VALLEY STREAM
Alice Moreno/Herald Boy Scout Jonathan Herrera’s pollinator garden will help Valley Stream’s future community garden become a thriving ecosystem.
Village community garden welcomes pollinator space
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
In recent months, volunteers steadily worked to level land, install fences, and test soil quality in the hope of turning a onceempty field between Newbold and Horton Avenue into a proper green space. But as winter puts the earth to bed, cutting off any new growth, progress on the village’s first community garden is inevitably reduced to a crawl.
Yet the future community garden is primed to flourish come next spring thanks to a vital tool to grow and sustain its bud -
ding ecosystem — a pollinator way station. Boy Scout Jonathan Herrera led the design and installation of the way station for his Eagle Scout project.
“I’ve always been interested in environmentalism and environmental conservation,” Herrera said. “So, when I had originally started drafting up Eagle project ideas, I knew one thing: it was going to be environmental.”
The pollinator way station, built a few paces away from the future site of the community garden, is packed with native flowers created to entice pollinators — bees, but-
H.S. District set to complete HVAC update
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Summer heat may be months off, but when it arrives, the Valley Stream Central High School District won’t have to worry about students wilting in overheated classrooms. The district is nearing completion of a $4.9 million HVAC upgrade aimed at enhancing air quality and improving student comfort across its schools.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Thomas McDaid explained that the project, which began in September 2023, was driven by the district’s commitment to fostering more conducive learning conditions.
installed air conditioning systems at North and South High Schools as of September. Central High School and Memorial Junior High School are set to follow suit early next year, pending the arrival of transfer switches expected by January. Transfer switches ensure a seamless transition between different power sources, typically from the main utility power to a backup power source like a generator.
THOMAS McDAiD Assistant superintendent, finance
and operations
“We wanted to allow students to better concentrate in a comfortable environment,” said McDaid.
The HVAC overhaul, which began with electrical upgrades last fall, has so far successfully
McDaid noted that securing the necessary electrical supplies posed the most significant challenge, impacting the timeline. The district’s approach includes energy-efficient commercial units, aligning with statemandated energy standards while providing cooling capabilities that the previous systems lacked.
When the hot months roll in from early June to mid-September in the village, daily highs average over 74 degrees,
on page 10
Village hosts annual Veterans Day event
Last Monday, the Valley Stream Band Shell was full of patriotic verve, as residents gathered to recognize the valiant efforts of the nation’s veterans during its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. Check out the photo spread.
village ceremony.
The POW-MIA Remembrance table is made in honor of all military members who are prisoners of war and/or missing in action.
George Catalanotto of the Disabled American Veterans describes to the audience the purpose of the POWMIA remembrance table, explaining the significance of each object placed.
Alice Moreno/Herald photos Air Force veteran Eric Morales who served during the invasion of Grenada in 1984 shows off his cap at the
–Juan Lasso
Members of the color guard hold on to their flags with the stars and stripes waving proudly.
Veterans Day commemorated in the park
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County veterans, families and community members gathered in Eisenhower Park on Nov. 10 to honor those who served on Veterans Day, paying tribute to local heroes whose courage and sacrifice have protected the United States’ freedoms and values. In a poignant ceremony led by the United Veterans Organization at the county’s veterans memorial in the park, speakers focused on respect, courage and resilience — and of course, the importance of Veterans Day and veteran service agencies.
“On Veterans Day, we veterans remember our service — we think about friends that we made, and some of the friends that we’ve lost,” Morris Miller, who’s on the UVO’s board of directors, said during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “We served with distinction. We served with honor. And even though many of us are older, greyer, out of shape — we would not hesitate at a moment’s notice to serve our country, if asked.”
Following a convocation, given by Chaplain Eric Spinner of the United Veterans Organization, a Color Guard was presented by active servicemen and women, youth organizations, and various veteran organizations.
Following his convocation, Spinner offered remarks for those who are prisoners of war and those who are still listed as missing in action.
“As you entered these grounds today, you may have noticed this small table in place,” Spinner said, referencing a display in front of the lectern. “This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are com-
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and State Senator Steve Rhoads carried a wreath to the POW-MIA memorial, and held their hands over their hearts during the presentation of ‘Taps.’
monly called POWs or MIAs — we call them brothers. They are unable to be with us at this time, and so we remember them.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, State Senator Steve Rhoads, State Assemblyman-elect Daniel Norber, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder all attended Sunday’s ceremony.
“We have enemies that hate our way of life, they hate our prosperity, they hate our spirit, they hate our love of country,” Blakeman said. “So today, we’re here to remember. May God bless our veterans, may God bless our active military, and may God bless America.”
Ryder said both veterans and police
offers have a bond over the word “service.”
“And what does it mean — unconditional service,” he said. “You didn’t ask for anything when you signed up to serve your country. You just went out to do it, and do it because you honored the flag, the constitution, the way of life here in the United States — that freedom we all get to enjoy.”
Among all of the speakers, perhaps no one is more involved directly with veteran affairs than Ralph Esposito, director of Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency. There’s an office in East Meadow, right behind the main tower of the Nassau University Medical Center, which offers support, health care, food and other resources to veterans.
Morris Miller of the United Veterans Organization reflecting on the importance of Veterans Day at the ceremony in Eisenhower Park on Sunday.
“I feed 1,650 people a month that are veterans,” Esposito said of the office he runs. “That should not be. Veterans should not be hungry. Our veterans shouldn’t have to sleep in the park. There’s a lot more to be done, and as long as I’m living, I want to fight to get it done. I promise you that.”
The United Veterans Organization held a Veterans Day ceremony at the Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale on Sunday as well. For more on veteran affairs and resources offered in Nassau County, visit NassauCountyNY.gov or call (516) 572-6565. Its headquarters are 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building ‘Q,’ East Meadow.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Veteran organizations from across Nassau County participated in Sunday’s ceremony at the county’s veterans memorial in Eisenhower Park. Above, Elmont Post No. 1033 Legion Riders with the Patriot Guard Riders of New York.
Pollinator way station will spur growth
terflies, and other wildlife — to fill up on nectar. In turn, these critters become purveyors of pollen to the surrounding environment, driving the natural cycle of plant growth.
think people also don’t realize that they don’t have to have this worldgroundbreaking impact on the environment to do something good
“Native flowers and natural grass helps the overall health of the animals and plants in the environment,” said Herrea. “It also helps with soil quality because some of the plants that grow in the garden fix nitrogen into the soil and retain water which can, in turn, help the plants grow, which helps the animals grow, and the cycle repeats itself.”
The Eagle Scout project, the final step toward Eaglehood, is an involved undertaking that requires multiple phases of planning and the coordination of a crew of volunteers. Unsurprisingly, the Valley Stream
South High School senior faced his fair share of hurdles. He noted that as he plowed the soil along the garden’s border, his shovel repeatedly thudded
Planning for Single Relatives Living Alone
If you have a son, daughter, sister, brother or parent living alone for whom you are responsible, and they unfortunately become incapacitated or die, apart from the emotional and medical burdens, you may have significant legal and financial troubles. A little planning in advance for these contingencies will go a long way in making any such dire situation much easier to handle.
If they rent, then make sure they notify their landlord, in writing, that you have their permission to access the apartment. Also get a key to their apartment or home or at least know where you can get one (such as from a neighbor).
A power of attorney will allow you to handle their legal and financial affairs during any period of disability. However, a power of attorney automatically ceases on death. Once someone dies, only the executor under the will may handle legal and financial affairs and it may take months and sometimes years to become appointed executor by the Surrogate’s Court. A properly created and funded living trust, on the
other hand, gives you immediate control of their affairs upon death.
A health care proxy and living will allows you to gain access to their medical records, confer with medical professionals and make medical decisions for them if they are unable to, including termination of life support should there be no meaningful existence and no hope of recovery.
You should know where they keep records of their assets in their home or apartment. One of the benefits of a properly funded trust is that it will have a list of assets appended to the trust making it easy to locate what the decedent owned. A list of their assets, and any named beneficiaries, is also helpful.
Forms to provide personal information, such as who to contact in the event of death (friends, relatives, professional advisors), computer passwords, funeral and burial wishes and who is to receive which personal items, may be found on our website, trustlaw.com, under “Online Forms” clicking on “Final Instructions”.
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against tree roots, a pestering problem he eventually overcame. And his work is not over.
“Right at this moment it’s particularly warm and very dry, so I have to do some more maintenance on the waystation to make sure my plants survive and have enough water,” Herrera said. Fortunately, he had strong allies by his side. Spadefoot Design and Construction, an eco-friendly design and construction company, alongside garden designer Serena Kleeman lent an enormous help. Frank Piccininni of Spadefoot donated mulch to cover the soil and, through his connections with a local nursery, Long Island Native, supplied the native plants.
“As a former scout, we try to help the scouts as best we can. We helped him on the margins. We know what plants do well and where,” said Piccininni. “We made sure he chose the right species to
do well there. We wanted to create a community of native plants suited to the space, not just for decoration.”
The 17-year-old is excited to see his pollinator waystation shape the health and vitality of the garden’s ecosystem for years to come. He hopes his efforts to better the local environment motivates others to do the same.
“Much of the environmental news that we are surrounded with is on a very global scale and also very negative,” said Herrera. “I don’t think that people realize the good people are doing to help protect the environment. And I think people also don’t realize that they don’t have to have this world-ground breaking impact on the environment to do something good.”
You can bet Herrera hopes to claim one of the over two dozen community garden plots when they open, likely in 2025.
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Alice Moreno/Herald
Jonathan Herrera Sr. with his son, Jonathan Herrera Jr. at his pollinator way station.
HERALD SchoolS
V.S. District 13 creates Red Ribbon Week
Valley Stream District 13 recently observed Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign promoting drug awareness and encouraging students to make healthy choices. This year’s celebration featured a weeklong spirit week, during which students engaged in themed activities that fostered community spirit and reinforced the message of living a drug-free life.
Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of themed dress-up days. Each day was filled with fun activities and educational sessions, emphasizing the importance of staying drug-free and making positive choices.
“Red Ribbon Week is an essential part of our efforts to educate our students about the dangers of drug use,” said Superintendent Judith LaRocca. “We are proud to see our community come together to promote a positive and healthy lifestyle.”
District officials noted Valley Stream District 13 remains committed to supporting its students in making healthy choices and fostering an environment where they can thrive. The district looks forward to continuing these conversations.
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13
Wheeler Avenue Elementary School students celebrated Red Ribbon Week in a nationwide drug awareness campaign.
James A. Dever enjoys ‘Sweets Day’ at LIJVS
Students from James A. Dever Elementary School recently took a field trip to Long Island Jewish Hospital, where they participated in a hands-on culinary demonstration featuring the art of pie-making and pumpkin carving. The event not only sparked creativity but also fostered meaningful interactions between students and hospital staff.
During the visit, students learned how to create delicious pumpkin and apple pies, guided by skilled chefs who shared tips and techniques that inspired young culinary enthusiasts. The highlight of the day was an exciting pumpkin carving demonstration, where students watched in awe as intricate designs came to life.
In addition to enjoying the sweet flavors of fall, students were allowed to vote for their favorite decorated pumpkin, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This fun and interactive experience encouraged social interactions among students and staff, helping to build lasting relationships.
District officials said the visit to the hospital served as a reminder of the importance of community ties and the joy of learning beyond the classroom. It was a day filled with laughter.
–Juan Lasso
Wheeler Avenue celebrates Multicultural Night
Wheeler Avenue Elementary School hosted its annual multicultural night, bringing together students, families, and the community to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures represented within the school. The event was a vibrant showcase of heritage, featuring delicious foods, colorful flags, and music from around the globe.
Attendees had the opportunity to represent their unique backgrounds, sharing dishes that delighted the senses and created an energetic atmosphere of cultural exchange. Families proudly displayed flags from their countries, fostering a sense of pride and connection among participants.
A highlight of the evening was a stunning performance by the Cultural Society Dance Show, which captivated the audience with a variety of traditional dances that highlighted the beauty and diversity of global cultures. The energetic performances were met with enthusiastic applause, showcasing all of the incredible talent found
within the Wheeler Avenue community.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the diverse cultures represented at our school,” said Wheeler Avenue principal Ruth PeetsButcher. “Multicultural Night not only allows our students to share their heritage but also teaches them the importance of understanding and appreciating the richness of our global community.”
The evening concluded with a community gathering where families had the chance to connect, share stories, and learn more about each other’s cultures. Officials said this event exemplified Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s commitment to inclusivity, respect, and appreciation of diversity. Wheeler Avenue looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition and fostering an environment where every culture is celebrated.
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13
James A. Dever students casted their ballot for their favorite decorated pumpkin.
Courtesy Valley Stream District 24 Wheeler Avenue Elementary hosted a dazzling annual multicultural celebration.
SPORTS
Do-it-all Somma paces Spartan runners
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
Matteo Somma qualified for this weekend’s New York State boys’ crosscountry championships with the best run of his varsity career.
The Valley Stream North senior completed the 5K event at Eisenhower Park last Saturday in 16 minutes flat en route to a second-place finish at the Section 8 state qualifier meet. His time in the Class B race was about three seconds faster than his previous best during the Spartans’ fourth league meet on the same course on Sept. 30.
Somma finished 4:30 ahead of Garden City’s Ryan McAlea after posting a time of 16:40.9 at last year’s state qualifi-
Somma won all four of his league starts and finished fourth at the Nassau Coaches meet at Bethpage on Oct. 26. And, oh by the way, he traveled to Spain last month and won the U17 World Triathlon Championships while representing the United States.
“It’s pretty cool,” Boyens said. “To him, it’s just a testament to the amount of work that he’s put in.”
Evan Truong was the second-highest North finisher at the state qualifier after placing 29th with a time of 18:12.60 and fellow sophomore Frankie Polizzi’s time of 18:26.70 was good for 36th in the 104-runner field.
“He’s super athletic and, at the end of the day, he might be the best out of all of them,” Boyens said of Truong. “He’s really come on and found his spot here and started to believe in himself.”
The Spartans went 13-1 for the second straight season, good enough to for first in the division and second in the conference behind Manhasset, the only team that dealt North a loss. The boys went on to finish second in the Nassau Class III Championships at Bethpage State Park on Nov. 2, one point shy of Wantagh.
The Warriors boasted the 5K winner in Owen Stachlik and third-place finisher Ian Frazer…the son of Spartans longtime coach Mike Frazer.
“To me, it’s a beautiful thing,” Boyens said. “My team and the Wantagh team are close kids. They go to our camp over the summer [and] they train together. When it was over and we went 1-2, the kids all got together and took a picture and we congratulated them.”
Truong was the second-best Spartan at 14th place, immediately ahead of teammates Polizzi (15th) and junior Matthew Gangi (16th). Those three, along with Somma (sixth) and junior Satveer Thind, (21st) all earned AllCounty honors.
North also has some budding stars in junior Mateusz Grabowski, who finished fourth with a personal best time of 18:30.7 during the Sept. 16 league meet, and eighth-grader Gavin Trustey.
Senior Matteo Somma placed sixth in Nassau Class III and is headed to represent the Spartans at the state championships.
Paul Grassini/Herald
Hofstra students star in election broadcast
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
The Herbert School of Communications, at Hofstra University, had transformed overnight into a news station. Students were busy writing scripts and reporting live results on election night, on a program called “Hofstra Votes Live.”
The multi-platform broadcast brought together students from across the Herbert School and the university. They began planning the program months before the election in order to deliver comprehensive, real-time coverage — all under the mentoring and guidance of Hofstra faculty members. The broadcast aired from 8 p.m. to midnight, and reached audiences on campus, on YouTube and on 88.7 FM WRHU, Radio Hofstra University.
The program featured coverage with both a regional and national perspective, and included live reports from watch parties such as those for Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and his Democratic challenger Laura Gillen, who ultimately defeated him. One of the standout moments was a live report from Vice President Kamala Harris’s watch party, at Howard University, in Washington, by student reporter Jake Epstein. Student anchors also interview guests such as former New York Gov. David Paterson on air.
The students gained hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of live news coverage, and learned about the behindthe-scenes work that goes into producing an important broadcast on a historic night. They also felt for themselves the excitement and intensity of covering a
presidential election.
“To be part of Hofstra Votes Live is a huge opportunity, and I feel so grateful being part of the team,” said Sarah Ng, a senior at Hofstra who served as one of the anchors of the national coverage.
“It’s a big production that the depart -
ment puts on every two years, and I’m really excited to see how it comes together. I’m both excited and nervous just because it’s four hours long — that’s like, that would be the longest I’ve ever been on air live.”
Days before the broadcast, student anchors like Ng took part in a special workshop hosted by WABC reporter Chanteé Lans, who shared some of the secrets of being a good anchor during a live broadcast.
In the past, “HVL” has covered presidential and midterm elections as well as Super Tuesday during the presidential primaries. Last year the broadcast won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Student Video Newscast for its coverage of the 2022 midterms.
“I’m really grateful, actually, to be one of the coordinating producers for ‘HVL’ for the 2024 presidential election,” junior Samantha Diamond said. “You know, seeing me as a freshman two years ago, I was one of the camera assistants. . . . And I was just, like, you know what? When I’m an upperclassmen and we do this again in two years, I want to be one of the leaders.”
In addition to the main “HVL” broadcast, students also produced a special edition of “Hofstra News Now” that aired the day before Election Day. The broadcast examined key issues in the election, including reproductive rights, foreign affairs and inflation.
Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.
Performing a life-changing brain surgery without a single incision.
Helping a new mom give birth—and receive a new liver.
At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
North Shore University Hospital
Courtesy Diego Olivras Regional anchors Michael Dent and Camryn Bowden reporting the news for ‘Hofstra Votes Live’ on election night.
Black Friday Weekend Sale Event
Friday, November 29th
Sat, Nov. 30th: 7pm - Midnight!
Sunday, December 1st
Schools upgrade AC amid warming climate
according to Weather Spark. July tops the heat, with average temperatures reaching 82 degrees during the day and dipping to 70 degrees at night.
Human-amplified climate change has made extreme heat a new normal, with the United States emerging from its fourth hottest summer on record. Across the country, public schools are chafing under antiquated ventilation that can undermine student well-being and learning.
Previously, the schools were equipped only with heating and fresh air systems; the new units now offer cool air along with standard AC filtration to improve air quality.
Funding for the HVAC project came largely from a voter-approved $4 million fund balance proposition in 2022, with additional support from a general fund transfer for health and safety enhancements. Maintenance on the new units is minimal, requiring only routine filter cleaning, and each unit includes a fiveyear compressor warranty.
The district’s long-term infrastructure goals include creating safe, comfortable spaces to support students’ concentration. Cooler ventilation, particularly during warmer days at the start and end of the school year, is not just a matter of comfort preference. Heat, studies show, can impact student learn-
ing, sometimes dramatically.
A well-cited study by economists R. Jisung Park and Joshua Goodman examined 10 million secondary students who took the PSAT between 2001 and
2014. The study found that heat exposure reduces learning productivity. Astonishingly enough, every onedegree increase in the average temperature of a school year reduced learning by 1 percent. This effect was notably more harmful for Black and Hispanic students, as well as students from lowincome households who were more likely to attend schools without air conditioning.
REPORTERS NOTEBOOK
N.Y. City Marathon, a World Major, and miles to go
By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com
Runners are told to envision the finish line, but while training for the New York City Marathon, it was a journey in itself to get to the start.
For me, racing is less about the race, and more about the time put in leading up to it.
This go-around, in the 16 weeks I spent preparing for the New York City Marathon, very little went as planned, but I think that taught me more than a perfect training block and an ideal race day would have.
I kicked off training in mid-July with a goal-time focused plan. I was going to spend 16 weeks attempting to get faster to run a personal record.
This was different than any training I had done before, as I typically focus on completing the mileage at whatever pace feels good. I started running marathons and trained for my first because I appreciated the mental headspace running put me in, along with the individual challenge of exceeding my own expectations.
The preset paces set by my training app were hard to hit and sometimes impossible to hold.
Running in the summer heat didn’t
help, and it felt like I was setting myself up for failure.
Then, as it does, life became busier. I was avoiding some of the marathon training runs that got me out of bed a year ago, preparing for my first long race. The speed training specific workouts had become a chore, and I wasn’t enjoying myself, which really disappointed me because I felt like I had disregarded the parts of running that brought me so much joy.
The combination of busier days, weather changes, and the toll on my body caught up to me, and I got sick around week 12 of training. I took some time off to recover, and I knew my longest run of the training block was at the end of week 13, a 20-miler. I wanted to complete this run to prove to myself that I could push for 20 miles, because in my head, if I could do that, I’d be able to complete the 26.2.
The run went well for the first 10 miles. The second 10 felt like a struggle from the first step. At mile 17 I needed to walk, as I truly could not go on without a break. I finished the 20 miles with a few more walk breaks, but I didn’t feel great about the run, nor did I feel great about the race.
Then, every runner’s fear occurred — I got hurt. My entire lower right leg was
in pain.
What I was most upset about was the fact that I hadn’t enjoyed myself and didn’t feel the pride that I had felt going into my first marathon. I had envisioned the New York City Marathon my first World Major Marathon, to be magical, but I felt like I had such a weak training block and wouldn’t be able to soak up the energy of the day.
My mother sat me down one evening as I drowned in my sorrows and told me this race was bigger than this injury. She said if I want to be a marathoner, these challenges will happen. Instead of feeling down, I needed to channel that energy into how to prepare.
Race day itself was hard, really hard. I crossed the finish line with no emotion, then later broke down in tears because of the intensity of the course.
After 24 hours, I had a bit different of a view. I remembered the feeling of being in the start village where over 50,000 runners gathered, all with the goal of completing this race, the spectators throughout the course, and the beautiful sunset in Central Park. I also remembered the walk from the finish line to my family, where they greeted me with a sign clad with photos of my late grandfather and I, who I fundraised $4,000 in honor of, for Team For Kids,
the largest charity in the New York City Marathon.
In retrospect, this is all to say that as a runner and as a person, it’s important to have perspective and figure out how to shift and still accomplish goals. It’s not always going to be easy, but I’m so glad I did it, and I can’t wait to do it again someday with the knowledge I have now.
Photos courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District Elements of electrical infrastructure for new ventilation systems at Valley Stream Central High School and Memorial Junior High School await the arrival of transfer switches.
Parker Schug/Herald
the Valley Stream Central High School district is nearing completion of a $4.9 million HVaC upgrade to improve air quality and student comfort, with new cooling systems to be fully operational by early 2025.
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale
TRAILBLAZER AWARD & KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MICHAEL J. DOWLING
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NORTHWELL HEALTH
ACCOUNTING:
JOHN FITZGERALD
Managing Partner
Citrin Cooperman
GURJIT SINGH
Chief Information Officer
Prager Metis CPAs
DIANE L. WALSH
Chief Marketing Officer
Prager Metis CPAs
BANKING & FINANCE:
JOHN BURKE
Managing Director
Global Head of Business & Professional Services
Citi Commercial Bank
MICHELE DEAN
Chief Executive Officer
Suffolk Credit Union
STUART H. LUBOW
President & Chief Executive Officer
Dime Community Bank
DAVID A. PERLMUTTER
Managing Partner
Forest Hills Financial Group
MARK SANCHIONI
Senior Vice President & Chief Banking Officer
Ridgewood Savings Bank
JOSEPH TEDESCO
President & Chief Executive Officer Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union
BIOPHARMA:
PATRICIA ECKERT, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Enzo Biochem, Inc.
COMMUNICATIONS:
ANDREW RAINONE
Senior Vice President, Business Sales
Optimum Business
EDUCATION:
MARIA CONZATTI, Ed.D.
Chief Administrative Officer Nassau Community College
CHRISTINE M. RIORDAN, Ph.D.
President Adelphi University
TIMOTHY E. SAMS, Ph.D.
President
SUNY Old Westbury
ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION:
LOUIS BEKOFSKY
Principal, Managing Partner VHB
WILLIAM MAXWELL
Vice President The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
BILLY HAUGLAND II
Chief Executive Officer Haugland Group LLC
ANDREW J. SOLANO
Managing Partner
Emtec Consulting Engineers
GAS/UTILITIES:
CHRISTINA ARMENTANO
Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President Paraco
JOHN RHODES
Chief Executive Officer Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
ROSS TURRINI
Chief Operating Officer, New York Gas National Grid
ENERGY:
JIM FLANNERY
Chief Operating Officer National Grid Ventures, US Northeast
HEALTHCARE:
MICHAEL GITMAN, MD President Long Island Jewish Medical Center
STACEY C. JACKSON-HARLEY
RN MA BSN
Chief Operating Officer
Harmony Healthcare
ANDREW MINTZ
Chief Executive Officer The Smilist
MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT
President & Chief Executive Officer
Parker Jewish Institute For Healthcare and Rehabilitation
AMY SILVA-MAGALHAES
Chief Operating Officer The Bristal Assisted Living
JON SENDACH, FACHE President North Shore University Hospital
AMIT SHAH, MD
Partner & Vascular Surgeon PRINE Health
JOSEPH VERDIRAME
Chief Executive Officer
Alliance Homecare
HOSPITALITY:
MICHAEL LESSING
Chief Executive Officer Lessing's Hospitality Group
LEGAL:
NICOLE W. JOSEPH, MSc
Chief Operating Officer & Finance Director
CM Law PLLC
JULIE WYETZNER
Executive Director &
Chief Operating Officer
Cona Elder Law PLLC
MICHAEL H. SAHN
Managing Partner
Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC
HOWARD M. STEIN
Managing Partner & Co-Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP
NOT-FOR-PROFIT:
PHIL ANDREWS
President Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce
LISA BURCH, MPH
President & Chief Executive Officer
EPIC Long Island, Inc.
RANDELL M. BYNUM
Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Nassau County
MATTHEW COHEN
President & Chief Executive Officer Long Island Association, Inc.
ERIKA FLORESKA
President Long Island Children's Museum
JEFFREY FRIEDMAN
Chief Executive Officer
CN Guidance and Counseling Services
DAN LLOYD
Chief Executive Officer & Founder Minority Millennials, Inc.
DIANE MANDERS
Interim Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of LI
JOHN MCGUIGAN
Chief Executive Officer
AHRC Suffolk
JEFFREY L. REYNOLDS, Ph.D.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Family and Children's Association
LUIS VAZQUEZ
President & Chief Executive Officer
Long Island Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce
REAL ESTATE:
JOSEPH A. FARKAS
Chief Executive Officer & Founder Metropolitan Realty Associates LLC
RETAIL:
ROBERT KAY
Chief Executive Officer Lifetime Brands, Inc.
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
CHRIS R. VACCARO
President & Executive Officer
Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame
TECHNOLOGY:
AMY E. NEWMAN
Senior Vice President, Administration
Canon U.S.A, Inc.
TRANSPORTATION:
ROBERT FREE
Acting President
Long Island Rail Road
MARLON TAYLOR
President New York & Atlantic Railway
MICHAEL D. TORNABE
Chief Operating Officer
Guardian Bus Company
COREY J. MUIRHEAD
Executive Vice President
Guardian Bus Company
WASTE MANAGEMENT:
AZEEZ MOHAMMED
President & Chief Executive Officer
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Navy veteran Kerry Englander discusses his role as the American Legion’s Nassau commander
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Kerry Englander, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of American Legion Post 1711 in Levittown, was appointed the Legion’s Nassau County commander in June. Representing nearly 30,000 veterans across 52 posts, he now oversees efforts to support those who served.
Englander, 79, joined Levittown Post 1711 in 2008, starting as historian before being named second vice commander. He became active in the Nassau County chapter of the American Legion in 2020, serving as vice commander of the second division, where he supervised 15 posts in central Nassau.
After three years in that role, he was promoted to adjutant. His journey toward leadership included training at American Legion College at SUNY Morrisville, where he strengthened his understanding of the organization’s mission.
“It’s so gratifying working with all the vets and vet services,” Englander said. “Helping veterans — that’s what the American Legion is. It’s vets helping vets and the community. We served our country, and now we’re serving our community — simple as that.”
Englander’s commitment to aiding
veterans was evident when he recently helped a fellow veteran with a staph infection transfer to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook for specialized care.
“He’s rehabilitating there, awaiting his hip replacement,” Englander said, highlighting his hands-on approach.
ment operations. Boys State has had many notable alumni throughout its 88-year history, including Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jordan. Englander said that he sees this program as an essential way to teach leadership and civic responsibility.
Englander’s own leadership journey began with his military service. From 1966 to 1968, he served on the USS Talladega, a troop transport ship based in California, before ending his tour in Pearl Harbor, where he trained recruits. Starting as a boatswain’s mate, he fondly recalls early duties, including cooking for the chiefs.
“Everybody’s gotta start someplace,” he said with a laugh.
After his military service, Englander pursued a career in information technology with Con Edison and now runs a tax practice. He got married to his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, and has a son, who is now 47, and a grandson, 11. His commitment to service, influenced by his family’s values and history, continues to shape his work with the Legion.
Englander’s advocacy has also extended to pushing for the reopening of the Mitchel Field commissary in Uniondale. In September, he joined other members of the American Legion, as well as Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in urging the Department of Defense to repair the damaged facility. The commissary’s closure has forced local veterans to travel to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for discounted food.
“The veterans and current military need this facility, especially with the economy the way it is today,” Englander told the Herald at the rally. “I believe that if the military and veterans are putting this facility, it should be opened up.
The Nassau County Legion chapter continues to advocate for more state funding to expand opportunities for Long Island students to attend Boys State, a prestigious program that immerses high school juniors in govern-
One of Englander’s proudest achievements as county commander has been the revival of the Nassau County oratorical contest, a constitutional speech competition for high school students. Contestants compete for up to $1,000 in scholarships by presenting an eight- to 10-minute speech on the U.S. Constitution, followed by a discourse on an assigned topic related to key amendments.
In his role as county commander, Englander remains focused on growing membership and strengthening the Legion’s community outreach. He values the mentorship of past county commanders, acknowledging their support as essential to his success.
“When you get into the county, you’re dealing with many posts,” he said. “The past commanders are critical to the making of a county commander … I couldn’t do it without them.”
For Englander, the American Legion is about more than honoring service — it’s about actively supporting veterans and their families. His leadership embodies the Legion’s core values of commitment, service and community.
Daniel Offner/Herald
Nassau County American Legion Commander Kerry Englander shared some
Light
the night with sweet
LuminoCity unwraps a colorful world of wonder
By Danielle Schwab
The holiday season is quickly approaching, so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience holiday magic at 14 acres of enchanting displays in Eisenhower Park.
Now in its fifth year, the popular holiday festival LuminoCity, which runs through Jan. 5, welcomes guests to a wonderland filled with giant lantern creations.
“It’s a really cool combination of light and art and a little sprinkle of holiday magic with this event,” John Baiata, LuminoCity’s onsite manager. Eisenhower Park is our signature event.”
All of the displays are new to Eisenhower Park this year.
The idea started with the founder Xiaoyi Chen, who grew up in China and was inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals as a child.
“She came to New York, went to art school here, and founded LuminoCity in 2018 with the idea to reimagine the traditional Chinese lantern festival into something that combined her acumen with the art world,” Baiata explains.
As you stroll along the paths, LuminoCity’s mascot, Lumi, lights you along the way. Visitors will see Lumi in various outfits as your glowing tour guide throughout your visit.
This year’s theme “Sweet Dreams,” stirs up a delightful blend of sugar and imagination into a candy-coated world of desserts and confections.
“Who doesn’t like a giant donut tunnel, or a forest made entirely of sweets?” asks Baiata. Kids have added their own “Sweet Dreams” to the walk-through as part of Lumi’s Utopia, in partnership with Long Island Children’s Museum.
“We hold an art contest for children of different age categories. They submit works of art with a pre-agreed theme — this year’s theme was Sweet Dreams, such as candy and sweets — and the museum and our founder picked the winners,” Baiata says.
LuminoCity’s team acquires kids’ 2-D artwork that is brought to life as a 3-D light display for all to enjoy.
“The best part is the children seeing, for the first time, their pieces of art come to life. There’s this visceral excitement and just a gushing pride that you see from them and their parents as well,” Baiata adds.
“Art enriches our lives in so many ways that we take for granted sometimes. This really reminds us that imagination and art are central to our purpose here.”
Other can’t-miss attractions include a 50-foot Christmas tree and a majestic ice castle, which is
• Now through Jan. 5; weekdays 4:30-9:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 4:30-10 p.m.
• Tickets priced $24-$32 per person, children 3 and under free
• Purchase tickets at luminocityfestival.com or on-site.
• Eisenhower Park , East Meadow
described as bigger than a residential home. And, of course, a lantern Santa Claus returns to spread holiday cheer .
“I think that it creates this sense of wonder and adventure because as you approach, you’re looking up and you’re just kind of awed,” Baiata says.
Unlike Old Saint Nick, this process certainly can’t be completed in just one night. With a team of 40 members, the spectacle has been months in the making.
“It’s a big production staff required to get this all done. And it’s not just the creation. It’s also the maintenance because we’re outdoors, so we are beholden to the elements,” Baiata adds.
For an exciting twist, the festival also offers theme nights. Check out the website for additional ways to join in the fun.
When it’s time for a break, seek out the food truck nearby, with tempting eats and treats.
Whether you have been before, or it’s your first time, LuminoCity’s Holiday Light festival promises a night of memory-making experiences with friends and family.
“One of the most precious things in children is seeing the wonder in their eyes. And you want to cultivate that sense of wonder with your children; not just your children, but also your inner child,” Baiata enthuses.
“For the families who have already made (our festival) a tradition, we’re so grateful.”
Madeleine Peyroux
The acclaimed jazz singer, songwriter and interpreter brings her tour to the Landmark stage, following spring’s release of “Let’s Walk,” her first album in six years. Peyroux is acclaimed for her dusky, lyrical style and affinity for reinterpreting classic jazz, blues, and folk standards. Her extraordinary journey is one of the music industry’s most compelling. Emerging in her teens, much like songbird Edith Piaf, Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Years later, Peyroux would cite Piaf as an influence on her music and record a rendition of the classic La Vie En Rose, soulfully capturing the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. Madeleine’s thirst for creative exploration is unfading and her willingness to face creative challenges remains as solid now as it was three decades ago.
Sunday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. $70, $65, $58. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
‘Come and play”… on Sesame Street
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello everyone’s invited to sing, dance and play alongside some of their favorite friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide and seek. Elmo, his pals and other Muppets lead dances, songs, and games from the stage while you and your little ones participate in the audience. Join in lively dances, sing along to catchy tunes and interact with your favorite Muppets, As they say on Sesame Street: “Come and play, Everything’s A-Okay, Friendly neighbors there, That’s where we meet…”.
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy LuminoCity Eisenhower Park glitters throughout the holiday season with the arrival of LuminoCity.
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, opening Saturday, Nov. 16, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility.
Additional open house sessions are offered in January and February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces. org/barrytech or call (516) 622-6812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.
Having an event?
Book Club Meeting
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library hosts the Valley Stream Book Club meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Book to be discussed is “The Library Thief” by Kuchenga Shenjé. Registration required. Upon registration a copy of the book and discussion guide will be reserved for pick-up at the Adult Reference Desk. Register at valleystreamlibrary.org or call (516) 825-6422 or e-mail hwmlcontact@hotmail.com. 60 Verona Place.
Grace Church Thrift Shop
Grace United Methodist Church’s thrift shop is open Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You will find clothes for adults as well as children including shoes, coats, and pocketbooks. Browse the special fall table replete with jewelry, electronics, household and kitchen items, art, and more. 21 S. Franklin Ave.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition 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.
American Legion Post 854 meets
Valley Stream American Legion Post 854 holds their regular monthly meeting, Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. 51 Roosevelt Ave. For more information, call (516) 791-9791 or visit AmericanLegion845.com.
Owl Prowl
Check out Sands Point Preserve’s native owls calling in the woods at night, with biologist and ranger Eric Powers, Friday, Nov. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. Learn how to identify owls by sight and sound, and attract these beneficial birds to your own backyard. Then head out to the woods for a very quiet guided night walk in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife. Families welcome. Spaces are limited and registration required. $24 adult, $12 child, 8+; $18 adult, $6.50 child, 8+ members. 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstPUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELSIE CARLSON, 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 May 29, 2024, wherein BANK OF AMERICA NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELSIE CARLSON, 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 November 26, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 17 SOUTH HOMMELL STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-521-42. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 011621/2013. Judith Powell, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 149622
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL
TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. RAJBIR SINGH, Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 37 South Montague Street a/k/a 37 Montague 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 Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 366 and Lot 498. Approximate amount of judgment is $440,158.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601852/2019.
Mark Stephen Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 192525-1 149845
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Quan Li He a/k/a Quan L. He a/k/a Quan He; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 5, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 51 Dewitt Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, District: 2820 Section: 37 Block: 495 Lot: 223. Approximate amount of judgment $287,118.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 600388/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” John Kennedy, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff
175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624
(877) 430-4792
Dated: October 3, 2024
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 149853
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021-GS3, Plaintiff -againstCASSANDRA ALLEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 7, 2024 and entered on October 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Southerly side of Viola Street, distant 265.00 feet Easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said Southerly side of Viola Street with the Easterly side of Liberty Boulevard; being a plot 100.00 feet by 45.00 feet by 100.00 feet by 45.00 feet.
Section: 37 Block: 388 Lot: 47
Said premises known as 30 VIOLA STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580
Approximate amount of lien $624,755.13 plus interest & costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 618253/2022.
SCOTT H. SILLER, ESQ., Referee
Kosterich & Skeete, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 707 Westchester Ave, Suite 302, White Plains, NY 10604 {* VAL STRM H*} 149779
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. PATRICK MOLONEY, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public
auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 24 West Dover 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, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 164 and Lot 123. Approximate amount of judgment is $506,554.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608747/2018. Cash will not be accepted. Heather Crosley, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149843
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 11/20/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 689/24. NR VALLEY STREAM - Gitty & Brian Kohn, Variances, height, lot area occupied, rear yard, construct 2-story dwelling with porch, rear deck, cellar entrance & 3 a/c units all attached to dwelling (Demolish existing dwelling)., N/s Hillcrest Pl., 237.28’ W/o Cranford Ave., a/k/a 759 Hillcrest Pl. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Valley Stream within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video
CRIME bRIEf Elmont man charged in area robberies
An Elmont man was arrested in connection to two robberies in Hempstead and Valley Stream on Nov. 6, according to police. Christian Antonio Sepulveda Silva, 43, of Elmont allegedly robbed the Bolla Mart Gas station in late evening of July 28. Silva allegedly held an employee of the West Peninsula Boulevard store at gunpoint, demanding he fork over cash from, which he did. Similarly, Silva robbed the Atlantic Gas Station in Valley Stream, walking behind the counter and brandishing
a knife to an employee, demanding cash. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Nov. 7. As of press time, his next court day is Nov. 12 in Nassau District Court in Mineola. Police said Silva entered the country through the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of certain countries to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
Man killed in fatal Inwood car crash
A fatal car crash involving a pedestrian occurred on Monday, Oct. 28 at 11:08 pm in Inwood, police said.
Detectives report that a 2004 Ford Explorer traveling southbound on Sheridan Boulevard near Nassau Avenue allegedly hit a Patrick Sean Mwesigwa, 44 of Far Rockaway. The 35-year old driver remained on the scene.
Mwesigwa suffered severe trauma and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead by a hospital physician, according to the police. This is an ongoing investigation.
–Melissa Berman
Alleged burglary in Hewlett Bay Park
An investigation is underway for a Hewlett Bay Park alleged burglary that occurred at 3:40 a.m. on Nov. 6.
According to Nassau County Police, two subjects in dark hooded sweatshirts and facemasks allegedly broke into a Woodside Drive home using a pry bar to open a rear window.
The subjects allegedly took and used a key fob for a 2024 Mercedes G-Wagon,
to take the car from the garage, fleeing in an unknown direction, police said.
Detectives ask that anyone with information on the incident, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-(800) 244-8477. All callers will remain anonymous, police said.
–Parker Schug
Public Notices
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
149972
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST CARMEN COREAS, DANIEL COREAS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 30,
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 December 16, 2024 at 3:30PM, premises known as 34 East Avenue, 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 and State of New York, Section 37 Block 192 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $596,120.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
#605700/2023. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Referee Phone Number: 516-510-4020. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: BETTER FURNITURE ONLINE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/06/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:
–Jeffrey Bessen
Christian antonio sepulveda silva
Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen
Assistant Business Administrator Position
The Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen is seeking an Assistant Business Administrator for an immediate opening. The successful candidate must possess a valid NYS SBA, SDBL, SDA, or SDL certification. The incumbent will assist the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Human Resources in all aspects of school business administration. The primary responsibilities include:
• Managing the District’s financial accounting system and procedures, processing accounting transactions, and preparing related month end/year end reports.
• Assisting in the preparation of the annual budget and related reports, responsible for grant recording and reporting.
• Managing the transportation process and responsible for the day-to-day transportation administration of the district.
• Maintain capital project files and ensure reporting of state aid forms on a timely basis for state aid. Coordinating all required reporting for audits and ST-3 filings. They assist in tuition billing, preparing cash flows as needed for necessary borrowings, develop regulations and processes to support Board of Education policies, assist in the supervision of certified and classified staff. Administrative experience and Certified Public Accountant Preferred; proficiency in Microsoft products is required, incumbent should be an independent thinker and motivated self-starter.
All interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to stayal@valleystream13.com or apply on OLAS.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
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Dealing with the postSandy bureaucracy
Gracious Colonial
Q. I saw an article about auditing government by our state comptroller and wondered if you saw how he outlined waste and mishandling federal and state funds, in recovering from Superstorm Sandy. He cited gaps in program “oversight.” Were you aware of problems? We got funds from the New York Rising program. It was an ordeal we hope to never repeat. Like our neighbors, our house was raised, but they got more money without questions. We received a letter demanding $20,000 back, claiming funds were misused. Our neighbor built an illegal ground-floor family room with a wet bar, yet we were told we could only have storage, for example, and the state didn’t even say anything when they passed inspection. Did you see that people were treated differently, and is there any recourse?
A. Since the program has ended, I doubt that you can appeal. For 10 years after the storm I made many observations of the ways in which the officials at each level handled the specifics of insisting on everything from plastic laminate countertops versus quartz or granite, the waste of every property separately surveyed for groundwater depth, the use of the ground floor and the changes in whether you could have a window or door opening, and even whether you could have masonry steps when the program only allowed for wood steps, which were destined to need maintenance or replacement in a short period of time. There were many ways a design professional like me, working with the recipients of the funds, like you, could have helped to make the programs more efficient, safer, and less expensive for the government, but each time I tried to contact the fund management, my input was ignored. I met with the national head of FEMA while I was filming a documentary about disasters in Moore, Oklahoma, as well state legislators and our local New York Rising program director. In each case I got a business card and a “Shoot me an email and we’ll talk,” but never any follow-up.
I saw that it was a complete waste to ask homeowners to separately pay for groundwater testing on their property, for $1,000 to $2,500, in order to qualify for house-raising when an organized agency could have saved millions of dollars by getting testing done up and down entire blocks, mobilizing the testing company to come to a block once instead of randomly testing next-door neighbors’ properties a day apart. I was working with five neighbors at one time, and tried to get a state and local adviser to review procedures and applications in a single meeting, only to be told that one would meet on a Wednesday, the next the following week and squeeze another in by the month’s end.
And, yes, I witnessed many differences in people’s treatment and how cases were handled, and I could not get an explanation when appealing on behalf of a homeowner. Perhaps the Homes and Community Renewal Agency can advise. Good luck!
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A call for tolerance amid the acrimony
Aweek and a half removed from the conclusion of the profoundly exasperating 2024 election cycle, it is abundantly clear that the political temperature remains at an unprecedented high.
sCoTT
Constructive discourse seems nonexistent. Divisive rhetoric and finger-pointing have emerged as the standards of the day, and the pendulum has swung far away from working together across the political spectrum to build consensus for the greater good. This unsustainable climate is driving us down the dead-end road of acrimony and dysfunction.
We must all recognize this moment as a time for introspection and taking personal responsibility for the direction in which we move forward. As our emo-
tions settle, we should consider the legacy that we will leave for the next generation and reflect on what we can do to create a better path of promise for the future for those who follow.
In recognizing the magnitude of this moment in our political history, it is imperative to consider focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. At our core, I believe we all share similar fundamental desires: to be able to live in an affordable, safe community where we, our families, and loved ones are treated with dignity and respect and can thrive, live authentically, and become the best versions of ourselves. We may have different customs, attend different religious institutions or celebrate in different ways, but the reality is this: We share more similarities than differences.
We must tamp down the divisive rhetoric that permeates our discourse.
ideals of tolerance and constructive problem-solving. Developing a willingness to listen and consider the possibility that an alternate way of thinking on an issue may have value is essential, and as a first step, I encourage everyone across the political spectrum to see how we can do better and contribute toward achieving this outcome.
seize on the work of forging a positive path for the next generation. Everyone is exhausted by the current political climate. We can and must do our part to work together, in order to give us all a better chance to live our best lives in a society where everyone is valued and protected.
Changing the toxic political climate starts with each one of us taking a long look in the mirror and embracing the
At this time of tremendous division, we must all renew our willingness to consider the legitimacy of differing perspectives and seek common ground on which reasonable people can begin to build a consensus. Start by focusing on something you can agree on and build from there. This isn’t an easy task, but it is a necessary one. We won’t always agree, but we must not always disagree. Even within our own families, we don’t concur on everything, but we move forward together.
With the holiday season fast approaching, now is an ideal time to
Our first task in this vital pursuit is tamping down the divisive rhetoric and intolerance that permeates our discourse. By focusing on understanding, empathy and bridge-building, we can pave the way for more united communities as we build a future that is inclusive, respectful of differences, and focused on creating solutions that benefit everyone.
Let’s come together — not as adversaries, but as neighbors and fellow citizens — and work toward a future in which our shared values and common goals guide us to a stronger and more resilient future. We are all better when we work together.
Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.
L.I. urgently needs sustainable waste management
As Long Island grows, so does the stress on the region’s infrastructure, resources and properties. With nearly 3 million residents calling Nassau and Suffolk counties home, Long Island is facing a waste management crisis of unprecedented proportions.
Long Island produces approximately 7 million tons of waste annually. This immense volume, comprising everything from household trash to commercial and construction debris, is straining a region that is already stretching its waste management infrastructure upsettingly thin. And with the imminent closure of the Brookhaven Landfill, the region’s last major landfill, the crisis will only escalate, underscoring the critical need for sustainable solutions — particularly waste-to-energy systems — to address the growing environmental and logistical pressures. There’s no other way to put it, really: Current waste management practices on Long Island are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Landfills are a dead end. They’re shutting down all over the Northeast,
forcing waste to be transported farther and farther — an ecological and environmental catastrophe burdening residents, businesses and municipalities alike. Long-distance transportation of waste adds to traffic congestion, exponentially increases the likelihood of illegal dumping, pollutes the air, and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions.
Long Island urgently needs a more sustainable waste management strategy.
region’s energy needs in a sustainable manner.
W
e can no longer rely on outdated methods that damage our environment.
Reworld, a leader in sustainable waste solutions for over three decades, offers a solution to this growing crisis. With four strategically located thermomechanical treatment facilities — in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma — we’ve been instrumental in helping Long Island manage its waste more efficiently. These facilities are waste ecosystems, and employ a variety of sustainable capabilities that extract valuable resources from what many of us toss in our kitchen bins at home.
For example, each of these facilities houses waste-to-energy technology. By converting waste into renewable energy, we reduce the Island’s reliance on landfills while simultaneously generating electricity, thus contributing to the
Throughout our more than 30 years on Long Island, we’ve been focused on working with community groups and environmental advocates to lead the way in developing and implementing advanced solutions to help the region achieve its environmental goals. The journey toward a sustainable future, however, is a collective one. It requires the active participation of residents, businesses and municipalities in waste reduction, recycling and support for sustainable waste management practices.
Our commitment to sustainability also extends to our metalrecovery services, where we recycle over 60,000 tons of ferrous and non-ferrous materials each year. To put this in perspective, the recovered metal could form a chain of paperclips that wraps around the Earth 85 times. This dedication to resource recovery highlights our mission to minimize waste and maximize the value of discarded materials.
For example, improper disposal of medications, whether flushed or thrown away, can lead to pharmaceutical contamination of groundwater, potentially affecting both the environment and public health. That’s why we partner with
municipalities throughout the year across Long Island to help organize pharmaceutical take-back events. This gives residents a way to safely and responsibly dispose of expired and unused prescription drugs. By facilitating proper disposal methods, Reworld and its municipal partners are helping reduce the risk of contamination, and help keep our communities safe and healthy by protecting critical infrastructure.
In addition to community programming, Reworld is also driving innovation in sustainable waste solutions on Long Island by implementing new technology at our facilities. We’ve developed advanced thermal-treatment methods and integrated high-efficiency combustion systems with cutting-edge environmental controls. Our Long Island plants operate with an unprecedented level of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Long Island stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our waste management infrastructure. We can no longer rely on outdated methods that damage our environment and strain our communities. By embracing sustainable practices, we can reduce landfill dependency, lower our carbon footprint and create a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.
Adel Omrani is president, East Region, of Reworld.
M. DAVis
oMrAni
Herald editorial
Delivering quality journalism matters most
last week’s news that The Newark Star-Ledger will cease its print edition and become digitalonly in February offers an opportunity to reflect on how quality journalism best serves our communities today.
The Star-Ledger’s shift, along with similar moves by other newspapers in New Jersey, reflects the complex reality facing modern newsrooms. But rather than seeing this as a choice between print and digital, let’s focus on what research consistently shows: Different formats serve different purposes, and many readers benefit from both.
Print newspapers continue to command exceptional trust and engagement. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that readers retain information better from print, and advertisers see stronger results from print campaigns. There’s something uniquely focused about the experience of reading a physical newspaper — the thoughtful progression through its pages, the serendipitous discoveries, the natural hierarchy that helps readers understand what matters
letters
Affordable housing tops the list of L.I.’s problems
To the Editor:
I’m writing in response to the editorial “The Herald’s pact with you” (Oct. 31-Nov. 6), in which you ask, “What are the topics you care about?”
There are many problems affecting Nassau County, Long Island, New York state and the United States that I care about, but the one I find myself coming back to more than any other is housing, specifically the availability of affordable housing.
I live in Point Lookout, a community that has gentrified enormously since my parents bought a home here in 1957, for which they paid $17,500, taking a 10-year mortgage. It’s great for me, I guess, that my home has appreciated in value astronomically, but, in my opinion, not so good overall for the people of Long Island.
One of my daughters struggled to find somewhere to live on her own nearby, finally settling into part of a home in another Nassau County community, paying rent that’s at the very limit of what she can afford. And this is typical. As individuals and families struggle to pay their mortgages and property taxes, there are close to zero apartments and mixed-use developments being built.
In Long Beach, just down the road from Point Lookout, there are innumerable, mostly illegal apartments in homes, despite the periodic statements of various Long Beach officials
most. Digital platforms, meanwhile, excel at breaking news and interactive graphics.
The most successful news organizations today recognize that different stories, and different moments, call for different platforms.
At the Herald, we see firsthand how print and digital complement each other. Breaking news might first appear online, and then our print editions provide the context, analysis and depth that help readers truly understand issues affecting their communities. Each platform serves its purpose, and together they create a more informed community.
The future of news isn’t about choosing digital over print, or vice versa — it’s about delivering quality journalism through whatever channels best serve you, our readers. There’s no doubt that news will eventually be delivered by a technology that doesn’t even exist yet, and that’s OK.
Local newspapers, regardless of format, serve as champions of community achievements, watchdogs of public officials and chroniclers of the stories that
matter most to our readers. Whether you’re holding a printed page or scrolling on a screen, what matters most is the quality of the journalism you’re reading.
At the Herald, our commitment has remained unchanged for many decades: to provide trustworthy, impactful journalism that serves the people of Long Island. We’ll continue investing in both print and digital delivery, recognizing that our readers benefit from having choices in how they consume news. And, of course, we always want to hear from you about how we can serve you and your communities better.
The future of journalism depends not on the medium but on the continued support of readers who value quality local news. Whether you prefer print or digital, or both, your engagement helps ensure that professional journalism continues to thrive in our communities. Tell your friends and family to subscribe to their local newspapers, wherever in the world they live.
We look forward to being your trusted source of local news for years to come.
promising a crackdown on such apartments.
The opposition to building more housing on Long Island is fierce. Look what happened last year to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to encourage the construction of more housing throughout the state.
Local politicians rant and rave about how apartments and multi-unit developments near transit hubs will destroy the suburban character of Nassau County — as if developers were looking to build huge apartments in residential neighborhoods!
tour neighbors, work
tribute about and more Despite challenges sense of many That’s community humbled ty the p
— while our young people and families who cannot afford to buy homes have almost no options for housing. Cowardly town, county and state politicians serve only their own self-interest in being re-elected, and do nothing to address this problem. And our young people, and others, continue to leave Long Island due to the lack of housing options.
MICHAEL CrAvEN Point Lookout
canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
topinions Reflecting on progress and looking ahead
hank you. Over the past two years, I have had the incredible honor of traveling throughout the 9th Senate District to meet our neighbors, to see the extraordinary work they’re doing to serve and contribute to our communities, and to hear about the challenges and struggles they face every day. As a mother and a small-business owner, I’m all too familiar with many of these challenges — inflation and the increasingly high cost of living, concerns about public safety and antisemitism, and helping our children navigate a seemingly more and more troubled world.
Despite how insurmountable these challenges appear, there is almost a sense of comfort in knowing that so many of us are facing them together. That’s why I sought to be a voice for our community two years ago, and why I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity the residents of the district have
given me to continue advocating for them in Albany for the next two years.
With the 2025 state legislative session quickly approaching, I am committed to ensuring that the priorities and concerns of the residents of our communities are heard in the Capitol. I will continue to highlight the experiences my constituents share with me to help make the case for tackling the issues impacting everyday New Yorkers. It is imperative that lawmakers return to Albany with a focus on lowering costs and combating the affordability crisis head-on.
ilong-term if they ultimately decide to resume this disastrous proposal. rather than further burdening New Yorkers with more taxes and costly mandates, we need to rein in state spending to drive down the costs of goods and utilities.
t’s clear that residents don’t like policies that result from oneparty control.
After years of control by a one-party supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature, and after two consecutive budgets that included a billion-dollar-or-more handout to New York City’s selfimposed migrant crisis, New York voters have rejected the State Senate’s supermajority. It’s clear that residents aren’t in favor of the tax-and-spend policies that have resulted from one-party control, and gimmicks like pausing the congestion pricing tax on commuters shortly before an election won’t work
Letters
Not giving in to ‘our season of despair’
To the Editor:
I hope that Nov. 5, 2024, is not a date that will live in infamy, but I must express my justifiable concerns. I don’t fear the boogeyman in the closet. I fear a reality that may occur.
Hello, America: This is the time to say, “Oops, shoulda not done that.” This may be the season of our regret and despair. At the risk of sounding Cassandra-like, I fear for our democratic nation, I fear for our personal safety and I fear for our future.
Let’s start with our new leader, Donald Trump, awaiting sentencing on his criminal charges. How will the judicial system honor the decisions of the jurors? What will he do in the cases of the Capitol rioters? He could grant all or some of them pardons. What actions might he take on his first day in office? Which programs will he sign into law?
At risk are female reproductive rights, tariffs that could possibly raise the price of marketplace goods, more laws against vulnerable and targeted populations and the empowering of those who promote false science and other highly dubious theo-
ries. Many of us are concerned about what could happen to our health care and Social Security benefits. Will they change, possibly with decreases that will seriously impact an aging population? And, of course, there is the issue of border security, with its parallel implications of a ready labor market.
Like many of my fellow citizens, I hope that President-elect Trump doesn’t violate long-held democratic traditions and implement authoritarian governance.
I am worried about him using his platform to praise authoritarian leaders while demeaning our democratic allies. I am also concerned about him using pejorative and threatening language with his perceived enemies. We who feel abandoned and in despair must stand strong, and must continue to make our voices heard through democratic means and processes. We must persist in speaking for the disenfranchised, so the liberties we have known and hope to preserve for future generations are not deserted and forgotten. This is our America — let us continue to carry the torch illuminating a better life for all, and not give in to our season of despair.
MIrEILLE TAub Freeport
In the years since shortsighted bail reform policies went into effect in 2020, New Yorkers have been clamoring to restore common sense to our judicial system. That’s why the very first bill I introduced was intended to return judicial discretion, and allow judges to consider whether a defendant poses a threat to the community when setting bail, a common-sense practice allowed by 49 states and the federal government, but prohibited in New York.
Antisemitism, which once lurked mostly in the shadows, has reared its head in public, yet state lawmakers in the majority didn’t take action on any of the proposals laid out by my colleagues and me in the Antisemitism Working Group report.
While it may be a challenge — one that I welcome — to persuade some of
my colleagues across the aisle to change course by lowering costs for New Yorkers and empowering law enforcement and our judicial system to keep our communities safe, I am optimistic about the opportunities to work with lawmakers of all stripes to combat the youth mental health crisis. Last year, bipartisan legislation I cosponsored to protect children from harmful social media algorithms was signed into law. I hope to build on this progress and bolster access to mental health services in our schools.
It is unlikely that New York’s problems will be fixed overnight, and there will no doubt be further challenges in getting our state back on the right track, but every day I am inspired by the stories from friends and neighbors who help make our communities a better place to live. It is these stories, these friends and these neighbors who motivate me to serve them. So I want to thank you not only for the support and the opportunity to continue serving as your state senator, but also for everything you do — big and small — to add to those communities to make them the best places call home. Thank you.
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th Senate District.
Framework by Tim Baker
Bellmore Girl Scout Troop 965 visits the Herald — Garden City
patricia canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
Giving Birth? Look No Further than the South Shore’s
Only High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care
Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.
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• Reduced C-section delivery rates
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• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates
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• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.