Valley Stream Herald 10-03-2024

VALLEY STREAM

Melissa Baptiste/Herald Valley Stream South High School senior Alyssa Gonzalez’s research explores how AI tools like ChatGPT are influencing cheating and academic integrity among students.

V.S. resident to celebrate 100th birthday

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

In a historic milestone, Valley Stream resident Fernande Garnier Calizaire is set to celebrate her 100th birthday on Oct. 24.

The soon-to-be centenarian will join a rare and exclusive group in American demographics. According to Pew Research, around 101,000 people in the U.S. are aged 100 or older — a population comparable to that of Boulder, Colorado.

“Despite the many hardships, mom attended school, worked in her mother’s general store, married, had two children, and emigrated to the US in 1966,” her daughter Theresa Hutchinson shared. “She has never returned to Haiti.”

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

Since ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, arrived on the scene in 2022, it has taken the academic world by storm. The bots’ usefulness is hard to deny. For students, it can help polish their syntax and generate research ideas. But it can also, with a simple prompt, complete your book assignment, draft a full-length essay, and solve problem sets for you instantly. No extra brainpower is needed.

Presented with a formidable — albeit flawed — A.I. learning tool at their fingertips, the problem of A.I.-generated cheating and plagiarism is alive and well. But how widespread is the problem, and how have students approached the ethical questions

the new technology raises?

Alyssa Gonzalez, a senior at South High School, was eager to find answers. As part of her AP Research class, she decided to embark on a research project delving into the realm of ChatGPT and how it has — or hasn’t — changed “students’ perception towards academic integrity.”

“If we can understand how students are using these services, school communities can understand how to regulate them and how to set those boundaries for the future,” Gonzalez said.

How students are using, and misusing, AI tools She devised an online questionnaire featuring statements on ChatGPT use and aca-

Born in 1924 in the small town of Hinche, Haiti, Calizaire’s journey is a story of resilience, hard work, and the fulfillment of the American dream.

Born to a 14-year-old mother who was soon orphaned, Calizaire faced the hardships of growing up with limited resources. Despite these difficulties, she pursued an education and helped her mother run a general store in their community.

Once in the U.S., she worked hard to establish a new life for her family. She was employed as a seamstress in a factory — a common path for many immigrants at the time. Calizaire later transitioned into a role as a dietitian’s aide at the VA Hospital in Brooklyn, where she worked until her retirement in 1986. Calizaire and her late husband, Emmanuel Calizaire, became proud homeowners, acquiring two properties in the 1980s. According to obituary records, the couple were longtime choir mates, bonding over a playful inside joke about a Christmas song that Emmanuel humorously claimed was about him — his corny charm won

ConTInued on PAGe 4

HERALD SchoolS

District 13 readers savor book ‘tasting’

Students from Valley Stream District 13 recently embarked on a unique literary adventure: creative book “tasting” events. Designed to deepen their engagement with reading and writing, the events included several interactive and thematic experiences.

For example, students at James A. Dever Elementary School participated in a themed “Read a Latte” StarBOOKS event. This imaginative activity was crafted to complement their narrative writing unit. Little baristas in the classroom sampled a variety of personal narratives, akin to tasting different coffee flavors, to inspire their writing journeys. This engaging format allowed students to explore diverse narrative styles and find inspiration for their storytelling. The event not only encouraged students to reflect on their reading preferences but also to connect these insights to their writing projects. By immersing themselves in different personal narratives, students were better equipped to craft their stories creatively and confidently.

Willow Road Elementary School students enjoyed their book-tasting event to introduce them to the wonders of their classroom library. The readers explored a variety of books and genres, identifying which ones left a “good taste” in their minds. This playful and interactive approach helped students develop their reading preferences and build a connection with the diverse offerings of their library.

–Juan Lasso

ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating 10 years of serving our community as The Safe Center!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS COST $250 SPONSORSHIPS AND TICKET PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

If you are unable to join us, please consider making a donation in honor of our 10th Anniversary!

Scan QR code, visit TSCLIGala.org, or call 516.465.4774 to donate or purchase tickets.

Willow Road Elementary School explored various books and rated which ones were most to their liking.

Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 13

James A. Dever Elementary School took a ‘sip’ of different book samples for their book tasting.

Freeport jobseekers find vocations at fair

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

The Town of Hempstead job fair at the Freeport Recreation Center on Sept. 19 was bustling with activity, as nearly 2,000 job seekers packed the venue in search of new employment opportunities.

Hosted by Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and the Village of Freeport, the event featured close to 100 employers with jobs in a wide range of industries, including civil service, construction, health care, banking, emergency services, solar energy and publishing.

You just come in person and talk to people.

HempsteadWorks, part of the town’s Department of Occupational Resources, which has been organizing job fairs since 2021, has seen significant growth in attendance, with this year’s turnout rivaling an event last March. The fair was wellorganized, with a time slot-based registration system to cut down on wait times — a system that has proven effective at previous events. Job seekers without time slots were still welcome to attend, and in the afternoon, the line of applicants stretched down the sidewalk outside the building.

For many attendees, the fair offered a rare chance to meet employers face to face, something that is becoming less common in today’s largely online jobsearch environment.

“I feel like it gives you a better chance of getting the job,” Steven Kaegen, a 23-year-old from East Meadow, said. Kaegen came to the fair looking for opportunities in the U.S. Postal Service and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, and he appreciated the personal interaction. “I don’t like sitting behind a desk or working with other people too much,” he added, noting that some of the “hands-on” jobs at the fair were more appealing to him.

Barbara Florence, representing Harbor Child Care, shared the sentiment that events like this one connect job seekers and employers in ways that the online application process simply can’t. Harbor Child Care, a program that supports early-childhood education, has taken part in the Hempstead job fair for the past five years.

Florence described it as an opportunity to make meaningful connections with potential hires, many of whom have gone on to work for the organization. “We receive a lot of resumes to follow up and get people from job fairs,” she said. “It’s great to be able to support the community, so we’re happy to be here.”

One of the main attractions of the fair was the diversity of opportunities that were available. Attendees could explore careers ranging from public

safety positions with the Nassau County Police Department to educational roles with Soccer Shots, which hires coaches to teach children the fundamentals of soccer.

Herman Franco, a representative of Soccer Shots, said the organization is always looking for enthusiastic applicants who enjoy working with children. “We teach kids soccer from the ages of 2 to 8, so we’re always looking for coaches that are very good with kids, patient and outgoing,” Franco explained.

The fair gave Jose Melendez a chance to explore government-related jobs. “I was looking more government-wise, like NYPD or Nassau County P.D.,” the 18-year-old Hempstead resident said.

Melendez said he appreciated the ease of attending the fair, noting that it was better than applying online. “You just come in person and talk to people,” he said, adding that he received valuable advice about the NCPD’s hiring process.

Fern Summer, who works with Long Island Cares’ veterans program, was on hand not only to promote job opportunities, but also to share information about support services. “I work with veterans, but most of the people who come through are civilians,” Summer said. “We collect information and give out information, so it’s whatever they want.”

The job fair has become an essential part of many job seekers’ search for employment. Nene Alameda, a business representative for HempsteadWorks, previously noted that the rapid growth of the event reflects the increasing need for such opportunities, particularly as pandemic-related financial assistance dwindles and more people enter the job market.

Despite the challenges, Alameda remains optimistic about the job market. “For every job seeker that’s out there, there (are) two positions,” she said.

Florence Prophete-Barbour talked with potential candidates about positions in early childhood education at the Town of Hempstead job fair.

Mohammad Rafiq/Herald photos Inside the bustling gymnasium at the Freeport Recreation Center, hundreds of job seekers met with employers from a wide variety of industries during the Town of Hempstead job fair.

The U.S. Army and Air Force recruitment booths at the Town of Hempstead job fair offered information to attendees about career paths in military service.

JOse MelenDez Job seeker

fernande Garnier Calizaire celebrated her 99th birthday last october.

Elder Law Estate Planning Misconceptions

One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved. There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.

Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The fiveyear look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.

Despite the five-year look-back, New

York law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw.com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.

The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.

Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and even the family home in certain cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save assets.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Fernande Calizaire set to celebrate a century of life

Fernande’s heart. After a two-year courtship, Fernande happily said yes to his proposal.

In 2001, the couple moved to Valley Stream, where they have lived since. Her zest for life and curiosity have kept her engaged and active, and she continues to maintain her independence well into her later years.

“She is a very happy, very sociable person,” Hutchinson said. “She’s on the internet, on Facebook, on YouTube. Very much a technology person. Even though she’s almost 100 years old, she loves and enjoys life. She cooks for herself, she’s a great cook. We are blessed to have a wonderful, positive person.”

She also made the local news in 2010 when the then 86-year-old Calizaire took home second place for her gingerbread house at an annual gingerbread house contest at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, sponsored by Girl Scouts from Troop 2281. She tied with then 13-yearold Amanda Lee.

Only 2.4 percent of the village’s population, according to recent demographic data, are 85 and older. Calizaire has a wealth of memories, and the ability to recall exact places and people from her

time living in Haiti in the 1940s and 50s. About 40 people will be flying in to celebrate her birthday with a private, intimate dinner at the Garden City Hotel. This a stark comparison to Calizaire’s mother’s large 100th birthday celebration in 2010 that hosted over 100 people.

Calizaire has been blessed with a loving family, including her two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: vseditor@liherald.com

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Garnier Calizaire was around 20 when this photo was taken.

Continued from paGe 1

Photos courtesy Theresa Hutchinson

HERALD SchoolS

Willow celebrates International Dot Day

Willow Road Elementary School in Valley Stream District 13 recently observed International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. It all started a couple years ago in an Iowan classroom when teacher Terry Shay shared “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, the story of a teacher who helps a doubting student to unleash her latent artistic talent and creativity. Since then, Shay launched International Dot Day: a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration where students everywhere rediscover the potent potential of creativity

Willow Road Elementary School celebrated the day by reading ‘The Dot” and creating artwork inspired by the story. A heartwarming tale of a caring teacher who encourages a doubting student to trust her abilities and “make her mark” by creating a simple dot, young students have loved Peter H. Reynold’s The Dot for years. The book’s bravery and journey of self-discovery have ignited a ripple of inspiration reaching children and adults across the globe.

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream District 13

Willow Road students got creative with personal artwork to celebrate International Dot Day.

ANTHONY GRIMALDI

East Rockaway Senior Football

A RETURNING ALL-COUNTY selection, Grimaldi helped get the Rocks into the win column for the first time in 2024 on Sept. 21. He got East Rockaway’s 52-14 victory over Lawrence started with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchddown and went on to make four more trips into the end zone. He had touchdown runs covering 45, 18, 75 and 1 yards and racked up 190 yards on the ground on 11 carries. He also leads the defense at linebacker.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 4

Football: Seaford at Malverne ...................................7 p.m.

Football: V.S. South at Island Trees ............................7 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at East Rockaway.........................7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5

Boys Soccer: Academy Charter at Uniondale..........10 a.m.

Boys Soccer: Seaford at Lawrence..........................10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Clarke at V.S. South ............................10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Malv/East Rockaway ....10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Elmont at Freeport .............................10 a.m.

Boys Soccer: Bellport at Kennedy ...........................10 a.m.

Football: Mepham at Carey .....................................11 a.m.

Football: New Hyde Park at Baldwin .......................11 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont ..................11:45 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. North ..................12:30 p.m.

Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Mepham .......................2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Calhoun ................................2 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at North Shore ...........................2 p.m.

Football: Oyster Bay at West Hempstead .............2:30 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook ...............................3 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Freeport ................................3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Uniondale ...........................3 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at East Meadow ....................3 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove ......................6:30 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

HERALD SPORTS

V.S. North in heated playoff race

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

Valley Steam North’s girls’ volleyball team made the playoffs last year after a .500 season but bowed out early.

Coach Mary Parisi wonders what could have been in 2023 if lefty outside hitter Alexandra Mateo had fully recovered from her torn ACL. Mateo, a 5-foot11 junior, is back now and driving VSN to a 4-3 start.

However, the Spartans lost a key match last Saturday to conference leader Floral Park in a four-setter despite Mateo banging out 7 kills, 3 blocks and registering 3 aces.

Mateo has been splendid in 2024, keeping Valley Stream North in the playoff race.

“She would’ve been a big asset last year,’’ Parisi said. “It threw things off. We were counting on her to come back but she wasn’t healthy enough for it. It would’ve been a huge difference with her.’’

In December, 2022, playing for her club volleyball team, Mateo damaged her ACL. She still had visions of playing the 2023 season but it didn’t pan out. She practiced with the team, appeared in two games, but just didn’t feel herself.

“I just didn’t think I was ready,’’ Mateo said. “I was (8) months into rehabbing. I wasn’t confident in my legs yet.’’

On Sept. 24, Mateo may have had her best performance. in a five-set win over Cold Spring Harbor when she notched 8 kills. Not only does Mateo feel 100 percent, she thinks she’s now better than before surgery.

Mateo still is wearing a brace to feel more comfortable. “I feel I’m better, stronger,’’ Mateo said. “I have been landing on one leg, the one I tore, and it doesn’t hurt at all. I think about it when I play.’’

Mateo is one of three captains, along with junior libero Tiffany Melendez and outside hitter Ericka Leus. They are the heart of the squad.

Last season, Valley Stream North lost its four key senior stars, including libe-

ro Alyanna Nadal, a Nassau County Top 50 volleyball selection. Melendez had big shoes to fill and she’s done it. Parisi said Melendez played a defensive specialist role last year, but has made the switch.

“It’s an adjustment year in all those key positions,’’ Parisi said. “But (Melendez) has really taken charge in the back. She wasn’t a libero last year. She’s directing traffic, stepping into that role. It took an adjustment in the beginning.

Now she’s in a good groove.’’

Along with Leus, a new force has emerged as outside hitter in Adriana Rienzie, a freshman. Rienie played only a trifle last season as an eighth-grader. She also had 8 kills against Cold Spring Harbor.

“It’s a surprise asset to have her,’’ Parisi said.

Another big contributor is middle blocker Esther Onyeike, who had six blocks against Cold Spring Harbor.

In her eighth season, Parisi has led the Spartans into a prominent program, winning back-to-back conference titles in 2021 and 2022 after an unbeaten 2018 campaign. Mateo will be back next season so this fall may just be the start.

“Just to get back to the level I’m at, I’m happy now and how the team is doing,’’ Mateo said. “We’re doing really good. We have a lot of new talent because we lost a lot of seniors. Though we have had adversity, we have come together and become a family.’’

Derrick Dingle/Herald Junior Tiffany Melendez has stepped up to fill a void at libero and is one of Valley Stream North’s three captains.

Voting primer: A guide to making sure you’re counted

By Anjolique Powell Correspondent

With Election Day, Nov. 5, as well as early voting, Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, rapidly approaching, this guide offers essential information about voting in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as details on voter eligibility, registration, voting procedures, and absentee voting.

Information for this guide was collected through the League of Women Voters of Nassau County and the Nassau and Suffolk County boards of elections.

Am I eligible to vote?

In order to be eligible to vote, you must:

■ Be a United States citizen.

■ Be at least 18 years old (you can pre-register at 16 or 17).

■ Live in the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election.

■ Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction

■ Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

How do you vote in the general election?

In order to vote in a general election in the U.S., you must be registered before Election Day. To find your polling place in Nassau, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/566/Board-of-Elections. In Suffolk, SuffolkCountyNy.gov/Departments/BOE.

Where/how do I register?

You can register to vote by:

■ Filling out a voter registration form found on either county’s Board of Elections website or the New York State Board of Elections website (at least 25 days before the election)

■ Registering in person at some public agencies.

■ Visiting the Nassau County Board of Elections from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll receive a confirmation card within two to six weeks. If you don’t receive it, call (516) 571-2411 to check on your application.

There are three ways for voters to cast a ballot in this year’s elections:

■ In person, during early voting, at any one of the 28 early voting locations or on Election Day at your designated polling place.

■ By mail – By early mail ballot or by absentee ballot. To request a ballot, go to Eections.Ny.Gov/request-ballot.

■ For military and oversees voting, go to Elections. Ny.Gov/military-and-overseas-federal-voting.

Do I need to register every year?

No, you’re permanently registered once you’ve registered. However, you need to submit a new application if your name, address, or party changes. If you move, notify the County Board of Elections and re-register.

Should I register with one political party?

You are not obligated to join a political party, however, according to the League of Women’s Voters, “Declaring a party allows you to vote in that party’s primary election, which in New York State is open only to party members.” Enrolled party members can also sign nomination petitions. It’s also important to mention that registering with a party doesn’t mean you have to vote for that party’s candidates. You’re always free to vote for any candidate in general elections.

What is early voting?

Early voting allows people to cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting also allows voters to go to locations that are closer, like public libraries, public buildings, or community centers. However,

these locations will be different from your assigned Election Day polling place.

When and where does early voting take place?

Hours are:

■ Most days: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 28: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 29 and 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check each county’s Board of Elections website for specific locations or location changes.

How do I know where to vote on Election Day?

In order to know where to vote you must look up your polling place, which can be found by entering your county, first and last name, date of birth, and zip code on the New York State Poll Site Search website. This site also tracks voter registration and absentee ballots.

Linda Devin-Sheehan, a board member of the Suffolk League of Women Voters, at the voter registration drive on the Stony Brook University campus on Sept. 11.

Can I still vote if I won’t be able to go to a polling place?

Yes, you can vote by absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person due to:

■ Not being in the county or New York City on Election Day

■ Temporary or permanent illness or physical disability

■ Primary care duties for ill or physically disabled individuals

■ Being a patient or inmate in a Veterans’ Administration Hospital

■ Detention in jail/prison (awaiting trial, grand jury action, or serving time for a non-felony conviction).

What is an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot allows you to cast your vote if you can’t make it to your polling place on Election Day. It’s the same ballot you would receive if you voted in person. However, you can fill it out at home and mail it back or drop it off at the County Board of Elections or at an early polling place.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

To request an absentee ballot you can:

■ Download and fill out the Absentee Ballot Application from the New York State Board of Elections website.

■ Send a letter by mail to: Nassau County Board of Elections at P.O. Box 9002, Mineola, NY 11501 or Suffolk County Board of Elections PO Box 700, Yaphank, NY 11980.

■ In the letter, you must include:

■ Your name and date of birth.

■ The address where you are registered.

■ The reason for the request.

Remember, the Nassau County Board of Elections will take absentee ballots up to 10 days before the election. Under normal circumstances, the Suffolk County Board of Elections will send out ballots between one and three days after receiving an application.

Anjolique Powell is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

A facsimile of a New York state voter registration.

Photos courtesy Gabby Daniels

HERALD SchoolS

Meet V.S. 24’s new director of pupil services

Students at the Valley Stream District 24 welcomed Juanita Walters as its new Director of Pupil Services. The district described Walters as “an esteemed leader with a passion for supporting students and their families.” She introduced herself to the community during an August meetand-greet, encouraging families to connect with her to share their feedback and goals for their children.

“My work in education has shown me how vital it is to support families and understand the unique resources each student needs to succeed. There’s a strong connection between students’ lives outside of school and their performance in the classroom,” Walters said.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to focus on pupil services and engage in the meaningful work of uplifting and inspiring both students and their families.”

Walters brings a wealth of experience in special education, social-emotional learning, behavior intervention, and English as a New Language (ENL). She has spent a decade with the New

York City Department of Education, where she most recently served as an assistant principal, and previously worked as a special education teacher in more restrictive settings. Ms. Walters’ passion for education was inspired by her fifth-grade teacher, who gave her the support she needed to thrive after moving to a new community.

Walters holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Queens College, a master’s degree in urban education and special education from Long Island University, and an advanced master’s certificate in school building leadership from the College of St. Rose in Brooklyn.

She is currently pursuing her doctorate at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, with a dissertation focused on supporting students with disabilities.

Valley Stream District 24 congratulates Walters on her new role and warmly welcomes her as she embarks on this exciting chapter with the community.

–Juan Lasso

With over 50 undergraduate degree programs, Molloy University combines academic excellence and leadership with personal mentoring. Molloy’s programs in healthcare, education, business and arts and sciences will lead you to an exciting career.

Here, you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM

Courtesy Valley Stream District 24

Valley Stream District 24 recently announced Juanita Walters as its new Director of Pupil Services who introduced herself to the community during a meet-and-greet in August.

Cloudy skies over V.S. Community Fest

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

Last Saturday, one of Valley Stream’s biggest business events drew hundreds of vendors from across the tri-state area to Rockaway Avenue. But this wasn’t just about handing out business cards. It was an event steeped in the spirit of bringing the community together. The name says it all: Valley Stream Community Fest.

“The hope was and is to create a day for everybody to come and just hang out and spend time together and get to talk to their neighbors and local businesses and such,” said committee member Joosoo Kim.

The event, Kim noted, is a massive undertaking, driven by her and five other dedicated members. But every segment of the community —local school districts, village government, the fire department, and the chamber plays a part, whether big or small, in bringing the event to life.

A highlight of this year’s event was the booth manned by the Valley Stream Fire Department.

“They performed a demo showing how to rescue people from a wrecked car and then how to handle a kitchen fire. They even set up a small kitchen with a stove and everything,” said Kim.

But the event didn’t completely live up to expectations due to one glaring hangup: the rain. The weather no doubt put a damper on things, said Kim and made logistics a nightmare. She watched fellow committee member David Sabatino race up and down the main street, repeatedly redrawing the chalk numbers marking vendors’ designated spots. There was less of a turnout it seems than in previous years. And some vendors had packed it in and left earlier than usual.

The rainy day, Kim contended, could not be helped. “If we had the luxury to make a rain date, of course, we would, but we are dealing with like over 150 different vendors and community organizations,” said Kim.

The event is the culmination of months of planning, scores of phone calls to vendors for confirmations, an extensive advertising campaign, ensuring compliance with village code regulations, and getting inflation-era event insurance.

Weighed by so much heavy lifting done by so few people, the committee has decided to make a historic move: to disband and hand over the event’s operations to the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce.

“The Community Fest has grown to host thousands of people. Vendors throughout Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk County are aware of our presence and are always waiting for the next date,” said Kim. “This is all because of our dedicated residents, but it’s hard to expect all that work, year after year.”

Kim, a member of the Chamber, is committed to ensuring that its successors uphold the event’s legacy.

“Marie McNair is really the whole brains of the operations. I’m not sure how we’ll cope without her, but the Chamber has taken a lot of notes from her and she is open to help,” she said.

Stephen Takacs/Herald photos

Former Captain Danny Vecchione from Valley Stream Truck 2 helped these young ladies try out firefighter gear courtesy of the Valley Stream Fire Department at the 10th Annual Valley Stream Community Fest last Saturday.

Valley Stream Fire Department officials show the village the ins-and-outs of rescuing passengers from car accidents at the 10th Annual Valley Stream Community Fest last Saturday.

Ryu’s Matrial Art members Angelind Amit and Nitza Brites man the booth at the 10th Annual Valley Stream Community Fest last Saturday.

Sonny James and Liane Xavier are all smiles at the 10th Annual Valley Stream Community Fest last Saturday.

Courtesy Valley Stream Fire Department Valley Stream Fire Department officials set a kitchen stove ablaze to teach the crowd what happens when you douse a grease fire with water.

STEPPING OUT

Mandy Patinkin talks

‘The Princess Bride’

A gourd-geous display:

Journey with jack-o’-lanterns

Spectacular pumpkins light up the night for the Great Jack

O’ Lantern Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

By Danielle Schwab

As Halloween approaches, jack-o’-lanterns are making their appearance throughout our neighborhoods with their unique carvings once again. While we think of it as fall fun, in fact pumpkin carving dates back centuries as a way to ward off evil spirits with their spooky faces.

The beloved tradition gets a unique twist at the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, opening tomorrow at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. See pumpkins transformed into magnificent jack-o’lantern creations, illuminating a trail through the historic restored village for all to admire.

It all began in the Hudson Valley — at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson 19 years ago — conceived by the Westchester County cultural organization Historic Hudson Valley.

“About 20 years ago, we hit upon this idea of a display of jack-o’-lanterns, and we weren’t sure how people would respond to it. It was hugely popular. And so it has just expanded in a big way since then,” says Rob Schweitzer, Historic Hudson Valley’s vice president of communications and commerce.

• Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-Nov. 3.

• Adult tickets start at $32; $10 children (ages 3-17)

• With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue

• Purchase tickets at pumpkinblaze.org

Certainly a must-see during the season, the pumpkin trail is now in its fifth year on Long Island, with over 30 different installations. Over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns carved by local artisans resulting in a larger-than-life themed pumpkin showcase — a mix of real and carvable foam — spanning a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack for a fully immersive experience.

• Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage

“We have a team, 10 to 12 of us, that work together to make sure that we’re keeping the same consistency, the same quality, throughout the carvings,” Carol Hough, lead pumpkin carver, says.

Her team carves each week, swapping out old pumpkins with fresh ones. Carvers are creative with their tools to accommodate the high volume of pumpkins, using sheetrock knives and ice cream spades to get the job done, according to Hough.

Long Island history and culture are incorporated into the Blaze experience. Guests are welcomed by a 12-foot tall retro-style “Greetings from a Long Island” postcard made up of individually carved jack-o’-lanterns.

“What we like to do is really focus on the heritage of the location,” Schweitzer says.

Ever wonder what your favorite Long Island celebrity looked like as a pumpkin? The Blaze is the place to check out some pumpkin-face renderings of local personalities. Icons such as Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman are on display.

“We have a Long Island Hall of Fame. These are large portraits, rendered in jack-o’-lanterns , of folks from Long Island that have done great things,” Schweitzer explains.

Among the locally themed installations, a functioning lighthouse replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, complete with a flashing beacon to light the way, is sure to attract attention. With history as a focus, it comes to no surprise that the Blaze would find its way to the historic village.

“We’ve looked at a lot of sites over the years and a lot of them have some good characteristics, but don’t have everything. Old Bethpage Village Restoration really had

everything,” Schweitzer says.

Of course, there are plenty of what one would consider Halloween staples that celebrate the spirit of the season, such as a 25-foot giant spider web and the Day of the Dead installation.

Hough is particularly fond of the Day of the Dead jack-o’-lantern tribute, among the new displays along this year’s trail.

“There are some skeletons and some sugar skulls. It’s really beautiful. I absolutely love it,” Hough says.

Other showstoppers include a thrilling pumpkin circus, a glowing Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin-filled Ferris wheel, and a planetarium. Plus, see a tribute to First Responders. This display involves carved jack-o’-lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

“The concept for that really came out of the early period of the pandemic, there was a lot of focus on First Responders and our healthcare workers and those on the front lines of dealing with the pandemic. It’s something that we’ve continued to celebrate,” says Schweitzer.

There’s so more to the trail than just carvings. Lighting and sound are integral to the Blaze experience. Each installation is depicted with an original score to create the perfect ambience.

Volunteers from local scout troops and high school honor societies are also involved, assisting in lighting the lanterns that line the path.

Also new this year, the Blaze is offering custom-made pumpkins to order. Surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin, displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.

So carve out some time, there’s a pumpkin creation for everyone at the Blaze.

As Schweitzer says: “It’s really an event you can just go and relax and smile at. It genuinely is something that appeals to all ages.”

For an extra fall treat, stop by the Café Blaze for some yummy cider donuts and pumpkin beer. And check out the nightly pumpkin carving. It may inspire you to do create you own special seasonal décor at home.

One of Mandy Patinkin’s memorable roles — certainly one that lives on as beloved piece of pop culture — is his turn in the 1987 fantasy “The Princess Bride.” He played a man bent on revenge (“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”). It performed only so-so at the box office back then, but it’s come to be one of the most beloved movies of the 1980s. Relive all the fun — and Patinkin’s masterful portrayal of the Spanish swordsman — when the actor pops by Tilles Center for a special film screening, followed by a 45-minute conversation. His son Gideon Grody-Patinkin — who has contributed to the family legacy since he began filming his father and mother, actress-writer Kathryn Grody, during the pandemic and posting their interactions on TikTok — moderates.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org.

Everclear

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalist-guitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from their extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” to be released on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records. Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinumselling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses.

Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. $70.50, $50.50, $30.50, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Photos courtesy Historic Hudson Valley Thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light up the night as the Halloween spirit is all a-glow, with Old Bethpage Village’s 19th century buildings and historic barns as a backdrop.

Neighborhood

Tom

Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’

Get an unprecedented look insights into the life of America’s top chef when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage, Saturday, oct. 12, 2 p.m. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved restaurateur multipleJames Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-years-old — a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom — and it changed his life. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, “Why I Cook” shares Tom’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, Tom chronicles the dishes and memories that have shaped him as a person and chef.

Through these meaningful dishes, gorgeous recipe shots, and images from Tom’s childhood, “Why I Cook” is the most personal look into Tom’s life yet. He recounts the extraordinary personal journey that brought him from his working-class Italian background in Elizabeth, N.J., to the award-winning kitchens of New York City’s best restaurants, to the set of “Top Chef” and the stage of the Emmy Awards, among his many endeavors. $95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure, Saturday, oct. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Beth Ferry’s “The Scarecrow.” Later create a unique take home craft. The stroll starts at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), ending at the Thatched Cottage. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

College: Getting there from here

Henry Waldinger Memorial Library hosts a Zoom session with Edward Jones advisor

Annette Matthew,, who will field questions on saving for college and financial strategies, Wednesday, oct. 9, 7 p.m. Registration required. For more visit valleystreamlibrary.org or call (516) 825-6422.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

Gardens

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Oct. 5, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

VSCHSD Board meeting

Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education holds their regular board meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m., at Memorial Junior High School, cafeteria B. 123 S. Central Ave,. For more information call (516) 872-4159 or call (516) 872-7700.

Annual Rabies Clinic & Pet Adoption Fair

Looking to adopt a furry friend or have your companion vaccinated? Town of Hempstead residents may have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies at no cost, Saturday, Oct 5., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All dogs must have a current dog license, or you will need to purchase a new license ($10 for spay/ neutered dogs; $18 for nonspayed/non-neutered dogs). The Town Clerk’s Office staff will be on-site to issue licenses. If applicable, owners must have a spay/neuter certificate. No pre-registration is required. All dogs must be on leashes; cats must be in pet carriers.

Also loving dogs and cats housed at the shelter are waiting for their forever home. Age-appropriate vaccinations, spaying/ neutering, and microchipping included with every adoption. 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh. Call the shelter at (516) 785-5220, ext. 4613 for information.

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Point Lookout Town Park, Sunday, Oct. 6, starting at 9 a.m. Meet in the southeast corner of the large parking lot on the south side of Point Lookout Town Park and will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After the beach walk, everyone will return to the parking lot, and drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve to walk through the bay marsh. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.

It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Capital Fools

Washington, D.C.’s premier political satire group Capitol Fools bring their musical parody show to the Adelphi University stage, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to today’s crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and reflections that continue to inspire laughter amid the contentious presidential election season. Former members of the Capitol Steps perform all their beloved bits, along with backward-talking spoonerisms, breakneck costume changes, over-the-top impressions and all-new song parodies reflecting today’s news headlines. $20. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/ pac.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM

123 SOUTH CENTRAL

AVENUE

VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK 11580

516-592-5105

PUBLIC NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on the 17th day of October, 2024 at the Village Hall, 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, at which time they will be publicly opened and read, and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM SUPPLY & PLANTING OF UP TO 185 TREES

The Bid Documents and Specifications are available for inspection at the Office of the Village Clerk, in the Village Hall of said Village, and copies thereof may be obtained, on regular business days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or will be sent electronically on request to vsclrk2@vsvny.org.

All bids shall be submitted upon the forms provided therefor by the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream and shall exclude all Federal, State and local taxes. No Bid Bond is required.

The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream reserves the right to reject any and all bids in the whole or in part and to waive any informality of bids and to accept the bid and award the Contract to the lowest, responsible, formal Bidder deemed most favorable to the interest of the Village of Valley Stream therefor, pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.

Dated: Valley Stream, New York

October 3, 2024

JAMES J HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 149289

LEGAL NOTICE

AFFIDAVIT OF UNREBUTTED CLAIM

i, karrine natasha of the montaque bloodline, a living Autochthonous [native] American (wo)man with hands and legs who has attained the age of the majority (18), gave proper due process notice and made claim in the Valley Stream Herald Newspaper on August 29, September 5, 12, and 19, 2024 to the “Certificate of Naturalization” filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration registration File No. A078414218 / Certificate No. 32702571 issued: May 24, 2010 under the estate name: KARRINE NATASHA MONTAQUE. No one came forward

with equal or higher claim, including Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secretary of the State, U.S. Attorney General, New York State Attorney General, New York State Governor nor any other public officers and instrumentalities of the United States. Be it now resolve, that i am the rightful “Equitable Interest Owner”. Accordingly, i, am the Equitable Interest Owner and the only ONE with the highest priority equitable claim to all rights, titles and interest to real and personal property or chattel, choate or inchoate, corporeal or incorporeal associated with the estate name. Consequently, all parties waive their right to any equitable claim, and they must forever hold their peace. This document is admissible evidence in any instant matter regarding said estate name.

149292

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

TAX EXEMPTION FOR REAL PROPERTY OF SENIOR CITIZENS

The Village is pleased to inform you that a Senior Citizen exemption is available if you qualify. In order to qualify your total household income cannot exceed $44,699. Income includes Social Security benefits, Interest, Dividends, Pension, Wages, Capital Gains and Rental Income. You must provide as proof of income a copy of your Federal Income Tax return, all 1099’s including Social Security, Pension, Wages, IRA, Trust, Dividends and a Statement of Rental Income for the year 2023. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact this office at 825-4200.

IMPORTANT: Filing Period from September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Dated: Valley Stream, New York October 3, 2024

JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 149291

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream New York 11580 (516) 592-5105

LEGAL NOTICE

TAX EXEMPTION FOR REAL PROPERTY OF CITIZENS

WITH DISABILITIES WITH LIMITED INCOME

The Village is pleased to inform you that if you are a citizen with disabilities with limited income, an exemption is available if you qualify.

In order to qualify your total household income cannot exceed $44,699. Income includes Social Security benefits, Interest, Dividends, Pension, Wages, Capital Gains and Rental Income.

You must provide as proof of income a copy of your Federal Income Tax return, all 1099’s including Social Security, Pension, Wages, IRA, Trust, Dividends and a Statement of Rental Income for the year 2023. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact this office at 825-4200.

IMPORTANT: Filing Period from September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Dated: Valley Stream, New York October 3, 2024

JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 149290

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU -------------------------------X

MARY MCCABE, Plaintiff, -againstESTATE OF FRANK WILLIAMS, and NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, Defendants.

Date Purchased: March 6, 2024

Index No.:604002/2024

Venue is Based Upon the Location of the Subject Real Property, 42 Gold Street, Valley Stream, NY SUMMONS WITH NOTICE Plaintiff resides at 43 Brushy Neck Lane, #7, Westhampton, NY 11977 -------------------------------X

To the above-named Defendants:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the verified complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the verified complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE: The nature of this action is real property/adverse possession.

RELIEF SOUGHT: Plaintiff seeks a declaration by the Court setting forth that she is the owner, by adverse possession, of the real property known

as 42 Gold Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580, Village of Valley Stream Nassau County, Section: 37, Block N. Lots 85 & 705, and further, that defendant NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES’ lien against the subject real property is null and void. Should the Defendants fail to appear herein, judgment will be entered against them pursuant to which the plaintiff will be declared the lawful owner of the aforementioned real property.

Dated: Lloyd Harbor, NY September 23, 2024

THE LAW OFFICE OF ADAM D. GLASSMAN, PC

By: Adam D. Glassman, Esq. Attorneys for the Plaintiff Mary McCabe 12 East Huxley Drive Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743 Tel. (516) 778-1300 E-mail: adam@theglg.com 149185

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE GEWMC ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, Plaintiff, AGAINST EDITH COOK, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on August 13, 2024.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Jose Irizarry; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 17, 2023 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 November 6, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 24 Standish Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580-1132. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Laurelton, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 37, Block Q-3 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment $1,102,535.21, plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 015217/2013. 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.”

Michele Bencivinni, 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: September 19, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 82531 149238

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM premises known as 932 Dana Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

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, at Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0037, Block 00633-00 and Lot 00014. Approximate amount of judgment $560,291.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #601430/2018.

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 148856

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, Against CAROLYN J. ANDERSON A/K/A CAROLYN ANDERSON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/27/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 10/16/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 111 South Drive, Valley Stream, New York 11581, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The Incorporated Village Of Valley Stream, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 39 Block 409-06 Lot 102 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $494,051.08 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13-014284 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Dominic A. Villoni, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 8/9/24 File Number: 548-0111 SH 148899

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement relating to IMPAC Secured Assets Corp., Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-3, Plaintiff AGAINST Yolene Masse a/k/a Yolene F Masse; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 10, 2023 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 October 21, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 194 North Cottage 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 the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 37 Block 146 Lots 3 and 4. Approximate amount of judgment $911,758.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 616430/2018. 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.” Karen C. Grant, 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: September 5, 2024 149026

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS, OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE

ACQUISITION TRUST 2006--WMC4 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-WMC4, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIAMS FAMILY TRUST, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale with Reference for Sale duly entered on September 12, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 187 Fir 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 Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 395 and Lots 453 and 454. Approximate amount of judgment is $831,973.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #533/2015.

Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149016

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ADELADE MOORE A/K/A ADELAIDE MOORE, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 20, 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 October 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 31 PENINSULA BOULEVARD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581. 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: 39, Block: 467, Lot: 17. Approximate amount of judgment is $435,213.79 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612619/2023. 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.

MARIA SIDERIS, Esq., Referee

Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149062

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, -againstSATNAM SIGNH, 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 July 30, 2024, wherein MIDFIRST BANK, A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and SATNAM SIGNH, 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 October 24, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-556-58. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT VALLEY STREAM, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 609594/2022. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF

News brief

ric cancer research.

John St. School raises funds for cancer cure

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, John Street School’s sixth grade classes hosted a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research on Sept. 24.

Students were encouraged to wear gold or yellow, as gold is the color of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each student who participated in the fundraiser donated to decorate a paper heart of gold, which are now displayed in the main hallway of the school

South senior digs into the ethics of ChatGPT

building.

The students raised $800 this year. All proceeds will go to Memorial Sloan Kettering in memory of David Jones, a former student who sadly passed away from neuroblastoma.

“We hope this fundraiser shows that you’re never too young to make a difference,” Principal Thomas Riccobono said. “It’s all about kids helping kids.”

–Nicole Wagner

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demic dishonesty, asking students to rate their responses on a scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”

Statements like — “Usage of information generated by ChatGPT for schoolrelated work does not constitute as cheating;” “I have personally witnessed the usage of ChatGPT by others to complete assignments for school.;” “There is a fine line between using digital services as a tool and exploitation.”

She fanned out her survey “as far and wide” as she could, reaching across social media to students throughout the tri-state area, aged 12 to 19, including right here in Valley Stream. Out of the 206 students surveyed, 188 were deemed eligible respondents.

The results confirmed her expectations but also revealed a few surprises.

Over a third of the students surveyed reported using ChatGPT for schoolwork, with most admitting they used it not just to understand the material but to complete assignments. Despite recognizing the importance of academic integrity and knowing they shouldn’t use such tools to cheat, many still did.

“The survey was a reflection of what I gathered from the people in my school and my environment around me,” said Gonzalez.

Student survey findings reveal interesting trends in AI use

While Gonzalez, 17, expected younger students to pass off A.I.-generated work as their own more often than their older — and hopefully wiser — peers, she was stunned to find cheating rates were consistent across all age groups.

Gonzalez also wonders whether her fellow students fully grasp the long-term consequences an overreliance on AI tools can spell for their future. If ChatGPT becomes a dangerous crutch for those who forgo exercising originality

and critical thinking skills in school, it could spill into their professional lives.

“If you’re using these services to cheat and you’re not truly understanding the material, it is going impact a lot of people in college and beyond post-secondary education and into the workforce,” she said.

ChatGPT in the classroom: ally or adversary?

But Gonzalez warned against taking her study as providing ammunition to the argument of purging A.I. tools from classrooms. She resists cozily slotting ChatGPT into the “bad” or “good” category. Like any new technology, “setting boundaries” early about its ethical and unethical uses is a more useful starting point than trying to outright ban students from tapping into its enormous potential.

Gonzalez’s AP research teacher, Jeanette Azzaretto, couldn’t agree more.

“We know these tools are available for students,” she said. “This tool can enhance your studying, but nothing is going to replace the human brain and those human interactions. It’s so important that students don’t rob themselves of their intelligence and their intellectual growth.”

While some teachers have gone back to old paper-and-pen assignments or leaned on A.I.-detection tools, Azzaretto argues teachers can best minimize all forms of plagiarism by “making our expectations clear to students on assignments that we want authentic work.”

This is not just a one-time conversation about academic integrity but rather an ongoing discussion among teachers and students that serves as “checkpoints” along a student’s learning process.

“It’s about reaffirming what students are capable of and to ensure that they never feel they need to rely on A.I. instead of their own thoughts,” she said.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Alyssa Gonzalez’s research study, titled ‘The impact of ChatGPT on academic integrity among students ages 12-19 in the area,’ was published in ‘The Young Researcher.’

ConTinued fRom PAGe 1

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Students at John Street School helped collect $800 as part of a fundraiser for pediat-

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‘We want our deck back’

Q. We have a large deck that finally needs to be repaired, and some parts replaced. It is wood with some steel beams, and we wanted to do the boards that look like wood but are made from plastics and supposedly last longer. We looked at several brands and aren’t sure what is best, but it probably doesn’t matter now. The prices came in very high for the work, and each contractor we have spoken to said we were only going to save money if we use all wood, including the beams. The beams are steel, as we understand, since they extend farther without as many columns. The funny thing is that we were replacing the wood because it started rotting and twisting after 15 years, bad enough that we don’t feel comfortable using the deck — it’s on our second floor, which is why we want fewer columns, so we can continue to use the ground level as an outdoor dining space. What can you recommend that we do? The costs make it impossible to move forward, and we really want our deck back.

A. I like to quote the oil filter commercial we used to hear all the time: “You can pay me now or pay me later.” In this case, you can spend the money on the less-costly wood, and then spend more money on re-treating the wood and repairs. As for the steel beams being replaced, it should be understood that steel is more compact for its strength, and the equivalent ability to span longer distances with wood requires much more wood, and it will more than likely be taller, meaning the beams will extend lower.

The synthetic decking materials are a much better choice, and the ones that are recycled resinbased, without the wood component parts in their composition, are at the top of the list of low maintenance, deterioration and replacement that you have with wood mixtures and wood deck materials. I have seen the difference many times over the years, including the landing deck in my own yard. I originally built it out of cedar, which was supposed to be resistant to insects and, if stained properly, would last a long time, or so I thought. After just four years, the wood posts and the properly stained decking had become distorted with warping, twisting and some end rotting. I replaced the materials with synthetic decking and rails, and after 24 years, it’s still in great condition.

This problem of not factoring in the cost of maintenance, accessibility and the increase in material costs over time has often led to much greater expense in the life of buildings. You have to question yourself as to which is more affordable, the continued maintenance or initial costs.

Remember that the people you are speaking to will do either system, wood or synthetic, because for them it’s a current job that they will leave behind and that you have to live with. Good luck!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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opINIoNS

When will we finally say, ‘Enough’?

Iwas a junior at Plainedge High School, in North Massapequa, in 2018, when 17 people died and 17 others were injured in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland, Florida.

After the shooting, we wore orange to school — the color for protesting gun violence — and staged a walkout in solidarity with the school. We ran a fundraiser through the National Honor Society, from Plainedge to Parkland, to help a grieving community over a thousand miles away. And yet, it didn’t seem like enough. What words do you have to offer, thoughts you have to think, when something so senseless happens to people your age?

That year, everything changed. When we returned to classes in the fall of 2018, the front doors at Plainedge High had been changed to fortify the exterior. We weren’t permitted to enter or leave through any entrance except the main one, and we carried I.D. cards at all times. But as demonstrated earlier this

Amonth at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, sometimes no level of security is enough. It wasn’t enough at the Covenant School in Nashville last spring; it wasn’t enough in Uvalde, Texas, the year before. The list of schools and communities tarnished by acts of violence against children goes on and on, and at some point, I think we all can’t help but wonder: How many more?

Many will argue that guns aren’t the problem in America, and that instead we have a mental health crisis. I agree — we do. But the two are not mutually exclusive.

Epandemic, 1 in 5 children had a diagnosed mental health disorder. After 2020, surveys showed that 71 percent of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child’s mental health — and things haven’t gotten much better since.

verything changed at Plainedge High in 2018 — but security isn’t enough.

Gun violence, and deaths related to it, have been on the rise. In 2020, gun violence claimed more lives than it had during any other year on record — more than 45,000. In 2022 it was the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens between ages 1 and 19. Guns are a problem. But so is mental health.

The “mental health crisis” has long been Republicans’ scapegoat — their explanation for school shootings — and yet the party has done almost nothing to address their supposed concerns.

According to the American Psychological Association, before the coronavirus

Despite the fact that the data supports what we already know, 193 House Republicans voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provided $2.35 billion to expand vital school mental health services; 210 voted against the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided $12 billion to address mental health needs arising from the pandemic; and 205 voted against the Mental Health Matters Act, which would provide grants for schools to hire more mental health experts and grow their mental health services.

America has a problem, and the longer we wait to address it, the more people will die. School shootings should have ended after Columbine, after Sandy Hook, after Oxford High School in Michigan. Students shouldn’t be afraid to go to school.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is written in our Declaration of Independence, codifying the unalienable

rights of all Americans. But as it turns out, the children who have been senselessly murdered while their government stood by didn’t have those rights. Because if they did, they’d still be alive. Right?

Colt Gray, the 14-year-old charged with four murders for the shooting in Georgia, shouldn’t have had access to a gun. He displayed serious mental health concerns and had made threats in the past, and yet he carried out an act of extreme violence, with a weapon his father purchased for him.

The problem isn’t isolated to Georgia. Two weeks ago, right here on Long Island, a Bayville man was arrested because his 11-year-old son wandered out of his house carrying his father’s shotgun.

We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines and hope things will change. The time for thoughts and prayers has passed. What we need is decisive action — action that addresses both gun control and mental health, because either one without the other is no solution.

The safety of children, the preservation of their future, depends on our ability to enact meaningful reforms. The question is no longer how many more tragedies we can endure, but when we will finally say, “Enough.”

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.

The best of times, the worst of times for women

s women ascend, does misogyny spike?

of boys and men.

This is not a new story, but there are new threads.

Let’s start with a quiz: Exactly what part of their bodies are men willing to enlarge or remove or bleach or burn or exfoliate or liposuction or disfigure with waxes and curling irons and injections and dyes? How many guys spend their time and money putting fat in and taking fat out in a never-ending pursuit of physical perfection? Do they obsess about injecting fat into their thinning lips or sucking fat out of their expanding behinds?

The answer is, not that many, especially when compared with the number of girls and women who willingly undergo painful medical procedures to meet standards of beauty promulgated by social media and a hard-tochange culture in which men often decide how women should look. Some women say they were miserable growing up because boys called them flat-chested. Others say all the guys did was stare at their big breasts. Some wanted enhancements. Some wanted reductions. But the frame of reference often was the approval

Now, apparently, small breasts are “in.” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2023, more than 76,000 American women had elective breastreduction surgery, a 64 percent increase from 2019. Who sets the standard? Often the values come from men rather than the women themselves. Influencers who have enormous power over our teenagers send messages subliminal and overt, saying: You are not OK as you are. Something needs fixing.

TI hope the increasing numbers of patients are seeking the surgery for sound reasons, not as a fashion statement.

hey are empowered like never before, and being attacked like never before.

The New York Times ran a story last week, “The Power (and Relief) of a Smaller Bosom,” reporting that the number of women seeking breast-reduction surgery has increased, especially among those under 30.

Why are more and more young girls choosing surgery?

To be clear: Breast reduction is often necessary. Ultimately, it is a decision between a woman and her doctor. It’s a big deal; the procedure can cause scarring and loss of sensation, and it requires anesthesia. For many teenagers and women, it greatly changes their life for the better, but results are not guaranteed.

Looking out at the political and cultural panorama at this time and date, I see women empowered in unprecedented ways. And perhaps because of that new power, they are being attacked, also in unprecedented ways. As women ascend, as we elect women to Congress and perhaps the White House, there is a companion piece: a significant movement to keep women down, to deny them their rights, especially reproductive freedom.

Much of the misogynistic rhetoric begins at the top, with a presidential candidate and his acolytes who demand laws that control women’s bodies and choices.

When I was 24, married three years, I became pregnant, had a miscarriage and a D and C — dilation and curettage — at a local hospital. Emotionally, it was wrenching. But from a medical point of view, it went smoothly. The doctor met us at the hospital. He did the procedure and I went home. I was healthy enough to have two healthy children in the following years.

Today, because of draconian abortion bans passed by mostly male politicians in

a number of states, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to abortion, women who miscarry risk bleeding to death or suffering for hours before they can access basic lifesaving treatment. Doctors are afraid to treat them. These measures are anti-woman, archaic and cruel.

By an accident of the time in which I lived my reproductive years, I had a safe post-miscarriage D and C. Now, 50 years later, we have fallen back to restrictive practices controlled by politicians, led by Donald Trump.

These threads connect in a tapestry of what it feels like to be a girl or woman today.

We need to be strong within ourselves to reject any messaging that tells us our bodies need fixes and surgeries. We have to be fiercely committed to women’s freedom to choose if and when to have children.

Pay attention to the messaging targeting women. Don’t sign up for surgery that alters your body without thoughtful screening and counseling. Don’t go for shortcuts, or any other kind of cuts, to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty. Support individuals, and vote for individuals who see the ascendancy of women as fulfilling the promise of democracy.

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

RANDI KREISS

JoRDAN VALLoNE

HeraLd editoriaL

Even in a deep blue state, your vote matters

as the Nov. 5 election approaches, we urge every eligible Long Islander to exercise his or her fundamental right, and fulfill a crucial civic duty, by voting. The importance of registering to vote and casting your ballot cannot be overstated, especially in an election year when so much is at stake — from immigration policy to a woman’s right to choose.

While it’s easy to assume that New York state’s presidential electoral votes are a foregone conclusion for Vice President Kamala Harris — the state has not voted in the majority for a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1984 — this election is about far more than just the race for the White House. Our state and local races have profound implications not only for our daily lives and communities, but also for the future of the country.

Take for instance the race in the 4th Congressional District, right here on the South Shore of Nassau County, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican, faces former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, a Democrat. Experts consider this race to be one of the — if not the — most competitive in the entire country. The outcome of this single race could determine which party controls the House of Representatives. Yes, you read that correctly: Your vote in this local race could have national ramifications,

Letters

Peter King on the ‘horse race’

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “After all the drama, it’s a dead heat”: After a list of “totally unexpected” events, Mr. King, seemingly surprised, declares the presidential campaign to be a “horse race.” It is not, however, despite these events but because of them that the race is too close to call. The issues that are on the ballot have been submerged by the media’s excessive focus on those that are not.

Mr. King’s call for voters to focus is correct, though his recitation of the issues omits many and misplaces others. Missing, for example, are abortion, gun legislation, disinformation, voter suppression/ballot diversion, Project 2025 and DeSantis-Blakeman-style personal militias. Crime is real, Mr. King says, an indisputable statement, but as the evidence shows, ought not to head the list.

I share Mr. King’s sentiment about living up to “the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy” which should begin

helping determine the makeup of the legislative body that decides both national and international policies.

And your influence doesn’t stop there. State Senate and Assembly races, as well as local elections, will shape policies that affect our schools, taxes, infrastructure, and quality of life. These are the decisions that impact us most directly, yet they often receive the least attention from voters.

The power to influence these outcomes is in your hands, but only if you’re registered and ready to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, or if you need to update your registration, visit vote.gov by the registration deadline, Oct. 26. Not sure if you’re registered? Vote.gov can tell you that, too. The userfriendly website simplifies the process, ensuring that you’re prepared to make your voice heard on Election Day. You can also register at the county Board of Elections, at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola.

For those who can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5, New York offers several alternatives. Early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, providing ample opportunity to cast your ballot at your convenience. Early voting locations can be found at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

If you’re unable to vote in person, absentee voting is an option. You can request an absentee ballot by Oct. 26, at elections.ny.gov/request-ballot, or in

person, at the county Board of Elections, and return it by mail (postmarked by Nov. 5), or in person, at a polling location, by 9 p.m. on Election Day. Democracy thrives on participation. When voter turnout is low, a small minority ends up making decisions for the entire community. By registering and voting, you ensure that your interests and values are represented at all levels of our government. Moreover, voting is a hard-won right that generations before us fought to secure and expand. Participating in elections honors their sacrifices and continues the work of strengthening our democracy.

In these politically charged times, it’s easy to believe that our individual votes don’t matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Close races are sometimes decided by handfuls of votes, and every ballot cast sends a message about the issues that matter to our community.

You can educate yourself on the local issues and the candidates by reading the Herald. In the coming weeks, we will publish interviews with all of the candidates that are seeking your vote, so that you can cast an informed one.

Make your voice heard. Register to vote, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and show up to cast your ballot. Whether you choose to vote early, by mail or on Election Day, what matters most is that you participate.

concert,

opinions

Honoring our immigrant ancestors

immigration has been a contentious topic for the past few years, as the migrant crisis at the southern border has continuously grabbed headlines, prompted intense debate and served as a major policy point for candidates in elections across the nation.

While Americans have always, and likely will always, disagree on how to handle this issue, there’s no denying the increasingly vitriolic, outlandish and in many cases outright racist language used to describe these immigrants.

Every American is a descendant of immigrants, whether your ancestors came here on the Mayflower, through Ellis Island or, in recent decades, on a plane. My ancestors came from Italy, Scotland, England, France and germany, some as early as the 1600s and some as late as the early 1900s.

So it’s disappointing, as someone who was raised to take pride in my family’s history, who learned about the struggles that my Italian and Jewish relatives faced when they arrived, to see how willing many Americans are to assume the worst about all immigrants.

There are some who will say, “I don’t hate all immigrants — just the illegals who come to our country to steal our jobs and murder us.” While I can appreciate the very real worries about gang members or criminals arriving in our neighborhoods, I’d like to ask a simple question.

How do you think your immigrant ancestors would feel if someone accused them of eating dogs?

iI can promise you, most of our ancestors did face discrimination when they came to this country. In the mid-1800s, when waves of germans and Irish arrived, and decades later, when Italian, greek, Russian, Jewish and more people came here in droves, they faced the racist backlash that many immigrants are still facing today.

their journey over. They drew caricatures, published cartoons calling Irishmen “wild beasts,” and ran political campaigns on a platform that the Irish were not fit to be members of civilized society.

t’s frustrating to see many Americans assume the worst about immigrants.

According to Kevin Kenny, a professor of history at Boston College, “Native-born Americans criticized Irish immigrants for their poverty and manners, their supposed laziness and lack of discipline, their public drinking style, their Catholic religion, and their capacity for criminality and collective violence. In both words and pictures, critics of the Irish measured character by perceived physical appearance.”

Sound familiar?

The Know Nothing party of the 1850s was a nativist political movement that opposed Catholic immigration into the country. They ran on a platform of keeping America protestant and “pure,” rejecting the notion that Catholics and non-Anglo-Saxon peoples had anything to offer our young nation.

The Know Nothings used slurs to insult the many Irish immigrants who had fled the great Famine, many of whom endured hellish conditions on

Letters

Congressman D’Esposito’s ‘last straw’

To the Editor:

Soon after Anthony D’Esposito was sworn into Congress, I wrote to him, suggesting that he take a leadership role by introducing legislation to require universal background checks to purchase guns, and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I assumed that as a former police officer with direct knowledge of the frequency of gun violence and the understanding that the majority of his constituents favor gun control, he would consider my proposal.

I was wrong. In his response, D’Esposito circumvented the issue entirely. Obviously, he is more beholden to the NRA than to his constituents. That has not stopped him from asking for donations from me every day.

Now I read that, contrary to House of Representatives ethics rules, he hired his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to positions in his local congressional office. That’s the last straw. I doubt he will resign, but certainly he should not be re-elected to Congress.

DOuglAS MElzER Merrick

Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?

To the Editor:

It appears that the Herald may owe u.S. Rep Anthony D’Esposito and your readers a correction and an apology. last week’s issue had a story with the headline “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” It cited the House of Representatives’ code of conduct’s list of relatives who cannot be hired by anyone serving in the House. Neither a former fiancée (no longer a fiancée at time of hiring) nor an alleged mistress is on the list.

Why did the Herald have an incendiary headline that was contradicted in the sixth paragraph of the story?

Because D’Esposito’s holier-than-thou opponent, l aura g illen, needed an opportunity to pontificate?

g illen identifies as a Catholic who worked with Mother Theresa for about five minutes long ago. g illen is proabortion because of her “own experience.” As she wrote in a Daily News op-ed piece in 2022, she had a medically necessary dilation and evacuation. Her experience was most unfortunate. But apparently she doesn’t know the difference between the termination of a human life through abortion and the removal of an already dead child.

I’m not saying people don’t have a right to be concerned about illegal immigration. It’s a serious issue that has remained unresolved through far too many administrations of both parties. But we must remember that our words have meaning, and that when we make blanket judgments about people or groups, we are, as the adage goes, cutting off our nose to spite our face. Because immigrants have always been the backbone of this country, from the day of the signing of the Declaration

of Independence — which features the signatures of eight immigrants — to today. From early arrivers like Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who built Fort West point and helped the Americans win the Battle of Saratoga, to later ones like Andrew Carnegie, the tycoon who dominated the steel industry in the 19th century — neither of whom had ‘legal’ documentation when they arrived — immigrants have always had an outsized impact as workers, innovators and leaders.

Arguably the most famous immigrant in our history, Alexander Hamilton, came to New York as a boy with nothing, and ended up one of our most influential Founding Fathers. I wonder what people these days would call the immigrant orphan child of a prostitute from the Caribbean with no formal schooling.

Immigration is difficult. It is a quagmire that provides immeasurable benefits while, conversely, creating serious social, economic and political pressures. But we should never resort to reductive and hateful stereotypes.

Every immigrant, no matter how he or she came here, is a human being, and should be treated as such. Don’t make the same mistake the people who called my relatives “wops” and “dagos” did, and assume they have less to offer.

Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@ liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

As with her quick condemnation of D’Esposito for supposed violation of House ethics rules that do not apply, gillen is ignorant of science and the law with regard to abortion. We do not need another addition to the idiocracy in D.C.

gillen must not be elected. And the Herald apparently owes some apologies.

At the Touch-a-Truck event — Merrick

CHRISTOpHER M. KANE Rockville Centre

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile to o er updated COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines

Additional information about the mobile unit and its schedule are posted on the hospital’s Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau

Town of Hempstead Senior Centers

 Green Acres Senior Center – Thursday, October 3

10am-2pm, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581

 Baldwin Senior Center – Friday, October 11

10am-2pm, 810 N. Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510

 Levittown Senior Center – Tuesday, October, 15

10am-2pm, 555 N Newbridge Road, Levittown, NY 11756

 Lido Senior Center – Thursday, October 17

10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561

 Merrick Senior Center – Monday, October 21

10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566

 Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center – Tuesday, October 22

10am-2pm, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553

 Franklin Square Senior Center – Monday, October 28

10am-2pm, 1178 Martha Place Franklin Square, NY 11010

 Bellmore Senior Center – Tuesday, October 29

10am-2pm, 2000 Bellmore Avenue #A, Bellmore, NY 11710

 Lido Senior Center – Thursday, October 31

10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561

 Elmont Senior Center – Monday, November 4

10am-2pm, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003

 Merrick Senior Center – Thursday, November 7

10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566

For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-377-5333

*Vaccines are being o ered at no out of pocket cost. Your insurance may be billed.