Courtesy Hofstra University Uniondale High School students taking part in the first Hofstra-Uniondale Pathway Program celebrated its completion at a ceremony on Dec. 18.
Uniondale-Hofstra partnership prepares students for college
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Students at Uniondale High School are getting a head start on their college education through the Hofstra-Uniondale Pathway Program, which allows them to take college courses while still in high school and helps set them up for future success.
The program is a partnership between the Uniondale School District and Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
At a Dec. 18 ceremony in a studio at the Herbert School, the first cohort of 15 students was celebrated for completing the program’s inaugural year. The event also marked the arrival of a new group of students, who will begin the program in the spring.
Rhonda Taylor, the school district’s assistant superintendent, praised the partnership, emphasizing the impact it will have on students as they prepare to “take over the world” after high school.
“Beginning in Uniondale, but then wherever they go across the nation or the world’s colleges, we are making sure that they’re going to be ready to take it over,” Taylor said.
To participate in the program, students were required to submit applications, followed by one-on-one interviews to ensure they were a good fit for the academic challenge.
Once selected, students took one college class in the spring of their junior year and another in the fall of their senior year. Classes, which were held once a week in the afternoon on the Hofstra campus, earned participants three college credits each, which can be applied at any university. The Uniondale district provided students with transportation to and from Hofstra.
Aashish Kumar, a professor of radio, television and film at Hofstra, explained that the program gave students a taste of college life and curriculum. They took courses in media literacy during their first
BEACON BEACON
Celebrating Kwanzaa in Uniondale
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The Junior Friends of the Uniondale Public Library held their annual Kwanzaa celebration on the first night of the holiday, Dec. 26.
Linda Humes, a doctoral lecturer at John Jay College and founder of Yaffa Cultural Arts, and Anthony Francis, who is known as drummer and performer Sanga of the Valley, brought a lineup of traditional instruments and stories to teach the Uniondale community about Kwanzaa. This year’s holiday was celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African-American culture, values and community. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, a professor of Black Studies at California State University-Long Beach. The name “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza , meaning “first fruits,” reflecting its roots in traditional African harvest festivals, according to the History Channel website.
“When Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966, he wanted a
■ Umoja (unity)
■ Kujichagulia (self-determination)
■ Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
■ Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
■ Nia (purpose)
■ Kuumba (creativity)
■ Imani (faith)
Courtesy National Museum of African American History & Culture
holiday to support people of African descent that lived outside of the continental Africa,” Humes explained to the audience.
Celebrated annually at the end of December, Kwanzaa emphasizes seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, which are central to the holiday’s observance. The principles are rooted in traditional African values and reflect the
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Hablamos Español
Program offers high school students a taste of college
semester with professor Brian McFadden, and foundations of radio, television and film with Kumar in the fall.
“I think they appreciated the freedom that you get as a college student, how you speak, how you conduct yourself, what your expectations are,” Kumar said. “I think those are the big learnings, and we wanted them to have a little taste of college life, or at least college curriculum, before actually leaving.”
Giancarlo Alvarado, 17, one of the students in the first cohort, said he enjoyed the program, especially the first class they took. He said he appreciated that there was “a lot of freedom” and the experience was “way different” than high school.
Another student, Carina Vigil Gonsalez, 17, said she enjoyed “having the experience of being involved” at a college, including going to lectures.
Rher time.
The program will also provide scholarships for four students in the first cohort, covering their tuition and housing. The applicants will be required to go through another interview process, and the four winners will be selected by April 1.
The scholarship is part of Hofstra’s ongoing commitment to Uniondale students, providing them with not just academic opportunities, but also access to resources and support, according to Hofstra President Susan Poser.
“That is our commitment to them and to Uniondale,” Poser said. “We have shown you what a college experience is like, and I know that the four selected to receive this competitive scholarship will build on that experience and do wonderful things while they’re here at Hofstra as firstyear students and beyond.”
Osaze Daniel, a Uniondale High School student, accepted his certificate of completion from Aisha Wilson-Carter, Hofstra University’s executive director for equity and inclusion.
you every step of the way,” she said.
For Allison Martinez, 17, the opportunity to have “free access to the campus” was a highlight. She also said she learned how to be more independent and how to better manage
For students in the second cohort, Poser offered words of encouragement.
“Remember that this university is a place where you can dream big, you can prepare for your future and achieve your goals, and we are here to support
Among the students in the second cohort is Joselyn Alas, 16, a junior at Uniondale High School. She is excited about the chance to work on projects and improve her research skills, and she is most looking forward to “making friends and communicating our shared experiences,” she said.
Kaylie Caballero, 16, said she’s also eager to participate. A passionate writer, she is hoping the program will help her improve her skills. “I’m hoping to expand my abilities in writing and speech,” Caballero said.
Courtesy Hofstra University
Uniondale kids rang in the new year early
Uniondale kids got to ring in the new year a few days early at the Uniondale library during their “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. Instead of waiting to stay up until 12 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, they celebrated with their own daytime countdown to 12 p.m. on Dec. 26.
Families came with their young children to the children’s department at the library, where they gathered in the large play area between the stacks. Kids colored their own new year’s hats and coloring sheets, and they played with each other as librarians prepared for the countdown.
When the clock hit 11:59 a.m., everyone sat under a canopy filled with balloons. They counted down together with 10 seconds left, and at 12 p.m., the librarians released the canopy of balloons and tossed confetti around while shouts of “Happy New Year!” echoed throughout the room.
Kids screamed and cheered with joy as balloons and confetti rained down on them. They hit balloons back and forth to each other in the air and sprinkled confetti on each other.
James Grzybowski, children’s librarian, said they have been having this New Year’s celebration for the past few years since he joined the Uniondale library staff, and he, along with the other children’s librarians, plan and run it each year. He and the other librarians expressed how much they enjoy this program.
“A lot of the kids can’t stay up until midnight, and we want to celebrate the new year with our little ones,” he said. “We hope everyone comes each year because it’s a lot of fun.”
— Kelsie Radziski
Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos Kids cheered for 2025 as balloons and confetti rained on them during the Uniondale library’s ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ celebration on Dec. 26.
Aisha Collins smiles with Savannah, 2, left, and Brielle, 2, after covering each other with confetti. Clinton Prawl, 2, wore his custom colored hat while playing with a balloon.
Board of education recognizes outstanding staff
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The Uniondale Board of Education recently showed their heartfelt appreciation for teacher assistants throughout the school district. At their December board meeting, on Dec. 10, one TA from each school in the district was recognized, appreciated and given special certificates from the district noting their “invaluable service” to the school community.
Doloures McMillan is a TA at Grand Avenue School who is a former educator with 33 years of experience, and she is the parent of the Uniondale High School valedictorian of 2004, Simeon McMillan. She was honored for her contributions since joining Uniondale as a permanent substitute teacher and then a TA after her retirement.
“She is an exceptional support for students and is dedicated,” Samantha Diaz, principal of Grand Avenue School, said about McMillan at the board meeting. “She consistently goes above and beyond to assist both students and the faculty daily, creating a positive and engaging learning environment for all.
“Mrs. McMillan is a hard worker, she works non stop, just so you know,” Diaz added. “She is patient and she is committed to making a lifelong, lasting impact with all students.”
Thelina Davis, who has served the district for 11 years, was recognized for her unwavering support of students as a TA
Theresa Black, a TA in the special education department at Uniondale High School, center with certificate, was one of the TAs honored for their continued service at the Uniondale board of education’s December meeting.
in the special education department at Smith Street School.
“Your positive attitude, patience and compassion create a welcoming atmosphere and make you a fantastic team (player),” Elaine Debono, Smith Street principal, said to Davis at the meeting.
“You consistently go above and beyond to support all students, and your unwaver-
A Forgotten American Treasure
Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac appeared from 1732 to 1758. Amongst other information, it provided pithy sayings and proverbs, many of which have withstood the test of time.
“An empty bag cannot stand upright.”
“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”
“Anoint a villain and he’ll stab you: stab him and he’ll anoint you.”
“An old young man will be a young old man.”
“Don’t think to hunt two hares with one dog.”
“Eat few suppers and you’ll need few medicines.”
“Great almsgiving, lessens no man’s living.”
“Happy’s the wooing that’s not long a doing.”
“He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.”
“If your riches are yours, why don’t you take them with you to the other world.”
“Lost time is never found again.”
“The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?”
“They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.”
“The sleeping fox catches no poultry.”
“The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.”
“When you’re good to others, you are best to yourself.”
“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.”
Editor’s Note: The filing requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (last week’s column) has been suspended by the courts until further notice.
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ing commitment to their success is truly inspiring through all the good and the bad, great days that we have together.”
Sandra Duffy, a TA at Walnut Street School in the pre-k program who also works in the dual language program, was also recognized for her dedication and dependability, Kevin Bracht, Walnut Street principal, said.
“Mrs. Duffy consistently goes above and beyond all aspects of her goal, taking the initiative to support students in the home, in the classroom, in the long term and on the playground,” he said at the meeting.
Theresa Black, a Uniondale High School TA in the special education department, received resounding applause as “nothing short of a legend” at Uniondale High School, according to Mark McCaw, the current Lawrence Road Middle School principal and former Uniondale High principal. McCaw and Shawn Brown, Uniondale High’s current principal, took turns speaking about Black’s achievements.
“Mrs. Black works with the students who need the most care and attention. And let me tell you this, she does it all with a heart of gold,” McCaw said at the
meeting. “I enjoyed not only just teaching her amazing children, but also working alongside Mrs. Black as my colleague, and believe me, if you’ve ever seen Miss Black in action with her testing teams and her transportation teams, you will swear she has superpowers.
“Mrs. Black’s dedication to our children is unshaken, and her love for our kids is rooted deep in this great Uniondale community,” he added, noting that he knows Black will always be “Uniondale strong.”
Other recognized TAs include Karen Porter from Turtle Hook Middle School, Natalie Bethea from Lawrence Road Middle School — who is an alumna of Lawrence Road and Uniondale High and became a full-time TA in 2012 — and Ronald Moses from Northern Parkway Elementary School.
As each one was called up to the podium for their recognition, they received a certification and took a photo with their school principal and the board of education.
The board’s recognition of these TAs highlight the role they play in encouraging a supportive environment for students. Their dedication aids in the success of Uniondale students and staff.
Courtesy Uniondale school district
Traditional drumming and storytelling
strength of collective action and cultural pride.
The kinara, a special candleholder, has seven candles that symbolize each of the seven principles, which Humes and Francis displayed at the library event. The mishumaa saba, or seven candles, represent the colors of the Pan-African flag: black for the people, red for the struggle and green for hope and the earth, according to the History Channel. Each day, families gather to light a candle, discuss the day’s principle and engage in activities such as storytelling, drumming, dancing and the exchange of gifts.
At the library celebration, Humes and Francis used the art of storytelling to teach attendees about the principles of Kwanzaa. Storytelling is an important part of African culture because it brings people together and is used to teach lessons. “Storytelling is tradition — it’s a conversation,” Humes said.
For example, in connection with Kwanzaa’s first principle of unity, umoja, Humes told the story of Anansi, a trickster spider in African folklore, and how his six children created the moon.
In Humes’s version of the story, Anansi got lost and stumbled on a bright white ball, which he vowed to give as a gift to whoever found and
saved him. Meanwhile, his six children, each of whom had their own special ability, worked together to find him. Because they did so, Anansi couldn’t decide who should receive the ball as a reward, so it wound up in the sky and became the moon.
While Humes told the story, Francis played a soft beat on a drum in the
background to carry the cadence of the story and emphasize each part with music. The drum, he explained, is a crucial part of African culture, used to “speak” to people.
“The drum has a language that has never been told,” Francis told the audience. “The drum speaks to everyone within reach of that drum, who can
hear that drum, and it draws them to wherever the celebration or announcement is.”
A kikombe cha umoja, or Unity Cup, is used in rituals during Kwanzaa, emphasizing unity with ancestors, according to the History Channel. Humes and Francis taught the library attendees about the cup, and Francis poured water into it for a traditional ritual to honor ancestors and others, including elders and those sick in hospitals.
“The African people were brought here, taken away from their culture, so things became strange to us,” he said. “But time and time again, we learned and we honor.”
Attendees at the library event ate together from a buffet that came from Junior Friends donations and Bobby Q’s Jus Like Mama’s, a soul food restaurant in Freeport. Fried chicken, collard greens and mac and cheese were among the numerous dishes on offer, and guests enjoyed cookies, cupcakes and fruit for dessert.
Kwanzaa serves as a reminder of African heritage, a celebration of community and a call to strengthen bonds in the African-American community, and the Junior Friends of the Uniondale library honored the holiday by sharing knowledge and tradition with the community.
All meetings will be held at the Uniondale Middle School: 100 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard Uniondale, New York 11553 10/31/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 11/21/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 12/19/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 01/30/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 02/27/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 03/27/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 04/24/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 05/29/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 06/26/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 07/24/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos
Linda Humes, standing, shared Kwanzaa stories and traditions, along with Anthony Francis, who’s known as Sanga of the Valley, at the Uniondale library on Dec. 26.
HERALD SPORTS
Hofstra wrestling begins exciting new era
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra wrestling alum Jamie Franco is now leading the program where he thrived on the mats as a student-athlete looking to raise it to new heights.
Franco, a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier at Hofstra in the early 2010s, was named the Pride’s 13th- head coach on July 1, 2024 replacing Dennis Papadatos after he took an administrative role in the university’s athletic department. It marks another return home for Franco, who served as an assistant coach under Papadatos from 2016 to 2023 before spending a season on the wrestling staff at Columbia University last year.
“I always wanted to be a head coach and to be able to get this opportunity was a dream come true for me,” said Franco, who won 75 matches at Hofstra including a conference title at 133 pounds in 2013. “To come back to my alma mater and get my first head coaching gig at Hofstra was really special.”
After graduating Hofstra in 2014 with a business degree, Franco was operations manager of the famed Longo and Weidman MMA Training Center in Garden City where Hofstra wrestling legend Chris Weidman trained when he held a UFC middleweight title from 2013 to 2015. Franco maintains a close relationship with Weidman and recently brought his longtime trainer Ray Longo in a cross training session with the wrestlers.
“I think it’s always good to get these guys training outside of just wrestling to make them physically and mentally tougher,” Franco said.
Franco inherited a roster with plenty of former Long Island high school wrestling standouts including 133-pound Ryan Arbeit, who won a county title for Wantagh in 2022. The redshirt freshman was voted a team captain in October along with Massapequa High School product Chase Liardi, Justin Hoyle of Maple Valley, Wash and Ross McFarland of Pennellville, N.Y.
Two of Arbeit’s former Wantagh teammates are also on the Hofstra roster including red-shirt junior Mat Rogers, who won a New York State Championship in 2020 and Joe Russo, who was sidelined last season after joining the Pride from Nassau Community College. Russo was sidelined at the beginning of the season with an injury, but Franco is hoping he can make a contribution as the dual meet schedule heats up.
The Nassau County South Shore presence on the Hofstra mats also includes 165-pound redshirt junior Eric Shindel, who was an All-County wrestler at JFK High School in Bellmore in 2020 and 2021.
Fellow 165-pounder Kyle Mosher, who won a New York State title with South Side High School in Rockville Centre, joined the Pride this season as a graduate student after competing as an undergraduate student
at Columbia under Franco.
“He is looking really good early in the season so we’re looking to keep building on it,” said Franco of Mosher, who placed eighth in the 30-team Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 7. “He’s on everyone’s radar now.
Franco recorded his first dual meet win as Hofstra head coach with a 21-12 victory against Duke at home on Nov. 16. The Pride entered the new year at 4-3 and will next be in action on Jan. 9 with an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) road match at Binghamton. The Pride then has home matches in the Mack Sports Complex scheduled Jan. 26 against Penn starting at noon and Feb. 2 versus Franklin & Marshall at 4 p.m.
The Pride will look to make some noise at the EIWA Championships at Lehigh on March 7-8 and qualify at least three of four wrestlers for the NCAA Championships in Philadelphia from March 20-22.
“The guys are growing every week,” Franco said. “I think we’re going to see a more gritty team for us in the EIWAs so I feel like we’re going to get a bunch of placers there this year.”
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Massapequa native Chase Liardi is one of Hofstra’s captains.
Ross McFarland and the Pride are looking to make noise under new coach Jamie Franco, a Hofstra wrestling alumn.
Siela Bynoe sworn in as state senator
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Siela Bynoe was sworn in as the first Black New York state senator to represent Long Island’s 6th Senate District on Jan. 5 at Westbury High School, with several hundred in attendance.
Bynoe, 57, comes to Albany after representing her native hometown of Westbury for 10 years as a Nassau County legislator. She will continue to represent but will also carry the responsibilities of Uniondale, Hempstead, Baldwin, Freeport, Garden City and Rockville Centre. She succeeds Kevin Thomas, who declined to run for another term.
W“We may all have different needs in these communities,” she added. “But we are one.”
Bynoe campaigned on her work in Mineola and beyond, including her tenure as a commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority in 2008. A Westbury native, she was elected to the Westbury Board of Education in 2010, serving two terms focused on educational policies. She was elected to the County Legislature in a special election in 2014.
e may all have different needs in these communities. But we are one.
SiELA ByNOE Senator New York State Senate District 6
“I move forward on this journey to Albany to serve in the New York State Senate,” Bynoe said, addressing the audience. “It is with that verse tucked in my heart, and with that responsibility that I will move forward to make sure that communities like Rockville Centre, South Hempstead, and West Hempstead, as well as those I’ve never served before—like Carle Place—and those I’m getting to know, such as Roosevelt, Baldwin, and Freeport (are heard and represented).
Despite being in the minority, she was able to achieve accomplishments such as the passage of the Groundwater and Public Supply Facts Report Law and the implementation of police body cameras.
In an interview with the Herald a month before the election, she stated that her top priority was preserving public benefits and resources, such as Nassau University Medical Center, or NUMC, which had been on the verge of financial collapse earlier that year. She proposed consolidating NUMC’s campuses and converting its vacant lots into assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers and institutions for veterans and behavioral health.
“There are opportunities there for senior housing, workforce housing, especially for folks who want to ensure have access to health care; they could be right on the campus,” she said then.
Along with NUMC, she advocated for mental and behavior health in school districts, access to health care, helping first-time homebuyers purchase property on Long Island and developing affordable housing.
“Together, we will create housing, ensure we strengthen our public schools and make sure we invest right here in Nassau County,” she said. “I have a charge, we have a charge, and together, I know we can move this county forward.”
At the swearing-in ceremony, the Uniondale Rhythm of the Knight show choir performed for the crowded auditorium, Notable political figures in attendance were U.S. State Senator Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
“It is sort of a homecoming,” Schumer said. “Siela graduated from this very school — Westbury High School — grew up not far from here and she wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She’s a first-generation American raised by a single mom.
“Siela is the right person at the right moment for this job in the 6th District,” he added.
Tim Baker/Herald At Westbury High School on Jan. 5, Siela Bynoe, a Westbury native, was sworn in as the first Black New York state senator to represent Long Island for the 6th State Senate District.
Uniondale native among those drumming for a cause
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Chet Doboe, a Uniondale native, is teaming up with his fellow drummers for their seventh annual Drumming for Our Veterans Benefit Concert. The drummers will take center stage at the Levittown Hall in Hicksville on Jan. 11, and from 12:30 to 5:30 PM, a lineup of world-class drummers will come together to honor and raise money for veterans, with all proceeds going to the Northport VA Hospital and the Stony Brook VA Hospital.
The event is a labor of love organized by Doboe and his friend Jack Stein, a Vietnam War veteran from Roosevelt. As the commander of the Plainview VFW Post and former commander of the New York City American Legion Post, Stein has dedicated much of his life to serving veterans in need.
“He’s a former drum student of mine, and he’s my hero,” Doboe said, “and he’s very active helping veterans.”
Doboe grew up in Uniondale and is a former member of a band he formed, The Sabers. He now is the drummer for his band Hip Pickles, a band he has led for 38 years now, and he said his time at Lawrence Road Middle School launched his passion for drumming. Doboe’s music career has connected him with other musicians and led to him working collaboratively to put this concert together.
The show is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together over 90 performers from eight different states and even Canada. It features a wide array of talent, from Hall of Fame drummers and championship rudimental
snare drummers to virtuoso drum set artists.
The program includes performances from famous drum lines such as the Connecticut Patriots, the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni, and the NY Skyliners, along with a variety of specialty acts. In addition to musical performances, the event includes a special moment to honor veterans in the audience, with recognition for the five branches of the military.
All of the performers are volunteers, so all the funds that are raised will go directly to the hospitals.
“Personally, I got inspired by Jack, and together we came up with the idea,” Doboe said, “because we know so many drummers that would run an event, and we’re able to raise money that doesn’t go to any organization. So we donate the money directly to the VA hospitals.”
With the money, Doboe said he and Stein like to focus on buying items that “fall into the cracks,” like socks, sweatshirts and shaving kits. One year, they even used the funds to pay for a service dog.
Doboe said the ultimate mission of the concert is to raise awareness for veterans and “make a difference in veterans’ lives.”
“We’re making a statement that we’re free and we’re safe because of people that put their lives on the line,” he said. “So it’s really drumming with purpose and trying to just get people more aware of veterans.”
Admission to the concert is $15 per person, and additional donations are welcome. To learn more about the show and the performers, call (516) 483-7193 or visit Chet Doboe’s Facebook page.
Courtesy Chet Doboe
A captivating drum line closed out one of the previous benefit concerts organized by Chet Doboe of Uniondale and Jack Stein of Roosevelt.
Hempstead’s own winter wonderland
The Village of Hempstead held their fourth annual Winter Wonderland festivities for families to celebrate the holidays and the winter season.
Toys were handed out to the kids who came in the spirit of the holidays. There was also an ice skating rink for people to skate together. Christmasthemed inflatable decorations, like polar bears holding presents, were scattered around Denton Green Park to add to the holiday atmosphere.
Santa even came for a visit, smiling and posing with excited kids getting ready for the holidays.
Despite the rainy weather on the original date for the festivities — Dec. 20 — Hempstead village saw an outpouring of families on the rescheduled day.
The event was hosted by Major Waylyn Hobbs Jr., Deputy Mayor Jeffery Daniels and village trustees Noah Burroughs, Clariona Griffith and Kevin Boone.
— Kelsie Radziski
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Kids beamed and high fived on a holiday train ride that took them around Denton Green Park.
Carl Bernard, 5, skated around Hempstead village’s ice skating rink during their annual Winter Wonderland on Dec. 23.
Kelsi Witherspoon, 9, smiled with a polar bear while Kehlani, 3, looked shocked to be there.
NCC radio station nominated for 12 awards
WHPC 90.3 FM, “The Voice of Nassau Community College,” has earned 12 nominations from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS), including Best Community College Radio Station, Best Morning Show, Best Political News and Best Foreign Language Program.
The nominations come as WHPC works on providing high-quality entertainment, sports and informative programming produced by a team of students, volunteers and staff, according to a news release. The station’s director, Shawn Novatt, expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting the efforts of those who make the station’s programming stand out.
“Every year, my students, community volunteers, and staff continue to amaze me with the high-quality entertainment and information they produce on-air,” Novatt said in the release. “Industry recognition from organizations like the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System proves we are staying true to our educational mission: to provide professional broadcast training to qualified Nassau Community College students. These nominations prove we have set the bar high to accomplish that goal.”
Among the nominees is student Anaya Isaacs, recognized for her Best Political News Coverage. Isaacs earned the nomination for her reporting on Donald Trump’s rally at the Nassau
Coliseum. Her coverage highlighted the voices of the community during a “pivotal” moment in U.S. politics.
“Amid a pivotal political moment, I reveled in the opportunity to elevate and show up for the voices of our community, whose stories are often overlooked, creating a platform for their
experiences to be heard exclusively on WHPC,” Isaacs said. “As this event brought our community into focus, I took on the responsibility of covering this transformative time in our nation’s history, proudly representing the college and the radio station with authenticity, striving to represent the
diverse perspectives that shape our collective narrative.”
Nassau Community College’s radio station has over 100 volunteers, many of whom are NCC students. WHPC broadcasts a range of programs, including sports, entertainment, music and news, according to the news release, and it is the only college station on Long Island that broadcasts in high definition.
The station can be heard on 90.3 FM, as well as other platforms, including iHeartRadio, Audacy, TuneIn and WHPC apps. The station is also available through Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices.
WHPC is the only college radio station in Nassau and Suffolk counties that broadcasts in high definition, offering a unique listening experience for its audience.
NCC serves approximately 14,000 students and offers 67 associate degrees and 25 certificates. The college has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and is a key resource for students seeking to transfer to four-year universities, according to the news release.
The school offers both on-campus and online education options and boasts a network of 168,000 alumni. Since its founding in 1959, NCC has earned recognition for its academic programs and its contributions to local and global communities.
— Kelsie Radziski
Courtesy Nassau Community College
Instructor Al Levine, left, working with Devin O’Shea, Josue Bran and Linda Ann Faulk at the WHPC 90.3 FM radio station at Nassau Community College.
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February. Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
STEPPING OUT
Step inside an epic adventure with Anna, Elsa and the Madrigal clan moments on ice
By Karen Bloom
Welcome the New Year in true Disney style. The latest Disney ice extravaganza arrives at UBS Arena in Elmont ready to enchant families once again. This time around the spotlight is on two of the newest tales — beloved by Disneyphiles in the Disney canon: “Frozen” and “Encanto.” Audiences can share in the special joy of these captivating adventures when Disney On Ice’s glides into UBS Arena, now through Jan. 12.
Families will be transported into two of Disney’s most popular films as the world of Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family unfolds up close. These adored characters are, of course, joined by Mickey and his crew. Along with Minnie, Donald and Goofy, audiences will sing-along to everyone’s favorite songs interpreted through world-class skating, aerial acrobatics and dynamic special effects.
• Now through Sunday, Jan.12; times vary
• Tickets start at $35, pre-show character experience also available for a fee; purchase at ticketmaster.com or disneyonice.com or in person at box office
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
As always, the atmosphere is electric from the get-go. From the opening segment with Mickey and the gang, we quickly arrive in Arendelle to the delight of all the “Annas” and “Elsas” in the audience. Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer, narrates the story everyone knows so well. Artful skating (what could be more fitting?) transports families to the snowy kingdom to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven take audiences along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer.
Elsa’s solo segment skated to “Let It Go” is among the highlights of the show’s first half. “It’s a big moment,” says Rebekah Johnson, who — off ice at this point — is exhilarated by the audience response.
At age 19, Johnson is experiencing the Disney magic for the first time as a performer. She joined the cast in September as an ensemble skater and couldn’t be happier.
Skating since she was two-years-old, the St. Paul, Minn.-based Johnson says “I always knew I was meant to be a show skater.”
Like her many castmates, she’s embraced Disney from a young age.
“I’ve always loved the princesses and ‘Frozen’,” she enthuses. “I’ve dreamed about skating for Disney for so long.”
From her first Disney On Ice experience as a young child to revisiting the spectacle as a teenager more recently, she knew this was where she belonged.
“When I saw the show again, I thought ‘this is so cool.’ I still dreamed about being a princess.”
While Johnson is not quite there yet, she’s relishing every moment as the youngest member of the cast and every moment on ice.
“I’ve wanted to skate for Disney for so long,” she continues. “It’s all very surreal, but it’s real!”
After a very Frozen adventure, the show’s second half takes everyone to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where we meet the Madrigals, that extraordinary family who live in
Yacht Rock Revue
The kings of ‘70s tribute hit the road with an authentic throwback to the era. Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the ‘70s and’80s sun-soaked melodies. The Atlantabased 10-piece ensemble blends impeccable musicianship with a deep reverence for the genre. Their original album “Escape Artist” is a bold homage to this iconic sound. YRR continues to captivate audiences nationwide with their infectious energy and unabashedly joyous performances. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, YRR has emerged as pivotal in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Whether performing in intimate venues or rocking arenas, their concerts promise an immersive musical journey that celebrates the timeless allure of smooth grooves.
Friday and Saturday, Jan.10-11, 8 p.m. $55, $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita — her enchanted family home — alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and flowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers.
For the first time live, everyone can witness Tia Pepa, who can control the weather with her emotions; her husband Felix; their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear; and Bruno, the mysterious and misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future.
“I’m especially partial to ‘Encanto,” Johnson says. “It’s so upbeat, high energy, that everyone [in the audience] gets so exited.”
And, of course, We Don’t Talk About Bruno.
Here audiences especially respond to the aerial segment, which showcases the skaters’ acrobatic skills above the ice, along with plenty of ice dancing.
“It looks magical,” Johnson says.
And that’s the timeless Disney mantra: “Anything can happen if you just believe.”
In the end, audiences leave with the understanding that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special.
Or as Johnson puts it: “Magic is inside all of us.”
At the end, special appearance from Mulan and Li Shang, Belle and Prince Adam, Ariel and Eric, Aladdin and Jasmine, Miguel from Coco, and Moana celebrate that iconic Disney “magic” in a rousing finale.
Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment
Smooth Dre’s Rhythmic Odyssey
Experience the pulse of Brooklyn hip-hop with Smooth Dre and his crew. A renowned figure in Brooklyn, he’s carved a niche in the hip-hop world with his unique style and profound lyrical narratives. Known for blending classic beats with rich, contemporary rhythms, Smooth Dre delivers music that resonates with authenticity and depth. His journey from underground circuits to mainstream stages has been marked by a steadfast dedication to his craft and an unwavering commitment to his roots. Smooth Dre’s influence extends beyond music; he is a cultural icon who embodies the spirit of hip-hop in every aspect of his life. Dive into a night of relentless beats and lyrical storytelling with Smooth Dre, a maestro of urban soundscapes, with his friends.
Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. $70. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny.org.
Photos: Dreams do come true when the royal sisters of Arendelle are joined by the Madrigal family in a ice spectacle that fully brings both films to life.
THE Your Neighborhood
Dave Atell
Jan. 19
Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best, when Dave Atell visits the Paramount stage, Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. An all-timegreat joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Atell is most at home in comedy clubs. He built a loyal following by barnstorming the country with his brand of off-color “very adult” humor, and his audiences got even bigger after his cult-favorite travel show, “Insomniac.” Atell continues to be a presence on TV — including his hit Netflix specials “Hot Cross Buns” and “Bumping Mics” — while constantly writing new material and taking it on the road. Beginning his comedy career in the early ‘90s, Attell ascended through New York’s stand-up ranks alongside the likes of Louis C.K. and Jon Stewart.
After a brief stint writing for SNL, Attell has headed several shows of his own. “Insomniac” followed Attell on late-night trips, tracking down and interviewing anyone who wasn’t asleep for some reason (usually either night workers or drunk people), while “Dave’s Old Porn...well, you can Google that one yourself.” When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. $59.50, $49.50, $44.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
15
Medicare basics
Uniondale Library invites all to a presentation by Senior Services of North America. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2-3 p.m. The informative session covers basics of Medicare, including important terminology, enrollment periods, plan types and financial assistance Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information or to register, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
In concert
Brooklyn-based musician LA Blacksmith visits Uniondale Library, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2-3 p.m. He performs a variety of familiar music, including smooth jazz and R&B, dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Healthy eating for the New Year
Cornell Cooperative Extension visits Uniondale Public Library to instruct adults how to go into the New Year with healthy eating habits, Thursday, Jan. 9, 7-8 p.m., 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information or to register, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
In concert
Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes the New Year, with an Elvis tribute, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2:30 p.m. Ritchie Santa performs “Elvis Is In The House,” keeping the King’s legacy alive. Santa often shares how, even 47 years after his passing, Elvis connects people who might never have met otherwise. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
MLK Day Parade and Ceremony
Hempstead village is celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade from Village Hall to Hofstra University, with a celebration with refreshments to follow, Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. Parade is assembling at 99 James A. Garner Way, Hempstead. For more information, contact Juanita Hargwood at (516) 478-6286 or Aisha Wilson-Carter at (516) 463-6469 or equity@ hofstra.edu.
Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement
Uniondale Library hosts a virtual discussion about Martin Luther King Jr. and the history of the civil rights movement, Monday, Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Terry Chestnut discusses his father, J.L. Chestnut, Dr. King’s attorney. For more information or to register, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220
Computer Kindergarten
Adults looking to learn more about how to use their computers can visit the Uniondale library for a presentation by Sharper Training Solutions, Inc., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2-4 p.m. The session covers basic computer skills. $5 fee, no refunds.. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information or to register, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Icebreaker Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Start off the New Year on the right foot with a series of races at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, Jan. 25. The Icebreaker Marathon and other races 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.
Musical seasons
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the 2025 unique chamber music series, “Four Seasons in Music,” Sunday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m. The duoJalal ensemble-in-residence led by Kathryn Lockwood on viola, with percussionist Yousif Sheronick, violinists Deborah Buck and Emma Frucht and cellist Caroline Stinson presents a German flavored. Celebrating Germany’s rich history of extraordinary composers, including Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms, to the less traditional, this concert will warm you up on a winter afternoon.
A reception follows.
$56, $45 members. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For tickets and information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Having an event?
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support
This informative session, with Family and Children’s Association, is for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia to obtain guidance, including assessment, referrals and group support. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2-3 p.m. Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information or to register, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Fit As A Fiddle
Visit Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate Family Fit Lifestyle Month, Saturday, Jan. 11, noon-2 p.m. Families can make a take-home custom fitness game to get in tip top shape by having fun, at the drop-in program. For ages 3 and up. Free with admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit,
“Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts.
The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. Opens Jan. 18, on view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility. Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces.org/ barrytech or call (516) 622-6812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
In the Matter of an Article 10 Neglect Proceeding File#: 637016
Docket#:NN-09966-24
Nassau County Department of Social Services (Petitioner)
Donna Rose M. Stahl (Respondent)
9,
Henry M. Stahl (DOB: 10/19/2024) SUMMONSPUBLICATION (INPERSON)
To: Donna Rose M. Stahl 748 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553
A petition under Article 10 of the Family Court Act has been filed with this Court requesting the following reliefs: PrePetition Application and Neglect. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear IN PERSON before this Court
on:
Date/Time/Part: February
6, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Part 2
Purpose:In Person Appearance and Preliminary Proceeding
Presiding:Hon. Robin M. Kent
Location: Courthouse, 1200 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY 11590
Floor:3
Room:303 to answer the attached petition and to be dealt with in accordance with the Family Court Act. Please bring this notice with you and check in with the Court Officer in the Part.
Be sure to arrive at the courthouse prior to the time listed above.
Do not be late as there is a limited window of time for your case to be heard. If you fail to appear as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Dated: December 18, 2024
John Aiken, Chief Clerk TO THE ABOVE-NAMED
RESPONDENT:
The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Robin M. Kent of the Family Court, Nassau County, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Family Court, Nassau County. 150804
public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 21st day of January, 2025, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
EAST MEADOW EAST
MEADOW AVENUE (TH 554/24) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 30 feet south of a point opposite the south curbline of Park Avenue, south for a distance of 80 feet.
LEVITTOWN
BALSAM LANE (TH 560/24) North Side - NO
STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Wantagh Avenue, west for a distance of 50 feet.
MERRICK
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 555/24) West Side - NO
PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 189 feet south of the south curbline of Horatio Avenue, then south for a distance of 51 feet.
ROOSEVELT
HOWARD AVENUE (TH 566/24) North Side - NO
PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 252 feet west of the west curbline of John Place, west for a distance of 32 feet.
SEAFORD
WAVERLY AVENUE (TH 550/24) South Side - NO
STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 78 feet east curbline of Seaford Avenue, east for a distance of 160 feet.
WAVERLY AVENUE (TH 550/24) South Side - NO
STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 66 feet west of a point opposite the west curbline Locust Avenue, west for a distance of 150 feet.
UNIONDALE
DURYEA AVENUE (TH 575/24) East Side - NO
PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 21 feet north of the north curbline of Jerusalem Avenue, then north for a distance of 72 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location:
EAST MEADOW
NEWBRIDGE AVENUE (TH 718/74) West Side -NO
STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 18 feet north of a point opposite the north curbline of Park Avenue, south for a distance of 130 feet.
(Adopted 1/7/75)
Supervisor KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 150882
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a
names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Index No. 608120/2024.
Mortgaged Premises: 196 Valcour Avenue Uniondale, NY 11553
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S.
Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of the FW Series I Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Martha Fernandez, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 7, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 391 Second Place a/k/a 391 2nd Place, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 110 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $678,249.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611392/2022.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 210770-1 150903
LEGAL NOTICE
SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff -againstMICHAEL CHARLESTON, AS ADMINISTRATOR, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DESILIA CHARLESTON; STEPHANIE MONTOUR, AS ADMINISTRATRIX, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DESILIA CHARLESTON; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF DESILIA CHARLESTON; NASSAU COUNTY CLERK; NEW YORK STATE
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: January 7, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP
1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 150905
DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKVILLAGE OF MINEOLA; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; “JOHN DOE” and “JANE DOE” said
Section: 50 Block: 18 Lots: 262-263. To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $$319,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on May 20, 2004 in Liber Book M 26796, Page 89, Control Number 1339, covering the premises known as 196 Valcour Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553.. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Patrick J. Cruz, Gobin Joseph, Indira Cruz, Gumercinda Joseph, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 7, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1276 Menard Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50, Block: 37, Lot: 325. Approximate amount of judgment $515,219.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614665/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Heather D. Crosley, Esq, Referee
Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-092664-F00 83746 150856
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1, Plaintiff, AGAINST UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CORINE RAY A/K/A CORINE L RAY, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on October 31, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 755 Northgate Dr, Uniondale, NY 11553. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 55, Block 531 and Lot 18.
Approximate amount of judgment $470,123.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #001250/2016 | 16-001250. Michael Alpert, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 150661
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021-GS1, Plaintiff, Against MARIE RAPHAEL, EDELINE L. SAUNDERS, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/05/2024, 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 1/30/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1076 Northgate Court Square, Uniondale, New York 11553, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale (Unincorporated Area), in the Town of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 55 Block 532 Lot 24 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $601,359.45 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 616200/2022
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Samantha L. Segal, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 12/17/2024 File Number: 38281 MB 150694
LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, v. ROMUALDO BONILLA, ET AL, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 31, 2024, I, Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on January 28, 2025 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows: 159 Ruxton Street Uniondale, NY 11553 SBL No.: 50-13-4, 5 & 6 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 604141/2020 in the amount of $498,740.87 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 150659
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION
ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
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
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WMy meeting with a president, and what might have been
Thank you, Jimmy Carter.
When I was a student in Florence, Italy, in 1979, I was invited to a fellow student’s home in Munich. There I was awakened by loud noises out in the street, and watched a huge truck with giant arms and claws that was lifting several odd-shaped bins from two street corners at the same time.
My friend explained that this was something called “recycling.” The truck was gathering separated bins of brown, green and clear glass and paper, all at the same time. I was intrigued, and further investigated this new idea, writing six pages of notes. After I returned to the U.S., I hand-wrote that six-page letter to the president of the United States, Jimmy Carter.
Then a strange thing happened. Our office secretary in Monroe, Michigan, came to my desk and said that a man named William Ruckleshaus, chairman of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, was on the phone, and wanted to speak to me. He explained that President Carter had received my letter and wanted to meet. I was 22 years old.
Because it was election time, the president was doing town hall meetings across the country, and selected a high school near my home in Toledo, Ohio. I was sent a special pass to give to Secret Service agents, and on Oct. 25, 1980, at 9:42 am, in a crowded gymnasium, I presented my pass to a tall Marine-like agent who seemed to be aware of the arrangement. He didn’t hesitate. I was walked behind a backdrop by two agents, down a hallway and seated in a classroom.
In walked President Carter, and he came over, shook my hand and sat in a school desk next to me. He was holding my letter on recycling, and we discussed the many specific things he was interested in implementing, starting with government, to reduce waste in the United States. I kept answering, “Yes, Mr. President,” and he kept saying, “Call me Jimmy.”
As we talked, he smiled that big Jimmy Carter grin, and I kept thinking he was too genuinely sincere, too nice to be the president, too down-to-earth — and how surreal the moment was. But the most surreal of all was when he asked me if I would come to Washington, D.C., and work with him to implement this program from the White House. I immediately answered, “Yes, Mr. President,” still unable to call him Jimmy. Then he smiled at me one more time and said, “Of course, I have to get re-elected.”
He lost to Ronald Reagan, and the rest is history. I always wonder how my life would have been, working with the president, overseeing a new program that never materialized. I wouldn’t have crossed paths with the young lady who has shared my life for 43 years, never enjoyed the two daughters we raised or the grandchildren we fuss over, might not have opened my own architectural practice, moved to Long Island or started writing a column for the Herald. I wonder. Thank you, Jimmy Carter!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
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Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House
When Donald Trump is inaugurated as our 47th president the week after next, he will (once again) be the only president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt who is a born-and-bred New Yorker. Despite his recent relocation to Florida, where he has presided from Mar-a-Lago like an overlord, Trump has never escaped his New York roots. This is important to New York and Long Island. I say this not because of any native-son pride, but because downstate New York has unique issues and challenges that can be best understood and addressed by a true New Yorker. Like me, Trump grew up in Queens, but that’s where the geographic comparison ends. He was raised in very upscale Jamaica Estates. I grew up in very bluecollar Sunnyside. Same time; different stations. Of course, that didn’t stop
Trump from implying to people in Washington that he and I grew up together. So much so that non-New York members of Congress would ask me, “What kind of guy was he growing up?” And my misleading non-answer would always be, “Same as he is today.”
WDespite the very different economic aspects of our upbringings, Trump and I, in many ways, spoke the same language. I distinctly remember when he invited me to the White House in February 2017, a few weeks after his inauguration, for a routine billsigning ceremony. As we spoke for just a few minutes, he gave a big smile and said, “It’s great to hear that New York accent down here.”
anti-MS-13 efforts succeeded in crushing the gang’s reign of terror in Nassau and Suffolk counties.)
e’ll need President Trump’s support and cooperation to address critical issues.
Probably the most relaxed I ever saw Trump was when he invited me to join him at ringside for a night of UFC fights at Madison Square Garden in November 2019. The loud fullhouse crowd chanting “USA!” and giving him thumbs ups was a stark contrast to the Ukraine impeachment proceedings against him that were under way at the same time in Washington.
This year, his giant rallies at Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum were major parts of his winning campaign.
Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo and former Congressman Lee Zeldin. Trump’s brother Robert lived in Garden City for many years until he died in 2020. On a somber note, I was there last March when Trump came to the funeral home in Massapequa to comfort the family of murdered NYPD hero Jonathan Diller.
Several times when I was talking with him on Air Force One, when he was flying to Long Island to address the MS-13 murder spree, I felt as if I were speaking with just another guy on a Queens street corner, and had to keep reminding myself that I was talking to the president of the United States. (His
Trump also had friendships with Long Islanders such as former U.S. Sen. Al D’Amato, from his years in Washington, and Joe Mondello, who was Trump’s attorney in several business transactions and was later appointed ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago by Trump. More recently, the president-elect has formed close friendships with County
Over the next several years, New York will need the support and cooperation of President Trump to address critical issues, including illegal immigration, crime and drugs, health care for those who continue to be affected by the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, aging infrastructure, congested traffic and high taxes. We will especially need him to fight off anti-New York elements in the Republican Party who have too often in the past clearly demonstrated their geographic bias. Together, whether Republican or Democrat, New Yorkers should work to find common ground with the president to make New York great again.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
The challenge of being president in challenging times
We are entering a new year, in which there will be many challenges for all of us. But the biggest ones will be for President-elect Donald Trump, who is about to embark on a historic second term. We know what he will do on Inauguration Day, but the real question is what kind of president he will be when the history of his second term is written.
Trump made many promises to voters, and there is no doubt that he will fulfill many of them. Voters were clearly concerned about the immigration challenges at the borders, and Trump has pledged to close them down and begin a program of mass deportations. Many voters were unhappy with the way our government works, and for better or worse, there will be changes. The proposed appointees to the Trump cabinet are in most cases total unknowns when it comes to government experience. Thinking that his new
team will be able to function effectively is a big wish that may or may not come true. Many of the proposed cabinet members have never run any type of business, and in some cases their only qualification is that Trump likes them. That could be a recipe for disaster.
Thinking that Trump’s new team will be able to function effectively is a big wish.
Aside from the promise to shut down the borders, the big Trump pledge was that he would do something about the high cost of things like eggs and other household needs. In the weeks since the election, he has made it clear that cutting down on such things as grocery costs is too difficult to accomplish.
Much of his presidency will be defined on Jan. 20, when he will sign a number of executive orders. Some may win broad public acceptance, but others may lead Trump voters to question whether they were the reason they supported him. The pledge to pardon Jan. 6 rioters pleased a small segment of the population, but freeing convicted thugs would send the wrong message in a country that prides itself on law and order.
Trump has pledged to dramatically
cut energy costs by embarking on massive oil and gas drilling programs. Whether that can have any effect is questionable, because the country experienced record oil and gas drilling in 2024, and creating extra product doesn’t mean that prices will go down. We consumers know from experience that the oil and gas producers don’t give any discounts to motorists or homeowners.
Some Trump voters have expressed a desire for our country to curtail any overseas relationships and to once again make the United States into an isolationist country. We went through that experience in the 1930s, when Adolf Hitler was beginning to map out his plan to control Europe and the rest of the world. Since those dark days, we, our friends and supporters have created NATO, and our country has assured our allies that we will defend them if any of our enemies attack them. Obviously, that means China or Russia.
There is no doubt that the Trump presidency will bring about many changes in the way our nation functions. History shows that every president makes some type of imprint on the
country. In many cases, he spends a lot of time trying to erase his predecessor’s accomplishments, and Trump will devote a substantial amount of time to doing exactly that.
In the run-up to Jan. 20, he has talked about a takeover of Greenland and a seizure of the Panama Canal. Greenland still has strong ties to Denmark, which we can be sure isn’t in the mood to give up a land mass rich in precious minerals and other raw materials. Panama controls the canal under a treaty entered into by President Jimmy Carter. Serious attempts to seize the canal would raise questions around the world about America’s written word.
Four years go by fast, and as the clock ticks, historians assess the accomplishments and mistakes of every president. We hope there will be many positive changes from a Trump administration, and that America will be a better place after his tenure ends. That’s my wish for 2025 and beyond, and, I’m sure, everyone’s hope.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
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Feeling under siege? Combat the chaos.
are you still emotionally shaken by the violent, seemingly random acts that occurred shortly before we turned the calendar and again on New Year’s Day?
On Dec. 22, a woman was burned alive on a Brooklyn subway train. On New Year’s Eve, a man was critically injured when he was pushed into the path of an oncoming subway train in Manhattan.
On Jan. 1, the year just hours old, we awoke to the news of multiple deaths and dozens of injuries when a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Later that morning, a Tesla Cybertruck detonated outside a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others. And four gunmen opened fire outside a nightclub in Queens that night, injuring 10.
When these kinds of headlines intrude into our lives, we may feel as though the world is unraveling. The ripple effects are profound: Lives are lost or forever changed, public spaces are emptied, and once-reliable joys like festivals, parades and football bowl games are relegated to the realm of unimportance.
This sense of being constantly on edge is exhausting. But amid the grief and uncertainty, there are ways to process our emotions, respond constructively, and help ourselves and others find solace and strength.
What should we do?
When violence or tragedy strikes, the
letters
Advocating for child care in New York
To the Editor:
The year ahead will be filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Our leaders in New York must create the conditions necessary for every child to thrive, while safeguarding our state’s safety net.
We must demand full funding for our child care and public education systems, ensure that every family has a home and access to health care, guarantee clean air and safe environments, and protect every immigrant. We must demand that our state takes a bold position and does not waver from it. Most important, we must demand that the ultrawealthy and extremely profitable corporations pay their fair share, because that’s the key to funding the essential services that help everyone succeed.
For too long, corporate politicians and their wealthy donors have put their interests ahead of the needs of our public schools, child care and working families. It’s time for a change.
first imperative is safety. Avoiding highrisk situations and being vigilant in public spaces are more important than ever.
We must also safeguard our emotional and psychological well-being. Start with staying informed, but not letting yourself be overwhelmed. The 24-hour news cycle has a way of amplifying fear, and while information is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to step back. Be selective about your sources of information, and balance the hard truths of current events with stories that remind you of the good in humanity.
It’s also essential to strengthen our communities. Feeling under siege isolates us, making us retreat into individual fear. But fear is best countered collectively. Reach out to neighbors, join local groups or participate in civic events that promote unity.
Advocate for solutions. Moments of crisis are not always random acts of chaos; they are often symptoms of systemic issues, whether it’s gun violence, mental health crises or deep societal divisions. Supporting policies and groups that address these root causes — and working constructively with people whose opinions differ on the issues — is one way to reclaim a sense of agency in a world that feels out of control.
How should we feel?
The emotions stirred by these tragedies are complex and valid. There’s fear, anger, sadness and sometimes even guilt
— guilt over feeling powerless or for wanting to escape the constant barrage of bad news. It’s important to allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.
Be resilient. Focus on what you can control. Small, deliberate acts — reaching out to a friend, writing to a policymaker or simply stepping outside for a walk — can help restore a sense of balance. While we may not be able to prevent every tragedy, we can control how we respond to them.
How can we help?
Be present. Show up for others. Simple gestures, such as offering an attentive ear or a comforting word, are appreciated. Help the people who are directly affected. Donate to relief funds, volunteer at community centers or contribute to organizations addressing the systemic causes of violence and instability.
Share stories of courage, kindness and resilience. Elevate these stories — not in an effort to persuade others to ignore the pain, but to remind you and them that even in the darkest moments, light filters through.
Feeling under siege doesn’t mean we are powerless. It means that we are called to action — both in our personal lives and in our communities. We are called to care for one another, to demand better from our leaders, and to work toward a future in which safety and joy are not fleeting privileges but shared realities.
Turning the page, and moving from Mineola to Albany
in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3-5 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” In the spirit of that section of scripture, we learn that there is a time to come and a time to go — and these words ring especially true with my departure from the Nassau County Legislature.
Taking the oath of office to serve the people of the State Senate’s 6th District on Sunday has led me to reflect on my nearly 11 years serving the people of Nassau’s 2nd Legislative District. From my first day, Feb. 24, 2014, it has been my mission to serve my constituents with intensity by drawing on my compassion for their challenges and my lived experiences to do all I could to lighten their load. Serving in the Legislature’s minority caucus required me to keep an open mind and bridge the partisan divide to deliver for my constituents. From the outset, I worked with former Legislator Fran Becker to secure funding to train members of the public in the discipline
of mental health first aid. I built on this by authoring and enacting bipartisan legislation in late 2018 that requires all public-facing county employees to receive training.
One of our foremost responsibilities as lawmakers is investing in our collective future.
The first capital infrastructure project I worked on was with former legislator and fellow Westbury resident Laura Schaefer, and together we secured improvements to the Westbury Public Library that ensured that patrons benefited from the dignity of convenient, ADA-compliant bathrooms.
a
fter 11 years in the County Legislature, a new mission in the State Senate.
We have also worked diligently to bolster public safety and strengthen police-community bonds. Starting with a legislative proposal, years of sustained advocacy by Legislator Carrié Solages, former Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams and I yielded a police body-camera program that is now active and protecting officers and the public alike.
Later, by standing with my Democratic colleagues and demanding greater equity in the county’s capital plan, I secured over $69 million for major streetscape and traffic safety initiatives
Letters
Here’s what we’re fighting for to make this happen:
■ Tax the ultra-wealthy and corporations. New York has the public dollars we need, but only when we pass legislation that makes millionaires, billionaires and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. The Invest in Our New York campaign shows how we can raise revenue to support our schools, affordable child care and working families. By ensuring fair taxation, we will finally provide the support our kids, educators, and child-care workers have needed for far too long.
■ A fairer, stronger future for all. Every child needs access to a highquality education, no matter their background. But we can’t make that happen without a state budget that prioritizes equity. The Invest in Our New York campaign offers a blueprint for raising the public dollars needed to fund our education and child-care programs. It’s time for a state budget that focuses on the well-being of all New Yorkers — not just the wealthiest.
Your voice is crucial to making these changes a reality. Join us for Child Care Advocacy Day, on Jan. 28, and AQE Advocacy Day, on Feb. 4. Together we can ensure that the 2025 budget prioritizes public education,
in Hempstead, Uniondale, Westbury and Lakeview. Most recently, I worked with Legislator Scott Davis to obtain $1.75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to equip Hempstead Village to modernize its water infrastructure and remove 1,4-dioxane and other emerging contaminants from its potable water.
Last, but certainly not least, as a more than twodecade breast cancer survivor, I am keenly aware of the importance of water quality and its inextricable connection to public health. To that end, I authored and passed the Ground Water and Public Water Supply Facts Report law, spearheaded legislation to create the Smart Sprinkler Reimbursement program, and wrote a Nassau County Industrial Development Agency initiative that rewards businesses for completing green upgrades — which resulted in the installation of solar panels at Grumman Studios that contribute 3 megawatts of clean solar energy to the power grid. I implore my colleagues to ensure that the county remains in compliance with the Water Supply Facts law after the first report is published, and to continue to fund the Smart Sprinkler
Reimbursement law so that we continue building on the 3.5 percent reduction in water use that the county has already achieved.
My new role in the State Senate brings about great change — for one, I will be serving in the majority. However, my experiences advocating for my constituents from the other side of that dais demonstrated how it is a tremendous responsibility to be wise stewards of the people’s agenda, and I will take that duty to heart as I endeavor to achieve balance through the initiatives I support and the funding I secure for the betterment of Nassau County and our region.
I have often said that there’s more to be done — and it is with that spirit that I will always extend my advocacy to all of Nassau County as we strive for better public schools, improved public health, and greater prosperity and opportunity for us all.
As we embark on a new year replete with promise, I wish you all good health and God’s blessings, and pray that He will continue to keep you as we continue to labor collectively for a brighter future not just for Nassau County, but the entirety of the Empire State.
Siela A. Bynoe concluded nearly 11 years in the Nassau County Legislature on Dec. 31, and now represents the 6th Senate District.
Framework by Alexis Morledge
early care and learning, and universal child care, so that all of New York’s children have the resources they need to succeed.
Let’s make 2025 the year we secure a more just and equitable future for every New Yorker.
ZAKIYAH SHAAKIR-ANSARI MARINA MARCOU-O’MALLEY Co-executive directors, Alliance for Quality Education NY
He’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods,’ too
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column, “Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly (Dec. 19-25): I agree with you, Mr. King: “Blue Bloods” will be missed. It was very well acted and written. What really bothers me is that CBS would not reconsider, despite strong ratings and even stronger outcry about the show ending.
How about another network taking the show, or even better, HBO? It would have worked. It’s a shame that it ended its run this way.
TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside
At Blarney Castle — but did he kiss the stone? — County Cork, Ireland
sieLa a . BYnoe
