Uniondale Herald 08-22-2024

HERALD UNIONDALE

Marking up a good time

At the Back2School Health and Wellness Fair last Saturday, Melki Dijon, far left, and Anesty Codio, both 8, and Princess Dijon, 11, designed their own backpacks with markers and stencils. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Eyeing a change in school funding

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

With another school year set to get under way, the conversation about school funding has reignited.

The Rockefeller Institute of Government held a public hearing about foundation aid for public school funding on July

30 at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale. Charmise Desiré, a Uniondale Board of Education trustee, spoke on behalf of the district.

Desiré, who is also the New York State School Boards Association’s Area 11 director, took to the stage to express her desire for the foundation aid formula to change.

Uniondale students spend summer with ERASE Racism

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

While most of their peers were working summer jobs or sunning themselves at the beach, two Uniondale High School students — sophomore Kayori Robbins and junior Cyniah Alder Laguer — spent their summer working with ERASE Racism.

The organization, based in Syosset, aims to “expose forms of racial discrimination, advocate for laws and policies that eliminate racial disparities, increase understanding of how structural racism and segregation impact our communities and region, and engage the public in fostering equity and inclusion,” according to its mission statement.

“We talk about structural racism on Long Island and its impact on housing, education, health care, the environment and leadership,” Laura Harding, ERASE Racism’s president, said.

T his internship really had opened my eyes to what happened before, what happens now, and what happens in the future.

KAyoRI RoBBINS ERASE Racism intern

The girls were two of eight interns working with the group for six weeks, ending on Aug. 16. This is the third year of the internship, and it was the largest group so far.

The interns worked on a variety of projects throughout the summer, including “zines,” or small booklets, which showed off what they learned.

They also heard from six guest speakers. One was Skyler Johnson, 23, who, despite his loss in the June Democratic primary for the 4th Assembly District seat in Suffolk County, will remain on the Working Families line for Senate District 1 on the November ballot. Robbins said she enjoyed his presentation.

“He talked to us about how he wants kids to get more involved,” she said of Johnson. The interns were also required to complete personal projects, apply what they

ContinueD on PAge 11

Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos

Free health screenings, school supplies for local residents

Uniondale residents were invited to the Back2School Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday in preparation for the start of school in September.

The fair was held in the parking lot of the ShopRite on Jerusalem Avenue in Uniondale. People from Uniondale, as well as surrounding areas including Hempstead, Freeport, and Baldwin, were invited to spend the afternoon receiving free items and enjoying the entertainment. It was hosted by EC Media Strategies.

“I do this to give back to the community,” Elseah Chea, founder and CEO of EC Media Strategies, said.

Molloy University had a truck staffed with nurses, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals parked in the lot to give out free health screenings. People received free tests, from blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol to hearing tests and mental health assessments.

The truck also gave out educational pamphlets and information about a range of ways to mitigate major health problems, like a healthy diet and a steady exercise regime, and the professionals also offered to connect people to relevant doctors and counselors if needed.

Vida McCue, a nurse practitioner from Molloy University, explained that the truck goes to various underserved communities throughout the year to offer free testing, mental health services, and support to those with less access to regular healthcare.

“The purpose and the goal behind this is to go to communities that need healthcare services,” she said.

Go Party On Demand Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Roosevelt, was also a major sponsor, providing a variety of free materials. They worked with local organizations to gather backpacks and school supplies that volunteers handed out for free, with a coloring station for kids to decorate their book bags and a table filled with all kinds of school supplies for kids to “shop” for what they need.

Residents gather at the Molloy University Community Care

and healthy.

There was also a tent with games, including ring toss and beanbag toss. Winners received tickets that they redeemed for a selection of prizes, which included Nerf guns, dolls, and other toys.

Other tents lined the section of the parking lot that represented local businesses and vendors to showcase their offerings to the community. A series of entertainers went on stage throughout the day, including a saxophone performance, a Zumba class, and bodybuilding demonstrations.

Chea started the fair in 2015, and it has continued to grow and service local communities each year.

— Kelsie Radziski

Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos

truck for free health screenings and information on how to stay safe

Nunziata Blocker, 7, smiles with her lollipop and balloon alongside her mom Kristina and her grandma Chantel.

Javier Brabo and Edward, 5, prepare Edward’s free book bag for the upcoming school year. Families line up to play ring toss to win tickets to redeem for prizes.

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Uniondale law firm welcomes new associates

Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC, a law firm in Uniondale, has welcomed two new associates to their team.

Julianne Bonomo has joined the firm to practice real estate law and transactions and corporate law. She earned her law degree from New York Law School in 2014, and she earned her undergraduate degree from Cabrini University in 2011.

Before starting at Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano, Bonomo was the lead real estate attorney for another Long Island firm, Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles LLP, where she was responsible for managing all residential real estate matters, including “pre-contract due diligence, preparation and review of contracts of sale, review and clearance of title exceptions and all matters related to real estate finance,” according to the news release. She also has experience with negotiating and executing commercial leases.

Hillary Massey, her fellow new associate, will practice labor and employment law and commercial litigation.

She earned her law degree from the

City University of New York School of Law in 2021, and she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from New York University in 2014.

Before Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano, Massey spent her career as an assistant law clerk to Judge Richard Montelione of the New York Supreme Court 2nd judicial district and as the principal law clerk to Judge Ashlee Crawford of the New York City Civil Court.

In these roles, she “researched and drafted decisions involving contract disputes, commercial litigation, personal injury matters, employment law disputes, and real estate litigation, and made recommendations regarding complex legal issues,” it was stated in the news release.

Michael Sahn, the firm’s co-managing member, is excited about the “expertise and knowledge” both women bring to the firm and how their addition will supplement the “talented group of lawyers,” according to the news release.

— Kelsie

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Courtesy Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC

Hillary Massey, left, and joins Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano as a new associate, focusing on labor and employment law and commercial litigation and fellow new associate Julianne Bonomo will practice real estate law and transactions and corporate law.

Final report due to governor, Legislature Dec. 1

“Seventeen years have passed since the foundation aid formula was established, yet we continue to operate under outdated measures that fail to address today’s educational realities,” Desiré said. “We need to move beyond outdated models and ensure that funding reflects the true costs of education in our diverse and changing communities.”

Foundation aid, a type of state funding for public schools, is based on a formula that calculates various educational needs, from estimated costs per student to how much local communities can contribute to their districts. The formula was created in 2007, and has not been updated since then.

Desiré argued that times have drastically changed in those 17 years — “practically an entire cycle of a young person’s education.”

In her remarks, she covered many points that district officials in Uniondale and elsewhere believe need to be considered in a reworked state funding system, including the need for increased mental health services, stronger security, and safer technology.

Desiré also expressed the concern certain districts have about charter schools taking large portions of funding from public schools, as well

as the drastically different financial standings — and needs — of communities across the state that have been receiving funds based on the same formula.

“We need a more in-depth look at life in different parts of the state, and costs associated with different regions,” she said.

A Uniondale trustee since 2018, Desiré began her third three-year term this summer. Early this year, she started her first two-year term as NYSSBA’s Area 11 director, representing Nassau County’s 56 public school districts.

“I am immensely proud to have Charmise Desiré as a board trustee,” Uniondale district Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil said in a news release. “In addition to her role on our board, she also serves as a representative of the New York State School Boards Association, advocating tirelessly for the needs of our students and schools. Her dedication and expertise are vital in our ongoing efforts to secure the support necessary for our students’ success.”

The hearing in Farmingdale was one of five public gatherings the Rockefeller Institute held across the state this summer. Attendees were allowed to give live testimony at the hearings or submit comments

online. The goal, according to the institute’s website, was to “conduct a study to assess the State’s Foundation Aid education funding formula and discuss potential modifications to how the formula works.”

“The purpose of the hearings,” Joel Tirado, the institute’s director of communications, told the Herald, “was to gather feedback from the education community and the broader public about whether and how the Foundation Aid formula is serving schools, and to solicit feedback on potential modifications to the formula that might make it more representative of the on-the-ground realities that schools are facing.”

The institute is a public policy think tank that conducts research to determine solutions to problems that New York faces, according to its website. With the hearings completed, the next step is for the institute to review both the live and online comments and include the feedback in its final report to Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, which is due by Dec. 1.

To learn more about the institute, visit RockInst.org.

Have an opinion about state aid for schools? Send a letter to jbessen@ liherald.com.

New York state public school fu N di N g

Public schools in New York receive their funding from three levels of government:

■ Federal 4 percent of total funding

■ State 39 percent

■ Local 57 percent

On the state level, two types of aid are dispersed:

■ Foundation aid 71 percent of state funding

■ Expense-based aid 29 percent

The current foundation aid formula considers multiple factors:

■ Estimated minimum per-pupil cost $7,242 in 2024

■ Rate of inflation, based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index

■ Regional cost index

■ Pupil need index

■ Expected local contribution based on average property values and earned incomes

–Courtesy Fiscal Policy Institute

HERALD SPORTS

left, out of Longwood High School, keys Nassau’s ground attack. At right, Jayden Taylor, a Walt Whitman High School product, tops the depth chart at quarterback for the Lions, who play five of their first six games on the road.

New coach leads Nassau C.C. football

By TONY BELLISSIMO

tbellissimo@liherald.com

Jhaleel Oswald, a former Nassau Community College football captain and key member of its 2013 Toro Bowl-winning team, is the Lions’ new head coach after running the defense/special teams under predecessor Jamel Ramsay for the past two seasons.

The Lions, who tackled plenty of adversity in 2023 and finished a disappointing 5-5, have more than 80 in the program and kick off the Oswald era with a trip to Cleveland to face Rochester Community and Technical College this Saturday at 4 p.m. The Yellowjackets are coming off a heartbreaking loss to DuPage in the NJCAA National Championship game.

“Last year we went through a lot of trials and tribulations and didn’t play up to our standards,” said Oswald, a free safety during his playing days at Nassau and LIU. “Our expectations are to put out a product that gets us back on track with our foundation and culture,” he said. “I’m not sure if we can measure that with wins and losses this year since we have a very young team with about 60 freshmen, but I know these guys are going to play hard and also work hard in the classroom.”

With five of the first six games on the road, Oswald likes the idea of a youthful team spending lots of time together and building camaraderie.

“It’s both a blessing and a curse,” Oswald said of the challenging schedule that includes visits to Navy Prep, Hudson Valley CC and Hocking in September. “We’re going to find a lot out about ourselves early,” he

Aug.

2024 Schedule

Sept. 21 Hudson CC

Sept. 28 Hocking Away

Oct. 4 Wagner JV Away

Oct. 12 Eric CC Home

Oct. 19 Monroe Home

Oct. 26 Hudson CC

Nov. 2 Louisburg

added. “At the same time, it’s a good opportunity to grow the chemistry. We’re trying to look at the schedule in a positive way and we’ll have a bunch of home games in the second half of the season.”

The Lions’ home opener at Mitchel Athletic Complex is under the lights against Army Prep on Friday, Sept. 13. They’ll then play three consecutive games at home in October, versus Erie CC, Monroe and Hudson Valley CC. “We’re playing all respectable programs with quality coaches,” Oswald said. “Every week is going to be a battle.”

Some key new faces to the offense are former Suffolk County high school standouts Jayden Taylor (Walt Whitman quarterback) and Caleb Corbett (Longwood running back.)

Taylor, a lefty with a strong arm, mobility, leadership qualities and knowledge of the game, improved every day in camp, Oswald said, to win the starting job. “He’s a great kid who can do a little bit of everything and I’m really looking forward to him leading our offense,” Oswald said.

Corbett will lead a backfield that includes transfer Eric Harris and serve as one of Oswald’s targets. “Caleb is a powerful runner with good hands and he’s stood out in camp,” the coach said.

A pair of sophomore receivers, Elijah Porter and Andre Mottas, 6-foot-3 and 6-1, respectively, are primed to up their production and make their presence felt downfield. “They’re similar players who run well, have good size and excellent hands,” Oswald said.

The offensive line is one of the Lions’ top position groups and can go eight deep according to Oswald. Sophomore Kenroy Hutchinson anchors the unit at center, with sophomore Jaeden Davis-Samuels of Hempstead and freshman Jayden Jagmohan other confirmed starters

On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Ja’quevios Sam comes off a 49-tackle campaign, sophomore cornerback Dwayne Shulters picked off 2 passes and broke up 6, and could form a shutdown tandem with Abdul Somo.

On special teams, kicker Igor Rzasa and punter Danny Iobo will take care of the legwork.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

Caleb Corbett,

The pervasive smell of the ‘devil’s lettuce’

As restrictions loosen on the use of marijuana, its odor seems to be wafting almost everywhere

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO & WILL SHEELINE of the Herald

The smell of marijuana has sparked division across New York state ever since its legalization under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act on March 31, 2021. While some residents celebrate the change, others express frustration over the strong odor infiltrating public spaces.

According to the New York State Cannabis website, it is legal to smoke or vape cannabis in most areas where tobacco use is permitted, such as private homes or backyards. However, landlords can still ban smoking — both tobacco and marijuana — in apartment buildings. Cannabis consumption is prohibited in motor vehicles, hookah and cigar bars, businesses, restaurants including patios, federal property including public housing, and most public and state parks as well as beaches.

Even with cannabis legalized across the state, the Town of Hempstead has taken measures to restrict its availability. Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board unanimously voted to opt out of marijuana sales on Dec. 8, 2021, preventing businesses from selling it within the town’s borders.

This decision is in line with the state’s Cannabis Law, specifically Section 131, which allows towns, cities, and villages to prohibit cannabis businesses if they passed a local law on or before the later of Dec. 31, 2021, or nine months after the effective date of the section.

Medical marijuana dispensaries can only operate in specific zoning districts, and they must be in buildings with active medical offices and receive authorization from the State Department of Health.

No more than two medical dispensaries are allowed in the town at any time. They cannot be within 1,000 feet of schools, child day-care centers, parks, or places of worship, and must be at least 500 feet from residential areas, with some exceptions. They must operate between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and consumption or use of marijuana on-site is prohibited. People under 18 are not allowed on the premises unless they are patients or accompanied by a guardian.

The Town of Oyster Bay and the City of Long Beach also opted out of permitting cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites in December 2021.

Despite these laws and restrictions, the smell of marijuana still seeps into prohibited areas, demonstrating the ongoing difficulty in controlling its impact on public spaces.

Avita John, a 24-year-old from Wantagh, has faced significant challenges due to her severe asthma, which is exacerbated by marijuana smoke.

“Smell is something that could trigger anything for me, but especially with, like, weed, since it’s a type of, like, smoking and vaping, you could say, that

triggers my asthmatic tendencies more,” John said. “And what happens is that when I smell it, I just want to puke. My lungs, everything, my throat just closes up. So, it’s very hard for me to breathe.”

The problem is particularly evident in her work environment, where customers are often under the influence of marijuana. The presence of smoke in the air makes it difficult for her to interact with them, and exacerbates her health struggles.

In addition to the problems caused by the smell of marijuana, John highlighted broader concerns that affect lung health, suggesting that while laws and designated smoking areas are designed to reduce health risks, they may not fully address the broader challenges of environmental pollution and secondhand smoke.

“I don’t think legislation or governments could do anything, per se, because

they will have to interview us, or they’ll have a form for the insurance company to fill out saying that we’re asthmatic, we have lung issues, and we can’t be around smokers,” she said. “We can’t be around air pollution. But then, there’s air pollution everywhere. We don’t have clean air technically. I would say maybe they could help with our medication causes or give us some monetary incentive to help us with our health care, because they can’t provide a safe space for us. They already have spaces designated for smokers, but there are a lot of people who don’t abide by that.”

The potential problems linked to the smell of marijuana aren’t just limited to health concerns. Alison Camardella, president of the North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse, emphasized that the risk of normalizing marijuana smoking can risk the normalization of its use by young people.

“The dramatic increase in marijuana

smells in our parks, at our beaches and even, you know, sporting events normalizes the use of drugs for our kids, and that’s our concern,” Camardella said. “So regularly seeing and smelling it gives our kids the wrong message that this is safe and that this is OK and that it’s socially acceptable.”

CASA is a nonprofit that focuses on reducing the abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco among students in the North Shore School District. Camardella emphasized that while the dangers of alcohol and tobacco are well-publicized and acknowledged, the potential risks of marijuana abuse by young people are often underreported and brushed aside.

“The more that they see adults using it, the more they’re at risk of using it at a younger age,” Camardella continued. “There is no question that marijuana use in the teen years is not only bad for their developing brains, but it also increases their risk of addiction later in life.”

Not everyone agrees that this is a public issue however. Anthony G., a construction worker who buys marijuana products from the dispensary Strain Stars in Farmingdale and requested anonymity, argued that smoking marijuana in public is legal. Furthermore, he made a contrast between the smoking of cigarettes in public versus smoking marijuana.

“I’m not breaking any laws — I’m not smoking in people’s faces,” he said. “It feels like a double standard, because people are still smoking cigarettes everywhere.”

As marijuana continues to become more accessible and its smell spreads through public areas, finding solutions to maintain comfort and well-being for everyone in these spaces is becoming increasingly important.

Photos courtesy Metro Creative Connection

Some residents and activists have suggested that the normalization of marijuana use has made it seem safer to children.

The use and sale of marijuana was legalized in New York state following the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021.

Long Island youth become future drone pilots

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Long Island youth are charting a new course for their futures at a dynamic aviation camp through the Cradle of Aviation museum.

The Drone Aviators of Tomorrow program provided 12 participants ages 17 to 19 from towns across Long Island with six weeks of instruction and training on “drone operation, construction, and business development,” according to the news release. They graduated on Aug. 15 with the skills to move forward with their certifications to join the workforce.

“The Drone Aviators of Tomorrow program is more than just technical training. It is an investment in the future of our community,” Andy Parton, president of the Cradle of Aviation, said in the news release. “By providing these young people with exposure to STEM education and career opportunities, we are empowering them to become the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

Participants were taught drone technology and the way it’s used in multiple sectors. They went on multiple field trips to see how drones are used and operated, and they received hands-on instruction throughout the six weeks.

They even started the process to obtain their FAA Part 107 drone pilot license, which is required for people aspiring to work in the field.

“I think it’s something, especially as a group, that’s going to impact our future greatly,” Andrew Alameda, a program participant said.

The Cradle of Aviation was the “work site” for this program, said Kurt Rockensies, deputy commissioner of occupational resources for HempsteadWorks, and this was the first year HempsteadWorks partnered with the museum. Rockensies said that each participant was paid $17 per hour, with weeks totaling up to 30 hours, to take part in the program.

HempsteadWorks is one of 30 career centers across New York state, and it services the Town of Hempstead and

Ferraro, CEO and president at East/West

the Drone Aviators of Tomorrow program participants.

the city of Long Beach. They “offer career services to youth and adults,” Rockensies said, including interview skills, resume writing, and career readiness.

Their Student Youth Employment Program has grown over the past few years, with increasing sponsors, more community involvement, and new programs, like the drone camp. It runs throughout the summer to connect young people with “career exploration opportunities,” according to the news release.

Other organizations partnered with HempsteadWorks and the Cradle of Aviation to sponsor the program, including the Institute for Workforce Advancement, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and the Haugland Group LLC.

“I hope that [the participants] real -

ize that there are so many opportunities in the composites manufacturing industry,” Susan McQuillan, adminis -

trative and operations coordinator for the Institute for Workforce Advancement, said.

As part of their program training and education participants received firsthand experience in construction at the Haugland Group Sunrise Wind Converter Station in Holtsville..

Photos courtesy Cradle of Aviation Teresa

Industries Inc., explained the processes behind manufacturing and engineering to

A drone captured a photo of those taking part in the program standing in front of the Haugland Group building at the end of a field trip.

Graduates: Alex Alameda, Andrew Alameda, Donovan Barrett, Erick Brown, Aayan Imran, Jonathan Morales, Challenger Salce, Aidian Sasenarine, Jayden Simpson, Katelyn Simpson, Bryan Valladares, and Kevin Yang

Internships helping to shape students’ careers

learned to their own school districts, and Harding said they had free rein, based on their personal interests and goals.

Robbins’s project was based on “Tale of Two Schools,” a 2009 video that chronicles the funding differences between high- and lower-income schools on Long Island. She created an updated version of the video with facts and testimony from the Uniondale district, and sought information from other districts that receive higher funding. She outlined the differences between the districts in her video.

“I also want to show just going throughout the school and what it looks like in a classroom,” she said. “We have a lot of classrooms and a lot of different classes and courses, but sometimes not always the material we need for the courses.”

Laguer’s project focused on reinstating the student travel program Uniondale High had before the coronavirus pandemic. She collected information on how the program was run, along with its educational benefits, and sent emails to administrators articulating her case for why and how the program can be restarted.

“I’ve been advocating to bring it back and help the teachers,” she said.

One of Laguer’s biggest takeaways from the internship was the history of

housing development on Long Island and the impacts it had on communities.

The legendary urban planner Robert Moses played a large role in developing the Island, and the construction of highways in certain areas divided and segregated neighborhoods, and the impacts still reverberate today.

“When I heard that (history) was one

of the many parts of the nation, I thought that was pretty interesting,” she said.

Robbins’s biggest takeaway was the importance of looking into her own community and keeping up with current events.

“This internship really had opened my eyes to what happened before, what

happens now, and what happens in the future,” she said.

ERASE Racism is a civil rights organization, Harding said, working toward developing solutions to address and “literally erase” racism throughout the region.

“We advocate for fair, affordable and inclusive housing,” she said, “and for educational equity across funding and across access to high-quality education.”

The students are already thinking about how the internship will help them in their future endeavors. In college, Robbins plans to study psychology and neuroscience — “what makes a person think a certain way; what part in your brain will make you act a certain way” — and feels that this summer’s experience will help her with her socialization in college and beyond, and that she will make sure to stay informed about what’s going on around her.

Laguer aspires to be a travel nurse. The internship, she said, opened her eyes to the world around her, and she feels inspired to become more involved in local activities, like meetings and programs, to understand what’s going on in her own backyard and to “change the future.”

“There’s definitely a lot that needs to be changed,” she said, “and I’ve learned that during my internship.”

Courtesy Jason Desrosiers

Cyniah alder Laguer, left, and Kayori robbins spent their summer working with eraSe racism, learning about the impacts of structural racism on Long island.

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Confidence is key

Confident kids do better in class

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We attend all meetings about your child and assist parents whose children attend private or charter schools, obtain services from their home district.

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Summer is waning and you’ve been out shopping for new shoes, clothes and backpacks. The school supplies are labeled, packed up and ready to go — but what about your kids?

Chances are most children and teens are feeling a bit anxious about going back to class. Will math be more difficult this year? Will I fit in? What if someone tries to bully me?

Empower Your Child’s Voice

As a parent, it is your job to help your youngster study hard, stand up to adversity and, most of all, feel confident that he or she will succeed and do well in school. Keeping in mind that parents want their offspring to have a positive approach to education, here’s what a few professionals have to say about building confidence in children as the new school year gets under way.

Ask your children for their advice, instructs Rabbi Roger E. Herst, the author of “A Simple Formula for Raising Happy Children.” “This is an exercise to encourage independent thought,” he says. “Asking children for their advice lets them know you care about and respect their perspective, which tells them their voice matters. It also lets them know they are responsible for their opinions, which have impact on the real world, and not just in their minds.”

Our kids are amazing and it is important that they understand that, says veteran psychologist Dr. Sherrie Campbell. “They are amazing just because they are. They don’t have to do anything to be amazing,” she says. “They are a gift, deserve to be loved and treasured and need to be disciplined to think and believe in their own greatness. When we see them start having low self-esteem we must remind them nothing can stand the way of their greatness.”

Foster Intelligence And Self-Belief Children need to know that they are both smart and significant, says Campbell, the

author of “Loving Yourself: The Mastery of Being Your Own Person.” “When we raise our children, we must raise them to see, believe in and use their intelligence. When our children hear they are smart, and we find every opportunity to reflect this to them through their own actions, we help them to believe it about themselves. When they believe they are smart they behave smartly, perform smartly, communicate intelligently and they make wiser choices.”

“Your child needs to learn how to deal with life on his or her own terms,” says Dr. George S. Glass, co-author of “The Overparenting Epidemic.” “Circumstances change, communication varies and children respond differently as they grow older. This means that all of us will continue making mistakes.

Learning From Mistakes Is Valuable “Let your kids fail, beginning with the first time they fall down on the playground,” he says. “They need to learn early on that life is full of bumps and bruises, and that they have the wherewithal to overcome them.”

“No one is perfect and having confidence doesn’t come as a result of being perfect,” says Campbell. “Confidence comes from learning to love themselves in their not-soperfect moments.” They also need to be powerful, she adds. “It won’t matter what people say about them because they know what they think of themselves.”

Still sometimes mistakes are a good thing, concludes Glass. Rough spots help children gain the confidence needed to succeed first in school and then, later in life. “Work with your kids on how they can learn from their mistakes,” he instructs.

Finally, be sure to let them take pride in their schoolwork and their creations, even if you think that they should be “better” or that you should help out. “It’s their science fair,” says Glass. “You had yours.”

Now that the languid late summer days have yielded to the frenetic school-year schedule, it’s a good time for parents to step back and make a careful assessment of whether or not their children are trying to do too much.

“After-school activities like sports, clubs, dance lessons and volunteering provide important enrichment opportunities for schoolchildren, but too much participation without enough downtime, or participating for the wrong reasons could lead to unhealthy levels of stress,” says family medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Caudle.

“Trying to ‘fit in’ socially or trying to please parents or improve their chances of getting into college can be strong motivators that cause kids to sign up for too many activities or ones they don’t really enjoy.”

School pressures take a toll

According to the results of a “Stress in America” survey published by the American Psychological Association, children and their parents view school-related stress much differently.

Dr. Caudle notes that the survey found that 44 percent of children surveyed said they were worried about doing well in school, but only about one-third of parents thought this was an issue for their kids. And, while just five percent of parents felt their teenage children were worried about get-

When a lot is too much

Childhood stress and extracurricular activities

ting a good job or getting into college, 29 percent of teens reported feeling stress from this concern.

“Most parents want what’s best for their children and want them to experience all the good things the world has to offer,” Dr. Caudle says. “But, parents also need to be

aware that their children may not have the same ability adults have to cope with the kinds of stress over-scheduling can cause.”

According to Dr. Caudle, signs of stress can include headache, stomach pains or fatigue, missing school assignments, mood or behavior changes, weight gain or weight

loss, and changes in sleep. In younger children, new habits like thumb sucking or hair twirling can also occur.

Sometimes the schedule is a burden

While some argue that overscheduling is not necessarily a problem, Dr. Caudle feels that overscheduling can be a cause of stress for some children. The beginning of the school year is the perfect time for parents to talk to their children about their activities.

“Involve your children in the decisionmaking process about activities and remind them to choose an activity because they enjoy it, not because they think it’s what you want them to do or might help them get into college,” Dr. Caudle says.

She also advises on ways to help prevent overscheduling.

√ Make sure your child has plenty of “downtime” and time for rest.

√ Monitor your child for signs and symptoms of stress.

√ Be flexible. Understand that your child’s interests and, thus, activities may change over time.

√ Talk to your child about how they are feeling and listen to their feedback.

Photo: Getting your kids involved in extracurriculars can be enriching, but sometimes taking on too much can make them stressed or unhappy. The resulting anxiety and pressure can outweigh the benefits of their afterschool activities.

Water quality in Western Bays improves

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The water quality in Hempstead’s Western Bays continues to show progressive improvement, according to a report presented Aug. 15 by officials from the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the Town of Hempstead, and Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies.

The report, shown at a briefing held at the Town of Hempstead Marine Laboratory, revealed significant decreases in nitrogen, ammonia, and other harmful pollutants that have historically degraded the water and damaged local coastal wetlands.

“Hempstead Bay and its major tributaries, known as the Western Bays, help drive a multi-billion-dollar economy,” said Richard Guardino, executive director of the LIRPC. “It’s fueled by recreation, bathing, boating, fishing, and seafood harvesting. The Western Bays contribute greatly to the quality of life we enjoy right here in the Town of Hempstead, and it’s one of the most beautiful coastal areas in all of the nation.”

Despite the promising results, officials cautioned that work remains to fully restore the bays’ health. They emphasized that multi-level efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in the waterways should remain a top priority.

Excess nitrogen is recognized as the

An Aug. 15 briefing at the Town of Hempstead Marine Laboratory illustrated a significant decrease in nitrogen pollution in Long Island waters.

leading cause of water quality deterioration in the region, contributing to toxic algal blooms, low oxygen, fish kills, and the destruction of vital marine habitats. It also poses a significant risk to Long Island’s drinking water, because groundwater serves as the island’s source of freshwater.

The Hempstead Bay Water Quality Monitoring Project, initially launched in the 1980s and revived in 2019 under the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan, has been key in addressing water quality issues in the area. The project collects

water samples from various locations in the bays and inland areas to measure levels of nitrogen, ammonia, and other pollutants.

“This is an investment in the environment. This is an investment in the economy,” Councilman Chris Schneider said. “It’s an investment in our safety, and the results we’re seeing, the fruits of the results of that investment, they are terrific, and we’re going to continue it.”

Testing is conducted using a network of 40 surface water stations located

across the Western Bays. These stations help track pollutant levels in the water. In addition, three continuous monitoring sites provide real-time data, and 20 deep-water locations allow researchers to assess conditions below the surface. There are also 12 inland sites to monitor nitrogen deposits from atmospheric conditions and rainwater.

“We’ve seen that the water is becoming cleaner. We’ve seen lately less nitrogen in the water,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said. “And it’s through all these combinations — people committed to making sure that the future is bright for their children, programs we run through the town — but it’s through the ability now to test it here that’s going to be most beneficial, and we are so grateful to have this.”

Hofstra Professor Steve Raciti presented data comparing water quality from 1980 to 1985, which showed high levels of nitrate marked in red on the charts, to the period from 2020 to 2023, when the water had largely transitioned to blue, indicating much lower nitrate levels. Areas near wastewater-treatment plants showed the most significant improvements.

With an additional $5 million invested by the state in the Long Island Nitrogen Action plan since 2015, the program aims to continue reducing nitrogen levels across the Island, beyond just runoff and treatment plant discharges.

Angelina Zingariello/Herald

Nassau County Legislature Approves Operational Lease and Start of Environmental Review in Favor of Sands with Near Unanimous Support

On August 5, 2024, the Nassau County Legislature voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Las Vegas Sands Lease for the Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Legislators voted 19-0 to begin the environmental review (SEQRA) process, and 18-1 on the operations lease, allowing the Coliseum to continue to operate, keeping over 400 employees and management in place.

Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sands New York said, "We are grateful to the Nassau County Legislature for approving the Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum lease today in near unanimous votes of 19-0 and 181. With these votes, the 400+ employees and management of the Coliseum will sleep better at night knowing their jobs are safe. We are also deeply grateful to the many hundreds of supporters and community leaders that have turned out to share their voice on this project and the opportunities it holds."

Matty Aracich, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties said, "Today's vote secured and protected careers for over 400 people who work at the coliseum. Approving the lease for the Sands means they will be able to continue to

provide for their families, and that the Coliseum will continue to operate."

Valerie Fitts, Head of Security for the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum said, "As a Uniondale resident and long time employee of the Coliseum, I came to support the transfer of the lease to Sands. It's unfair to me and my colleagues to ask us to live in limbo not knowing if the doors will open each day."

Sands New York sponsors East Meadow Fire Fest

The members of East Meadow Fire Department’s Engine Company 4 and Ladder Company 2 reintroduced Fire Fest to the community this July, and Sands New York was proud to be a top event sponsor. “Sands New York was proud to support our neighbors in East Meadow for Fire Fest 2024 and we are eternally grateful to all of our selfless volunteers who provide 24/7 fire and emergency medical services to our community. It was a perfect day, and we were encouraged by the large number of attendees who expressed support for the Sands project. We look forward to participating in future Fire Fest programs and continuing to support Long Island’s brave first responder community,” said Ron Reese, Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands.

“The Sands was an engaged and thoughtful event sponsor, and their team members really added to the event. It was

Photo: Members of organized labor rallied on the steps of the Nassau County Legislative Building to support the Sands project and urge legislators to vote YES and move the project forward.

Photos provided by Sands

Photo: The Nassau County Legislature held a vote on Aug. 5 regarding the environmental review process and operations lease between Las Vegas Sands and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

East Meadow’s Fire Fest was held in June, where Sands New York was a top sponsor for the event.

Uniondale Community Center Hosts ‘Housewarming’ Event After Sands New York Sponsored Refurbishment

The John J. Byrne Community Center in Uniondale hosted a “Housewarming” for the community to debut its new decor and furnishings. This celebration followed a generous sponsorship from Sands New York, which included the provision of custom-made furniture that has significantly enhanced the Center’s programming capabilities.

David Greaves, President of the Center, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are incredibly thankful to Sands for their generous support in furnishing our Center. Sands has set a remarkable example of how corporations can engage meaningfully with their communities. Their commitment goes far beyond expectations, truly benefiting Uniondale. Thanks to their contribution, our local families and students will have even more opportunities to use the Center before and after school, and we look forward to offering new programs and enriching events at the John J. Byrne Community Center.”

“Sands always aims to be a good neighbor, and this is an example of how we can help support real grassroots organizations and make an impact for local families,” said Ron Reese, Senior Vice President for Las Vegas Sands. “Having an opportunity to create an inviting space like this, while working with local businesses and community leaders is truly a privilege and we look forward to continuing these efforts for the residents of Nassau County, as our

proposal moves forward.”

The furniture was designed and purchased through Waldner's Business Environments, a womenowned business headquartered in Farmingdale.

Meredith Waldner Stern, President of Waldners said, "We are thrilled to be part of this community project. The Sands team and the Center leadership put a lot of thought and consideration into what would be most useful for the families that use the space, and we were able to collaborate to outfit the Center in a truly meaningful way."

Stern continued, "This is also a great example of the opportunities that the Sands proposal represents for local businesses. That they chose to work with a local womanowned business for this project speaks volumes."

Previously, the Center’s offerings were limited due to insufficient furnishings. Thanks to the Sands New York sponsorship, the John J. Byrne Community Center is now fully equipped to provide a wide range of diverse and robust programs for the community.

The John J. Byrne Community Center is Uniondale's first and only multicultural and intergenerational community Center. They are dedicated to enhancing family and community life through diverse programs, fostering personal growth, well-being, and strong community connections, and promoting lifelong learning and development.

Sands New York Sponsored Custom-made New Furniture, Enhancing Community Programming

East Meadow Little League Holds

‘Inaugural

Mow’ and Barbeque

Welcoming

New Mowing Equipment, Donated by Sands New York

New Equipment, Donated by Sands, Will Empower East Meadow Little League to Keep Grounds Clean, Safe and Ready to Play

East Meadow Little League hosted a barbeque to debut its brand new mowing equipment including a ride-on lawn mower, two weed whackers, a backpack blower, and a push mower all donated by Sands New York. The new mowing equipment was needed to perform routine maintenance to the league’s field complex and keep it clean, safe, and ready to play ball. Volunteers, players, parents, and board members turned out to thank Sands New York and bear witness to the fields’ fresh cut.

Steve LaSala, Commissioner of East Meadow Little League and East Meadow Baseball and Softball Association said, “We are a 100% volunteer organization and we had a critical need for new lawn maintenance equipment. Sands simply stepped up. Because of their generous donation, our fields will be in pristine condition for end-of-summer and fall play, and the families of East Meadow will be able to really enjoy the games. We are grateful to Sands New York, and we are excited to call them neighbors!” Ron Reese, Senior Vice President Las Vegas

Sands, “The families and baseball players of East Meadow deserve to play ball on safe and well cared for fields, and Sands is proud to have

helped them achieve that. The East Meadow community has been a truly welcoming place for

Continued on page 4

LI TODAY

a fun day for all, and our first responders really felt the community's love, which was our primary goal,” said E.J. Brennan, Ex-Captain of Ladder Co. 2, one of the event organizers, along with Ex-Captain Ray Pellecia, also from Ladder 2, and Ex-Chief Anthony Messina, from Engine Co. 4. Brennan continued, “Thanks to the support

of the community and our wonderful event sponsors the event was a phenomenal success, raising funds in support of the volunteer fire and EMS responders of Engine Company 4 and Ladder Company 2. A portion of the proceeds also benefited the Terry Farrell Firefighter Fund, the Ray Pfeifer Foundation, the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, Gigi's

Playhouse of Long Island and Paws of War.” The event was held alongside the Fire Fest Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival with 25 participating brewers and many popular food trucks. Hundreds turned out to enjoy the craft beer tasting, great music, good food, axe throwing, and other fun outdoor activities. •••

who we are:

our team, and we are glad to support their youth athletes with this new equipment.” Others in attendance included Nassau County Legislator Thomas McKevitt, State Assemblyman John Mikulin, Town of Hempstead Councilman Dennis Dunne, and former Presiding Officer for the Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves. Following the barbeque, five Little

League games with an approximate total of 60 youth players took to the fields for scheduled games.

LaSala concluded, “Special thanks to our representatives who came out today, especially former Presiding Officer for Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves who was instrumental in making this happen.”

The developer of a proposed multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality and entertainment project on Long Island

Continued from page 3

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York

STANLEY M. BERGMAN

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CEO

HENRY SCHEIN

SPECIAL AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED VISIONARY

STANLEY M. BERGMAN

Chairman of the Board and CEO Henry Schein

ORGANIZATIONS OF EXCELLENCE

BRIGHTVIEW SENIOR LIVING

LONG ISLAND SELECT HEALTHCARE

PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION

EXCELLENCE IN NURSING ADVOCACY

NEW YORK STATE NURSE’S ASSOCIATION (NYSNA)

CN GUIDANCE COUNSELING & SERVICES

MICHELLE BALLAN, PhD

Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Welfare

Professor, Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Health Services

KIMON BEKELIS, MD

Director

Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island

MICHAEL BROWN

CEO Fellow Health Partners

JORDAN BRODSKY, MD

Medical Doctor & Rheumatologist Rheumatology Consultants

ALANNA M. CARCICH, MBA

Senior Director, Joints, Spine & Orthobiologics Northwell Health Orthopedics

CATHERINE CANADEO

Founder & CEO

Catherine Candeo Health & Wellness Corp

NICOLE CHRISTENSEN

Founder & CEO

Award-Winning Patient Advocate & Care Coordinator Care Answered

TODD J. COHEN, MD Chief of Cardiology, Director of Medical Device Innovation New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

TORI COHEN

Executive Director Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center

CAROLYNN EIPEL

Director of Home Care Services CareFirst Home Solutions

HEIDI FELIX

Vice President of Sales LifeVac

NICK FITTERMAN, MD, MACP

Executive Director Huntington Hospital Northwell Health

MARY GMITEREK-APAT, D.C. Chiropractor Dr. Mary's Chiropractic and Wellness Center

DOUG GOLUB President Data Potato

AARON GROTAS, MD

Board-Certified Urologist PRINE Health

LORI GOOSTONE, DHEd., RN Professor, Department of Nursing Farmingdale State College

RENEE HASTICK-MOTES, MPA

Senior Vice President/ Chief External Affairs Officer & President St. John's ICARE Foundation at Episcopal Health Services

ROBYN JOSEPH, MD

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery / Founder Northern Ankle Foot Associates

FELICIA KASOW Director of Marketing & Operations PURE Mammography

NANCY C. LEGHART Executive Director St. John's Episcopal Health Services

BRIAN MAYRSOHN, MD

CMO & Owner

Maywell Health

PARUL DUA MAKKAR, DDS Owner PDM Family Dental

TINA MORENO

Vice President of WORC Force Capital Campaign Life's WORC

DENIS NANKERVIS, DO, FACS, FACOS Trauma Medical Director/Assistant

Professor of Surgery at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health

LILLIAN PALEY

Vice President of Clinical Services & Recruitment Silver Lining Homecare Agency

CAROLYN K. QUINN

Executive Director, Cohen Children's Center; SVP Pediatrics, Northwell Health Cohen Children's Medical Center Northwell Health

MEG C. RYAN, ESQ. Interim CEO & President Chief Legal Officer NHCC Nassau University Medical Center

DEAN RISKIN Co-Founder & CEO Hair We Share

MELISSA SCHACHTER, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD Speech Language-Pathologist & Director The Speech Language Place

LISA STERN AVP of Senior & Adult Services Family & Children's Association

AMYEE ST. PIERRE Vice President, Senior Consultant, Health & Performance HUB International

JOSEPH VERDIRAME Manging Partner & CEO Alliance Home Care

Enhancing student learning with new district initiatives

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

The Uniondale school district is preparing for the upcoming school year by introducing new programs and improving existing ones to offer students a variety of opportunities.

Superintendent Monique DarrisawAkil outlined key points for students and parents to look forward to into the new school year at the monthly Board of Education meeting on Aug. 5.

“We are at the beginning of the end of summer break, and we are speeding straight through to the beginning of the new school year,” she said, “and we couldn’t be more excited about it.”

One new program Akil and other administrators are excited about is the “My Sister’s Keeper” initiative, which will be aligned with the “My Brother’s Keeper” program.

The new group, Akil said, is a “girls empowerment initiative” that will begin in Uniondale High School for the first time this fall, and it will be dedicated to “leadership development, cultural identity, service,” and academic preparedness.

The district is also dedicating time and resources to existing programs, including the Autism program across the elementary schools, the dual language program across the district, and the “Algebra for All” initiative in middle schools to improve grades and test scores in challenging algebra classes. They’re also expanding the “Sown to Grow” program in the middle schools, which is a computer-based program that allows students to discuss their feelings and needs, and teachers respond with support.

The district also had a variety of programs for Uniondale scholars of all ability levels throughout the summer to prepare them for the school year ahead, including camps centered on literature, STEAM education, music, and the arts.

One of the programs was the “Ele -

One of the many summer programs offered by the district included the Elevate AP Boot Camp, where students learned different study skills in preparation for their AP classes in the upcoming school year.

vate AP Boot Camp,” where students were introduced to the rigor and expectations of advanced placement classes over the course of four days. Each day, students learned different study skills to help them with the college-level courses they will be taking during the school year.

The district increased the enrollment for their AP courses by more than 50 percent in the past year, growing from around 300 students to over 523, officials noted in a news release.

Students who attended the AP summer program feel ready for the challenges ahead, assistant superintendent Rhonda Taylor said, because of the “opportunity to sit with staff members during the summer and have office hours” to receive support.”

The school district aims to continue expanding and updating its offerings, and the benefits they provide to students should enhance the students’ learning, officials added.

“We are looking forward to starting another successful school year,” Natalie Longsworth, vice president of the Board of Education, said.

Kelsie Radziski/Herald

The Uniondale Board of Education shared some exciting moments from the summer and looked to the approaching school year at their monthly board meeting on Monday.

Courtesy Uniondale school district

STEPPING OUT

Forever in tune with the ‘World’s Greatest Entertainer’

AL JOLSON

tribute celebrates 25 years

Disco fever

Boogie along with Disco Unlimited at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will — when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, the exhilarating band will draw you in with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show that creates an unforgettable concert experience. Close your eyes and you will truly believe you are listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. This group of unique musicians love and live this era of music. As always, bring seating.

Saturday, Aug. 24, 7-9 p.m. For information, visit NassauCcountyNY. gov/parks.

By Iris Wiener

Al Jolson was considered the “Greatest Entertainer” of his day, so it is no surprise that the annual Long

Island Jolson Festival is celebrating 25 years next month, Sept. 7.

The unique and lively remembrance of the icon, who was a pioneer in many genres in the 1920s — including music, film (“The Jazz Singer”) and theater (“Hold on to Your Hats”) — will be filled with nostalgia, the musical stylings of beloved Jolson entertainer Tony Babino and by “Mr. Tin Pan Alley,” Richard Halpern, along with many memorable surprises.

The festival, which returns to Lambrou’s Catering Hall in Island Park, will also treat guests to comedic performances, an auction and the camaraderie of being in a space shared with like-minded Jolson enthusiasts. Jan Hernstat, the International Al Jolson Society’s longtime president, says that fans travel to Long Island for this special experience from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and even Virginia.

“Jolson was the biggest star of the ‘20s, ‘30s and much of the ‘40s,” says Hernstat. “The problem is people don’t remember him anymore because there’s no outlet for his work. He was a star before radio, television and talking movies. There was no internet, and yet people all over the world knew who he was! The Al Jolson Festival is our way of letting people know the kind of talent that he was, and the kind of things that he did. There’s still a lot of people who want to come and celebrate him.”

Hernstat has been organizing the event since its inception. “It’s amazing, and we’ve had a lot of different people join us over the years. Soupy Sales, Margaret Whiting, Sheldon Harnick,” he recalls.

• Sept. 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Tickets are $49.95, which includes entertainment and meals; tickets for show only are $29.95

• Information and tickets available at Jolson.org or call Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524.

• Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park

To everyone’s delight, mainstay Babbino — aka “The Heart of Al Jolson” — is always the grand finale.

“I’ve had the great honor of being a part of it all these years,” says Babino as he considers his history with the festival. “It’s a great tribute to one of the greatest entertainers, and it’s something special to me because I’ve been paying tribute to Jolson my entire life. To be able to do it continually for the people who appreciate it, it’s really an amazing thing for me to experience.”

Hernstat wanted to focus on comedy this year. He’s brought in impressionists taking on Groucho Marx, Rodney Dangerfield and Laurel & Hardy.

“We’re going to recreate a radio skit that was done on ‘Kraft Music Hall’ between Jolson and Groucho,” Hernstat says. “We have an actual script!”

And, of course, there’s memorabilia available for sale, as always. This year’s selection includes items from a long time collector who passed.

“There are many things you couldn’t get otherwise. Between the auction and the sale, there’s going to be an awful lot of things Jolson fans can take advantage of,” Hernstat adds.

“It’s important to keep Jolson’s legacy alive for so many reasons, besides his one-of-a-kind, unique voice that’s easily recognizable,” Babino says.”He came to the U.S. as a little kid and went on to live the American dream. He did it all on his own. He became the biggest star in the country — on Broadway and then in the movies. At a time when it was very difficult to get to New York from other places, Jolson came up with the idea to take a full Broadway show on the road. That became the forerunner of the touring companies we have today. He was the first guy to go overseas and sing for the troops in World War II. He accomplished all these things [and many more] and he was kind of a forefather of modern show business.”

Participating yearly is truly a labor of love for the vocalist.

“We get such joy out of making it fun and interesting, performing some of the great and familiar music that people still love. We make a great day of it,” Babino says.

Hernstat remains intent on keeping Jolson’s legacy front and center in the public eye.

“If you are a lover of old time nostalgic stars of the past, you should not miss this,” he says with enthusiasm. “You’re going to want to come back again and again. We hope to continue to do this year after year, but don’t miss this one. It’s one for the ages!”

‘Good times never seemed so good’

Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by the musicians who perform as Neil Forever. The 14-piece band delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. Founder David Jacobson (lead vocals/guitar), has a great passion for Diamond’s music and legacy. Jacobson, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey only recently, in January of 2023. The band is already forging an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic Neil Diamond hits, especially“Sweet Caroline,” of course.

Saturday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Singer Tony B is the featured performer, yearly, acclaimed for his renditions of Jolson’s standards.

Photos courtesy Jan Hernstat

Al Jolson with his third wife dancer/actress Ruby Keeler.

THE Your Neighborhood

Aug. 30

Dweezil zappa

Guitarist Dweezil Zappa brings the aptly named “Rox-Postrophy” Tour to the Paramount stage, Friday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m. Zappa is celebrating two of his father Frank Zappa’s landmark albums, “Roxy & Elsewhere” and “Apostrophe.”

The tour commemorates the 50th Anniversary of both albums and Zappa has curated a setlist highlighting fan-favorite tracks from each record, replete with unique hybrid arrangements.

“The songs you think you know, may just end up surprising you with parts you’ve never heard before” according to Zappa. A Grammy-winning musician, Zappa has left an indelible mark on the music industry with over 2,000 concerts performed worldwide.

Known for his masterful performances and deep connection to his father’s music, he returning to concert stages for the first time since the 2020 Hot Ratz Live! Tour, continuing to guide fans through the thrilling and sophisticated world of his father’s music. His virtuosity on the guitar is matched only by his prolific compositional skills, which have generated numerous original works spanning multiple albums including “Confessions of Deprived Youth” (1991) and “Via Zammata” (2015). His music effortlessly traverses genres, seamlessly weaving together elements of rock, fusion, and experimental sounds, all while maintaining a signature style that is unmistakably his own. In addition to his solo work, Zappa has collaborated with an impressively varied roster of artists, including Edward Van Halen, Deep Purple, Lisa Loeb, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Steve Vai, among others. $89, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49. 50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, Sunday, Aug. 25, starting at 9 a.m. The group meets at the gazebo. The park is on the north side of Merrick Road, four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.

Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts its annual Walk in the Park fundraiser, at Eisenhower Park, Thursday, Sept. 28. The walk kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the park’s Field 6. Those who raise $100 or more will have an opportunity to meet retired baseball player Dwight Gooden, who’s joining the walk’s efforts as an ambassador. For more information, visit ALZFdn.org/ walk.

Rockin’ Labor Day

Rock on at Point Lookout for a rousing Labor Day weekend celebration, at Town Park Point Lookout, with Mike DelGuidice, Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. The free concert, hosted by the Town of Hempstead, concludes with a fireworks show.

DelGuidice, known for his appearances with Billy Joel, captivates audiences all over with his renditions of the Joel hits, along with his own tunes. 1300 Lido Blvd. in Point Lookout. For information, visit toh.li.

Town of Hempstead Narcan training

Participate in free training, hosted Rep. Anthony P. D’Esposito, Friday, Aug. 23, 3 p.m., at Island Trees Public Library. Session includes how to identify an overdose, administer the Narcan Kit, and contact emergency official, Obtain a Narcan certification and a Narcan Kit. 38 Farmedge Road, Levittown. To register online, visit toh311.net/ NarcanSignUp.

COMMUNITY

Movie Night

Enjoy a film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, at the closing screening of the season, Wednesday, Aug. 28, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See “Wonka,” the prequel based on the Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” It tells the story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, the big screen spectacle introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chockfull of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Teen Chess Club

Kids in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to join Uniondale Library’s Teen Chess Club, Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m. Interested in playing Chess with other Teens? Not sure how? Former Junior Friends member Mr. Raynor is here to help. Registration required. 400 Uniondale Ave. Register at UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.

Long Island Feast Fest

Enjoy tasty treats and so much more, over 20 food trucks. Saturday, Aug. 24, noon-8 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Shop among local artists and vendors. $10 in advance; $20 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City. To buy tickets in advance, visit EventBrite.com. For more information, email ElChurroEvents@gmail.com.

Let’s Get Graphic Book Discussion

Teens in grades six through 12 can participate in a lively discussion about the graphic novel “Charisma’s Turn” by Monique Couvson, with Ms. Kendrick-Samuel, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 7-8 p.m, at Uniondale Public Library. Snacks and prizes will be offered as well. Those interested can check out a copy of the book at the library. 400 Uniondale Ave. To learn more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.

Having

an event?

Mommy and Me

Hair Styling

Learn how to style your child’s natural hair, with stylist Ananoda Clark, Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 400 Uniondale Ave. To sign up or to learn more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.

Uniondale Junior Friends

Uniondale Junior Friends invite teens in grades 6 through 12 to join in their peer-led meetings, Fridays, 4:305:30 p.m. Discuss upcoming events, share ideas and learn about community service opportunities. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.

Farmer’s Market

Visit Parking Field 8 at Eisenhower Park for a farmer’s market full of farm-fresh produce and locally-made products, Saturdays, through Oct. 26, 9 a.m.- noon. 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. For more information, call (516) 832-2591.

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

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.

Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Art

talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum, Thursday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the in-depth program and also participate in a guided exhibition tour following the lecture. No registration required, but limited seating. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Art Craft and Gift Vendor Fair

Shop ‘til you drop with tons of vendors to explore over two days! More than 75 vendors with a variety of products and food will be available for purchase, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eisenhower Park Field 8. Free parking and admission. For more information, call (516) 442-6000.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

QUORUM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff against SHAUN HANLEY, et al

Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s)

Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230,Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 25, 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 September 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 624 Southern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 36 Block 139 Lot 97. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Hempstead, in the County of Nassau, State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $144,549.60 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601949/2023.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the 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. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. 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. 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.” Property is being sold subsequent to two prior liens of record.

Paul Meli, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000779-1 148198

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST II, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff, AGAINST GWENDOLYN ORTIZ, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 22, 2022.

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 September 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM premises known as 167 Stanton Blvd, 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 36, Block 113 and Lot 309, 310, 311.

Approximate amount of judgment $665,070.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #008043/2014.

Dominic A. Villoni, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 148287

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, NA, Plaintiff AGAINST EQUILLA EDWARDS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 25, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 34 Sherman Street, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, rporated area, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and

State of New York, Section 55, Block 322, Lot 68-70. Approximate amount of judgment $462,965.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002889/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-003140 81668 148290

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 4th day of September, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:

EAST MEADOW

MARIAN COURT - north side, starting at a point 55 feet east of the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-332/24)

ELMONT

BRADFORD AVENUEnorth side, starting at a point 75 feet west of the west curbline of Melrose Street, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-341/24)

COURT STREET - south side, starting at a point 29 feet east of the east curbline of Covert Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-311/24)

TRAVIS AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 455 feet south of the south curbline of Surprise Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-316/24)

VIRGINIA DRIVE - east side, starting at a point 148 feet west of the west curbline of Robert Avenue, north for for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-310/24)

HEWLETT

THOMAS STREET - west side, starting at a point 273 feet south of the south curbline of Franklin Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-322/24)

ROOSEVELT

EAST PENNYWOOD

AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 169 feet east of the east curbline of Park Avenue, east for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-318/24)

BRANCH PLACE - north side, starting at a point 50 feet east of the east curbline of Linden Place, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-283/24)

UNION STREET - west side, starting at a point 181 feet south of the south curbline of Forest Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-347/24)

UNIONDALE

PEMBROOK STREETnorth side, starting at a point 40 feet east of the east curbline of Ruxton Street, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-292/24)

WEST HEMPSTEAD

EUSTON ROAD SOUTHeast side, starting at a point 75 feet south of the south curbline of 7th Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-281/24) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: August 6, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 148534

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. PAPIO DEVELOPMENT CORP., Pltf. vs. MICHAEL OUMANO, et al, Defts. Index #615678/19. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered July 31, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 543 Hawthorne Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 a/k/a Section 34, Block 388, Lots 236, 237. Approximate amount of judgment is $2,416.45 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. KENNETH GARTNER, Referee. BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 156 West 56 Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY 10019. File No. 308765.047 - #101695 148514

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee, on behalf of the registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-FF8, Plaintiff AGAINST Ana Yanez a/k/a Ana M. Yanez a/k/a Ana Maritza Yanez, Juan Yanez a/k/a Juan A. Yanez, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 17, 2016, 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 September 24, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 950 Ditmas Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 50, BLOCK: 452, LOT: 7. Approximate amount of judgment $401,125.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #010573/2014. 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. Roger H. Hausch, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-067521-F00 81858 148491

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 September 24, 2024 at 2:30 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. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

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 148555

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Being At Uniondale, In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 36 Block 141 Lot 2 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $77,306.39 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 613486/2020

Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.

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.

SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Dated: 7/19/24 File Number: 37784 SH 148547

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. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. 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. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee File # NY-13300040-16 148309

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).

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2018-SP3 TRUST, Plaintiff, Against ANGELA D. JIMENEZ AS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF ANGEL J. JIMENEZ; ANGELA D. JIMENEZ; JAMES E. JIMENEZ, LOUIS O. MATOS A/K/A LUIS O. MATOS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/06/2023, 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. 11501on 9/24/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 596 Park Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553, And Described As Follows:

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY ROUNDPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING CORPORATION, Plaintiff against MARIE BRIFIL A/K/A MARIE C. BRIFIL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 11, 2019, 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 September 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 698 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 50 Block 120 Lot 119. All that lot or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $502,480.18 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 003074/2017. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not

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 2020-RPL1, Plaintiff, Against ROSALINE JOHNSON, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/25/2024, 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 9/12/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 278 Anchor Way, Uniondale, NY 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 in East Hempstead, Unincorporated, In The Town Of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 50 Block 33301 Lot 107

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $519,383.25 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 607898/2021 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.

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee. 148317

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Do we have to replace all the

windows?

Q. We have been told that when we add to our second floor, over our one-story garage, we will have to change every window in the house so we can meet the “egress” code. This is going to make our project out of budget, so we have to ask somebody else to know whether this is the case, and whether there’s any way we can keep the windows we have. There is nothing wrong with them, and it seems like a lot of cost when, if we left everything alone, we apparently wouldn’t have to do this. Can you explain this?

A. You don’t need to change every window in your home. You got the easy, simple answer, which was wrong or, at best, only partially right, and misleading. If everything could be explained with a simple answer, like the black-and-white, all-ornothing answer that you received, the world would be a simpler place. But nothing is simple, and, unfortunately, regulations on windows, which make sense, were not explained to you correctly.

First, the building codes exist for occupant and public safety. You need to be able to escape in an emergency, and you also may need to be rescued. Picture a big firefighter with his equipment strapped to him, trying to get in to save a child who is huddled, as many will do, in a closet.

Window size regulations in the building codes for escape and rescue were changed with the issuance of the 2003 version. In that updated code, the previous clear opening size was 4 square feet, but it was changed to 5.7 square feet for floors above or below the first floor. The first-floor windows for habitable spaces were then upgraded to 5 square feet clear opening from 4 square feet. This became required if more than 50 percent of the building was being physically altered, or if the occupancy use of a room changed, such as changing a den to a guest room. All bedrooms are now required, in new construction, to have 5.7-square-foot openings with a minimum height of 24 inches and a minimum width of the clear opening, with the window in the open position, of 20 inches.

Now that you have processed that information, the key is “habitable” versus “non-habitable.” Your bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen are not habitable rooms and are not sleeping rooms. The windows in those non-habitable rooms do not have to comply, and need not be changed. Rooms like your dining area, living room and family room may have access to the outside by doors, so those windows do not need to be changed. This leaves the bedrooms, which may need to be changed, but if the area you are adding over your garage does not constitute 50 percent of the dwelling, the new windows need to be 5.7 square feet, but the ones in the old bedrooms do not. Appendix J allows for the existing windows to remain. Calculate the new areas and compare. Good luck!

© 2024 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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opinions

Hempstead deserves solutions, leadership from Blakeman

The 59,000 residents of the Village of Hempstead are facing major issues that threaten to impede their access to nutritious food and clean water. As the leader of the municipal entity directly responsible for administering social services and preserving the welfare of our residents, I implore Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and his administration to work with the coequal legislative branch and village officials to address the full magnitude of the challenges these compounding concerns are creating for our shared constituencies.

siELA A. BYnoE

Hempstead was already facing the prospect of a tremendous public health issue after Mayor Waylyn Hobbs confirmed the presence of the emerging contaminant 1,4-dioxane in all of the village’s drinking water wells. When news later broke that Stop & Shop — the only full-service supermarket currently operating in the village — planned to close later this year, a dual-pronged threat emerged. It is one that could further exacerbate existing health care disparities in a community

Mthat experts have already designated a food desert, and where nearly one-sixth of the population under age 65 lacks health insurance.

There are pathways forward for addressing these issues, and Blakeman and the Legislature collectively have a full complement of tools at our disposal. However, a sense of urgency and purpose has been absent from the administration’s response to date.

I recently met with officials at the Hempstead Water Works, where I was advised that demolition and site work at the future location of a state-of-the-art water-treatment facility could begin immediately — work that could be funded using federal American Rescue Plan Act resources that are currently in the county’s coffers.

one-year dioxane enforcement waiver from the state is set to expire on Friday.

W e need to start work on a state-of-the-art water-treatment facility.

But the Blakeman administration persists in its refusal to release the money, hiding behind a bureaucratic demand that all funding sources be identified prior to the release of ARPA resources. The excuse is flimsy, as the village board voted to authorize a $55 million bond to fund the work while it continues to seek federal and state grants to offset expenses borne by the bond. The $1.8 million that Davis and I requested would be applied to shovelready Phase 1 work that can begin in the immediate future.

and pursue the continuation of their service to the residents of Hempstead. Explorations of a grant drawn from Nassau’s roughly $50 million in remaining ARPA funds, which will be clawed back if not obligated by year’s end, should be on the table.

In May, Legislator Scott Davis and I requested nearly $1.8 million in ARPA funding from $15 million set aside for legislative initiatives to support the preliminary stage of this massive infrastructure project. Not only will these funds equip the village to expedite this vital multi-year endeavor, but it is important for residents to witness government working together to solve problems — especially as Hempstead’s most recent

During the expected twoto three-year process of building the water-treatment plant, the administration should also apply ARPA resources to funding the distribution of bottled water; providing water filters for homes and businesses; and establishing point-of-use water distribution sites throughout the village to ensure that residents and businesses have access to safe, potable water. Direct delivery must also be provided for seniors and those with mobility challenges.

Similarly, it behooves Blakeman, the Legislature and our partners in government to sit with Stop & Shop executives

Collaborating with the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency is another avenue. Consistent with its mission to promote economic development and job growth and advance health and general economic welfare, I previously worked with the agency to launch a program that offers tax incentives to industries that upgrade their facilities to reduce pollution, conserve water and generate renewable energy. Based on the precedent our work established, a similar program of targeted benefits, tailored to aid in the retention of food grocers and prevent the emergence or worsening of food deserts in our county, would be appropriate.

It is clear that the precedents and tools exist to address Hempstead’s current challenges and ensure they do not further intensify. I stand at the ready to work with the county executive and my colleagues in government to deliver the solutions that are within our reach.

Siela A. Bynoe represents Nassau County’s 2nd Legislative District and is the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.

Students learn history in English, too

y love of reading and history began when I was about 16. Enrolled in an Advanced Placement English class at my high school, I was blessed to have an amazing teacher who taught me how to make sense of the things I read, and consequently fostered my love of writing. It was around then that I began to develop an understanding of things I could never relate to, of experiences I could never begin to comprehend.

A book, or rather a memoir, that left a lasting impression on me was “Black Boy,” by Richard Wright, published in 1945. It depicts Wright’s upbringing in the South and his eventual move to Chicago, where he embarks on a writing career and becomes involved with the Communist Party of the United States.

It’s a difficult but impressive read that dives into Wright’s honest and poignant depiction of racism in the U.S. It pulls at your heartstrings as you read about the considerable distress that Wright experienced — physically, men-

tally and emotionally — throughout his early life.

The book was both critically acclaimed and strongly disliked. It has frequently ended up on banned-book lists in schools and libraries in a number of states, with those opposed to it arguing that its raw depiction of racism is worthy of censorship.

An early challenge to the book came in 1972 in Michigan, as parents claimed it was unsuitable for teens. A few years later, it was challenged by schools in Louisiana and Tennessee.

some subject matter should make us uncomfortable, but that’s OK.

It was one of the books that parents of students at Island Trees High School — right here on Long Island — wanted removed from the school’s library in 1975. They characterized “Black Boy” and 10 other books as “anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and just plain filthy.”

That, of course, eventually led to a landmark case in the Supreme Court, the first of its kind to consider the right to receive information in a library under the First Amendment. The court’s decision in 1982 was split, leaving the scope of the right unclear even today.

Across the U.S., there have been more

frequent reports in recent years of books being removed from school shelves, many with content that revolves around race, sexual orientation and gender identity. In Florida alone in 2021 and 2022, school districts instituted 357 bans, according to PEN America, the organization that promotes free expression and protects writers and artists.

As a reader, and a huge supporter of public education, I find the subject of book bans tricky.

I think schools set appropriate standards for what students read throughout the course of their education. The content of books they’re assigned often corresponds well with what they’re learning in history classes, thus fostering a well-rounded understanding of a variety of subjects. By the time most students are in late middle school and high school, their brains are developed enough to understand themes, identify imagery and symbolism, and analyze and evaluate ideas they’ve found in texts. No matter how intense a book’s subject, a student should be able to not only make sense of it, but learn from it.

That’s the magic of reading.

When I think about books like “Black

Boy,” and why they’ve resonated with me all these years later, much of it has to do with comfort. Reading about the atrocities of our past is never easy. Simply put: Some subject matter should make us uncomfortable, but that’s OK. It’s through reading that we learn, and how can we ever learn if censorship runs rampant?

The New York State Legislature has fought book bans, introducing legislation that protects a child’s right to read. There have been no fewer than 13 book bans in four school districts, and the issue has played out in school board meetings and social media, even here on Long Island.

Understanding today’s societal and political landscape is tough, but the foundations of the past can help us make sense of it. As students and young people begin to navigate the complexities of society, it is crucial that their freedom to read, and to be exposed to diverse perspectives, is protected. It is only through understanding our past and confronting uncomfortable truths that we can move toward building a more inclusive, and more informed, future.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.

JoRDAn VALLonE

HeraLd editoriaL

A relief for Long Island’s senior community

FHERALD

or years, Long Island’s seniors have faced a daunting challenge: the ever-rising cost of prescription medications. In a region where the cost of living already stretches many budgets to the breaking point, our elderly neighbors have often been forced to make impossible choices between their health and their financial stability. now, however, there is a ray of hope on the horizon for nassau and Suffolk counties’ substantial senior population.

The federal government’s recent announcement of negotiated prices for 10 commonly prescribed medications under Medicare marks a significant turning point. For Long Island, where nearly one in five residents is over age 65, this change promises real, tangible benefits.

Consider the impact on our community. The price of Eliquis, a blood thinner used by thousands of area seniors to prevent strokes, will be slashed by 56 percent. For a retiree on a fixed income, that could mean a savings of nearly $3,500 a year — money that can now go toward other essentials like food and utilities, or even small luxuries that improve quality of life.

Similarly, a 66 percent price reduction for Jardiance, a crucial medication for diabetes and heart failure, could be life-changing for many of our neighbors. With diabetes affecting a significant portion of the elderly population, this price cut could mean the difference between managing the condition effectively and facing severe health compli-

cations.

And the benefits extend beyond individual savings. By reducing the financial strain of medication costs, we may see improved adherence to prescribed treatment plans among our senior population. That could lead to better health outcomes, and potentially reduce the burden on our local health care systems, including hospitals like Mt. Sinai South nassau and northwell.

Moreover, these savings could have a ripple effect throughout our local economy. When our seniors have more disposable income, they’re more likely to patronize local businesses, contributing to the vitality of our communities.

It is crucial, however, to address the concerns raised by some about the potential impact on pharmaceutical innovation when the federal government steps in to negotiate drug prices. Critics argue that negotiated prices could stifle research and development, potentially depriving us of future breakthrough treatments.

While this concern is valid, it’s important to put it in perspective. The pharmaceutical industry remains highly profitable, with margins that far exceed most other sectors of the economy. Many breakthrough drugs have been developed with significant public funding through institutions like the national Institutes of Health. And the negotiated prices, while lower, will still provide these companies with substantial revenue.

Furthermore, we must weigh the hypothetical loss of future innovations

against the very real, immediate benefit to our community. For the senior you know who has been cutting pills in half to make them last longer, or the retiree next door who has been skipping doses to stretch their budget, these price reductions aren’t just numbers — they’re a lifeline.

Long Island has always valued innovation, but we also believe in taking care of our own. We can and should continue to support pharmaceutical research, but not at the cost of our seniors’ health and financial security.

As these new prices take effect in 2026, we encourage our senior readers to stay informed and discuss the changes with their health care providers. Those who are concerned about how lower prices might affect their medications can reach out to local resources like the nassau County Department of Human Services for guidance.

This step toward making medications more affordable isn’t just a win for our elderly population — it’s a win for all of us who believe in the promise of a compassionate, equitable health care system. It’s a reflection of our values as a community, showing that we prioritize the well-being of our neighbors over corporate profits.

So let’s continue to advocate for policies that benefit our local seniors while also supporting responsible innovation. Long Island has always found ways to balance progress with compassion, and this is one more opportunity for us to show what makes our community truly special.

Momalas — and more — unite

for Kamala

To the Editor:

Re Randi Kreiss’s column in the Aug. 8-14 issue, “Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us”: So many of us are also hoping that “all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement to elect (Kamala) Harris president,” as Ms. Kreiss writes.

In the meantime, I humbly add another “mini cell” to the body in case folks are unaware: Seniors for Harris, who, in the interest of protecting our Social Security and Medicare benefits, are holding regular Zoom calls.

JoSIE MARIno Lynbrook

Harris’s policies will ‘sink this country!’

To the Editor:

In “Momalas for Kamala,” Randi Kreiss listed a few

Offshore wind is the answer for Long Island

Amajor societal shift always brings questions. The shift we are making to renewable energy is on a scale rarely seen in history, and questions are welcome and a part of the process of understanding. What are renewable energies? Why is the energy industry trending toward these energy forms? What are the options for Long Island when it comes to renewable energy? What are the risks? What are the benefits? It is clear that there needs to be more information and education about the industry. Renewable energy is the energy derived from natural sources that are replenished on a human time scale — sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, water currents and geothermal heat. They are abundant, and produce little or no emissions. The sources that have been harnessed so far by humans are solar, hydropower, geothermal, and wind, and Long Island has a unique opportunity, because of its location, to harness offshore wind. Why do we need renewable energy?

Climate change is no longer deniable, and Long Island is affected by sea level rise, flooding, stronger storms and more rain. The number one reason: fossil fuels. The largest contributor to the thickening of our atmosphere, trapping carbon dioxide, is the burning of oil, gas and coal. The fastest way to stop climate change is to stop using fossil fuels. An easy answer — not really, which is why I’m writing this — is transitioning to renewable energy to power our lives.

We have a unique opportunity, because of our location, to harness its power.

Long Island sits just north of a continental shelf called the New York Bight, with shallow seas, strong winds and a large, dense population close to the coastline. The shallow water allows for structures to be built without the complications and expense of deep diving to build them. The strong winds help turbines turn consistently, producing energy needed to power homes, charge electric vehicles and operate businesses. And with a dense population close to the coast, energy can be delivered over a shorter distance without much loss of power, and at lower costs.

You may ask, why offshore wind? Why not solar or onshore wind? Solar power is being generated on Long

LETTERs

of the groups that would support Kamala Harris in a kind of “political wave . . . a tsunami of relief and joy” that will push people to support her. Kreiss mentioned Black women for Kamala, White Dudes for Kamala, White Women for Kamala.

A few groups obviously were not mentioned: Antisemites for Kamala, Defund the Police Crowd for Kamala, Open Border Supporters for Kamala, Pro-Hamas Rioters for Kamala, Antifa and BLM Rioters and Looters for Kamala. Did I not mention the Free College, Health Insurance and Social Security for Illegals Crowd for Kamala? How about the Abortion Anywhere and Anytime Supporters for Kamala? Yes, Randi. It’s a real tsunami of love and support for Kamala Harris that will sink this country!

ROBeRT KRALICK Glen Head

Nassau’s mask ban is ‘antithesis of freedom’

To the editor:

Nassau County passed a mask ban two weeks ago, just as everyone I know is getting Covid-19 again, and I have to wonder what we stand to gain from this. There are people who have genuine

Island, but not on the scale that we need to power the number of homes here. According to the Census Bureau, Long Island has just under 8.5 million housing units. That is where offshore wind comes in to meet our energy needs. There is growth in solar power through ground mounts, or on existing structures that don’t require open space, but it still doesn’t have the capacity to generate the power we need. And onshore wind requires large plots of land, which are few and far between in downstate New York.

Renewable energy is the only way for our future. We are seeing more cases of asthma, warming of the oceans, rising sea levels, stronger seasonal storms, and economic volatility due to the excessive use of fossil fuels to produce power. Moving to renewable energy will clear air pollution and slow the warming of the oceans, protecting ocean life, and slow the rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities. In turn, cooler water bodies will decrease the frequency of seasonal storms that flood our streets and erode our beaches. Offshore wind provides a stable and reliable energy source without the volatility of rising fuel prices. It also cre-

ates thousands of good-paying jobs to build, maintain and operate its facilities. Beyond those working in the industry, utility stability is how offshore wind will benefit all of Long Island.

Most of the Island’s population now relies on fossil fuel generation to power their homes, workplaces, community centers and infrastructure. This means that electricity bills fluctuate with global geo-political events, because we are buying the fuel to run the power plants connected to our electric grid, mostly from other countries. With offshore wind, there is no need to buy “fuel.” The fuel is infinite, and not a commodity that’s for sale. The wind blows no matter what. This means that the costs of delivering electricity are fixed.

I want to see the renewable energy that we need come to Long Island. I want to ensure that we are delivering safe, reliable, responsible and clean energy to residents. Not only is this a critically needed change, but it will also improve our communities by stopping rising costs, and creating an economic engine with the added benefits of clean air, clean waters and fixed utility costs.

Melissa Parrott is the deputy executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island.

FRAMEWoRk by Joseph Daniel

reasons to wear masks to protect their health. I’m one of them. I have asthma, and I do not welcome the notion of being questioned by police for protecting myself from viruses that could destroy my quality of life. I do not trust anyone but my doctors to determine if my exemption is “legitimate,” and that’s not something I should need to worry about.

The county mask legislation claims to have exemptions for religious and medical reasons, but it’s very unclear how that will be enforced. In America, we shouldn’t even be talking about enforcing rules for what people can wear. That is the very antithesis of freedom.

AMANDA MuLLeN Oceanside

Reproductive science made me a grandfather

To the editor:

Sixteen years ago, my daughter and her husband were trying to get pregnant for the first time, and after several years they had to use in vitro fertilization. After several rounds, we were blessed with a beautiful baby, my first grandchild. Without the science behind in vitro fertilization, my daughter would not have children, and I would not have had the joy of a grandson.

I recently learned that my congressman in the 4th District, Anthony D’esposito, is pushing an extreme agenda to restrict reproductive freedom. I cannot vote for him this November. Families deserve to be able to have children, and government needs to mind its own business! I will be voting for Laura Gillen for Congress this year, because she will support women’s rights for reproduction freedom.

WILLIAM YOuNGFeRT Franklin Square

One Minion, at least, looks interested in the news — Universal Orlando