level the playing field; it tilts it in favor of those who manipulate information for power or profit.
This creates a toxic environment in which hate speech and antisemitism flourish, as recent trends have shown. Marginalized groups, often the primary targets of such rhetoric, will bear the brunt of the harm.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish global human rights organization, stated that it is “deeply concerned” about the decision.
“This reckless move disregards the immense responsibility social media companies bear in protecting vulnerable
‘The Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate’
To the Editor:
Last week, the U.S. Postal Service held a meeting with the Long Island Postal Customer Council, a gathering that brought together local commercial mailers, business partners and industry professionals.
The spotlight of the meeting was the Postal Service’s 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America. This ambitious initiative aims to modernize the postal network, enhance service across all mail and shipping categories, and restore long-term financial sustainability. Attendees had the opportunity to understand how this plan has been positively impacting businesses across Long Island.
As part of the Delivering for America plan, the Postal
communities and mitigating the spread of harmful and dangerous ideologies,” the center said in a statement. “History has repeatedly shown that online hate does not remain confined to the digital realm — it manifests in tragic offline consequences.”
By abandoning its responsibility to curb misinformation, Meta risks alienating users and advertisers who value trustworthy, safe online spaces. In a world where lies often spread faster than truth, elections can be swayed by disinformation campaigns, public health initiatives can be derailed by conspiracy theories and trust in scientific and journalistic institutions can erode beyond repair.
The question of who bears responsibility for curbing misinformation in the digital age is complex, but Meta’s decision sets a dangerous precedent. If one of the most influential companies in the world believes it can abdicate this responsibility without consequences, other platforms are likely to follow. This may well create a domino effect in which the internet devolves into a freefor-all of unchecked falsehoods and extremism.
We must demand better. Governments and regulators must step in where companies such as Meta have stepped back, enforcing stricter rules about misinformation and holding platforms accountable for the content they amplify. Nongovernmental organizations and independent watchdogs must also play a role in promoting digital literacy and factchecking.
Meta’s retreat from that crucial responsibility is more than a corporate decision; it is a warning sign. If we fail to act, the world Meta is helping to create could be one in which truth, accountability and even democracy itself are the casualties.
opinions
L.I. deserves its fair share of transportation funding
Long Island is known for many things, from our beautiful beaches and lighthouses to historic sites, great seafood and wineries. yet, beneath the charm and attractions, Long Island grapples with a major obstacle: an aging and insufficient transportation network that can’t keep pace with our growing population.
As Long Island continues to grow, our region faces a challenge that threatens both its economy and quality of life, with a transportation and infrastructure network that is underfunded, poorly maintained, and inadequate to meet the needs of our residents.
Currently, transportation funding is overseen by the New york metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes New york City and several surrounding counties. This arrangement leaves Long Island competing for resources with the largest metropolitan center in the county, a challenge that often means Long Island’s needs are underrepresented and underfunded.
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e have the population and economic output of many states, but not the infrastructure.
The Long Island region’s share of transportation funding has dropped from 23 percent to just 6 percent. We’re in dire need of a fairer allocation that meets the region’s unique needs. This is why we need a dedicated Nassau Suffolk metropolitan Planning organization.
The creation of a Long Island-specific planning organization would ensure that our region has a clear,
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At the meeting, satisfied industry partners and business professionals shared their experiences, highlighting how the Postal Service has enabled them to connect affordably with their customers — especially during a period in which business costs are continually escalating.
As the Postal Service continues to adapt and innovate, it remains a trusted partner for businesses on Long Island and across the nation.
Amy GIbbS USPS strategic communications specialist Melville
coordinated approach to transportation planning, empower Long Island to secure its fair share of federal transportation funding, streamline project execution, and drive long-term economic growth.
Long Island would have direct access to apply for federal dollars, bypassing state-level bottlenecks and allowing for tailored projects that address our specific challenges, including solutions to the oakdale merge, the deadly Southern State Parkway and the electrification of the Port Jefferson line of the Long Island Rail Road.
Smaller regions of the state — including Ithaca, with a population of about 107,000 — have their own transportation planning organization that allows them to apply for federal funding directly. And yet, Long Island’s 3
million residents — more people than most major American cities — are grouped in with New york City and other regions.
This is more than a call for funding; it’s a call to recognize Long Island’s unique position as a vital economic and cultural hub. our region has the population and economic output of many U.S. states — we need infrastructure that reflects that.
Long Islanders share a vision for better roads, bridges, and tunnels, expanded transit options, reduced congestion, and an improved quality of life. We deserve a metropolitan Planning organization to secure our region’s future. Thanks to Assemblyman Steve Stern and Senator monica martinez for introducing legislation— now we need the legislature to act and pass A.10705/S.9918 and make this vision a reality.
Mark Herbst is executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association.
Framework by Kevin Kelley
Nassau County’s official paper is the Post?
To the Editor:
The Press Club of Long Island, the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, believes that Nassau County’s decision to replace Newsday with the New york Post as its official paper is a disservice to residents.
The decision is also an attack on a free press, viewed by political observers and journalists as punishing Newsday for its watchdog coverage, the essence of journalism’s mission.
Public notices are meant to inform, but fewer readers of the Post in this region mean fewer people will see them. Newsday’s strong local readership and deep connection to Long Island ensure that critical information reaches the community. The Post, with limited ties to Nassau County, lacks the local insight and audience necessary to fulfill this responsibility.
This shift jeopardizes transparency and public engagement. Residents deserve a publication that reflects their needs and understands their community.
boARD oF DIRECToRS Press Club of Long
Island
In the background, the Himalayas’ Annapurna range — Nepal
marC HerBst
mountsinai.org/southnassau