Courtesy Green Acres Mall Green Acres Mall distributed over 1,000 turkeys in its annual Thanksgiving giveaway, partnering with local groups and officials to ease the holiday strain on families in need while fostering a sense of community care.
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
A turkey with all the trimmings figures so prominently in the Thanksgiving holiday that many families willingly squeeze their grocery budgets to afford it.
Joseph Floccari, manager of Green Acres Mall, understands the financial stress Thanksgiving can bring, particularly for households in need. To help, the mall distributed over 1,000 turkeys in its annual Thanksgiving giveaway.
“It’s important for us at Green Acres to be out there and doing our fair share of goodwill,” Floccari said. “When people are in need, this is a great time to give back to
them. We’re looking to make hungry families and individuals happy.”
Packaged, frozen turkeys in large boxes were distributed to a number of civic associations, food pantries, and the offices of elected officials from Valley Stream to Long Beach in the lead-up to the holiday. Halal and kosher turkeys were also donated to ensure that “no one gets left out,” Floccari said.
He explained that the mall aimed to get these farm-raised poultry products into the hands of local groups and officials who have a keener sense of where the need is most urgent — and who can leverage their community influence and credibility to reach
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Since last month, visitors to the Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital have been hardpressed to spot plastic water bottles on site. The reason is simple, but consequential: the Franklin Avenue facility officially phased out single-serving plastic water bottles and other single-use plastic products for its patients and staff.
WJoe Dobias, director of food and nutrition at Northwell Health, says slashing the hospital’s plastic bottle consumption down to effectively zero is not only smart from a costsaving perspective but creates a greener way to hydrate.
JOE
“Plastic water bottle waste was somewhere in the realm of 35,000 pieces a week,” Dobias said. “This equates to about a quarter million dollars a year in expense.”
In lieu of the single-use bottles, the hospital — staffed with roughly 1,600 employees — has installed over 50 water dispensers throughout the building. Water bottles have been swapped for reusable, lightweight, shatterresistant plastic cups that can be sanitized and reused. Every LIJ Valley Stream staff member received a branded reusable water bottle and coffee mug and rewards like unlimited free coffee in the cafeteria for those using their mugs.
DOBiAS director of food and nutrition, LIJVS Hospital
Dobias said the switch, dubbed Operation Hydration, is projected to save the hospital about $150,000 a year.
Fighting the plastic waste crisis
It also represents the most ambitious move of the Northwell Health system — the hospital’s parent company — to
ConTinued on pAGe 5
HERALD SchoolS
V.S. 13 hosts family engagement night
Valley Stream District 13 announced the launch of its Family Engagement Nights series, designed to provide valuable resources and foster stronger connections between families and the school community. The first event in this new series, Fostering Your Child’s Wellbeing: Practical Tools and Strategies to Help at Home was a resounding success.
This event offered parents and caregivers the opportunity to attend informative workshops aimed at helping them support their children’s emotional and physical well-being at home. Workshop topics included internet safety; healthy screen time habits; social media use; the RULER program, which focuses on emotional intelligence; yoga; mindfulness; and much more. These sessions were led by experts in each field and provided practical strategies for fostering growth and development in children.
“We are thrilled to provide this platform for parents and caregivers to gain the tools and knowledge needed to support their children’s well-being both in school and at home,” said Lorraine Radice, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and
Instruction. “Our Family Engagement Nights are part of our ongoing commitment to building a strong, supportive school community where every family feels connected and empowered.”
To ensure that all parents and caregivers could attend, the district provided childcare during the event, allowing participants to fully engage in the workshops without concern for their children’s care.
Before the Fostering Your Child’s Wellbeing event, LaRocca also hosted a Cookies and Conversation with the Superintendent session, where parents and caregivers had the chance to speak directly with the Superintendent about topics of importance to the Valley Stream District 13 community. These informal conversations help foster open communication between the district’s leadership and families.
District officials say they look forward to hosting future Family Engagement Nights on various topics related to supporting students and encourages all members of the Valley Stream community to participate in upcoming events.
–Juan Lasso
GET READY for community
GREEN ACRES GIVES BACK
EMPOWERING FAMILIES IN NEED
Distributing over 1,000 regular, Kosher and Halal turkeys during the holiday season.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Donating over 1,000 backpacks and school supplies for students to thrive.
TRANSFORMING STUDENTS’ FUTURES
Supporting local schools and students through our School Cents program, sponsorships and scholarships.
ENRICHING CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
Hosting free Kids Club and holiday events.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
Proudly hosting remarkable community celebrations.
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13 Valley Stream District 13 hosted family engagement night in an effort to improve students’ wellbeing.
Islanders help feed community this holiday
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The New York Islanders collaborated with local charities and the office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages to hand out 200 Thanksgiving meals to Long Island families in need at UBS Arena on the evening of Nov. 26. The event was supported by the Islanders’ Children’s Foundation and UBS.
Solages, who represents the 22nd Assembly District, said her role is to refer people in need to such services. Her office, she said, does case work to help constituents who face financial hardship.
“We interact with many families and communities that are, unfortunately, in a bad situation,” Solages said.
Ann Rina, the Islanders’ executive director of community relations, said her role is to partner with agencies such as Island Harvest and Long Island Cares to help her find families in need. Long Island is an expensive place to live, she said, and when food prices go up, people in all kinds of circumstances can become food insecure.
“We’re just looking to help as many families as we can,” Rina said.
Elba Obregon, the associate director of brand activation, sponsorship and events at UBS Arena, said her team is involved in the Elmont community through events and partnerships with schools and charities. That’s how they identify the need for events like this one, Obregon said.
“Obviously, this is their community,” she said. “We want them to feel like they belong here, and that they’re welcomed.”
Katrina Hill, Long Island Cares’ vice
president of network relations, helps organize the charity’s participation in the event. The Islanders reach out to the organization every year, Hill said, about the Thanksgiving effort.
Long Island Cares, she explained, has a network of member agencies, such as soup kitchens and food pantries, that work with the Islanders to get their clients and members involved. “We are out in the community,” Hill said. “We partner with as many organizations as we can to make sure our families are getting the food that they need.”
Hill also said that Long Island Cares works closely with the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to secure additional funding.
“Any community resources we can get, we’re out advocating for,” she said.
Solages, Rina, Obregon and Hill all said they had noticed an increase in food insecurity on Long Island over the past few years. That’s why, they said, their organizations need to be active in the community.
“Everybody comes from different walks of life, different circumstances that have impacted their abilities to put a meal together,” Rina said. “Especially around the holidays.”
Solages agreed, and pointed out that Thanksgiving can be a major expense for a family. But, she said, this event provides an entire meal large enough to feed a family, giving them one fewer thing to worry about as they gather for the holiday.
“We’re only as strong as our community,” Rina said, “and our community gains strength through food.”
Obregon agreed, and reiterated that the Islanders are here for these families. “Let’s continue letting the community know than an event like this exists and is available during the holiday season,” she said. “We would love to support more families in the area.”
The more these organizations and charities spread the word, Hill said, the greater an impact the Islanders can make.
Events like these, Solages said, bring dignity to Long Islanders. “It’s hard to ask for help in this world,” she said. “To have a loving environment that you can come to and get assistance is nice. A lot of these people are in the shadows, suffering in silence, and we’re here as a community, telling them they don’t have to.”
For more information about the event and the Islanders’ Children’s Foundation, visit NHL.com/Islanders.
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos Islanders’ wives and the team’s mascot, Sparky, with families receiving Thanksgiving meals at UBS Arena on Nov. 26.
Volunteers from UBS pulled a cart of food to a recipient’s car.
Volunteers helped carry boxes of food to families in their vehicles.
HERALD SchoolS
Shaw students hold Thanksgiving food drive
Shaw Avenue School’s sixth grade Student Advocates in Valley Stream District 30 held a Thanksgiving food drive to support people in need from Nov. 18-22.
During the food drive, which was held during American Education Week, students collected nonperishable food items for people throughout the school community. In previous years, the drive was coordinated by Shaw Avenue’s teachers. However, teachers agreed to allow students to run this year’s drive to promote student leadership. The Student Advocates also designed posters which were on display throughout the building to spread awareness for the food drive. All donations will go to the Blessed Sacrament Church’s food pantry to be distributed to community members in need.
The district commends Shaw Avenue’s Student Advocates for organizing this year’s Thanksgiving food drive.
A Baker’s Dozen Reasons to Use a Trust
1. Trusts can shield your assets from the high cost of home care making you eligible for home health aides through the Medicaid program.
2. Trusts start the five year “look-back” for institutional care, making you eligible for Medicaid benefits to pay for a nursing home.
3. Trusts can ensure the inheritances you leave will stay in the bloodline for your grandchildren and not end up with in-laws and their families.
4. Trusts can provide who takes over if you become disabled – guaranteeing you get the person you choose instead of a court-appointed legal guardian.
5. Trusts can avoid a will contest from heirs you leave out or ones that receive less than they think they are entitled to.
6. Trusts give you immediate access to assets on death unlike wills which can take months and
sometimes years to probate.
7. Trusts can provide supervision and protection for special needs and other children who have issues with handling financial matters.
8. Trusts can reduce and often eliminate estate taxes for couples with taxable estates.
9. Trusts can avoid guardianship proceedings for gifts made to grandchildren.
10. Trusts can avoid the problems of locating unknown heirs or dealing with heirs abroad.
11. Trusts can move assets out of your estate for income and estate purposes.
12. Trusts can avoid the expense, delay and publicity of a probate court proceeding for your property in New York and out of state.
13. Trusts can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream District 30
Shaw Avenue School’s sixth grade Student Advocates in Valley Stream District 30 held a Thanksgiving food drive to support people in need from Nov. 18-22.
Hospital says goodbye to single-use plastic bottles
curb its share of plastic waste pollution.
The United States generates over 42 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, according to government reports, but only about 9 percent is recycled.
Experts note plastic doesn’t biodegrade like other materials—it can take up to 1,000 years to break down. In the meantime, it accumulates in the environment, choking marine wildlife, contaminating soil and groundwater, and posing serious health risks.
“We as a company have a huge impact on the Northeast and we have to start being a lot more socially responsible,” Dobias said, adding that the longterm plan is for other hospitals and medical centers across Northwell to follow suit.
“With 16 hospital sites and 80 or 90,000 employees, plastic waste was really a problem we could no longer ignore,” he said.
Breaking the bottle habit
Although patients, as “captive audiences,” acquiesce to the hospital’s upgraded services, employees — the biggest contributors to the hospital’s plastic waste — are going through a personal learning curve to make single-use plastic a thing of the past.
“Everybody likes to do what they do daily. That’s why we kind of put these incentives out front,” Dobias said. “We’ve done a lot of messaging throughout the building with open roundtables, formal presentations, you name it.”
Dobias noted that a key concern
Plastic pollution facts
■ 80 percent of all studied marine debris is plastic
■ 8 million pieces of plastic pollution make their way into the ocean every day. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline across the globe
■ It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish
■ The average person could be consuming up to 5 grams of plastic a week
among staff was whether public water could match the drinking quality of bottled water. The results of a 50-page study by a water testing company whose name was not disclosed showed that bottled water was no better in terms of quality than tap. Filters installed in the watering stations will also add an extra layer of protection, but there is no ques tion in Dobias’ mind that work culture habits are hard to change.
“It’s been really more of a cultural rev olution than an eco-friendly revolution,” he said.
Presented by The Village of Valley
Stream
Beginning November 29th
Winterfest Activities at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
Dedication of the Nativity Tuesday, December 3rd
S. Franklin Ave. & Sunrise Hwy, 7:15pm
Lighting of Gibson
Wednesday, December 11th
Gibson Train Station, 6pm
Holiday Homes Lego Contest Sunday, December 15th
Pagan Fletcher Restoration
Submit Entries between 11:30 & noon
Winners announced between 1:30 & 2
Lighting of The Menorah Thursday, December 26th
Firemen’s Memorial Plaza, 4:30pm
Candlelight Tours Friday, December 27th
Pagan Fletcher Restoration, 7pm
All Events Will Take Place at Hendrickson Park Friday, December 6th
Winterfest Kick-Off with the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree at 7pm
Visit from Santa & Holiday Market Gates Open at 5pm
Mornings, December 7th & 14th
Breakfast with Santa, 10am - 1pm Valley Stream Community Center
Evenings, December 7th, 13th & 14th
Visit from Santa & Holiday Market, 5pm - 9pm
Breakfast with Santa will be Continental Style & served at the Community Center.
Tickets will be required for admission. Tickets are $20 each.
Tickets are on sale at the Pool Complex.
Limited Tickets! First come, first served!
Stephen Takacs/Herald
LIJ Valley Stream Hospital has eliminated single-use plastic bottles, replacing them with reusable alternatives to reduce waste and promote sustainability. ContInued
HERALD SPORTS
Hofstra hoops showing plenty of promise
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
With a largely new roster this season, fourth-year Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Speedy Claxton was expecting that the beginning of the new season could be a bit of a learning curve. The former standout Hofstra and NBA guard then saw quicker chemistry than he anticipated, providing hope that the 202425 campaign could culminate with a banner.
Hofstra won its first four games to start the new season with many new faces including a 49-48 upset victory against Big East foe Seton Hall at the Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 13. The hot start featured a number of scoring contributions with the Pride also finding ways to win games in a variety of fashions in three straight wins against Iona, Seton Hall and UMass after starting with
a blowout of Division III opponent SUNY Old Westbury.
“Those are three good wins and if you would have told me before the season we would get all three I’d be extremely happy and even if you told me I would only get one I would have been happy,” said Claxton, a former NBA guard who led Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament as a player in 2000. “It shows we can compete with anyone.”
The 4-0 start was followed up by stiff competition at Florida State and then 7th-ranked Houston. The Pride then headed to the Bahamas for three games over the Thanksgiving weekend and knocked off Rice in overtime 68-63 and edged Arkansas State 68-66 on a buzzer beater shot from graduate student forward Michael Graham.
Claxton added six transfers and two freshmen to the roster to go along with six returners from last year’s team that went 20-13 and fell to Long Island rival Stony Brook in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals.
Sophomore guard Jean Aranguren is one of the newcomers shining early as the team’s leading scorer. The Iona transfer registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in Hofstra’s 75-71 overtime win at UMass on Nov. 16.
The addition of Big East transfers Cruz Davis (St. John’s) and Jaquan Sanders (Seton Hall) are also paying dividends early on this season. Sanders was clutch in the Seton Hall win against his old team with 10 second half points while Davis tallied 21 in the UMass victory.
“All three of those guys have been playing well,” Claxton said. “I think that is why we have been performing well in the early part of the season.”
Other transfers added to the roster include Graham (Loyola Marymount), senior guard TJ Gadsden (Canisius) and redshirt sophomore guard Eric Parnell (Eastern Florida State). Graham is the team’s fourth leading scorer and recorded 14 in the dramatic Arkansas State win.
The Pride are also getting a leadership boost from returning players Silas Sunday and German Plotnikov, who both
Newcomer Cruz Davis popped in 21
UMass.
saw key minutes last season. The 7-1 Sunday provides a big presence in the paint while Plotnikov is a long-range shooting threat who connected on 47.4 percent of his three-pointers last season.
“They’re both benefiting from being here last year and knowing how we do things,” said Claxton of Sunday and Plotnikov.
Hofstra’s December schedule is highlighted by a Sunday afternoon home game against Temple on Dec. 15 starting at noon. It will also serve as Hofstra’s annual Jewish Heritage Day game.
The CAA home schedule gets under-
way on Jan. 2 against William & Mary at 7 p.m. which will honor the 25th anniversary of David S. Mack Arena. Hofstra’s annual winter homecoming game will take place on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. against Stony Brook.
Hofstra was picked fourth in the CAA Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll behind Towson, defending champion College of Charleston and UNC-Wilimington.
“The conference is always going to be tough with some really good teams and really good coaches,” Claxton said. “It’s not gonna get any easier once we get into conference play”
photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications
points for the Pride in a Nov. 16 victory over
Sophomore Jean Aranguren is leading Hofstra in scoring in the early going.
Celebrating Long Island’s Future Leaders: $2,500 Student Sustainability Prize Open for Nominations
By: Maureen Fitzgerald
Reworld™ is searching for Long Island’s next generation of environmental innovators to receive the first-ever 2025 Student Sustainability Champion Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding student from Nassau County and one from Suffolk, with each winner receiving $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects – presented to the student recipients at the upcoming 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island.
Nominations are now open, inviting the community to recognize young changemakers under 16 who are making a positive impact. Submissions should highlight the student’s leadership, innovative contributions, and dedication to sustainability. Entries should include a brief description of their achievements and motivation, along with a photo or example of their work—be it a community garden, recycling initiative, or creative environmental solution.
This award is part of the larger 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld™ and hosted by the LI Herald and RichnerLIVE, which will take place on February 26th at The Heritage Club in Bethpage.
The event will bring together community leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are driving innovative environmental solutions and fostering sustainable tomorrows across Long Island.
Despite Long Island’s environmental challenges —coastal erosion, water quality, and balancing development with conservation—stories of innovation and hope thrive. Local nonprofits restore habitats, educators inspire, and leaders prioritize sustainability. From renewable energy to advanced recycling, these efforts showcase the region’s spirit. With Reworld™ fostering this innovation and community empowerment, they’re driving Long Island toward a greener future.
“Reworld™ is honored to partner with RichnerLIVE and the Herald to recognize the inspiring efforts of our young changemakers,” said Dawn Harmon, East Region Area Asset Manager at Reworld™. “This initiative aims to empower Long Island’s future leaders and celebrate the innovative strides our community is taking toward sustainability.”
For more information or to submit a student nomination, visit www.richnerlive.com/reworldcontest. Let’s celebrate the bright minds and groundbreaking innovations shaping Long Island’s sustainable future.
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.
Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
Hewlett’s Roboboogie cleans Valley Stream
The Roboboogie robotics team from Hewlett High School hosted their first litter cleanup along Merrick Road in Valley Stream, bringing together multiple local robotics teams for a collaborative environmental initiative on Nov. 23.
Team co-captain Zarina Wadiwala said the team was inspired by cleanups put on by the Valley Stream Beautification Committee in the past.
“We had this idea that we wanted to host our own litter cleanup because not only would it be community service and volunteering, but it would also be an opportunity to collaborate with other robotics teams,” Wadiwala said.
Roboboogie Business Manager
Shibani Persaud, 16, helped to organize and lead at the team’s first clean up event.
RISE Robotics from Half Hollow Hills and Nexus, another Hewlett High School team took to the Valley Stream streets with Roboboogie.
As a FIRST Tech Challenge team, Roboboogie operates with up to 15 members in grades 9-12, focusing on robotics competition, community engagement, and documenting their process.
The team’s upcoming projects include a coat-drive and hosting programming classes and STEM showcases at local schools and libraries. They are currently running a magazine and book donation drive for a psychiatric ward.
–Parker Schug
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
RoboBoogie robotics team members and the Valley Stream Beautification Committee joined forces on Nov. 23 to clean up around Valley Stream.
The Valley Stream Beautification Committe has collected littered cigarette butts since August and
Alyssa Prashad, 15 and Sanaa Desvarieux, 16, helped out at the Roboboogie robotics team clean up on Merrick Road in Valley Stream.
Valley Stream Beautification Committe co-chair Katheryn Natoli cleans up the streets, to help the Hewlett High School group.
STEPPING OUT
Five times the charm
Laurie Berkner returns with a rockin’ holiday concert for families
By Alyssa Seidman
The scarcity of sun that marks winter’s return often brings Laurie Berkner back to her musical roots. On cozy winter evenings her family would gather ’round a songbook to recite melodies reminiscent of Christmas and falling snow.
“Music always made me feel safe, happy, and loved, and all those feelings come together around [this] time of year,” Berkner says. “Holiday songs were always something that brought up a lot of really warm feelings for me.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Berkner’s discography includes two bestselling albums about the most wonderful time of the year. Families adore her — she still wears the known as the ‘Queen of Kindie Rock’ — and can tale in her festive originals alongside yuletide classics once again when “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” arrives here at the Paramount, on Dec. 15.
Berkner is a veritable dynamo as singer/songwriter, author, lyricist, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records. With more than one billion total streams, over 500 million views on YouTube, and millions of albums, singles and DVDs sold, her songs have become beloved classics for families worldwide.
While working as a children’s music specialist at preschools and day care centers in New York City, she gained an instinctive understanding of kids’ natural rhythms and energy. This enabled her to launch the progressive “kindie rock” movement, a genre that is just as palatable to parents and caregivers.
Berkner has released 16 award-winning albums over the course of her decades-long career. She was the first recording artist to perform in music videos on Noggin — appeared regularly on the network’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” — and helped develop the animated musical preschool series “Sing It, Laurie!” for Sprout TV, now Universal Kids.
Berkner has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House, among many prestigious venues. She is regularly lauded by her peers, and has been dubbed “the Adele of the preschool crowd” (The New York Times), “the queen of kids’ music” (People), and “one of the most popular children’s performers in America” (Wall Street Journal).
Holiday hits
This is the fifth time “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” will grace The Paramount stage. She first brought her holiday concert to Long Island in 2019, and has delighted kids — and kids at heart — every year since, aside from 2020.
“It feels really great to be able to come back each year and make it feel like a tradition,” Berkner says. “It’s that feeling of coming together and doing something that feels really good, fun, and joyous.
“Mostly what I try to do is hit a lot of people’s favorites and put the songs I can’t get to into a medley for the encore. I’ll also be playing my new song ‘Walking With The Penguins,’ so they’ll
Courtesy Jayme Thornton
DoLaurie Berkner is ready to share some holiday cheer with her fans — as only she can. Groove along to festive originals alongside yuletide classics at “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour.
• Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.
• Tickets start at $20.50; available at LiveNation.com
• A $1 donation to Little Shelter Animal Rescue is included in each ticket
• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
hear that live for the first time.”
Her concert features original tunes from her popular holiday albums, “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” and “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas.” She’ll also play treasured holiday classics like “Deck the Halls,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.
Of course Berkner’s greatest hits — “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Waiting for the Elevator” and “Pig On Her Head” — are always in the mix. At that point everyone is sure to be singing and dancing along with their favorite stuffed animal on their head.
The hour-long show fully involves her audience from the get-go; yet two moments in particular stand out to Berkner.
“In every show I do ‘We Are The Dinosaurs,’ and it’s very hard to not start laughing while everyone is screaming. “When I sing ‘My Family’ I will ask people to hug the person they’re there with, and it’s amazing that they actually do it.”
Cultivating these shared experiences for her mixed-age audiences is Berkner’s aim for every performance, but especially at her holiday shows.
“Those events that feel exciting to the kids [yet] still fun and enjoyable for the parents are difficult to find, but my shows fit that bill. I feel really grateful to provide moments where they can connect with one another, and have a sweet, loving memory when they leave.”
New Year’s resolutions
With a new year on the horizon, Berkner shares some of her plans for 2025.
“I very likely will put out another album next year, but I also have a couple projects I can’t talk about yet,” she says.“There will be new music, new videos, and definitely some surprises — probably more on my plate than I should have!”
Her fans would expect nothing less.
Leggz Ltd.’s
‘The
Nutcracker’
Visions of sugarplums await when Leggz Ltd. Dance, presents its annual full-length production. Helmed by longtime Artistic Director Joan Hope MacNaughton, it’s as always, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. This year’s production stars Violeta Angelova as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who’s appeared with the Vienna State Oper and Suzanne Farrell Ballet, with George Sanders, who has danced with New York Theatre Ballet and The Little Prince Broadway, as the Cavalier. The gifted young dancers who round out the cast include 9-year-old Vivian Ng as Clara and 11-year-old Matthew Carnaval as The Prince — both Rockville Centre residents.
Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, showcases his musical journey and family legacy when he visits the Paramount stage. He celebrates his father with hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, while highlighting his own contributions to rock history. Encompassing tunes from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” and “Led Zeppelin IV,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to a legend. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo of one of the legendary artists of all-time.
Monday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Dec. 14
The Hot Sardines
The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” Saturday, d ec. 14 , at 8 p.m. It’s a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines bring classic jazz standards with their own brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. Emerging over a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums that’s racked up more than 60 million streams across digital platforms, the Hot Sardines’ own “potent and assured” (The New York Times), “simply phenomenal” (The Times of London) brand of reinvigorated classic jazz landed them at the center of a whirlwind. . In the last two years, the Hot Sardines have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival, have sold out venues in New York City from Joe’s Pub to Bowery Ballroom and more than 150 tour dates from Chicago to London. They released two albums on Universal Music Classics to critical reviews and a #1 slot on the iTunes Jazz chart in the U.S. and internationally. Their unique recipe blends hot jazz and sultry standards from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, rich New Orleans sounds, a dash of ’40s Paris flavor, and vibrant musical surprises. It’s all steeped in salty stride piano and the music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller used to make. The result is straight-up foot-stomping jazz. Their name says it all: their iconic ‘hot’ styling will paint a vibrant picture with smoky sounds and audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form. With their contagious brand of joy, grit, glamour and passion, the 8-piece band invokes the sounds of nearly a century ago, yet stay right in step with the current age. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
BROADWAY’S FUNNIEST SMASH HIT AND INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON
Holiday at Westbury House
Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also dec. 14-15. The “Christmas at Westbury House” celebration reflects what the festive season was like during those opulent decades of the early 1900s when the Phipps family lived there. The period rooms in which John S. Phipps — the eldest son of Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie’s partner at Carnegie Steel — and his family resided are impeccably decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, plenty of greenery, and other horticultural arrangements.
Take a self-guided tour through Westbury House and view specially decorated rooms for the holidays, have cookies and cider on the West Porch and meet and take photos with Santa while listening to ambient holiday music. The gardens will also be open, along with other special holiday events, including Holiday Flute Choir concert, Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., holiday market, and more. $15, $13 ages 62+ and students, $8 ages 7-17. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
Holiday concert
The Long Island Choral Society returns its holiday tradition, Handel’s Messiah, Part 1 and highlights from Parts 2 and 3, Saturday, dec. 7, 7 p.m., at Garden City Community Church. For many Long Islanders, the holiday season officially begins with this performance. The chorus is accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists. $25, $10 youth. Tickets are available via credit card by calling (516) 652-6878 as well as via Venmo at LICS_2022. For more information, visit lics.org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.
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.
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, 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.
Holiday Tales At The Hearth
Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The familyfriendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Having an event?
Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala
Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m., at Fox Hollow in Woodbury. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.
With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more, even Jedi-training. Enjoy a sit down lunch and meet characters from some favorite shows and movies. Cost for each child/adult pair is $195. Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Call CP Nassau at (516) 378-2000 ext. 651 for reservations or visit cpnassau. org. 7755 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.
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.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 6, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 10-12, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Willow Road celebrates Multicultural Night
Willow Road Elementary School recently hosted its highly anticipated Multicultural Night, an event that celebrated the rich diversity of Willow students and the broader community. The event brought together families from various cultural backgrounds, creating an evening filled with vibrant displays, delicious cuisines, and heartfelt connections.
The Multicultural Night took place in the school gymnasium, where families were stationed at different tables to represent their countries and cultures. Each table was uniquely decorated to reflect the traditions, flags, and customs of the featured country, offering guests an immersive experience.
Visitors were able to explore a world of flavors as they tasted dishes from all corners of the globe. The event showcased an impressive variety of cuisines, with each family sharing a piece of their culinary heritage.
In addition to food, guests were encouraged to wear clothing that
represented their culture. Traditional dresses, colorful saris, vibrant kimonos, and casual attire from various countries filled the room, adding to the event’s festive atmosphere. This encouraged an inclusive environment where attendees could proudly share their cultural identities and appreciate the diversity around them.
The event was met with great enthusiasm; families interacted, shared stories, and made lasting memories. Students had the chance to showcase the traditions of their ancestors while also discovering new cultures and broadening their global perspectives.
District officials say Willow Road Elementary School remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment wherein all students and families feel valued and celebrated. Multicultural Night was just one example of the school’s ongoing efforts to promote understanding, respect, and unity.
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13 Willow Road hosted a night of multicultural cuisine and customs at their Multicultural Night.
Public Notices
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 22-000154 83113 149918
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the Soundview Home Loan Trust 2005-DO1, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-DO1, Plaintiff AGAINST Vester Rivera, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 8, 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 19, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 33 Ridgewood 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 Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37, Block: 310, Lot: 58. Approximate amount of judgment $541,611.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616858/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) 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”. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-087679-F00 83094 150082
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 December 5, 2024
JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 150303
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for:
VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT 24 DISTRICT-WIDE ROOFING REPLACEMENTS AT CONTRACT G1- WILLIAM L. BUCK SCHOOL
CONTRACT G2- ROBERT W. CARBONARO SCHOOL Will be received until 10:00 AM prevailing time on December 19th, 2024 at the Main Office of Valley Stream UFSD 24, located at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11581 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Beginning on or about December 2nd, 2024, complete sets of Digital Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications may be obtained from the following website: melville.h2mplanroom.co m as an online download for a non-refundable fee of forty-nine dollars ($49.00), paid by credit card. Questions shall be directed to REVplans, Tel: 1-877-272-0216, Email: support@revplans.com.
non-bidders who return them in good condition within ten (10) calendar days of the bid-date. None of the deposit will be refundable to nonbidders if the printed plans and specifications are returned more than ten (10) calendar days following the bid date. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. No other deposits will be refunded. Only Plan holders who have registered and paid their deposit are eligible to submit bids. Please note Rev and melville.h2mplanroom.co m are designated locations and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. All bidders are urged to register to ensure receipt of all necessary information, including bid addenda. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville.h2mplanroom.co m. Plan holders who have paid for copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with REV for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.
scheduled for 3:00 PM on December 12th, 2024. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the Carbonaro School main office 50 Hungry Harbor Road Valley Stream, NY at which time they will be escorted to the areas of work. We will continue to William L. Buck School upon completion of Carbonaro School. This meeting is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend.
It is the Board’s intention to award the contracts to the lowest qualified bidder who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board, is in the best interest of the School District.
VALLEY STREAM U.F.S.D. 24
BOARD OF EDUCATION
75 HORTON AVENUE
VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK 11581 150304
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
BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against CRAIG WALLACE A/K/A CRAIG R. WALLACE, et al
Defendant(s)
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: BETTER FURNITURE ONLINE, LLC
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150000
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
Bidders that download the digital Bidding Documents, Drawings, and Specifications will be automatically added to the bidder list. Complete sets of Hard Copy Bidding Documents may be obtained from REV, 28 Church Street, Unit 7 Warwick, New York 10990, Tel 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to H2M architects + engineers. Deposits for printed plans and specifications will be completely refunded to
Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT 24, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: DISTRICT-WIDE ROOFING REPLACEMENTS AT WILLIAM L. BUCK SCHOOL (CONTRACT G1) AND ROBERT W. CARBONARO SCHOOL (CONTRACT G2). Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT 24, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section.
Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for Sixty (60) days after the formal bid opening.
A pre-bid meeting and walk through has been
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
December 5, 2024
JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 150302
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 28, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 168 Hendrickson Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580. Sec 37 Block 509-04 a/k/a 50904 Lot 0154.0 a/k/a 154. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $438,597.58 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605027/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Paul Meli, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000686-1 150319
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 19, 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 January 6, 2025 at 4:00PM, premises known as 51 Sobro Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 37 Block: 521 Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment $482,798.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 605425/2018. 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.”
Leonard Symons, 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 24, 2024
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 150321
and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37, Block: 621, Lot: 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $776,961.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 014491/2013. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
BRIAN J. DAVIS, Esq., Referee
Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150335
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff against SHARIQ M. MAJEED, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Simran Kaur; et al., Defendant(s)
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL WOLKOW, ESQ., AS TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED IMAD ALFATIAN; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMAD AL-FATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED ALFATIAN A/K/A MOHAMMED IMAD ALFATIAN; ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 25, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on January 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 11 STATE STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 26, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 96 Brentwood Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 525 Lot 13. 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $750,454.63 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 607408/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder
Public Notices
fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000810-1 150317
LEGAL NOTICE
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 620862/2023 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-7 Plaintiff, vs ANTHONY OLIVERI, CECELIA COLOSO SOLIVIO INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONNIE SOLIVIO, CANDICE SOLIVIO OLIVERI AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONNIE SOLIVIO, MANUELITO A SOLIVIO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONNIE SOLIVIO IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF
WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RONNIE SOLIVIO IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, JPMORGAN CHASER BANK, N.A., GERALD LOVE, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), NA JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s).
MORTGAGED PREMISES: 172 Roberta Street Valley Stream, NY 11580 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the
Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Manuelito A Solivio as Heir to the Estate of Ronnie Solivio, Unknown Heirs of Ronnie Solivio Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON.
Christopher T. Mcgrath of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Nineteenth day of November, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Anthony Oliveri, Ronnie Solivio (who died on January 24, 2021, a resident of the county of Nassau, State of New York) and Cecelia Coloso Solivio dated the February 7, 2005, to secure the sum of $467,500.00 and recorded at Book 28499, Page 407 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on March 11, 2005. The mortgage was subsequently modified on September 6, 2010. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 6, 2012 and recorded on September 4, 2012, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 37655, Page 717. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 25, 2012 and recorded on September 4, 2012, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 37655, Page 719. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by Anthony Oliveri, Ronnie Solivio and Cecelia Coloso Solivio on November 5, 2015 and recorded January 26, 2016 in Book 40974, Page 301 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk. The property in question is described as follows: 172 Roberta Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to
your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: November 22, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 83592 150242
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. MICHAEL J. CARR, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 1, 2017 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline duly entered on January 21, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 637 Diane Place, Valley Stream a/k/a South Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 595 and Lot 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $177,240.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003666/2016. Lisa A. LeimbachGutman, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 211487-1 150307
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstARTHUR J. TEICHBERG, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 22, 2018, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the
Green Acres donates more than 1,000 turkeys
those who might otherwise be too humble to ask for help.
“People don’t necessarily want to stand out there and come asking for a turkey, so it’s easier for them to go to elected officials or civic associations,” Floccari said. “They can distribute it to the people directly without it being a big concern.”
Timing is everything when distributing frozen turkeys, he noted, a task community organizations can better streamline.
Ifeast for 10 people cost around $60, according to the 39th annual American Farm Bureau Federation survey — a 5 percent drop from last year, but still 19 percent higher than five years ago.
t’s important for us at Green Acres to be out there and doing our fair share of goodwill.
“They’re frozen — we can only keep them so long,” Floccari said. “We don’t have the means to put them in the freezer. We pick them up on the same day they’re distributed, and make sure the right amount of turkeys get picked up by each organization.
Joseph FloccarI Manager, Green
Acres Mall
“It gets a little hectic, but, you know, it’s our time to donate back to the community,” he added.
This year, the average Thanksgiving
While Americans saw some relief at the checkout line, with grocery prices for this year’s feast dipping for the second consecutive year, local officials like Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, whose office distributed 100 turkeys, contend that significant need persists in the region.
“Facilitating these food drives underscores the importance of that ‘village mentality,’ that we’re all here in a community, and you don’t have to suffer alone,” Solages said. “There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to Thanksgiving. Everyone wants that Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving in the sense they want that turkey with all the sides, and so it puts financial pressure on families who already are stressed in these hard economic times.”
News brief
JCC distributes Thanksgiving meal items
The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC’s the SHOP Sustenance Hope Opportunity Place, based in Cedarhurst, hosted its annual Thanksgiving distribution on Nov. 21.
They handed out turkeys and bags of non-perishables sides for over 450 families, with potatoes, onions, stuffing mix, cranberries, gravy and corn.
Smaller families received turkey drumsticks and larger ones received whole turkeys.
Met Council, Green Acres Mall, Five Towns Community Chest, UJA and Island Harvest donated the turkeys with non-perishables donated by local schools, temples and community agencies.
Plaintiff and ARTHUR J. TEICHBERG, 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 January 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4 VALLEY LANE
NORTH, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581; and the following tax map identification: 39-621-14. 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,
“It’s more about family, so if a family doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, they are still welcome to pick up a turkey and all of the sides so they can sit down and have a family meal and appreciate being together and the upcoming holiday season,” said Rivkah Halpern, program director and social worker at the SHOP. They collected donations until Wednesday, Nov. 27.
“For us it’s very important to make sure that our families get to celebrate, that they don’t feel left out and can put food on the table and just celebrate as a family and get whatever items they need,” Halpern added.
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 002388/2015. John M. McFaul, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New
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Yes, those tall buildings really sway
Waterfront Luxury
Discover
Q. We were in Manhattan recently, and learned that tall buildings actually sway back and forth. We stared at the tallest apartment building in the Western Hemisphere, at 432 Park Ave., but couldn’t really tell. Do these buildings sway? How far? Wouldn’t that be dangerous, and how come we don’t hear about it? Why would people put up with that for so much money?
A. Yes, for anywhere from $2 million upward (pun intended) to around $200 million, you, too, can get a continuous amusement ride, or the sensation of always being on a cruise, if you like that sort of thing. When people, mostly at parties, ask me whether I have designed anything tall or famous, I wince, because I’d rather be asked if I’ve ever done anything that people enjoyed seeing or being in.
Few people ever discuss the failings of the most well-known architects. Most of the buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed leaked. Wright never really was a trained or licensed architect, but he made it to postage stamp status. When the 500-pound windows began flying out of I.M. Pei’s Hancock Tower in Boston, most people, except those who either nearly died or had to clean up the mess, never noticed. The list of the ways in which we learn from building design “aberrations” is endless, but the important thing is that we learn.
People who can afford to live in those tall buildings, above the crowds of common folk, must have to accept the soft sway of the windswept towers they rest their weary heads in. I have read many articles in technical magazines, and reports about how engineers have been tasked with trying to resolve the problems. In the case of 432 Park Avenue, two “dampers” were designed into the center of the tower, even though there is currently no code requirement for them.
The Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, which is much taller than 432 Park Avenue, has features including an aerodynamic shape to cut the wind, and a massive 660-ton pendulum that sways from cables in the core of the building. Even so, on the 163rd floor, the building sways 6½ feet back and forth. There are many different damper systems, flexible, viscoelastic collars and inserts between the rigid steel frame connections that transfer the forces by taking the heat away from the strain of the otherwise rigid joints. Without all of these shock-reducing components, sections would crack and crumble.
As it is, the residents of 432 Park Avenue have complained of air conditioning and heating malfunctions and acoustical discomfort from the creaking walls, whistling wind and stalled elevators. Most of the units are purchased for the beautiful vistas, and you can sell anything to someone who doesn’t do their homework. Many units have been leased and re-leased, bought and sold several times in the three years since the tower opened, with the prices going up and up. Better than buying the Brooklyn Bridge, right?
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism
Ihave always been an avid reader of newspapers, and have a great admiration for columnists, particularly Jimmy Cannon, and then Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. That’s why I so appreciate the opportunity to write a column for the Heralds. All of this came rushing back at me as I was reading the recently published biography “Jimmy Breslin,” by Richard Esposito. Breslin was a unique character. No one understood New York’s people, neighborhoods and streets like him.
Breslin’s New York was Queens Boulevard, not Park Avenue. It was cops, prizefighters, bookies and cold beer (until he stopped drinking, anyway). I started reading his columns years ago, in the old Journal-American, and continued with him through the Herald Tribune, the Daily News and Newsday.
I first met Breslin in the 1980s, and we became close friends in the late 1990s. My wife, Rosemary, and I would go to dinner with Jimmy and his wife, Ronnie, at least once a month, and he and I would talk at least once a day. When Jimmy wanted to talk, he wouldn’t stop, and it was almost impossible to get off the phone with him, even if you had work to do. I found that the one way to close out a conversation was to compliment him on something. In true Irish fashion, he would get flustered, mumble a rushed goodbye and slam down the phone.
giving each other support in an Irish sort of way. He came to my daughter Erin’s wedding and reception, and stayed to the very end — and that was long after he’d stopped drinking!
When he wanted to talk, it was impossible to get off the phone with him.
Breslin was a great guy to be with. He was tough and cynical, but had endless stories and was a true friend — when he was still your friend. He wrote several columns about me during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment that I will always cherish, and he wrote a great blurb for my first novel (which he probably never read). We commiserated after the 9/11 attacks, attending funerals of mutual friends,
During these good times, though, I would have in the back of my head columns Breslin used to write when he was living in Baldwin, listing people he would no longer speak with. Though he stopped issuing those lists, I wondered when my number would be up. I found out in March 2003, when Rosemary sent him a heated note, blasting him for comparing President George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler.
That ended it. It was curtain time. No more phone calls or dinners. I did call him once when I heard there was a serious illness in his family.
“Jimmy, I heard the news,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m thinking of you.”
“Yeah,” he replied, “I’ll be thinking of you, too. Goodbye.”
Later I saw him at the renowned
journalist Jack Newfield’s funeral, and we had a quick handshake. Several years after that, in 2009, Rosemary and I went to the funeral of Breslin’s daughter Kelly at an old church in Lower Manhattan. Afterward we sat and talked with him at a table in the churchyard for 10 or 15 minutes. The conversation was warm and friendly, almost like it used to be. When it was time to say so long, I said, “Jimmy, we should get together.”
“Yeah,” he said. “We should. That’d be good.” We shook hands.
We never got together. I wish we had. Breslin died in 2017, and a large part of New York died with him.
Esposito’s biography brings back the memories not just of Breslin, but of the days when newspapers and their columnists — and the written word — had such a vital role to play in our society. While much of that has died, I commend the Herald for keeping the tradition alive for the people of Long Island.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
No matter who’s president, L.I.’s middle class struggles
Eight years ago, about four months into Donald Trump’s first term as president, the Herald published an op-ed I wrote entitled “What American Dream?” in which I lamented the ever-growing financial burden on Long Island’s middle class.
Despite all the hard work I put in, I wrote, I was decidedly worse off than my mother and father were a generation earlier. I laid equal blame on Democrats and Republicans, who had rotated in and out of Washington all my life and done little to stop the downward spiral. “And his promises notwithstanding,” I added, “President Trump will likely do little to change our trajectory.” He did not.
And, in all fairness, neither did President Biden.
Eight years ago I noted that my wife and I worked full time as teachers, but that she had to care for our kids alone during the week, while I tutored after school to keep up with ever-rising expenses.
Today I tutor two to three times as much as I did then. Not out of greed, but necessity. My wife continues to do the lion’s share of the work with the kids, but she, too, has taken on a second job, doing early intervention for special-needs 2-year-olds. So, eight years ago, we basically needed three incomes to make it. Now we need four.
B
Some of my colleagues at school were elated after Election Day that we have another four years of Trump coming, almost as if their team had won the Super Bowl. It has always surprised me how any teacher can support the guy whose Supreme Court appointee, Neil Gorsuch, rendered the decisive vote in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that weakened publicsector unions like the ones we belong to.
doesn’t matter who’s in the White House — our lives here on Long Island are not going to get any easier.
y the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm.
T hat’s because we’ve witnessed a steady erosion of the middle class since 1973, when real wages started to fall against the backdrop of an energy crisis and pronounced inflation. The true death knell was President Ronald Reagan’s taking office in 1980. Reagan slashed taxes for corporations and the wealthy with the idea that the financial benefits at the top of the economic food chain would trickle down to the rest of us. Only they didn’t.
and they only continued to get worse. I’m not piling on Republicans, because there were 20 years of Democratic presidents as well between then and now. My colleagues, both jubilant and dejected after this past Election Day, might remember that the roles were reversed in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected. Regardless of who has led the country, things haven’t gotten a whole lot better.
T hat’s because the people at the top — the corporate interests that really run America — don’t want them to. As the late, great comedian George Carlin said, “Our country’s a big club … and you ain’t in it!”
To be fair, others at school were crestfallen.
I, on the other hand, for the first time in my adult life, paid absolutely no attention to this election, and did not watch one minute of election night coverage. Although I voted for Kamala Harris, I did not shed a tear.
T hat’s because I’ve heard this song before. I know how this movie ends. It
I’m by no means an economist, but consider this: When I entered kindergarten in 1983, my mother was one of a few moms who needed to get a job to help make ends meet. The embarrassment of getting picked up by another classmate’s mother will forever be etched in my memory. Years later, my mother told me how the guilt I laid on her at the time absolutely broke her heart. Sorry, Mom. I love you.
But by the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm. I can only recall one or two classmates whose mothers didn’t work. Things had certainly changed,
Nobody should have been surprised that Trump trounced the incumbentbacked Harris. Middle class voters have been drowning for 50 years, desperately hoping someone would toss them a life vest that never seems to come.
I wish I shared my Trump-supporting colleagues’ optimism, or even the Harris supporters’ melancholy, but I just don’t. I don’t think any real help is coming, regardless of who is in office. I will gladly eat my words in four years if my wallet is fatter and prices are lower. But I doubt that’s going to happen.
Nick Buglione is a teacher, a freelance journalist and a former editor of the East Meadow Herald.
In Long Islanders we trust
Beginning with the birth of our nation, Long Islanders have shaped the policies of America as well as our country’s impact on the world. Suffolk County’s William Floyd was one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. President Theodore Roosevelt, who made his home in Oyster Bay, is often cited as one of our greatest leaders. Bellmore’s William Casey served as President Ronald Reagan’s CIA director during an era fraught with Cold War tensions.
As the Biden administration sunsets and President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration begins to take shape, Long Islanders are once again positioned to influence our nation and the course of human history.
T rump has nominated Howard Lutnick, from Jericho, to serve as secretary of commerce. Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of the global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, strongly supports the president-elect’s plans to impose tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, which would have dramatic impacts on the global economy.
T rump has chosen Dr. Dave Weldon, a Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon, a former congressman from Florida, would succeed fellow Long Islander Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native whom President Biden appointed to the role last year. (Another Baldwin native, Karine Jean-Pierre, has served as President Biden’s White House press secretary since 2022.)
Given the recent politicization of the CDC, as well as the anti-establishment views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom
letters
Trump has selected as his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — which oversees the CDC — Weldon is set to wield unique power in setting public health policy.
Biden named Dr. David Kessler, a graduate of Woodmere Academy (now the Lawrence Woodmere Academy) as the lead scientist on the coronavirus vaccine distribution efforts. Kessler formerly headed the Food and Drug Administration under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
T rump has also named Steve Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, who was raised in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury, is a successful real estate developer and a major benefactor of Hofstra University, where he earned a law degree. (He shares that law school alma mater with Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-inlaw, Jared Kushner, and a convicted felon whom Trump has selected as ambassador to France.) Witkoff’s appointment continues Trump’s selection of Long Islanders for critical Middle East policy roles.
In Trump’s first term, the U.S. ambassador to Israel was David Friedman, who grew up in North Woodmere. The son of Rabbi Morris Friedman, who led Temple Hillel for 33 years and brought Reagan to the synagogue in 1984, David Friedman played a pivotal role in promoting Trump’s Middle East policies, from the decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, to supporting the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
T rump also announced his choice of Garden City’s Kash Patel as director of
Randi just won’t stop with Trump
To the Editor:
I just finished reading Randi Kreiss’s column, “Dear readers, we can’t keep it in neutral” (Nov. 28-Dec. 4). It seems that Randi is totally consumed by Trump derangement syndrome. Donald Trump is a deeply flawed soul to be sure, but when compared with Hillary and Harris, he is Abe Lincoln.
When he left office, but for the horror of Covid, the country was at peace and the economy was in great shape. Could this country endure four more years of what we just went through? Obviously not! The fake dossier, the disgraceful lawfare, and it goes on and on.
Trump establishes the Depar tment of Government Efficiency and the left mocks him unendingly. When it pays enormous dividends, they will ignore it, as they always do. Thank God the country was sickened by the last four years and overwhelmingly decided to reject it!
the FBI. Leaders on both sides of the aisle, however, have expressed concerns about that choice, because of what they perceive to be Patel’s desire to dismantle the very institution he has been tapped to lead, as well as his lack of relevant experience.
“I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director,” William Barr, who served as attorney general under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, wrote in his 2022 book, “One Damn Thing After Another.” “I told Mark Meadows,” Barr added, referring to Trump’s White House chief of staff, “it would happen ‘over my dead body.’ Someone with no background as an agent would never be able to command the respect necessary to run the day-to-day operations of the bureau.”
Finally, there’s former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, who, in 2022, unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York’s gubernatorial election. Zeldin, an Army veteran who represented New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, is poised to become Trump’s administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In that role, Zeldin would have wide-ranging powers to create or eliminate regulations that protect the environment.
Many of Trump’s selections must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. We expect most of them will be, or will serve in interim roles. Regardless, these Long Islanders are a testament to the region’s diverse influence on national politics and international diplomacy.
We hope they don’t forget where they came from, and make decisions that uplift not only our country, but also the Long Island communities they once called home.
opinions Supporting Long Island businesses in the green economy
affordability remains a pressing concern for Long island families — and our businesses feel the same strain. small businesses are the backbone of our communities, employing hundreds of thousands of Long islanders while defining the character and vitality of our towns. To ensure their long-term success, we must make reducing costs and fostering innovation a top priority.
Contrary to outdated thinking, economic growth and environmental sustainability are not competing priorities — they are deeply interconnected. A thriving clean-energy economy not only protects our environment, but also creates opportunities for businesses to cut costs, improve efficiency, and position themselves for longterm success. The green economy offers
a path to prosperity that supports both people and the planet.
recent federal legislation has opened unprecedented opportunities for Long island businesses to thrive in this new economy. The inflation reduction Act, signed into law by President Biden in 2022, provides billions of dollars in grants, tax credits and reimbursements designed to help businesses adopt green technologies and reduce overhead. These programs include incentives for retrofitting buildings, purchasing electric vehicles, installing solar panels and switching to geothermal heating systems — solutions that lower energy costs while reducing carbon footprints.
york state Energy research and Development Authority is actively helping businesses access these funds, making it easier to embrace energy-efficient technologies that drive both immediate savings and long-term growth.
we are uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of green initiatives.
Long island is uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of these initiatives. By leveraging these federal resources, we can modernize infrastructure, boost competitiveness, improve efficiency and ensure that our businesses lead the way in the clean-energy revolution. The New
Letters
Shop safely during the holidays
To the Editor:
The Nassau County Police Department advises shoppers to be vigilant for their safety and the safety of others this holiday season.
Before leaving home, secure and engage alarms, and leaving lights on in frequented rooms to give the appearance that people are home.
Plan your shopping trips, know where you’re going and, if possible, go with someone else. Let someone know where you’re going. Park in an area that’s well lit, and make sure your valuables are out of sight. Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas. Don’t get out of your car unless you feel safe, lock your vehicle, and remember where you’ve parked.
As you shop, keep money and credit/debit cards in a front pocket, and limit the number of cards and the cash you carry. To avoid identity theft, be careful when exposing your cards and other identification at cash registers and ATMs. Be aware that thieves use cellphones to capture card and identity information. Be cognizant of distractions that could be staged to avert your attention.
When you return to your vehicle, don’t do so with your arms full of packages. Use a cart. Be ready to unlock your car door. Check the parking lot for suspicious-looking people, and if you see anyone loitering nearby, don’t go to your vehicle. Carry a whistle or other audible device, and if you feel threatened, use it. Before getting into your vehicle, look around and inside it. Once inside, lock the doors, and if you have to, use your horn to attract attention. Always be aware of your surroundings.
NAssAU COUNTy POLiCE DEPArTMENT
The U.s. Department of Energy is also stepping up with innovative programs like the Onsite Energy Program. This initiative helps high-energy-use businesses generate their own electricity, dramatically reducing operational costs and emissions. Eligible businesses can receive up to $300,000 in grant funding, giving them the tools to embrace cleaner, more cost-effective energy solutions. By absorbing much of the costs of investing in major pieces of clean-energy infrastructure, these programs are making it easier for businesses to harness the opportunities for green growth in our local economy.
To support Long island businesses in seizing these opportunities, i am proud
Prevent Christmas tree fires
To the Editor:
Christmas tree fires may not be common, but when they do occur, they can cause serious damage. Fires involving fresh trees tend to occur more often than artificial tree fires, in part because fresh trees dry out over time, making them more flammable, and a dried-out tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one. New york state ranks high in the nation in home fire deaths — there have been 105 so far in 2024, according to the U.s. Fire Administration — and the Firefighters Association of the state of New york urges residents to follow these tips to have a safe Christmas:
• For a fresh tree, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Add water daily to keep the tree well hydrated.
• Trees should be at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree isn’t blocking an exit, such as a door or window.
• Ensure that decorative lights are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tree safety needs to be taken seriously. Here are some key findings of the National Fire Protection Association on Christmas tree fires, reflecting annual averages between 2018 and 2022:
• Christmas tree fires are most common between 3 p.m. and midnight, the hours in which about half of them occur.
• roughly two of every five fires start in a living room, family room or den.
• Electrical failures or malfunctions are factors in 34 percent of fires.
• in 20 percent of fires, some type of heat source was placed too close to the tree.
FirEFigHTErs AssOCiATiON OF THE sTATE OF
to be hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 17, in collaboration with the DOE’s Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnerships program. This session will provide valuable insights into funding opportunities and practical steps for implementing green energy solutions. i encourage all local businesses, medical facilities, schools, and other entities with high-energy-use facilities to register by visiting tinyurl.com/gogreencutcosts24.
By tapping into these resources, Long island can lead the way in building a resilient, sustainable economy. Together we can empower our businesses to innovate, grow and succeed while securing a cleaner, greener future for all. Tackling the climate crisis is essential to preserving our way of life on the coast, and we can use this challenge as a chance to kick-start a new era of economic opportunity for our region. i urge every entrepreneur to explore these initiatives and join the movement to build a more affordable and prosperous Long island.
Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District.
Framework by Tim Baker
At the Froehlich Family Lights, on Sherwood Drive — East Meadow
michaeLLe
Mount Sinai South Nassau named among the top 10% in nation for overall orthopedic services by Healthgrades
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, our orthopedic specialists o er the latest advances in the care of your bones, muscles, and joints. Our team is experienced in the latest techniques to repair damage, restore mobility and speed recovery.
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