Valley Stream Herald 08-08-2024

HERALD VALLEY STREAM

A foam-load of fun

This Willow Road Elementary School student was happy as a clam in a sea of foam at the inaugural PTA foam party. Story, more photos, Page 5.

Nine decades of sisterly love

Three

Devaney siblings celebrate National Sisters Day

By NORA TOSCANO Intern

The three 90-plus-year-old Devaney sisters celebrated National Sisters Day on Sunday at The Bristol in North Woodmere, where they live. Mary Devaney, 95, Kathleen Devaney-Dolan, 93, and Teresa Devaney, 90, grew up together in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Kathleen, who raised her family in Valley Stream, is a mother of five children and grandmother to ten grandchildren. Teresa Devaney and Mary Devaney never married and lived together for years before deciding to join their sister at The Bristol.

Mary said that their mother was adamant

that the three women stay close throughout their lives.

Much of their family remained in Sligo, Ireland, where their parents immigrated from, so their mother did not have the opportunity to live close to her own sister.

“Our mother was very caring about us staying together and close,” Mary said. “She never knew her older sister because she came in the 1980s, so she said, ‘I want you girls to be close.’

And it’s worked out.”

“Being a sister is wonderful,” Kathleen said. “Having a sister is sometimes not so wonderful. But we don’t hold grudges or anything like that.”

Mary worked as a communications supervi -

At 14, this North alum heads to NYU

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

In many ways, Cody Sung is like any other 14-year-old boy. He enjoys playing Roblox, an online adventure game, with his friends. He admits to goofing off around the house when he knows he should be doing his schoolwork. Since childhood, however, Sung has displayed a prodigious intellect that has set him apart from his peers.

After his kindergarten teacher and counselor saw hints of Sung’s brilliance, later confirmed by the results of an IQ test, he leapfrogged his classmates, doing coursework three grade levels above his normal age.

C ody Sung is a very special kid with some extra special smarts.

gies are often the focus of society’s long-held fascination with extraordinary early skills and achievement. It is often touted that by some stroke of genetic luck or inborn talent, young bright minds like Sung’s are set up for a life of success. But even the natural brilliance of child geniuses and gifted teens doesn’t exempt them from the pressures and anxieties of growing up or fitting in.

ChRIST y MANSfIeLd North AP Literature teacher

At 9, Sung entered Valley Stream North High School as an eighth-grade student. Now, at 14, he’s one of the youngest students to enroll at New York University, on track to finish his undergraduate studies before even finishing puberty.

Observers note that prodi -

Recognizing their son was more than just his intellect, his parents weren’t sold at first on the prospect of putting him on the academic fast track if it meant losing out on time with kids his age.

“School officials wanted me to skip those grades as an academic challenge, but the thing is my parents didn’t want me to skip those grades mainly because I wouldn’t be in contact with peers of the same age, and would hurt me socially and emotionally,” said Sung. Then, a compromise was struck.

Continued on page 10

Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

Mount Sinai South Nassau Recognized for Excellence in Emergency Nursing Mount

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Emergency Nurses Association’s 2024 Lantern Award for outstanding patient care and reducing wait times, and for excellence in nurse retention, achieving a zero vacancy rate and one percent turnover rate.

The Lantern Award also recognizes nursing sta commitment to ongoing education and training and fostering an environment of learning and professional growth.

We congratulate Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department nursing sta for their commitment to patient care, quality, safety and a healthy work environment.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.

Shedding light on the dark side of racing

Novel ‘Heliacal Star’ inspired by life near Belmont

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Victor Bahna is a tech executive, a Class of 1983 Valley Stream Central alumnus, a family man and a lover of horse racing — and the Malverne native surprised even himself when he recently added “published author” to that list.

“It only took me 59 years to get there,” Bahna said with a laugh.

Bahna’s debut novel, “Heliacal Star,” was released by Bahna’s publishing company, Bahna Publishing, on July 29. The suspense novel already has glowing reviews from the likes of the Seattle Book Review, which gave it five stars. The story follows a former bookie named Matt, and a horse trainer, Kristine, as they confront Matt’s past in organized crime.

The story will hit particularly close to home — literally — for residents of Malverne and Elmont, because it grew out of Bahna’s love for the races at Belmont. When he was a teenager, Bahna and his friends made their way to the racetrack one day, and Bahna was immediately hooked.

“Just the excitement of the race itself,” Bahna, who now lives in Washington, said. “I had not experienced anything like that before.”

He would sometimes bet on the races — typically in the $2 to $4 range, he said — but it wasn’t just the betting that made the races so engaging. The cheering of the crowd electrified the air.

“There’s nothing that’s predetermined,” Bahna said. “That’s also just part of the excitement. There’s the possibility you can win, but you have a stake in the game even if you’re a $2 bettor.”

And then there were the horses themselves.

“I started appreciating just the elegance, the grace, the beauty of horses,” Bahna said. “I often go just to watch them run. It’s just so amazing to hear and watch them in action.”

But there’s a dark side to horse racing as well — one that Bahna hopes his book will shed a little more light on.

After horses’ racing careers are over, some end up in the breeding industry; others become show horses. And others find themselves locked in dark trailers headed to Canada or Mexico, where they will be slaughtered and their meat sold in other countries.

When Bahna decided in 2017 to write a book, he discovered that more than 100,000 horses were being slaughtered every year in Canada and Mexico combined — though that total was down from 300,000 two decades earlier. Many were former racehorses.

“I want to bring a little more awareness to that part of the industry, because no one really talks about this much,” Bahna said. “So I thought this was an opportunity for me to perhaps shed light on this a little bit. But I wanted to do it in a way where I wasn’t preaching, and I wasn’t sermonizing. I just wanted to lay

Rooster City is a former racehorse that could have been sent to a slaughterhouse. Instead he is

out a story-like framework, and that really was the starting point.”

A frightening trip to a slaughterhouse could have been the fate of a spunky, lovable, 18-year-old former racehorse named Rooster City. Instead, he is living his best life on a farm in Washington thanks to Bahna.

After Rooster City, then age 7, pulled a leg muscle during his racing career, he could have been cast aside like so many other thoroughbreds. Instead, Bahna, who owned him, wanted to do the right thing. Now Rooster City enjoys his days on the farm, ridden frequently by Bahna.

“He’s Mr. Personality,” Bahna said fondly. “He’s sassy, he’s playful. He’s a very determined horse.”

Rooster City’s light could have been prematurely extinguished had he been in the hands of a less caring owner. And unfortunately, that continues to be the fate of thousands of horses each year.

But the good news is that those numbers continue to decline. Last year, only 20,000 or so horses met their end in slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico, thanks to a drop in overseas demand for horsemeat, racetracks providing improved aftercare for horses, and more social media awareness. More horses than ever before are enjoying second careers after their racing days, whether as show and dressage horses, therapy horses for people with special needs, or just lifelong companions on a farm.

“Hopefully,” Bahna said of slaughterhouse deaths, “we get that number down to zero soon.”

“Heliacal Star” is available on Amazon, at tinyurl.com/HeliacalStar.

A novel by Victor Bahna, who is originally from Malverne, was released on Monday. ‘Heliacal Star’ is a suspense novel that explores the dark side of horse racing.

Photos courtesy Victor Bahna

living peacefully on a farm.

Valley Stream BOCES receives Dillon Award

Bilal Khawar, a Rosemary Kennedy School student from Valley Stream, is one of sixteen recipients of a Dr. Robert R. Dillon Award, a scholarship that honors the former Nassau BOCES District Superintendent who died last summer.

Presented by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation, this year marks the inaugural year of the awards. Dr. Dillon’s family asked that donations in his memory be made to the foundation, which in turn raised over $13,000. Part of these donations help to fund student awards.

There are three categories of the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Awards: the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Core Values Champion Award, the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award and the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Outstanding Teamwork Award. Khawar was a recipient of the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Core Values Champion Award, which was presented to “a student who displays a spirit of kindness and upholds, embraces and embodies the Nassau BOCES core values of Compassion, Equity, Excellence, Integrity and Respect.”

Khawar was honored with a $100 scholarship and received a certificate during Rosemary Kennedy’s completion celebration. Eleven other students from various Nassau BOCES schools and programs received the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Core Values Champion Award. Three students received the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award, which recognized students who demonstrated “exceptional and impactful leadership skills,” and one received the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Outstanding Teamwork Award, which recognized a student who excelled in teamwork.

“The Dr. Robert R. Dillon Awards annually celebrate Dr. Robert R. Dillon’s educational legacy across Nassau BOCES schools and programs,” stated Anthony Fierro, Chairperson of the Foundation and longserving Chief Administrator of the Nassau BOCES Department of Facilities Services and Capital Projects. “They highlight the importance of positive recog-

nition in fostering student self-esteem and motivation, while also championing the values of kindness, leadership, and teamwork. These awards not only recognize but also inspire students to strive for new heights in both personal and academic achievement.”

–Nora

Leaving a Vacation Home to Family

We all know the road to you know where is paved with good intentions. Nowhere is this more true than leaving a vacation or beach home for the children to share after the parents have passed. We have often advised that if they are all happy and get along well this might very well lead to the end of those good feelings and relationships.

Inevitably, some will do more work on the premises than others, some will use the premises more than others, there will be disagreements as to maintenance and repairs. Some may never visit or use it at all.

Initially, all expenses tend to be shared equally, since all are equal owners. The foregoing issues, however, will quickly arise and then it will often be difficult or impossible to determine what each child’s fair share of the expenses should be. The one living across the country who never visits may insist that they be “bought out” or, if that’s unaffordable to the others, that the house be sold so that they can get their share.

Sooner or later, one of the siblings dies

and their share goes to a sister-in-law or brother-in-law who may remarry and bring a stranger into the shared arrangement. Or let’s say an owner of one-third of the house dies, and now their share goes to their four children. How is that going to work?

Vacation homes are an excellent example of why good estate planning is often more social work than legal work. In these cases we anticipate the problems and spend the time to figure out who wants and uses the home and perhaps leave it to those children only and compensate the others with money or other assets. If they all use and enjoy the home, we sometimes require that it be held jointly with the right of survivorship, allowing the last of the joint owners to decide who to leave it to.

While the possibilities are endless, each case should be looked at and thought through so as to keep harmony in the family by preempting any potential conflicts. Otherwise, it’s often a case of the old adage that “no good deed goes unpunished”.

&

Toscano

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Bilal Khawar, a Rosemary Kennedy School student from Valley Stream, is a Dr. Robert R. Dillon scholarship awardee that honors the former Nassau BOCES District Superintendent who died last summer.

HERALD SchoolS

Willow Road PTA hosts a big foam party

Willow Road Elementary School’s PTA held a foam party before school ended, a fun event where an area is filled with clean, cool foam from a foam machine as a fundraiser. A first for the school community, the vibrant event raised funds for future events and activities that enrich the educational experience for students throughout the school year.

Under sunny skies, laughter and excitement filled the air as students, families, and faculty gathered for an unforgettable day of fun. Designed with safety in mind, the Willow Road foam party featured a lively atmosphere complete with music, games, and delicious food, creating cherished memories for everyone in attendance.

“We’re grateful for the overwhelming support from our families and community members,” added Principal Cindy Gervasi. “Their generosity ensures that we can continue to provide enriching programs and events that enhance the educational journey of our students. This would not have been possible without our dedicated PTA members for their unwavering commitment to our school.”

–Juan Lasso

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Willow Road Elementary School students are full smiles and covered in foam at their inaugural foam party.

Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 13 Willow Road Elementary School students are treated to snacks and foam suds at the inaugural foam party.

AI helps level the educational playing field

Embracing new technologies like ‘adaptive learning’ is proving to be key to keeping

By Nicole Wagner & Danielle Schwab

Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.

While some educators have gotten acquainted with artificial intelligence hesitantly, many school districts across Nassau County have embraced the technological tool in the classroom. It’s no secret that AI is changing the academic landscape. Educators, parents and students are in a race to keep up with its abilities, and especially about how it can — and will — be used in education. A helpful visual representation of just how AI can help students is a ramp. Ramps are used in buildings to make different levels accessible to people who can’t climb steps. But many of those who can take the steps use ramps as well. AI can be seen as a tool that all students can use to make education more accessible and to serve their individual needs.

Meeting students where they are

The Franklin Square school district has embraced AI as a way to help individualize education for students from pre-K through sixth grade. District Superintendent Jared Bloom spoke with the Herald about the multitude of ways AI can help keep students engaged, tai-

loring lessons to their interests.

One tool that district students and parents have used is Goblin.Tools, an AI-powered site that can identify an essay’s key points if a student need to create a Power Point or poster board for a given assignment.

“You can even break those chunks into smaller chunks,” Bloom said. “So it really becomes manageable, and you can really understand what are the key components of that assignment.”

Another way in which AI can help teachers and students is by varying the reading level of a passage. This has been a welcome change for educators in Franklin Square, Bloom explained: 20 years ago, teachers had to find a handful of different reading passages for the various skill levels in their classrooms.

student’s interests, whether it be music, sports, art or anything else. “We know that when students are interested in a topic, they’re going to be more engaged and more open to learning,” Bloom said.

Nassau County BOCES’ Special Education Department, which serves 1,800 students at 10 Nassau BOCES schools, is exploring AI’s potential in special education. Ken Kroog, assistant director of the department, said that AI can help students through what’s known as “adaptive learning.” During online assessments, AI tailors questions based on a student’s performance in real time.

“Now you can take one passage and run it through AI, and be able to hand that reading out to kids all on the same topic without having to go out and get new material,” Bloom said. “And that’s very helpful for students.”

The promise of personalization in any subject excites Bloom about AI. A fourth-grade math problem can be plugged into AI and personalized to a

“So let’s say if I answer correctly or achieve a certain level of proficiency, the subsequent questions will challenge me at a greater level,” Kroog explained. “So you get a real clear picture of where, exactly, I’m performing across the different skill areas.”

Students who are visually or audibly impaired can use tools like Otter.ai to transcribe a lecture to better understand what is going on in the classroom.

Katherine Lewis, a disability counselor at Nassau Community College, said she uses this tool to help students. AI can be a great help for students who are strug-

kids engaged

gling to understand a topic — and for families who can’t afford a home tutor.

“To be able to sit with your child and utilize some of these tools that are out there, free of charge, helping support an understanding of a particular topic, is pretty magical,” Bloom said.

Students at NCC can benefit from AI when the college’s learning centers are unavailable. Genette Alvarez-Ortiz, vice president of academic affairs, said she hoped it could be used around the clock to help students when staff are not accessible.

“In terms of availability, there are challenges with the evening coverage and weekend coverage,” Alvarez-Ortiz said of the college’s learning centers. “We may be able to look at AI as a possibility to help support our learning centers.”

Benefits that AI offers educators Staff in the Franklin Square school district have reported that personalization and customization of lessons for students can “support students in new and different ways that we wouldn’t have been able to do as easily” without AI, according to Bloom. These tools help teachers save time when creating lesson plans.

“I’m really hopeful that we’re going to be able to get to that point where we’re utilizing AI to make everybody’s life a little bit better and easier,” he said,

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Nassau BOCES staffers have embraced the power of artificial intelligence to enhance student learning.

AI is changing education in so many ways

Continued from PreViouS Page

“and as a result of that, we’re customizing and personalizing for kids in ways that we wouldn’t have been able to do as quickly before.”

kind of both.”

Student reception

WBOCES educators have not only used AI tools as time-savers when creating lesson plans, but have also used them as “thought partners,” Kroog said. “It allows special educators to differentiate learning for students, customizing instruction for specific learning needs and leveraging their strengths to give them a very personalized, individualized learning experience,” he said.

This helps teachers in the Special Education Department at BOCES as they work on time-demanding aspects of their jobs, such as report writing and individualized education programs, or IEPs.

As an elementary-focused school district, Bloom said, Franklin Square’s students are using AI differently than a kindergarten-through-12th grade district would. However, the students who are able to use AI prompts have been very excited to embrace the tool. The district has been trying to give students a variety of opportunities to learn how to program, prompt AI, design video games and more to increase their exposure to different technologies.

e know that when students are interested in a topic, they’re going to be more engaged and more open to learning.

JAred Bloom

Franklin Square superintendent

Rockville Centre school district Superintendent Matthew Gaven said he also believes AI can be used to tailor lessons to students’ needs.

“Computers and teachers have always given the diagnosis, but not always the prescription,” Gaven said. “Like, ‘How do you get better?’ So AI is

“That’s the world that they’re growing up in,” Bloom said. “We have to be preparing our kids for their future, for their tomorrow.”

In Rockville Centre, students in middle and high school have the chance to enroll in an elective AI course that uses the coding program kidOYO. Gaven said that students have embraced the elective courses that teach AI research at the middleschool level and prompting at the highschool level.

“Our students are going to have these tools embedded in their lives,” Gaven

said. “They need to know how to use them responsibly. They need to know what they’re good for and what they’re not good for. And then they need to know, you know, how do you take the stuff that AI generates and add value on top.”

What are its limitations?

AI does have its limitations. Teachers still need to vet its output to see what’s applicable and what’s not. It’s a process that Kroog believes requires human expertise to navigate.

The technology must comply with New York State Education Law 2-D, which protects students’ and teachers’ personal information.

“Educators need to know how to use them right for their own instruction, and then teach students how to use them responsibly to support their learning,” Kroog said. “And with that comes a lot of learning, a lot of training on our part, and then a lot of understanding of what AI can do and what it can’t do.”

Maintaining academic integrity while using AI is something Bloom is passionate about. “I believe that with enough support and with enough training, just like with the calculator, we’re going to be able to help students to see how it is a tool to improve learning, and not a tool to just get you the answer,” he said.

As Gaven sees it, the future looks

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bright for the ways AI will be used to help students in the years to come. “If AI truly allows individual pathways for students — you know, really specifically tailored instruction, with the resources that support it,” he said, “then I think it’s going to be a tremendous help for all of our students, particularly our students with special needs.”

Beach wrestling returns to Long Beach

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Sunbathing, surfing and maybe even a few sandcastles took a back seat last Saturday as a wresting tournament with nearly 250 participants dominated a steamy summer day in Long Beach.

The [Reggie] Jones & [Paul] Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament, the second of its kind on the sand at Edwards Boulevard Beach since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, honored those two legendary coaches and “ran smoothly,” organizer Miguel Rodriguez said.

“It was such an incredible day and the city of Long Beach was a huge help,” said Rodriguez, a longtime member of the Long Beach High School wrestling program coaching staff who competed for the Marines from 1997-99 and took part in a handful of beach wrestling events himself.

“We were hoping for 100 wresters and ended up with close to 250,” he added. “It was a lot of work and took a lot of people to make it possible. The day turned out just perfect. We hadn’t hosted one in nine years, but this was the best-run tournament we’ve had in a long time and honored some special people.”

In addition to coaches Jones and Gillespie, the tournament was dedicated to late Long Beach wrestlers and graduates Lazar LaPenna, Joshua Encarnacion and Michael Berube. Three of the event’s four wrestling rings was named in their

honor, Rodriguez said.

While there was no shortage of high school varsity and JV, and middle school-aged competitors, Rodriguez noted the ages ranged from kindergartners through 55.

Dylan Martinsen, a 2019 Long Beach High School graduate, won the 172-pound weight group. His father, Kevin, 55, also competed. “I hadn’t wrestled since high school and it was really cool,” Dylan said. “Everyone did a great job putting it together, and honoring the memories of the guys we’ve recently lost was touching.”

Each match consisted one of three-minute period and began in the neutral position — both wrestlers stood opposite one another in the center of the ring and waited for the referee’s whistle to start grappling. That was also the case for any restart, Rodriguez said. The first wrestler to score three points advanced. In the event of a tie at the end of three minutes, the wrestler who scored the last point was declared the winner.

“Most matches didn’t last the full three minutes, but one of the finals did,” Rodriguez said. “We had 14 different categories and about 50 first-place medals handed out.”

The goal moving forward, Rodriguez said, is to take the tournament up a notch on the beach wrestling stage. “Not only do we want to make this an annual event, but we’re hoping it can be a qualifier for the Beach World Series,” he said.

Arianna Balsamo, left, and Matthew Sarro were two of the nearly 250 wrestlers to flock to Long Beach to grapple on the sand in the East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament named after legendary coaches Reggie Jones and Paul Gillespie.

Michelle Ebel/Herald photos

Gregg LaPenna, left, and Kevin Martinsen were two of the elder competitors in last Saturday’s beach wrestling tournament.

Jack O’Grady, top, tussled with Tristan Doughertyse.

Mount Sinai’s emergency nurses are honored

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The Emergency Nurses Association has awarded the prestigious 2024 Lantern Award to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department.

The department staff received the award for reducing wait times and for demonstrating commitment to exceptional and innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The award is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, a trailblazing nurse and the founder of modern nursing, who was known by the nickname “Lady with the Lamp.”

MSSN’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department, along with emergency departments at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, are three of only 94 emergency departments across the United States that met the Lantern Award criteria this year, according to the hospital.

Colleen Schaefer, quality operations coordinator for South Nassau’s Emergency Department, submitted the application and the necessary data.

“This was brought forward by our former director, Christina Salucci, and another Mount Sinai emergency department received the award last year,” Schaefer said, “so we really pushed and came together as a department to apply for the award this year.”

Melissa Berman/Herald

For its teamwork and an enduring commitment to service excellence, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department was awarded the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award for reducing wait times and for innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The Emergency Department nurses found out they had won early last month.

in a key measurement of patient satisfaction and performance.

“This is a testament to the ED staff, especially the nurses, for the amazing work they do on a daily basis,” Itzkowitz said. “Talk about the care they provide to all the patients, the patient experience and the patients who want to come here. We are providing a service to the community that they want in that area.”

MSSN’s emergency room simultaneously reduced the “left without being seen” patient rate to below 2 percent and handled a significant increase in post-pandemic patient volume.

“It goes without saying how proud I am and excited to be part of this,” Itzkowitz added. “We know the amazing team that we have — it’s just a matter of time till we’re recognized for the amazing work that the nursing team provides.”

The Lantern Award also recognized the ongoing education and training of the nursing staff to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to societal needs.

Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, who is an emergency physician by background, said he was immensely proud of the ED staff and leadership.

The 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av (Mon. night and Tues., Aug. 12-13) is the saddest in Jewish history, commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temples (which were on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, now occupied by the Dome of the Rock). The Western [retaining] Wall, the Temple’s remnant, is the holiest place accessible to Jews today. Through the millennia, Jews have recited Psalm 137: ‘If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem (Zion) in memory even at my happiest hour.’ Jews are not ‘settler colonial’ interlopers in the Land of Israel; Jews are the indigenous nation of the Land, having returned home to the Jewish state of Israel and to Zion (which is Jerusalem).

Dr. Jay Itzkowitz, clinical chair of the department, helped implement a series of innovations that led to improvement

“I think for both leadership and staff, it just signifies how hard we’ve worked together as a department, and we experience growth and change,” Schaefer said. “Our staff is adapting excellent to that, and we’re making sure that we’re growing our team and providing safe patient care for all our patients.”

“It’s very rewarding to see it — it’s a good reflection on the culture in the ED and organization,” Sharma said. “This award is a great milestone, but the best is yet to come.”

The Devaney sisterhood is something else

sor at Bell Atlantic where she supervised a group that consisted entirely of men. She later earned a position on the company’s Board of Directors. Teresa was a financial analyst for Western Electric, which she said treated both her and her parents extremely well and helped pay for her parent’s medical bills. Kathleen was a stay-at-home mother. Her husband, James Dolan, was a Purple Heart World War II veteran who served at D-Day.

In Prospect Heights, the Devaneys were raised in a three-story, six-family home, where they were surrounded by family with cousins on two of the three floors. Family remains an integral part of their lives, as Kathleens children and grandchildren often frequent The Bristol for surprise birthday parties for all three women.

Yother place,” added Mary. “This comes first.”

Throughout their lives, the three sisters traveled back to Ireland 22 times, discovering new family members each time they returned. Teresa said one of her favorite memories from their trips was visiting a house in Sligo that their father built for animals as a young man, which was still in use.

ou hear of families or people that as they grow older, they haven’t seen their sister or brother in years. We don’t have that

Kathleen DevaneY-Dolan Sister

Teresa said it was nice for the three of them to be living together once again.

“We’re very happy,” she said. “... Some people are so unhappy lately. But we do a lot of laughing and joking.”

“When I was leaving Rockville Centre…I didn’t think I’d be happier in any

Kathleen said that the three of them were fortunate to still be so close.

“You hear of families or people that as they grow older, they haven’t seen their sister or brother in years,” Kathleen said. “We don’t have that.”

All three women have advice for younger generations, especially younger generations of sisters.

“Don’t be fussy,” Teresa said simply.

“Being happy and eating healthy and getting along with family members,” Kathleen added. “Those are three important things.”

“Take good care of yourself,” said Mary. “...Whatever you want to do, do it now because you never know what the later years are going to be like.”

Teen prodigy is a force of academic nature

Sung would get the best of both worlds: attending classes with the older students while spending non-academic hours like lunch time and gym glass around peers his age. His mom, Anna Jan, says the support system he received from students and staff at every step of his journey has been nothing short of stellar.

“The older kids of course may socialize at a different level than Cody, but they have been so great with him,” said Jan. “They accepted him right away and supported him. The teachers, the students, even the security guards tried to make sure he was in class on time and find his way around the halls.”

Sung noted that rote tasks like transporting his books to and from classes were orders of magnitude more difficult in high school than it had been at elementary school.

Lacking the upper body strength of his peers, 9-year-old Sung often struggled to pry open his locker. Hauling his books up and down the stairs was a singularly cumbersome feat, which, on several botched attempts, would end in a messy spill.

But there was always someone, Jan said, that would thoughtfully come to his aid. Things eventually got easier as time went on.

Outside of high school, Sung didn’t have trouble finding friends his age to

enjoy spending time with and be himself around, according to Jan, but he faced distinct challenges they couldn’t fully relate to.

“Because he had a more demanding course load than kids his age, he couldn’t play as much as the other kids, “she said.

“But we make sure he has time to play

and be with his friends as much as possible.”

Any doubts that he’d be unable to handle the exceptional rigors of his life were dispelled.

“He is amazing,” said Jan. “I know he could handle this because he’s surprised me every year with all the course subjects and activities he can handle, and he keeps asking for more.”

These days, Sung has grown more mature, and more sure of himself, and part of that maturity seems to include admitting to being an occasional procrastinator and fumbling with discipline to achieve a so-called “work-life balance.” Something he says his older peers are better at doing than him.

And yet by making the most of every opportunity to feed his insatiable curiosity, freely pursue his interests and hobbies — tennis, walking, and museum excursions — and gaining the respect and affection of his older peers, Sung has left an indelible mark on North High School with his top-tier brains, and yes, his generous heart.

“(Cody Sung) is a very special kid with some extra special smarts,” wrote AP English Literature teacher Christy Mansfield who is the teacher advisor for the North Star student newspaper of which Sung was an editor. “…I’ve so appreciated his enthusiasm, wit, and effort. I will miss him in my classroom, and I will miss him in my daily path.”

Courtesy Mackenzie Woldson/Bristol

The three Devaney sisters, all in their 90s, celebrated National Sisters Day together at The Bristol in North Woodmere, reflecting on their enduring closeness and the joy they find in one another’s company.

Courtesy Cody Sung

At 14, Cody Sung is not only an incoming college student at NYU, but also a prodigy navigating the challenges of growing up while balancing extraordinary academic achievements and the pressures of fitting in with students his age.

CoNTiNUeD from pAge 1

CoNTiNUeD from pAge 1

STEPPING OUT

Inside the hive at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

There’s a special “day” for everyone and everything it seems. So it’s certainly fitting that the helpful yet often misunderstood honey bee gets its due. And that brings us to Aug. 17, aka “National Honey Bee Day.” Long Island Children’s Museum goes all out to celebrate the hard-working insect with two days of “Honey Hoopla” activities, Aug. 16-17.

The museum has been home to over 20,000 honeybees year-round since 2012, when a hive was introduced to the Feast for Beasts exhibit, which opened in January of that year. The museum welcomed visitors to the first “Honey Hoopla” that year so that everyone could experience the first harvesting of honey from the then newly active hive.

Now Honey Hoopla returns — in a big way.

Families can check in on the busy bugs from an observational beehive, still located in the Feasts for Beasts exhibit. There, honeybees travel in and out of the hive, pollinating flowers in the museum’s pollinator garden and working together to create a productive thriving colony.

“They all have an important task to do, and they really stick to that role. And then, of course, there’s the queen, the leader of the hive,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.

The fruit of their labors? Lots and lots of honey, of course Color, aroma, and taste can change based on the nectar of the flower. Families are welcome to taste many different varieties of honey, including, of course, from the museum’s honey harvest. And for those interested, the museum’s honey is available for purchase in the Museum Store.

“A lot of people maybe don’t know that honey can taste different from different varieties of flowers or the location. We’re offering different honey varieties that the kids can taste test and try to match up,” Niver says.

Bees certainly give us more than that sweet treat. Families become fully involved in exploring the role of honey bees in our ecosystem through hands-on activities.

• Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.)

• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

Visitors will learn that honeybees are responsible for pollinating some of Long Island’s most abundant crops including melons, pumpkins, tree nuts, and berries; and that the honey bee population is in danger and decreasing rapidly. Without these pollinators, we would lose some of our favorite foods such as chocolate, grapes, apples, and pears.

‘Families can also explore the use of honeycombs, from which wax is made. The “Happy Beeday” activity is an opportunity to make and decorate beeswax birthday candles.

“They’ll have a strip of colored beeswax and wicks they’ll wrap and roll up to create the candle, and then any scrap pieces of wax can be used to decorate it,” says Niver.

A local beekeeper will be on hand to demonstrate how honey is harvested from those honeycombs. In addition, kids can get involved in bee-themed crafts throughout the galleries that highlight how we can help the bees so that our fruit and vegetable crops can be healthy.

After some time buzzing around, visitors might want to take a break, with a free theatrical reading of Gay Thomas’ book, “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The charming story engages families with adorable illustrations and an uplifting message about cooperation and the great benefits of working together for a common goal, along with plenty of bee facts.

While we understand that honey bees do so much for our environment, climate change and pesticides put the insects at risk of colony collapse disorder, where worker bees will exhibit abnormal behavior that leads to the destruction of the colony.

“They’re in danger of continuing to decrease due to different environmental factors,” Niver explains. “If we don’t have the bees here to help us pollinate, then we don’t have the abundance of crops that we can use for our food, and we’ll lose the success of our crop.”

To that end, the museum has launched its Name a Honey Bee Campaign so that visitors can join in bee preservation efforts. A donation of $10 allows families to name one of the museum’s bees, to be recognized on a visual display featuring the bee’s new name and the donor’s name through year’s end.

“It’s very easy for people to feel fearful of bees because they don’t want to be stung, and maybe they assume that all bees are looking to sting and cause harm,” Niver adds. “But the reality is that the honey bees are very docile, and they are just looking to make their honey. They’re really our friends.”

Photos courtesy LICMl

The industrious honey bee buzzes into the spotlight to captivate museum visitors. Participate in a theatrical reading and meet Gay Thomas, author of the “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” and explore an observational beehive during the event.

Gladys Knight

Hop aboard that “Midnight Train to Georgia” when the legendary soul chanteuse brings her Farewell Tour to Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair. Gladys Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential, and beloved living singers on the planet. And while the Empress of Soul may have been in the business for more than 60 years now, that hasn’t stopped her from continuing to rock that beat as only she can do. She’s bringing her classic Motown-style R&B to fans one last time before she bids us farewell. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s fierce vocal power, elegant precision, and heartfelt performances have cemented her as one of music’s true icons. If you’re enjoy her classic Motown-style R&B, then you’ll surely want to see her perform — one more time. “That’s What Friends Are For,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” — you know the hits, now hear her bring them to life once again.

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $63. Tickets available at LiveNation. com. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury.

Paula Poundstone

The iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that’s become the stuff of legend. When she isn’t collecting hotel soaps while on tour or panel-ing on NPR’s #1 show, “Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me!,” she hosts the popular Maximum Fun podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” “Nobody” is a comedy field guide to life, complete with taste tests, cats of the weeks and leading experts in everything from beekeeping to prosopagnosia. Her stand-up credentials are endless, along with numerous TV appearances. Her second book, “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness,” in which she offers herself up as a guinea pig in a series of thoroughly unscientific experiments, was recognized a semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor (the highest recognition of humor writing in the U.S.).

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. $55. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

THE Your Neighborhood

Double Vision

The 1970s and ‘80s come alive when Double Vision brings their “Foreigner Experience” to the Paramount Stage, Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m. Whether you’re a lifelong Foreigner enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of their music, Double Vision promises a night of electrifying entertainment that will leave you singing along and craving more. Composed of some New York City’s top professional rock musicians, the band delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess in bring audiences all the hits from the band that you’ve come to love, while honoring Foreigner and its audience, with a show second to none. The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll lives on, one unforgettable performance at a time, with this group of talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans. Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy.

Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for every audience member. With an impressive catalog of classics at their fingertips, Double Vision transports audiences to an era when arena rock ruled and Foreigner reigned supreme. Each show is a testament to their musical prowess, transporting fans to a time when anthems were born and memories were made. Sing along to some of the greatest hit tunes , including “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Urgent,” “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and more. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Movie Night

Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, Aug. 14, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See Disney’s recent animated musical comedy “Wish.” Audiences are welcomed to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharpwitted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

End of Summer 5K

Cherish summer’s last moments with EliteFeats’ Summer Party & 5K Run at Eisenhower Park, Field #2, Thursday, Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m. Check-in for the race begins at 5:30 p.m. $15. Meet near the Duck’s Red Shed. Bring a change of clothes for party.. For more information, visit Events.EliteFeats.com.

Circus antics

Get in on the action with I.FLY Trapeze, Long Island’s only flying trapeze and circus arts school. Families will enjoy “Wild West Circus,” Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m., at Eisenhower Park. I.FLY Trapeze puts spectators up close to the aerialists who perform amazing feats of athleticism and agility 25 feet in the air. Performances include Chains, Silk and Lyra, with comedy and on the grounds acts with Balancing and Baton, also a Flying Trapeze Finale. Next to the Nassau County Aquatic Center off Merrick Ave., East Meadow. Free parking available in lot 1A adjacent to the trapeze. For more information, visit IFlyTrapeze. com.

Car Show

The Village of Valley Stream hosts their annual classic car show, Friday, Aug. 9, starting at 6 p.m., on Rockaway Ave. For more information, call (516) 825-4200 or visit Vsvny.org.

Village meeting

The Village of Valley Stream holds its regular Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m., at Village Hall. 123 S. Central Ave. For more information, call (516) 8254200 or visit Vsvny.org.

Seasonal Sprouts

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Seasonal Sprouts session, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.noon. Children (ages 4 to 6) can tour the gardens with guided activities exploring smells, sight, sound, and touch, even taste in planting a tasty veggie. $8 per child, $15 adult. Registration required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Valley Stream Jazz Festival

Enjoy some great sounds at Simon’s Valley Stream Jazz Festival, a multi-cultural celebration of jazz, Saturday Aug.10, starting at 5 p.m., at the Bandshell in the Village Green. East New York Ave. For more information, visit SiJazzFest.org.

Dramatic Play

Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, Aug. 12, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story. Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence.This week’s theme: The Amazing World of Bugs and Butterflies. Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Having an event?

Summer tunes

Enjoy a tribute to ‘70s radio hits with 45 RPM, at Eisenhower Park, Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. The New York City-based band of vocalists and musicians recreates the songs and their era with the C’mon Get Happy show, an entertaining and visually engaging evening that has you singing and dancing along. It’s a whole night of “wow, I remember that one” moments. Get “hooked on a feeling” with 45 RPM. Bring seating Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

American Legion Post 854 meets Valley Stream American Legion Post 854 holds their regular monthly meeting, Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. 51 Roosevelt Ave. For more information, call (516) 791-9791 or visit AmericanLegion845.com.

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

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition “Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.

Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

‘Walkin’ After Midnight’

Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist.

She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit

Task force focuses on human trafficking

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Law enforcement agents, state legislators and experts on human trafficking met at a conference at Nassau Community College on July 31.

The Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking was created to help Nassau and Suffolk investigators, policy makers and safe houses share what they need to protect victims.

The Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking — the state organization responsible for providing annual reports on the topic — is three years out of date, resulting in a critical lack of data since coronavirus lockdowns eased. Since then, organizations that help victims have strained to mitigate the harm done by human traffickers.

“It is a problem that is everywhere, but nobody is actually seeing it,” Assemblyman Brian Curran said.

The participants discussed state financial support, law enforcement tools, aid for exploited migrants, and educational programs to help New Yorkers recognize when someone is a victim of trafficking.

Attorneys and law enforcement personnel considered the effects of changes in trafficking-related charges — some are not officially “sex crimes,” so perpetrators don’t end up on the state’s Sex Offender Registry — and proving a victim was exploited is difficult for prosecutors, Christine Guida, deputy chief of the Nassau County Special Victims Bureau, explained.

The difficulty of bringing cases to trial can begin much earlier. Trafficking victims are often young — high school and college students — or struggle to communicate due to a language barrier. In virtually every case, they are threatened by traffickers not to come forward.

“People think that in order to do the unthinkable, there has to be some kind of torture involved,” defense

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

The task force is composed of local law enforcement, legislators and members of organizations that provide services to people in need, representing a range of groups that deal with different aspects of human trafficking.

attorney Diane Clarke said. “That’s not the case.”

The goal of training and education programs is to demystify what human trafficking is and how it works. Deepening the public’s understanding of trafficking can make tools such as simple hand signals for help increasingly viable for victims to escape their captors.

The Empower, Assist and Care Network is one of many organizations that provide housing, case management and other forms of aid to victims across Long Island and New York City.

“It is my hope that these conversations are going to continue in a way that is coordinating and enhancing our services, and advocating for funding,” said Neela Mukherjee Lockel, president and CEO of the EAC Network. “We’re going up against giant criminal enterpris-

es. That’s what human trafficking is, and we need money and resources to do that.”

Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds is president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, which has been providing shelter for runaway, homeless and trafficked children for over 140 years. It also has a mental health program that serves about 400 young people, in addition to programs for those suffering from addiction.

“We’re here today to make a couple suggestions about ways to improve systems of care,” Reynolds said. “This would include educating health and human service workers about how to spot the signs of trafficking, what to do about it, and how to intervene.”

The conference was the first step in renewing the fight against trafficking, Assemblyman Brian Maher said.

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET

BACKED RECEIVABLES

LLC 2005-HE1

MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE1, -againstDAVE DIXON, 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 September 27, 2018, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES

LLC 2005-HE1

MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE1 is the Plaintiff and DAVE DIXON, 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 August 19, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 450 HUNGRY HARBOR ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581; and the following tax map identification: 39-621-30. 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

CRIME bRIEf

Queens man arrested for rash of burglaries

Public Notices Public Notices

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 August 21, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Albermarle Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 607 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $545,528.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611066/2020. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Firm Fil No.: 191501-3 148055

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004857/2009. Raymond Nardo, Esq, 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. 148044

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF MFRA TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. SEBASTIAN A. LEONARDI A/K/A SEBASTIAN LEONARDI, Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 30, 2024, I, the undersigned

John Kennedy, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: July 2, 2024

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 148038

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of PALMWOOD RC LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on JULY 3, 2024. Office located in NASSAU COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 10 E MERRICK RD #304 VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 147992

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against STACY ZUCKER, et al

Defendant(s)

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST

Quan Li He a/k/a Quan L. He a/k/a Quan He; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 5, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 19, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 51 Dewitt Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, District: 2820 Section: 37 Block: 495 Lot: 223. Approximate amount of judgment $287,118.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 600388/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000478-1 148040

LEGAL NOTICE

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

MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BC2, Plaintiffagainst - CASSANDRA N. CEAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 29, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 29th day of August, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 25, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 70 Wilson Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 468 Lot 8. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $491,566.88 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 603961/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800)280-2832. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing

A Queens man was arrested early Tuesday morning on July 23 for a series of burglaries at Macy’s in the Green Acres Mall, according to police.

Officers responded to a 911 call at 7:01 a.m. in connection to a man lurking inside Macy’s before the store had opened for business. Detectives said 19-year-old Ramel Payne was spotted breaking into cash registers and stealing cash.

Payne tried to run away from police through a fire exit but was eventually caught. After further investigation it was allegedly discovered that Payne was responsible for six other burglaries at the same Macy’s location.

He is charged with third-degree burglary and was arraigned on July 24 at First District Court in Hempstead. He is due back in court on Aug. 14.

A

Premises known as 76 Southgate Road, Valley Stream, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11581. (SBL#: 39-540-15)

Approximate amount of lien $1,104,538.81 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 005943/2012. Richard C. Lunenfeld, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

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

Dated: July 2, 2024

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

148185

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-HE1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiffagainst - WILHELMENA KELLY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 5, 2017. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 4th day of September, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at North Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Premises known as 1369 Carole Ct, Valley Stream, NY 11580-1515.

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

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

Index No. 003133/2015. Anthony W. Russo, Esq., Referee.

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

KELLY-69943

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

Dated: June 26, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency,

bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change. 148183

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST DHARMIE D. INDER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 7, 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 September 3, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 208 Dean Street, Valley Stream a/k/a 208 Dean Street, North Valley Stream, a/k/a 247-15 135 Road, Rosedale, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being partly in the Borough and County of

Queens, and partly in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, State of New York, Block: 13230, Lot: 12 (Queens County), Section: 37, Block: 415, Lot: 0384 (Nassau County). Approximate amount of judgment $382,521.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602017/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Harold F. Damm, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002063 81594 148177

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL WOLKOW, ESQ., AS TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED IMAD ALFATIAN; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE

ESTATE OF MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMAD AL-FATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED IMAD ALFATIAN; ET AL., Defendant (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 25, 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 September 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 11 STATE 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 in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37, Block: 621, Lot: 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $776,961.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 014491/2013. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

BRIAN J. DAVIS, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 148359

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy NCDP

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SALE at Beth David’s in Elmont. Asking for $6,500. Please contact Michele Flanigan at 518-546-9550

room and home office, also wet bar. Guest quarters. Taxes: $12,508.44 Franklin Square $905,000 Hoffman Street. Duplex. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. First floor master bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Taxes: $12,430.17

Lido Beach $1,289,000

Gerry Avenue. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office, also wet bar and guest quarters. Master bedroom with walk-in closet. High end finishes include skylight. Security system.

Taxes: $15,290.87

Malverne $692,000

Morris Avenue. Colonial. Fully renovated and move-in ready. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. New eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. New bathrooms, roof and windows.

Taxes: $14,800

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Taxes: $29424.24

Oceanside $1,212,500

Oceanside Parkway. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Master bathroom with walk-in closet. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling. Security system.

Taxes: $23,265.16

Rockville Centre $850,000

Hamilton Road. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basment. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Expansive home on a beautiful block is meticulously maintained and filled with period charm and elegance. It features four spacious levels of living space, including all oversized bedrooms and light filled sunroom with backyard access. Ensuite master bedroom. Private backyard with pavered patio and mature landscaping throughout.

Can we just elevate, or do we need to rebuild?

Q. We’re doing a major house lift, making changes to our existing first floor and adding a second floor. We thought it made sense to get a design and then stop, because this way we didn’t spend a lot of money on full construction plans and then end up disappointed that it was over our budget. Simple turned into complicated, as it often does. The contractor and the architect agreed that the house should just be reconstructed (nothing saved) and the estimators insisted on much more information to give us a price. Are we going about this the right way? We’re already disillusioned that we aren’t going to be able to build within our budget, and we don’t even have numbers to make a decision. What should we do?

Ask The Architect

A. Your house project isn’t sounding too “uplifting,” and frankly, from your description, you shouldn’t be lifting the original house. You may spend more than $50,000 just trying to save the little bit of the original house, moving plumbing and wiring, trying to work around the existing materials and reconstructing old ones. Money is the driving factor in most construction projects, and although it’s frustrating, you must either politely persist with evaluating costs with the contractor, or get to the finish line with plans to give estimators something to work with.

First, though, you should recognize that the current first floor will become a second floor, and the new floor above will be a third floor if you plan to have a lowest level high enough to park cars underneath or use for accessible, stand-up storage. Federal guidelines require that the new lowest level not be used for anything but car or general storage, and the state requires indoor sprinklers.

It’s really up to the contractor working with you, and the architect, to reach predictable costs for the total project. You need to pay both of them to spend the time necessary to hit a targeted budget. The contractor will then work with getting together material, labor and overhead costs, with profit and a cushion for issues that can arise, like weather, material delivery delays and scrambling when something isn’t available or a truck breaks down.

While it’s not completely unreasonable for estimators to want more information, putting together a preliminary budget isn’t a mysterious, unheardof request. My concern when this happens is that all parties need to cooperate. The reason for the architect’s involvement is to answer questions and guide decision-making about sizes of structure, material choices and code compliance. If the contractor or a subcontractor makes projections on the design of structure, for example, it must be understood that the architect makes the final decision about wall thicknesses, insulation values, structural components, and even window and door sizes. These are safety and code-related conditions that are governed by law.

The costs can escalate when plans are completed, so reducing the project to meet a budget, up front, is important. Good luck!

NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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opinions

The political crossroads of 2024

My wife and I recently embarked on a road trip to see parts of this beautiful country that we hadn’t yet seen. The trip started in our nation’s capital, where an old friend and a true patriot, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, arranged for us to take a congressional tour of the White House, followed by a tour of the Capitol, guided by one of D’Esposito’s staff members.

After the second tour, the congressman favored us with his take on the current state of politics in the country. Later we toured other attractions in the city, which I had seen several times before, but it never gets old for me.

The upshot of the stop in D.C. was a conflicted feeling. My sense of pride in our magnificent capital city and its many historical sites naturally infused me with the feeling of being lucky to have been born and to have lived my

entire life in the best country the world has known. But in my hotel room, and in the car as I listened to the news, it spurred other thoughts. Just think of the momentous events of July 2024.

Since I last appeared in these pages, we have experienced the attempted assassination of a former president, the nominee of the Republican Party for the election this November; the withdrawal of President Biden, who had already virtually secured the Democratic nomination but was forced out by elites in his party; and the virtual coronation of his replacement by those same elites, who deem themselves the only people qualified to pick a new nominee without a single voter’s participation in the process.

A trip to Washington reminded me how lucky I am, and got me thinking . . .

task of dealing with the issue of the border, and the media immediately gave her the title of “border czar.” Obviously there is no such title, but there was no doubt that dealing with the border was her responsibility. The result was a horrendous increase in illegal crossings by unknown people from all over the world, including from countries that are sworn enemies of the United States; fentanyl pouring across the southern border, causing untold numbers of deaths in our country; and a number of horrifying murders, rapes and other crimes committed by illegal migrants.

more qualified than groups favored by the elites.

Finally, Harris has been a strong advocate of the Biden economic program, once proudly touted by the administration as Bidenomics, which has led to all of us facing enormous increases in our cost of living.

As I write, Harris has not yet named a vice presidential running mate. As an aside, I must say that I am appalled that Josh Shapiro, the Jewish governor of Pennsylvania, would consider, for personal political advantage, lending his popularity to someone who is clearly no friend to Israel.

And what a nominee! Kamala Harris has “enjoyed” a record-low approval of her job as vice president, and now feels she deserves the most important job in the world.

Consider just a few highlights of Harris’s tenure over the past three and a half years. At the outset of the current administration, she was given the

Harris cheered the rioters in the summer of 2020, and helped raise money to bail out the violent ones. She minimizes the crimes of Hamas and Hezbollah, and calls for Israeli “restraint,” falsely accusing the victim, Israel, of causing the suffering of the residents of Gaza being used as human shields by the Hamas terrorists. She is a strong proponent of the diversity, equity and inclusion movement, even attacking the Supreme Court for its ruling that universities could not exclude students of Asian extraction who were

I close by noting that in these columns I have generally stayed away from partisan political positions. However, this is perhaps one of the most consequential elections in my lifetime. I remind people who might dislike former President Trump’s sometimes bombastic personality that we already experienced four years of his leadership. The country not only survived the experience, but we also had a great economy, and the world was much calmer. Food for thought.

Howard Kopel represents Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s presiding officer.

Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us

in a world where news breaks instantly on our phones, cracking the world open in an instant, behold the weekly newspaper, the tortoise of the news business. As I write, I realize it’s not all bad to have time to think between 72-point headlines.

When I wrote last, almost a month ago, President Biden was still the presumptive Democratic nominee, although there was plenty of chatter about his slow walk and whispery talk. He was adamant: He would not step down. He was ready to fight. Many of us who think Biden has done an outstanding job in office came to believe he was not up to another four years. He looked frail. He appeared to overestimate his ability, at age 81, to meet the demands of the job. It felt disloyal to urge him to make way for a younger contender, but loyalty to our democracy had to come first. I celebrated his willingness to relinquish power, wished it had come sooner, but we had a potential new candidate.

Three weeks ago, Kamala Harris was (and still is) the vice president, and at that point her own presidential dreams were on hold. Donald Trump was salivating like a lion at the Roman Forum, waiting to take on Biden in the next debate. After the president’s shockingly poor performance in the first one, the Donald was closing in for the kill.

J.D. Vance? Barely a twinkle in Trump’s eye a month ago. He’s the guy who wrote “Hillbilly Elegy.” Suddenly he morphed into a megaMAGA, with extreme, creepy ideas about women’s rights and personal freedoms. Trump thought Vance would make a perfect addition to the ticket.

That was July 13. Then, curtains up on the Republican National Convention, just days after the attempted assassination, with a buoyant Trump telling the world he was still standing.

Those were enough big news items for five years, compressed and pounded under pressure into just days, until the whole country, burnished like a diamond, seemed brilliant and raw. You could hear us, an entire nation, sucking in deep calming breaths, trying to steady ourselves.

i hope all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement.

Then, on July 21, Biden announced that he was stepping out of the presidential campaign and endorsing Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

Women for Kamala.

That’s where I lost the thread. Aren’t we all supposed to be coming together as Americans to choose our president? Can’t we be Citizens for Kamala? Am I a Short Woman for Kamala or a CR-V Driver for Kamala or a Yasso Pop Fanatic for Kamala? We’re dividing and subdividing into micro cells.

Then that changed, too. I decided to embrace the political moment.

Momalas for Kamala is born. Momala is Harris’s nickname in her family, but it’s more than that. According to the Urban Dictionary, “A momala is a trusted guardian. Outside of the family, a momala is the mother of a neighborhood. In a village, she is mother and healer. In a state, she is the mother of health, knowledge and creativity. For a country, she is the mom of compassion and strength.”

A few weeks back, Thomas Matthew Crooks was a shy kid from rural Pennsylvania who got it into his head to kill the former president. And he nearly did, grazing Trump’s ear as he stood at the podium at an outdoor rally. I saw it happen, and time stopped until Trump was hustled to safety. I lived through the years of JFK, MLK and RFK dying in heartbreaking eruptions of political violence. Those murders scarred the political landscape forever.

I’m writing this all down because after some amount of time, nobody will believe that it all happened just like this over the past few weeks.

Then the head of the Secret Service stepped down because of her agency’s failure to stop the assassination attempt.

Then a kind of organic political wave swelled out of nowhere, pushing people forward to support Harris in a tsunami of relief and joy. Black women for Kamala. White Dudes for Kamala. White

We all have mothers or are mothers or value mothers. Momalas are us, men and women, young and old.

I hope all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement to elect Harris president. I hope Trump will summon the courage to meet her toe to toe in a debate. I hope the young voters in this country will shed their indifference and get into the fray.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

RAnDi KREiss

HoWARD KopEL

On Friday, honor our Indigenous heritage

as we mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Friday, it’s crucial for us here on Long Island to reflect on the rich indigenous history that shapes our communities and landscapes. From the Shinnecock and Montaukett to the Unkechaug and Setauket, Native American tribes have been integral to Long Island’s story since long before European settlers arrived.

The names of our towns and landmarks echo this heritage: Montauk, Quogue, Peconic, Ronkonkoma, Hauppauge, Patchogue, and many more. These names aren’t just relics of the past, but living reminders of the peoples who stewarded this land for millennia. They represent a deep connection to the environment and a complex cultural tapestry that continues to influence our region today.

But we must also confront the painful history of exploitation and displacement that followed European settlement. The original inhabitants of Long Island, like indigenous peoples across the Americas, faced immense challenges as their lands were seized, their populations decimated by disease, and their cultures suppressed. The Shinnecock Nation, for instance, was engaged in a long struggle for federal recognition, and continues to make its case for the return of ancestral lands.

Despite these hardships, indigenous communities have shown remarkable resilience. The Shinnecock Nation continues to maintain its cultural practices

Letters

D’Esposito shouldn’t meddle in NYC’s business

To the Editor:

and advocate for its rights. The Unkechaug people, on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, have preserved their language and traditions. These communities serve as a living link to Long Island’s past and as vital contributors to its present and future.

Nationally, Native Americans have made countless contributions to American society, often unrecognized. From agricultural techniques that feed millions to democratic principles that influenced the U.S. Constitution, indigenous knowledge and practices have shaped the nation in profound ways. Native American code talkers played a crucial role in World War II, using their languages to create unbreakable codes. In science, medicine, arts, and sports, indigenous Americans continue to excel and innovate.

Globally, indigenous peoples are at the forefront of environmental protection efforts. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices offer valuable insights for addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity. From the Amazon rainforest to the Arctic tundra, indigenous communities are often the most effective guardians of critical ecosystems.

As we commemorate this international day — which is followed in October by Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed just in the United States — it’s essential to move beyond mere recognition to active support and engagement. On Long Island, we can:

1. Educate ourselves about local indige-

Imagine if residents of the five boroughs dumped tons of toxic wastes in the South Shore district represented by Congressman Anthony D’Esposito. Imagine further that a New York City politician loudly denounced a plan to protect the health of D’Esposito’s constituents.

The congressman would surely be outraged. So why does he support a permanent ban on congestion pricing in Lower Manhattan? (“Congestion pricing may be paused, but the fight continues,” July 25-31.)

Car commuters whom D’Esposito defends spew pollutants every day in the congestion-pricing zone. The fact that these tailpipe emissions are invisible does not make them less deadly than mounds of toxic garbage.

Studies suggest that 153,000 fewer cars would enter the zone once congestion pricing takes effect. And that will result in sharp decreases in nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter.

nous history and current issues facing Native communities.

2. Support indigenous-owned businesses and cultural events.

3. Advocate for the protection of sacred sites and the return of ancestral lands.

4. Incorporate indigenous perspectives in local decision-making, especially when it comes to environmental issues.

5. Promote the teaching of Native American history and cultures in our schools.

Recognizing indigenous peoples isn’t about dwelling in the past, but rather about creating a more inclusive and just future. It’s about acknowledging that the first inhabitants of this land have valuable knowledge, perspectives, and rights that deserve respect and consideration. As Long Islanders, we have a unique opportunity to honor the indigenous heritage that surrounds us daily. From the shores of Peconic Bay to the bluffs of Montauk, we walk in the footsteps of those who came before us. Let’s ensure that their stories, struggles and triumphs are not forgotten, but celebrated as an integral part of our shared history. This International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let’s commit to building stronger relationships with Native communities, supporting their rights and aspirations, and benefiting from their wisdom. In doing so, we enrich our own lives and communities while taking a step toward healing historical wounds and creating a more equitable society for all.

opinions

Perhaps now — finally — we can work together

sometimes good things come from bad things. That’s why i am hopeful.

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump once again shook the foundation of America’s democracy. Deadly shots fired could further tear our country apart . . . or not.

This horrific event might just give America a new opportunity to heal the divide.

President biden, vice President Harris, Trump and elected officials can all help us come together as a nation. i have always tried to work across party lines.

At my swearing-in speech before Congress in February, i said, “Wake up. The people are sick and tired of fingerpointing and petty partisan politics.”

We know our country is fractured. Partisanship prevails. Confrontation has replaced cooperation. Anger and hate speech seem much too common. Congress is literally a House divided against itself.

Our founders disagreed on many things, but were unanimous in their

contempt for partisan politics, calling it “a dangerous vice and a moral disease.”

i have championed the belief that we must find common ground, that we must work across party lines to actually get things done for people. We can disagree with one another, but we must remember that we are in the solutions business. Again, we can disagree, but we must not hold one another in contempt. Contempt is one of the biggest problems in our politics. it’s a recipe for disaster.

ti have always worked hard to build coalitions of like-minded Democrats and Republicans to solve problems. Right now i am focused on the border. So what is causing this intense division?

and those who vote tend to be more extreme on the political spectrum, extremist candidates on both sides tend to win.

he attempt on Donald Trump’s life shook the foundation of our democracy.

i think there are four major factors contributing to today’s divisions: safe seats, social media, cable news, and our foreign adversaries.

The first major problems we face is gerrymandering, drawing congressional and other seats to favor one party. Ninety percent of House seats are safe — overwhelmingly Democratic or Republican. The only way to beat a member of Congress in a safe district is to primary them. but since so few people vote in primaries — fewer than 15 percent —

Letters

Levels of that latter type of pollution are now 60 percent higher in Manhattan than the upper limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

The congressman shows no respect for the New York City elected officials who decided, after years of debate and voluminous research reports, to impose a fee on drivers who poison the air breathed by Manhattan residents and workers.

D’Esposito should practice good-neighborliness by dropping his opposition to an initiative that will save many lives.

KEviN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

We were honored to care for Rosemary King

To the Editor:

As the administrator for the Emergency Department at North Shore University Hospital, i would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to Rosemary King for a swift recovery following her recent surgery with Dr. Tamayo. Additionally, i want to express our deepest gratitude for the kind words her husband, former Congressman Peter King, shared in his column in the July 18-24 issue of the Herald, “in a medical emergency, we were in experts’ hands.”

Our team was deeply moved by Mr. King’s account of his family’s experience.

LANDON WiTz, MHA Senior manager, Operations Emergency Medicine North Shore University Hospital Manhasset

Jerry’s right: Project 2025 is a horror story

To the Editor:

Thanks to Jerry Kremer for his op-ed, “if you like horror stories, read Project 2025,” in the July 18-24 issue. i am so grateful when our local newspapers are able to bring national issues to the forefront. it’s so important to get this kind of information to local communities that are sometimes insulated within their own little world.

Project 2025 hasn’t received much attention until recently — despite the Heritage Foundation’s in-depth involvement in the Trump presidency and this year’s Trump campaign. i t is so important that trusted local public servants sound the alarm on this extremely dangerous agenda, and that people are made to realize it is indeed very real.

ELizAbETH MURPHY Franklin Square

A candidate in a safe seat only need win the primary; the general election is safe. To win the primary, too many candidates just pander to the base. Second, the more extreme you are on social media, the more “likes” or “follows” you get. We have all seen hateful, venal posts that seem to get more views than even the cute cat videos. Extreme social media is also more likely to generate small donor contributions from a vast audience. “Let’s work together” just doesn’t seem to generate much excitement.

Third, cable news. Think Fox and MSNbC. Depending on the show and the target audience, cable news networks hire talent and invite guests who will reinforce their own narrative that the other side is destroying our country. The crazier the quotes, the more airtime you get.

Fourth, and the most pernicious, our foreign adversaries Russia, the Chinese Communist Party, iran, and North Korea are using our freedom of speech, our social media and more, and they are sow-

ing disinformation and discontent. They are blowing up issues where we have the slightest disagreement and trying to make us unrecognizable to one another.

Our laptops and cellphones have become treasure troves of misinformation, disinformation and phony websites. Computer algorithms are programmed to feed us more and more of the same content we seem interested in. but i still have great faith in the American people, and in our system. biden, Harris and Trump have a wonderful opportunity in the coming months to move beyond divisive rhetoric and try to bring us together. We can disagree — disagree strongly — but not promote contempt or hate, and certainly not violence.

i’m hopeful, too, that we might all seize this moment to recognize that politics is serious business, and realize how harmful hate is and how badly it affects the political climate.

No foreign adversary can ever hope to defeat America. None ever has. The greatest threat to our republic comes not from external forces, but from within. Only internal divisions could topple our government.

Now more than ever, let’s all find common ground, work together, and make America the best it can be.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Three-on-three basketball draws all kinds of fans — Hempstead

tom sUoZZi