HERALD
Lawmakers push ‘Gio’s Law’ Page 9
‘Bubbledad’ visits V.S. 13 Page 11
Her sweetness only grows with time
Valley Stream resident Mary Dorothy Jeray celebrated her 102nd birthday on Nov. 21. The joyful centenarian adores her 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Monthly open mic poetry night breathes fresh life into the arts
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
Spoken Wordz, a New York-based collective of poets, musicians and performers, has carved out a unique space in Freeport. The village’s Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center has become a welcome venue for the group’s recurring spokenword poetry and musical open mic series.
Founded by Valley Stream resident Paul Kretz, who is known by most as Paulie, the events blend poetry, music and storytelling in a facility that Sparkle owner Robyn Workman describes as a “home for creativity and good
“About almost three years ago,” Kretz, a union building porter in Manhattan, said, “I was pretty much either (going to) die or just keep being on my BS, drinking, drugging, and all the rest of that. I went to rehab, and then … I tapped into writing.”
“I started to realize my darkness contains a lot of light,” he added.
After rehab, Kretz began attending open mics, where he realized his words resonated deeply with others.
Spoken Wordz held its first event in February
Leaders talk up community Page 12
Karen Selah, 76, helped preserve village’s history
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
It was one of the Valley Stream Historical Society’s biggest nights — its 50th anniversary celebration. Yet members tempered their expectations about whether the event’s organizer, Karen Vitale Selah, would show.
Selah was a stickler about showing up, Billy Florio, the society’s president, noted, but “we knew she was sick.” Selah was caught in the throes of intense chemotherapy treatment for leukemia, facing extraordinary physical strain.
Flow members and an encouraging sign of progress toward her recovery. However, as fate would have it, this was Selah’s final public appearance. On Oct. 9, just over two weeks later, she died at 76.
rankly, I don’t think anybody was really prepared for her to be leaving us this soon.
BILLy FLORIO President, Valley Stream Historical Society
“We didn’t expect her to show up,” he said.
Yet she came.
“She had done her hair that day because she wanted to look her best,” Florio recalled. Her presence at the celebration was a delightful surprise for her fel-
Selah’s attendance at the anniversary celebration rounded off decades of service to a local institution whose members considered her a pillar. She leaves behind a vacuum of leadership — and an emotional absence — that Florio says will be impossible to fill.
“Frankly, I don’t think anybody was really prepared for her to be leaving us this soon,” he said.
“They’ll never be a replacement for Karen. She’s too important to the society. She’s too important to everything there.”
Born in Brooklyn in 1948 to John and Dorothy Vitale, Karen moved to Valley Stream as a
Continued on page 8
Courtesy Kathleen Bogle
Laura Gillen reflects on congressional win
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Election Day was a whirlwind of excitement for Laura Gillen, the newly elected Democratic representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District.
“Election days are always very exciting, and a little bit nerve-racking as you wait for the results to come in,” she said.
Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, was joined by her family and campaign team as the polls closed and the results began coming in. She said that once she felt confident enough in the numbers, she declared victory over the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.
“I was pleased to declare the win, and so pleased to have the opportunity to represent the people of the district,” she said.
The victory capped a remarkable comeback for Gillen, who lost a bid for the congressional seat to D’Esposito in 2022.
Reflecting on the success of her 2024 campaign, she attributed her triumph to listening, communicating and articulating the needs of her district. “I spent the campaign really focusing on the race and the district,” she said. “The message really did resonate.”
Gillen credited her campaign’s success to its strong outreach efforts, which struck a chord among local voters.
“We had a much more robust field program than we had in 2022,” she explained. “We spent a lot of time knocking on doors and pounding the pavement to make sure voters knew the issues at stake.”
She also highlighted her team’s use of television
and digital platforms to broaden their message.
In preparation for her move to Washington, Gillen was invited to Capitol Hill for a congressional orientation. “It was really exciting,” she said. “It really brings it all home.”
The orientation, she said, gave her an opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.
“It was wonderful to also meet my future colleagues,” she said. “We’re in the minority, but the majority is a very narrow majority.”
Her visit to the Capitol also came with an unexpected highlight: Gillen drew the coveted No. 1 spot in the office lottery for incoming freshmen.
“I went in with a spirit of gratitude, thinking, you get what you get,” she said.
Much to her surprise, she secured an office in the recently renovated Cannon House Office Building. Although her office is still under construction, she is confident that it will be ready by the time she takes office.
At the local level, Gillen said she is still evaluating whether to maintain her current campaign office or establish a new space for constituent services, which would ensure accessibility for district residents.
Looking ahead to congressional committee assignments, she said the process is still unfolding, but her priority is clear.
“I want to serve on a committee where I can best deliver for the residents of the district,” she said. Gillen will officially be sworn in on Jan. 6, 2025.
“I am looking forward to working in Washington to deliver results for this district,” she said.
CONQUERING HEALTH CARE’S GREATEST OBSTACLES. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.
Performing a life-changing brain surgery without a single incision.
Helping a new mom give birth—and receive a new liver.
At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
North Shore University Hospital
Courtesy Laura Gillen
U.S. Rep.-elect Laura Gillen attended congressional orientation on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 12.
Charity raises to support area families
By RENEE DELORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Rescuing Families charity held its annual Ugly Sweater Bingo Party at VFW Post 2718, in Franklin Square, last Friday night, raising over $12,000 to help those with disabilities.
The night’s events included six rounds of bingo, an ugly sweater competition, raffles for an assortment of 36 gift baskets and a 50/50 raffle with a grand prize of over $800.
Gina and Vincent Centauro, who founded Rescuing Families in 2016, said the evening’s proceeds were above average compared with previous events.
There were 205 guests, according to Gina, who came from all over Long Island. And, she said, many of them have been coming to the event since Rescuing Families’ first ugly sweater party five years ago.
“One guest had emailed us and said it’s become their annual tradition,” Gina laughed.
Her husband added that the event seems to be a hit in the community. “We found what people enjoy coming to and what they continue wanting to come out for,” Vincent said. “So we’re going to stick with this.”
According to the couple, the money they raised will go to a family in Valley Stream whose home will be renovated to be disability-friendly. Doug Reyes, one of the family members, is paraplegic, and his father has Parkinson’s disease.
Gina Centauro said the renovations would include lowering cabinets, improving ease of access to the bathroom and shower, changing doorknobs to more easily opened models, and making it easier to get into and out of the home.
“These are things that most people wouldn’t think would be an obstacle for those with disabilities,” Gina said. “It can be a tremendous obstacle just to open a kitchen cabinet.”
Vincent said that renovations to make a home compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act can cost $80,000 to $150,000. In order to supplement the funding after what is earned at their fundraisers, he and his wife receive help and donations from companies such as National Grid and a local real estate company, Keller Williams Legendary.
The Reyes family, Gina said, has been on Rescuing Families’ list for almost two years. Six more families have been approved for renovations, she added, which is why the charity plans to host many more fundraising parties in the future.
According to Lydia Tangorra, a volunteer since the organization was founded eight years ago, it takes a lot of work and preparation to help these families.
“Everything goes into consideration,” Tangorra said. “From the supplies, sheetrock, whatever we need. We get it together to help these people be with their families.”
Tangorra recalled a previous
instance in which a patient who had been in the hospital returned to an entirely renovated home. The experience of coming home to a new environment, she said, is like a new beginning for these families.
“It’s very touching,” Tangorra said. “It’s amazing when you see the success at the end.”
The Centauros said they would like to help more families, but it’s difficult to reach all those who are in need with their limited funding.
“The Valley Stream project hasn’t started yet, because we’re trying to raise enough money,” Gina said. “This is an
entire house we’re renovating, and it isn’t cheap.”
On top of that, she said, they receive no help from state or local government, despite the charity’s many requests. But she wants to make the organization bigger and better. The Centauros not only want to help families with disabilities in their homes, but also want to provide community resources for them, such as workshops and a community center for those with disabilities.
The couple said that more community involvement would be helpful to get more projects like these started. Their fundraisers, Gina said, are a great
off one of her gifts,
tickets.
opportunity for people to come together for the cause.
“They’re coming to a party, but it’s all for the greater good,” she said. “I think that’s a driving force, just getting the awareness out there to everybody and bringing the community together to help these families.”
Vincent said that he and his wife are connected to the disabled community as a result of their own experience with disabled family members, and he hopes to do more for them.
“We know what these families are faced with and the reality of it,” he said. “If we can be a voice for them, and work to make sure they have what they need, then I think we’re doing our job.”
For more on the charity and events it is planning, visit RescuingFamilies.org.
Donna Baruso, who won the last round of bingo, showed
lottery
Rescuing Families founders Vincent and Gina Centauro at their annual Ugly Sweater Bingo Party on Dec. 6.
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
Lydia Tangorra, a volunteer for Rescuing Families, collected donations and handed out bingo cards to guests.
Winterfest dazzles hundreds this season
Village of Valley Stream kicked off its flagship monthlong holiday extravaganza, Winterfest, with a growing and more elaborate light display last Friday. The flashy holiday décor that festoons Arthur J. Hendrickson Park drew hundreds of residents, featuring the Christmas tree lighting and
Children were able to sidle up next to the big man in red at the Village of Valley Stream’s annual Winterfest.
the arrival of one Jolly Old Saint Nick.
The celebration concluded with a cherished holiday tradition: children and families took turns sitting with Santa on his sleigh for photos. See photos.
–Juan Lasso
“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”
Emerson said, “Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.” Conquering fear then is essential to one’s personal and professional growth. To do this you need a tool and this classic book, first published in 1987 and updated in 2012, provides just such a tool — for living better, more fulfilling lives.
The list of fears is endless and author Jeffers touches on the most common ones providing a prescription for moving from pain, paralysis and depression (fear’s “sisters”) to power, energy and excitement.
It may seem overly simple but we learn that at the bottom of every fear is simply the fear that you can’t handle whatever life may bring you. If you knew you could handle anything that came your way you would have nothing to fear. The author shares techniques for diminishing your fears by developing more trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.
While it may sound like a revelation to some, you cannot wait until the fear goes away.
& Estates
&
It only goes away by doing the thing you are afraid of. The “doing it” comes before the fear goes away.
Fear is natural and inevitable, especially fear of the unknown. People interpret fear as a signal to retreat. Author Jeffers teaches how to see fear as a green light to move ahead. “All you have to do to find a way out of your selfimposed prison is to retrain your thinking”.
Since everyone feels fear when approaching something new in life, and yet so many are “doing it” despite the fear, it proves that fear itself is not the problem. It is how we hold the fear. For some it is irrelevant — they hold the fear from a position of power (choice, energy and action). For others, the fear creates a state of paralysis, holding fear from a position of pain, helplessness and depression, knowing they “can’t handle it”. Jeffers stresses that pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness.
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Families rubbed shoulders with their favorite holiday characters at the Village of Valley Stream’s annual Winterfest.
Stephen Takacs/Herald photos
Valley Stream Girl Scouts serenaded the crowd with holiday tunes at the Village of Valley Stream’s annual Winterfest.
by Susan Jeffers — Part One
HERALD SchoolS
V.S. 24 joins New Learning Collaboratives
The Valley Stream District 24 announced its participation in two newly launched learning collaboratives—Student Voice and Engagement and Digital Equity—as part of the prestigious League of Innovative Schools. Superintendent Unal Karakas, will collaborate with League members to engage in peer-topeer learning, develop innovative solutions, and share best practices related to these critical topics.
Valley Stream District 24 joins school and district leaders from 59 districts across 22 states participating in one or more learning collaboratives for the 2024-2025 school year.
“Joining forces with education leaders nationwide to amplify student voice, ensure equity in the digital age, and prepare our district for the future of educational innovation is a remarkable opportunity for Valley Stream 24,” said Karakas. “We are eager to collaborate with members of the League of Innovative Schools to further our shared vision of empowering students and fostering excellence in education.”
The League introduced three Learning Collaboratives this year: Student Voice and Engagement, Digital Equity, and High School Redesign. The Student Voice and Engagement Learning Collaborative provides educational leaders with a framework for building authentic student voice and engagement systems at the school and district levels. As a participant, Karakas and the district team will exchange ideas and strategies to incorporate student input into districtwide
decisions.
This initiative builds on the district’s history of valuing student voices, such as the district recently allowing students to vote on menu options for breakfast and lunch.
“The Student Voice and Engagement Learning Collaborative is focused on bringing students to the forefront of discussions, decisions, and changes in public education,” said Julie Mitchell, former superintendent of the Rowland Unified School District in California and the collaborative’s founder. “For too long, stu -
dents’ voices have not been prominent—or in some cases, present at all—in decisions and discussions about school processes, policies, and procedures. We hope to change that narrative by equipping schools and districts with practical ways to give students a seat at the table with leaders, staff, and other adults.”
The Digital Equity Learning Collaborative will focus on leadership for digital transformation, systems and resources, equitable access to devices and connectivity, digital competency, and leveraging technology to enhance learning. These areas align with the League’s five domains for digital equity framework.
League members will work collaboratively to refine and enhance their digital equity strategies through cross-functional discussions and shared learning experiences.
Valley Stream District 24 was inducted into the League of Innovative Schools during the League’s Fall 2024 Convening, hosted by the Lindsay Unified School District in Lindsay, California. The district is one of only 14 in New York to hold this prestigious membership.
The League of Innovative Schools, launched in 2011 by Digital Promise, is a national coalition of over 150 school districts committed to advancing education through innovation. Digital Promise’s impact spans over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers.
–Juan Lasso
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13
The Valley Stream 24 School District recently joined the League of Innovative Schools new Student Voice and Engagement Learning Collaborative.
Hofstra seeks success in conference play
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra women’s basketball is looking to provide the doubters wrong in the Coastal Athletic Association.
The Pride was picked to finish 12th in the 14-team league’s preseason poll after a 3-15 CAA season last year in which five e conference losses were in single digits. Hofstra returns five players from last year’s 11-21 team that caught fire at the end of the 2023/24 season to win two games in the CAA Tournament and reach the quarterfinal round and is looking to build off of that postseason run this winter.
“We know we’re better than that but just to say we know we’re better than what we are perceived at or expected to be is not enough,” said fifth-year head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “You’ve got to go and be better and go and show people that you’re better and you’ve got to go and prove that you’re capable of more and that’s where we are as a team now.”
After a hard-fought 63-58 season-opening loss to Sacred Heart, Hofstra responded with back-to-back wins against NJIT and Yale to provide some early-season confidence for the new campaign. The Pride improved to 3-5 on the young season with a 55-52 home win against Howard last Sunday.
Among the key returners determined to propel Hofstra toward its first winning season in nine years is junior guard Emma Von Essen, a Rockville Centre native who was the Pride’s leading scorer last season and knocked down 85 threes. The Long Island Lutheran product is off to another explosive start this season averaging 12.8 points per game so far with 24 threes.
“She’s just so consistent and that’s one of the things that we really appreciate about Emma is she’s going to be Emma every single day, and she’s not trying to do someone else’s job,” Santos Atkinson said. “ She works extremely hard and she knows what she does well, and she tries to do that every single time to the best of our ability.”
Santos Atkinson also returned graduate student center Zyheima Swint, who was the team’s fourth-leading scorer last year and led the team in rebounding. Zyheima Swint registered 14 points in a 75-61 victory against Yale on Nov. 12.
Hofstra also added a number of key newcomers aiding the Pride early this season.
Junior guard Chloe Sterling is the leading scorer through eight games after transferring from James Madison University. The Kennesaw, Ga. native earned CAA Player of the Week honors after tallying a careerhigh 21 points in a 74-69 win at NJIT on Nov. 8.
Freshman forward LaNae’ Corbett is showing promise early in her collegiate career by averaging 10.5 points per game including 15 in the Sacred Heart game to go along with 13 rebounds. She led Hofstra with 17 points in the Howard victory.
“The sky’s the limit for her,” said Satos Atkinson of Corbet, a mechanical engineering major who shined at one of the nation’s top-ranked high school girls basketball programs at Bishop McNamara in Maryland. “She’s one of the most consistent freshmen that I’ve coached in terms of her work ethic and how she shows up.”
Santos Atkinson pieced together some challenging non-conference games to prepare for CAA play that included a Dec. 2 trip to her alma mater the University of Florida where Hofstra trailed in single digits
at halftime to the SEC school before falling 75-48. The Pride will also host Big East foe St. John’s on Dec. 11. The CAA schedule commences on Jan. 3 at Monmouth and Jan. 5 at Delaware before the Pride host its league home opener on Jan. 10 against College of Charleston for a 6 p.m. tipoff. Hofstra concludes the conference schedule at home on March 6 against Long Island rival Stony Brook at 6 p.m. and a Saturday matinee versus Northeastern on March 8 at 2 p.m.
“Two things that we talk about to be successful this year for us is we’ve got to be the most competitive team in the CAA and we’ve got to be the most selfless team in the CAA, and I think we are capable of doing both of those things,” Santos Atkinson said. “And then we’ve got to compete through adversity through the good times and the bad.”
Chloe Sterling, a transfer from James Madison, provides a boost to the Pride’s roster.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications L.I. Lutheran product and Rockville Centre native Emma Von Essen was Hofstra’s leading scorer last season.
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.
Courtesy Billy Florio
Karen Selah, a dedicated community leader and pillar of the Valley Stream Historical Society, died at 76 after making a remarkable final appearance at the society’s 50th anniversary celebration. Selah, right, enjoyed the evening with Christina Scali.
‘Too important to replace’: remembering Karen Selah
child. She attended Clear Stream Avenue Elementary School, and Memorial Junior High School, and graduated from Valley Stream Central High School with
While attending C.W. Post, she met Henry “Hank” Selah of Floral Park. The two married in 1970 and shared more than 50 years together before he died in 2023, having battled a series of chronic health challenges. Karen often remarked that her husband didn’t march to a different drum, he marched to a different orchestra, according to media reports. Nevertheless, the two were an inseparable duo in the village’s
Selah was an active committee member of the Nassau County Democratic Party and deeply involved in the Valley Stream Democrats, where her husband served as vice president. “She always worked across political aisles,” said Florio. “She was not an ideologue.”
Selah was a committed member of the Valley Stream Historical Society, where she and her husband each served as pres-
ident.
“Along with Valerie Esposito, Karen was our event chair,” said Florio. “She ran the gingerbread house, LEGO contests, and the Halloween event. She loved having the children there and tried to bring younger people in.”
Outside of the society, Selah taught religious education as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church.
“She was my dear darling girl,” said Eleanor Sciglibaglio, Selah’s best friend and longtime neighbor who would be a tireless companion throughout Selah’s health ordeal.
Selah, said Sciglibaglio, was unfailingly kind and rarely spoke ill of others.
“She always saw the good in people and could not say anything negative about a person, even if there was negative, which was frustrating,” she jested.
Selah is survived by her cousins Carol, Arlene, Bob, and Ken; her brother-in-law Joe; her niece Coleen; her goddaughter Sharon; and many other relatives, friends, and members of the community.
News brief
Solages responds to red light camera ruling
In a news release, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages responded to the recent state appeals court ruling striking down Nassau County’s administrative fees on red light camera tickets.
Solages said in the news release, “The Nassau County red light camera program should have been focused on preventing accidents and promoting responsible driving. However, as the courts have found, it has become a cash grab for the county, charging motorists 200 percent of the $50 penalty as an
additional ‘public safety’ and ‘driver responsibility’ fee.”
Solages continued, “This blatant misuse of the program has caused unnecessary strain on Nassau County residents who already face a high cost of living. Bad-faith tactics like this erode trust in government and hurt families financially. It is unacceptable that it took a court order for the county to stop these exploitative fees. Motorists deserve a break.”
–Renee DeLorenzo
Legislators push ‘Gio’s Law’ for EpiPens
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County police officers could become front-line defenders against severe allergic reactions if legislation proposed by Legislator Seth Koslow becomes law. The bill would require patrol vehicles to be equipped with epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, and require officers to be trained to administer them in emergencies.
The bill was unveiled at a Dec. 5 news conference in Mineola, where Koslow, a Democrat from Merrick, was joined by local officials and advocates, including Georgina Cornago, whose son, Giovanni Cipriano, died in 2013 of a severe allergic reaction. Legislators Delia DeRiggiWhitton, Debra Mulè and Scott Davis were also in attendance.
Following her son’s death, Cornago led efforts in 2019 to pass Gio’s Law in New York state. It authorizes certain New York emergency service providers to be trained to treat anaphylaxis and carry EpiPens in their vehicles. The law previously mandated EpiPen training and stocking for first responders in counties with populations of less than 1 million, but it was recently expanded to counties with populations of up to 2 million — which means it can now be implemented in Nassau County.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow spoke at a Dec. 5 news conference about a bill that would require police department patrol vehicles to carry EpiPens, which are administered to those who have life-threatening allergic reactions.
Suffolk County adopted Gio’s Law in 2023.
“This bill will save lives,” Koslow said at the news conference, “because it will give police officers the ability to provide life-saving treatment in an emergency situation. We trust them when it comes to Narcan. We trust them when it comes to CPR. This is a natural
progression, and a natural tool for them to have in their arsenal to provide the resources we expect them to provide on a day-to-day basis.”
Cipriano, who lived in Lawrence, was 14 in 2013, when he went into anaphylactic shock after eating a food he was allergic to. He didn’t have an EpiPen at
the time, so his mother drove him to the hospital, which took too long, leading to his death.
Police department ambulances in Nassau County are equipped with EpiPens, but patrol cars aren’t — and by putting them there, the lifesaving care could be more accessible in emergencies.
“This legislation has been nearly 12 years in the making,” Cornago said. “Its importance cannot be overstated. Just as AED machines have become standard in public spaces, it only makes sense to have epinephrine injectors readily available alongside them as another essential lifesaving device.”
If it passes, the bill will direct the Nassau County Police Department to equip all patrol vehicles with EpiPens within 120 days, and ensure that all officers receive the necessary training to administer the medication.
“The training is about 30 minutes long,” Koslow said. “As far as obtaining the EpiPens, it’s just a function of putting the order in and getting them delivered. They’re readily available.”
Koslow explained that food allergies affect 32 million people in the U.S., and over 1,500 people die every year as a result of food allergy reactions.
The legislators are requesting a vote on the bill before the final legislative session of the year, next Monday.
Creativity flourishes at Sparkle on Stage
Spoken Wordz held its first event in February 2022, and Kretz hosted monthly shows at a friend’s bar. They quickly grew from attracting 15 to 20 people to drawing as many as 80. Today there are a number of gatherings each month in the five boroughs and on Long Island, and there are plans to expand to New Jersey.
Jared Schutz, who met Kretz at an open mic on Long Island, now leads the Long Island chapter. Spoken Wordz found a home at Sparkle on Stage after Schutz moved to Freeport from Queens, making his residence on the floor above the space on the Nautical Mile.
The most recent event at Sparkle on Stage, on Nov. 24, doubled as a food drive, with attendees donating items for the Soup to Nuts food pantry located in the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at 61 North Grove Street in Freeport.
“This was their third event here, and it’s going to become a permanent monthly event,” Workman said. “It’s really starting to hit home on Long Island.
“It started as a New York City project,” she added. “And now it’s becoming a monthly event with my neighbor upstairs, Jared, and his partner, Paulie. … They started bringing some people out from the city, and now it’s really starting to turn into quite the Long Island event.”
Schutz, who works as a community manager for Yelp on Long Island, explained that his exploration of spoken-word poetry began in 2021 after a difficult breakup. It inspired him to channel his emotions into writing.
“I started writing out my thoughts and my feelings, and kind of letters that I wouldn’t send anywhere,” he said. “And then they all started kind of taking form. I felt like they kind of emerged out of me spontaneously, these poems I was writing.”
“I think I’ve probably hit about 200 open mics ever since,” Schutz added. “I started doing poetry, then I started adding music to it, and playing guitar and singing, and now I kind of blend the two together.”
“It’s just like a — it’s the community that creates a safe space where you can express yourself,” he continued. “We always say it’s better to express yourself than
to keep it in. And our tagline for all the mics is, ‘Using words to heal and save.’”
Workman echoed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for participants. “This is a space
where people can not only share their art, but also make a difference,” she said. “There’s no judgment in the room. There’s nobody, you know, recording them and going, ‘Oh, that’s terrible. You’re going to be in trouble.’ No, it’s just a very safe space to relax and to say what’s on your mind, and have supportive people cheer you on for that.”
Schutz described how the partnership with Sparkle on Stage came about, after Workman noticed him bringing a guitar into his residence above the cultural arts center on the Nautical Mile.
“She asked me, ‘Oh, do you teach guitar?’ and I said, ‘Well, it’s been years, but I’m happy to teach a few of your students, if you need me to,’” he recalled. “That conversation just kind of segued into what I do, my job and my passion with open mics. And she expressed interest in hosting one.”
The first Spoken Wordz event at Sparkle on Stage, in September, drew about 25 attendees.
“We really envision Spoken Wordz being like the next Sofar Sounds, with the difference being, you know, created here in New York and a blend of music and poetry,” Schutz said, referring to a popular music-event company headquartered in Boston and London.
“We’re looking to do ‘Spoken Soundz’ now,” Kretz added, “which is going to be an offshoot that’s going to be all music venues for singers, musicians, dancers, hip-hop.”
Spoken Wordz remains committed to its original vision of creating a safe, welcoming space. “As soon as you walk through the room, you can feel the energy that becomes synergy,” Kretz said. “It’s just love. People get vulnerable, and people cry happy tears, you know, and feel uplifted.”
The next Spoken Wordz event at Sparkle is scheduled for Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring a toy, as the event is doubling as a toy drive.
The group is also having an event at G-Gallery at 404 Broadway in Manhattan this upcoming Sunday, Dec. 8. More information about upcoming Spoken Wordz events on Long Island and across New York City can be found on its Instagram page, @spokenwordz.nyc.
Carey names valedictorian and salutatorian
H. Frank Carey High School is announced that Shirley Chen and Kaitlyn Jamet are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2025.
Chen exemplifies academic excellence by enrolling in 14 Advanced Placement courses throughout her time at Carey. Her hard work and dedication have resulted in recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, an AP Scholar with Honor and an AP Capstone Diploma recipient.
Chen’s impressive scores on the Preliminary SAT earned her distinction as a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program as well. She has been inducted into multiple honor societies, including the National, English, Science, Math (Mu Alpha Theta), Social Studies and World Language honor societies.
Chen is incredibly involved in the Carey school community and is a respected leader. She serves as president of Art Palettes, president of Key Club, web-assistant and editor of the Clipper, secretary of Book Club, secretary of the Asian Association and a member of
Mathletes. She is also a talented musician, playing in the chamber orchestra since 2021 and being selected as part of the All-District Orchestra. Outside of school, Chen is a volunteer at Doctors
Premier Care in West Hempstead. Jamet is a remarkable scholar who consistently exhibits leadership and academic achievement across a demanding curriculum that includes Advanced
Placement, honors and advanced courses. Her success is evident in her selection as an AP Scholar with Distinction and consecutively making High Honor Roll since 2021.
Jamet has a passion for science and is a dedicated participant in the Science Research program, conducting self-guided research projects. She received first prize in the school’s Science Fair for creating a functional 3D ACL brace and was recognized as a Long Island Science Congress Merit Scholar.
Jamet is extremely active in extracurriculars at Carey, serving as secretary of Spanish Leadership Club and as an ambassador of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of Mathletes, Girls for Girls, Road to Medicine and Future Business Leaders of America. Jamet displays her leadership and sportsmanship abilities as captain of both the varsity cross country and varsity spring and winter track teams. Among her volunteer efforts, she has dedicated her time at Franklin Square Public Library and Mercy Hospital.
–Renee
DeLorenzo
Jeanine Schroder/Herald Robyn Workman, owner of Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, in front of the Freeport space that has hosted Spoken Wordz events since September.
Photos courtesy Carey High School
H. Frank Carey High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian is Shirley Chen, left, and the salutatorian is Kaitlyn Jamet.
HERALD SchoolS
Fun with ‘Bubbledad’ bubbles over at Howell
Howell Road Elementary School students were treated to an exciting and educational performance when “Bubbledad,” aka the performer and educator Chris Catanese, visited the school for a bubbly-filled adventure.
Under the Bubbledad moniker, Catanese creates shows that are colorful blends of magic, science, and interactive fun. He creates an enchanting “bubblescape” with bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Known for his engaging, hands-on approach, Bubbledad encourages kids to get involved, experiment, and explore the wonders of bubbles on their own.
Throughout the show, students were introduced to the fascinating science behind bubble formation and the basic geometry of bubbles—such as the difference between 2D and 3D shapes, and the relationship between circles and spheres. Bubbledad made the complex science behind bubbles easy to understand through creative, bubbly magic tricks while keeping the energy high and the laughs coming.
One of the highlights of the performance was when Bubbledad invited a few lucky students to step inside a giant bubble, an unforgettable moment that brought cheers from the audience. The experience didn’t just stop with a show; Bubbledad also encouraged students to experiment with bubblemaking techniques, providing them with the tools to create their bubble masterpieces.
Bubbledad’s performance at Howell Road Elementary was a huge success, leaving students with a sense of wonder and a new appreciation for the magic of science.
–Juan Lasso
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K is looking for...
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
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Courtesy Valley Stream District 13
Chris Catanese, better known as ‘Bubbledad’ wowed Howell students with the magic of bubbles.
Leaders bring communities together
By Renee DeLorenzo
At this year’s annual Herald Top Chief Officers of Long Island Awards, hosted by RichnerLIVE on Nov. 20, Long Island’s top officers proved that leadership is much more than just calling the shots. Being a leader comes with a lot of responsibility, and it means a little something different to everyone who serves in such a position. But one thing is certain: No one can do it alone.
Nearly 300 people gathered at the Heritage Club at Bethpage to celebrate excellence in leadership. Representing a wide range of industries including health care, education, utilities, nonprofits and finance, the group of business influencers came together for a night of honor and recognition.
Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health and this year’s recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award, stepped on stage to a wave of applause, and spoke about the health care industry and what it means to come together as a community. “I don’t think there’s any substitute for being in a room together as a collective, because you share and you learn,” Dowling said.
For the other honorees at the ceremony, bringing communities together is vital to their success. Ross Turrini and Jim Flannery, of National Grid and National Grid Ventures, respectively, shared those sentiments. Being a leader, they said, means focusing on the people they serve.
For Turrini, chief operating officer of National Grid’s New York gas operations, that means communicating honestly. “You’ve got to be able to have honest communication and conversations,” he said. “Not only with your employees, but with policymakers, legislators, our customers, and folks in the community who you serve. You have to be able to build trust.”
Flannery, COO of National Grid Ventures, U.S. Northeast, said the very reason he was there was because of the community he has built at the company. “The nomination is really a reflection of the people I work with,” he said, adding that his role at the company is forming a workforce that feels like family. “A leader needs to be one who cares about people, listens to people, who can galvanize people around a cause,” he said.
Diane Walsh and Gurjit Singh, of Prager Metis, said that the reason they were there was the amazing people they are privileged to work with daily.
Walsh, chief marketing officer of Prager Metis, said, “I think it’s really important for the community, not only for personal recognition, but for recognition of the firm and everybody we work with every day. They all make us the top chiefs.”
Singh, Prager Metis’s chief information officer, agreed, saying the recognition goes beyond his accounting firm. The acknowledgment of everyone else in the room, Singh said, was just as important. “I think everyone’s deserving — no one’s really above or below,” he said.
The connection between leadership and community was evident throughout the night. The idea that personal recognition is only possible because of the communities top officers serve is a tenet of the best leadership. “It’s all about having good people around you,” Dowling said. “It’s not about an individual situation. It’s about who you put around you. You prove that you’re smarter when you hire people smarter than you.”
He added that success is about the relationships with the people he works with, the people he serves, and the people he meets who share these values, such as those at the Heritage Club that night. “Everyone is going to leave here better than they did when they came in because of the relationships they’re making,” he said.
Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community
Media, noted the importance of bringing the leaders together and recognizing the value of what they do. “Leadership is about more than reaching goals,” Richner said. “It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change in the organizations and communities we serve. The individuals we honor tonight exemplify
that spirit, making Long Island a better place for all.” A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Michael Magro Foundation, which supports children with cancer and other pediatric illnesses.
For a full list of sponsors and honorees, go to RichnerLive.com/2024TCOA.
Tim Baker/Herald photos Guests network during the cocktail hour.
Keynote speaker and President of Northwell Health, Michael Dowling gives the keynote speech.
Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Health Care Stacey C. Jackson-Harley, RN MA.
Amit Shah, Senior Vice President of Prine Health (left) poses with Stuart Richner Chief Executive Officer of Richner Communications (right).
Guests listen to keynote speaker, President of Northwell Health, Michael Dowling.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Joseph Verdirame, Chief Executive Officer, of Alliance Healthcare poses with his award.
Christina Armentano Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Paraco.
Chief Marketing Officer, Prager Metis, Diane Walsh.
Randell M. Bynum, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau County.
Ross Turrini, Chief Operating Officer of New York Gas National Grid.
Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP Managing Partner, Howard Stein and Marketing Director Mojan Masuomi.
Nicole W. Joseph, MSc, Chief Operating Officer & Finance Director of CM Law PLLC.
Lisa Burch President and Chief Executive Officer of EPIC Long Island, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer, Guardian Bus Company, Michael Tornabe.
Chief Information Officer, Prager Metis, Gurjit Singh.
HERALD SchoolS Shaw Avenue kids create a math gallery
Fifth graders at Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 teamed up to solve math word problems on Dec. 4.
Students worked together to circle important numbers, figure out which operation to use, and box/highlight
any keywords. After completing their math problems on large sheets of paper, each group displayed and reviewed each other’s work in a “math gallery.”
–Juan Lasso
for the love of
championing excellence.
for the love of progress
Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. With our global network, comprehensive solutions, and industry expertise, we help these businesses succeed across a wide variety of industries and at most stages of their growth.
Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 30
Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 held their completed math creations up for viewing.
On Dec. 4, fifth graders at Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 teamed up to solve math word problems.
STEPPING OUT
sparkles on local stages
A festive tradition that always delights
By Karen Bloom
‘Tis the season when Sugar Plum Fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive. The beloved holiday confection is forever in style.
New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ New York Dance Theatre offers its 42nd season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, returning to the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University. This production wraps up the company’s celebration of its 50th anniversary on Long Island.
NYDT closely follows the George Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, sets and costumes. It’s the largest production on Long Island, according to Artistic Director and NYDT alumna Nicole Loizides Albruzzese. Her version keeps to the tone set by the company’s founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use his mentor’s original pas de deux choreography, which continues to distinguish this production, along with costumes and props gifted by Balanchine.
Through the years Ohman supplemented Balanchine’s iconic vision with original dances and scenes. Loizides Albruzzese — who was a student at Ohman School of Ballet (a division of NYDT) under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there (returning as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career) — faithfully follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.
“This year has been about celebrating our roots and expanding the reach of the company and the Ohman School of Ballet, also marking a milestone at 45 years,” Loizides Albruzzese says. She returns to the NYDT stage as Frau Silberhaus in the opening Party Scene, alongside Glen Cove’s North Shore Village Theatre Founder-Artistic Director Christopher Moll as Herr Silberhaus. New York City Ballet soloist Erica Pereira and principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht return as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Joseph J. Simeone, whose credits include City Center’s “A Chorus Line” and Susan Stroman’s Degas-inspired “Little Dancer” at the Kennedy Center, joins NYDT this year as the mysterious Herr Drosselmeier.
In all, a cast of 80 children, pre-professional and professional dancers bring this classic story ballet to life. The kids’ roles are performed by Frank Ohman School of Ballet and the School of American Ballet (the home school of New York City Ballet) students.
As an added treat, audiences can enter into the 1820s German family’s household where “The
The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are an enchanting pair as seen in Eglevesky Ballet’s production.
Nutcracker” unfolds during the semi-immersive pre-show experience. Everyone is invited into the Silberhaus home before the curtain rises, with the sights, smells and sounds of the Christmas Eve party that is the setting for Clara’s dream.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22, noon and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $33. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, visit NYDTNutcrackerTickets or call (631) 462-0964.
Eglevsky Ballet’s reimagined ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company, the Eglevsky Ballet, welcomes all to its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, at the Tilles Center. Boston Ballet principals Ji Young Chae and Jeffrey Cirio Miller reprise their roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Also of note, star of ballet, Broadway and screen Georgina Pazcoguin appears as the Dew Drop Fairy.
The beloved story — featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry — is danced with inventive staging enhanced by Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning costumes and a cast of over 60 students and professional dancers. The longest, continuously running ‘Nutcracker’ on Long Island, Eglevsky Ballet has presented it as a holiday gift to audiences since 1961. This exciting production, accompanied by Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, is a vibrant representation of the trajectory in which Curry is leading the organization.
Among his innovations, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” which is usually danced by the Snow Queen and Snow King. Instead Curry has the music (his personal favorite in the ballet) performed by Clara, danced by Eglevesky Ballet’s Ayne Kim and Enzo Castillo as The Nutcracker Prince.
“Having this pas de deux danced by these two intensifies the connection between the two characters,” Curry says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”
Saturday, Dec. 21, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
$59-$89. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Rte. 25A, Brookville. For tickets, visit tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com or call (516) 299-3100.
The Hot Sardines
The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines reinvents 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 landed them at the center of a whirlwind. 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.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $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.
Celtic Woman’s White Christmas
The Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum Irish-singing sensation rings in the holidays with their inimitable style. This is a rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s harmonies with a full symphony orchestra. Hear their favorite Yuletide songs: “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Deck the Halls,” and more, along with Celtic Woman favorites “Danny Boy,” “Amazing Grace” and “You Raise Me Up.” In the 20 years since their debut, Celtic Woman has introduced some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians to the world stage. Their fresh fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary songcraft celebrates Ireland’s history while reflecting its modern vibrant spirit.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $129.50, $99.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Courtesy MCA Photos LLC
The party scene is among the ballet’s many dazzling moments that unfold in New York Dance Theatre’s staging.
Courtesy Eglevesky Ballet
Yellow Brick Joel
Holiday at Westbury House
Grace Church Thrift Shop
Groove to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship. Whether you’re a fan of Billy’s heartfelt ballads or Elton’s electrifying anthems, this tribute concert is sure to leave you feeling like you’ve seen the real thing! Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com. Dec. 27
Relive the classic songs that define generations when Yellow Brick Joel brings you the ultimate Elton John and Billy Joel experience, on the Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair stage, Friday, dec. 27, 8 p.m. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,’ “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat”, “Funeral For A Friend”, “Miami 2017”, and “Captain Jack”! A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! On one side of the stage, you’ll have Clark playing the role of Billy Joel for the night. Opposite him is Connors as Elton John with Elton’s requisite flamboyant style. Enjoy an incredible night as two of the greatest musical icons come to life in this special concert!
Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, and Sunday, d ec. 14-15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 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 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.
Grace United Methodist Church’s thrift shop is open every Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Find a wide assortment of clothing, household items, jewelry, glassware, electronics, art and many other items. Come and enjoy the new Christmas Shop, which is loaded with beautiful ornaments, snow globes, Christmas mugs, glasses, cookie jars, collectors items and many other Christmas decorations at incredibly low prices. Come on in and enjoy the season! 21 S. Franklin Ave.
‘Cabaret is Coming to Town!’
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for an exhilarating holiday performance, Saturday, dec. 14 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre. The show will keep everyone in the festive groove with the best holiday songs of all time and more. A live band, a cast of 30 singer and special guest singers Tom Stallone, Eric Wieboldt and Candis Alek will keep everyone thoroughly entertained. Also expect a special appearance from Santa! Free admission. Seats fill up fast, so arrive early. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit elmontlibrary.org or call (516) 354-5280.
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.
Bird walk
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, the west end of Jones Beach State Park, Sunday, Dec. 16, starting at 9 a.m. The group will meet at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin is on Bay Drive going west. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.
Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon. org.
Having an event?
Holiday concert
Celebrate the season with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. The intergenerational orchestra of 60 L.I.-based musicians performs with the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir as special guests. The program, at Brookside School in North Merrick, includes “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Sing-A-Long,” “Greensleeves,” “Chanukah Festival Overture,” and much more. Suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door (kids are free). 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Visit symphonicpopsli.org for more.
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
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.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 13, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 17-19, 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.
Public Notices
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
Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP
53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-087679-F00 83094 150082
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
Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Paul Meli, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000686-1 150319
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER
TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against CRAIG WALLACE A/K/A
CRAIG R. WALLACE, 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.
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
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST
Simran Kaur; et al., Defendant(s)
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
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 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. 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 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
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME 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
Nassau Coliseum lights up the holidays
Sands New York hosted the Uniondale Holiday Kickoff on Dec. 6. They were joined by the Uniondale Community Council, Uniondale Community Land Trust, Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center, Uniondale Fire Department, John J. Byrne Community Center and the Genesis program.
Sands executives and local elected officials were in attendance and made remarks welcoming residents and ushering in the holidays. Youth from the Uniondale community joined Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in officially lighting the coliseum in red and green, beginning a rotation of holiday colors throughout the season, according to the news release.
The event, free and open to the public, featured face painting and make-your-own ornaments. The New York Holiday Singers sang holiday tunes for guests to enjoy throughout the event.
Hot chocolate and sweet treats were available to guests, and there were plenty of photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
The Uniondale Community Council and Genesis Basketball were there raising funds to help support families and youth activities in Uniondale.
–Kelsie Radziski
Public Notices
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 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, 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 York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150313
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstOMONUWA OMOGUN, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 30, 2024, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and OMONUWA OMOGUN, 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 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2 WALLACE COURT, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-33602-38. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001570/2016. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150469
Holden Leeds/Herald photos Kids gathered around County Executive Bruce Blakeman to press the button to light up the Coliseum for the season.
Milana Iqzarev, 10, Aniyah Lee, 9, Alluruh Lee, 4, Jordyn Johnson, 9, and Brooke Johnson, 11, drank some hot chocolate.
Vandella and Ezra Rucker, 8, attended the festive event.
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has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES: Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
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POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role. Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
HBCI SUPERVISOR FT: Seeking LCSW or LMSW for Crisis Intervention Program, Cedarhurst NY. 3+ yr exp, Supervision exp. $80K Annually + benefits Claufer@hamaspikkings.org 516-875-8400 x144
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
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Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.
Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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What good is ‘grandfathered’ if we still need permits?
Q. We have an old home, built in the 1940s, that we just found out needs permits for a garage and a back family room. We don’t understand why we need this. The house was sold to us this way, cleared title, and we were told the garage was grandfathered in and the back room was “part of the house.” Why is it that if we bought it that way and it’s been there for so many years, it still needs plans, permits and, as we are finding out, a possible zoning hearing just to avoid fines? Are there rules about grandfathering over some period of time, like a statute of limitations or something?
A. No, there is actually no provision for grandfathering. When meeting with potential clients, we often check public records if we can’t find anything in the homeowners’ closing papers. The reason why this is missed is because, most of the time, a title company searches records but doesn’t set foot in the house. Also, because it’s rare to have anyone who is qualified to look at the house conditions to compare them with codes and records, things like your garage and rear addition are assumed and not confirmed.
Unfortunately, the conditions may need upgrading if they don’t meet current codes, although some building departments are more reasonable if you can prove the year of the work to them. Others will ask for windows to be changed to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements in bedrooms, or to have air conditioning units and basement escape wells addressed. It’s not unusual to need plans, a building application, zoning approval and, finally, a permit for the air conditioning condenser unit in your side yard, or for an escape well that restricts the only side yard available to get out of a basement.
I know that I’m saving people money and aggravation by explaining these things before they buy the house or do a new project, just because they’re aware of how to address the issue, but it’s rare to be asked, before a sale, to even look at the issues, because it would thwart the sale in many cases if this condition was revealed. It’s assumed that a title search is all you need, and yet I often find that in the process of doing the new project people want, we professionals get bogged down with the other things that create friction, delays and feelings of despair. It’s not unusual to hear people say they never would have started the project if they knew it was going to be this difficult, usually with the phrase, “can of worms” attached.
Depending on the need for a zoning variance, which in some municipalities can add many months to the process, you will need to have plans professionally generated by an architect or engineer, code, zoning and energy analysis to obtain permits, final inspections and certification. Good luck!
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opinions
Food for thought from last month’s election
The results of the recent election surprised many people, and upset many people. In retrospect, however, perhaps it was predictable. It certainly should be instructive. Here’s the way I see it.
Voters don’t want to be disrespected and told how to think, and don’t appreciate being gaslighted. They’re a lot smarter, and far more perceptive, than many politicians realize, or, perhaps more accurately, are willing to admit. When we go to the grocery store and see that prices have increased tremendously, or fill up our gas tanks and see a 50 percent increase over what prices were not that long ago, we resent being told that inflation is under control, and that the problem is only one of “perception.” It brings to mind the famous Groucho Marx quote, “Who are
you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?”
We don’t want to be told that the border is under control and secure, when it’s plain for anyone to see that we have a massive problem. When we hear of murders committed by illegal migrants, we don’t want to hear that it’s really only a small portion of those people who are criminals. The obvious questions in response are, how many murders and rapes by people who shouldn’t be here are acceptable? And would it be fine with the open-border advocates if it were their families rather than some unknown strangers being killed? We know that we need immigrants, but we also know that we need to know and control who is coming in.
W e want elected officials to rely on common sense, not ideology.
want our daughters and sisters to be able to safely and fairly compete with other women and girls. We have no problem with adults who want to change their appearance and lifestyle, but not minors. People should be free to live as they wish, but never at someone else’s expense.
We want our institutions of higher learning and government agencies to accept students and workers because they are smart and work hard, not because they belong to a group favored by politicians. In other words, we want people to earn what they get. What a quaint idea!
ly good for all of us?
We want the freedom to choose what kind of cars we drive and appliances we buy without big-brother mandates.
We want our elected officials to protect us and our families, rather than coddling career criminals. Putting arrested violent offenders right back on the street because requiring bail is, somehow, more unfair to some people than to others doesn’t seem like a sensible response to poverty.
We don’t want to be told that men can become honest-to-goodness women via cosmetic surgery, or some kind of alchemy, or by the mere declaration of “identification” with a sex other than the one they were assigned at birth. We
We want to be free to speak our minds without fear of harassment by others, including government and school officials, without fear of being canceled or labeled racist for the sin of disagreement with an approved line of thought. Isn’t school meant for the expression of different thoughts? Isn’t the marketplace clash of ideas ultimate-
I can offer many more examples of what our elected officials should be thinking about, but the general idea should be clear. We want our officials to rely on common sense, and not on ideology. This doesn’t have to mean giving up principles. Classical liberalism stands for individual autonomy and equal opportunity, while moving toward social progress. Classical conservatism emphasizes preservation of established customs, with gradual, careful change when needed, rather than abrupt shifts. These need not always be in conflict.
Howard Kopel represents Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s presiding officer.
A call to action for the 2025 legislative session
public safety is one of the most pressing concerns for New Yorkers. As we approach the 2025 legislative session, it’s clear that we need thoughtful reforms to restore balance to our justice system and address both the causes and consequences of crime. That’s why I’ve introduced a package of bills to tackle this issue head-on, with the centerpiece being S.5335A, a proposal I carry with Assemblyman Ed Ra that would restore judges’ ability to consider dangerousness when determining whether to set bail or detain a defendant before a trial.
I believe it is the responsibility of lawmakers to constantly assess how their policies are working — or not working — to see if they can be improved. In that regard, I do not take issue with anyone for attempting to improve our bail system, and I agree that no one should be jailed simply because they cannot afford bail. While the 2019 bail reforms aimed to address fairness, however, they went too far by removing judicial discretion
to weigh dangerousness, a safeguard used nationwide and prohibited only in New York. This has left communities vulnerable and tied the hands of judges and law enforcement.
Judges are in the best position to evaluate whether someone charged with a crime poses a risk to others. Restoring their ability to factor in public safety is simply common sense. Forty-nine states and the federal government allow for this safeguard, yet here in New York, judges’ hands are tied — even in cases where the danger is obvious. My bill would correct this by giving judges the tools they need to protect communities while still respecting the rights of defendants. This issue hit close to home earlier this year with a disturbing case on Long Island. Defendants accused of desecrating and concealing human remains were released without bail, and time limits on electronic monitoring left the community feeling unprotected. Incidents like this erode public trust and highlight the need for reform. This case highlighted another area that needs urgent attention, which is the use of pretrial electronic monitoring. Current restrictions treat electron-
ic monitoring as if it’s the same as being in custody, limiting its use in cases where it could otherwise enhance public safety. My bill, S.8778, would remove onerous restrictions on electronic monitoring, giving law enforcement a critical tool to keep our neighborhoods safe.
We can protect our communities while ensuring fairness in our justice system.
Unfortunately, the consequences of our current bail system are not isolated incidents. In a recent attempted jewelry store burglary in Woodbury, five people who are in the U.S. illegally used sophisticated tactics like jamming police radios and alarm systems. They were arrested, but released without bail, because their crimes were not bail-eligible. Only three reported for tracking devices, which they removed the very next day in New Jersey.
Revisiting New York’s bail laws is vital for accountability, but public safety requires a broader approach. A key issue is the lack of mental health services in jails and prisons, which contributes to recidivism. That’s why I sponsor S.7257, to create a loan-forgiveness program for mental health professionals in correctional facilities. Many individuals cycling through the criminal justice system need more than pun-
ishment — they need treatment. By incentivizing licensed professionals to work in correctional facilities, we can provide better care, reduce repeat offenses, and give people the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Public safety shouldn’t be a zerosum game. We can protect our communities while also ensuring fairness in our justice system. Restoring judicial discretion, improving monitoring options, and strengthening mental health resources are key pieces of a balanced approach that would put the safety and well-being of New Yorkers first.
Our state has been grappling with a broken system for too long. We can’t ignore the voices of families, smallbusiness owners and community leaders who are asking for change. These bills — S.5335A, S.8778 and S.7257 — are thoughtful, targeted solutions that address real gaps in our system. Together they strike the right balance between justice and safety.
This legislative session is a chance to make real progress. I urge my colleagues to prioritize public safety and pass effective policies that address New Yorkers’ concerns. Let’s equip our communities with the tools they need to feel safe again.
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.
HoWARD KopEL
State must fund seat belts for school buses
Yellow school buses are an iconic image of education in America, transporting millions of children each day. But in New York state, the question of whether buses are equipped with seat belts is left to individual school districts.
The Briarcliff, Elmsford and Yonkers districts have embraced the added security of seat belts in a limited form, but others have opted out, leaving a patchwork system that prioritizes local discretion over consistent safety standards.
On the crowded roads of 2024, this approach is no longer acceptable. It is time for the state to mandate seat belts on all school buses in every district, ensuring the safety of every child who steps aboard.
School buses are generally recognized as one of the safest modes of transportation, thanks to their design and the principle of “compartmentalization.” High-backed, closely spaced seats create a buffer that helps absorb the force of a collision.
Simple compartmentalization is far from foolproof, however, particularly in side-impact crashes or rollovers. Seat belts add a crucial layer of protection in these scenarios. Without them, children can be thrown from their seats, increasing the likelihood of serious injury or even death.
A statewide mandate would align New York with the growing national consensus on school bus safety. Several
letters
D’Esposito is a falsifier
To the Editor:
states, including New Jersey, Florida, and California, already require seat belts on buses. These mandates reflect the recommendations of safety organizations like the National Transportation Safety Board, which has advocated for the installation of lap-and-shoulder belts on all new large buses. By following suit, New York would reaffirm its commitment to children’s safety and set an example for still more states to follow.
One argument often made by opponents of mandatory seat belts is that they’re too costly to install. Retrofitting existing buses or buying new models equipped with seat belts is a significant investment, but when the expense is weighed against the potential cost of injuries or fatalities, the financial argument falls flat.
The state Department of Transportation could work with school districts to phase in the requirement over time, offsetting the cost with the help of state funding or federal grants. But again, the safety benefits of seat belts far outweigh the expense. Protecting children should never hinge on budgetary constraints.
Another concern is enforcement of seat belt requirements. Critics argue that younger children might not consistently buckle up. While this concern is valid, it is not insurmountable. Bus drivers can incorporate quick visual checks into their routine, and schools can implement safety education pro-
Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s recent op-ed, “I look forward to representing you again”: D’Esposito said some things that were far from the truth. As president of the Long Island chapter of the New York Alliance for Retired Americans, I represent over 10,000 members Islandwide, which includes more than 3,000 members in his district.
I was assigned to secure a meeting with the congressman, as I had done with Peter King several years ago. King gave the alliance’s statewide president and me about 20 minutes, and that was two days after a major snowstorm. I would have been happy with 20 minutes with D’Esposito, but despite numerous calls, I was given the runaround by both his district and Washington offices. Maybe if he had met with us, more of those 3,000-plus members would have voted for him. After all, everyone agrees that senior citizens vote in higher percentages than the general population.
He was also inaccurate about his voting for an immigration bill, because he left out the part where he voted against the bipartisan bill
grams to teach students the importance of being protected while on the bus. These measures would foster a culture of compliance and ensure that seat belts serve their intended purpose.
Beyond the practical and financial considerations, the best argument for seat belts is a moral one. Parents trust that when their children board a bus, they are as safe as possible. By leaving the decision to individual districts, New York sends a troubling message: that children’s safety may vary depending on their Zip code. This undermines the model of equal protection and fairness that public education is supposed to embody.
In the end, the case for mandatory seat belts on school buses is clear. The technology exists, the safety benefits are well documented, and the moral imperative is undeniable. New York has long been a leader in progressive public policy. Requiring seat belts on school buses would not only safeguard the state’s most vulnerable residents, but also reaffirm its commitment to equity and safety.
It’s time for the state to take the wheel on this issue and drive meaningful change. Safety is not optional — it’s a necessity. With an annual budget of nearly a quarter-trillion dollars, New York has no excuse for not providing money to add seat belts to school buses. Children are our most precious passengers, and the time to act is now.
that would have solved many immigration problems. But his party leaders wanted him to help kill that bill so it could be used as an issue in the November election.
Representative D’Esposito speaks out
of both sides of his mouth, like many politicians do. All I can say about that is, you reap what you sow.
STANLEY B. BERgMAN East Meadow
We’re working to keep NUMC open, despite its struggles
among the top priorities of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority is ensuring that Nassau University Medical Center remains open, returns to financial health and is available to serve the people who need it most. A recent op-ed in the Herald by NUMC leadership (“After reforms, NUMC is on the upswing,” Oct. 10-16) caught our eye, because it painted a rosy picture of the hospital’s financial situation, even though the facts say the opposite.
Despite the platitudes offered in the op-ed, the fundamental issue remains that the Nassau Health Care Corporation, the state public authority that manages NUMC and related facilities, continues to operate at a tremendous deficit while making no meaningful changes to work toward financial stability. NHCC’s oper-
ating losses (before certain actuarial adjustments) were approximately $77 million in 2023 and roughly $108 million in 2022. NIFA is projecting an operating loss for NHCC of around $120 million in 2024.
tEarlier this year, NHCC made a unilateral demand for substantial additional funding from the state. In response, the State Department of Health requested that NHCC provide certain required information and take particular actions to achieve balanced operations in order to be considered for extraordinary relief. Amazingly, NHCC has resisted complying adequately with the Health Department’s reasonable conditions that it must impose to ensure that NHCC would manage the state’s scarce resources appropriately.
of $7 million. Over the past four and a half years, the total that NHCC owes NYSHIP has ballooned to roughly $380 million.
he county’s Interim
Finance Authority has made the troubled hospital a priority.
That isn’t just some enormous number sitting in a filing cabinet in Albany: It’s a tremendous cost that is being passed on to other municipal organizations in Nassau County and throughout the state. This means that these costs are being subsidized by entities like local governments and school districts, and thus, taxpayers. The increased burden on Nassau County and other taxpayers will only get worse if the hospital’s ineffective leadership is not changed for the better.
the past three years alerting leadership that the health care corporation is at risk of termination by NYSHIP due to these unpaid amounts. It is the negligence of NHCC’s executives that has led it to this point.
At the core of its financial instability is the fact that NHCC owes the New York State Health Insurance Program, or NYSHIP, $9 million per month in premiums. NHCC pays only $2 million each month, creating a monthly deficit
Letters
He sounds like he wants his seat back
To the Editor:
I found Anthony D’Esposito’s piece confusing, because it sounded more like his first campaign speech to regain his lost seat rather than an opinion. In a county that voted favorably for the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, Mr. D’Esposito was unable to ride Mr. Trump’s coattails and defeat Laura Gillen in New York’s 4th Congressional District. In the majority opinion, the best candidate won.
JOHN P. FITzSIMONS Rockville Centre
School regionalization: something smells
To the Editor:
After reading in the Herald about the emergency regionalization plan proposed by the State Education Department, I see this as an attempt by the department to integrate all of the Nassau County school districts and their systems. That would eliminate local control of schools and centralize their supervision.
This new “emergency” approach would improve the education results in the Hempstead and Roosevelt districts, to name just a few, but by signing on to the plan, school districts will lose all local control. I advise districts to move
forward with caution. I smell a rat here.
RUTH HIRSCH Hewlett
Why the MTA’s 2025 fare hikes make sense
To the Editor:
Long Island Rail Road and New York City Transit riders should hold accountable any public official, Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member or transit advocate who opposes the planned 4 percent fare hikes in 2025 for missing why the increases are needed. They were part of the MTA’s $51 billion 2020-2024 Five Year Capital Plan.
Quality and frequency of service depends on secure revenue streams. We will all have to contribute — be it with fares or tax revenue redistributed to the MTA. Fare hikes are periodically required if the authority’s operating agencies, including the LIRR, are to provide the services millions of New Yorkers count on daily. They are inevitable due to increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, and upgrades to stations, yards and shops necessary to run any transit system.
In 2023, the MTA lost $700 million to fare evasion and spent $1.3 billion on employee overtime. There is little reason to believe that the 2024 numbers will significantly change. So, in return for honest riders paying the new higher fares
NHCC executives are potentially placing an even greater financial strain on the shoulders of their over 3,500 employees (along with retirees), all of whom are at risk of losing their health insurance should these arrears on NYSHIP payments continue. The New York State Civil Service Commission has sent NHCC numerous letters over
The hospital’s problems are the result of poor management and an ineffective board, whose members must be replaced in order for the situation to improve. NIFA knows for certain that, in order for NUMC to continue serving our community, its existing leadership must change, and soon. NHCC’s current board leadership and management have shown that they are ill-equipped to oversee such a delicate operation. Their lack of ability shows, and it could ultimately result in the hospital shutting down entirely. Thousands of people would be out of jobs, and all of us would lose a crucial medical resource in our community.
The last thing we want is for NUMC is to close its doors. Along with Gov. Kathy Hochul and her top staff, NIFA is working hard with all stakeholders to keep them open.
Richard Kessel is chairman of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority.
Framework by Tim Baker
next year, the MTA must step up and reduce annual fare evasion by several hundred million dollars and employee overtime to well below $1 billion. A fare increase requires MTA reforms.
LARRY PENNER
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
At the Chamber of Commerce tree lighting in Veterans Memorial Park — East Meadow
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