Valley Stream Herald 01-09-2025

HERALD VALLEY STREAM

Alice Moreno/Herald Waldinger Memorial Library’s list of the most borrowed books of 2024 reveals an interest in dystopian adventures, “romantasy” epics, feel-good adult fiction and graphic novels among readers of all ages. Above, patron Barbara Bogin browsing the shelves.

Books Valley Stream readers

couldn’t put down last year

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

January is usually a time to pause and take stock of the past year and, of course, carve out fresh goals for the one ahead. New Year’s resolutions like “exercise more” and “save money” remain persistently popular, but a new YouGov poll reveals that 22 percent of young adults and 20 percent of millennials and Gen Xers prioritize “reading more.”

For those fancying to refine their reading chops, but unsure where to start, we took a retrospective look at Waldinger Memorial Library’s most borrowed titles of 2024 to see the genres and authors that captivated Valley Stream patrons.

Dystopian adventures dominate Young Adult fiction

In the crazed world of young adult fiction, the dystopian genre dominated the rankings this year with Marie Lu’s ”Legend” claiming the top spot. Set in a wartorn, futuristic Los Angeles, the 2011 novel follows 15-year-old prodigy June Iparis and fugitive Daniel Wing as they unravel their nation’s darkest secrets. James Dashner’s highly praised novel “Maze Runner” came in at a close second.

“The dystopian genre is that genre that’s always going to be popular,” said Waldinger Library’s teen librarian Faith Kenney. “They’re very accessible and they are not

LIJVS honored for surgical excellence

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

Long Island Jewish Valley Stream has joined an exclusive group of hospitals worldwide by earning the Quality Verification Program certification from the American College of Surgeons. The distinction makes LIJ Valley Stream the second hospital in the Northwell Health system, and the first community hospital in the tristate area, to achieve this recognition. Only 35 hospitals worldwide hold this honor.

Dr. Alex Lee, director of surgery and surgical quality at LIJVS, emphasized that since the Franklin Avenue facility joined Northwell Health, its mandate has been clear: to shed its less-thanstellar reputation as Franklin General and elevate the standard of care.

always one of those things that’s kind of hard to determine,” he said.

The hospital submitted to an independent review by the ACS that evaluated the overall quality of surgical services, focusing on 12 key standards outlined by the ACS. These standards, which include teamwork, data-driven improvements, and streamlined processes, are designed to enhance patient outcomes. Achieving QVP certification requires a thorough evaluation and collaboration across departments, demanding strict adherence to best practices.

Chair of surgery, Long Island Jewish Valley Stream

Key areas of focus include patient-centered care, evidence-based medical methods, and continuous improvement, ensuring patients receive the highest level of surgical care.

Members of the ACS visited

“But quality of surgery is

on pAge 11

Hablamos Español

HERALD SchoolS

VSCHSD welcomes its new student liaisons

This fall, the Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education welcomed its student liaisons for the 2024-2025 school year: Julianne Joseph from Central High School, Asha Gajraj from South High School, and Thomas Vendome from North High School. Each month, these liaisons will provide updates and share concerns from their respective student bodies, fostering open communication among the district’s students and the Board of Education.

The students were selected for their academic excellence and deep involvement in their school communities:

1. Julianne Joseph currently ranks third in her class and is an active member of Central’s National, Language, Math, Tri-M, Science, English, and History honor societies. A talented musician and vocalist, Julianne was selected to participate in NYSSMA’s All-State Music Festival this winter and serves as Vice President of the school’s drumming club. She has also regularly competed in Central and Memorial’s Poetry Out Loud contests since ninth grade. Outside of school, Julianne works as an SAT tutor.

2. Thomas Vendome is a member of North’s National, Science, and Rho Kappa honor societies. He supports his peers as a student mentor and tutor and previously served as Head Manager for North’s football program. Thomas is also an accomplished vocalist, selected as a baritone for the All-County Choir, and a recipient of the Physical Education Award presented by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

3. Asha Gajraj is a member of South’s National Honor, Science, Math, Tri-M, and History honor societies. She has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Asha serves as captain of South’s It’s Academic Quiz Bowl team and as section leader and drum major for South’s concert and marching bands. Outside of school, she is a Girl Scouts Gold Award recipient and captain of her VEX Robotics team.

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,

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

Asha Gajraj, from left, Julianne Joseph, and Thomas Vendome are the new Valley Stream Central High School District student liaisons.

The children were invited to celebrate Hanukkah with an ice skating session and have holiday fun with the Chabad of

Skating fun for the Jewish Festival of Lights

The Chabad of Hewlett invited the children of the community to celebrate Hanukkah with a skating session at Grant Park.

“‘Chanukah’ on Ice was a great success,’” Sharon Bernowich, Chabad of Hewlett office manager wrote in an email. “Many families and friends from the entire greater Hewlett area came together to celebrate Chanukah.”

Along with ice skating, there were various inside and outdoors activities for both adults and children including creating your own candle box, face painting, dancing, dreidel, and enjoy-

ing warm refreshments.

They also lit the grand menorah on the ice and kept it on the ice during the skating session, on Dec. 26, to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.

“The menorah lighting on the ice was very uplifting, there was singing and you could feel the deep connection to Judaism, light always overcomes the darkness!” Bernowich wrote. “Everyone in attendance had a great time, we are so thankful for our beautiful community.”

–Melissa Berman

Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

Hewlett.

Leah Hinkow, left, Emma Khavasov and Matalie Stein volunteered at the ‘Chanukah on Ice’ celebration coordinated by the Chabad of Hewlett at the create your own candle box table, on Dec. 26.

It became a bit crowded getting on the ice rink at Grant Park during the Chabad of Hewlett’s holiday event.

Abby, left, and Yuval Atias were all smiles as they donned their ice skates ready to get onto ice rink at Grant Park in Hewlett.

As per Education Law, Section 3635, the District must legally provide transportation for District children in grades K-6 attending private/parochial schools. Kindergarten children must be five (5) years of age as of December 1st. This transportation is provided only when the following requirements of Education Law are met:

• The Distance from home to school is not less than two (2) miles and not more than fifteen (15) miles.

• The parent must submit a written request for transportation each year and include the child's name, date of birth, grade, and school.

• The request must be submitted to the Transportation Department of Valley Stream School District Twenty-Four at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11581 PRIOR TO APRIL 1ST for the school year beginning September 2025.

• All applications must be accompanied by two proofs of residency consisting of an original utility bill and an original lease, deed, or tax receipt. The application must also include a photo ID of the parent/guardian.

• If your child is of kindergarten age, a copy of your child's birth certificate must also accompany the application request. If your child qualifies for transportation, please be sure that your request is submitted on time. Applications received after April 1st will not be considered except for new residents who are required by law to apply within (30) thirty days after establishing residence in the District.

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Alleged Ex-Valley Stream fugitive caught in JFK

A former Valley Stream resident who allegedly spent 15 years evading authorities after being charged in a deadly New Jersey crash was apprehended by U.S. Marshals at Kennedy Airport on Christmas Eve, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Chaudhry Yousaf, 52, was last known to reside in Valley Stream in 2009 when New Jersey State Police charged him following a crash on March 28, 2009. Yousaf was allegedly driving drunk when he lost control of his black Lincoln Town Car on the southbound Garden State Parkway. The car struck a road sign and veered into a wooded area, colliding with a tree.

One passenger, Harris Kahn, 26, of Queens, died the following day, leading to Yousaf’s charges being upgraded from driving while intoxicated to vehicular homicide. The second passenger sustained injuries but was treated and released from the hospital.

Yousaf, who suffered minor injuries in the crash, was treated at Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey, before being transported to the Ocean County Jail. He posted $150,000 bail the next day but failed to appear in court on February 5, 2010, after being indicted for vehicular manslaughter. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest, and he remained a fugitive until his capture.

Authorities traced Yousaf to various addresses in Valley Stream and Brooklyn during his time on the run. His fugitive status ended on December 24, 2024, when U.S. Marshals from the New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended him at JFK Airport. Yousaf has since been extradited to New Jersey and is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail, where he faces pending vehicular manslaughter charges, according to a release.

Crime watCh

auto larCeny

A Forgotten American Treasure

Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac appeared from 1732 to 1758. Amongst other information, it provided pithy sayings and proverbs, many of which have withstood the test of time.

“An empty bag cannot stand upright.”

“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”

“Anoint a villain and he’ll stab you: stab him and he’ll anoint you.”

“An old young man will be a young old man.”

“Don’t think to hunt two hares with one dog.”

“Eat few suppers and you’ll need few medicines.”

“Great almsgiving, lessens no man’s living.”

“Happy’s the wooing that’s not long a doing.”

“He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.”

“If your riches are yours, why don’t you take them with you to the other world.”

“Lost time is never found again.”

“The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?”

“They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.”

“The sleeping fox catches no poultry.”

“The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.”

“When you’re good to others, you are best to yourself.”

“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.”

Editor’s Note: The filing requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (last week’s column) has been suspended by the courts until further notice.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Authorities said an unknown subject removed two NYS license plates from a man’s vehicle while it was parked on Anderson Avenue in Franklin Square on Dec. 25 at 12:00 p.m.

arrests

Jennifer Margaret Coyne-Boccia, 48, of Franklin Square, was arrested at the Stop & Shop on Franklin Avenue in Franklin Square for shoplifting on Dec. 22 at 11:44 a.m., according to authorities.

Sean Kelly, 46, of Franklin Square, was arrested at the Broadway Mall Target in Hicksville for shoplifting on

Dec. 23 at 8:30 p.m., police said.

Denise Francis, 57, of Elmont, was arrested at the Target on Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream for shoplifting on Dec. 30 at 3:00 p.m., police said.

Petit larCeny

Authorities reported that an unknown male subject removed assorted items from the Walgreens on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square on Dec. 22 at 12:05 p.m.

Police reported that an unknown male subject removed a UPS package from someone’s home on Gotham Avenue in Elmont on Dec. 24 at 11:40 a.m.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/valleystream ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: vseditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail: vseditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

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■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

HERALD SchoolS

District 13 kicks off family week with pajamas

Valley Stream District 13 recently participated in Family Week which highlighted family and literacy. Family Week began with a special “Pajamas and Pages” event that brought together students and families for a cozy evening of reading and bonding.

Families were invited to wear their favorite pajamas and bring a book to share. The event started with a heartwarming whole-group reading session under the stars, where students, teachers, and families gathered to enjoy a story together. Following the group reading, students and their families had the opportunity to relax and read their books in their pajamas.

In addition to “Pajamas and Pages”, schools throughout the district also celebrated with a “Gift of Reading” daily celebration. Each day during the week, a new book was revealed to students through a read-aloud session at school. Families were invited to join in the fun by participating in the read-aloud through ParentSquare each evening. These activities aim to foster a love of reading and promote the joy of spending quality time together as a family.

–Juan Lasso

VALLEY STREAM SCHOOL DISTRICT 24 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

valleystreamschooldistrict24.org

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE

Brooklyn Avenue School

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Robert W. Carbonaro School

Thursday, February 6, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

William L. Buck School

Friday, February 7, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

If you have a child who will turn 5 on or before December 1, 2025, they will be eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2025. Please contact your child's home school in order to obtain a registration packet, which must be completed and notarized prior to the registration date for which you are scheduled. You can also find a registration packet on our website: valleystreamschooldistrict24.org.

If your child is currently enrolled in our Universal Pre-K program, at Our Kids Place in Hewlett, you will not be required to re-register for Kindergarten. Once your child is registered, you will receive further information regarding Kindergarten Orientation which will take place on March 4, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact the building principal of your home school. Brooklyn Avenue School - Dr. Scott Comis 516-434-2850

Robert W. Carbonaro School - Mr. Rosario Iacono 516-434-2860

William L. Buck School - Mr. Michael DeBlasio 516-434-2840

Valley Stream District 13 students were decked out in their coziest sleep ware for Family Week.

Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 13 Students were also treated to a new read-aloud book each week.

HERALD SPORTS

Hofstra wrestling begins exciting new era

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra wrestling alum Jamie Franco is now leading the program where he thrived on the mats as a student-athlete looking to raise it to new heights.

Franco, a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier at Hofstra in the early 2010s, was named the Pride’s 13th- head coach on July 1, 2024 replacing Dennis Papadatos after he took an administrative role in the university’s athletic department. It marks another return home for Franco, who served as an assistant coach under Papadatos from 2016 to 2023 before spending a season on the wrestling staff at Columbia University last year.

“I always wanted to be a head coach and to be able to get this opportunity was a dream come true for me,” said Franco, who won 75 matches at Hofstra including a conference title at 133 pounds in 2013. “To come back to my alma mater and get my first head coaching gig at Hofstra was really special.”

After graduating Hofstra in 2014 with a business degree, Franco was operations manager of the famed Longo and Weidman MMA Training Center in Garden City where Hofstra wrestling legend Chris Weidman trained when he held a UFC middleweight title from 2013 to 2015. Franco maintains a close relationship with Weidman and recently brought his longtime trainer Ray Longo in a cross training session with the wrestlers.

“I think it’s always good to get these guys training outside of just wrestling to make them physically and mentally tougher,” Franco said.

Franco inherited a roster with plenty of former Long Island high school wrestling standouts including 133-pound Ryan Arbeit, who won a county title for Wantagh in 2022. The redshirt freshman was voted a team captain in October along with Massapequa High School product Chase Liardi, Justin Hoyle of Maple Valley, Wash and Ross McFarland of Pennellville, N.Y.

Two of Arbeit’s former Wantagh teammates are also on the Hofstra roster including red-shirt junior Mat Rogers, who won a New York State Championship in 2020 and Joe Russo, who was sidelined last season after joining the Pride from Nassau Community College. Russo was sidelined at the beginning of the season with an injury, but Franco is hoping he can make a contribution as the dual meet schedule heats up.

The Nassau County South Shore presence on the Hofstra mats also includes 165-pound redshirt junior Eric Shindel, who was an All-County wrestler at JFK High School in Bellmore in 2020 and 2021.

Fellow 165-pounder Kyle Mosher, who won a New York State title with South Side High School in Rockville Centre, joined the Pride this season as a graduate student after competing as an undergraduate student

at Columbia under Franco.

“He is looking really good early in the season so we’re looking to keep building on it,” said Franco of Mosher, who placed eighth in the 30-team Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 7. “He’s on everyone’s radar now.

Franco recorded his first dual meet win as Hofstra head coach with a 21-12 victory against Duke at home on Nov. 16. The Pride entered the new year at 4-3 and will next be in action on Jan. 9 with an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) road match at Binghamton. The Pride then has home matches in the Mack Sports Complex scheduled Jan. 26 against Penn starting at noon and Feb. 2 versus Franklin & Marshall at 4 p.m.

The Pride will look to make some noise at the EIWA Championships at Lehigh on March 7-8 and qualify at least three of four wrestlers for the NCAA Championships in Philadelphia from March 20-22.

“The guys are growing every week,” Franco said. “I think we’re going to see a more gritty team for us in the EIWAs so I feel like we’re going to get a bunch of placers there this year.”

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Massapequa native Chase Liardi is one of Hofstra’s captains.

Ross McFarland and the Pride are looking to make noise under new coach Jamie Franco, a Hofstra wrestling alumn.

Jewish Center hosts menorah lighting

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

The Elmont Jewish Center hosted a menorah lighting on the fifth night of Hanukkah in front of the Elmont Jewish Center building on Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. A handful of members from the congregation gathered in front of the doors to sing hymns and pray as Rabbi Blachman lit the menorah at the building’s entrance.

According to Jewish tradition, Hanukkah or Chanukah, in Hebrew is a festival of lights that celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after Jewish fighters liberated it from the Greek-Syrians. Blachman said the Greeks sought to destroy the Jewish people and force them to forget their religion. The Greeks entered the Jewish temple and defiled their oil, leaving only enough to keep the menorah lit for one day.

However, Blachman said, God made a miracle and kept the menorah lit for eight days.

Blachman said to honor God’s miracle, Jews celebrate eight nights of Hanukkah by lighting candles on the menorah to represent each night the oil kept burning. He explained that on the first night, only one candle is lit. Then, on the second night, two candles are lit. This continues in progression, adding an additional candle each night, until all eight candles on the menorah are lit

on the last night of celebration.

Blachman’s wife, Orah Blachman, said the holiday represents dedication, bravery and freedom. “As we light the menorah today, our light will continue to shine,” Orah said. “We will overcome darkness and turn it to light.”

In addition to lighting the menorah, Hanukkah festivities include singing songs, giving gifts, eating oil-based foods

Blachman said there used to be a bigger crowd before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he said, the congregation is down to only a handful of people.

While Elmont’s congregation is small, Blachman said, the tradition instills pride throughout the entire Jewish community. He said it’s his responsibility to help all members of the congregation carry out their service to God, and lighting the menorah is part of that.

Rabbi Sagee Harshefar, who is from Nes Tziyonah, Israel and visits the Jewish center in Elmont often, said the size of the community is not what matters. Rather, he said, it is about honoring all Jews around the world. “Every Jew counts,” Harshefar said. “Not only here in Elmont, but in every part of the world.”

and playing the game of dreidel. “Judaism is not just sitting in the synagogue and reading books,” Blachman pointed out. “It’s about having fun, as well, in a godly way.”

Blachman said there aren’t many Jews in the neighborhood anymore, and their membership has been dwindling. They have been hosting their menorah lighting tradition for ten years, but

Blachman said there is thousands of menorahs throughout the world that stand in public places of worship. This year, in recognition of Jews worldwide, Blachman dedicated the Hanukkah ceremony to the safe return of Israeli hostages.

As for the Elmont community itself, Orah said their congregation would always be special to her. She and Blachman met through the congregation after she joined in 2016, and she continues to maintain close friendships with all of their members. “When I first came here, they were very kind. It was a friendly group, and it still is,” she said.

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald

Rabbi Blachman lights the menorah outside of the Elmont Jewish Center for the fifth night of Hanukkah on Dec. 29.

HERALD SchoolS

North student’s research goes to Washington

Valley Stream North High School senior and student-researcher Abigail Reichbach recently showcased her work at the prestigious 2024 International Forum of Research Excellence.

Held this November in Washington, D.C., the conference brought together hundreds of professional and student researchers from diverse scientific fields to share and discuss cutting-edge discoveries. Abigail’s research project, titled “What Fraction of Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) are Composed of Iron-Nickel Micrometeorites,” was conducted over two years. Using a high-powered magnet, Abigail collected micrometeorites from rooftops across the tri-state area. She then compared her findings to an earlier scientific estimate of the yearly IDP rate to determine the proportion of particles that are micrometeorites. Her research was guided by her mentor, Dr. David Deamer of the University of California, Santa Cruz, who invited her to present at the forum.

“Attending this conference showed me how young researchers around the world are working hard to solve problems and create solutions through their work,” Abigail said. “I also had the chance to attend presentations by professionals in various fields. I learned a lot about the role scientists play in building public trust in science.”

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

Abigail presented her research on micrometeorites.

A glimpse at readers’ top picks in 2024

high fantasy or far-fetched. It’s different enough to let teens imagine a different world without being too far from contemporary reality.”

Unsurprisingly, literary heavyweights like Suzanne Collins, author of the internationally acclaimed Hunger Games series, ranked high and not just in Valley Stream. One of her most recent titles, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” a prequel to the popular trilogy, took the No. 2 spot countywide.

Overall, female authors — centering bold, young, adventurous female leads in their stories — dominated the top slots.

Researchers point out that the towering commercial and publishing success of female storytellers is hardly a recent phenomenon. Their works consistently draw high sales figures and a devoutly engaged readership, particularly among teenage girls and young adults. This was also the year of the “romantasy” genre, a cross between romance and fantasy adventure.

For proof, look no further than “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah Mass, the quintessential “romantasy” epic, which was the top checked-out book in the county.

The novel’s success and its spin-off books can partly be traced back to its viral popularity on BookTok, a subcommunity of book lovers on TikTok where users review books, recommend their favorites, and discover trending titles.

Many of the titles that follow the “book-to-TV or book-to-movie” pipeline or are popular on social media tend to become or stay widely popular with teens and young adults, noted Kenney.

“Series also tend to be more popular than stand-alone or one-and-done books,” said Kenney. “There’s something reassuring about being able to return to these characters again and again at different points in a series especially when life can feel like it’s moving quickly.”

Queens of the bookshelf: female authors reign supreme

While Kenney noted that a protagonist’s gender doesn’t really impact the storytelling quality of the books, the prominence of female authorship and the readers most likely to seek out their stories are hard to deny.

While in Valley Stream, the top adult title was the renowned self-help book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, the most checked-out adult book in the county was “The Women” by Kristin Hannah.

“The list is a little skewed because it partly reflects how many books of a certain author we have in our collection,” said Waldinger library director Mamie Eng. “The popular library book in the county last year was “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, but not in Valley Stream. There were hundreds of copies of that book across the county, but only about five in Valley Stream.”

Eng was not surprised by Hannah’s prolific showing. Other of her titles, “The Nightingale” and “The Four

Top Young Adult books

■ Legend

■ The Maze Runner

■ One of Us is Lying

■ The Summer I Turned Pretty

■ Catching Fire

■ Mockingjay

■ Scythe

■ Everless

■ The Hunger Games

■ We’ll Always Have the Summer

Winds” resonated with village patrons.

“Readers typically want a familiar type of book, definitely skewed toward women,” said Eng. “A lot of our readers are women, and I’d say most of them want books with satisfying ends. There weren’t very big mysteries in our list, nothing too edgy. That’s just not our readership.”

Graphic novel fever: The kids can’t get enough

The most popular children’s books in Valley Stream tell a different tale altogether. Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series — featuring a half-dog, half-man hero tack-

Top adult books

■ Atomic Habits

■ It Ends with Us

■ The Great Alone

■ The Vanishing Half

■ The Four Winds

■ The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

■ Happy Place

■ Hello Beautiful: A Novel

■ The Covenant of Water: A Novel

■ The Nightingale

ling crime with humor and heart — dominates the top three spots.

Pilkey, famed for his beloved Captain Underpants series, and Jeff Kinney, creator of the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, claim every spot in Valley Stream’s top ten list and even further down the line. The Pilkey-Kinney streak is broken by Raina Telgemeier’s “Sisters” with the No. 17 spot.

“Of all the sections in the children’s room, the graphic novels are the most popular section, which is “Dog Man” and to an extent “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” to the parent’s dismay,” said Waldinger Library’s children’s librarian

Top children’s books

■ Dog Man 4: Dog Man and Cat Kid

■ Dog Man: Grime and Punishment

■ Dog Man 2: Unleashed

■ Wrecking Ball

■ Cat Kid Comic Club: Influencers

■ The Deep End

■ Double Down

■ No Brainer

■ Rodrick Rules

■ Old School

Jaclyn Kunz.

While comic books often face eye-rolling criticism for their perceived simplicity, Kunz defends the genre, saying, “There’s a lot of really valuable literature in that section,” and encourages students to dive in.

She notes that comics can be a gateway to broadening students’ literary interests while also offering pure enjoyment.

“Dog Man—a character who’s half dog, half human—might seem absolutely insane to, you know, adults, but for the kids it’s very entertaining and very funny,” she said.

Alice Moreno/Herald

While “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear, was Waldinger Memorial Library’s most borrowed book of 2024 among adult readers, the work of female authors like Kristin Hannah also captivated Valley Stream readers. Above, patron Edward Gentile.

Dr. Gainosuke Sugiyama, chair of surgery at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, played an indispensible role in ensuring that the hospital’s surgical care procedures measured up to the standards of the ACS distinction.

LIJVS has earned the prestigious Quality Verification Program certification from the American College of Surgeons, making it the first community hospital in the tristate area to receive this recognition for surgical excellence. “I didn’t realize the amount of scrutiny would be so rigorous and comprehensive,” Sugiyama said.

LIJVS is first ACS-certified hospital in tristate area

the hospital for two days in the spring of 2023 and provided a 90-page review of its internal workings.

“We had about a year to really go through all the processes to improve and show the ACS that we met their standards,” said Lee. After that window of time elapses, “they paid us two more site visits to confirm” everything was up to snuff.

“That 90-page report was almost like a book,” said Dr. Gainosuke Sugiyama, chair of surgery at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream. “They wanted to see that we had a standard protocol to follow from the moment the patient steps into our office to their walking out of the hospital facility and aftercare.

“I didn’t realize the amount of scrutiny would be so rigorous and comprehensive.”

There were some initial shortcomings that needed to be addressed, noted Lee. One of the largest hurdles to overcome was setting up the infrastructure to gather, monitor, and analyze large volumes of healthcare data over time. That included everything from the number of surgeries performed to adverse health outcomes from surgery

to unexpected returns to the operating room.

“You can’t really do improvements if you don’t know what’s actually going on,” said Lee. “And that’s a resourceheavy situation. You need people to go through the data.”

Lee enlisted the help of Dr. Paul Cheng, director of the data science division at Northwell. Leveraging his expertise in artificial intelligence, he developed programs to automate data collection, significantly streamlining the administrative work.

“This recognition from the American College of Surgeons proves the dedication and skill of our entire surgical team,” said Sugiyama. “It’s a testament to the safe, high-quality care we provide every day. We’re proud to set the standard for surgical excellence in our community.”

Jason Tan, president of LIJ Valley Stream, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “As the first community hospital in Northwell Health to achieve this honor, we’re showing our commitment to the highest standards of surgical care. Our team is dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for every patient,” he said.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ContInueD from PAGe 1

Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.

The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February. Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

STEPPING OUT

Yacht Rock Revue

Step inside an epic adventure with Anna, Elsa and the Madrigal clan moments on

By Karen Bloom

ice

Welcome the New Year in true Disney style. The latest Disney ice extravaganza arrives at UBS Arena in Elmont ready to enchant families once again. This time around the spotlight is on two of the newest tales — beloved by Disneyphiles in the Disney canon: “Frozen” and “Encanto.” Audiences can share in the special joy of these captivating adventures when Disney On Ice’s glides into UBS Arena, now through Jan. 12.

Families will be transported into two of Disney’s most popular films as the world of Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family unfolds up close. These adored characters are, of course, joined by Mickey and his crew. Along with Minnie, Donald and Goofy, audiences will sing-along to everyone’s favorite songs interpreted through world-class skating, aerial acrobatics and dynamic special effects.

• Now through Sunday, Jan.12; times vary

• Tickets start at $35, pre-show character experience also available for a fee; purchase at ticketmaster.com or disneyonice.com or in person at box office

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

As always, the atmosphere is electric from the get-go. From the opening segment with Mickey and the gang, we quickly arrive in Arendelle to the delight of all the “Annas” and “Elsas” in the audience. Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer, narrates the story everyone knows so well. Artful skating (what could be more fitting?) transports families to the snowy kingdom to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven take audiences along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer.

Elsa’s solo segment skated to “Let It Go” is among the highlights of the show’s first half. “It’s a big moment,” says Rebekah Johnson, who — off ice at this point — is exhilarated by the audience response.

At age 19, Johnson is experiencing the Disney magic for the first time as a performer. She joined the cast in September as an ensemble skater and couldn’t be happier.

Skating since she was two-years-old, the St. Paul, Minn.-based Johnson says “I always knew I was meant to be a show skater.”

Like her many castmates, she’s embraced Disney from a young age.

“I’ve always loved the princesses and ‘Frozen’,” she enthuses. “I’ve dreamed about skating for Disney for so long.”

From her first Disney On Ice experience as a young child to revisiting the spectacle as a teenager more recently, she knew this was where she belonged.

“When I saw the show again, I thought ‘this is so cool.’ I still dreamed about being a princess.”

While Johnson is not quite there yet, she’s relishing every moment as the youngest member of the cast and every moment on ice.

“I’ve wanted to skate for Disney for so long,” she continues. “It’s all very surreal, but it’s real!”

After a very Frozen adventure, the show’s second half takes everyone to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where we meet the Madrigals, that extraordinary family who live in

a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita — her enchanted family home — alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and flowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers.

For the first time live, everyone can witness Tia Pepa, who can control the weather with her emotions; her husband Felix; their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear; and Bruno, the mysterious and misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future.

“I’m especially partial to ‘Encanto,” Johnson says. “It’s so upbeat, high energy, that everyone [in the audience] gets so exited.”

And, of course, We Don’t Talk About Bruno.

Here audiences especially respond to the aerial segment, which showcases the skaters’ acrobatic skills above the ice, along with plenty of ice dancing.

“It looks magical,” Johnson says.

And that’s the timeless Disney mantra: “Anything can happen if you just believe.”

In the end, audiences leave with the understanding that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special.

Or as Johnson puts it: “Magic is inside all of us.”

At the end, special appearance from Mulan and Li Shang, Belle and Prince Adam, Ariel and Eric, Aladdin and Jasmine, Miguel from Coco, and Moana celebrate that iconic Disney “magic” in a rousing finale.

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

The kings of ‘70s tribute hit the road with an authentic throwback to the era. Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the ‘70s and’80s sun-soaked melodies. The Atlantabased 10-piece ensemble blends impeccable musicianship with a deep reverence for the genre. Their original album “Escape Artist” is a bold homage to this iconic sound. YRR continues to captivate audiences nationwide with their infectious energy and unabashedly joyous performances. Since their humble beginnings in 2007, YRR has emerged as pivotal in revitalizing yacht rock, sharing stages with icons and garnering a devoted following of “Anchorheads.” Whether performing in intimate venues or rocking arenas, their concerts promise an immersive musical journey that celebrates the timeless allure of smooth grooves.

Friday and Saturday, Jan.10-11, 8 p.m. $55, $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Smooth Dre’s Rhythmic Odyssey

Experience the pulse of Brooklyn hip-hop with Smooth Dre and his crew. A renowned figure in Brooklyn, he’s carved a niche in the hip-hop world with his unique style and profound lyrical narratives. Known for blending classic beats with rich, contemporary rhythms, Smooth Dre delivers music that resonates with authenticity and depth. His journey from underground circuits to mainstream stages has been marked by a steadfast dedication to his craft and an unwavering commitment to his roots. Smooth Dre’s influence extends beyond music; he is a cultural icon who embodies the spirit of hip-hop in every aspect of his life. Dive into a night of relentless beats and lyrical storytelling with Smooth Dre, a maestro of urban soundscapes, with his friends.

come

Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. $70. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny.org.

Photos: Dreams do

true when the royal sisters of Arendelle are joined by the Madrigal family in a ice spectacle that fully brings both films to life.

THE Your Neighborhood

Dave Atell

Jan. 19

Start the New Year off with some laughs from one of stand-up comedy’s best, when Dave Atell visits the Paramount stage, Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. An all-timegreat joke writer, named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Atell is most at home in comedy clubs. He built a loyal following by barnstorming the country with his brand of off-color “very adult” humor, and his audiences got even bigger after his cult-favorite travel show, “Insomniac.” Atell continues to be a presence on TV — including his hit Netflix specials “Hot Cross Buns” and “Bumping Mics” — while constantly writing new material and taking it on the road. Beginning his comedy career in the early ‘90s, Attell ascended through New York’s stand-up ranks alongside the likes of Louis C.K. and Jon Stewart.

After a brief stint writing for SNL, Attell has headed several shows of his own. “Insomniac” followed Attell on late-night trips, tracking down and interviewing anyone who wasn’t asleep for some reason (usually either night workers or drunk people), while “Dave’s Old Porn...well, you can Google that one yourself.” When not on the road, Attell makes regular appearances at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. $59.50, $49.50, $44.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Zumba

The Village of Valley Stream hosts Zumba at Valley Stream Community Center in Arthur J. Hendrickson Park, starting Thursday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m. Attendees must register. There are no refunds or make-up classes. For more information, visit vsrec.org or call (516) 8258571. 123 W. Merrick Road.

Architectural review board

The Village of Valley Stream holds their regular architectural review board Meeting, Monday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Village Hall. 123 S. Central Ave. For more information, visit vsvny.org or call (516) 592-5142.

American Legion Post 854 meets

Valley Stream American Legion Post 854 holds their regular monthly meeting, Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. 51 Roosevelt Ave. For more information, call (516) 7919791 or visit AmericanLegion845. com.

District 13 Board meeting

Valley Stream District 13 Board of Education holds their regular board meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., at Wheeler Avenue School auditorium, 1 Wheeler Ave. West. For more information call (516) 568-6140 or visit ValleyStream13. com.

In concert

Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes the New Year, with an Elvis tribute, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2:30 p.m. Ritchie Santa performs “Elvis Is In The House,” keeping the King’s legacy alive. Santa often shares how, even 47 years after his passing, Elvis connects people who might never have met otherwise. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

VSCHSD Board meeting

Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education meets, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Junior High School. 320 Fletcher Ave. For more information call (516) 872-5628 or visit vschsd. org.

Grace Church Thrift Shop

Grace United Methodist Church’s thrift shop is open every Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Find adult and children’s clothing and accessories, including shoes, coats, and pocketbooks. Browse the special table replete with jewelry, electronics, household and kitchen items, art, and more. 21 S. Franklin Ave.

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility.

Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces.org/ barrytech or call (516) 622-6812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.

Valley Stream village meeting

The Village of Valley Stream holds their regular Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m., at Village Hall. 123 S. Central Ave. For more information, visit Vsvny.org or call (516) 872-4159.

District 30 Board meets

Valley Stream District 30 Board of Education meets, Monday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. 99 Shaw Ave. For more information call (516) 434-3600 or visit ValleyStream30.com.

Musical seasons

Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the 2025 unique chamber music series, “Four Seasons in Music,” Sunday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m. The duoJalal ensemble-in-residence led by Kathryn Lockwood on viola, with percussionist Yousif Sheronick, violinists Deborah Buck and Emma Frucht and cellist Caroline Stinson presents a German flavored. Celebrating Germany’s rich history of extraordinary composers, including Bach, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms, to the less traditional, this concert will warm you up on a winter afternoon.

A reception follows. $56, $45 members. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For tickets and information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Having an event?

Silver Threads Paint Party

Village of Valley Stream holds their annual Silver Threads Paint Party art classes for the village’s Silver Thread members starting Friday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Valley Stream Community Center in Arthur J. Hendrickson Park, 123 W. Merrick Road. Members must register. Class fee is $5 on the day of class. For more information, visit vsrec.org or call (516) 825 – 8571.

Candlelight Yoga

Village of Valley Stream hosts candlelight yoga at the Valley Stream Community Center in Arthur J. Hendrickson Park, starting Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Attendees must register. There are no refunds or makeup classes. For more information, visit vsrec.org or call (516) 825-8571. 123 W. Merrick Road.

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

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. Opens Jan. 18, on view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Fit As A Fiddle

Jan. 11

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate Family Fit Lifestyle Month, Saturday, Jan. 11, noon-2 p.m. Families can make a take-home custom fitness game to get in tip top shape by having fun, at the drop-in program. For ages 3 and up. Free with admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

January 9, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR

123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream New York 11580 (516) 592-5105

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SPECIAL VILLAGE ELECTION PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Village Election will be held in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream on Tuesday, the 18th day of March 2025 and that at such election the following office is to be filled: OFFICE TERM TRUSTEE 3 Years

POR FAVOR DE PONER ATENCION que la Elección Especial General de él Inc. Villaje de Valley Stream, Condado de Nassau, New York será el Martes 18, de Marzo 2025 para llenar la siguiente oficina que va a ser ocupada en el Villaje: OFICINA TERMINO CONCEJAL 3 AÑOS

Dated:Valley Stream, New York

January 9, 2025

Fecha:Villaje de Valley Stream Enero 9, 2025 JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator

Oficinista del Villaje de Valley Stream 150920

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST KEVIN VALENTINE, JAMISE VALENTINE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 21, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 11, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 106 Munro Boulevard, Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, in the County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 39 Block 58 Lot 4. Approximate amount of judgment $597,704.86 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606687/2023. William J. Garry, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-000429 83818 150861

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A

MR. COOPER, -againstCHARLES BROCKINGTON, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 16, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER is the Plaintiff and CHARLES BROCKINGTON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 13, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 8 GREENLAWN BOULEVARD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 003700575-00 - 00029.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610699/2018. Janine T. Lynam, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150907

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC1, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL R. HIGGINS; IF LIVING, AND IF HE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501

on February 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 9 Jasper Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 458 and Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment is $577,472.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608825/2018.

Geri Friedman, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150897

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF MFRA TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. SEBASTIAN A. LEONARDI A/K/A

SEBASTIAN LEONARDI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Albermarle Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 607 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $545,528.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611066/2020.

Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 191501-3 150536

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2004-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ROLAND KATWAROO, CHANDRADAI

KATWAROO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 24, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 21, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 86 Fletcher Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 169, Lot 5, 6, 7. Approximate amount of judgment $272,870.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002574/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. William Boccio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-002896 83235 150528

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: DJSV Limited Liability Company LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 9/9/24. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 76 S Montgomery Street, Valley Stream, NY11580 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150556

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-HE1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiffagainst - WILHELMENA KELLY, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 5, 2017. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 23rd day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at North Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Premises known as 1369 Carole Ct, Valley Stream, NY 11580-1515.

(Section: 37, Block: 660, Lot: 8)

Approximate amount of lien $740,829.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 003133/2015.

Anthony W. Russo, Esq., Referee.

Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516-742-1212

KELLY-69943

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: November 13, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change. 150604

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC.,

ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BC2, Plaintiffagainst - CASSANDRA N. CEAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 29, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 24th day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. Premises known as 76 Southgate Road, Valley Stream, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11581. (SBL#: 39-540-15) Approximate amount of lien $1,104,538.81 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 005943/2012. Richard C. Lunenfeld, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: December 1, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 150608

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-KS2, -againstRONALD AUGUSTIN, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 3, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-KS2 is the Plaintiff and RONALD AUGUSTIN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 28, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 235 DOGWOOD ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-541-43. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606069/2021. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150649

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-4, -againstDOLORES CARTER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 28, 2024, wherein HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-4 is the Plaintiff and DOLORES CARTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 29, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1650 GREENWAY BOULEVARD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-640-13. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 608512/2019. Karl C. Seman, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150651

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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

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Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

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OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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My meeting with a

president,

and what might have been

Thank you, Jimmy Carter.

When I was a student in Florence, Italy, in 1979, I was invited to a fellow student’s home in Munich. There I was awakened by loud noises out in the street, and watched a huge truck with giant arms and claws that was lifting several odd-shaped bins from two street corners at the same time.

My friend explained that this was something called “recycling.” The truck was gathering separated bins of brown, green and clear glass and paper, all at the same time. I was intrigued, and further investigated this new idea, writing six pages of notes. After I returned to the U.S., I hand-wrote that six-page letter to the president of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

Then a strange thing happened. Our office secretary in Monroe, Michigan, came to my desk and said that a man named William Ruckleshaus, chairman of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, was on the phone, and wanted to speak to me. He explained that President Carter had received my letter and wanted to meet. I was 22 years old.

Because it was election time, the president was doing town hall meetings across the country, and selected a high school near my home in Toledo, Ohio. I was sent a special pass to give to Secret Service agents, and on Oct. 25, 1980, at 9:42 am, in a crowded gymnasium, I presented my pass to a tall Marine-like agent who seemed to be aware of the arrangement. He didn’t hesitate. I was walked behind a backdrop by two agents, down a hallway and seated in a classroom.

In walked President Carter, and he came over, shook my hand and sat in a school desk next to me. He was holding my letter on recycling, and we discussed the many specific things he was interested in implementing, starting with government, to reduce waste in the United States. I kept answering, “Yes, Mr. President,” and he kept saying, “Call me Jimmy.”

As we talked, he smiled that big Jimmy Carter grin, and I kept thinking he was too genuinely sincere, too nice to be the president, too down-to-earth — and how surreal the moment was. But the most surreal of all was when he asked me if I would come to Washington, D.C., and work with him to implement this program from the White House. I immediately answered, “Yes, Mr. President,” still unable to call him Jimmy. Then he smiled at me one more time and said, “Of course, I have to get re-elected.”

He lost to Ronald Reagan, and the rest is history. I always wonder how my life would have been, working with the president, overseeing a new program that never materialized. I wouldn’t have crossed paths with the young lady who has shared my life for 43 years, never enjoyed the two daughters we raised or the grandchildren we fuss over, might not have opened my own architectural practice, moved to Long Island or started writing a column for the Herald. I wonder. Thank you, Jimmy Carter!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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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Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House

When Donald Trump is inaugurated as our 47th president the week after next, he will (once again) be the only president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt who is a born-and-bred New Yorker. Despite his recent relocation to Florida, where he has presided from Mar-a-Lago like an overlord, Trump has never escaped his New York roots. This is important to New York and Long Island. I say this not because of any native-son pride, but because downstate New York has unique issues and challenges that can be best understood and addressed by a true New Yorker. Like me, Trump grew up in Queens, but that’s where the geographic comparison ends. He was raised in very upscale Jamaica Estates. I grew up in very bluecollar Sunnyside. Same time; different stations. Of course, that didn’t stop

Trump from implying to people in Washington that he and I grew up together. So much so that non-New York members of Congress would ask me, “What kind of guy was he growing up?” And my misleading non-answer would always be, “Same as he is today.”

WDespite the very different economic aspects of our upbringings, Trump and I, in many ways, spoke the same language. I distinctly remember when he invited me to the White House in February 2017, a few weeks after his inauguration, for a routine billsigning ceremony. As we spoke for just a few minutes, he gave a big smile and said, “It’s great to hear that New York accent down here.”

anti-MS-13 efforts succeeded in crushing the gang’s reign of terror in Nassau and Suffolk counties.)

e’ll need President Trump’s support and cooperation to address critical issues.

Probably the most relaxed I ever saw Trump was when he invited me to join him at ringside for a night of UFC fights at Madison Square Garden in November 2019. The loud fullhouse crowd chanting “USA!” and giving him thumbs ups was a stark contrast to the Ukraine impeachment proceedings against him that were under way at the same time in Washington.

This year, his giant rallies at Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum were major parts of his winning campaign.

Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo and former Congressman Lee Zeldin. Trump’s brother Robert lived in Garden City for many years until he died in 2020. On a somber note, I was there last March when Trump came to the funeral home in Massapequa to comfort the family of murdered NYPD hero Jonathan Diller.

Several times when I was talking with him on Air Force One, when he was flying to Long Island to address the MS-13 murder spree, I felt as if I were speaking with just another guy on a Queens street corner, and had to keep reminding myself that I was talking to the president of the United States. (His

Trump also had friendships with Long Islanders such as former U.S. Sen. Al D’Amato, from his years in Washington, and Joe Mondello, who was Trump’s attorney in several business transactions and was later appointed ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago by Trump. More recently, the president-elect has formed close friendships with County

Over the next several years, New York will need the support and cooperation of President Trump to address critical issues, including illegal immigration, crime and drugs, health care for those who continue to be affected by the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, aging infrastructure, congested traffic and high taxes. We will especially need him to fight off anti-New York elements in the Republican Party who have too often in the past clearly demonstrated their geographic bias. Together, whether Republican or Democrat, New Yorkers should work to find common ground with the president to make New York great again.

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

The challenge of being president in challenging times

We are entering a new year, in which there will be many challenges for all of us. But the biggest ones will be for President-elect Donald Trump, who is about to embark on a historic second term. We know what he will do on Inauguration Day, but the real question is what kind of president he will be when the history of his second term is written.

Trump made many promises to voters, and there is no doubt that he will fulfill many of them. Voters were clearly concerned about the immigration challenges at the borders, and Trump has pledged to close them down and begin a program of mass deportations. Many voters were unhappy with the way our government works, and for better or worse, there will be changes. The proposed appointees to the Trump cabinet are in most cases total unknowns when it comes to government experience. Thinking that his new

team will be able to function effectively is a big wish that may or may not come true. Many of the proposed cabinet members have never run any type of business, and in some cases their only qualification is that Trump likes them. That could be a recipe for disaster.

Thinking that Trump’s new team will be able to function effectively is a big wish.

Aside from the promise to shut down the borders, the big Trump pledge was that he would do something about the high cost of things like eggs and other household needs. In the weeks since the election, he has made it clear that cutting down on such things as grocery costs is too difficult to accomplish.

Much of his presidency will be defined on Jan. 20, when he will sign a number of executive orders. Some may win broad public acceptance, but others may lead Trump voters to question whether they were the reason they supported him. The pledge to pardon Jan. 6 rioters pleased a small segment of the population, but freeing convicted thugs would send the wrong message in a country that prides itself on law and order.

Trump has pledged to dramatically

cut energy costs by embarking on massive oil and gas drilling programs. Whether that can have any effect is questionable, because the country experienced record oil and gas drilling in 2024, and creating extra product doesn’t mean that prices will go down. We consumers know from experience that the oil and gas producers don’t give any discounts to motorists or homeowners.

Some Trump voters have expressed a desire for our country to curtail any overseas relationships and to once again make the United States into an isolationist country. We went through that experience in the 1930s, when Adolf Hitler was beginning to map out his plan to control Europe and the rest of the world. Since those dark days, we, our friends and supporters have created NATO, and our country has assured our allies that we will defend them if any of our enemies attack them. Obviously, that means China or Russia.

There is no doubt that the Trump presidency will bring about many changes in the way our nation functions. History shows that every president makes some type of imprint on the

country. In many cases, he spends a lot of time trying to erase his predecessor’s accomplishments, and Trump will devote a substantial amount of time to doing exactly that.

In the run-up to Jan. 20, he has talked about a takeover of Greenland and a seizure of the Panama Canal. Greenland still has strong ties to Denmark, which we can be sure isn’t in the mood to give up a land mass rich in precious minerals and other raw materials. Panama controls the canal under a treaty entered into by President Jimmy Carter. Serious attempts to seize the canal would raise questions around the world about America’s written word.

Four years go by fast, and as the clock ticks, historians assess the accomplishments and mistakes of every president. We hope there will be many positive changes from a Trump administration, and that America will be a better place after his tenure ends. That’s my wish for 2025 and beyond, and, I’m sure, everyone’s hope.

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

JERRY KREMER

Feeling under siege? Combat the chaos.

are you still emotionally shaken by the violent, seemingly random acts that occurred shortly before we turned the calendar and again on New Year’s Day?

On Dec. 22, a woman was burned alive on a Brooklyn subway train. On New Year’s Eve, a man was critically injured when he was pushed into the path of an oncoming subway train in Manhattan.

On Jan. 1, the year just hours old, we awoke to the news of multiple deaths and dozens of injuries when a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Later that morning, a Tesla Cybertruck detonated outside a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others. And four gunmen opened fire outside a nightclub in Queens that night, injuring 10.

When these kinds of headlines intrude into our lives, we may feel as though the world is unraveling. The ripple effects are profound: Lives are lost or forever changed, public spaces are emptied, and once-reliable joys like festivals, parades and football bowl games are relegated to the realm of unimportance.

This sense of being constantly on edge is exhausting. But amid the grief and uncertainty, there are ways to process our emotions, respond constructively, and help ourselves and others find solace and strength.

What should we do?

When violence or tragedy strikes, the

letters

Advocating for child care in New York

To the Editor:

The year ahead will be filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Our leaders in New York must create the conditions necessary for every child to thrive, while safeguarding our state’s safety net.

We must demand full funding for our child care and public education systems, ensure that every family has a home and access to health care, guarantee clean air and safe environments, and protect every immigrant. We must demand that our state takes a bold position and does not waver from it. Most important, we must demand that the ultrawealthy and extremely profitable corporations pay their fair share, because that’s the key to funding the essential services that help everyone succeed.

For too long, corporate politicians and their wealthy donors have put their interests ahead of the needs of our public schools, child care and working families. It’s time for a change.

first imperative is safety. Avoiding highrisk situations and being vigilant in public spaces are more important than ever.

We must also safeguard our emotional and psychological well-being. Start with staying informed, but not letting yourself be overwhelmed. The 24-hour news cycle has a way of amplifying fear, and while information is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to step back. Be selective about your sources of information, and balance the hard truths of current events with stories that remind you of the good in humanity.

It’s also essential to strengthen our communities. Feeling under siege isolates us, making us retreat into individual fear. But fear is best countered collectively. Reach out to neighbors, join local groups or participate in civic events that promote unity.

Advocate for solutions. Moments of crisis are not always random acts of chaos; they are often symptoms of systemic issues, whether it’s gun violence, mental health crises or deep societal divisions. Supporting policies and groups that address these root causes — and working constructively with people whose opinions differ on the issues — is one way to reclaim a sense of agency in a world that feels out of control.

How should we feel?

The emotions stirred by these tragedies are complex and valid. There’s fear, anger, sadness and sometimes even guilt

— guilt over feeling powerless or for wanting to escape the constant barrage of bad news. It’s important to allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.

Be resilient. Focus on what you can control. Small, deliberate acts — reaching out to a friend, writing to a policymaker or simply stepping outside for a walk — can help restore a sense of balance. While we may not be able to prevent every tragedy, we can control how we respond to them.

How can we help?

Be present. Show up for others. Simple gestures, such as offering an attentive ear or a comforting word, are appreciated. Help the people who are directly affected. Donate to relief funds, volunteer at community centers or contribute to organizations addressing the systemic causes of violence and instability.

Share stories of courage, kindness and resilience. Elevate these stories — not in an effort to persuade others to ignore the pain, but to remind you and them that even in the darkest moments, light filters through.

Feeling under siege doesn’t mean we are powerless. It means that we are called to action — both in our personal lives and in our communities. We are called to care for one another, to demand better from our leaders, and to work toward a future in which safety and joy are not fleeting privileges but shared realities.

My thoughts on education? Don’t

get me started.

Greetings and Happy New Year!

As I always point out, there’s never enough space to completely cover any given topic. Usually I like to start conversations, initiate critical thinking, consider all factors and, most of all, become educated on an issue. “Becoming educated” is the key phrase. Here I’d like to dive into our educational system. In New York state, there are many different forms of schooling on the primary and secondary level: nursery, early childhood, pre-K, public, parochial, charter, private, Magnet, independent, home and online, career and technical, apprenticeships. Any one is worthy of an entire thesis or dissertation.

I just retired after 40 years as a certified K-12 public school educator, union member and vocational education advocate. I taught every grade from second through 12th. But I moderate this introductory discussion in the hope of simply getting people thinking and talking about some of the pros and cons of educating our youth.

Recently a friend asked me how I feel about the “indoctrination” arguments, mostly directed at higher education these days. I believe that parents feel the indoctrination pressure as early as nursery school. Indoctrination, or being taught to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, is, in my opinion, the exact opposite of what teaching should be all about.

I always wanted my students to think critically. I got into the teaching profession because I loved the thought process. Partisanship has no place in education. Lately, this has become more of a hot topic, but trust me, it has always existed.

wthe schools felt more segregated, and parents demanded specific instructions and learning styles for their children instead of embracing the constructs of learning as a group.

Once again, this isn’t a complaint. If a parent insists on something specific for their child, that’s certainly their right. And public school may not be for you. Private, parochial, religious, Magnet or charter schools might well be a better fit.

e need to do a better job of seeing where our kids will excel in their educational lives.

I’ve always been a proponent of traditional public education. I felt that graduates had to function in the real world, with a worldwide workforce of every race, religion, background and socio-economic status. The sooner we learned to interact with everyone, the better off we would be, or so I hoped. All three of my children were graduates of public schools.

I have personally witnessed a change in that environment, to one in which students in public education didn’t learn to interact well with others. Instead of a melting-pot atmosphere,

Letters

Here’s what we’re fighting for to make this happen:

■ Tax the ultra-wealthy and corporations. New York has the public dollars we need, but only when we pass legislation that makes millionaires, billionaires and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. The Invest in Our New York campaign shows how we can raise revenue to support our schools, affordable child care and working families. By ensuring fair taxation, we will finally provide the support our kids, educators, and child-care workers have needed for far too long.

■ A fairer, stronger future for all. Every child needs access to a highquality education, no matter their background. But we can’t make that happen without a state budget that prioritizes equity. The Invest in Our New York campaign offers a blueprint for raising the public dollars needed to fund our education and child-care programs. It’s time for a state budget that focuses on the well-being of all New Yorkers — not just the wealthiest.

Your voice is crucial to making these changes a reality. Join us for Child Care Advocacy Day, on Jan. 28, and AQE Advocacy Day, on Feb. 4. Together we can ensure that the 2025 budget prioritizes public education,

early care and learning, and universal child care, so that all of New York’s children have the resources they need to succeed.

Let’s make 2025 the year we secure a more just and equitable future for every New Yorker.

ZAKIYAH SHAAKIR-ANSARI MARINA MARCOU-O’MALLEY Co-executive directors, Alliance for Quality Education NY

He’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods,’ too

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column, “Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly (Dec. 19-25): I agree with you, Mr. King: “Blue Bloods” will be missed. It was very well acted and written. What really bothers me is that CBS would not reconsider, despite strong ratings and even stronger outcry about the show ending.

How about another network taking the show, or even better, HBO? It would have worked. It’s a shame that it ended its run this way.

TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside

I could never understand the idea of joining or belonging to a group with the intent of changing it. Choose the group that has your best interests at heart. This applies to life, community groups, volunteer organizations and politics. You wouldn’t join a church with the hope of turning it into a mosque, would you? Join the mosque, be with people who share your views, make your house of worship the best it can be.

Public schools are funded by property taxes, and everyone who owns or rents real estate, commercial or residential, pays for it, regardless of whether they have any children, or how many they have. Property values are often tied into “good” school systems. School taxes are the largest part of our tax bur-

den, so I understand why some parents won’t take on, or can’t afford, yet another bill to send their kids to private schools.

Current statistics show that there’s really no “better” or “worse” school system — just better or worse fits for learning styles. When a student is in the proper atmosphere for their particular abilities, they tend to do better. Again, trying to fit in or change what wasn’t meant for you usually leads to failure.

This goes back to my vocational education advocacy. If a student has a propensity for hands-on learning, why force them into an academic-based curriculum? This logic applies to all education, including music, the arts and business. I don’t need my plumber to be able to write poetry, nor do I need my doctor to fix the wiring in my house. You get the idea.

It seems to me that we need to do a better job of seeing where our kids will excel in their educational lives and careers, and stop trying to fit square pegs into round holes.

In my last column, I shared with everyone that the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Please visit VSVNY.org to stay up to date on centennial events. Have a safe and happy 2025!

Ed Fare is the mayor of Valley Stream.

Framework by Alexis Morledge

At Blarney Castle — but did he kiss the stone? — County Cork, Ireland