HERALD UNIONDALE
Philip-Michael Pierre, 13, sells cookies from his business, Philip’s Cookie Shop, at local festivals and fairs, including Lawrence Road Middle School’s Health Fair in October.
Baking up sweet success
At just 13, Philip-Michael Pierre has already established himself as a successful entrepreneur. An eighth-grade student at Lawrence Road Middle School, he has his own cookie business — Philip’s Cookie Shop — that has not only attracted loyal customers, but also earned him recognition at a number of local fairs and festivals.
Pierre’s entrepreneurial journey began when he was 7, as a spark ignited by his mother and grandmother’s cooking company, Choices by M&R. They specialize in international cuisine, and the time Philip-Michael spent in the kitchen with them, watching and learning, was a huge influence.
“They’re really what inspired me to do this,” he said.
What started as a simple interest in baking soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. Pierre now makes and decorates all of his cookies from scratch, focusing primarily on sugar cookies. His large ones sell for $4, and
the smaller ones for $2. He takes pride in crafting cookies that reflect the events at which he sells them, with one of his recent creations being apple-shaped cookies that were sold at his school’s Health Fair. His talents have earned him a fairly steady customer base, Pierre said, with at least 10 regulars who look for his cookies at fairs and festivals year-round.
One of the highlights of Pierre’s developing business career came earlier this year, when he sold his creations at Raymour & Flanigan in Garden City. “To be in a store like that and be selling really made me think of the scale I was at,” he said.
Despite the pressures that come with running a business, Pierre said he manages to balance it with school and other activities. He is an active member of Lawrence Road’s National Junior Honor Society, and participates in various school clubs, including the debate
Town files suit opposing new pricing plan
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Town of Hempstead has filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the state of New York, opposing the revised congestion-pricing plan in Manhattan.
The suit comes after several town supervisors and state senators across Long Island voiced their objection to the initiative.
TLast month, Gov. Kathy Hochul relaunched the congestion-pricing program, which would require operators of passenger vehicles traveling south of 60th Street in Manhattan to pay a one-day $9 charge. This marked a 40 percent drop from the initial cost of $15 before the plan was paused in June, after state officials voiced concerns over the financial burden the initiative would impose on commuters.
According to Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, the lawsuit, filed in Nassau County Supreme Court on Nov. 21, states that Hochul and the MTA “circumvented procedural requirements that enable residents to speak and be heard,” referring to the legally required 45-day comment period for a governmental regulation.
his is going to have an effect on people who are seeking medical treatment.
DoN CLAviN
Town of Hempstead supervisor
On Nov. 18, the MTA board approved the revised plan, which is set to take effect on Jan. 5.
According to Town of Hempstead attorney Josh Liebman, the revised tolling program is an entirely new law that should be subjected to a renewed public comment period.
“When a governmental body makes a rule, the public has a specific right to comment on it and to give any objections they have,” Liebman said. “What happened here was a complete rush job. It’s a new law, and it was done without any kind of public participation whatsoever.”
Gordon Tepper, a spokesman for Hochul, said that the state cannot comment on pending
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Kelsie Radziski/Herald
Inspired by his mom and grandma
team. He has competed in the prestigious Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament, held in February, for the past two years, and said he hopes to return this year.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Pierre also volunteers at St. Martha Roman Catholic Church, in Uniondale, as an altar boy.
“There are some times where it can feel a little stress-inducing,” he said, “but for the most part, I’m able to manage everything.”
What makes Pierre’s business unique is that he donates 10 percent of his profits to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park, a cause that is close to his heart. He estimated that he has given roughly $300 to the hospital since he started his business, and he said it makes him feel good to know he can make a difference in children’s lives with his donations.
While Pierre said he finds joy in every part of his cookie business — whether it’s the “relaxing” process of baking at home or the thrill of selling his treats — he acknowledged the challenges he faces.
“The most challenging part is getting myself out there, to some degree, because marketing is a very hard thing,” he said. “Also, I don’t have that much trouble with balancing my other schoolwork and stuff, but sometimes I have homework at the
Get some tasty treats
To buy some cookies, to find out where Philip’s Cookie Shop will be set up next or to learn more about the business, follow @philipscookieshop or reach out to Philip-Michael at philipscookieshop@gmail.com or choicesbymnr@gmail.com.
same time as this. So balancing is not a major struggle, but it’s one of the struggles I have to deal with.”
Looking ahead, he dreams of going to Harvard in few years, and studying to become a doctor or a lawyer. But he doesn’t want to give up his business. “I would definitely try to keep my cookie business with me along the way,” he said.
Having a successful cookie shop at a young age has taught Pierre some lessons, about work and about life. He offered some advice to other young aspiring entrepreneurs.
“The hardest part of running a business is having the motivation to get up and actually keep doing it, repeat the process over and over, and to really put themselves out there,” he said, “because you may feel uncomfortable with doing what you’re doing at first, but you’ll really feel rewarded at the end of the journey.”
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Courtesy Philip-Micharl Pierre Pierre started his business when he was just 7 years old, baking and decorating his own sugar cookies at home.
NUMC announces $1.06 billion suit against New York state
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The Nassau Health Care Corporation and Nassau University Medical Center say they intend to file legal claims against New York state for $1.06 billion, plus interest, for withholding Medicaid payments that the hospital says it is entitled to.
According to notice-of-claims documents distributed to reporters at a Nov. 20 news conference in the lobby of the East Meadow hospital, a disproportionately large share of patients served by NUMC are eligible for Medicaid. NUMC is one of three public hospitals in New York that serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.
Because of the large number of Medicaid patients, the hospital receives federal funding through the Disproportionate Share Hospital program and the Upper Payment Limit program — both Medicaid programs authorized under the Social Security Act. In order to receive payments from the federal government, states — in NUMC’s case, New York — must contribute their assigned share, commonly referred to as the state share or non-federal share, to hospital funding.
Typically, the state share matches the federal contribution.
According to the notice-of-claims documents, in 2024 NUMC was due to receive DSH payments totaling roughly $100.2 million.
The federal share of the DSH payments was half of that total, around $50.1 million, which was transferred to the State Department of Health for distribution. The state was required to provide the other $50.1 million from either state funds or local contributions. The state was then required to combine the federal and non-federal shares and wire the total to NUMC.
The documents allege that the state orchestrated a ruse to mislead the federal government by requiring NUMC to front the state’s contractual share of the DSH funds from its own operating account. As a result, NUMC received only half of the DSH payments it was entitled to, because the state required the hospital to fund its own non-federal share.
The hospital is alleging that is has been a victim of similar schemes since at least 2001. Over the past 23 years, NUMC has received approximately $1.08 billion from the federal government in DSH payments, but has not received a total of roughly $1.06 billion in non-federal shares.
“What New York state did is not just deliberate financial deception,” Steve Cohen, an attorney representing the hospital, said. “It risked the future of a hospital that is dedicated to our area’s most at-risk people. It should shock every taxpayer.”
Cohen told reporters after the news conference that the hospital is required to notify the state attorney general’s office of its intentions, so the state has time to prepare for legal proceedings.
When additional litigation is filed, information about the case will be made public, Cohen added, and all legal proceedings will take place in New York’s Court of Claims.
“We are continuing to work with Nassau County on an appropriate solution for the future of NUMC,” Gordon Tepper, the Long Island press secretary for Gov. Kathy Hochul, emailed in a statement to the Herald. “Our concerns are the fiscal health of the hospital and patient care.”
At a special meeting on Nov. 18 of the Nassau Health Care Corporation board, which oversees the operations of NUMC and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, the board authorized a contract with two law firms, Susman Godfrey LLP and Pollock and Cohen, to provide legal services to the health care corporation. The contract amount, at a contingency rate based on collections and additional funds, is not to exceed $325,000, according to the meeting’s agenda, which is posted on NUMC’s website.
According to Richard Kessel, the chairman and director of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a public-benefit corporation that monitors and oversees the county’s finances, NIFA must approve hospital contracts over $50,000.
“We’re required to approve the law firm contracts that they voted on a few days ago,” Kessel said. “We put them on notice that those contracts should be submitted to NIFA, and that no money should be spent until we’ve reviewed and approved them.”
According to the state, if NIFA does not approve the contracts, the law firms cannot be paid for their services. Asked about that possibility, Cohen told reporters that he hoped the finance authority “does the right thing.”
“You shouldn’t be retaliating against the people who are trying to uncover the wrongdoing,” he said. The hospital has been under fire for years, accused of financial mismanagement, but this year NUMC has made significant strides toward recovery, receiving positive audits and upgraded safety ratings from a variety of organizations. Matthew Bruderman, chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation board, attributes much of the hospital’s recovery to the work of Meg Ryan, NUMC’s interim president and chief executive, and her
leadership team.
“As we prepare to initiate litigation, the facts will reveal that the state of New York deliberately violated federal law, depriving this hospital of the resources it needs to be financially sustainable,” Ryan wrote in a news release. “NUMC is a lifeline for Nassau County’s most vulnerable residents. The state’s financial misconduct has hurt this institution and the people it serves. Today marks the beginning of holding the state accountable and ensuring this community gets the resources it deserves.”
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Matthew Bruderman, chairman of the Nassau County Health Care Corporation board, spoke at a news conference on Nov. 20, detailing Nassau University Medical Center’s intention to file a lawsuit against New York state.
NUMC is the only public hospital on Long Island that serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care. Federal and state funding help it stay afloat.
Jolly Jamboree brings holiday fun to Uniondale
The Long Island Children’s Museum is set to host its inaugural Jolly Jamboree on Dec. 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is meant to offer families an affordable, festive way to celebrate the holiday season and bring families together for fun and interactive activities.
“It’s a night where everybody just can come and spend time together,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s Vice President for Program & Visitor Experience, said, “which is really what we want to do during the holidays.”
Highlights of the evening include a DJled dance party with Santa and Rudolph, where kids can interact with their favorite holiday characters. The museum’s interactive winter village will be open, with opportunities to play in a little bakery, hot cocoa shop and more. There will also be sock skating, allowing guests to glide across the “ice” in their socks while Elsa and Olaf make appearances. Families can also engage in hands-on craft activities throughout the evening, creating keepsakes like personalized cookie
plates, ornaments and decorated hats to take home.
The event will be “super festive,” Terzulli said, with carolers strolling through the museum and photo opportunities with fun holiday backdrops. Storybook characters, like Pete the Cat, will add to the fun, providing plenty of photo-worthy moments. For those looking for more, the museum’s gift shop will be open, offering unique gifts to take home.
Tickets are priced at $16, with discounts available for members, and they can be purchased at the door or in advance. Aimed at younger children, the event is scheduled earlier in the evening to ensure even the littlest guests can enjoy the festivities without getting too tired or staying out too late.
“This is a way for multiple family members, and hopefully extended family members, to just come for a fun holiday night out,” Terzulli said.
To buy tickets in advance or to learn more, visit LICM.org.
— Kelsie Radziski
Sands submits environmental impact statement
Las Vegas Sands has officially submitted its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to the Nassau County Legislature for its proposed resort and casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. This submission follows a unanimous vote by the Legislature confirming the document’s completeness and availability for public review.
The over 28,000-page document reflects Sands’ commitment to sustainable development and community investment during their effort to build the casino.
“We are grateful to the Nassau County Legislature for its thorough review of the completeness of our environmental impact statement,” Michael Levoff, Las Vegas Sands’ Senior Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs, said in a news release. “This over 28,000-page document further demonstrates Sands’ commitment to comprehensively and holistically mitigate the potential impacts of our transformative project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. We are equally grateful to the many Long
Islanders and local organizations that continue to come to the table and work with us to create opportunity and build a better, more inclusive, more sustainable community for all.”
The DEIS outlines a range of mitigation investments totaling more than $150 million aimed at modernizing infrastructure and revitalizing Uniondale and surrounding communities,
according to the news release. These projects include expanding the Meadowbrook Parkway to alleviate traffic congestion, enhancing Uniondale’s water district for improved sustainability and upgrading energy infrastructure to meet growing demand. Additionally, beautification initiatives are planned to improve the area’s public spaces to boost both aesthetics and quality of life for local residents and visitors. However, not everyone is in favor of the proposal. The Say No To The Casino Civic Association has criticized the casino project at every step, making the repeated argument that it will harm the community and environment in a variety of ways. They argue that the extensive infrastructure changes needed for the proposed casino, such as expanding the Meadowbrook Parkway, would permanently alter the county’s suburban character and exacerbate traffic congestion.
The group expressed concerns over the environmental impact, highlighting the expected water consumption and car-
bon emissions in a news release. Sands has projected that the resort will consume more than 760,000 gallons of water per day and emit 100,000 tons of CO2 annually, according to the release, and critics warn that such a development could have lasting negative effects on local resources, climate change and public health.
“We cannot let stand the false premise that this massive casino will be safe for our environment and beneficial to our economy and society,” the group said in a news release. “This project will produce economic harm, environmental harm and egregious societal harm that will last for generations.”
The DEIS is now available on the Nassau County Legislature’s website for public review, with a comment period running until Jan. 6, 2025. There will be a public hearing on the DEIS on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Nassau County Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola. To view the DEIS and learn more, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
— Kelsie Radziski
Photos courtesy Long Island Children’s Museum
Kids can go sock skating, one of the Long Island Children’s Museum’s holiday season activities, at the inaugural Jolly Jamboree on Dec. 7.
Herald file photo Las Vegas Sands has officially submitted its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to the Nassau County Legislature for its proposed
Anthony Lebron seeks third term as Fire Commissioner
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Anthony Lebron is running for re-election for the position of Fire Commissioner for the Uniondale Fire District. The election, set for Dec. 10 at the Sherman Van Ness Fire Station, will determine whether Lebron will serve another fiveyear term in the role he has held since 2013. He is the only candidate running for the position this year.
“I love working for the community, and continue to look forward to doing that,” he said.
Lebron, 45, is a lifelong Uniondale resident and a 1997 graduate of Uniondale High School. Before his tenure as Fire Commissioner, he served three terms as Chief of the Uniondale Fire Department. His commitment and desire to serve the fire district led him to run for Fire Commissioner, a position where he has focused on managing the financial aspects of the district and ensuring the fire department is equipped to serve the community effectively.
As a Fire Commissioner, Lebron and his fellow board members are responsible for setting the budget for the district, which is primarily funded by tax dollars from residents and businesses in the area. The board also oversees the purchase of fire apparatus and protective gear for firefighters and ensures that personnel receive the training they need to maintain high standards of service.
During his time as a Fire Commissioner, Lebron has been instrumental in implementing several key initiatives during his time on the board, including the creation of a paid Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The program was established to address the growing demand for medical services and to reduce response times, he said, which had
The Board of Trustee Monthly Meeting Dates for the Academic School Year for 2024/2025 Hempstead/Uniondale campus
All meetings will be held at the Uniondale Middle School: 100 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard Uniondale, New York 11553
10/31/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
11/21/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
12/19/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
01/30/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
02/27/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
03/27/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
04/24/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
05/29/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
06/26/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
07/24/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale
become lengthy due to an increased call volume.
“We felt that we needed to add the emergency medical services for our residents because we were seeing a very lengthy response time just due to the volume of calls that was going on,” he said. In addition to the EMS program, Lebron highlighted his work on improving the district’s financial management.
Under his leadership, he said the fire district “prides themselves on” having maintained a stable budget without raising taxes for the past eight years, despite rising costs.
“As things continue to get expensive, taxes continue to rise,” he said, “but the fire district has been financially sound to continue to function and protect our fire district without having to raise costs.”
Lebron’s leadership extends beyond financial oversight. He and the board have established a “rigorous preventive maintenance schedule for all our apparatus, so the downtime or out of service time of any of the apparatus is minimal,” he said, and he and the board also work closely with the chief’s office to provide training for fire personnel.
When asked about his dedication to the role, Lebron emphasized his passion for community service. He said his “leadership proven knowledge of what the job entails, and hard work” make him a good fit for the role.
In addition to his work with the fire district, Lebron has spent 17 years as a corrections officer with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and is dedicated to giving back to the community.
“I love giving back, so my time is about giving back and molding the youth that we have today,” he said.
The election will take place on Dec. 10 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Sherman Van Ness Fire Station, located at 154 Uniondale Avenue.
Reduce Your Cancer Risk by Eating Healthy
Learn to make healthy, low-cost meals through our free online cooking series led by Karla Giboyeaux, a registered dietitian at MSK.
Point your smartphone camera at the QR code and tap the link to find festive recipes for the holidays, including a red meat-free version of Pastelón.
Courtesy Anthony Lebron
Anthony Lebron, right, is running for re-election for the position of Fire Commissioner for the Uniondale Fire District. The election will take place on Dec. 10 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Sherman Van Ness Fire Station.
HERALD SPORTS
Hofstra hoops showing plenty of promise
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
With a largely new roster this season, fourth-year Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Speedy Claxton was expecting that the beginning of the new season could be a bit of a learning curve. The former standout Hofstra and NBA guard then saw quicker chemistry than he anticipated, providing hope that the 202425 campaign could culminate with a banner.
Hofstra won its first four games to start the new season with many new faces including a 49-48 upset victory against Big East foe Seton Hall at the Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 13. The hot start featured a number of scoring contributions with the Pride also finding ways to win games in a variety of fashions in three straight wins against Iona, Seton Hall and UMass after starting with
a blowout of Division III opponent SUNY Old Westbury.
“Those are three good wins and if you would have told me before the season we would get all three I’d be extremely happy and even if you told me I would only get one I would have been happy,” said Claxton, a former NBA guard who led Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament as a player in 2000. “It shows we can compete with anyone.”
The 4-0 start was followed up by stiff competition at Florida State and then 7th-ranked Houston. The Pride then headed to the Bahamas for three games over the Thanksgiving weekend and knocked off Rice in overtime 68-63 and edged Arkansas State 68-66 on a buzzer beater shot from graduate student forward Michael Graham.
Claxton added six transfers and two freshmen to the roster to go along with six returners from last year’s team that went 20-13 and fell to Long Island rival Stony Brook in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals.
Sophomore guard Jean Aranguren is one of the newcomers shining early as the team’s leading scorer. The Iona transfer registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in Hofstra’s 75-71 overtime win at UMass on Nov. 16.
The addition of Big East transfers Cruz Davis (St. John’s) and Jaquan Sanders (Seton Hall) are also paying dividends early on this season. Sanders was clutch in the Seton Hall win against his old team with 10 second half points while Davis tallied 21 in the UMass victory.
“All three of those guys have been playing well,” Claxton said. “I think that is why we have been performing well in the early part of the season.”
Other transfers added to the roster include Graham (Loyola Marymount), senior guard TJ Gadsden (Canisius) and redshirt sophomore guard Eric Parnell (Eastern Florida State). Graham is the team’s fourth leading scorer and recorded 14 in the dramatic Arkansas State win.
The Pride are also getting a leadership boost from returning players Silas Sunday and German Plotnikov, who both
Newcomer Cruz
UMass.
saw key minutes last season. The 7-1 Sunday provides a big presence in the paint while Plotnikov is a long-range shooting threat who connected on 47.4 percent of his three-pointers last season.
“They’re both benefiting from being here last year and knowing how we do things,” said Claxton of Sunday and Plotnikov.
Hofstra’s December schedule is highlighted by a Sunday afternoon home game against Temple on Dec. 15 starting at noon. It will also serve as Hofstra’s annual Jewish Heritage Day game.
The CAA home schedule gets under-
way on Jan. 2 against William & Mary at 7 p.m. which will honor the 25th anniversary of David S. Mack Arena. Hofstra’s annual winter homecoming game will take place on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. against Stony Brook.
Hofstra was picked fourth in the CAA Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll behind Towson, defending champion College of Charleston and UNC-Wilimington.
“The conference is always going to be tough with some really good teams and really good coaches,” Claxton said. “It’s not gonna get any easier once we get into conference play”
photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications
Davis popped in 21 points for the Pride in a Nov. 16 victory over
Sophomore Jean Aranguren is leading Hofstra in scoring in the early going.
Celebrating Long Island’s Future Leaders: $2,500 Student Sustainability Prize Open for Nominations
By: Maureen Fitzgerald
Reworld™ is searching for Long Island’s next generation of environmental innovators to receive the first-ever 2025 Student Sustainability Champion Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding student from Nassau County and one from Suffolk, with each winner receiving $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects – presented to the student recipients at the upcoming 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island.
Nominations are now open, inviting the community to recognize young changemakers under 16 who are making a positive impact. Submissions should highlight the student’s leadership, innovative contributions, and dedication to sustainability. Entries should include a brief description of their achievements and motivation, along with a photo or example of their work—be it a community garden, recycling initiative, or creative environmental solution.
This award is part of the larger 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld™ and hosted by the LI Herald and RichnerLIVE, which will take place on February 26th at The Heritage Club in Bethpage.
The event will bring together community leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are driving innovative environmental solutions and fostering sustainable tomorrows across Long Island.
Despite Long Island’s environmental challenges —coastal erosion, water quality, and balancing development with conservation—stories of innovation and hope thrive. Local nonprofits restore habitats, educators inspire, and leaders prioritize sustainability. From renewable energy to advanced recycling, these efforts showcase the region’s spirit. With Reworld™ fostering this innovation and community empowerment, they’re driving Long Island toward a greener future.
t
“Reworld™ is honored to partner with RichnerLIVE and the Herald to recognize the inspiring efforts of our young changemakers,” said Dawn Harmon, East Region Area Asset Manager at Reworld™. “This initiative aims to empower Long Island’s future leaders and celebrate the innovative strides our community is taking toward sustainability.”
For more information or to submit a student nomination, visit www.richnerlive.com/reworldcontest. Let’s celebrate the bright minds and groundbreaking innovations shaping Long Island’s sustainable future.
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
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.
Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
Local nonprofits unite for holiday event
The Corridor Counts (TCC) and Starz of Tomorrow teamed up for a day of giving back to the community.
Rakea Hightower-Finch, the Special Projects Coordinator at TCC and president of Starz of Tomorrow, Taishawn Blanton, vice president of Starz Of Tomorrow, and Raquan Williamson, founder of Starz of Tomorrow, driven by their passion for helping those in need, organized the “Thankful Corridor” event to provide meals and essentials to the underprivileged, homeless and families facing difficult circumstances throughout Hempstead.
“We have been making some remarkable impact in the community by joining other nonprofit organizations such as our own, to give back and to help those in need as much as we can,” Hightower-Finch said.
The group began the day on Nov. 26
The organizations provided hot meals, water bottles and snacks, plus other items, to local shelters and people in need.
by preparing 50 hot meals for over 100 individuals in need. Clothing, snacks and bottled water were also distributed, ensuring that the recipients had more than just one meal.
After this, they went to the Horizon Hearts shelter, where they delivered 30 hot meals, 30 snacks and 60 bottles of water. At 200 Terrace Avenue, they personally delivered turkeys and non-perishable foods to residents. The team even made their way to the Hempstead bus terminal, a gathering place for many homeless individuals, offering
them hot meals, snacks, water and clothing.
“I had a little area in the back where they could feel like they were shopping,” Hightower-Finch said, “so they were able to leave with clothes, shoes, snacks, and also a full belly.”
Hightower-Finch reflected on how these efforts stemmed from inspiration from her 15-year-old daughter, who, after seeing children experiencing homelessness in Georgia when they lived there, wanted to do something to help. When they returned to New York,
Hightower-Finch became an active advocate and community leader and works to connect people with resources and support. She also works with Blanton and Williamson to spread their reach further throughout Hempstead and surrounding areas.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone who extended their support, whether through donations made by mail, in person, or in other ways, for the event,” Hightower-Finch said. “We are truly thankful for their contributions.”
— Kelsie Radziski
Nassau County distributes Thanksgiving meals to families
The Offices of Hispanic Affairs, Health Equity and Asian Affairs of Nassau County successfully carried out their third annual turkey and meal distribution for Thanksgiving on Nov. 25. This event continues to grow year after year, benefiting hundreds of families across the county and fostering the wellbeing and unity of local communities during this festive season.
“One of the most special times of the year is organizing events like this, where we not only help meet a basic need but also strengthen the spirit of community and family unity,” Herbert Flores, Director of the Office of Hispanic Affairs, said in a news release. “We know that for hundreds of residents, this makes a difference and allows them to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with their family and friends.”
People from all across the county gathered at 40 Main Street in Hempstead to collect their free turkeys, as well as other donated foods for their Thanksgiving dinners.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman
expressed his gratitude to the partner agencies and volunteers who made this initiative possible. “We remain committed to providing assistance so every resident can succeed,” he said in the news release. “Providing this kind of support during such meaningful times is deeply rewarding, especially knowing that more families will have the opportunity to share moments of togetherness with their loved ones.”
The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication of businesses and community organizations that contributed their support to make it a reality, officials said in the news release. Among this year’s collaborators were Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, Anthem Medicaid, Nassau County Police Hispanic Society, Sufi Social Adult Day Care, Blue Sky HVAC, Grigoropoulos Law Group, Long Island Cares, God’s Blessings Plan, Khadijah Dawah Community Services, Island Harvest and US Federal Chaplains.
— Kelsie Radziski
Photos courtesy Rakea Hightower-Finch
The Corridor Counts and Starz of Tomorrow came together in Hempstead for the ‘Thankful Corridor’ event on Nov. 26.
People and families lined up in Hempstead to get free turkeys from Nassau County on Nov. 25, just ahead of Thanksgiving.
Town supervisors voice concerns over new plan
litigation, but noted that opponents of the tolling initiative have “failed to offer any of their own meaningful solutions” for reducing gridlock, improving emergency vehicle response times and strengthening the city’s transit system.
When the revised plan was given the go-ahead on Nov. 18, Clavin held a news conference at Sand Hill Road Park in Wantagh, condemning the rehashed proposal. Joining him in opposition to the revised plan were Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.
Clavin called the tolling initiative “an ill-conceived idea that is nothing more than a money grab,” adding that it would be costly to Long Island commuters traveling to the city.
“This is going to have an effect south of 60th Street to the men and women who teach our kids, the men and women who protect our students, who protect the workforce down there,” Clavin said. “This is going to have an effect on people who are seeking medical treatment.”
Clavin, along with D’Esposito, said they wrote to president-elect Donald Trump, urging him to eliminate Hochul’s plan when he returns to the White House in January.
Courtesy Town of Hempstead Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin joined town supervisors from across Long Island at Sand Hill Road Park in Wantagh on Nov. 18 to denounce Gov. Kathy Hochul’s renewed congestion-pricing plan.
D’Esposito said the MTA has lost millions over the last year from people riding buses and subways without paying. According to the MTA, fare evasion cost the agency nearly $700 million in 2022.
“This is not a group that knows how to manage money,” D’Esposito said of the MTA, “and instead of tightening the reins, instead of finding new leadership, what do they do? They dig into the pockets of the people of New York and New Jersey.”
According to the MTA, congestion pricing would improve quality of life by reducing traffic and improving air quality in the city. In addition, the program is expected to bring in “billions of dollars in funding,” which the MTA stated could improve subways, buses and commuter railroads, on top of supporting around 23,000 jobs throughout the state. Saladino said addressing traffic congestion and environmental sustainability are goals that he supports but called congestion pricing “an unfair burden
on the hard-working residents, commuters and small businesses.”
“Countless New Yorkers who live outside Manhattan see driving into the city not as a luxury, but as a necessity,” Saladino said. “Many rely on these roads to get to their essential jobs, medical appointments and educational opportunities.”
State senators have come out to oppose the congestion plans. In a Nov. 15 post on X, formerly Twitter, Senator Kevin Thomas, who runs the 6th Senate district encompassing Uniondale, Hempstead and Baldwin, as well as other areas, urged Hochul to “not tax New Yorkers further with congestion pricing. Providing no exemptions to patients and staff at a hospital is outrageous.”
Other state senators, including Steve Rhoads, Jack Martins and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, joined Steamfitters Union Local 638, the New York Farmers Bureau and community members during a news conference at the Bethpage Train Station on Nov. 19. They called on Gov. Hochul to reconsider her support for the congestion-pricing plan.
They also urged the legislature and federal partners to repeal the initiative, citing its potential to burden labor and agriculture industries and impose hidden taxes on already struggling families and businesses.
Additional reporting by Juan Lasso
STEPPING OUT
Five times the charm
Laurie Berkner returns with a rockin’ holiday concert for families
By Alyssa Seidman
The scarcity of sun that marks winter’s return often brings Laurie Berkner back to her musical roots. On cozy winter evenings her family would gather ’round a songbook to recite melodies reminiscent of Christmas and falling snow.
“Music always made me feel safe, happy, and loved, and all those feelings come together around [this] time of year,” Berkner says. “Holiday songs were always something that brought up a lot of really warm feelings for me.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Berkner’s discography includes two bestselling albums about the most wonderful time of the year. Families adore her — she still wears the known as the ‘Queen of Kindie Rock’ — and can tale in her festive originals alongside yuletide classics once again when “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” arrives here at the Paramount, on Dec. 15.
Berkner is a veritable dynamo as singer/songwriter, author, lyricist, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records. With more than one billion total streams, over 500 million views on YouTube, and millions of albums, singles and DVDs sold, her songs have become beloved classics for families worldwide.
While working as a children’s music specialist at preschools and day care centers in New York City, she gained an instinctive understanding of kids’ natural rhythms and energy. This enabled her to launch the progressive “kindie rock” movement, a genre that is just as palatable to parents and caregivers.
Berkner has released 16 award-winning albums over the course of her decades-long career. She was the first recording artist to perform in music videos on Noggin — appeared regularly on the network’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” — and helped develop the animated musical preschool series “Sing It, Laurie!” for Sprout TV, now Universal Kids.
Berkner has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House, among many prestigious venues. She is regularly lauded by her peers, and has been dubbed “the Adele of the preschool crowd” (The New York Times), “the queen of kids’ music” (People), and “one of the most popular children’s performers in America” (Wall Street Journal).
Holiday hits
This is the fifth time “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” will grace The Paramount stage. She first brought her holiday concert to Long Island in 2019, and has delighted kids — and kids at heart — every year since, aside from 2020.
“It feels really great to be able to come back each year and make it feel like a tradition,” Berkner says. “It’s that feeling of coming together and doing something that feels really good, fun, and joyous.
“Mostly what I try to do is hit a lot of people’s favorites and put the songs I can’t get to into a medley for the encore. I’ll also be playing my new song ‘Walking With The Penguins,’ so they’ll
Courtesy Jayme Thornton
DoLaurie Berkner is ready to share some holiday cheer with her fans — as only she can. Groove along to festive originals alongside yuletide classics at “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour.
• Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.
• Tickets start at $20.50; available at LiveNation.com
• A $1 donation to Little Shelter Animal Rescue is included in each ticket
• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
hear that live for the first time.”
Her concert features original tunes from her popular holiday albums, “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” and “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas.” She’ll also play treasured holiday classics like “Deck the Halls,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.
Of course Berkner’s greatest hits — “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Waiting for the Elevator” and “Pig On Her Head” — are always in the mix. At that point everyone is sure to be singing and dancing along with their favorite stuffed animal on their head.
The hour-long show fully involves her audience from the get-go; yet two moments in particular stand out to Berkner.
“In every show I do ‘We Are The Dinosaurs,’ and it’s very hard to not start laughing while everyone is screaming. “When I sing ‘My Family’ I will ask people to hug the person they’re there with, and it’s amazing that they actually do it.”
Cultivating these shared experiences for her mixed-age audiences is Berkner’s aim for every performance, but especially at her holiday shows.
“Those events that feel exciting to the kids [yet] still fun and enjoyable for the parents are difficult to find, but my shows fit that bill. I feel really grateful to provide moments where they can connect with one another, and have a sweet, loving memory when they leave.”
New Year’s resolutions
With a new year on the horizon, Berkner shares some of her plans for 2025.
“I very likely will put out another album next year, but I also have a couple projects I can’t talk about yet,” she says.“There will be new music, new videos, and definitely some surprises — probably more on my plate than I should have!”
Her fans would expect nothing less.
Leggz Ltd.’s
‘The Nutcracker’ Visions of sugarplums await when Leggz Ltd. Dance, presents its annual full-length production. Helmed by longtime Artistic Director Joan Hope MacNaughton, it’s as always, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. This year’s production stars Violeta Angelova as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who’s appeared with the Vienna State Oper and Suzanne Farrell Ballet, with George Sanders, who has danced with New York Theatre Ballet and The Little Prince Broadway, as the Cavalier. The gifted young dancers who round out the cast include 9-year-old Vivian Ng as Clara and 11-year-old Matthew Carnaval as The Prince — both Rockville Centre residents.
Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.
Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, showcases his musical journey and family legacy when he visits the Paramount stage. He celebrates his father with hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, while highlighting his own contributions to rock history. Encompassing tunes from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” and “Led Zeppelin IV,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to a legend. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo of one of the legendary artists of all-time.
Monday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
THE Your Neighborhood
Dec. 14
The Hot Sardines
The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” Saturday, d ec. 14 , at 8 p.m. It’s a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines bring classic jazz standards with their own brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. Emerging over a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums that’s racked up more than 60 million streams across digital platforms, the Hot Sardines’ own “potent and assured” (The New York Times), “simply phenomenal” (The Times of London) brand of reinvigorated classic jazz landed them at the center of a whirlwind. . In the last two years, the Hot Sardines have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival, have sold out venues in New York City from Joe’s Pub to Bowery Ballroom and more than 150 tour dates from Chicago to London. They released two albums on Universal Music Classics to critical reviews and a #1 slot on the iTunes Jazz chart in the U.S. and internationally. Their unique recipe blends hot jazz and sultry standards from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, rich New Orleans sounds, a dash of ’40s Paris flavor, and vibrant musical surprises. It’s all steeped in salty stride piano and the music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller used to make. The result is straight-up foot-stomping jazz. Their name says it all: their iconic ‘hot’ styling will paint a vibrant picture with smoky sounds and audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form. With their contagious brand of joy, grit, glamour and passion, the 8-piece band invokes the sounds of nearly a century ago, yet stay right in step with the current age. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.
Holiday at Westbury House
Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also dec. 14-15. The “Christmas at Westbury House” celebration reflects what the festive season was like during those opulent decades of the early 1900s when the Phipps family lived there. The period rooms in which John S. Phipps — the eldest son of Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie’s partner at Carnegie Steel — and his family resided are impeccably decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, plenty of greenery, and other horticultural arrangements.
Take a self-guided tour through Westbury House and view specially decorated rooms for the holidays, have cookies and cider on the West Porch and meet and take photos with Santa while listening to ambient holiday music. The gardens will also be open, along with other special holiday events, including Holiday Flute Choir concert, Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., holiday market, and more. $15, $13 ages 62+ and students, $8 ages 7-17. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
Holiday concert
The Long Island Choral Society returns its holiday tradition, Handel’s Messiah, Part 1 and highlights from Parts 2 and 3, Saturday, dec. 7, 7 p.m., at Garden City Community Church. For many Long Islanders, the holiday season officially begins with this performance. The chorus is accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists. $25, $10 youth. Tickets are available via credit card by calling (516) 652-6878 as well as via Venmo at LICS_2022. For more information, visit lics.org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.
In concert Plaza
Theatricals’ welcomes everyone to a “Motown Holiday Dance Party,” Sunday, dec. 8, 4 p.m. Celebrate the holidays in true Motown style. Enjoy a sensational afternoon of soulful tunes, joyful dancing, and nostalgic vibes at the electrifying concert. Get ready to groove, spread the festive cheer and make unforgettable memories. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.
Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Holiday Tales At The Hearth
Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The familyfriendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/ car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Having an event?
Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala
Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m., at Fox Hollow in Woodbury. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far, Far Away. With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more, even Jedi-training. Enjoy a sit down lunch and meet characters from some favorite shows and movies. Cost for each child/adult pair is $195. Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Call CP Nassau at (516) 378-2000 ext. 651 for reservations or visit cpnassau. org. 7755 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.
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.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 6, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 10-12, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CABANA SERIES V TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. LEGACY INV. & MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC; ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 732 Jerusalem Avenue, 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 50, Block 309 and Lots 237 & 238. Approximate amount of judgment is $471,689.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615085/2023. Joseph Trotti, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 202067-2 150009
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST David A. Nobrega; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 8, 2015, and Amended November 3, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1298 Birch Street, Uniondale, NY 11553-2008. All that
certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 50 Block 572 Lot 0015. Approximate amount of judgment $248,768.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 004891/2014. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff
175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: October 30, 2024 150329
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2020-RPL1, Plaintiff, Against ROSALINA JOHNSON, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/25/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 1/9/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 278 Anchor Way, Uniondale, NY 11553, And Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, being at East Hempstead, Unincorporated, in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 50 Block 33301 Lot 107
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $519,383.25 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 607898/2021
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 11/8/2024 File Number: 37728 mbayram 150333
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-18, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Mary Alice Turner a/k/a Mary A. Turner; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 8, 2025 at 4:00PM, premises known as 865 Southern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 50 Block 286 Lot 131. Approximate amount of judgment $818,838.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 009443/2012. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP
f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: October 24, 2024
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 150325
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff AGAINST
Miguel A. Boquin a/k/a Miguel Boquin; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 24 Underhill Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 55 Block 319 Lots 1109, 1110, & 1111. Approximate amount of judgment $673,242.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608463/2022. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Matin Emouna, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: October 24, 2024
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 150327
Uniondale PAL hosts Thanksgiving feast
The Uniondale Police Activity League hosted their inaugural Thanksgiving breakfast on Nov. 23 for kids and their families.
“It turned out very well,” Officer Edwin Philip said.
Families registered in advance for the breakfast, which was held at Allegro Bar and Grille in West Hempstead. While there, they feasted on an array of breakfast foods, like eggs, bacon and waffles. Kids, parents and guardians got to hang out together and celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Kids ate for free, and adults paid a small fee. There were also raffle prizes for families to win.
“It was the first time we did it, so we had a pretty decent turnout,”’ Philip said. “We got a couple of ideas to actually increase it and make it a lot better.”
The event was similar to a family day that the Uniondale PAL runs every June, Philip said. The event has catered food, bounce houses, games and con -
tests, and guests can win raffle prizes. The organization was inspired by other PALs doing seasonal events for Thanksgiving and other occasions, according to Philip, which led them to host this Thanksgiving breakfast.
“So pretty much the same thing, but during Thanksgiving time,” Philip said.
— Kelsie Radziski
Sands New York sponsors two Long Island events
Island Harvest’s annual Taste of the Harvest Celebration brought Long Island’s vibrant culinary scene together to support hunger relief and food rescue programs, and Sands New York sponsored the event.
“Island Harvest’s impact across Long Island is invaluable, and we’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates local flavors while supporting such a critical mission,” Tracey Edwards, Sands New
York representative, said. The team also celebrated the 2024 Building Bridges Gala for the work of EAC Network — Empower, Assist & Care — across Long Island and New York City. As a sponsor, Sands New York matched $25,000 in donations raised during the event’s table raise, helping to support EAC’s outreach to over 65,000 individuals through 100 critical programs.
Alice Moreno/Herald Ann-Marie Harrilal, left, Nathalie Lawrence, Michele Walker, Shula George, Dolores Fletcher and Officer Edwin Philip.
Courtesy Sands New York
Sands New York team organizers at Island Harvest’s annual Taste of the Harvest Celebration, from left to right: Robert Malhame, Yokasta Arriza-Nunez, Marvin Amazan and Jennifer Solomon.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers PT/FT
Responsibilities- Food preparation & service, sanitation awareness, other duties as assigned by the District.
Qualifications- Knowledge and experience with cooking, inventory, cashiering, recordkeeping, customer service, computer skills **Suffolk County Food Manager's Certificate preferred. Salary range starting at $20,980. Email resume to: humanresources@amityvilleufsd.org or apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland
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
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
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
HBCI SUPERVISOR FT: Seeking LCSW or LMSW for Crisis Intervention Program, Cedarhurst NY. 3+ yr exp, Supervision exp. $80K Annually + benefits Claufer@hamaspikkings.org 516-875-8400 x144
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
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
Yes, those tall buildings really sway
Waterfront Luxury
DQ. We were in Manhattan recently, and learned that tall buildings actually sway back and forth. We stared at the tallest apartment building in the Western Hemisphere, at 432 Park Ave., but couldn’t really tell. Do these buildings sway? How far? Wouldn’t that be dangerous, and how come we don’t hear about it? Why would people put up with that for so much money?
A. Yes, for anywhere from $2 million upward (pun intended) to around $200 million, you, too, can get a continuous amusement ride, or the sensation of always being on a cruise, if you like that sort of thing. When people, mostly at parties, ask me whether I have designed anything tall or famous, I wince, because I’d rather be asked if I’ve ever done anything that people enjoyed seeing or being in.
Few people ever discuss the failings of the most well-known architects. Most of the buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed leaked. Wright never really was a trained or licensed architect, but he made it to postage stamp status. When the 500-pound windows began flying out of I.M. Pei’s Hancock Tower in Boston, most people, except those who either nearly died or had to clean up the mess, never noticed. The list of the ways in which we learn from building design “aberrations” is endless, but the important thing is that we learn.
People who can afford to live in those tall buildings, above the crowds of common folk, must have to accept the soft sway of the windswept towers they rest their weary heads in. I have read many articles in technical magazines, and reports about how engineers have been tasked with trying to resolve the problems. In the case of 432 Park Avenue, two “dampers” were designed into the center of the tower, even though there is currently no code requirement for them.
The Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, which is much taller than 432 Park Avenue, has features including an aerodynamic shape to cut the wind, and a massive 660-ton pendulum that sways from cables in the core of the building. Even so, on the 163rd floor, the building sways 6½ feet back and forth. There are many different damper systems, flexible, viscoelastic collars and inserts between the rigid steel frame connections that transfer the forces by taking the heat away from the strain of the otherwise rigid joints. Without all of these shock-reducing components, sections would crack and crumble.
As it is, the residents of 432 Park Avenue have complained of air conditioning and heating malfunctions and acoustical discomfort from the creaking walls, whistling wind and stalled elevators. Most of the units are purchased for the beautiful vistas, and you can sell anything to someone who doesn’t do their homework. Many units have been leased and re-leased, bought and sold several times in the three years since the tower opened, with the prices going up and up. Better than buying the Brooklyn Bridge, right?
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism
Ihave always been an avid reader of newspapers, and have a great admiration for columnists, particularly Jimmy Cannon, and then Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. That’s why I so appreciate the opportunity to write a column for the Heralds. All of this came rushing back at me as I was reading the recently published biography “Jimmy Breslin,” by Richard Esposito. Breslin was a unique character. No one understood New York’s people, neighborhoods and streets like him.
Breslin’s New York was Queens Boulevard, not Park Avenue. It was cops, prizefighters, bookies and cold beer (until he stopped drinking, anyway). I started reading his columns years ago, in the old Journal-American, and continued with him through the Herald Tribune, the Daily News
and Newsday. I first met Breslin in the 1980s, and we became close friends in the late 1990s. My wife, Rosemary, and I would go to dinner with Jimmy and his wife, Ronnie, at least once a month, and he and I would talk at least once a day. When Jimmy wanted to talk, he wouldn’t stop, and it was almost impossible to get off the phone with him, even if you had work to do. I found that the one way to close out a conversation was to compliment him on something. In true Irish fashion, he would get flustered, mumble a rushed goodbye and slam down the phone.
attending funerals of mutual friends, giving each other support in an Irish sort of way. He came to my daughter Erin’s wedding and reception, and stayed to the very end — and that was long after he’d stopped drinking!
W hen he wanted to talk, it was impossible to get off the phone with him.
Breslin was a great guy to be with. He was tough and cynical, but had endless stories and was a true friend — when he was still your friend. He wrote several columns about me during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment that I will always cherish, and he wrote a great blurb for my first novel (which he probably never read). We commiserated after the 9/11 attacks,
During these good times, though, I would have in the back of my head columns Breslin used to write when he was living in Baldwin, listing people he would no longer speak with. Though he stopped issuing those lists, I wondered when my number would be up. I found out in March 2003, when Rosemary sent him a heated note, blasting him for comparing President George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler. That ended it. It was curtain time. No more phone calls or dinners. I did call him once when I heard there was a serious illness in his family.
“Jimmy, I heard the news,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m thinking of you.”
“Yeah,” he replied, “I’ll be thinking of you, too. Goodbye.”
Later I saw him at the renowned
journalist Jack Newfield’s funeral, and we had a quick handshake. Several years after that, in 2009, Rosemary and I went to the funeral of Breslin’s daughter Kelly at an old church in Lower Manhattan. Afterward we sat and talked with him at a table in the churchyard for 10 or 15 minutes. The conversation was warm and friendly, almost like it used to be. When it was time to say so long, I said, “Jimmy, we should get together.”
“Yeah,” he said. “We should. That’d be good.” We shook hands.
We never got together. I wish we had. Breslin died in 2017, and a large part of New York died with him.
Esposito’s biography brings back the memories not just of Breslin, but of the days when newspapers and their columnists — and the written word — had such a vital role to play in our society. While much of that has died, I commend the Herald for keeping the tradition alive for the people of Long Island.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
No matter who’s president, L.I.’s middle class struggles
Eight years ago, about four months into Donald Trump’s first term as president, the Herald published an op-ed I wrote entitled “What American Dream?” in which I lamented the ever-growing financial burden on Long Island’s middle class.
Despite all the hard work I put in, I wrote, I was decidedly worse off than my mother and father were a generation earlier. I laid equal blame on Democrats and Republicans, who had rotated in and out of Washington all my life and done little to stop the downward spiral. “And his promises notwithstanding,” I added, “President Trump will likely do little to change our trajectory.”
He did not.
And, in all fairness, neither did President Biden.
Eight years ago I noted that my wife and I worked full time as teachers, but that she had to care for our kids alone during the week, while I tutored after school to keep up with ever-rising
expenses.
Today I tutor two to three times as much as I did then. Not out of greed, but necessity. My wife continues to do the lion’s share of the work with the kids, but she, too, has taken on a second job, doing early intervention for special-needs 2-year-olds. So, eight years ago, we basically needed three incomes to make it. Now we need four.
BSome of my colleagues at school were elated after Election Day that we have another four years of Trump coming, almost as if their team had won the Super Bowl. It has always surprised me how any teacher can support the guy whose Supreme Court appointee, Neil Gorsuch, rendered the decisive vote in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that weakened public-sector unions like the ones we belong to.
doesn’t matter who’s in the White House — our lives here on Long Island are not going to get any easier.
y the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm.
That’s because we’ve witnessed a steady erosion of the middle class since 1973, when real wages started to fall against the backdrop of an energy crisis and pronounced inflation. The true death knell was President Ronald Reagan’s taking office in 1980. Reagan slashed taxes for corporations and the wealthy with the idea that the financial benefits at the top of the economic food chain would trickle down to the rest of us. Only they didn’t.
and they only continued to get worse. I’m not piling on Republicans, because there were 20 years of Democratic presidents as well between then and now. My colleagues, both jubilant and dejected after this past Election Day, might remember that the roles were reversed in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected. Regardless of who has led the country, things haven’t gotten a whole lot better.
That’s because the people at the top — the corporate interests that really run America — don’t want them to. As the late, great comedian George Carlin said, “Our country’s a big club … and you ain’t in it!”
To be fair, others at school were crestfallen.
I, on the other hand, for the first time in my adult life, paid absolutely no attention to this election, and did not watch one minute of election night coverage. Although I voted for Kamala Harris, I did not shed a tear.
That’s because I’ve heard this song before. I know how this movie ends. It
I’m by no means an economist, but consider this: When I entered kindergarten in 1983, my mother was one of a few moms who needed to get a job to help make ends meet. The embarrassment of getting picked up by another classmate’s mother will forever be etched in my memory. Years later, my mother told me how the guilt I laid on her at the time absolutely broke her heart. Sorry, Mom. I love you.
But by the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm. I can only recall one or two classmates whose mothers didn’t work. Things had certainly changed,
Nobody should have been surprised that Trump trounced the incumbentbacked Harris. Middle class voters have been drowning for 50 years, desperately hoping someone would toss them a life vest that never seems to come.
I wish I shared my Trump-supporting colleagues’ optimism, or even the Harris supporters’ melancholy, but I just don’t. I don’t think any real help is coming, regardless of who is in office. I will gladly eat my words in four years if my wallet is fatter and prices are lower. But I doubt that’s going to happen.
Nick Buglione is a teacher, a freelance journalist and a former editor of the East Meadow Herald.
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BIn Long Islanders we trust
eginning with the birth of our nation, Long Islanders have shaped the policies of America as well as our country’s impact on the world. Suffolk County’s William Floyd was one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. President Theodore Roosevelt, who made his home in Oyster Bay, is often cited as one of our greatest leaders. Bellmore’s William Casey served as President Ronald Reagan’s CIA director during an era fraught with Cold War tensions.
As the Biden administration sunsets and President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration begins to take shape, Long Islanders are once again positioned to influence our nation and the course of human history.
T rump has nominated Howard Lutnick, from Jericho, to serve as secretary of commerce. Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of the global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, strongly supports the president-elect’s plans to impose tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, which would have dramatic impacts on the global economy.
T rump has chosen Dr. Dave Weldon, a Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon, a former congressman from Florida, would succeed fellow Long Islander Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native whom President Biden appointed to the role last year. (Another Baldwin native, Karine Jean-Pierre, has served as President Biden’s White House press secretary since 2022.)
Given the recent politicization of the CDC, as well as the anti-establishment views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom
letters
Trump has selected as his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — which oversees the CDC — Weldon is set to wield unique power in setting public health policy.
Biden named Dr. David Kessler, a graduate of Woodmere Academy (now the Lawrence Woodmere Academy) as the lead scientist on the coronavirus vaccine distribution efforts. Kessler formerly headed the Food and Drug Administration under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
T rump has also named Steve Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, who was raised in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury, is a successful real estate developer and a major benefactor of Hofstra University, where he earned a law degree. (He shares that law school alma mater with Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-inlaw, Jared Kushner, and a convicted felon whom Trump has selected as ambassador to France.) Witkoff’s appointment continues Trump’s selection of Long Islanders for critical Middle East policy roles.
In Trump’s first term, the U.S. ambassador to Israel was David Friedman, who grew up in North Woodmere. The son of Rabbi Morris Friedman, who led Temple Hillel for 33 years and brought Reagan to the synagogue in 1984, David Friedman played a pivotal role in promoting Trump’s Middle East policies, from the decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, to supporting the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
T rump also announced his choice of Garden City’s Kash Patel as director of
Randi just won’t stop with Trump
To the Editor:
I just finished reading Randi Kreiss’s column, “Dear readers, we can’t keep it in neutral” (Nov. 28-Dec. 4). It seems that Randi is totally consumed by Trump derangement syndrome. Donald Trump is a deeply flawed soul to be sure, but when compared with Hillary and Harris, he is Abe Lincoln.
When he left office, but for the horror of Covid, the country was at peace and the economy was in great shape. Could this country endure four more years of what we just went through? Obviously not! The fake dossier, the disgraceful lawfare, and it goes on and on.
Trump establishes the Depar tment of Government Efficiency and the left mocks him unendingly. When it pays enormous dividends, they will ignore it, as they always do. Thank God the country was sickened by the last four years and overwhelmingly decided to reject it!
RICHARD LAND
the FBI. Leaders on both sides of the aisle, however, have expressed concerns about that choice, because of what they perceive to be Patel’s desire to dismantle the very institution he has been tapped to lead, as well as his lack of relevant experience.
“I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director,” William Barr, who served as attorney general under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, wrote in his 2022 book, “One Damn Thing After Another.” “I told Mark Meadows,” Barr added, referring to Trump’s White House chief of staff, “it would happen ‘over my dead body.’ Someone with no background as an agent would never be able to command the respect necessary to run the day-to-day operations of the bureau.”
Finally, there’s former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, who, in 2022, unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York’s gubernatorial election. Zeldin, an Army veteran who represented New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, is poised to become Trump’s administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In that role, Zeldin would have wide-ranging powers to create or eliminate regulations that protect the environment.
Many of Trump’s selections must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. We expect most of them will be, or will serve in interim roles. Regardless, these Long Islanders are a testament to the region’s diverse influence on national politics and international diplomacy.
We hope they don’t forget where they came from, and make decisions that uplift not only our country, but also the Long Island communities they once called home.
opinions
A farewell, but the journey continues
As I prepare to step down from my role as Assemblywoman for the 18th District, I reflect with both pride and gratitude on the progress we have made, as well as the important work that lies ahead. Over the past six years, our office has tackled critical challenges — from addressing educational disparities and infrastructure needs to advocating for social justice — laying a strong foundation for lasting improvements in our community.
The strides we have made and the future we are shaping are both inspiring. Our collective achievements in the district stand as a testament to the power of dedicated public service and the transformative impact it can have on residents’ lives.
When I first took office, I was driven by a deep commitment to addressing the educational disparities that were holding back so many of our students. One urgent issue was the lack of adequate transportation in the Hempstead school district. Many children were forced to walk as far as three miles to and from school each day, putting their safety and academic success at risk. Securing $1
leTTers
Shop safely during the holidays
To the Editor:
The Nassau County Police Department advises shoppers to be vigilant for their safety and the safety of others this holiday season.
Before leaving home, secure and engage alarms, and leaving lights on in frequented rooms to give the appearance that people are home. Plan your shopping trips, know where you’re going and, if possible, go with someone else. Let someone know where you’re going. Park in an area that’s well lit, and make sure your valuables are out of sight. Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas. Don’t get out of your car unless you feel safe, lock your vehicle, and remember where you’ve parked.
As you shop, keep money and credit/debit cards in a front pocket, and limit the number of cards and the cash
million for districtwide busing wasn’t just a victory — it was a promise fulfilled, ensuring that every student could access education without the burden of an unsafe commute.
Our dedication to education extends well beyond transportation. We made critical investments in infrastructure, such as funding the installation of an underground oil tank for the West Hempstead district, ensuring a warm and supportive learning environment during the colder months. We also secured $300,000 to upgrade Hofstra University’s sports facilities, $100,000 for field improvements in the Roosevelt district, and $150,000 for security enhancements at Uniondale High School.
i remain committed to addressing issues affecting Black and brown communities.
Known affectionately as the state’s “pothole princess,” I worked tirelessly to secure Long Island’s share of the $1 billion Operation Pave Our Potholes fund, leading to much-needed road improvements that have enhanced residents’ safety and quality of life. We also prioritized veterans by securing $250,000 to support the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative. And fought for legislation to protect homeowners from deceitful practices, ensuring the security and well-being of our community.
cacy for the NY HEAT Act, which addresses energy affordability and sustainability, ensuring that Long Islanders can manage their energy bills while contributing to efforts against climate change. As chair of the Subcommittee on Foster Care, I trust that future leaders will continue to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable children, advocate for fair compensation for caregivers, and provide the support parents need. The welfare of our most vulnerable New Yorkers will always remain a top priority.
Each of these investments reflects our commitment to providing the resources necessary for students and school districts to thrive. One of my proudest accomplishments was launching the state’s first ever pre-apprenticeship program at Roosevelt High School, in partnership with Laborers Local 66. This initiative will equip students with the practical skills and career pathways they need, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Our efforts also extended to community infrastructure and public safety.
you carry. To avoid identity theft, be careful when exposing your cards and other identification at cash registers and ATMs.
Be aware that thieves use cellphones to capture card and identity information. Be cognizant of distractions that could be staged to avert your attention.
When you return to your vehicle, don’t do so with your arms full of packages. Use a cart. Be ready to unlock your car door. Check the parking lot for suspicious-looking people, and if you see anyone loitering nearby, don’t go to your vehicle.
Carry a whistle or other audible device, and if you feel threatened, use it. Before getting into your vehicle, look around and inside it. Once inside, lock the doors, and if you have to, use your horn to attract attention.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
One of the most transformative moments of my tenure was the passage of legislation that established a commission to study reparations and racial justice. This is a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing the historic injustices of slavery and discrimination. As a co-sponsor, I am deeply honored to have contributed to this historic effort, which seeks to heal old wounds and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
Looking ahead, I’m hopeful for continued progress in several key areas. I encourage my successor to build on the foundation we have laid by closing educational gaps and fostering stronger partnerships with labor unions to create more opportunities for our youth. I also remain optimistic about continued advo-
FrAmework by Tim Baker
Finally, I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that affect Black and brown communities, particularly in my beloved 18th District. The reparations bill is an important first step, but much work remains to be done. As I conclude my time in office, I’m not saying goodbye; rather, I reaffirm my commitment to continue fighting for the values and causes that have guided me throughout my tenure.
Our journey toward a more just and equitable society is far from over. As Nipsey Hussle wisely said, “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” I am excited to see what the future holds, and remain devoted to supporting efforts to address current disparities and build a brighter future for all. Thank you for the privilege of serving you, and for the unwavering support that has made these accomplishments possible.
Taylor Darling is completing her term as assemblywoman for the 18th District.
TAylor DArling
At the Froehlich Family Lights, on Sherwood Drive — East Meadow
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