Uniondale Herald 10-24-2024

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

In a vibrant celebration of culture and diversity, Walnut Street Elementary School dedicated Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, to a schoolwide interactive project. Students in all grades honored the rich variety of Hispanic cultures represented in the student body, and to create a “Passport to Hispanic Heritage.”

The project gave students an opportunity to connect with their heritage, and to learn about the larger Hispanic com-

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Honoring those who keep schools safe and maintained Students ‘travel’ through cultures

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

The Uniondale school district Board of Education recently recognized staff members from across the district, honoring the work they do every day to keep the district safe and maintained. Seven employees, a mix of security officers and maintenance workers, were singled out by the board at its Oct. 1 meeting.

“As we began the school year, the Board of Education and central administration wanted to recognize some of the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly behind the scenes all year

long to ensure that our schools are beautiful, safe places where our children can learn and thrive,” district Superintendent Monique DarrisawAkil said. Stanley Adams, a safety officer at Lawrence Road Middle School, has been working in the district for 23 years. He spent much of his youth in Uniondale, and attended both Turtle Hook Middle School and Uniondale High School.

Adams moved out of the area during his senior year of high school to take care of his grandmother, but he eventually returned to the community despite his plans to embark on an acting career.

“I’m not going back to work in Uniondale to a school that I just left,” he said. “I expected to be in Hollywood by then.”

But he returned anyway “on a whim,” Adams said, and start-

ed working in the school district. He still pursued acting gigs in his spare time, since he only works in the district 10 months of the year. He has scored more than 50 minor roles on television shows and in films, mostly dramas and cop shows, including the TV series “The Equalizer.”

Adams expressed his appre-

ciation for the support he has received from students and staff over the years. “They would see me on TV, little shows and things here and there,” he said. “The level of support I got from them was just so welcoming.” Adams also reflected on his experiences as a Uniondale student with one of his former teachers, Nancy Roloson. He

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Courtesy Uniondale school district

Walnut Street students presented their ‘Passport to Hispanic Heritage’ project to the Board of Education on Oct. 15.

Kids connect with heritage through exploration

munity.

“Our Hispanic celebration was all month long,” Ana Tolentino, a fourthgrade bilingual teacher, explained. “We chose the countries because they are countries that are represented in our building.”

Students were assigned to study the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama, as well as the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. Each grade, from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, focused on a country, immersing themselves in the exploration of famous landmarks, influential figures and cultural contributions such as art and food.

“We want to celebrate the rich diversity that makes our school community so vibrant,” Walnut Street Principal Kevin Bracht said.

The theme of the project, “The Culture Lives in Me,” was showcased throughout the school, on everything from bulletin board displays to staff T-shirts. Daily trivia about Hispanic history and culture, announced over the P.A. system each day, added another element of fun and enhanced the students’ learning experience.

Tolentino’s fourth-graders learned about Panama, using iPads to conduct research on the country throughout the month. While the class focused on Panama’s best-known landmarks, they

learned about all facets of the country.

“We selected and looked at famous landmarks, famous people, and we talked about what made them interesting,” she said, “and what were some of the things that were similar to our country as well.”

Fifth-graders explored ancient civilizations, specifically the Aztecs and the Mayans. Student Allison Rodriguez shared her favorite fact about the two cultures.

“They were both polytheistic and believed in many gods,” she said, adding

that both civilizations were known for their architecture and agriculture.

The students’ work — including paragraphs about landmarks, sketches of famous dishes and coloring projects focusing on national flags — was displayed on bulletin boards and in classrooms throughout the building when the project was completed, showcasing their creativity.

“We just figured it’d be a nice representation of them and who they are,” Tolentino said, “but also make it interactive and give them a bit of knowledge on

the Hispanic countries that we are representing in our building.”

The project serves not only as an educational tool, but also as an annual tradition at Walnut Street, which marked its fifth year of the celebration. Students presented their work to the Board of Education at its Oct. 15 meeting.

The theme for the presentation was “Passport to Hispanic Heritage” through the “Walnut Street Travel Agency.” Representatives of each grade level spoke to the board and the crowd, detailing their most interesting findings about their countries.

“In the board meeting, we were just talking about (the Mayans’) structures and how they were really good at building,” Allison Rodriguez, one of the fifthgraders who were selected to represent their peers, said. “They were really great architects.”

“I felt pretty honored,” she said of taking part in the presentation. “I was excited and nervous.”

The project’s culminating event will take place on Oct. 30 at the school, where students will perform skits and recite poems related to the cultures they studied.

“As a diverse school, we try to really not only embrace and show our students that we care about where they come from,” Assistant Principal Frantz Dorsainvil said, “(but) also appreciate their

Courtesy Uniondale school district

erika Yanes alvarado and ethan aguilar ampuero, Walnut Street elementary students,

Uniondale Library ‘gives back’ to community

The Uniondale Library spent Saturday giving back to the community as a part of the Great Give Back.

“We love participating in anything that comes as an initiative from the Nassau Library System,” Mara Marin, library director, said.

The Great Give Back is an annual initiative organized by libraries in New York that is designed to engage communities in service-oriented projects. Participating libraries host events and activities throughout a specific day that promote giving back to the community, whether through volunteering, donations or educational workshops.

During the Great Give Back, libraries often partner with local organizations to facilitate community service projects, donation drives and workshops that focus on various social issues. The goal is to “provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences,” according to the Great Give Back website.

Nearly 190 libraries participated this year, Marin said, with Uniondale being one of them. All three library departments — children’s, teen services and adult services — hosted events.

Adult services has been hosting an Island Harvest food drive, collecting nonperishable foods from Oct. 1 to 19 to donate to the Long Island division of Island Harvest. The Friends of the library sat outside at the booth to help collect donations.

They also hosted an outdoor jazz concert featuring musicians Frank Barbera on guitar and Michael Leuci on drums, which gathered a large audience.

Teen services focused this year’s efforts on pets. They have been collecting cat food since Oct. 1 and continue to collect until Oct. 25. During the Great Give Back, people of all ages came to make cat

beds by sewing together two pieces of felt and stuffing it. All the materials were donated to Bobbi and the Strays, an animal shelter in Freeport.

“I wanted something that could help but also be safe for the cats,” Amanda Borgia, head of teen services, said.

The children’s department also had a coloring station set up, where kids made cards to give to local senior centers.

“We feel this is beneficial for our community, and actually for Long Island,” Marin said about the Great Give Back.

“They say think globally, act locally, and this is exactly what we do.”

— Kelsie Radziski

Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos

Frank Barbera and Michael Leuci performed a jazz concert outside of the Uniondale Library during the Great Give Back on Oct. 19.

Tamelee Young, children’s librarian, stuffed her cat bed with stuffing.

Cathy Beza, left, and Nina Conaty sewed felt together to make cat beds for Bobbi and the Strays, an animal shelter in Freeport.

Elaine Smith, from the Friends of the Library, left, Kristine Dugan, head of adult services, and Robert Johnson, president of the Friends of the Library, collected food donations for Island Harvest.

Rebound on the Road drives hope for recovery

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced the county’s partnership with Rebound on the Road, a substance abuse rehabilitation program started by former professional basketball player Jayson Williams.

“I think probably everybody has had an experience where a loved one or a friend had a substance abuse issue,” Blakeman said. “Self esteem is always a part of it, isolation is a part of it, not having enough to do is a part of it.”

Williams’ eight-week program will support individuals recovering from substance abuse and those recently released from prison by guiding them through a rehabilitation plan that includes training to drive tractor-trailers. Upon completion, participants will earn their commercial driver’s licenses and secure jobs.

“You come in, you get drug tested, you meet with over 40 different carriers, because there’s 800,000 jobs needed right now in the tractor-trailer industry,” Williams explained. “So you get a job right when you get in, all you have to do is finish the program successfully, and you’re off.”

Williams said starting jobs pay around $65,000 a year, and participants are required to drive with a supervisor in the truck for close to three months before they are certified.

Blakeman allotted $200,000 of the

county’s opioid settlement funds to contribute to bringing this program to the county because it “checks a lot of the boxes to make sure that people are healthy.”

“We have people that are coming out of jails and prisons throughout the United States,” he said, “and if they don’t have a productive job, they’re going to go back to a life of crime. So recidivism is very high in America, and this will also

cut down on that, because it will give people a second chance to lead a productive life.”

Williams started Rebound Institute in Florida 10 years ago, where he said “teammates” go through “unorthodox” treatments, including skydiving and

horse racing. The program also places an emphasis on healing through faith.

He explained how he spent a lot of his youth driving trucks with his father, a truck driver and brick mason who owned a gas station in Harlem for 41 years. He said this program is a passion of his, and it stems from his youth.

“We drove tractor trailers in the wintertime, and we laid bricks...out of Union, New Jersey in the summertime, and the gas station was all year round,” he said.

Williams spent 11 seasons in the NBA, playing briefly on Philadelphia 76ers before playing on the New Jersey Nets. He suffered a career-ending leg injury in 1999 and retiring at 32.

He fell into substance abuse, which culminated in an aggravated assault charge in 2010 for the death of his limousine driver, Gus Christofi, and a sentence of five years in prison. He got a DWI charge after crashing his Mercedes, which added an additional year to his sentence.

He said he believes in always giving people “another chance” and a way to change their lives.

“You give a man a job, you give him hope, and he got self esteem and self respect, and he (will) go out in this world and change it,” Williams said.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Jayson Williams held a conference to announce the news.

Tim Baker/Herald

Jayson Williams, former NBA star, partnered with Nassau County to bring his rehabilitation program, Rebound on the Road, to the county.

MERRICK FESTIVAL

GIANNA VENTURA

East Meadow Junior Field Hockey

AN HONORABLE MENTION ALL-COUNTY in 2023 after scoring 12 goals and setting up 6 others in her first varsity field hockey season, Ventura ranks among Nassau’s leading offensive weapons this fall and has helped the 11-1 Jets to a conference title. A right wing forward, she has 20 goals and 13 assists through a dozen games. She scored at least one goal in all but one game and has eight multi-goal performances including one hat trick.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Oct. 24

Field Hockey: Sewanhaka District at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Football: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Volleyball: Lawrence at Calhoun 5:45 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: South Side at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Malverne 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25

Field Hockey: North Shore at Clarke 5 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at Island Trees 5 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Westbury 5 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Kennedy at Mineola 6 p.m.

Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead 6 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Seaford 6 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Port Washington 6:30 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Football: Mepham at Sewanhaka 11 a.m.

Football: Carey at New Hyde Park 11 a.m.

Football: Garden City at Elmont 1 p.m.

Football: V.S. North at Lynbrook 3 p.m.

Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Uniondale completes huge season

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Undefeated Roosevelt took home the Conference AAA/ AA5 girls’ soccer banner, but it was still a banner year for Uniondale.

“It was a really good season,” Knights coach Kevin Daly said. “We only ended up having one defeat, we lost to Roosevelt in a really close game. For us, in terms of losing only one game all season, I think that’s about as good as we’ve ever done.”

The focus for Uniondale (7-1-6) was a strong defense, letting that feed the rest of the pitch.

“I think that was probably the strongest part of our game,” he confirmed, with senior Kimberly Calderon as one of the main defensive anchors. “She was almost like the last man in the back, she played like a sweeper almost, a bit of an old style of play but she did really well. She was always covering people and she’s really an intelligent soccer player.”

Along with her in the back line were Sarah Chavez and Emily Ramos. Daly named Chavez as one of the most improved players this year, noting her aggressive style of play, which complimented Ramos as she was the center of the defense.

“Really like a pillar of strength at the back,” Daly said. “She also was able to carry the ball out every now and again from our defense, make a good connecting pass to the midfield.”

The reason that the defense was so solid because of a sleeper agent like Kimberly Hernandez, who went from

Emily

in the center of the defense for the Knights, who lost only one of their 14

looking like a quiet and lowkey person to an aggressive defender in a split second, shocking both her coaches and teammates alike. Daly said that she turned out to be the biggest surprise of the year, and for the better.

“She was a ninth grader who played a little bit last year,” he detailed. “She was

absolutely fantastic, very aggressive, and she really surprised everyone this year, in a good way. She stepped up and became a really good defender this year.”

All of them stood in front of sophomore keeper Ashley Bonilla, who Daly said did a really good job this year between the pipes.

The midfielders were as follows: co-captain Maydelin Hernandez, Brianna Marquez, Karla Molina, senior co-captain Angie Jamie and Jasmine Flores.

To give the full picture of the scope of the talent on Uniondale, first two players accounted for 10 of the teams goals, and Molina was described as “probably the most naturally talented soccer player” by her coach. Jamie was listed as a very technical player who, despite having limited playing time, always had a big splash on the pitch when she did touch it, as evidenced by a few of her own goals this season. Flores stood out as a defensive-midfielder to the coaching staff, as a tall but firm presence in the neutral zone who always opted to cover her teammates as opposed to join them on the attack.

Technical aspects aside, the off-the-pitch chemistry was one of the key ingredients to Uniondale according to Daly.

“We’ve had a really good year in terms of all the girls getting along,” he explained. “This year it’s been brilliant. I do believe that the cohesiveness of the team did contribute to the girls doing very well.”

One of the things that Daly does want to adjust is how soon his players come back to practice for next season, with his mind already there now that Uniondale can’t go to playoffs.

“I think this year we’ll probably start a little bit earlier, have a few captain’s practices and work on a little bit more fitness in the beginning,” he said. “The girls might not want to hear that but that’s alright.”

Tony Bellissimo/Herald

Ramos worked

Security officers, custodians are recognized

said he used to hate reading anything other than comic books, but, he added, “She forced me to read, and she made it fun.”

“It’s because of her I was able to pursue this career and am able to read scripts and all that,” Adams said. “I always think if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing.”

Thomas Roberts, another school safety officer, was also honored. He has spent 17 years in the district, and is now working in Turtle Hook Middle School. He said he spends his days making sure the school is safe for the students, who motivate him to stay on the job.

“When you can make a difference with one child,” Roberts said, “it makes a big difference in your life.”

Others who were honored by the board included custodians and maintainers. Miguel Abarca, the new head custodian at Grand Avenue Elementary School, was recently promoted to the position because of his “great attention to detail,” according to a news release from the district.

Joel Bradly, Uniondale High School’s head custodian, has worked in the district for over 25 years. He serves as a mentor to his peers, providing answers and offering advice when needed, the release stated, “which serves as a testament to his experience and knowledge.”

Frantz Eveilliard and Jean Petite Frere, both district maintainers, were honored for their work keeping the district clean and orderly. Eveilliard is “beloved” for his “delightful personality,” and Frere is “always willing to lend a hand and does so with a smile,” the release read.

Robert Kirk is retiring this year from his position in the grounds department after 41 years. He has helped the department during that time, according to the release.

“Each of the individuals we recognized have gone above and beyond in their roles, and they deserve our gratitude,” Darrisaw-Akil said. “We appreciate our custodians, security and all of our support professionals for their commitment to the students and staff in our school district.”

Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.

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

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

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

North Shore University Hospital

Courtesy Uniondale school district

the uniondale Board of education honored seven staff members earlier this month for their contributions in keeping the school district safe and maintained.

Hundreds attend Herald Senior Health Expo

Oceanside’s O’Connell Gardens hosts fourth highly anticipated event in series of 2024 gatherings

By Alexa Anderwkavich

The O’Connell Gardens in Oceanside welcomed eager attendees for the Herald’s Senior Health & Beyond Expo, produced by RichnerLIVE, on October 10 — the fourth in a series of exciting Expos for 2024.

The Expo is a community-loved event where diverse businesses and innovative services share their products and refined knowledge with Long Islanders.

“We are so thrilled with the turnout today — over 400 attendees!” stated Amy Amato, Executive Director at RichnerLIVE. “It offers valuable opportunities for companies and guests to learn, engage, and access essential screenings, benefitting both attendees and businesses. And we are so excited to expand this expo to Suffolk next month on Nov. 3.”

Over 45 vendors offering health, wellness, and personal care insights filled the hall. They provided guidance on enhancing lifestyle through new products and programs, as well as advice on senior living arrangements, financial security, and more.

Guests received free flu and COVID vaccines, courtesy of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation and free COVID test kits from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office.

Before noon, guests sat down for a panel discussion to hear experts discuss various topics, including consumer assistance programs and preparing for winter, advanced care directives, Medicaid asset protection trusts and estate planning, and the FCA Ombudsman Program. Guests also experienced an incredible segment from Mae Caime, CEO of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, called “Ageless Attitude,” — which got the crowd stretching and in motion!

“Never disappoints!” Caime said. “I love getting the crowd moving and grooving!”

Attendees received a goody bag — courtesy of Giftbag Sponsors Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Beach Terrace Care Center and Oceanside Care Center — filled with the special-event section, keepsakes and vital take-home information. At the end, the first 150 attendees also received a free to-go lunch provided by O’Connell Gardens and raffles winners were announced!

The Expo was made possible thanks to Silver Sponsors New York Department of Public Service, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Centerlight Healthcare PACE and Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Cassena Care).

Guests and vendors are looking forward to the fifth and final expo of the year, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Suffolk Y JCC, at 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pablo Rendon and team of the Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Alison Fenech, of the Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, at the podium.

NYS Department of Public Service Utility Consumer Program Specialist Xenia Vega, right, and Jill Wasser.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Guests of the Expo enjoying their mindset, movement, and magic class guided by Mae Caime.

Speaker Daniel Miller, of Miller and Miller Law Group, with his wife.

A representative of the Oceanside Care Center with a vendor display.

Mae Caime, event host and CEO of aMAEzing Midlife and Beyond.

Kim Accardi and a colleague from FCA NYS Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman program.

A representative of Beach Terrace Care Center at its exhibitor table.

A representative of Silver Lining Home Care.

Uniondale celebrates homecoming with community spirit

Uniondale High School celebrated its homecoming weekend with a parade through the community and an exciting football game.

The parade, before the big game, had students, teachers and parents from every school in the district. They marched through the streets of Uniondale, carrying banners to represent their schools and cheering with the crowd of supporters.

The Uniondale High School Marching Knights performed during the parade, as well as the bands from Lawrence Road and Turtle Hook Middle Schools, showing off their musical talents as they played while they marched.

The Uniondale High School Knights cheer team spent the homecoming celebration performing. They participated in the parade, and they showed off their skills during the pep rally before the game. During the rally, the football game and the halftime performance, they used their cheers and dance moves to support the team and rile up the crowd.

At the game, the Uniondale Knights came running out onto the field and gave it their all, playing against the Westbury High School Green Knights.

The final score of the game was 21-14, with the Green Dragons taking the win.

— Kelsie Radziski

Alice Moreno/Herald photos

Students from Walnut Street Elementary represented their school in the homecoming parade on Saturday.

The Uniondale Knights rushed onto the field, ready to play their homecoming game against the Westbury Green Dragons.

Cheerleaders from Turtle Hook Middle School cheered for the crowd during the parade.

Saxophonists from the Lawrence Road marching band played songs as they marched in the parade.

Amina Nerestant and Jahiem Foote were crowned this year’s homecoming queen and king.

Justice of the Supreme Court 2024 JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Andrew Crecca

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 59

Legal career: Andrew Crecca, a figure in Suffolk County’s judicial system for nearly two decades, is looking to take on the state Supreme Court, next.

Appointed as administrative judge for Suffolk County, the 10th Judicial District of the Supreme Court in 2020, Crecca currently oversees operations. This role follows his tenure as supervising judge for matrimonial matters in the same court, from 2013 to 2020.

Crecca’s judicial career began in 2005 when he was elected to the county court in Suffolk. He has since served as an acting justice of the Suffolk Supreme Court from 2007 to 2010 and was elected as a justice of the Supreme Court in 2011, a position he will hold until 2024.

Along with his courtroom duties, Crecca has presided over the Integrated Domestic Violence Court in Suffolk County since 2007. He also served in the Suffolk Legislature.

James F. Matthews

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: James F. Matthews, a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District, has over 40 years of legal experience.

Since 2015, he has served as an Acting County Court Judge in Suffolk County, presiding over civil and criminal cases, including business law disputes, personal injury matters and criminal trials.

He has also been an adjunct professor of law at Touro Law School His public service career includes a decade as Northport village attorney and nearly two decades as Huntington town attorney, responsible for municipal law, litigation and land use.

Matthews spent over 30 years in private practice, handling corporate and commercial law, litigation, and personal injury cases. He has a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and a bachelor’s from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Alfred C. Graf

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 66

Legal career: A Suffolk County District Court judge since 2018, Alfred Graf is now aiming for the state Supreme Court.

Born and raised on Long Island, Graf graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1976. He enlisted in the Navy that same year and rose to the rank of Operations Specialist Third Class Petty Officer. He received an honorable discharge four years later.

Graf earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his law degree from Touro Law School. His professional experience includes serving as a NYPD officer. He has also worked as an alternative education schoolteacher and as an attorney with his own private firm.

His political experience includes serving two terms as supervisor of the upstate Town of Brighton and was an assemblyman from 2011 to 20118 representing A.D. 5 in Suffolk.

Terence P. Murphy

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: Terence Murphy was elected to serve as a Nassau County Court judge in 2014. He previously served as a Nassau County District Court judge where he presided over the Veterans Treatment Court from 2010 through 2014. He is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association.

Murphy is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served 26.5 years active and military service and was deployed to Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait. His active duty experience began in 1973 with enlistment after high school. Murphy served as legal adviser to multiple commanders.

Paul E. Hennings

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63

Legal career: Paul Hennings is a resident of Suffolk County and has served as a District Court judge since 2019 and Acting County Court judge since 2022. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1983 and went on to earn his law degree at Catholic University Law School three years later. After law school, he joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office where he was an assistant district attorney until 1989.

Hennings began his career in private practice in civil litigation, trials and appeals in State and Federal Courts. He first served as an associate with Wortman, Furmuso, Kelly (1989 to 1996). Then he joined the law office of Ted M. Toboias, until 2005. He then joined Devitt, Spellman and Barrett, LLP where he practiced as lead attorney until 2008. He then became a partner at Lawrence, Worden, Rainis, and Bard LLP.

Deanna D. Panico

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: Deanna Panico is a partner at Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP. She has been in private practice since 2011, specializing in employment law.

Panico was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2011, the U.S. Eastern District of New York in 2012, the U.S. Southern District of New York in 2016, and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University in 2007 and her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 2010.

Paul Hensley

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63

Legal career: Paul Hensley was a judge for the district court of Suffolk County in New York. He was appointed to the court in 2002, elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2008. Hensley lost the 2014 election.

Before his judicial appointment, Hensley served as a principal law clerk. His current titles are County Court judge, District Court judge and acting Supreme Court justice. Hensley has served as an acting Suffolk County Court judge since 2006, and was a law clerk for County Court Judge James Hudson from January 2001 until July 2002. From January 1999 to January 2001, Hensley was a law clerk for State Supreme Court Justice Leonard B. Austin. From March 1998 until January 1999, he worked as an assistant Huntington Town attorney.

Before that, Hensley worked for the Robert Plan Corp., and also served as a Suffolk County assistant district attorney. He received his law degree from SUNY Buffalo.

Gregg Roth

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: Gregg Roth is an attorney with over 30 years of experience in many sectors of law, including civil rights law, employment law, personal injury law, social security disability law and workers’ compensation law.

Roth received his law degree at Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law in 1993, and has been a member of the New York State Bar since 1994. He has served as a state principal law clerk for the past 11 years, and previously was the associate director for Drug Court programs February 2011 to April 2014.

An extremely accomplished legal professional for decades, according to people who know him, he’s been crossendorsed by the Democratic, Republican and Conservative parties in Nassau County as a nominee for the New York State’s Supreme Court.

Ryan E. Cronin

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Age: 43

Legal career: Ryan Cronin is a practicing attorney from Garden City. He received his law degree from the Washington University School of Law in 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Loyola College. He was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 6 in 2012 and 2016, losing both times to incumbent Republican Kemp Hannon. He ran for Nassau County Comptroller in 2021 and lost to Republican Elaine Phillips.

During his campaigns, Cronin focused on issues such as community safety, justice reform and access to legal resources. He emphasized a commitment to fairness and integrity in the judicial process.

2nd District Court Judge Family Court Judge 2024 JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Chris J. Coschignano

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 60

Legal career: Chris J. Coschignano is a seasoned attorney and a candidate for family court judge, practicing law since 1990. As a member and partner at his firm — Sahn Ward — he specializes in zoning and land use planning, real estate law, municipal law, economic development, and family law.

His extensive experience includes managing complex zoning projects on Long Island, earning recognition for smart growth initiatives. He served as a councilman for the Town of Oyster Bay from 2001 to 2017 and has held various municipal roles since 1995, including counsel to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

Coschignano is active in community service, serving on multiple boards, including the Nassau County Bar Association and the Touro Law Center. He co-founded the St. Edward the Confessor Church’s Annual Summer Festival and coaches youth ice hockey. A recipient of numerous awards, he is committed to public service and education

Veronica Renta Irwin

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 50

Legal career: Judge Veronica Renta Irwin, currently serving on the Nassau County District Court, is running for re-election in the 2nd District.

Renta Irwin completed her early education at Brentwood High School before earning her degree from SUNY Albany and graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1999.

Starting her legal career in private practice, she founded her own firm, Irwin & Streiner, LLC, in Great Neck in 2001, focusing on personal ijury, guardianship and constitutional violations. Renta Irwin also has experience as principal law clerk for Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Sharon M.J. Gianelli from 2020 to 2024. She has also been involved in various legal organizations, including theLong Island Hispanic Bar Association, where is a past president, and as a board member of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association. She also teaches at the School of Law at Hofstra University.

Andrea C. Phoenix

Democrat

Age: 59

Legal career: Phoenix has served as a Nassau County District Court judge in the Tenth Judicial District since 2007, where she presides over the Nassau County Mental Health Court and the Drug Treatment Court. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, a master’s degree in communication and education from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law.

Before her election, Phoenix practiced family law in private practice from 1992 to 2006 and was a staff attorney with Nassau Suffolk Law Services. She has led the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, and she served on the New York State Unified Court System Family Violence Task Force.

She is also involved with the Amistad Black Bar Association, Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court, and community groups, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Incorporated.

Lisa Daniels

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 58

Legal career: Lisa Daniels has over 25 years of legal experience, focusing on family litigation and guardianship cases. Daniels holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a Brooklyn Law School law degree She has been an adjunct professor, teaching family law and litigation at Hofstra University and Queens College from 1997 to 2001. Daniels is a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Children and the Law and serves on its legislation subcommittees. She is also a member of the Nassau County Bar Association Family Court Advisory Committee. Daniels ran for county legislator in 2013 and eight years later. In 1998, Daniels founded her law firm, addressing a wide range of family law issues, such as juvenile delinquency actions, abuse and neglect matters. She is listed on the New York State Court Part 36 Fiduciary List, serving as a court examiner, evaluator and guardian for incapacitated individuals.

Joseph Nocella Jr.

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 60

Legal career: Joseph Nocella Jr. currently serves as a Nassau County District Court judge, having been elected to the position for the 2023 to 2028 term. County Executive Bruce Blakeman initially appointed him to the court in 2022.

Before becoming a judge, Nocella served as the town attorney for Hempstead from 2021 to 2022 and as chief of staff to the Hempstead Town Supervisor from 2020 to 2021.

From 2017 to 2020, he was the town attorney for Oyster Bay. Within Nassau County government, Nocella has an extensive background, including positions as Counsel to the Office of Housing & Community Development from 2014 to 2017, Managing Attorney in the County Attorney’s Office from 2011 to 2014, and Counsel to both the County Executive and the Nassau County Legislature from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2011.

Sean Wright

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 54

Legal career: Sean Wright, a longtime Valley Stream resident, is running for District Court Judge in the 2nd District, bringing decades of legal experience and community service to his campaign.

Wright has spent more than seven years as a prosecutor for Valley Stream, where he handled ticket and building violation cases. Inn 2011 when he became a Hempstead Town attorney and worked as an arbitrator for both Queens and Nassau County. He has served as treasurer for the Friends of Bridge, a substance abuse counseling center, and has volunteered as an attorney adviser for High School Mock Trial, where he helped teacha new generation of legal minds. His dedication to local youth extended to the sports field as an assistant coach for the Valley Stream Green Hornets.

In 2016, Wright was appointed to the Valley Stream village board by Mayor Ed Fare after the resignation of Virginia ClavinHiggins

County Court Judge

Jeffrey A. Goodstein

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 57

Legal career: Jeffrey A. Goodstein is running for Nassau County Court Judge. Goodstein has served as an acting justice of the Nassau County Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District since 2012, appointed by Chief Administrative Judge A. Gail Prudenti. He also holds a position as a judge in the New York Court of Claims, appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2012 and reappointed in 2014. Goodstein earned his law degree from Touro Law School and has served in various legal capacities throughout his career. He is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University School of Law.

On the issues:

Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican and former NYPD detective, won the district in the 2022 midterm elections defeating Laura Gillen, and flipping the seat from Democratic to the GOP control for the first time in 25 years.

He said he is working hard noting as there are 75,000 more Democrats in the district than Republicans.

4th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Anthony D’Esposito

Party: Republican

D’Esposito’s platform continues to emphasize affordability, increased funding for local schools, and opposes “cashless bail” policies, which he says have contributed to rising crime. He also suports eliminating the cap on state and local tax deductions.

D’Esposito noted his work to retun money to the district for water cleanup in Hempstead village and to mitigate flooding in low-lying South Shore communities, a majority of the district, including his hometown of Island Park.

Along with partnering with local elected officials to make the communities more sustainable, considering the damage the area suffered after

Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

He said he is opposed to a federal ban on abortion.

On immigration he supported the House bill known as H.R. 2 that addressed issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility, but points to the Democratic-led Senate that did not put the measure up for a vote.

D’Esposito said he prioritizes public safety and said he strongly support Israel and Ukraine.

His re-election bid has been overshadowed by an ethics complaint.

A Democratic action committee has accused him of hiring his fiancée’s daughter and a woman he allegedly had a personal relationship with for taxpayer-funded positions in his district office.

The allegations have prompted calls for an expedited investigation, though D’Esposito has denied any wrongdoing and views it as a personal, private matter.

Laura Gillen is mounting a campaign centered on supporting middle-class families, defending women’s rights, and tackling pressing social justice issues.

As a former Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Gillen made history in 2017 as the first Democrat to hold the office in over a century. Her tenure was marked by key accomplishments, including passing transparency reforms, modernizing the town’s digital infrastructure, and allocating over $59 million to repair local roads. She lost her re-election bid in 2019, but remained an active figure in Nassau County politics.

On the issues:

wake the Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade. She criticized D’Esposito’s support for anti-abortion policies, arguing that his stance is out of touch with the values of Long Island voters. She said she stands strong stand against the rise of antisemitism, particularly in the wake of increasing incidents in schools, synagogues and on social media. Her action plan is aimed at combating hate, which includes leveraging federal resources to improve safety in schools, providing more protection for synagogues, and increasing oversight of social media platforms to prevent the spread of hateful content.

Gillen has made it clear that her campaign is focused on delivering for Long Island families. She has emphasized her commitment to reinstating the State and Local Tax deduction, a key economic issue for many county residents.

Gillen is a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, vowing to fight for the restoration of legal abortion in the

Senate DiStrict 6

As a mother of four, Gillen said she brings a personal connection, emphasizing that she understands the challenges facing families in her district. She believes that her bipartisan approach as town supervisor, where she worked with a GOP-majority board, demonstrates her ability to get things done while staying true to her principles.

Thomas Montefinise, a lifelong Oceanside resident.

A graduate of Hofstra University and CUNY School of Law, Montefinise’s career spans a range of roles, from repairing commercial kitchen equipment to practicing law in family, criminal, and matrimonial cases.

On the issues:

A key issue driving Montefinise’s platform is the rise in crime across Long Island, which he attributes to the state’s controversial bail reform laws. The laws allows individuals charged with misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies to be released while awaiting trial. Montefinise sees flaws in the system.

“There’s a process. Everybody deserves a day in court, but you also need to give the tools to the prosecutors and police to get their job done,” Montefinise said.

He stressed that the erosion of trust in law enforcement can unravel the justice

system: “If people start feeling like they can’t call the police, the system falls apart.”

He is also focused on the struggles of Long Island’s middle class, whom he believes are being “squeezed out” by rising costs. He calls for smarter spending and resource allocation, pointing to ongoing challenges such as inflation and the influx of migrants.

“We need to raise wages and incentivize programs,” Montefinise said, emphasizing the need to reallocate funds rather than continually increasing spending. “We’re cutting money and spending it in all the wrong places,” he added, pointing to mismanaged state resources as a source of frustration.

“I’ve met a lot of people,” he said. “I’ve never done something like this before, but I’ve been hearing about the economy, prices of goods, inflation, and safety. It’s been an awesome experience.”

Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe is focusing on her extensive public service record and community values. Her career includes serving such as commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority and on the Westbury Board of Education.

On the issues:

Bynoe highlighted significant county legislative accomplishments, such as the passage of the Ground Water and Public Supply Facts Report Law and the introduction of police body cameras in Nassau County. She stressed that these efforts are part of her broader mission to ensure Long Islanders’ concerns are prioritized in Albany.

She aims to protect Nassau University Medical Center, which provides critical services but faced financial challenges earlier this year. Bynoe advocates for the development of housing options on NUMC’s campus, with a focus on workforce and senior housing to benefit the surrounding community and ensure

access to healthcare.

“There are opportunities there for senior housing, workforce housing, especially for folks who we want to ensure have access to health care,” she said.

She helped passed a county bill to study alternatives to traditional police responses to mental health crises, and she supports the expansion of wellness centers in schools.

“We should go to those community organizations, including schools, that can host those types of facilities on their campuses and have folks that are already doing the work, fund them, and go in and talk to the young people,” she said.

Bynoe seeks to advocate for the issues that matter most to her constituients

“Making sure that we have a voice — a strong voice in the Senate that really has a pulse on the issues and the concerns of Long Islanders,” she said.

Laura Gillen Party: Democrat

Congressional District 4 includes the South Shore Nassau County communities from the western county border to Seaford.

Siela Bynoe Party: Democrat

Thomas Philip Montenfinise Party: Republican

GENERAL ELECTION Candidates

Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment

This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.

A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.

Enmienda para Proteger Contra el Trato Desigual

Esta propuesta protegería contra el trato desigual basado en la etnicidad, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad y el sexo, incluida la orientación sexual, la identidad de género y el embarazo. También protege contra el trato desigual basado en la salud y la autonomía reproductiva.

Un voto “SÍ” coloca estas protecciones en la Constitución del Estado de Nueva York. Un voto “NO” deja estas protecciones fuera de la Constitución del Estado.

November 05, 2024

ELECTIon

Democratic Electors

Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente

Kamala D. Harris (For President)

Republican Electors

Tim Walz (For Vice President)

Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente

Donald J. Trump (For President)

JD Vance (For Vice President)

Representative in Congress District 4

Representante en el Congreso Distrito 4

Laura Gillen (D,CS)

United States Senator

Vote for One (1)

Anthony D’Esposito (R,C)

Senador Estatal, Distrito 7 Vote for One (1)

Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D, WF)

Diane Sare (L)

Michael D. Sapraicone (R,C)

Senador Estatal, Kim Keiserman

ELECTIon’24

Senator District 6

Family Court Judge

Estatal, Distrito 6 Vote for One (1) Keiserman (D)

Thomas P. Montenfinise (R,C)

Member of Assembly District 18

de la Asamblea Distrito 13

Vote for One (1) Burroughs (D, WFP) Danielle Smikle (R,C)

Justice of the Supreme Court

la Corte Suprema (Vote for up to Eight) (8)

F. Matthews, Jr. (D,R,C)

Roth (D,R,C)

Deanna D. Panico (D,R,C)

Terence P. Murphy (D,R,C)

County Court Judge

Tribunal del Condado

Jeffrey A. Goodstein(D,R,C)

Alfred C. Graf (D,R,C)

Paul E. Hennings (D,R,C)

Paul M. Hensley (D,R,C)

Andrew A. Crecca (D,R,C)

District Court Judge District 2

Andrea C. Phoenix (D,R,C) Veronica Renta Irwin (D,R,C)

Ryan E. Cronin (D,R,C) Sean Wright (D,R,C)

On the issues:

This is Noah Burroughs’ first time running for office, but he claims he is ready to address the individual needs of the district’s diverse communities, including his hometown of Hempstead.

“Every district, every town, hamlet, they’re all going to be different,” Burroughs said. “So everyone’s going to have a different need must discuss to figure out how to correct those issues.”

Assembly District 18

Noah Burroughs Party: Democrat

As a Hempstead village board trustee since 2022, Burroughs, 47, has advocated for improvements to the village water quality infrastructure due to elevated levels of 1,4 dioxane found in the water supply, and he and the board have pushed for revitalized green spaces in the community.

His background as an educator for over 20 years has made him aware of growing concerns over school safety and funding issues. He said he is committed to being an “open-door elected official” to facilitate

communication with school districts.

Burroughs also expressed his goal of improving the district overall by tackling the rise in housing costs and bringing more restaurants and businesses to the area.

He identified steep down payments and high mortgage interest rates as the issues families looking for affordable housing in the district are facing, and he suggested offering tax breaks to incentivize businesses to open locally and reduce the tax burden on homeowners.

He believes voting for candidates who will advocate for their interests should be a priority for constituents in District 18.

“I tell the people in those communities that it’s not up to me to handle it; it’s up to us to handle it,” Burroughs said. “And how do you do that? You do that by your direct elections.”

Danielle Smikle, 27, a Freeport native, is a firsttime candidate for the New York State Assembly. She brings a background in education and technology and has taught coding and drone programs to students.

On the issues:

Smikle is focused on improving infrastructure, particularly water quality in Uniondale, and revitalizing commercial areas like Freeport’s North Main Street.

She advocates for expanding STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education and prioritizing mental health resources. Smikle’s plans to foster stronger community bonds, advance infrastructure projects, and ensure local schools provide the resources needed for students to thrive in the modern economy.

“At the end of the day, you are going to be elite after you figure out what all this means,” she said. “They have it in the other communities. Why

Assembly District 18 includes Freeport, Hempstead, Malverne, Uniondale and West Hempstead.

can’t we have it here for our students?

Smikle plans to engage residents directly, ensuring their voices are heard in policymaking through community events and open dialogue. She believes in actively listening to community members, and ensuring their voices are heard in policymaking. Her vision includes organizing events and encouraging collaboration between residents, businesses, and government to tackle district-wide issues collectively.

“You can’t make policy in a vacuum,” Smikle said. “You need to be on the ground, listening to people’s concerns, whether it’s the elderly, the youth, or small-business owners. Sometimes the best ideas come from the people who are living these issues day in and day out.”

Town approves preliminary 2025 budget

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Town of Hempstead residents are expecting to pay more taxes next year — $5 more for those who live in villages, and $65 more for those who live in unincorporated areas.

The Town Board approved the preliminary 2025 budget on Oct. 1, adopting a $549 million spending plan, an increase of 4.9 percent. The tax levy will increase from $346 million to $389 million — a jump of over 12 percent that will far exceed the state tax cap of roughly 2 percent.

Town Comptroller John Mastromarino stated at a budget hearing on Oct. 15 that the town has managed to postpone tax increases over the past few years by utilizing reserve funds. But, he said, those funds are now running low, which is necessitating the tax increase.

“The town hasn’t had a tax increase in four years,” Mastromarino said. During that time, he added, the cost of living across the country increased by almost 28 percent, “and what we were doing was utilizing the reserves to protect our taxpayers,” Mastromarino said.

“The reserves were used, the taxpayers were protected, and it’s now at a point where we just can’t do it anymore,” he said.

Mastromarino said that the town used $22 million of reserve funds.

Where your tax dollars could go

School districts: 64 percent

Nassau County: 14 percent

Special districts: 10 percent

Villages: 7 percent

Towns: 4 percent

Cities: 1 percent

Before the budget hearing, community members rallied outside Town Hall, organized by members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic caucus, who oppose the proposed tax increases. They accused the board of lacking transparency and failing to adequately inform the public about budgetary changes.

Attendees highlighted the already high cost of living that many residents are struggling with as they face the need to find additional funds to meet their tax obligations.

Former County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, who is challenging Republican Town Councilman Christopher Schneider to serve the balance of the term of Christopher Carini, who died in July,

spoke at the rally.

“There’s no transparency — there’s no visibility,” Abrahams said of the board’s budgeting process. “They try to do this in the cloak of darkness and they’re trying to squeak it past you. It’s called a sneaky weasel tax.”

In a letter about the budget proposal distributed among those who attended the hearing, Town Supervisor Donald Clavin stated that the spending plan was “fiscally responsible” and would enhance the town’s quality of life.

“Residents love the Town of Hemp -

Town Supervisor Donald Clavin addressed board members during a budget hearing on Oct. 15, at which they discussed the preliminary 2025 budget of $549 million.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

stead, and for many good reasons,” Clavin wrote. “Our beaches, parks, and nature preserves are second to none. We have some of the finest restaurants, shops, and small businesses around. Our schools, athletic programs, community organizations, senior centers, and other public resources are among the best in the nation.

“This superlative quality-of-life experience paired with top-notch government services is what continues to make Hempstead Town a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he added.

Danielle Smikle Party: Republican

Project 2025 pushes controversial policies

By JENNA ZAZZA & LORI SAXENA Special to the Herald

Written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 922-page book detailing overhauls of the executive branch and proposing what some consider as radical policy changes regarding the economy, culture, education and healthcare.

The controversial plans have Democrats in a tizzy, the Trump campaign distancing themselves from the ideas and saying they would embrace the mandate’s demise.

The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.

JOhN RIZZO Economist

Some of the project’s more significant policies include eliminating the Department of Education, transforming the Department of Health and Human Service into an antiabortionfocused “Department of Life,” and increasing the president’s control over independent agencies like the Department of Justice.

Despite Trump rejecting the project, six of his former Cabinet secretaries and over 140 people who played a role in the project also worked in his administration, according to a CNN report.

It’s clear that Project 2025 is an election year buzzword. It has both opponents and proponents. At its core, the initiative seeks to reshape the federal government, but its impact extends to the local level.

In the plans forward, the Heritage Foundation notes: “Every hour the Left directs federal policy and elite institutions, our sovereignty, our Constitution, our families, and our freedom are a step closer to disappearing. Conservatives have just two years and one shot to get this right. With enemies at home and abroad, there is no margin for error. Time is running short. If we fail, the fight for the very idea of America may be lost.”

The economy

The mandate criticizes the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, recommending a major reform of the agency. Even with major reform, the project argues the Federal Reserve, also known as The Fed, would still cause “inflationary and recessionary cycles.” The report calls for abolish it outright, replacing it with either a free-banking system or reimplementing the gold standard.

A free-banking system allows banks to issue their own notes without government oversight or regulation. The gold standard system fixes the value of currency to a specified amount of gold. Up until 1970, the U.S. operated under the gold standard.

“A gold standard imposes very tight constraints on the government to spend,

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a touchstone of controversy, proposing major changes to national policies.

especially in times of crisis like Covid,” said Stephanie Kelton, an economy and public policy professor at Stony Brook University. “This is why countries always go off the gold standard. There is a lot of economic instability in the gold standard.”

Kelton is a former chief economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.

The project claims that the gold standard offers a more stable and less inflationary economy. It asserts that the gold standard will deter the government from arbitrarily issuing more money since a hard asset must back the dollars.

“When we were on a gold standard, the economy would have big booms and big crashes,” Kelton said. “You could say that it was stable if you look over a long period of time like a century or 50 years, but within that period of time, prices are crashing.”

According to economists, a free-banking system isn’t ideal either.

“We saw what unregulated banks did in 2008. It caused a great recession,”

John Rizzo, former Long Island Association chief economist, said. “If anything, we need more regulation not less.”

Long Island is among the top areas in New York state that was hit the hardest by the 2008 financial crisis. The state experienced the most subprime loans with either none or low documentation per 1,000 housing units, according to a report released by the state comptroller.

Long Island also had the most foreclosures, with one every 500 households or less, according to the same report. Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to prevent another great recession and housing finance

bubble. Project 2025 also calls to eliminate the CFPB.

“A bunch of lending activity took place that never should have taken place. Banks steered people into buying homes that they couldn’t afford,” Kelton said. “So if we eliminate the CFPB, it just makes it more likely that something like that can and would happen again.”

Long Island’s unemployment rate is increasing, namely in Babylon town which follows the state rate of 4.9 by only 0.5 points, according to the state’s Department of Labor statistics. The entire region lags behind the state by 1.1 points. Unemployment insurance is also declining. As the rates climb, housing prices are too. The median sale price of a single-family home is nearly $800,000, up 11 percent from last year.

“The housing crisis nearly brought the global economy to its knees, it did, in fact,” Kelton said. “We need people whose job it is to watch out for stuff like this and to intervene and take action on behalf of consumers because, in many cases, people didn’t understand the risks they were taking.”

Project 2025 also proposes peeling back worker pay and protections, making fewer workers eligible for time-anda-half overtime pay by lowering the threshold, and permitting children to work in “hazardous jobs.”

“[The project] is an extreme antiworker agenda that’s more or less designed to allow employers to use and abuse workers as they see fit, pay them as little as possible, offer limited protections, unions, wages, benefits– the whole thing,” Kelton said.

All economists contacted for com-

ment had similar negative perspectives on the project’s economic plans.

The proposed income tax reform simplifies the system to a 15 percent rate for those earning up to about $168,000 and 30 percent for higher earners could have significant implications for Long Island’s middle-income residents. With median individual incomes of around $54,000 in Nassau County and $49,000 in Suffolk County, a large portion of Long Islanders would fall into the lower tax bracket, according to Census Bureau data.

However, many households are already struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation, according to a report by United Way of Long Island. Nearly 30 percent of households in Nassau and Suffolk County face financial hardship despite the region’s relatively low poverty rate of 6 percent.

“It’s blatantly in favor of large corporations and the 15 percent and 30 percent would have a devastating effect on lower and middle-income individuals’ financial situation and overall on the economy,” Rizzo said. “There will be an adverse impact on small businesses that account for 90 percent of the business on Long Island and the middle class. In fact there wouldn’t be a middle class any longer. The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.”

Jenna Zazza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Courtesy George Giokas

STEPPING OUT

Ghoul out with some festive merrymaking Get your scare on with Halloween-inspired shindig

By Karen Bloom

The countdown is now on to spooking and assorted revelry. The signs of that festive day are all around us as all those ghouls, witches and wizards look forward to Oct. 31.

So throw on a costume and act like a kid — with or without the kids. Transform your house into a spooky (or mildy spooky lair) with party tricks and Halloween treats. Set the scene with a mad scientist-themed sweets table and carry it home with a crazy good menu featuring frightfully yummy appetizers, some mocktails for the kids (and non-drinkers in your crowd) and, of course, treats.

Dress up the details: Many folks can’t wait to dress up for a Halloween party, but that’s not so for everyone. Don’t make costumes mandatory. Instead offer a table of accessories that anyone can borrow and use to alter their appearance. Goofy glasses, strange hats, adhesive mustaches, or masks can be fun.

Have fun with Halloween cuisine. Cookie cutters can turn sandwiches, desserts, biscuits — just about anything — into different shapes. Foods also can be made a tad more spooky simply by renaming them or presenting them in interesting containers. Beverages can be offered in jugs or old bottles and labeled “potions.”

Try these tricked-out treats for same tasty spooking.

Witches Finger Sandwiches

Entice guests into your lair with some witchy fingers

• 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated breadsticks

• 6 small slices pepperoni

• 12 (2/3-oz.) slices cheese

• 3/4 cup finely shredded lettuce

Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 12 strips. Place flat on ungreased cookie sheet; do not twist. With sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut 2 small triangles from one end of each dough strip to form a point that resembles a fingertip. Lightly score breadsticks in center to resemble knuckles. Cut each pepperoni slice into 2 pointed ovals to resemble 2 fingernails. Place 1 pepperoni piece on each breadstick.

Bake at 375°F. for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, reapply “fingernails” with small dot of ketchup.

puffs to resemble ghosts onto the remaining baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until dried and firm, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven, close the door, and cool until completely dried, about 1 hour more.

Dip the tip of a toothpick into melted chocolate and dot chocolate “eyes” on each of the ghosts.

Spiderweb Cheesecake

Snare your guests with some spider web cheesecake. Use your favorite 9” cheesecake recipe.

Topping:

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

• 1/3 cup milk, cream, sour cream or ricotta cheese

Web:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips

First, make your favorite 9” cheesecake, one using a graham cracker crust. Add 1/4 cup black cocoa to the crust, before pressing it into the pan. Bake the cake as directed; remove from the oven, and let it cool.

To make the topping: Whip the heavy cream with the sugar just until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream just until combined.

Spread the topping over the cooled cheesecake.

Rock the Dock

Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, Yacht Rock the Dock shines the spotlight on the original artists, with Elliot Lurie, as they reinvigorate their many beloved tunes. Enjoy Ambrosia’s everlasting hits including “How Much I Feel,” “You’re the Only Woman” and “Biggest Part of Me.” John Ford Coley, most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, performs many memorable hits, including “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Love Is The Answer” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.” These songs are the soundtrack to a generation.Today’s so-called smooth yacht rock music scene would not be yacht rock without the contributions of these Grammy winning artists.

Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘Old Time Rock’

Split each breadstick. Cut each cheese slice into strips and place in breadstick, overlapping strips. Top each with lettuce. If desired, serve with mustard, mayonnaise or ketchup. Serve warm or cold. Note: Place leftover small triangular dough pieces on cookie sheet; bake until crisp. Use as croutons or nibblers.

Spooky Bones and Ghosts

Chase the demons away with a few “bones.”

• 2 large egg whites

• 2 drops fresh lemon juice, or more to taste

• 7 tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste

• 2 chocolate chips, melted, or as needed

Preheat oven to 225°F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats.

Whisk eggs whites and lemon juice together in a bowl until thick, white, and foamy. Add sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking constantly, until meringue is shiny, thick, and holds its shape.

Transfer meringue to a piping bag. Pipe 12 bone shapes onto a prepared baking sheet. Pipe 12

To make the chocolate web: Heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate and stir. The chocolate will begin to form one mass. Keep stirring until all the chocolate has melted — the cream should be hot enough to melt all the chocolate. If not, reheat briefly.

Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small tip (or a zip-top bag with one corner cut to form a 1/8” opening). Pipe one central dot onto the cream topping, then six concentric circles around the dot, spaced 1/2” apart.

Beginning with the center circle, gently pull a toothpick through all the circles toward the outer edge. Wipe the toothpick clean and repeat, moving clockwise and dragging the toothpick through at every eighth segment of the circle to complete the web pattern.

Peter Lemongello, Jr., the son of Long Island’s legendary star, returns to the Landmark stage. He takes his audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1960s through the’ 80s with his “Old Time Rock ‘N Roll” show. Accompanied by his eight-piece band, Peter delivers an engaging performance that evokes pure emotion. He continues to honor his father’s legacy — Peter Lemongello was the first artist to sell over a million albums on TV, through an innovative TV commercial campaign that paved the way for music video infomercials and MTV. A special highlight is Peter Jr.’s heartfelt tribute to his father, performing the hit “Do I Love You,” written by Paul Anka, which his Dad debuted on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”

Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by contacting Gene DiNapoli at (917) 567-5842.

Witches Finger Sandwiches

Spooky Bones and Ghosts Spiderweb Cheesecake

THE Your Neighborhood

America

The perennial classic rock favorite is back on the road again as founding member Dewey Bunnell celebrates the band’s 54rd anniversary, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. Billed as “Ride On Tour 2024, will draw on the band’s deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a Number One hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972. Bunnell and America’s co-founder Gerry Beckley (along with former band mate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of that tune. Forty plus years later, these friends continue to make music together (although Beckley has now retired from touring) thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners discovered there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.

On their way to becoming a global household name, America’s journey found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” were beloved as cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘The Birthday Party’

Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded opulent mansion, Friday, oct. 25, also oct. 31 and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store.

Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

Dog Days Weekend

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. With dog parade and costume contest on Sunday, 3-5 p.m. Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register. Advance ticket purchase for weekend events required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.

AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk

Long Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention encourages everyone to participate in the annual Long Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk, Sunday, Oct. 27 at Jones Beach Field 5 in Wantagh. The walk, which begins at 10 a.m., will raise funds to support suicide awareness and prevention and is one of the top fundraising walks in the country for AFSP, with over 4,000 participants. Past walks have raised in excess of $500,000. For more information, visit afsp.org/ longislandwalkwest.

Lantern Jug Workshop

Uniondale Library invites kids in grades K-5 to make spooky lanterns out of recycled materials, Friday,Oct. 25, 4:305:30 p.m. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information or to register, visit UniondaleLibrary. org or call (516) 489-2220.

E-Cycling and Shredding

Get rid of unwanted electronic devices and old documents for free, Saturday, Oct. 26, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at Hempstead Department of Public Works. Open to Town of Hempstead residents only. 450 Milburn Ave., Hempstead. For more information, call (516) 3784210.

Breast Cancer Forum

Town of Hempstead hosts the annual breast cancer forum, Saturday, Oct. 26,11 a.m.2 p.m. With screenings and guest speakers. Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead. For more information or to RSVP, call (516) 489-5000 ext. 4304.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues Saturday, Nov. 2, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

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 spans 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.

On stage

See Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” presented by Nassau Community College Theater and Dance Department, opening Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.; also Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29-30, 7;30 p.m. Delve into the lives of Arkádina, a famous — but fading — actress, and that of her lover, Trigórin, a well-known author. They arrive at her brother Sórin’s country estate for the summer, just as son Konstantín is staging an experimental new play he’s written and directed, starring his girlfriend, Nína.

Chekhov’s first successful naturalist play follows the lives of young artists as they navigate life. Thematically, it’s a study of the arts and the artist, the lack of real satisfaction to be found there, the pretense and mediocrity that pervade the practice, and yet the power and mystery that are possible. $12; NCC students free $10 veterans,

Public Notices

Uniondale library board honors former trustee

Endo

11530. 9

and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Richner Communications, Inc., Stuart Richner, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530. Editor: KAREN RADZISKI 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530. Managing Editor: JEFF BESSEN, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530.

10. Owner: Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Clifford Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Stuart Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530.

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB

D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST

NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR SC PARK LANE II TRUST 2019-1, Plaintiff, vs. EDWARD W. POWERS, AS THE PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GUMERCINDO LLANOS, ET AL., Defendant (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 5, 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 November 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 674 WINTHROP DRIVE, UNIONDALE, NY 11553.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 0050, Block: 00447-00, Lot: 00018. Approximate amount of judgment is $458,757.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 601980/2018.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser

Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other

Securities: None.

12 Not applicable.

13. Publication Title:

UNIONDALE HERALD

14. Issue Date for Circulation

Data Below: September 26, 2023

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total No.

Copies: Average No. Copies

Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2000 Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1600.

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies

Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 15; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 15. (2) Mailed

In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541:

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 566; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 556. (3) Paid

Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 559; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 343. (4) Paid

Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies

at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee.

PETER LEVY, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149308

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent

TO:Grassi & Co. Office of the NYS Attorney General

Jasper Surety

Linda Hickey

Ira Ozarin

Sybil Sidelman-Ryan

Nathaniel Ozarin

Nathan Levy

Mark Levy a/k/a Adrian Levy Nassau County Department of Social Services

Nassau Health Care Corporation

any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law and next-ofkin of the said Stella Levy, deceased, and if any of the said distributees

of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0.

c. Total Paid Distribution:

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1140; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 914

d. Free or Nominal Rate

Distribution( by Mail and Outside the Mail) : (1) Free or Nominal Rate OutsideCounty as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies

Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0 Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (2)Free or Nominal In-County as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies

Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0 (3) Free or Nominal

Rate Copies Mailed at Other classes Mailed Through the USPS: Average No. Copies

Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (4) Free or Nominal

Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: Average No. Copies

Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 400; Actual No.

Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 500.

e. Total Free or Nominal Rate

Distribution: Average No.

Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 400

Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 500.

f. Total Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1540;

named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.

A petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road Suite 603, Mineola, New York 11501.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on November 20, 2024, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Public Administrator of Nassau County, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Stella Levy, should not be judicially settled.

[X] Further relief sought (if any):

1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility, and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;

2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 29,704.04 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 8,568.01 pursuant to SCPA

Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1414. g. Copies Not Distributed: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 460; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 186.

h. Total: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2000; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1600.

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation:

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 74.03%; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 64.64%.

16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 24, 2024, issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Stuart Richner, Owner; Date: October 1, 2024. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). 1275298

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

1207(4);

3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 52,849.36, of which $ 17,849.36 has been paid and $ 35,000.00 is unpaid;

4.Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 6,350.00, of which $ 350.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;

5.Releasing and discharging the surety;

6.Directing that Nassau County Department of Social Services show cause why their claim amount of $ 254,404.36 should not be rejected and denied;

7.Directing that Nassau Health Care Corporation show cause why their claim amount of $ 298,608.04 should not be rejected and denied;

8.Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Stella Levy, decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship; 9.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper. Dated, Attested, and

During the Uniondale library’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting, the board presented Claude Mangum, former board trustee, with a plaque of appreciation for his service.

He spent over 18 years as a library trustee, and although he recently had to step down due to personal reasons, his dedication to Uniondale will not be forgotten by the library and by community members.

He has served on additional civic boards in his community throughout his life. He has also given lectures and presentations at the Uniondale library.

“Over the years, Magnum was always gracious when asked to speak at library programs focusing on Black history and culture,” Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, Uniondale library assistant director, said in a statement to the Herald.

Mangum is a retired professor of African American Studies at Fordham University. His wife, Terri, is the retired California Avenue School principal, and they live together within the Uniondale library district.

Mara Marin, the Uniondale library

From left: Library trustee Jaxon Brown, former trustee Claude Mangum, board president David Sweet, board vice president Deborah Mabry, trustee Olena Nicks.

director, described Mangum as “one of the kindest people you’d ever meet” and “very funny.”

“He was a wonderful trustee,” Mara Marin, Uniondale library director, said. “Very dedicated to the community.”

The library held their annual Board of Trustee elections on Oct. 17, with two seats open. Jessica Ellerbe won and will be filling Mangum’s vacant seat starting in January for a two-year term. Jaxon Brown, current trustee, won his seat for another five-year term.

— Kelsie Radziski

Public Notices

Sealed, September 23, 2024 (Seal)

HON. HON. MARGARET

C. REILLY

Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach

Chief Clerk

Signature of Attorney

Richard T. Kerins, Esq.

Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC Firm Name (516) 538-1111 Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530 Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com Email (optional)

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 149306

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS TITLE TRUST XIII, Plaintiff, v. KENNY GAVILANES, ET AL, Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on August 1, 2024, I, Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on November 6, 2024 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows: 677 Walter Street Uniondale, NY 11553 SBL #: 50-108-210&211 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 005515/2016 in the amount of $485,744.00 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the

Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 149298

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- PIERRE LISSADE, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 17, 2024 and entered on May 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Northeasterly side of Park Avenue, distant 132.39 feet Northwesterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northeasterly side of Park Avenue with the Northwesterly side of Smith Street; being a plot 100 feet by 60 feet by 100 feet by 60 feet.

Section: 50 Block: 419 Lot:17

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 791 PARK AVENUE, UNIONDALE, NY 11553 Approximate amount of lien $353,209.87 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 601597/2020.

JANE SHRENKEL, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.045 {* UNIONDALE*} 149483

Courtesy Uniondale Public Library

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City

is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

REQUIREMENTS:

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

POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.

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

JOURNEYMAN

COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL

Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.com

Build/monitor interim cashflow model. Examine

fncl modeling/valutn of acqstn targets. Reqs: BS

fincl pln’g and anlys,

folwng

Products indsty; genert’g btm up & top down frcsts

rcnclng items, prprng bdgts & sprtng FP&A

Res: Tortorella Service LLC, helpwanted@tortorella.com.

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Medical Reception/Accounts

Receivable

Part Time- back-office work. Rockville Centre. Must be friendly, well-spoken. Computer literacy necessary. Back office includes collections/account receivable, verifying insurance and researching claims and some billing. Must be flexible (days/evenings). $18-$19/ Hourly. Email resume drsmnw@optonline.net or fax resume 516-763-4218.

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

&

Victorian Colonial Fixer-Upper

What can we do with our Helene-damaged home?

Q. Our home in Asheville, North Carolina, was damaged by Hurricane Helene. The insurance company was contacted, and several busy contractors have looked at the property as they passed by. One commented that many homes need to be completely rebuilt, because they’re missing parts that protect them from hurricanes, such as “tecos.” What are tecos, and why do they make a difference? Can they be added without tearing our house down? This may push us to just sell, as is, and move on, at a large loss. What can we do?

A. . First, Teco is a brand name for metal connectors that hold lumber building parts together, giving any home greater resistance to being pulled apart by wind.

Unfortunately, the company went out of business in the 1990s. It’s a brand name, not a generic term — it’s like saying Kleenex instead of facial tissue.

But the name stuck, and is often used by people who have no idea that you can’t get a Teco anymore, but it’s easier than saying joist hanger or connector.

The most-used brand today is Simpson, which is far more sophisticated, for a much wider variety of engineered connections. The key word is “engineered,” and I emphasize it because most users of these products often use the wrong connectors for the wrong purposes. For example, your home, if it’s not completely in splinters, can be saved, but you have to use the right connectors, utilizing manufacturer charts and selecting the right ones based on wind resistance calculations. I’m sure I just lost most readers, because almost nobody actually calculates, or desires to respect, the right use of the right connector, so people go to the store and buy a box of what looks best, what is most available or what costs the least.

While filming the documentary “Hell or High Water,” which never got released due to lack of funding, I got to meet with officials, from (the equivalent of) the mayor to the head of the building department in Moore, Oklahoma, after third-graders were killed in their concrete elementary school by the fastest winds ever recorded, 313 miles per hour. The neighborhood was gone. People were rebuilding. I questioned why building permits were issued and yet nobody was using the connectors to reconstruct. The superintendent of the building department answered with frustration, knowing that it’s a code requirement, that “most people can’t afford the cost of the connectors.” Nine years later, I saw an article about the state of Oklahoma now strictly enforcing connector requirements.

You don’t have to walk away from your home. The base and top of the wall studs, the roof rafter connections and the corner hold-downs can be retrofitted, which will give you additional wind resistance of approximately 30 mph, and as a nationally certified damage assessor, I have seen firsthand that the right connectors save property and lives. Good luck!

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Law school bonds formed decades ago are still strong

Few possessions in life are more valuable than lasting friendships. I’ve been more than blessed with friendships that began almost 60 years ago, when I was a student at Notre Dame Law School, and remain strong all these decades later. That was clear when we got together again at Notre Dame last week. I entered Notre Dame in 1965. From my home in Queens to the campus in South Bend, Indiana, was about 800 miles by car. In life experience, the distance was light years. I had no clue what to expect. My life up to then had been almost entirely confined to Queens, where I grew up; Brooklyn, where I went to high school and college; and Manhattan, where I was born, and where, during my last two years of college, I worked loading and unloading trucks and freight cars at the Railway Express Terminal on 10th Avenue. My out-of-state ventures had been limited to New Jersey: a two-week summer rental when I was 9, a handful of one-day visits to relatives and two nights at Palisades Amusement Park. In

New York, I took the ferry once to Staten Island, made the occasional trip to Jones Beach and journeyed to the Bronx for a handful of Yankees games and once to watch the football Giants practice at Fordham. I had never eaten in an actual restaurant, my dining experience limited to White Castle and pizza joints.

Catching up with four longtime, far-flung friends from Notre Dame.

The Notre Dame campus was as impressive as advertised, with its famed Golden Dome glistening in the Indiana sun and more trees and manicured grass than I’d seen anywhere except Central Park. The law school was a three-story Gothic structure that radiated seriousness of purpose. I opted to live in Fisher Hall, the graduate student dorm, rather than an off-campus apartment mainly for convenience: It was a two-minute walk from the law school and next door to the dining hall.

Most important, the law students living around me in Fisher Hall were great guys. Dick Manning, Tom Curtin, Tom Ward, Charlie Weiss and Lanny Bonenberger became lifelong friends. For the most part we all had similar upbringings, Catholic school-educated. Every one of us except Ward, whose father was a doctor, was the first in our family to go to college. And every one of the others

Fhad gone away to college, and I had no idea what dorm life was like. We were all willing to work together and help one another out — very different from the cutthroat competition at many law schools. That was a great defense against the dean of the law school, who took pride in the number of first-year students who flunked out or bailed out. His welcoming greeting to us had set the tone: “Look at the man on your left and the man on your right. Before long, one of you won’t be here. And damned be he who first cries, ‘Enough, enough!’”

Fortunately, the six of us survived the dean’s first-semester bloodletting, with Ward and Weiss doing exceptionally well and the rest of us doing well enough.

Sometime in the spring of our first year, there was a climactic power struggle between the dean and the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, president of the university, over the starting date for the law school in the fall. Their grand compromise was to give the dean his starting date, but to throw the law students off campus. It was my first experience as collateral damage! But the six of us found a house to rent in South Bend, and our friendships grew stronger than ever. Adding to all this was my meeting

Rosemary, who was a student at neighboring St. Mary’s, during my first semester, and her becoming an integral part of our group. We got married at the start of my final semester before graduation.

After graduation, everyone did well: Manning in Chicago, Ward in Maine, Curtin in New Jersey, Weiss in St. Louis and Bonenberger in West Virginia. Though we were many miles apart, we stayed in close contact over the years, including at five-year class reunions, even holding weekly Zoom meetings during Covid.

Then, last summer, Manning, who was in many ways our magnet, died, and we decided to have our own minireunion. So last week we were together again in South Bend.

There were changes. Fisher Hall and the house we rented have been demolished. The law school building is many times larger than it was. But among us, nothing had changed. We walked the campus, reliving good memories, retelling old stories, talking about our children and grandchildren. We were thankful for our bonds of friendship, which had been forged in another century and have grown only stronger over seven decades. A great gift.

Go, Irish!

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

Why I’m voting for Kamala Harris

or the past year, politicians and political commentators have described the upcoming election as the most consequential in American history. To be realistic, all elections have consequences, but there is no doubt that this one will have a dramatic impact on my family, and countless others, for years to come. With less than two weeks to go until Nov. 5, I am weary from the back-and-forth discussions I have had with family members, friends, neighbors, and political allies and adversaries. Happily, all of those talks have been cordial, and it has been worthwhile to listen to all opinions. These exchanges have better prepared me to explain why I will vote for Kamala Harris for president. Before explaining the basis for my vote, I need to rebut some of the arguments that I have heard from supporters of Donald Trump. Some have made the claim that Harris is “anti-Israel.”

They point to the fact that then-President Trump moved the American embassy to Jerusalem, but they have not offered any proof that as a candidate, Harris has failed to support Israel. She has shown her unhappiness with its prime minister, but Benjamin Netanyahu is not Israel.

itrust her, and believe she is the best choice for challenges both at home and abroad.

Three months into the election madness, some people tell me they “don’t know enough about Kamala.” I view that as an excuse not to vote for a woman. My response to them is, “Where does Trump stand on abortion, child care tax cuts, more housing opportunities for people of modest means and tax breaks for middleincome families?”

I frequently hear people describe the vice president as “too liberal.” They reference her former support for Medicare for All and her past opposition to fracking. Harris has modified her positions on a number of issues, as has Trump’s vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, who is now in lockstep with Trump — after once calling him a “Hitler.”

I choose Harris over Trump for a

number of reasons. I trust her, and believe that she will be an honest president. I don’t believe that she will make private deals with campaign donors, or craft laws that will favor a handful of wealthy donors like Elon Musk. Above all, she won’t lie, lie and lie some more at every opportunity.

Thanks to President Biden’s hard work, America has the respect of world leaders once again. NATO is once more a united force in Europe, and the only firewall we have against Russia and Vladimir Putin. Harris will be a strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine. That will make our country safer. She will uphold our alliances with Asian nations and oppose China’s efforts to harm Taiwan.

Harris will appoint qualified people to major positions in her cabinet, and has pledged to seek bipartisan advice on key issues. There are countless thought leaders in America who would gladly give their time to the government if they thought their views would be respected. Above all, she will not sell out the nation to domestic or foreign interests.

Harris will protect a woman’s right to choose. She has pledged to reinstate Roe v. Wade, and will appoint judges to the Supreme Court who will protect women’s rights. She will appoint an attorney general who will follow the Constitution, and be the people’s lawyer and not the president’s lap dog.

Harris will maintain our support for Israel. She has seen the powerful support that Biden has provided, including his latest pledge to give Israel guided missiles and U.S. military support to back them up. She will honor those commitments.

Rather than recite the reasons why I do not support Trump, I’ll defer to America’s top generals, who have called him dangerous and unfit to be commander in chief. To add to their opposition, I could further quote all of Trump’s former cabinet members who oppose his re-election.

Enough said.

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

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your chance — get out and vote

as we approach a pivotal election that portends high political drama, there’s never been a better time to stress the importance of voting. Every vote counts, and participation is more than a right — it’s a crucial responsibility that shapes this nation’s democracy.

This is not about whom to vote for. It’s about making the most of the privilege of voting.

Early voting is now underway in parts of the country, and in the state of Georgia, the turnout has already made headlines. On the first day of early voting, more than 300,000 Georgians cast their ballots — more than double the number who voted that day in 2020.

That could signal the beginning of another record turnout for the presidential election. Four years ago, both eventual President Joe Biden and the incumbent, Donald Trump, garnered the most votes ever in a presidential election. Biden won with some 81 million.

The heightened enthusiasm, to put it most politely, for next month’s election underscores why every eligible voter should make his or her voice heard.

This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 5, but early voting provides flexibility for those who may not be able to vote on that day. In New York, early voting gets under way this Saturday and ends on Nov. 3.

Early voting gives voters the chance to skip the long lines and cast their ballots at a time and place that is convenient for them. It’s a safeguard against last-minute emergencies or unforeseen obstacles that might occur on Election Day.

The surge in early voting is a promising sign for democracy, but it also sends a larger message about civic engagement in today’s highly charged political climate. Voting is one of the most direct ways individuals can influence the policies that shape their lives.

Whether the issues voters are focused on are health care, education, the economy, social justice or abortion access, the winning candidates, and measures on the

New York state elections are all about the major parties

To the Editor:

As New York voters prepare for the Nov. 5 elections, it is apparent that candidate choices are limited now more than ever. The Herald Roundtable articles, for example, are limited to coverage of Democratic and Republican candidates. The anti-democratic impact of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s

Early voting locations

■ Oyster Bay Ice Rink 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714

■ Elmont Public Library 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont, NY 11003

■ Floral Park Recreation Center 124 Stewart Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001

■ Freeport Recreation Center 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport, NY 11520

■ St. Paul’s Recreation Center 295 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530

■ Glen Cove City Hall 9 Glen St., Glen Cove, NY 11542

■ Great Neck House 14 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck NY 11023

■ Hempstead Rec. Center/Kennedy Park 335 Greenwich St., Hempstead, NY 11550

■ Hofstra University 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, NY 11549

■ Hicksville Levittown Hall 201 Levittown Pkwy., Hicksville NY 11801

■ South Shore Jewish Center 191 Long Beach Rd., Island Park, NY 11558

■ Lawrence Country Club 101 Causeway, Lawrence, NY 11559

■ Long Beach City Hall 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561

■ Massapequa Town Hall South 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa, NY 11758

■ Temple Beth Am 2377 Merrick Ave., Merrick NY 11566

■ Nassau County Board of Elections 240 Old Country Rd., Mineola NY 11501

■ Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040

■ Plainview Mid-Island Y JCC 45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview, NY 11803

■ Port Washington Library 1 Library Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050

■ Rockville Centre Recreation Center 111 N. Oceanside Rd., Rockville Centre, NY 11570

■ Gayle Community Center 53 Orchard St., Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

■ Syosset Public Library 225 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Syosset NY 11791

■ Valley Stream Presbyterian Church 130 S. Central Ave., Valley Stream, NY 11580

■ St. Francis De Chantal Church 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793

■ West Hempstead Public Library 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead NY 11552

■ Yes We Can Community Center 141 Garden St., Westbury, NY 11590

■ Williston Park American Legion 730 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596

ballot, will help determine the future of those issues. By casting your vote, you become part of the collective decisionmaking process that steers the direction of the country.

For those who feel disillusioned or disengaged, it’s important to remember that democracy works best when it’s fully inclusive. Every election offers the opportunity to hold public officials accountable, to approve or reject ballot measures, and to influence the future of local, state and national policies.

When large numbers of people opt out of the process, fewer voices shape the policies that affect everyone. Voting is a way to speak up, even when the system feels

letters

electoral “reforms” has become abundantly clear with this year’s elections in our state. Having made it virtually impossible for independent third-party candidates to appear on the ballot, drastically changing longstanding ballot access laws and regulations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this fall we find ourselves with only Democrats and Republicans listed on our ballots. In a manner similar to what Republicans have done elsewhere, New York Democrats have suppressed the vote and stifled

imperfect or frustrating. By casting your vote — whether early or on Election Day— you are exercising a power that should never be taken for granted. “My vote doesn’t matter” is simply not the case. So if you can’t vote on a busy Tuesday, Nov. 5, make a plan to do so between now and the Sunday before Election Day. Or take advantage of the time you still have to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Be part of the conversation, have a say in the issues that matter to you, and help ensure a future that reflects the will of all Americans.

Voting isn’t just a privilege; it’s a duty that upholds the foundation of our democracy. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.

meaningful political debate on the issues that face us all. We urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to reverse these draconian changes to our election law as soon as possible. New Yorkers deserve more voter choice, more democracy.

Thanks to the Cuomo “reforms,” New York is the only state to have just two candidates for president appearing on the ballot. This has happened in only one other state in the past 40 years, Oklahoma. Many voters now feel faced with two unsatisfactory

Hochul’s new law gives students a seat at the table

For over a century, school boards have been crucial in shaping education across the country, and particularly on Long Island. Their governance originated in the early 1800s, according to the New York State School Boards Association, when New York state established school districts and allowed citizens to elect boards of education that were responsible for levying taxes. By the mid19th century, these local bodies aimed to give citizens a direct voice in the education system. In the early 20th century, educator Jesse H. Newlon advocated for a separation of roles, positioning school boards as legislative entities and superintendents as executives, according to the association. Over time, school boards have included parents and community leaders focused on school success.

aOne group, however, was often excluded from this process: the students themselves. Despite being directly affected by board members’ decisions, students rarely had the chance to influence them. Recently, the idea of including a student member on school boards gained traction in New York. Districts recognized that students could offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in their schools.

This topic resonates deeply with me due to my personal experience in high school, because I attended a school that truly valued student voices. I cherish my time as student government president, where I collaborated closely with the school administration to implement meaningful improvements in our district. This role not only boosted my confidence, but also provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of school governance. It served as a catalyst for my later pursuits in public service, igniting a passion for advocacy

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choices: a candidate who is engaged in sowing pernicious and deadly seeds of ethnic and ideological conflict, and another who supports wars and continuing our nation’s complicity in an ongoing genocide.

The Green Party urges all progressive voters to write in “Jill Stein” in this year’s election. Don’t stay home, and don’t waste your vote!

JIm BROWN Chair, Green Party of Nassau County Island Park

Kremer summed up Trump, but there’s more

To the Editor:

In his Oct. 10-16 column, “A historic election for all the wrong reasons,” Jerry Kremer presents several compelling reasons to reject Donald Trump’s “desperate campaign” for president.

But voters should consider other factors as well. Conservatives, in particular, ought to ask whether Trump adheres to three principles they surely hold dear: family values, law and order, and patriotism. Do Republican parents really want their children to view this potential president as a role model?

and leadership.

Even though I wasn’t an official school board member, I understood the importance of having a voice in decision-making processes. The experience solidified my belief in the power of student involvement and the positive impact it can have on shaping educational policies and fostering a sense of community.

nyone who’s attended high school for at least a year can sit on a school board.

Historically, student board members were required to be seniors, limiting representation from younger students with fresh perspectives. A law recently signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul changes this requirement, allowing any student who has attended high school for at least a year to serve on a board. This broadens the potential for diverse representation, and emphasizes that all students have valuable contributions to make. Additionally, the law removes the requirement that a student member seat be authorized by popular vote. While student members cannot vote on decisions, they can still voice concerns, ensuring

that their perspectives are heard starting as early as age 14 or 15.

This is a significant win for New York state education and Long Island. The new law encourages innovative thinking in shaping our educational system, and fosters leadership and civic engagement from an early age. By involving students in discussions about grading policies, curriculum changes, disciplinary actions and mental health concerns, we empower them to influence aspects of school life that directly affect them.

Overall, this is a fantastic opportunity for young voices in our community to be heard and valued. As an assemblywoman who proudly supported this transformative bill, I am excited about its future positive impact on our schools and communities. The law is a major step in empowering students, and I hope it inspires future policies that further enhance their role in shaping their educational experiences and nurturing the next generation of leaders. I look forward to seeing the contributions from these young board members.

Taylor Darling represents the 18th Assembly District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Should kids seek to emulate a philanderer and a vulgarian incapable of telling the truth?

How do those professing to “back the blue” square that stance with support for a convicted felon? Is someone charged with racketeering and 51 other criminal offenses a credible champion of the rule of law?

Are red-white-and-blue all-Americans OK with a candidate who orchestrated the attempted overthrow of the country’s constitutional order? Does denigrating members of the U.S. armed forces demonstrate love of country?

Trump defiles all three of the values most Americans regard as sacrosanct.

This is not to say that Kamala Harris is without personal flaws of her own. She’s imperfect, both as a candidate and a human being. Besides, voters should be assessing a candidate’s policy positions, not only his or her personal behavior. And Harris’s record and her proposals can be fairly criticized from a conservative perspective.

But character does matter. And on that score, Donald Trump is utterly unqualified to hold the nation’s highest office.

KEvIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

Election Letters to the Editor policy

In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.

taylor darling

A crisp, patriotic day in Eisenhower Park - East Meadow