HERALD
Not
First snow, first ride of the year
With Long Island blanketed in snow on Monday, a bundled-up 11-month-old Connor Grogan, of Valley Stream, rode his sled for the first time.
Lehrman’s musical life revealed Valley Stream composer writes about his prolific career
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Creators of great art may never see their works brought to completion. Some are too ambitious to finish within one lifetime. Others stagger on for years without proper recognition.
Yet, Leonard Lehrman believes in the reassuring power of an entrusted successor — someone else to take up where the original creator left off — thus ensuring what once seemed lost or incomplete finds its rightful place in the world. And an audience to embrace it.
“Sometimes works that don’t receive the kind of reception that they should at the outset may receive them later,” he said.
Lehrman, a renowned composer from Valley Stream known for his voluminous work, including 12 operas, has built his legacy on precisely that foundation. That is part of what he hopes readers will take away from his autobiography: “Continuator: The Autobiography of a SociallyConscious, Cosmopolitan Composer,” published by Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc. The book — spanning over 540 pages — offers a comprehensive, intimate account of his prolific musical career, from child prodigy to gracefully rumpled 75-year-old composer. His name has been linked with music heavyweights like Marc Blitzstein and Leonard Bernstein. But the title “continuator” was bestowed
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Oz Credo Institute of Creative Thinking held a graduation ceremony on Dec. 22 to honor 36 graduates who completed its Child Development Associate program. The event, attended by local leaders, educators, and community members, highlighted the institute’s mission to empower educators and professionals with the skills and knowledge to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers.
integrity, we teach them ethics,” Zbarskaya said. “We pay a lot of attention to professional ethics because when you work with children, ethics always come first.”
The CDA program, a comprehensive 120-hour course, equips educators, childcare providers and business owners in early childhood education with nationally and internationally recognized credentials.
T hey were talking about how this course has changed their life.
OLGA ZBARSKAYA
Located in Valley Stream, the institute is recognized as a trailblazer in creative thinking. It blends educational innovation with a focus on personal and professional development.
Founder, Oz Credo Institute of Creative Thinking
Founded by Olga Zbarskaya, the institute has become a hub for programs that prioritize creativity as the foundation for decision-making, problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
“We teach people professional confidence, we teach them
The graduation event featured guest speakers, including Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and representatives from Aspire New York, a leading organization for educators in the state. The speakers further emphasized the importance of investing in early childhood education and commended the institute for its role in shaping skilled, compassionate professionals who will have a lasting impact on young learners.
“We had our graduates who came out, and they gave a very
Continued on page 10
Courtesy Brian Grogan
HERALD SchoolS
District 13 PTA highlight mini-grant winners
Valley Stream District 13 Interschool Council of PTAs is proud to announce the recipients of the 20242025 Mini-Grants. The Mini-Grants program aims to fund innovative educational projects that enhance learning and foster creativity across the district’s schools.
The following educators have been awarded grants for their inspiring projects:
Johanna Land - James A. Dever School
Makey Makey: Creating Musical Instruments through Technology
Johanna Land’s project introduces students to Makey Makey, a circuit board that plugs into a computer and acts as a keyboard. This hands-on tool allows students to build and create musical instruments, fostering improvisation, composition, and performance skills. This project encourages students to explore the intersection of technology and music.
Lisa Geary - Howell Road School
Nature’s Classroom: A STEM Adventure in Our National Parks
Lisa Geary’s initiative immerses students in the natural wonders of the United States’ national parks. Through STEAM activities, students will engage with engineering, design, and environmental science concepts, developing critical thinking skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for nature. The project aims to
to create musical instruments through technology.
spark a lifelong love for the outdoors while enhancing students’ academic abilities.
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 1285709
Amy Yencharis - Wheeler Avenue School
Soundtrap for Education: A Digital Music Exploration
Amy Yencharis is bringing the power of music and technology to the classroom with Soundtrap for Education, an accessible digital platform that enables students to create, compose, and perform music. This program encourages creativity and self-expression across all subjects, ages, and ability levels, empowering students to explore sound recording and music production.
CaroleAnne Weik - Willow Road School
From Sketch to Structure - A Blueprint for the Future: Inspiring Young Architects with STEAM
CaroleAnne Weik’s project aims to ignite students’ passion for architecture and engineering. Through a comprehensive STEAM unit, students will explore architecture, design, and construction, incorporating hands-on activities and digital tools. This project, which expands beyond traditional lessons, inspires students to dream big about their future in design and construction.
“We are thrilled to see the creativity and innovation demonstrated by our educators,” said Superintendent Judith LaRocca.”These projects reflect our commitment to providing students with rich, meaningful learning experiences that empower them to explore new ideas, think critically, and develop their unique talents.”
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream District 1 Makey Makey enables students
Local libraries join Nassau Library Quest
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Elmont and Franklin Square public libraries have joined the 2025 Nassau Library Quest, which begins Jan. 25 and runs through March 3. Participants who visit 10 libraries in the county will earn a prize, which has yet to be announced.
According to Jean Simpson, director of the Elmont Memorial Library, people who want to participate in the program must sign up through one of the Nassau County libraries. Then, participants will receive a map that displays libraries included in the program and use it to track which ones they visit. In the past, Simpson said, participants have needed a special stamp or sticker from the libraries they have visited to log their progress.
The program, which is sponsored by the Nassau Library System, is normally exclusively held during the summer. However, this year, they are hosting a winter session, which is something Sonya Jones, head of customer service at the Elmont library, said she is excited for. She said not many people know the library hosts winter programming, and she hopes the quest helps spread the word.
According to Simpson and Jones, the library hosts a winter book club, updates artist displays in their gallery every month and shows movies in the library’s theatre every Tuesday and Friday. They hope visitors will see that the library welcomes people to join their programs year-round, and can be a great way to stay involved in the community during the colder months.
“It’s a really nice way to showcase what libraries do, because people think it’s just books,” Simpson said. However, she added, the library offers games, computers, study rooms, e-books, kids programs and museum passes. “Libraries have really evolved,” she pointed out.
A
Jones said the library quest attracts visitors of all different ages. The fact that visitors are walking through the door and seeing everything they have to offer is exciting, she said. Even people from the city have visited in the past, she added, and visitors have told her how fun it is travelling through the county and exploring what it has to offer. In particular, she said, people are impressed with the library’s theatre, which has 430 seats and hosts a variety of live theater
and musical performances.
The Elmont library is one of the largest libraries in Nassau County, Simpson said, and she is happy to see new people from other towns come in and share the space with Elmont residents. When visitors show up to the Elmont library for the quest, she said library staff walks them around and gives them a tour. “We pride ourselves in our library,” she said.
Jones said the Nassau Library System also recommends libraries create an interactive element to the quest. This year, she said, participants will have to find a little stuffed cat hidden in each library they visit in order to complete the quest.
Sometimes the Elmont library sets up places for participants to do small activities, such as coloring, in order to add another interactive element to the quest, Jones explained. In the past, she added, libraries have used hashtags so guests can participate in the quest on social media. Simpson said they have also staged photo-ops for visitors to take pictures, which she said is fun because she gets to see what other libraries are doing when they post the pictures online.
Visitors who are not from Elmont are welcome to show up for Elmont library programs at any time of the year, Simpson said. The quest just helps the library advertise all the events they hold, she explained, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, move showings and book clubs. But, she added, every library is a little different, and she encouraged people to explore all over the county. “We feel it’s a good way to market all Nassau libraries,” she said.
According to Jones, the library quest is an opportunity to connect the community with libraries across the county. She said it’s a great experience to see new visitors come through the door and find something new. “It’s a community thing,” Jones said. “It brings the community together.”
Area residents react to TikTok’s shutdown
By AiNsLEy MAR tiNEZ amartinez@liherald.com
When Chris Schacca, 38, clocked in for a shift at Jersey Mike’s on Sunrise Highway on Sunday, all he and his coworkers wanted to talk about was the pop-up message blocking content on one of their favorite apps, TikTok.
“We were showing each other our screens and couldn’t believe it was gone,” Schacca said.
The message told users to “stay tuned,” but read, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
By Sunday afternoon, however, the app’s functionality returned, a few hours after then President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would issue an executive order delaying the ban once he took office on Monday — allowing access to its 170 million American users, but keeping the app unavailable for new downloads on Apple and Samsung devices.
“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President-elect Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the company announced in a statement to users.
The law, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, passed by Congress last April,
required ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, to sell TikTok or face a ban. It gave the company 270 days, until Jan. 19, to sell the app to a U.S. or allied company.
In 2020, in his first term, Trump said he had the same concerns about data integrity, and imposed broad sanctions against TikTok. But a federal court blocked the ban of the app, questioning its legality and the grounds for enforcement.
Nathan DeCorpo, an attorney in Lynbrook, said the law presents a legal “gray area,” especially because lawmakers have only recently begun writing legislation governing social media. And, DeCorpo added, it appears that the only ways to keep TikTok online are for Congress to pass a new law reversing the current one, or for the company to sell to an acceptable buyer.
expressed interest in the app, but ByteDance has maintained that it has no plans to sell it.
Schacca said that the law’s emphasis on foreign entities holding data, has led him to believe its true motives revolve around American control of wealth and data.
t he ban would have only made people switch to Meta more, which still profits off of American data.
NiNA tOMAO Lynbrook High School senior and TikTok user
Two groups have submitted formal bids to purchase TikTok: one led by billionaire Frank McCourt and investor Kevin O’Leary, and another from the AI search engine PerplexityAI. Several other potential buyers have also
He said he uses the app for entertainment — for tarot card readings and video analyses of anime shows he watches. He enjoys how current the videos are, he said, updating him on new shows, events and pop culture phenomena.
Lynbrook High School senior Nina Tomao said she also believes the push to sell TikTok is unnecessary, arguing that concerns over data privacy should also extend to other tech giants like Meta, which she feels are just as problematic.
“The ban would have only made people switch to Meta more, which still profits off of American data,” Tomao said.
She sees TikTok as a platform where people, especially small businesses and influencers, can thrive by selling their products. Tomao added that the app has
become a major income source for many small businesses, thanks to the integrated TikTok Shop, where users can purchase items.
While she acknowledged that some users become dependent on the app, she doesn’t view the platform as inherently negative. Having used TikTok since its early days in 2016, when it was called Musical.ly, Tomao believes it has been more beneficial than harmful.
In a survey conducted by the Herald in Lynbrook and East Rockaway, one East Rockaway resident said that while he is less concerned about what countries have users’ data, he believes that more age restrictions are needed on social media applications, beyond just TikTok.
According to a Pew Research report in April, 63 percent of U.S. teens said they used TikTok, with 68 percent of girls saying they use it, and 59 percent of boys. And among the teenage users, over half said they use it every day. The respondents who reported using TikTok said it would be “very difficult” to give up social media.
As the Herald went to press, Trump had not issued an executive order on the law passed last year, but he said his administration would work with TikTok executives to find solutions. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attended Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Courtesy Elmont Memorial Library
small stuffed cat, which will be hidden at each library participating in the quest, sits on top of books from the Elmont library.
“With
News briefs
A man died in a Valley Stream house fire Tuesday morning, with firefighters
another occupant and battling flames that spread from the basement, officials said.
18-year-old dies in morning house fire
Sarabraj Singh, 18, died in the morning Jan. 7 in a house fire in Valley Stream that required firefighters from multiple departments to bring under control, officials said.
The fire broke out around 11:25 a.m. at the intersection of Keller and North Grove streets, according to the Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department. When firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from the home, prompting a Signal 10 “Working Fire” call for mutual aid from nearby fire departments.
the End in Mind”
by Kathryn Mannix, M.D.
Subtitled Dying, Death and Wisdom in an Age of Denial, Dr. Mannix’s book is a series of true stories allowing readers to “experience” what happens when people are approaching the end of their lives: how they cope; how they live; what matters most; how dying evolves; what a deathbed is like; how families react. She finds that there is little to fear and much to prepare for.
While many people imagine dying to be agonizing and undignified, Dr. Mannix reassures us that this is rarely the case. Instead, people gradually sleep more often until unconsciousness sets in. This was common knowledge when death took place in the home – until about 1900 when funeral homes first came into being. Knowing what to expect can be immensely comforting to the dying person and their supporters.
Palliative care specialists believe that enabling people to be architects of their own solutions is key to respecting their dignity. They are only in a new phase of life; they have not abdicated their personhood.
The author advocates reclaiming “death” and
“dead” from modern day euphemisms such as “passed away” and “lost” and further that despite a well-lived and contented life, we often say they “lost their battle” instead of that they simply died. These attitudes disable us from having straightforward, unambiguous conversations about death. The conspiracy of silence about death often leads to the heartbreak of the dying being unable to convey their hopes and wishes.
“The dreadful reality, told with honesty and compassion, allows patients and their families to make choices based on truth, instead of encouraging the misleading, hopeless quest for a medical miracle that promotes futile treatment, protracts dying and disallows goodbyes.”
There are only two days with fewer than 24 hours in each lifetime, one is celebrated every year, yet it is the other than makes us see living as precious. Dr. Mannix points the way to what we can become: beacons of compassion, living in the moment, looking backwards with gratitude and forgiveness, and focused on the simple things that really matter.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Flames, which began in the basement, quickly spread to the upper floors. Firefighters deployed three hose lines to extinguish the blaze. During the response, a man who had escaped through a second-floor window was
helped off a garage roof by rescuers.
Inside the house, firefighters located Singh and pulled him out while performing CPR. The Indian native was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, fire officials said.
The fire heavily damaged the home and kept crews on the scene for about two hours. The Valley Stream Fire Department said Engine 341 and Tower Ladder 345 were among the first to arrive. Chiefs Anthony Capone, Michael Colucci, and Kyle O’Brien were present, with Chief Colucci overseeing the response.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Man arrested for cashing fake check
A Queens man has been arrested after allegedly cashing a fake U.S. Treasury check, which resulted in a loss of more than $74,000, according to county police.
Dwayne S. Campbell, 40, reportedly turned himself in at the Eighth Precinct on Jan. 6. The case dates back to June 12, when Campbell allegedly deposited
the forged check at a Capitol One Bank branch on West Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream.
Campbell is facing charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument. He was arraigned on Jan. 6.
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Book Review:
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream Fire Department
rescuing
–Juan Lasso
MAKAYLA DAUBE
Mepham Senior Basketball
A FIFTH-YEAR VARSITY basketball player, Daube accomplished two rare milestones this season while leading the Pirates to 10 wins in their first 13 games. Mepham’s 2025 Valedictorian, she reached both the 1,000point and 1,000-rebound plateaus. On Jan. 9, in a 54-40 victory over Herricks, she also became the program’s single-game scoring leader with 34 points. In the fall, Daube helped Mepham to its first-ever volleyball county title.
GAMES TO WATCH
Friday, Jan. 24
Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Kennedy at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. North 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Wantagh at Mineola 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Long Beach at Baldwin 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Mepham at Carey 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Freeport 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Hewlett 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: South Side at Clarke 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Girls Basketball: Floral Park at Lynbrook 10 a.m.
Boys Basketball: North Shore at Seaford 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Mineola at Wantagh 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Clarke at V.S. North 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Seaford at North Shore 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Wheatley at West Hempstead 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Uniondale at Farmingdale 12 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 27
Girls Basketball: Freeport at Oceanside 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 7 p.m.
Nominate
a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
VSN on verge of playoff clinch
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
The Valley Stream North boys’ basketball team sits atop the Nassau Conference A6 standings and is a win away from checking off its first box — a return to the playoffs.
The Spartans had that chance last Friday, but fell to Mineola, 64-49. That snapped a five-game winning streak
Now it’s back to practice, which for some could be tedious in mid-January, but that’s not the case for this close-knit squad.
“We have a bunch of kids who work really hard and play together really well this year,” VSN head coach Mike McVeigh said. “They’re a fun group so practices have been really good because every day they want to get better. They’re that kind of team, which is fun to coach.”
It was at practice at the start of the season that McVeigh had an idea this team could be special.
“Once we started practice and we started practicing at a high level and the kids were holding each other accountable, you could tell that this group together, the cohesion and the chemistry that they have, that we could be pretty good if we put it all together,” McVeigh said.
That hasn’t happened every game, but one constant for Valley Stream North (12-3, 5-2) has been the unrelenting work ethic and drive and caring to get better.
Leading the charge offensively has been the Spartans’ big three of Tristan Mitchell, Vincent Rienzie and Noah Obukwelu.
Mitchell has averaged 13.9 points per game and has impressed McVeigh with his basketball IQ and ability to get to the rim, especially as a sophomore.
Rienzie, who averages 14.9 points per game, is the do-it-all calming influence who makes sure everyone is always in the right spots.
And Obukwelu (8.2 points per game) shook off a slow start and has turned up the dial on his intensity and aggressive-
ness, especially on the glass, over the past month.
“Those three, I’m really impressed with their maturity growing up after last season when they were all the underclassmen role players,” McVeigh said. “Now they’ve stepped into bigger roles this year.”
After not playing much as a junior, Omarion Holder has elevated his game as a senior, earning a spot in the starting lineup and averaging 6.7 points per game, including 14 points in a recent win over Wantagh.
Zeke Morris has been the Spartans’ defensive anchor and a senior leader
who brings a lot of energy to the court. He was out against Wantagh, but Christian St. Ahmand filled that void bringing the same attributes.
With the playoffs nearly confirmed, can Valley Stream North make some big moves in the postseason? McVeigh said that will be determined by small things.
“At the end of the game, it always seems like the smallest detail and the smallest play make a difference,” McVeigh said. “So you try to focus on what you can control as a team, those little rebounding and not turning the ball over, but also trying to be aggressive. All those little intangibles matter the most.
Sue Grieco/Herald
Sophomore Tristan Mitchell is averaging nearly 14 points per game for the Spartans, who enter this week with a dozen wins.
LONG LIVE
Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too. Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™
The governor assesses the state of the state
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off her fourth year in office on Jan. 14 by outlining her proposed 2025 agenda in her State of the State address. That agenda includes more than 200 initiatives, many of which would have an impact on Long Island.
Here are some of the key proposals Hochul discussed.
Affordability
Unsurprisingly, Hochul began the address with the issue on every New Yorker’s mind: the cost of living. New Yorkers have seen rising prices in housing, food, utilities, transportation and health care. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in New York is 26 percent higher than the national average.
The governor proposed tax cuts, rebate checks and savings from free school lunches, an initiative that could save a family of five $5,000 a year.
“I’m calling for a sweeping middle-class income tax cut benefitting 8.3 million taxpayers making less than $323,000,” she said. “The tax cut I propose today and will fight for in the coming months will deliver the lowest tax rates in seven decades and save hardworking taxpayers $1 billion.
“But that’s just the start,” she added.
A proposed $3 billion in inflation relief rebates would provide one-time payments of $300 or $500 based on income level and tax filing status. The initiative would have to be approved by the State Legislature.
Hochul’s budget also includes expanding the state’s child tax credit. Under the proposal, families could see the credit increase by as much as three times the current amount — up to $1,000 per child under age 4, and
Tim Baker/Herald
Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 14, discussing a wide range of policies. Above, the governor appeared at the Long Island Association’s State of the Region Breakfast on Jan. 10.
$500 for children ages 4 to 16. The changes would be phased in over two years.
She governor also proposed that households making up to $323,200 — roughly 77 percent of taxpayers — would be given an income tax break that could save households hundreds of dollars a year for roughly.
Education
Hochul unveiled a proposal that would offer free tuition to New Yorkers pursuing associate’s degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, teaching, technology and engineering. The initiative would build on the state’s existing financial aid programs, and target residents between 25 and 55 seeking to learn new skills to look for jobs in essential industries.
Nearby states, including Massachusetts, have launched similar tuition-free college programs to address labor shortages and promote economic mobility.
Hochul also announced her support for universal free school meals. That would mean boosting state funds to expand an existing program that could reach 280,000 students who aren’t already covered.
Mental Health
Hochul, who is expected to seek re-election in 2026, took office in 2021 when residents statewide were grappling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many students faced — and continue to face — mental health challenges.
That has been a central focus throughout her administration. In her latest initiative, she aims to address concerns about random acts of violence committed by those with severe, untreated mental illness. Her agenda includes strengthening Kendra’s Law, which mandates outpatient treatment for certain people with mental illnesses who are not receiving care.
Additionally, Hochul is advocating for a Teen Mental Health First Aid program, to equip high school students with the skills to maintain their mental health and offer support to their peers. She also promoted mental health resources for after-school programs, to ensure students access to licensed health care facilities through state-funded programs.
from minimally invasive
HERALD SchoolS
Shaw Ave third graders celebrate Dr. King
Third graders in Darcel Franks’ class at Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 celebrated the life and legacy of renowned civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 14.
Each student crafted their own posters documenting the life of Dr. King. Students also each held a presentation to share different facts about his career, his family and his activism. After the presentations, Franks and her students discussed some additional facts about Dr. King and his lasting message of promoting peace and unity.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister, civil rights leader, and advocate for social justice who became one of the most influential figures in American history. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King rose to prominence in the mid-1950s as the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal protest against racial segregation.
He championed nonviolent resistance inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and led movements such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to combat racial discrimination, poverty, and inequality. His powerful speeches, including the iconic “I Have a Dream” address during the 1963 March on Washington, called for racial harmony and equality.
–Juan Lasso
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Woodmere Middle School (6-8)
1170 Peninsula Boulevard, Hewlett George W. Hewlett High School (9-12) 60 Everit Avenue, Hewlett
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13
On Jan. 14, third graders in Darcel Frank’s class at Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 crafted their own posters documenting the life and legacy of renowned civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
‘The Continuator’ revives the unfinished
on him by none other than his closest and most formative mentor, the quintessential American composer Elie Siegmeister.
A call to embrace the unfinished Their relationship started roughly 30 years prior.
During Lehrman’s early years, his piano teacher Lenore Anhalt decided after four years of tutelage it was time for the young prodigy to study under someone new. Rosie Kabat, Lehrman’s mother’s cousin, suggested his former Brooklyn neighbor, who happened to be Siegmeister.
Despite initially declining to take Lehrman under his wing, Siegmeister changed his mind after hearing Lehrman perform his full repertoire, a 45-minute presentation that left an impression. He was 11.
Though Siegmeister charged $21 per session—a steep fee at the time—he agreed to mentor Lehrman, while recommending pianist Olga Heifetz for piano instruction, setting the stage for Lehrman’s burgeoning musical career.
“I became his youngest student, longest student, most faithful student,” said Lehrman.
Decades later, Lehrman recalled being by Siegmeister’s side in his final moments, when the legendary composer placed the fate of his unfinished works in his hands with three poignant sentences.
“I don’t want to call you my Disciple, as I don’t believe in doctrine. But I know if I leave something unfinished, you’ll
finish it. You’re my Continuator,” said Siegmeister.
By that time, Lehrman had adapted and completed unfinished works by Marc
Blitzstein, including “Idiots First,” and “Sacco and Vanzetti,” both the subject of critical acclaim. The former earned the first Off-Broadway Opera Award, the latter a Pulitzer Prize nominee.
A partnership in music and life
At the heart of Lehrman’s legacy is his enduring partnership with his wife, Helene Williams. For more than two decades, the duo shared a deep commitment to opera and classical music, performing together on stages around the world.
“Opera has been called the grandest form of artistic expression that exists because it calls upon the use of our faculties: visual and moral and textual to the greatest extent possible,” said Lehrman. “If words are laden with so much emotion that they can’t just be spoken, they have to be sung, that’s a good opera.”
The final act of Lehrman’s operatic arc is spent in Valley Stream at Court Street Music, the couple’s Valley Stream residence transformed into a music school and makeshift concert hall. Their performances reach audiences worldwide via YouTube. For Lehrman, the book’s crowning message is a call to cherish the musical “treasures that are there” while embracing those “yet to be realized.”
The book is available for order or preorder at TinyUrl.com/ContinuatorPreOrder.
A unique education with creativity at its core
inspirational speech,” Zbarskaya said. “They were talking about how this course has changed their life, not only professionally, but personally.”
Zbarskaya shared her vision for the institute, which offers an extensive range of programs beyond the CDA course. These include professional development and continuing education for educators, childcare directors, healthcare professionals and administrators. The institute’s training sessions cover critical areas such as social-emotional learning, traumainformed care, and behavior modification, as well as specialized topics like CPR, first aid and emotional intelligence.
The graduation also celebrated the broader mission: to cultivate creativity as an essential discipline in education. Zbarskaya, who has also authored multiple books on creativity and brain development, emphasized the need to teach creative thinking as a skill, starting in early childhood.
“Everything starts from your first teacher. I always tell my students, if you just go outside, and you randomly stop 20 people, regardless of their age, culture background, religion, age and so on, and you ask every one of them ‘What was the name of your first teach-
The oz Credo institute of Creative Thinking celebrated 36 graduates of its Child development Associate program on dec. 22, highlighting its mission to empower educators with skills in creativity, ethics and early-childhood education.
er?’ All of them will tell you,” Zbarskaya said. “They may not remember their girlfriends, boyfriends, neighbor’s names, but everyone remembers their first educator’s name; preschool teacher, or maybe kindergarten teacher,
that’s how important those people are.”
The institute’s impact extends beyond the U.S. with international projects, including a recent initiative to provide professional development for higher education faculty in Ukraine.
For the graduates and their families, the Dec. 22 ceremony was a celebration of hard work, growth, and the promise of a brighter future for children and communities. As Solages remarked, “It all starts with educators.”
Alice Moreno/Herald
Leonard Lehrman, a prolific Valley Stream composer, has written about his life in “Continuator: The Autobiography of a Socially-Conscious, Cosmopolitan Composer,” chronicling his legacy of completing unfinished works by legendary mentors like Elie Siegmeister and Marc Blitzstein.
ConTinuEd froM pAgE 1
ConTinuEd froM pAgE 1
Courtesy Oz Credo
Solages co-hosts ENL program at church
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages collaborated with Church of the Harvest and the Haitian American Family of Long Island, Inc. for an orientation at the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church for a newly launched adult English language-learning program on Jan. 11.
According to a news release about the event, this initiative was developed in response to the growing demand for English classes among Nassau County’s diverse community. Church of the Harvest, in partnership with HAFALI and Solages, welcomed dozens of adult students of various backgrounds and languages, including Haitian Creole, Urdu and Spanish.
The orientation provided a warm start to the program, the news release said. Attendees were given refreshments, the news release continued, as Solages delivered a motivational welcome speech. Attendees then participated in a screening placement session to determine their language proficiency.
“As our community continues to grow, it is essential that we provide opportunities for individuals to learn and thrive,” Solages said. “Language should never be a barrier to success. Through this initiative, we are not just teaching English; we are building confidence, fostering independence, and strengthening the fabric of our community. I am proud to support this program and look forward to seeing our students achieve their goals.”
As the event wrapped up, the news release said Pastor Curtis Thompson, of the Church of the Harvest, delivered a closing statement. “With a growing diverse society, we have the responsibility to also grow and engage socially,” Thompson said. “It is a privilege to partner with other organizations who have the same conviction and to be able to offer ENL from our location. Years ago, fulfilling the Great Commission meant crossing seas; today, you can cross the street- how can we not get involved? We look forward to continuing to offer solu-
tions and grow with our community.”
The news release said Solages, HAFALI, and Church of the Harvest are committed to serving and engaging with the local community by offering these classes to non-native English speakers.
For more information about the ENL program, or to register, please contact Church of the Harvest at (516) 284-8212.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages
Volunteers from Church of the Harvest and Haitian American Family of Long Island, front from left, Katherine Robinson, Mimose Valbrun, ENL Program Leader Erica Thompson, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Daniel Bolocboloc, Leonie Morency, Amanda Hunte and Yeni Miller. In back, from left, Frentz Adelcat, Jada Issac Thomas, Nicole Dailey and Francois McEvans.
A modern approach to traditional values
‘Character Education’ has a new name: Social and Emotional Learning
Catholic education has always been unique because it is values-based, and places a high level of importance on personal and interpersonal skills. This difference has been realized through the expectation of certain kinds of conduct in a Catholic school that reflects a student’s self-respect, and respect for others. Responsibility, and accountability for one’s actions have always been part of the higher expectation in Catholic school.
After years of experimenting with the latest educational fads, schools of all types across the nation are recognizing that investing in the social and emotional management skills of students will have a greater effect on the trajectory of their lives. Public, private and Catholic schools have all shown greater interest in what is now known as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Catholic schools, because they have never lost sight of this, are further along in the development and implementation of SEL programs.
Catholic schools across the Diocese of Rockville Centre have maintained their focus on the ‘character education’ of students, even as more permissive educational models were being implemented elsewhere. While currentday Catholic school has embraced the integration of new educational technologies, personalized learning and new curriculum elements, the commitment to traditional values and religious tradition have never wavered. Catholic school has continued to teach biblical principles and traditional values, focusing imparting spirituali-
ty and self-discipline. In doing so, character education has systematically, yet seamlessly, been an integral part of the educational experience of generations of students.
Today, the heightened interest in SEL makes it clear that Catholic schools were on the right track all along.
Why Social Emotional Learning matters
Social Emotional Learning is viewed as attentiveness to the whole child’s needs. It is comprised of five major components: selfawareness, self-management, decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness.
Self-Awareness: A self-aware student will recognize how his or her thoughts, emotions, actions, and values impact their behavior.
Students are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that change is possible, and that they have the ability to become selfsufficient and confident.
Self-Management: Students are taught to regulate their own thoughts, emotions, and actions to align with their values. Selfmanagement emphasizes motivation, impulse control, organizational skills, and goal-setting.
Responsible Decision-Making: Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions within an ethical framework. Being a responsible decision maker requires problem identification, analysis, self-evaluation, and reflection.
Relationship Skills: Development of skills like communicating effectively, engaging in
appropriate social behavior, and participation in group and collaborative activities.
Social Awareness: The ability to empathize with others, including those with whom they disagree, as well as those from different moral, cultural, and ethical backgrounds.
As everyone who has attended Catholic school can attest, these five principles are traditional parts of a Catholic education. In fact, these characteristics are often the most easily
distinguishable differences in the way a young man or woman ‘carries themselves’ in their daily interactions with others. They are the characteristics that we subconsciously recognize and silently attribute to the student being ‘a Catholic school kid’.
Photo: Faith-based rigorous academics are enhanced by innovative teaching practices that prepare students for the modern tech-based world in which we live.
CATHOLIC SHOOLS
Arena Football team to call Coliseum home
By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com
Arena Football is coming back to Nassau County, and this time it’s in a brand-new league in the form of the ENTFLA – the Entertainment Football Association.
Spearheaded by Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed, flanked by league owner Doug Freeman with a slight style different: other than the fact that it will be indoors, is that it will be on 7-on-7 format with a reduced play clock, along with the elimination of kicking on fourth down, leading to overall higher-scoring and higher-paced games.
Uniondale and Nassau Coliseum will be the home of one of four teams in the ENTFLA, with the other teams based in Morristown, NJ, Danbury, CT and Fitchburg, MA. The season is projected to run from June to August.
The emphasis of the new league in the land of Billy Joel and bagels was to bring professional sports to local, blue-collar families without breaking the bank, with an added emphasis on entertainment appropriate for the entire family while at a pro game, confirmed by its mission statement.
League advisor Tommy Benizio said the real purpose is to bring something that’s affordable, fun and entertaining, giving families in Long Island a place to come without driving hours and pay hundreds of dollars in tickets and parking passes to watch football live in an arena.
Plus, it’s meant to be fun.
“Between the players flying over the wall, landing in your lap and knocking your hotdog out of your hand, you catch a football you get to keep it, the cheerleaders, the mascot, the dancing and T-shirt canons, it is a fun and entertaining thing for three or four hours on Sat-
urday nights,” Benizio said. “So before you can come into the building we want live music and jumping castles for kids and a beer garden, it’s a party.”
With over 100 high school football teams on the island, the league’s owners hope for a close connection between the youth of Long Island growing in the sport they love, and the professionals engaged in it. Roosevelt High School football head coach Joe Vito is excited to see how a local pro football team will create an additional positive influence for his players.
“I’m excited to be able to have my team come here and see and maybe dream about maybe being this one day,” Vito said. “I try to expose our kids to a lot of things and coming to this is will be something they’ll be exposed to, so they’re excited to get the opportunity to come.”
Reed, the league commissioner, is key on the possibility of giving all types of NCAA football players another avenue to play the sport they love even if they don’t make it to the Show.
“We’re gonna be pulling kids from college, that pool, and a lot of these that are going to play in this league, when they play in this league, it’s another avenue for them to get to the Big Time,” Reed said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you’re good enough and display those attributes that a team might want, you can find somewhere to go and get a chance. We feel this league is about that.”
Each team will play 8 regular-season games.
“Anytime that we could have another opportunity to have more of our kids play professional football, is a great opportunity that we love as we coach the youth,” Vito said.
The nickname for the “Long Island” or “New York” franchise will be determined through a naming contest. Visit goentfla.com for more information.
Courtesy ENTFLA
Buffalo Bills legend Andre Reed is commissioner of the new Entertainment Football Association, which debuts in June with four franchises including Long Island.
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PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY
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General Manager Belfor Property Restoration
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Sheldon L. Shrenkel
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director Nassau County IDA
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President Weatherstone Mortgage Corp
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE
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Founder & Design Principal in Charge Zambrano Architectural Design LLC
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Elmont school honors Martin Luther King. Jr.
Elmont Memorial High School hosted their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in the school’s lunchroom on Monday. Attendees included Elmont students and staff, Legislator Carrié Solages, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Legislator Seth Koslow, and members of the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, Church of the Harvest and the United Jewish Appeal Federation.
Upon arrival, participants were given t-shirts and gathered in one of the school’s lunchrooms for a brief service, which began at noon, that included speeches from Pastor Curtis Thompson, from Church of the Harvest, and Rabbi Michel Schlesinger, from the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre.
“Be kind, be thoughtful, be caring,” Schlesinger said. “As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the enduring partnership between the black and Jewish communities a partnership grounded in shared history of struggle and a shared vision of justice and equality.”
Carrié and Michaelle followed Thompson and Schlesinger and expressed their reverence for MLK’s legacy.
“This event is a reminder of our continuing obligation, our freedoms,” Carrié said. “We can’t just take it for granted. We have to work hard for it
everyday, and that’s what being a citizen is.”
After the speeches, attendees stood for the American flag as Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin performed the national anthem.
Attendees were then served a lunch of sandwiches as they mingled and played games. Pastor Thompson then instructed participants at each table to create a sculpture that represented the ideals of MLK’s legacy using Jenga blocks. After about 10 minutes, participants shared their work, which exemplified themes of unity and equality.
After cleaning up, attendees were directed to another lunchroom, across from where the first half of the event was held, for community service activities. These activities included making sandwiches, separating snacks into small bags, organizing school supplies into backpacks and arranging boxes of non-perishable foods, all of which were donated to homeless families in need.
According to the school, the event was organized by the Elmont PTSA, the Elmont Key Club, the Men of Elmont program, the United Jewish Appeal Federation, the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre and Church of the Harvest.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
Legislator Carrié Solages, left, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages deliver passionate speeches about Martin Luther King Jr., and the impact of his legacy in communities nationwide, for the MLK Day of Service on Monday.
STEPPING OUT
Photos courtesy LICM
In the Orion spacecraft, future astronauts interact with buttons, levers and sounds as they learn facts about what it takes to bring humans to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
Space explorers need to utilize limited resources on the moon to live and survive. At this work station, children transport objects to and from the surface using foam blocks.
for an out-of-this-world adventure
‘Moon to Mars’ touches down at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
Calling all future space explorers! It’s time to set course to the moon, and beyond, with opportunities for kids to fuel their imaginations and dream bigger — and farther — than ever before.
“Moon to Mars” has rocketed into Long Island Children’s Museum, on view through May 4. The traveling exhibit, — created by Omaha Children’s Museum and designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at Johnson Space Center — brings the wonders of space to life for young learners. Through six immersive play zones, future explorers get a first-hand look at current space technology and discover the possibilities of future missions.
“We have the resources to bring a really complex topic to life for children, where they can understand what makes a mission possible like what tools are used or why astronauts need to wear protective clothing,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
Inspired by the current realities and the future dreams of space travel, the exhibit’s connection to real NASA technology is what makes it so compelling. Kids can climb aboard the Orion Spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts on future Artemis missions — using buttons, levers and sounds — or take the wheel of the Lunar Rover to explore the moon’s rugged surface.
“With the recent advancements in space exploration, like the launch of the James Webb telescope and the evolution of SpaceX, it’s the perfect time to introduce an exhibit focused on the future Artemis Mission,” Niver says. “We have so many leaps in space exploration and so many new things on the horizon.”
Clearly, creating advanced space technology is no simple feat. It involves creativity, problem-solving and much trial and error on the part of a diverse team. Young space explorers have the chance to dive into that engineering process, designing and building their very own rockets, and then launching their creations across the room.
“There’s a lot of engineering components that come into this, involving critical thinking for kids. These people [the spacecraft systems developers] have an incredible amount of skill and knowledge about space and creating these structures, but there are still things that they might realize don’t work, and to solve the problem,” Niver adds.
“The exhibit offers children endless opportunities to nurture their curiosity through the most effective way we know they learn: play. It also provides a valuable opportunity for parents to discover ways to incorporate big concepts like space exploration, physics and engineering into play at home. Whether it’s building a Martian landscape with pillows or creating a rocket ship out of a cardboard box, these activities spark storytelling that encourages imagination and inspires the ‘big thinkers’ of tomorrow.”
After young “explorers” have landed at their destination, there’s still much to be discovered. Visitors can get geared up in a spacesuit and explore a new world.
Among the components, kids can construct a new base using pulleys and blocks at the Moon Base Builder to make the planet or moon inhabitable.
Once the base is complete, step through the lunar leaps and feel the changes in gravity as you walk — or jump.
• Now until May 4
• $18 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“You could take a leap and you have to work really hard to jump far on the moon. You wouldn’t have to do that because you don’t have the gravitational force pulling you as strong,” Niver explains.
Additional learning opportunities are found at the Space Academy Kiosk video display. It covers all things space exploration such as life in space, spacesuits, and real-life astronauts.
Each activity shows the boundless nature of space in kidfriendly fashion, perhaps even inspiring some future astronauts and space engineers.
“They can step into the role. It helps kids to connect to something that isn’t exactly what they know, they could put on a costume or a spacesuit and really embody that character. Hands-on play is a great way to engage them in content or topics that may be a little bit more foreign to them,” Niver says.
“The astronauts, at one point, were kids too. They dreamed of the same thing as you. You can understand the path that they went through that led them to their current career,” she adds.
As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience. This time around, the museum is partnering with its Museum Row neighbor, Cradle of Aviation Museum.The Cradle’s portable, inflatable planetarium dome, the Digitalis Planetarium, will be in residence Feb. 17-21, for more space exploration. Families can discover the majesty of the stars and our universe during a 30-minute presentation led by a trained Cradle of Aviation educator. Four planetarium performances will be offered each day.
The LICM stage also gets in on the act with the futuristic production of “Interstellar Cinderella,” Feb. 7-March 21. Set in 3017, Cinderella is a space engineer who is looking to revolutionize space travel with her new invention.
While the exhibit is “in orbit” be sure to check out more related programming; information is on the museum’s website.
Acrobats of Cirque-tacular
Families will enjoy a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage,. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a high-energy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The performers are revered as cutting edge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Explosive music that complements the performance and act adds to the fun.
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
‘Dancing with the Stars’
Dancing with the Stars is back on tour to heat up winter with a dazzling live production. See the ballroom brought to life in this new edition featuring everyone’s favorite Dancing with the Stars pros and special guests. They’ll perform glittering new numbers as well as some of the unbelievable showstoppers featured in season 33. The high-energy show puts the dancers in the spotlight, showcase their dynamic moves as seen during the series, along with some lively new twists. The tour delivers an unforgettable night of electrifying dance performances from worldrenowned dancers who topped the leaderboard.
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Intergalatic adventures take flight.
THE
‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band, Saturday, Feb. 1 , 8 p.m. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. dynamic live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music.
The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or 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.
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.
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) 791-9791 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) 5686140 or visit ValleyStream13.com.
Comic showcase
Plaza Theatricals’ rolls into 2025 with the latest edition of the 50+ Comedy Tour, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2:30 p.m. Laugh along with an all new lineup of some of the funniest comedians on the scene. And they all have one thing in common: they’re all over age 50!
Hosted by Long Island Comedy Festival’s Paul Anthony, the lineup includes “Banjo” Les Bayer and Chris Monty. $40, $35 seniors. Get in on the fun at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.
Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment
Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 5995705.
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, 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.
Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday and Sunday, Jan 25-26, noon-4 p.m. Stop by to learn all about the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and learn about this special year, which is believed to bring an abundance of opportunities and fortune. everyone.
Enjoy dance and musical performances, on the LICM stage, view live artisan demonstrations and create themed take-home crafts. For ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Having an event?
Feb. 28
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, 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) 8258571.
Cardio Kickboxing
The Village of Valley Stream hosts cardio kickboxing at the Valley Stream Community Center in Arthur J. Hendrickson Park, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. Attendees must register. There are no refunds or make-up classes. 123 W. Merrick Road. For more information, visit Vsrec. org or call (516) 825-8571.
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 followup 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. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
Feb. 16
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
January 23, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Public Notices
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
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
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.
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
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or
assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 23, 2025
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, NewYork
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and
News brief
Fifth graders participate in clay workshop
Washington Street School 5th grade students participated in a “Day in Clay” workshop with professional ceramic artist and educator, Cliff Mendelson, on Jan. 8 and 9, as part of the school’s Artist-in-Residence Program.
According to a news release about the event, Mendelson demonstrated the art of creating pottery by hand and shared traditional techniques used by Native American potters, who often used symbols, patterns and imagery. Students created their own Native
American-inspired vase or textural bowl clay piece.
“Our cultural arts program of creating Native American-influenced pottery fosters self-awareness and cultural appreciation, helping students connect with their emotions and heritage,” Principal John Stella said. “Through collaborative pottery-making, students practice social skills like empathy and cooperation, aligning with our SEL goals.”
–Renee DeLorenzo
Public Notices
penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will
result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 151098
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY 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 2006-25 Plaintiff,
Against Manuocheka Jeunes; Homability, LLC; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; Jane Doe as Doe #1; John Doe as Doe #2 Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/19/2024, 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 2/25/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 21 Cochran Pl, Valley Stream, NY 11581, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village Of Valley Stream, Town Of Hempstead, The County Of Nassau And The State Of New York. Section 39 Block 386 Lot 121
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,408,167.56 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606730/2022
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 1/15/2025 File Number: 34818 CA 151130
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST TYREK MCEACHIN, JASMINE MCEACHIN, NIASIA MCEACHIN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 26, 2023, 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 25, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 87 Gold Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Rosedale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37 Block: 413 Lot: 582. Approximate amount of judgment $821,954.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600906/2020. Harold F. Damm, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-001000 83902 151069
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:
or
Employment
LONG B EACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING
INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School
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Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to 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
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 $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
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
Paradoxical Lucidity in Severe Dementia: A Mixed Method Prospective Study
Paradoxical Lucidity in Severe Dementia: A Mixed
NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.
NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.
These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.
These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.
If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org
If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org.
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 PRINTING
The fires in L.A. got us wondering
Cozy Cape: Your Dream Home
Your Apartment
Q. I, like many others, am upset about the terrible fires happening in California. We were discussing it the other day, and are wondering what your opinion is about how these fires spread so quickly, considering that we were also having high winds at the same time. Are our homes safe? Do we have better building regulations? Could the same thing happen to us that’s happening in California? What can we do to prevent this and what do you think California should do?
A. It can happen here. We must all listen, observe and learn from this tragedy to avoid repeating it in our own communities. I have often written about the beginnings of rules and regulations, which began after the great fire of London in 1666 and, in this country, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It took many decades and many lives lost to recognize that building codes were needed, however.
Unfortunately, the typical response, historically, is to immediately express horror, but as time goes on, become complacent that something that bad couldn’t happen here. Yes, it can happen anywhere, and certainly in communities where the buildings are closer together. So we need to listen when we’re told that it could happen, and realize why fire could burn down any community where nature’s forces work against our best planning.
We have seen the devastation, and some of us realize the many elements that contribute to disaster, such as drought, high winds, finish materials that combust and lack of ability to escape, to name a few. Our building codes are focused on life safety and limiting fire spread. At the right temperature, nearly everything burns.
California has similar codes, but many buildings were constructed prior to the newest, more stringent codes and did not have safety requirements for one- or two-hour resistive surface materials, interior sprinklers or opening protective devices like special shutters that drop to enclose spaces and reduce fire spread. Our roofs, siding, fences and interior materials, just like California’s, can ignite readily when hot embers land on them.
Rebuilding in California will have to include interior sprinklers, non-combustible exterior materials and community training in what to take, when to evacuate and how to do so safely without blocking the path of emergency responders. I expect that we will see greater distances between dwellings and backyard structures, less vegetation, cannons mounted on utility poles to shoot fire-retardant and fire break walls that can lift out of the ground to separate buildings. There are products on the market to do all of these things, though most have been developed for flood prevention or highly flammable building conditions. More people will choose cement board siding that mimics everything from stone to wood siding to preserve styles that are consistent with the building shape, and metal, cement or ceramic tile roofs that will not combust if a hot ember or coat lands on it, and metal window frames. Remember to choose safe materials. Good luck!
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T“he Sopranos” revolutionized television entertainment when it made its debut on HBO in 1999, and continued through 2007. On the surface, it was an organized-crime story centered on a mob guy in New Jersey named Tony Soprano. Below the surface, however, “The Sopranos” explored new levels of the complexity of human nature.
Yes, Tony Soprano was a monster capable of vicious brutality. But he was also an uppermiddle-income family man living in suburbia with a wife, Carmela, and two children he truly loved. Sure, he had his goomba, but he genuinely cared about and provided for Carmela, and would say hardly a bad word about her. He was a doting father who would take his daughter, Meadow, to visit prospective college campuses while taking time out along the way to murder
opinions
‘Woke up this morning . . .’
someone who had crossed him. All in a day’s work.
Then there was Tony’s mother, who had also plotted to kill him. Underlying all these contradictions was the reality that this vaunted tough guy and super stud was in therapy with Dr. Melfi, who treated him for anxiety and depression.
TThere was also a supporting cast of rogues and characters that would cause anyone anxiety. Big Pussy was Tony’s loyal friend, who turned out to be an FBI informer — a “rat.” Tony killed him, and dumped his body off the family boat so he could swim with the fishes. Bobby Bocola was an overweight killer who could play Santa Claus, and got himself shot to death in Trainland, the model train store on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook.
Uncle Junior was an aging mob leader and family patriarch who was capable of casual cruelty.
hree of the stars of ‘The Sopranos’ offer their takes on what made the show special.
Recently, my wife, Rosemary, and I went to the historic Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts to see “In Conversation With the Sopranos,” with Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bocola), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy), who reminisced about their experiences on the show and answered questions from the capacity crowd. The audience was made up of real people — middle-income Long Island families, many of whom, no doubt, had moved out here from New York City. Listening to the questions they asked, you’d conclude that they must have watched and rewatched every “Sopranos” episode.
discussing how they got their parts and their opinions of the other actors. James Gandolfini — Tony Soprano — was the glue that made “The Sopranos” work so well, and was extremely generous and always supportive. Dominick Chianese (Uncle Junior) was an exceptional actor and a totally mild-mannered gentleman off screen. Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts, was a psycho on and off screen but a loyal friend.
Christopher, Tony’s young protégé, killed his girlfriend, Adriana, when he found out that she, too, was an informer. Paulie Walnuts smothered his mother’s friend to death with a pillow when she caught him stealing her money.
Schirripa is a good friend and a truly great guy, totally down to earth. I’d met Imperioli and Pastore when they did a similar show with Steve about six years ago in Westbury. Both are very talented but regular guys.
The show was terrific, with the trio
Particularly funny was Pastore’s story about how a real-life mob-connected restaurant in the Bronx had proudly displayed his framed photo on the wall — but because the show depicted him as a “rat,” the picture was taken off the wall and destroyed. Their presentations were terrific, as was the question-and-answer session. They had a great rapport with the audience. After the show I met briefly with them, and told them “The Sopranos” would never grow old. Schirripa and I said we’d connect again soon. I’m looking forward to it.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Rubbing elbows with three great men
Columnists generally like to write about happy things, or at least not dwell on the subject of death. But over the past few weeks, three very significant people have died, and in some or many ways, I had direct contact with all of them. I refer to the late President Jimmy Carter, Chuck Dolan and Dick Parsons.
I don’t claim to have been a buddy of President Carter’s, but I had one interesting experience with him that is still fresh in my memory. During my years in the Assembly leadership, there was a custom that all potential Democratic candidates for president be introduced to the members of both houses of the Legislature. It was the job of an assigned member to escort the potential candidate around the Capitol for the meet-and-greet.
Apparently, nobody in the leadership offered to take then Governor Carter to
meet the elected members. Almost by default, I raised my hand and offered to do the escort work. My first task was to meet Carter at the Albany airport. At the stroke of noon, he arrived in the waiting area, looking to find his good shepherd. I greeted him and drove him to the Capitol so he could make his pitch for why New York should support his candidacy.
During the following three hours, Carter made his case for being the next president. Late that afternoon, we returned to the airport, and I wished him the best of luck. He wasn’t convinced that he could win over doubting Democrats, but he was determined to go to all of the key delegate-rich states to convince the doubters that he was the man for the job.
i t was the White House operator, and to my surprise, President Jimmy Carter was calling.
He told me that he would be making a number of public-works grants on Long Island, and asked if I had any preferences for a grantee. I recommended my hometown of Long Beach as the recipient of federal dollars — but I never heard from Carter again.
On a note closer to home, I was one of thousands of people who had a chance to know Charles Dolan, who created Cablevision and countless other innovations. He was a giant in the communications industry, but he was just plain Chuck in private.
I had the good fortune to be invited to his Christmas receptions and his famous July Fourth parties. On every occasion, he had the ability to make you feel like you were the only person at the event.
ing him the recognition. At all times, Charles, the titan of the industry, was just plain Chuck.
My last tribute is to the late Dick Parsons, a giant in so many businesses who was known for his great negotiating skills. I met him in the late 1960s, when he was a counsel to Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. He eventually went into the private sector, as chairman of the Dime Community Bank and Time Warner.
I still fondly remember a lunch appointment of ours on the afternoon of the O.J. Simpson trial verdict. We spent an hour discussing how Simpson could avoid a conviction, but at all times he was just Dick Parsons, a regular guy talking about a world of issues.
After decades of meeting great people, I very much miss those who were humble and gracious, never making a big deal of the power and influence they were lucky to possess. There aren’t many of those people left on this planet.
Two years later, the modest and humble Georgian was the president. On a February afternoon, our home phone rang, and the woman calling said she was the White House operator. Despite being skeptical, I took the call, and to my surprise it was Carter calling.
One August, Chuck invited my wife and daughters to the Hampton Classic, a major event for equine aficionados. Chuck had acquired a new camera and took pictures of my family, which I used on our family holiday card that year. I credited him as the photographer, and I got a call from him, thanking me for giv-
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
editorial
Serve the constituents, not the parties
earlier this month, those who were elected and re-elected in November took their oaths of office.
Long after the last ballot is counted, and as soon as the oaths are administered, the most important chapter begins — the work of governing. And now that Gov. Kathy Hochul has delivered her State of the State address and the legislative session is underway, New York’s elected officials face an urgent challenge: to move beyond partisan rhetoric to deliver for the people who entrusted them with power. While the election season is often defined by fiery speeches and ideological divides, the responsibilities of governing require cooperation, compromise and a steadfast focus on serving the taxpayers.
Hochul laid out her vision for the year in her address last week, touching on issues that transcend party lines, including affordable housing, public safety, economic growth and climate adaptability.
These are not Democratic or Republican issues; they are New York issues, and they demand solutions from leaders on both sides of the aisle. Yet the immediate responses to Hochul’s proposals
letters
Peter King walks a tightrope with Trump
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column “Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House” (Jan. 9-15): King should be commended for his once again skilled sleight of hand when it comes to comments about President Donald Trump. King managed to call him an “overlord” while at the same time showering him with praise for his supposedly singlehanded eradication of MS-13 on Long Island.
King can certainly walk the tightrope very well. Lest we forget, Trump’s focus on the gang was a convenient opportunity for him to launch his narrative that all migrants are criminals, murderers or rapists. The FBI, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, most important, Long Island law enforcement should be praised for their diligent, exhausting work on this scourge. And any child could see through Trump’s blatant politicization last year of Officer Jonathan Diller’s murder. Really, Peter.
showed how entrenched partisanship can overshadow a shared commitment to progress.
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but some of the reactions to the State of the State were all too predictable, either filled with vitriol for Hochul’s policies or unquestioningly agreeing with everything she said.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of divisiveness. The political climate in New York, as in much of the country, is polarized, with both parties often more focused on scoring points than solving problems. But taxpayers deserve better. They expect their representatives to work together — less as Democrats and Republicans than as public servants dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.
Addressing housing affordability, for example, isn’t merely a policy discussion — it’s a pressing issue for families struggling to make ends meet. Likewise, public safety can’t be reduced to talking points; it affects the lives of residents of cities, towns and villages across the state. And economic growth isn’t about partisanship — it’s about creating jobs, supporting small businesses and helping communities thrive. These priori-
ties require collaboration, creativity and the willingness to engage in tough but constructive dialogue.
The stakes are high. Trust in government is fragile, and elected officials must demonstrate that they can deliver results. That means setting aside political differences to focus on what unites us: a shared desire for a prosperous, safe and equitable New York. It means finding common ground on key issues while respecting differing perspectives.
As the state’s leaders embark on this legislative session, they must remember that their duty is not to a political party, but to the people they represent. Voters have made it clear time and again that they don’t want endless gridlock or partisan posturing; they want solutions. They want leaders who prioritize progress over politics.
The work of governing is not glamorous, and most of the time it doesn’t make headlines. But it is the foundation of a functioning democracy. Now that the campaigns, the election and the swearing-in ceremonies are behind us, it’s time for the winners to roll up their sleeves, put the rhetoric aside and get to work. The future of our state — and the trust of its people — depend on it.
How amusing that King chooses to focus on Trump’s New York roots, his beginnings in Queens and King’s memory of a smiling Trump appreciating King’s New York accent. As if these things could overshadow our new president’s slew of bankruptcies, criminal indictments, multiple accusations of sexual abuse and documented perpetration of fraud on the public via Trump University and the Trump Foundation. King also notes that Trump has made friends with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former Congressman Lee Zeldin and county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo — MAGA supporters all. Birds of a feather flock together.
Of course, King is afraid that he and all the other Long Island MAGA tools that Trump used while campaigning will be discarded in his junk heap of no-longer-useful sycophants now that the election is over.
A new path forward for Long Island transportation
Long Island is a place of endless potential, where communities with rich histories thrive in scenic landscapes. Our ability to sustain this prosperity is at risk, however, due to a glaring issue: outdated and insufficient transportation infrastructure. The status quo is no longer an option.
MichAeLLe soLAGes
Long Island’s transportation challenges stem from years of systemic neglect and a funding model that doesn’t prioritize our region’s needs. Currently, Long Island’s funding mechanism is lumped together with New York City and other counties under the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council. This arrangement puts Long Island at a disadvantage, forcing us to compete for resources with the complex
and nearly endless needs of the five boroughs and beyond.
The numbers paint a stark picture. Long Island’s share of transportation funding has dwindled to just 6 percent, despite a population that would make us the third-largest city in the nation. We are being asked to do more with less, and the cracks are starting to show — literally, in our roads and railways. To address this crisis, we must rethink how transportation funding and planning are handled.
that we know how to prioritize best.
With the leadership of such an organization, we would be able to build a Long Island where commuting is seamless, roads are safer and public transit options are robust. Projects such as modernizing the Long Island Rail Road, improving safety on major highways, and developing environmentally friendly transit systems would finally get the attention they deserve.
Aregion that is key to New York’s economy is treated as an afterthought.
The creation of a Nassau Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization is the logical next step. By establishing a dedicated MPO for Long Island, we can ensure that our transportation priorities are no longer overshadowed by those of neighboring regions. The new organization would allow us to access federal funding directly, giving us the autonomy to address local issues
Letters
King is genuflecting to Trump again in an attempt to garner favor for New York in light of Trump’s continuing belligerent rhetoric about blue states and big cities. Most importantly, Long Islanders need a repeal of the state and local tax write-off cap imposed as punishment by Trump during his first term. Former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito promised to get that done, but caved in the end. Maybe the recent visit to Mar-aLago by Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Nick Lalota, Mike Lawler and the rest was enough to satiate Trump’s need for sucking up from his MAGA crew, and we’ll see a lifting of the SALT cap.
New Yorkers don’t need to “work to find common ground with the president” to become great again. We are one of the most beautiful and economically stable states in the country, with resources and opportunities not available in any other part of the nation. Do we have problems to be addressed? Sure we do. But we’re still great.
ELIzABETH MuRPHY Franklin Square
Town hikes taxes, and mailers, ads keep coming
To the Editor:
Nassau Republican officials at every level shamelessly waste taxpayer money on mailers and op-ed pieces that are purely partisan attacks on Democrats, and they cite one-party rule in Albany, overlooking the stark reality that Nassau County, its cities, towns and most villag-
es, is currently ruled by a single-party GOP machine, as it has been for most of our lives.
We all suffer from the Nassau and Town of Hempstead GOP’s relentless crusade to stay in power by gerrymandering, doling out patronage and perks to friends and family in the town’s employ, spending millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan mailers and television ads while imposing double-digit tax increases and fees on beleaguered taxpayers.
While Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin gave generous raises to his inner circle, again, he and his Town Board socked every town homeowner with a double-digit tax increase, sneaking in a 12.1 percent tax hike in December and over $850,000 in raises this month without mentioning it in any of the town’s famous and constant mailers. And this year the town refuses to post the names of those receiving raises. What are they hiding?
The town’s devious attempt to hide this nepotistic, self-serving resolution to give themselves, their families and friends substantial raises epitomizes Clavin’s resolve to hide the truth from voters. Or is this just a way to avoid recusing themselves from voting on raises to relatives?
It’s time for this charade to end. Clavin must stop raising our taxes in years he isn’t running, and then sending out tax-paid mailers at $80,000 a pop, claiming he is freezing taxes in an election year.
DAvE DENENBERG Merrick
Smaller New York regions, like Ithaca, already benefit from their own MPOs despite having far smaller populations and economies than Long Island. Why should our region, home to more than 3 million people and a cornerstone of New York’s economy, continue to be treated as an afterthought?
This is not just about transportation — it’s about Long Island’s future. Without the infrastructure to support our
growing population and economy, we risk losing what makes this region special.
Thanks to the leadership of State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern, legislation to establish a Nassau Suffolk MPO has been introduced, and as the chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, I’m proud that we’ve included this important legislation in our 2025 People’s Budget Framework. Now it’s up to us to make this vision a reality. Passing this legislation would mark a turning point, signaling that Long Island’s needs would no longer be ignored.
Let’s seize this opportunity to secure Long Island’s place as a leader in transportation innovation. By creating a Nassau Suffolk MPO, we can build a future in which our communities are connected, our economy is strengthened and our residents enjoy a better quality of life.
Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District.
FrAMework by Tim Baker
In last week’s brief “Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman,” a few of the people in the accompanying photograph were misidentified. Those in the photo included Owen Finegan, Myles
The view from the Nassau University Medical Center — East Meadow
Finegan, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Chris Finegan, u.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, Austen Finegan and Laine Finegan. The date of Gillen’s swearing-in was Jan. 3.
mountsinai.org/southnassau