Skye Margies/Herald With projects advancing to prestigious competitions, the science research program focuses not just on awards, but on teaching life skills that benefit students in any career. Freshmen Kristianne Kissoon and Oren Tomlinson present the model for their project called GenGuard.
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Valley Stream North High School senior
Aleeza Dhillon stood behind a lectern dressed in a crisp gray button-down and plaid skirt. Last Thursday, rows of folding chairs filled the north end of the library, where 80 equally impeccably dressed students sat in focused silence.
“Let me start you guys off with a fun fact,” she said. “Well…not so fun, but a fact.”
Her long black ponytail swayed in sync with her head turns as she spoke. “Over a million teachers in the United States from K-12 have reported some feelings of burnout.”
To Dhillon’s left, an interactive screen lit up. The title of her presentation was spelled
out in bold lettering: “Investigating the Impact of the Big 5 Personality Traits on Teacher Burnout and Job Satisfaction Among High School Educators.”
Slide by slide, Dhillon, one of a dozen senior research students, walked her high school peers through her years-long scientific investigation on how personality can affect workplace mental health, a sample of the kind of research presented at North’s annual Science Research Symposium.
Students showcase original research
For a few hours, the school library was not a library but a gathering place for science researchers to share their findings and spoiled for choice with the amount of topics one could sink their teeth into. Armed with
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Last fall, the Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education introduced three new student liaisons for the 2024–2025 school year: Julianne Joseph from Central High School, Asha Gajraj from South High School, and Thomas Vendome from North High School.
EThis handpicked batch of academically accomplished and service-driven seniors is tasked with updating the board on school events during monthly meetings and airing student concerns from a student perspective — all while juggling their private lives and demanding course load.
Q: Why did you decide to take the position of student liaison?
ach school brings their own character and ideas and traditions to the table.
ASHA G AJRAJ Student liaison, Valley Stream South High
Asha: “I’m really humbled to represent such a diverse student body and knowing so many different kids and age groups motivated me to reflect their students’ perspectives in the adult stage. Each school brings their own character and ideas and traditions to the table. We are a three-school district, not a oneschool district, so having a representative from each school to share how they feel about their community and how we could work together to fix that is really a beautiful thing.”
Q: What are the most pressing topics or issues for students in your school?
The trio outlined their plans for the year, their motivation for leadership, and how they intend to represent their respective schools.
Valley Stream South High School – Asha Gajraj
Asha: “In terms of sharing what students think, every month liaisons come in with a monthly report. So far, we’ve been focusing on cultural diversity, academic success, and mental health. We don’t have COnTinued On paGe 9
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau University Medical Center reported significant improvements in its financial health at the end of last year, due in part to significant financial reforms introduced in late-2023, despite an ongoing funding battle with state officials that hospital administrators say threatens its long-term stability.
NUMC, Long Island’s largest public safety-net hospital, serves all patients, including the uninsured and undocumented, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.
In November 2023, Matthew Bruderman, board chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees NUMC’s operations, unveiled an aggressive financial sustainability plan.
The plan called for the hiring of a chief financial officer, the implementation of timely monthly financial statements, the renegotiation of many of the hospital’s contracts, the creation of a financial dashboard with daily cash balances available, and an updated charge master and billing software. Those reforms and additional upgrades to services have resulted in a substantial turnaround for the hospital — without any financial assistance from the state, hospital officials said.
NUMC ended 2024 with nearly $80 million in its cash reserves, up from $28
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Nassau University Medical Center reported improvements in its finances to close out 2024. Matthew Bruderman, board chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees the hospital’s operations, unveiled a financial sustainability plan in 2023, which has contributed to the improvements.
million in December 2023 — a whopping $49 million increase. Recent financial reports also show that NUMC’s revenue was up $6.2 million in November 2024, and its operating expenses were down $1.7 million, when compared to 2023 numbers.
The reforms produced the hospital’s first on-time budget ever, and the fiscal
• Spectacular arrangements for every occasion
• Gift baskets and much more...
• Greeting Cards for every special moment
• Great, personalized customer service
• Order in-person or online
22 Rockaway Avenue Valley Stream 516-544-6111
valleystreamfloral@gmail.com
valleystreamfloral.com
Proud member of the
Network
hospital said.
The state, in response to the claims, told the Herald: “We are continuing to work with Nassau County on an appropriate solution for the future of NUMC. Our concerns are the fiscal health of the hospital and patient care.”
Bruderman said, “the course of treatment we laid out last year for the longterm fiscal health of the hospital is working,” adding that the finance authority and the state continue to mislead the public about NUMC’s finances.
“We’ve proven conclusively that if Albany would only comply with federal Medicaid law and restore even a portion of our aid, NUMC will be profitable,” Bruderman said. “While NUMC was barely making payroll when I arrived, the hospital (ended) 2024 with $80 million in the bank. Unfortunately, despite our progress, we’ve seen little interest on the part of state to choose patients over politics.”
improvements slashed the projected budget deficit for the hospital by more than 56 percent over 12 months, according to a Dec. 31 hospital news release.
NUMC’s financial turnaround has transpired despite currently pursuing legal action against New York state for allegedly orchestrating a ruse to withhold Medicaid reimbursement payments the hospital was entitled to, since at least 2001. In November, a notice-ofclaims was sent to the state, outlining NUMC’s plan to file a lawsuit for $1.06 billion.
The following month, the hospital also filed a suit against the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, claiming gross negligence and abuse of power. The finance authority assumed financial oversight over NUMC in 2020, citing poor financial conditions but failing to acknowledge the state’s actions, which included a reduction in aid, the
During the last year, NUMC has also expanded its clinical services, revamping a multitude of patient areas, and received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits health care organizations and programs nationwide.
NUMC also received an elevated safety grade from the Leapfrog Group, another nonprofit that collects and publishes data on health care safety and quality.
“This is the most significant financial improvement NUMC has shown in years,” Megan Ryan, president, chief executive and chief legal officer of the health care corporation, said.
“NHCC has made tremendous progress to enhance NUMC’s financial health and ensure the hospital moves toward long-term fiscal sustainability. Our staff have played an invaluable role in making this reform program a tremendous success.”
A healthcare executive from Valley Stream man was arrested and charged by federal prosecutors for luring nearly a dozen teen girls to produce child porn for his consumption.
Jacob Walden, 38, co-owner and executive of Emerald Health Care, which operates nursing and assisted living facilities, was arraigned on January 22 in Central Islip Federal Court.
The married father of five faces a sixcount indictment and is accused of sexually exploiting two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, by coercing them into producing sexually explicit videos and photos. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
Federal authorities allegedly found disturbing images from Walden’s cellphone in April and identified at least 11
girls, some as young as 14, whom he preyed on to produce sexually explicit content for money on social media from 2020 to 2024.
Prosecutors said Walden bought at least 500 images and 5,000 videos of sexually explicit and sexually degrading content from a large-scale production and distribution ring that advertised to men in the United States and abroad.
Walden also allegedly used social media and encrypted messaging services to chat in sexually inappropriate conversations with minors — insisting he’d be called ‘Daddy’ — and enticed them to send him sexually explicit photos. Walden is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his trial. His next day in court is Feb. 24.
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The history of the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department began, perhaps predictably, with a series of fires.
Dating back to the end of the nineteenth century, Franklin Square was predominantly a rural farming town, with little to no protection against fires. Large pastures of grass surrounded buildings and homes made of wood, which were perfect conditions for fires to spread easily. According to the 2022 Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department Journal, fires were quite common during this time.
As Franklin Square swung into the twentieth century, no formal fire department had been established yet. Fires were particularly frequent during dry summers, the journal states, when even a small spark could trigger a grass fire. Some fires destroyed entire structures, unable to be salvaged from the blaze.
But, it wasn’t until 1901, when the Rath-Herman House, owned by prominent businessman Peter J. Herman, burst into flames that a campaign for better fire protection in Franklin Square began.
With Herman at the helm, a group of residents enlisted the help of local farmers in Elmont to form the Belmont Hook & Ladder Company in 1905. After a $2,500 investment from August Belmont Jr., an American financier who funded the Belmont Park racetrack, the fire company’s 40 new members suited up and began serving the Franklin Square community.
However, it soon became apparent this arrangement was not particularly effective. According to Pat Galaskas, a member and volunteer for the Franklin Square Historical Society Museum, the fire company was still using horses to transport their firefighters, along with all of their heavy equipment.
And, Galaskas explained, the process of calling for help took quite some time.
First, a resident would have to find the nearest fire alarm call box. These call boxes were positioned on several street corners so citizens could alert the fire company. Galaskas said it could be a trek to find the nearest call box, which already began tacking on minutes to the fire company’s response time.
Once notified, she continued, the company would have to summon firefighters. The firefighters would then prepare horses, and the horses would carry buckets of water all the way from the company’s location on Elmont Road to wherever in Franklin Square a fire was occurring.
This all contributed to a rather lengthy response time, Galaskas concluded.
Several more fires devastated the local area during the next two years, the journal states, and residents realized they were too far away to receive proper help.
In 1907, residents from Franklin Square and Munson, the latter of which is a nearby hamlet in the Town of Hempstead, petitioned the town to organize their own hook and ladder company. The town approved it after only three days, and the Franklin Hook and Ladder Company of Munson was officially established.
Of course, the journal continues, the company still had to use horse drawn vehicles. Members also bought a 500-gallon water tank, which was filled from local water sources in the area. So, beyond the convenience of closer proximity, there were huge improvements to their fire response, including a loud bell that rang to alert residents and responders of fires.
But, when the Kalb Hotel, which was located on the northeast corner of modern day New Hyde Park Road and Hempstead Turnpike, became engulfed in flames in January 1923, it became glaringly evident to residents that the lengthy response time had not been sufficiently addressed.
The night of the fire, Galaskas explained, a priest from Saint Catherine of Sienna, Father Conrad Lutz, was going to bed late. But, when he looked across the
A collection of Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department artifacts, which is available for viewing at the Franklin Square Historical Society Museum, shows the history and transformation of the department in the past 100 years.
A fireman’s jacket, which is withered and worn from years of exposure to fires, conveys the hazardous conditions firefighters in the department experience.
street, he noticed smoke emitting from the hotel. He quickly rang the church bell and ran over to wake up the family that owned the hotel, ensuring they got out alive. But, as for the fate of the hotel, it was not as lucky.
“Well,” Galaskas shrugged, “they couldn’t save the building.”
This proved to be a critical time for fire companies in Franklin Square due to the destructive breadth of the fire. According to the journal, “The Kalb Hotel burned to the ground, nearly taking the whole village with it. The disaster provided the community with a real incentive to improve the fire protection system.”
In May 1923, one hundred residents attended a meeting at the Monroe Street School, the historical journal stated, and went straight back to the drawing board.
About two months later, after a resolution to organize and raise money for a new fire company, the town granted a charter for a new fire company, the Franklin Square Hose and Chemical Company.
With the help of August Hoffman and Peter J. Herman, who were benefactors of the project, members began preparing materials for the new fire company. This included a hose reel and a 500-foot hose, which would be much more effective in supplying water to
flames enveloping large structures.
To improve efficiency for alerting the fire company of emergencies, a bell from a retired locomotive train in Queens was imported to Franklin Square and placed at the site of the defunct Kalb Hotel.
Fire officers were hired later in 1923, and two lots on Hempstead Turnpike had been acquired as a location for the firehouse by December. And, when 1924 rolled around, the fire company bought its first motorized truck, fire equipment and uniforms, which greatly improved their response time and firefighting capabilities.
Eventually, the Franklin Hook and Ladder Company of Munson and Franklin Square Hose and Chemical Company merged becoming what is now known today as the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department.
Over the next 100 years, the fire department grew and transformed, adapting to the changing times and utilizing new, modern firefighting technology.
Today, the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department has approximately 110 active volunteers, who, Galaskas added, built an esprit de corps as a way of instilling pride and loyalty among the group. The fire department also won Best of L.I. for best firehouse in 2025.
The fire department’s archives, and some of their old equipment, are currently on display at the Franklin Square Historical Society Museum on Naple Avenue. To learn more about the museum, and find artifacts from the fire department’s 100-year history, visit FSHistoricalSociety.org.
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Heading into an election year for all 19 Nassau County legislative districts, the lines have been redrawn after a lawsuit that originated in 2023 was settled last Friday.
The agreed-on new districts are considered a victory for Democrats.
“This is a tremendous victory for Nassau County,” Jay Jacobs, the New York state and Nassau County Democratic Committee chairman, stated in a news release. “The illegal map sought to disenfranchise communities of color and undermine our democratic principles. This settlement reinforces the fundamental rights of all voters and sends a clear message that such tactics will not be tolerated.”
County Democrats, along with 21 plaintiffs from throughout the legislative districts, filed the lawsuit, alleging that before they were redrawn, the districts were racist, gerrymandered and gave an unfair advantage to Republicans, who hold majority control in the Legislature.
The suit also claimed that voters leaning in one direction were being packed into two districts, while the rest were spread out in other districts as a way to “dilute their voting strength.”
“Once again, the Republican majority in the Nassau County Legislature did
something that was unconstitutional by imposing legislative lines that were unconstitutional,” County Legislator Carrié Solages, who now represents a district similar to when he was first elected in 2011, said. “I am very thankful to the Democratic Party for assembling a team of attorneys, experts on maps and data from across the country, at a cost of well over half a million dollars, in order to fight for a fair, legal map in Nassau County.”
Under the terms of the settlement:
■ The illegal redistricting map is nullified, addressing violations of the New York Voting Rights Act and Municipal Home Rule Law.
■ A new, fairer legislative map is established, including six majority-minority districts and an Asian Influence District, a substantial increase from the prior four majority-minority districts.
■ The voices of Black, Latino and Asian communities are amplified, ensuring that communities of color can elect candidates who represent their interests.
“After long negotiations, Republican attempts to change venue and even disqualify the judge presiding over the case, the Democrats arrived at a map that is fair and creates the opportunity for historic six minority majority districts,” Solages said.
1. Flow. A sedentary life causes brain deterioration. Blood flow to the brain keeps oxygen in your brain cells which gives them life. Keep moving, walking and get some exercise.
2. Energize. Junk food clogs your arteries and lowers energy, causing a sedentary lifestyle. Healthy food gives energy to your body and brain. Refuel and brighten the lights.
3. Recharge. Lack of enough sleep causes deterioration of the brain. Your brain needs downtime to recharge. Give it enough recharging and keep the lights burning bright.
4. Relax. Constant high stress has damaging effects on the brain and can lead to destructive habits which add further damage. Learn to control stress and let the lights shine.
5. Engage. Like muscles your brain needs exercise. Too often people, after retirement, retire their brains also so they atrophy. Stay engaged, exercise your brain with reading, puzzles and other challenges to keep the lights going on strong.
6. Love. When people grow isolated their brains lack stimulation and they grow dull. Stay connected with family and friends to brighten the lights.
7. Adventure. Many older people lose their zest for new adventures. You don’t need to climb Everest just break out of dull routines. Any venture out to new places turns up the lights.
8. Purpose. People can lose interest in life after they have retired, feeling they have no purpose. Look for opportunities to volunteer. Helping others keeps the lights flaming.
SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com
District 1: Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, South Hempstead, and portions of Baldwin and Hempstead.
District 2: Carle Place, New Cassel, Westbury, and portions of Hempstead, Uniondale, Hicksville and Jericho.
District 3: Elmont, Lakeview, Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, South Floral Park, Malverne Park Oaks, and portions of Malverne, Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, West Hempstead and Franklin Square.
District 4: Long Beach, Lido Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Island Park, Harbor Isle, Barnum Island, Point Lookout and portions of Oceanside.
District 5: Portions of Hempstead, Uniondale, West Hempstead and Franklin Square.
District 6: Freeport, and portions of Baldwin and Oceanside.
District 7: Atlantic Beach, Bay Park, Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck, Inwood, Lawrence, Woodmere, Woodsburgh, and portions of Oceanside, South Valley Stream and Valley Stream.
District 8: Garden City, Garden City South, Stewart Manor, and portions of Floral Park, Franklin Square, New Hyde Park and North New Hyde Park.
District 9: Mineola, East Williston, Garden City Park, Herricks, Manhasset Hills, North Hills, and portions of Floral Park, New Hyde Park, North New Hyde Park, Searingtown and Williston Park.
District 10: Albertson, Flower Hill, Great Neck, Great Neck Estates, Great Neck Gardens, Great Neck Plaza, Harbor Hills, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Munsey
Park, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Roslyn Estates, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock, Saddle Rock Estates, Thomaston, University Gardens, and portions of Roslyn Heights, Searingtown and Williston Park.
District 11: Baxter Estates, Glen Cove, Glenwood Landing, Manorhaven, Port Washington, Port Washington North, Roslyn Harbor, Sands Point, Sea Cliff, and portions of Glen Head.
District 12: Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Merrick, and portions of Wantagh.
District 13: East Meadow, Salisbury, and portions of Levittown
District 14: Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, and portions of Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Malverne and South Valley Stream.
District 15: North Wantagh, Seaford, and portions of Levittown and Wantagh.
District 16: Farmingdale, Old Bethpage, Plainview, and portions of Hicksville, Jericho, Syosset and Woodbury.
District 17: Bethpage, Plainedge, South Farmingdale, and portions of Hicksville and North Massapequa.
District 18: Bayville, Brookville, Centre Island, Cove Neck, East Hills, East Norwich, Greenvale, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Locust Valley, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Muttontown, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, and portions of Glen Head and Jericho.
District 19: East Massapequa, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, and portions of North Massapequa.
WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/valleystream ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: vseditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail: vseditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail:
V.S. South Senior Basketball
IT WAS A HISTORIC night for DelValle Jan. 17 when Valley Stream South faced Wantagh. The two-time All-County guard reached the 1,000point career milestone in the Falcons’ hardfought defeat. He also assumed the top spot in Nassau County this season for 3-pointers made with 44. A captain, he is averaging 17.4 points per game, which ranks him in the Top 20 in Nassau, and scored in double figures in all but one of the Falcons’ first 14 games.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Gymnastics: South Side at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Port Wash at Farmingdale 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Manhasset at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Wrestling: Oceanside at Freeport 6 p.m.
Gymnastics: Lynbrook at North Shore 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Baldwin 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Clarke at Hewlett 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Locust Valley at East Rockaway 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31
Boys Basketball: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Massapequa 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Herricks at Mepham 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Boys Basketball: Wantagh at Plainedge 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. South at V.S. North 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Carle Place at West Hempstead 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 12 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 3
Boys Basketball: Calhoun at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Wrestling: Long Beach at Calhoun 5:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Massapequa 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.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The two youngest teams in Nassau Conference A1 girls’ basketball met last Saturday afternoon with one inching closer to a longawaited playoff berth and the other chalking up another learning experience.
Seeking its first postseason appearance since the 2012-13 campaign, Valley Stream North moved within a game of punching its ticket to the Class A tournament with a 59-37 victory over visiting Clarke. Junior Alessia Nunnari led a balanced effort for the Spartans with a season-high 19 points, with a dozen of those from behind the arc, and came one rebound shy of a doubledouble.
“We’re a young team that has great chemistry on and off the court,” said Nunnari, who scored 10 second-quarter points to help VSN overcome an early 19-12 deficit.
“I’m so happy to be a part of such an exciting team. We’re having a lot of fun but at the same time we know we still need one more win to make playoffs,” she added.
North’s two starting eighth-grade guards, Kellenberg transfers Celeste Lyle (12) and Emily Weir, combined for 20 points, sophomore Paige Fessler added 9 and junior Jasmie Harrison had 8 as head coach Dan Lodato’s team improved to 9-5 overall and 5-3 in A1.
“We’re really aiming for that playoff spot and as we get closer the message is to not take anything for granted,” Lodato said. “Beating Mineola last Friday was big.
Ron Manfredi/Herald
Eighth-grader Celeste Lyle, right, had 12 points last Saturday as the Spartans moved within one win of clinching a playoff berth.
It not only put us in fourth place but we swept the season series and have the tiebreaker against Mineola should we need it.”
The Rams (5-9 overall; 1-7 in A1), also loaded with youth, got 15 points from junior Christina Boyle and 10 from freshman Khloe Louis-Jean. All of Boyle’s offense came from threepoint land including a pair as Clarke scored the first seven points of the game.
Senior Lia Addeo added 5 points and junior Althea Borleo had 4.
“The conference is super tough and we’re starting
only one senior,” Clarke head coach Shaun Fein said. “We’ve done some good things. We have some exciting young talent and we’ll see what we can do over the last few weeks.”
Louis-Jean didn’t begin the season among the Rams’ starting five, but Fein said she’s emerged as a steady presence in the paint providing points and rebounds. “To be as big a contributor as she has been, I’m happy with that,” the coach noted.
North’s youngest pair, Lyle and Weir, hardly come off the floor, Lodato said, and are its No. 1 and 2 scorers.
Weir had three straight 20-point games earlier this month. “Celeste is a sharp shooter and has an excellent basketball IQ, and Emily just makes things happen at both ends.”
The Spartans, who were without sophomore starting center Jada Jones, a defensive star, outscored Clarke 18-5 in the second quarter and 19-10 in the third to take command.
“We’re in the driver’s seat now,” Lodato said. “Making playoffs would be a huge accomplishment and hosting a first-round game isn’t out of the question.”
Students across all three schools in the Valley Stream District 24 are thriving in newly redesigned classrooms that foster student agency, collaboration, and technological skills. Developed as part of the district’s Vision 2030 initiative, these classrooms were thoughtfully designed with modern furniture, tools, and layouts to support 21stcentury learning.
Superintendent Unal Karakas, recently toured the redesigned classrooms alongside Student Council representatives to empower these student leaders to provide valuable input as the district continues its redesign efforts in alignment with Vision 2030. During the visit, Karakas engaged with students in the redesigned classrooms and held a focused discussion with the Student Council representatives, interviewing them to gather feedback on their experiences and perspectives regarding the new learning spaces.
“It was inspiring to visit each school alongside our Student Council representatives and hear their perspectives on how these redesigned classrooms are enhancing student education,” said Karakas. “Our students shared their excitement and pride in advanced technological tools and learning in these innovative spaces. Their feedback is vital as we work to further transform our classrooms into dynamic environments that support 21st-century learning.”
The redesigned classrooms feature interactive whiteboard desks for collaborative learning, calming corners for focused activities, stationary bikes that allow students
to work while releasing energy, and a variety of modern tools designed to promote creativity, flexibility, and technological skills.
“This beautiful new space provides students with a range of areas to participate actively in their learning journey,” said Pamela Fowler, a student council advisor and third-grade teacher of one of the redesigned classrooms at the Robert W. Carbonaro School. “It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they jot down answers on whiteboard desks, enjoy a story in the cozy corner, or work together in small groups throughout the room.”
Karakas engaged students at each school by asking how the redesigned classrooms are influencing their learning experiences. Students shared consistent feedback, highlighting the flexibility, comfort, and access to exciting tools and technology that allow them to interact with their teachers and peers more effectively.
“This spacious, bright room with new floors, tables, chairs, couches, and a rug made me feel comfortable and calm,” said Ellice John, student council vice president at Robert W. Carbonaro School. “It feels like a place where you can truly be yourself.”
Student Council representatives also completed a Google Form survey to provide additional feedback. The results overwhelmingly indicated students’ excitement about the new learning spaces, with students noting how these modern classrooms make learning more engaging and enjoyable.
–Juan Lasso
By MADELEINE ROSEN Special to the Herald
The Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act would provide small businesses with up to $4,000 for marketing in community media.
Small businesses in Valley Stream might soon be receiving some muchneeded financial relief.
Earlier this month, State Sen. Monica R. Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford introduced the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act, which would establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets. The LOCAL Act aims to support the marketing needs of small businesses — especially those that are minority-, woman- or veteranowned, or that have 10 employees or fewer – while keeping investment in the media outlets that New Yorkers rely on everyday for critical information.
“This legislation fosters a cycle of growth, allowing small businesses to expand their reach while simultaneously supporting the media outlets that keep New Yorkers informed and engaged,” Martinez, the bill’s senate sponsor, said.
The legislation has already garnered staunch support from the media and business community alike. Led by The Empire State Local News Coalition, which is composed of over 200 local
newspapers across New York – including Valley Stream Herald – the bill has received praise from business trade groups throughout the state, which view the proposal as a solution to increase investment in small businesses and sustain local news organizations.
“The LOCAL Act is a win-win-win for local businesses, local news, and local communities,” Zachary Richner, founding member of the Empire State Local
final spending plan.
“The LOCAL Act is about more than just advertising – it’s about investing in the economic health of our local communities and investing in the kind of local journalism that we need now more than ever,” Martinez’ fellow bill sponsor, Lunsford, said.
Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80 percent of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.
News Coalition, said. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”
The bill comes as the 2025 Legislative Session kicks off and negotiations begin on the State’s next fiscal year budget, which must be passed by both the Senate and Assembly and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul by April 1. The tax credit would need to be included in the State’s
LIA President & CEO Matt Cohen said, “By making community advertising for small businesses more accessible and affordable, this proposed act will help them with their marketing strategy and customer engagement while simultaneously supporting local media outlets, which are also small companies. The legislation is a win-win, and we look forward to its passage this session.”
“We are excited to support local businesses,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications Inc. “By making advertising more accessible and affordable, the LOCAL Act will empower Long Island’s small businesses to reach new customers while ensuring that our local media outlets continue to connect and inform our residents.”
The Valley Stream Central High School District introduced three new student liaisons for the 2024–25 school year, with Julianne Joseph, Asha Gajraj and Thomas Vendome representing their respective high schools to relay student concerns and contribute to district decision-making.
any pressing issues, but I’d definitely want to focus on students’ mental health, specifically balancing academic hurdles with extracurriculars and sports. It can sometimes become a lot, but the school does a fantastic job.”
Q: Was there anything about the board’s procedures or functions that surprised you?
Asha: “There’s a lot of page-turning, and they have specific names for the different sections of the meeting that they call to order. And they always have to approve certain measures, so that took a little getting used to, but now I know the proper procedure for the general meetings and feel a lot more informed.”
Valley Stream Central High School –Julianne Joseph
Q: Why did you decide to take the position of student liaison?
Julianne: “When I hear about a student liaison bridging the gap between the students and board members, I was inspired to take on the role. I thinking having a student perspective is important for the [administrative] process.”
Q: What are the most pressing topics or issues for students in your school?
Julianne: “A lot of students complained that there is a 50/50 chance that there will be soap in the soap dispenser, so I think that could be regulated more and sometimes the sinks aren’t always working. So that’s issues that we’ve had but other than that I don’t really hear a lot of complaints.”
Q: How do you plan to get a good overall understanding of students’ needs across the different grade levels?
Julianne: “One thing that I love about Central is that the students are very open to expressing their concerns. I just assumed this position in October, so I haven’t done anything major, but I do plan on conducting survey questionnaires throughout the school and bring
up the results of those questionnaires with the board. But Central is a great place and from what I do see, there’s not very much to complain about.”
Valley Stream North High School –Thomas Vendome
Q: Why did you decide to take the position of student liaison?
Thomas: “I want to represent my school in a positive way for the Board of Education. When I was asked to do it, I was told I was a top choice because of how much you’ve done being a student mentor and tutor and your participation in national honor societies. I’ve been sitting with mom at Board of Education meetings since I was in fourth grade, fifth grade so I’m very familiar with the procedures.”
Q: What are the most pressing topics or issues for students in your school?
Thomas: “There are a few problems going on in our school, things we are trying to address. Vaping is one. We talked about [incorporating awareness of vaping] in our health classes. Improving our English as a Second language was another. So, we’re just trying to help people’s future. I don’t think one districtwide representative could do what the three of us are doing right now and we all know our respective schools. All three of us know, if there were something that’s like, seriously, really going on that’s very wrong, we would tell the school board or principals.”
Q: What do you hope to walk away with from the experience of serving as a student representative?
Thomas: “Definitely public speaking. I tend to stumble on words in front of large crowds. My dream job right now is to be a forensic psychologist, which means I would have to be an expert witness in court, so having public speaking would help with that. It’s a highlight of this position and to talk positively about my school even if in my dream job, I won’t be talking on things as positive.”
Valley Stream North High School’s science research program encourages students to explore diverse topics, gaining valuable mentorship and public presentation experience. Senior Erin Garnier delivered her presentation, titled “Evaluating the Effect of Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride Concentrations on the Stiffness of Hydrogels.”
the scientific method, students in grades nine through 12 sought answers to questions about everything from the effects of gun violence on public health to the pathology of peanut allergies.
“Students are doing authentic research projects that have never been done before,” said science teacher Mike Frazer, who co-leads the program with 9th grade science research teacher Santo DiSclafani.
The goal of the program, which began roughly 20 years ago, was to help students gain firsthand experience with scientific research and experimentation, receive professional mentorship, and learn what it means to be scientific peers and mentors.
“I’ve been teaching this program for over 20 years now,” said Frazer. “When we first started, we had five kids in the whole program. We now have 20 kids per grade.”
Like levels in a video game, each year progressively builds the essential skills for the next, culminating in a senioryear research project guided by a practicing science professional of their choice anywhere in the world.
The most promising projects advance to compete in regional and national competitions, from Regeneron to Exploravision. But the core focus of the program, noted Frazer, isn’t on trophywinning.
Building skills for life
“This is the time of year when the seniors start to apply to competitions,” said Frazer. But at the end of the day, the program is about “learning the science process and learning about the responsibilities of being in our society.”
While some programs focus on an elite group of kids who stand the strongest chance of winning science competitions, noted Frazer “Our program is not about that.”
Valley Stream North’s annual science research symposium showcased a range of student-led projects, focusing on everything from public health issues to scientific anomalies.
It’s about instilling important “life skills” for all students that are easily transferable outside the lab or classroom. Holding one’s own during a public presentation, reading high-level articles, or collaborating on group projects — will benefit students for life in their career field, STEM-specific or otherwise. It’s as much as communication as it is about cooperation. Seniors are paired with a sophomore and junior mentee and serve as “in-house” mentors who act as their first resource.
“We do a symposium with the whole district at the end of the year and it’s just the seniors and that’s their big night to shine,” said Frazer but this North tradition helps all researchers get in on the collegial fun.
Freshmen Ryley Keenan, Bridget Chen and Patricia DelCarpine presented the model for their project, called “The MicroCleans.”
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
New York State Supreme Court Judge Bruce Cozzens last week denied a request by the Long Island Roller Rebels, a women’s recreational roller derby league, to temporarily block a Nassau County law that restricts sports teams from using county facilities based on biological sex.
The Roller Rebels argued that Local Law 121-24 discriminates against transgender women by preventing them from participating in women’s sports. The league sought a preliminary injunction to stop the law’s enforcement while its lawsuit challenging the law continues.
The Long Island Roller Rebels are members of the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association, which “welcomes all transgender women, intersex women, and gender expansive women to participate in its member leagues. The sex assigned at birth of any and all WFTDA participants is considered confidential and private,” according to court documents.
“I’m very happy that … Cozzens ruled that Nassau County’s local law banning biological males from playing on female sports teams is constitutional and that we did abide by the law,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “I’m gratified that we were the first in America to do it, and I think we set the tone for the rest of the nation.”
In a 12-6 vote along party lines, the County Legislature passed a bill on June 24 that bans individuals who were born male from taking part in women’s sports and on county-run facilities, regardless of their gender identity.
The county claimed the law was enacted to ensure fairness and safety in sports for biological women, and
After a legal tussle, the law that restricts sports teams from using county facilities based on biological sex was
argued that federal Title IX regulations protecting women’s sports support its position.
The court ruled that the Roller Rebels failed to prove that the law discriminates against transgender individuals under the state’s Human Rights Law or Civil Rights Law. Cozzens noted that the law does not ban transgender people from participating in sports, but requires leagues to designate teams as male, female or co-ed.
In his decision, he emphasized the safety concerns and physical differences between biological men and women, particularly in contact sports like roller derby. The judge also highlighted the county’s responsibility to use public facilities in ways that serve the majority of taxpayers.
“The power differential between adult individuals
who are born male and those born female is substantial and therefore may be more dangerous,” Cozzens’s decision read. “This would create additional risk to the individual and potential liability, creating costs to the municipality. The municipality is not obligated to provide a recreational setting for each and every individual residing within its confines.”
“As we’ve said all along, it’s just common sense,” Blakeman said. “Biological males should not play in female sports. They have a competitive advantage. It’s unfair, and it’s also unsafe.”
The ruling follows an executive order signed by President Trump on Jan. 20 that eliminated protections for transgender individuals, stating that the federal government would define sex strictly as male or female.
By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker
Sean Cirillo Oceanside
My 2025 resolution is to replace all my local car trips with walking and biking. Replacing these short trips that are typically done with a car is healthier, saves me money, better connects me to the community and I’m never stuck in traffic on a bike.
Mike
Ahl Babylon
I would like to get stronger. I ride my bike in Babylon. My average is 45 minutes to do 10 miles, and I want to get it under 40 minutes. I have two little boys, I want to be healthy for them.
David Friedman Hewlett
Definitely need a nice relaxing vacation somewhere warm. I haven’t been to Atlantis in many years, or maybe Italy. There are too many things to do and I’m getting older, so I need a vacation.
Sharon Edwards Merrick
Time management is definitely my resolution for this year. Last year really went by quickly; it was over and done. I have everything on one to-do list. I have a family that I want to spend some time with and then I have my business. I’m trying to balance everything.
Cliff
Krauter Bayville
I would like to become more involved in the committees around the city (Glen Cove). I meet many people that do things out of their good nature. It’s something I highly respect and admire and I’d like to try to do more of.
By Danielle Schwab
When it comes to Monster Jam, go big or go home.
Witness the roar of eight monster trucks battle it out for the winning trophy at the fullthrottle competition with plenty of car-smashing, donut-wheeling and back-flipping action fans know and expect.
Monster Jam arrives at UBS Arena next weekend, Feb. 7-9, taking over Belmont Park for three days packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. This isn’t just any event — it’s “As Big As It Gets.” where where every moment is unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable.
Both monster truck fanatics and first-time watchers will experience all the motorsport has to offer in a four-part competition ruled by these 12,000 pound mechanical beasts.
Drivers bring out all the stunts for the competition to the delight of spectators.
“Who doesn’t love big trucks crushing stuff, mjumping high in the air, rolling over and doing all the crazy stuff we do?” says Matt Cody, the longtime driver of Grave Digger and 2024 Arena Series West Champion.
• Friday through Sunday, Feb. 7-9; times vary
• Tickets available at ticketmaster.com
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
always my birthday present. I fell in love with it,” he says.
Starting at 13-years-old, Cody got involved with the event in every way possible — whether it was sweeping floors, cleaning trucks or driving the tractortrailers. His passion and hard work earned him a role as a mechanic for the show, eventually paving the way for him to become an official driver in 2012.
‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. 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. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
Saturday Feb. 1, 8 p.m. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
“From the atmosphere to the production to the people, it’s a big family and it’s a big family sport, everybody’s there to just have fun,” he adds.
Ten years later, Cody started driving the infamous Grave Digger — a 43 year global legend among monster trucks, sporting massive 66-inch tires.
“It’s just a big, bad machine,” Cody says.
Watch as these powerful trucks race for the fastest time, showcase their jaw-dropping skills with epic stunts — some of which are only on two wheels — in competitions of speed and skill. Also see the drivers unleash their trucks’ wild, untamed power in a thrilling freestyle showdown.
And of course, there’ll be plenty of monster-sized donuts to get heads-spinning as well.
This epic ride sports tombstones on its side “for the competitors that we’ve beaten and buried,” he explains.
Going head-to-head against Grave Digger are newcomers Plane Krazy and Krazy Train as well as a new fan favorite, Sparkle Smash, a giant blue-and-purple unicorn that’s sure to kick some butt.
Other trucks returning to claim victory are the always-popular Megalodon, Zombie, El Toro Loco, and Terminal Velocity.
right in the middle of the action, helping to
To make it even more exciting, the judges’ panel includes the entire audience. Fans are right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the event champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves. Everyone gets a say in which truck triumphs with glory and eventually moves on to July’s Monster Jam World Finals.
It’s truly an unforgettable family affair, involving generations of families since Monster Jam’s start in 1992.
“I met so many awesome fans from over the years, dedicated fans who’ll bring their grandfather, the dad, and now son, to an event. And the grandfather will be like, ‘Yeah, I remember bringing my son.’ Even though I’m not the driver that may have been [there] at that time, they’ll take a picture just to recreate that,” Cody says.
“It’s just an awesome experience among the families and the memories that they’re making.”
All of this from the best seat in UBS Arena, which is every seat according to Cody.
“I tell people that in an arena as compared to a stadium, stadiums are cool, but in an arena, there’s not a bad seat in the house.”
Start off the action early. Fans can get a closer look at the trucks and meet the drivers at the exclusive Monster Jam Pit Party — or get revved up prior to the show with sneak peaks, giveways and extra action at the Monster Jam Trackside Experience.
Before taking over the driver’s seat, Cody’s Monster Jam journey began sitting in the audience of Monster Jam events as a kid. Cody, from Williamsport, Md., began to follow the sport at age 8. As a lifelong fan, he knows the thrills it offers to both fan and participant.
Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment
Before taking over the driver’s seat, lifelong fan, he knows the thrills it offers to both
Top left - Sparkle Smash, among the newcomers, joins El Toro Loco and the other trucks in nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, among other feats.
Music Director Adam Glaser’s South Shore Symphony Orchestra welcomes the New Year with a rousing concert, titled “Heritage and Memory, at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by guitarist Tali Roth. Originally from Israel, now based in the New York City area, she’ll be playing the beloved Rodrigo’s Concieto de Aranjuez. The evening’s repertoire also includes Humperdinck’s Prelude to the opera Hansel and Gretel. The charming composition is known for its sweetness and nostalgia to this piece that catches you off guard. Another, Mary Watkins’ Soul of Remembrance is becoming a staple in the orchestra repertoire, and deservedly so, according to Glaser. The program’s second half is devoted to Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D major.
“Monster Jam used to come every year. It was
Top right - Monster trucks reach epic heights in the latest edition of Monster Jam. Grave Digger, with Matty Cody (bottom left) and other popular trucks thrill fans in their customized high-power vehicles.
Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.
With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special Sweet & Juicy produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedian, actor, and writer, Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
Long-time comedian
Sheng Wang is truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York unwilling to give an Asian American comedian the time of day to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. Wang asks audiences to not only recognize the personhood of an Asian on stage but to find deep resonance with this person’s honest feelings. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Houston, Texas., Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. He likens himself to “A Clown with Words.” Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang resides in L.A. and in his time off he enjoys exploring botanical gardens and discovering new ways to snack. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Nassau BOCES LIHSA
Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) invites all Nassau and Suffolk County arts students with the passion and ambition to transform their artistic talent into a career in the arts to its upcoming open house, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. Tour the campus at 239 Cold Spring Road in Syosset and experience classes focused on each area of the visual and performing arts. Parents of prospective students will have the opportunity to speak with faculty, guidance, current parents and students, and to learn about the school’s prestigious Summer Arts Academy, offered through a partnership with Hofstra University. A final open house session is offered March 1
Students receive expert instruction from experienced professionals working in the industry. As part of their education, they regularly engage in unique learning opportunities through the school’s many partnerships and residencies. Students also get to perform on the same stage as Broadway stars during the school’s annual fundraiser, Broadway Supports LIHSA. For more information, visit longislandhighschoolforthearts. org or call (516) 6225678. Register at longislandhighschoolforthearts. org/lihsa-live-open-houseregistration-form/.
Winter in the woods
Explore Sands Point Preserve in winter, with environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir, Saturday, Feb. 1, 10-11:30 a.m. She will engage participants ill engage audiences in handson nature discovery activities encompassing the preserve’s unique physical features and wildlife.
Conservation issues are also discussed on the walk through the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. $15 ($10 members), $5 children. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
Visit Long Island Children’s Museum and share in some Groundhog Day fun, Saturday, Feb. 1, noon-2 p.m. Join in on the forecasting festivities and make a groundhog to take home, at the drop-in program. Will he emerge from his burrow and see his shadow or not? For ages 3 and up. Free with admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
January 30, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A
MR. COOPER, -againstCHARLES BROCKINGTON, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 16, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A
MR. COOPER is the Plaintiff and CHARLES BROCKINGTON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY
SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 13, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 8 GREENLAWN BOULEVARD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 003700575-00 - 00029.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610699/2018. Janine T. Lynam, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150907
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC1, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL R. HIGGINS; IF LIVING, AND IF HE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501
on February 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 9 Jasper Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 458 and Lot 156.
Approximate amount of judgment is $577,472.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608825/2018.
Geri Friedman, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150897
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU 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 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
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM Office of the Village Clerk/Administrator 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream New York 11580 (516) 592-5105
LEGAL NOTICE TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Assessor’s Department of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream has completed the Tentative Assessment Roll for the year 2025/26 and has filed the same with the Village Clerk at his office in the Village Hall, located at 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, where it may be seen and examined as of February 1, 2025 by any interested person during regular business hours until 4:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday the 18th day of February, 2025 at which time the Board of Review will meet to hear complaints in relation to assessments. The Tentative Assessment Roll will be available on the Village Website www.vsvny.org. Dated: Valley Stream, New York
January 30, 2025
JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 151304
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
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
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
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
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 PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for
Q. We want a new boiler and to convert to gas, because oil costs keep rising. How safe are a gas boiler, water heater and stove? We are told it could be very expensive to run a gas line to our home if there isn’t one on the street. We have spoken to a plumber who is looking into this for us, but is this really going to be economical, since we’re retired and just trying to find ways to reduce living costs?
A. Gas is generally safe when the lines are left alone where installed, and not tampered with. We only read or hear news about a gas explosion when something out of the ordinary happens. Years ago, a gas explosion on Long Island turned out to have been caused by thieves who ripped the gas stove out of an empty home, leaving the open gas line spewing gas to the whole house until a spark from the boiler ignited the gas and blew the home up. This is rare, and was caused by ignorance.
You can avoid this by being cautious, and hiring professionals to handle gas appliances. With several steps to convert from oil to gas, you, or your plumber, must verify that gas lines are available on your street. I remember converting to gas, contacting the gas company and, after a week, calling them back and learning that there was no gas, and that the closest location was a block away, on the other side of a busy county road. I was also told that I would have to go door to door to speak to neighbors about converting to gas so that it would be worth it for the gas company to extend the street line into our neighborhood. In other words, the gas company wanted me to market their product if I wanted it for myself.
I did manage to find others around me who were interested in converting. Then we all waited, and wouldn’t you know it, the neighbors started calling me to find out when the gas lines were going to be installed. That prompted me to do what you may also have to do: keep calling. There were issues with getting approvals for the road opening of a county road, which takes months, permits for the gas conversion by the plumber, location of other utilities, oil and tank removal after gas was in.
Plan for summer installation, when the boiler is least needed. As for the expense, it doesn’t pay to buy a less expensive boiler if it’s less efficient, because its operating cost — usually based on how much heat is derived per unit of fuel consumed — will be much more than the money saved at the outset. Incidentally, oil fuel is slightly more efficient than gas, but the cost increases are based on a less stable spot market. Although gas tends to remain more price-stable, for some unknown reason, it tends to increase in cost concurrent with oil increases. Good luck!
2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
Finds Under $100
CHANDELIER: OCTAGON SHAPE, Beveled Glass, Good Condition, Small Chip 1 Pane, 24x24, $95. Robert 516-763-4131
Chandelier: Octagon Shape, Beveled Glass, Good Condition, Small Chip 1 Pane, 24x24, $95. Robert 516-763-4131
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. Family Plumbing. 516-599-1011.
Telephone Services
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Para-
AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct
As we embark on the 2025 legislative session, the challenges facing New York have never been more evident. Across the state, families are grappling with the rising cost of living, businesses are struggling under the weight of strict regulations, and public safety concerns remain at the forefront of many New Yorkers’ minds. Additionally, illegal immigration continues to place a significant fiscal burden on our communities, straining resources and compounding these challenges. In this pivotal moment, it is imperative that we seize the opportunity to chart a course toward meaningful reform and lasting prosperity.
Recently, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her agenda in her State of the State address, as well as in her proposed $252 billion budget. While I commend her for acknowledging issues like affordable child care, youth mental health and free school meals — issues I have helped champion since taking office — I remain concerned about the increased level of spending and the direction of the governor’s proposals. They must be more than
Ltalking points; they require strategic investments and implementation to yield tangible results for our communities.
For example, addressing youth mental health is an area in which bipartisan consensus is possible. I have introduced legislation to provide funding for schools to hire mental health service professionals, which would ensure that students could more easily access these services, thereby increasing the likelihood that they would seek help when they need it. Likewise, making sure that children receive free school meals isn’t just a moral imperative, but a practical one, because hunger directly impacts educational outcomes. I will work to ensure that these vital initiatives are not overlooked in the upcoming budget negotiations.
Congestion pricing remains a glaring example of misplaced priorities.
Hochul’s agenda is more notable for what it omits. It has been nearly a decade since the Senate Republican conference passed the 2016 middle class tax cuts, which provided much-needed relief to millions of New Yorkers, and I commend the governor for proposing to build on those tax cuts. But while cutting taxes and sending out refund checks is great, those efforts are negated when other proposals increase people’s expenses.
Congestion pricing, in particular, remains a glaring example of misplaced
priorities. It unfairly targets hardworking New Yorkers like first responders and teachers who rely on their vehicles to commute to work and contribute to our economy. While Hochul may frame short-term delays or reductions in toll rates as “savings,” they do nothing to mitigate the long-term financial burden this policy will impose. Instead of imposing new taxes on struggling families, we should focus on cutting costs and empowering local communities to make decisions about their own futures.
New Yorkers have endured enough of the chaos caused by cashless bail laws that handcuff judges and empower criminals. Blaming the judiciary for the consequences of these policies only serves as a distraction from Albany’s failures. True reform starts with restoring judicial discretion and allowing judges to consider the danger posed by defendants when setting bail, which my bill, S.236, would accomplish.
Short-term solutions, like increased police presence on subways, may offer some temporary relief, but fail to address the long-term issues of public safety to prevent crimes from occurring. We need to prioritize lasting reforms that protect families, neighborhoods and commuters
across the state.
One of the most pressing challenges New York faces is the ongoing influx of illegal migrants and the significant fiscal burden it puts on the state. With taxpayer dollars stretched thin, the financial strain of providing housing, health care and education to migrants diverts critical resources away from hardworking New Yorkers, the ones who are covering these additional costs.
Local communities, particularly here on Long Island, are bearing the brunt of this crisis, as their municipal budgets are overwhelmed and their essential services are jeopardized. Schools, for example, are facing increased costs to meet higher demand for English as a New Language services. Albany must prioritize the needs of its residents by addressing these issues head-on and advocating for federal accountability to secure our borders and reduce the financial impact on our state.
As a member of the State Senate, my mission is clear: to fight for policies that make life more affordable, ensure public safety, and foster economic growth for Long Island and all of New York. I will continue to advocate for initiatives that prioritize the well-being of our residents, hold Albany accountable, and work toward a stronger, more prosperous future for our state.
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.
ike so many others, I have watched the California wildfires unfold with a mix of horror and awe.
For those unfamiliar with the scale of destruction, the fires that began igniting near Los Angeles in early January have scorched over 40,000 acres, claimed at least 27 lives, injured more than 20 people and destroyed over 15,000 structures.
As I followed news reports, watched television coverage and scrolled through social media during the first week of the fires, one message stood out: Nearly everyone had California and its residents in their thoughts and prayers. Relief efforts and fundraisers quickly sprang into action as people rallied to help and offer support wherever it was needed.
It is in our nature as humans to want to help. Yet to my dismay, almost as soon as the relief efforts began, conspiracies started surfacing. And not to be punny, but they spread like, well, wildfire.
On my social media feeds, I occasionally come across videos from a popular account called “Gubba Homestead.” The account owner, a farmer, often starts her videos with the tagline, “I’m a conspiracy theorist . . .” From there she dives into various claims, many of which can be debunked by science. The videos are clickbait-like in their nature, designed to provoke reactions or outrage in the comments — an approach that boosts views and amplifies the videos’ spread.
It’s a fascinating, albeit troubling, method of online content creation, and I wasn’t surprised when, about a week after the fires began, she appeared on my feed once again, starting with the familiar line, “Call me a conspiracy theorist, but . . .”
create more vegetation, followed by periods of extreme drought, which dries out that vegetation. Global temperatures in 2024 were dubbed “abnormally hot” by scientists at the University of California — which should surprise no one. And it’s not just the West Coast that has been affected by fires.
T heories started surfacing almost as soon as the relief efforts began in L.A.
She went on to claim that there was no way the L.A. wildfires could have been caused by climate change, offering harmful commentary that did nothing to help anyone during a time of tragedy.
Without diving too deep, I’ll tell you this: Climate scientists have indicated that the likelihood of fire events has increased by 31 to 66 percent since 1950, due to intense periods of strong rainfall, which
Climate change is real, and it’s here. People can ignore the truth, but there’s no place in this conversation for conspiracies.
At the core of American values lies the principle of free speech. Thoughtful questioning and theorizing have driven breakthroughs once deemed impossible. Scientific discoveries have emerged, and transformative social change has been achieved, thanks to people who challenged the status quo — doing so with ethical integrity and moral purpose.
What’s unfolding across social media, as Californians work to rebuild their lives, is neither ethical nor moral. Those whose lives have been upended don’t need “influencers” spreading baseless claims or (again, sorry) fanning the flames of conspiracy.
This behavior exploits tragedy for attention, shifting the focus away from the
victims and the real issues at hand. It undermines efforts to address the underlying causes, like climate change and inadequate infrastructure, and distracts from the stories of resilience and heroism that deserve to be heard.
The conspiracy phenomenon isn’t unique to the California fires. From hurricanes to pandemics to mass shootings, misinformation and conspiracy theories seem to surface in the wake of nearly every major tragedy. Under the guise of seeking the “truth,” sensationalized theories simply capitalize on fear, confusion and distrust, and accomplish nothing.
To complicate things, Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, announced a few weeks ago that it was scrapping its fact-checking program, which flagged possible misinformation.
I’m not suggesting that we stop questioning or trying to make sense of the world around us, but as always, we must remain mindful. Consider the weight of your words and actions, and the harm that conspiracies can inflict. There’s a time and place for questions, based on the truth. That’s how we rebuild and move forward. But in the aftermath of tragedy, we can’t afford to make room for ignorance.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They are the corner stores, familyowned restaurants, and local service providers that fuel our neighborhoods, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Yet these vital businesses often face significant challenges in reaching new customers and growing their operations in an increasingly competitive economy.
With the official introduction in the New York State Legislature of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act, small businesses across the state might gain a powerful new tool next year to help sustain their success and maximize the reach of their marketing dollars. Sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford, the legislation would establish a tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets — from print and digital to television and radio. By making advertising more affordable, the LOCAL Act would empower small businesses to reach their target audiences while also supporting the essential work of the same media outlets that provide our communities with local journalism.
The LOCAL Act focuses on supporting minority-, woman- and veteranowned businesses, as well as any businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For
Blakeman takes the credit, but how safe is the county?
To the Editor:
many of these entrepreneurs, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a game-changer. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors — customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.
This legislation couldn’t come at a better time. Small businesses are still navigating the economic aftershocks of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and competition from large corporations with massive marketing budgets. The LOCAL Act would help level the playing field, giving your favorite momand-pop store a way to increase visibility without sacrificing their scarce financial resources.
When our small businesses thrive, so do our communities. Small businesses employ your neighbors, sponsor your kids’ Little League team, and offer a convenient destination for a night out with your spouse. These businesses are not only economic drivers, but also cornerstones of community identity.
The benefits of the LOCAL Act would extend beyond businesses. Local media outlets, too, are vital to communities, because they produce the journalism that keeps people informed about school board meetings, neighborhood crime, church bake sales and the
most recent newlyweds — and everything in between. Unfortunately, declining advertising revenues have jeopardized the financial sustainability of many of these media outlets, and small newsrooms have been shuttering across the state. By encouraging small businesses to advertise locally, the LOCAL Act would helps these outlets continue their essential work of championing their communities.
This dual benefit — supporting both small businesses and local journalism — has already garnered strong support from business groups, community leaders, and the 200-plus local newspapers comprising the Empire State Local News Coalition — including the Heralds. It’s a win-win solution that strengthens the backbone of our local economy while fostering a unified, informed citizenry.
The LOCAL Act marks a bold step forward in tackling the interconnected challenges our communities are facing today. By working together to implement and embrace this program, we can build stronger businesses, sustain vital journalism, and ensure the prosperity of communities across New York for years to come.
We support this smart legislation. Tell your elected leaders in Albany to include the LOCAL Act in the final fiscal year 2026 state budget.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman boasts in his Jan. 16-22 Herald op-ed, “Safety and affordability must be Nassau’s priorities,” that he has made Nassau County the safest county in the nation. But Blakeman neglects to acknowledge that the same top ranking in a U.S. News & World Report annual survey was also attained in two consecutive years during the tenure of his predecessor, Democrat Laura Curran.
The Republican county executive attributes the comparatively high degree of security to “our investments in public safety.” Blakeman notes that he has sworn in 291 new police officers since taking office in 2022.
While the additional cops may be helping keep violent-crime rates at the low level achieved under Curran, an expanded Nassau County Police Department has done little to make the county’s roads safer. Blakeman says nothing, and has done nothing, about the traffic violence that resulted in nearly 150 deaths in the county during his first two years in office. Killings by armed assailants claimed fewer than 10 lives in the same period.
The NCPD, and Blakeman, appear uninterested in acting to reduce this carnage. County police issued about 20 percent fewer tickets to drivers in 2022 than in 2019, according to the most recent data available from state sources. Stricter enforcement would likely bring about a drop in fatal crashes related to speeding
feel compelled to respond to a recent column by nassau County legislator Seth Koslow — who is running for county executive — titled, “let’s put politics aside and just save lives,” about his proposed bill to equip police patrol cars with epinephrine auto-injectors, or epiPens. Koslow’s article is long on emotion and political attacks, but woefully short on facts, knowledge and analysis. Had Koslow done his homework, he would know that nassau County’s emergency ambulance Bureau already has the infrastructure, equipment and personnel to rapidly deploy epinephrine to those suffering from anaphylaxis.
Unlike Suffolk County, which utilizes a volunteer eMT system, the nassau County Police Department has paid police medics deployed in county police ambulances throughout its patrol precincts. These medics are immediately available to respond alongside police officers to 911 calls for medical emergencies, and there is no delay following dispatch, as occurs in other parts of the state — including Suffolk County, where
the ambulance service is notified separately, and often must wait to raise a crew of eMS technicians to respond to the emergency.
By contrast, the nCPD’s police medics share the same radio channels with police officers. a police medic will often arrive before a police officer, and in all cases the police officers assist our medics and become part of the ambulance crew. nCPD police medics are all advanced life-support providers, able to assess the medical situation and administer emergency medicines, including several, such as epinephrine, for people experiencing allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Hes in pulse and blood pressure and fluid build-up in the lungs.
e makes uninformed claims about the need for county police to carry EpiPens.
Koslow’s glib assertion that training police officers in the use of these injectors can be done in less than half an hour is dangerous. epinephrine is not a benign medicine, and there are serious safety concerns associated with epinephrine auto-injector use. epinephrine is a powerful cardiovascular medication, and administering it to someone where it is not indicated, and especially to someone with pre-existing cardiac conditions who is not having an anaphylactic reaction, can trigger life-threatening reactions including abnormal cardiac rhythms, heart attack, sharp increas-
and driving under the influence — the two leading causes of road deaths. Blakeman seeks to project a toughguy image when it comes to crime. That accounts for his unilateral move to create a force of 75 armed “special deputies” to be activated whenever he chooses. This new unit, criticized as a private militia, will be mobilized in cases of “emergency,” the county executive maintains. But the carnage on the county’s roads does not, in his estimation, qualify as a topic worth addressing — let alone as an “emergency.”
Kevin J Kelley Atlantic Beach
To the editor:
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent state budget proposal fails to adequately address new york’s energy infrastructure. The proposal does not mention nuclear power, even though it is the state’s best energy opportunity. equally troubling is the omission of the empire State Wind project, a once-central component of n ew york’s energy goal of generating net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. if the governor rec-
not every person experiencing an allergic reaction is having an anaphylactic reaction and in need of epinephrine. Highly trained police medics can assess, treat and stabilize these patients with several medications, including epinephrine when it is appropriate and indicated. There is also the risk of accidental deployment of an autoinjector, resulting in selfadministration into a responder’s fingers that can easily cause a limbthreatening emergency in addition to cardiac side effects.
nassau’s configuration of eMS directly integrated with police officers responding to medical emergencies is unique in new york state. in jurisdictions that do not have police medics in their police departments, the benefits of properly training and then equipping police with epinephrine autoinjectors might be worth consideration, but it’s simply not necessary — and potentially dangerous — in nassau County and would overlap with the effective system that’s already in place. interestingly, according to the nCPD, in 2024, epinephrine was used just 62 times in 45,000 ambulance transports. That equates to less than 0.14 percent of
all transports. Further, most people with severe allergies carry epiPens with them. While that doesn’t diminish the need to address any potentially lifethreatening allergic reaction as quickly as possible, the average response time of our police medics is typically between four and eight minutes, similar to police response times.
The office of county executive is a critical one, demanding a serious occupant — one who would have done research and known that the authority that Koslow proposes to create already exists, and that the county is already accomplishing what he is asking for, with great effectiveness. His legislation is, therefore, nothing more than a political statement. Proposing legislation that does not actually accomplish anything useful is not only a waste of valuable governmental time, but diverts attention from the truly critical issues we face.
Of course, no one wants even a single unnecessary death due to anaphylaxis, or any medical emergency. However, the old adage “The devil is in the details” certainly applies. i hope that if Koslow truly wishes to take on the serious job of county executive, he will take the time to ascertain the facts before engaging in unfounded political attacks and hyperbole.
Howard Kopel represents Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s presiding officer.
Framework by Tim Baker
ognizes that wind energy faces significant public opposition, especially on long island, then it’s time to focus on funding nuclear energy projects instead.
nuclear power is the most efficient form of renewable energy, generating massive amounts of electricity with a much smaller land footprint than wind or solar. This is best demonstrated by the Shoreham n uclear Power Plant, which never went online. The plant’s site now houses wind turbines that produce 1/35,000th of the energy the nuclear plant would have generated. While there were justifiable concerns about building a reactor downstate, Hochul should now look to fund nuclear reactors upstate that would create electricity for downstate communities.
The closure of the i ndian Point energy Center in 2021 underscores the urgency of building a better energy grid for n ew york. This move forced downstate new york to increase its reliance on fossil fuels, driving up emissions and worsening air pollution. Communities already struggling with environmental and health inequities continue to bear the brunt of these decisions.
n uclear power is resurging across the country. Tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta are restarting nuclear reactors because they recog -
nize that they are the most effective way to fuel their operations sustainably. it’s time for new york to follow suit. Governor Hochul should take bold action to fund nuclear energy projects, ensuring that downstate residents have access to renewable power.
