Merrick Herald 02-13-2025

Holden Leeds/Herald

Alyssa Beznicki, left, Oriana Merzlyak and Matthew Klein formed a team called MAO to make food and raise funds for charity.

Kennedy High juniors fight hunger with a four-course meal

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

Three juniors from John F. Kennedy High School prepared a four-course meal for donors as part of the Cooking for a Cause 2025 Fundraiser, collecting over $750 for Island Harvest on Feb. 1.

Merrick residents Matthew Klein, Alyssa Beznicki and Oriana Merzlyak are students enrolled in JFK’s Culinary Hospitality and Applied Management Program, also known as CHAMP, which teaches students about cooking and running businesses. They met in the program last year, and now share a vision of keeping the community well fed.

The MAO team, named using each student’s first initial, comes together once a

month to create a four-course tasting menu. The meal is made from scratch, and highlights each chef’s specialties, from dinners to desserts.

“We do it because we all enjoy cooking, but even for us, it’s not enough,” Merzlyak said. “We decided to start doing it out of school, just for fun, and we thought, why don’t we invite people and cook for them? We decided that the money we collect from it, we would donate.”

“We love doing what we’re doing,” Klein added of their thinking. “It would be so amazing if we could give back to the community in a way. “We’re fortunate enough to have everything we need in life to succeed, and some people aren’t as fortunate. So we

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Decades of fun at Twin Oaks Day Camp

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

For half a century, Twin Oaks Day Camp has been a summer haven for generations of campers, who have created memories and friendships lasting a lifetime.

As the camp marks its 50th anniversary this summer, its leaders are reflecting on what makes Twin Oaks a special place, drawing families to return year after year.

Twin Oaks has been family owned and operated since 1975, although its history stretches back even further.

ger “family.” Based in Freeport, the camp serves many other communities, including Merrick, Bellmore, East Meadow, Wantagh, Seaford, Baldwin, Rockville Centre and beyond.

The Elmans’ daughter, Jenni Elman-Davis, now runs Twin Oaks, alongside assistant directors Carin Stone and Michele Colella, who have both worked at the camp for more than 25 years.

JENNi ElmANDAViS Director, Twin Oaks Day Camp & Day School

Hal Elman was a head counselor at the camp prior to 1975, and when the former owners were looking to sell the property, Elman and his college friend, Bernie Hoffman, along with their wives, Barbara Elman and Beverly Hoffman, decided to purchase it.

Since then, the camp has flourished into what it is today — a place where every camper and their family member feel like they’re part of an even big-

The camp is split into four divisions, with its youngest members taking part in the Barney Program for children between the ages of 20 and 30 months. Each camper is paired with a one-on-one supervisor, and they get to take part in a half-day program, filled with fun, adventure and socialization.

The Lower Camp is for three and four year olds and the Upper Camp enrolls children in kindergarten through third grade. Full day and mini day programs are available. The camp’s activity directors create an engaging and diversified experience for all campers, and COntinued On pAge 10

Corrections officer facing grand larceny charges

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Nassau County District Attorney’s office announced on Feb. 10 that a Nassau County corrections officer has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 in New York State Empire Plan health insurance reimbursement benefits intended for his estranged wife’s medical bills.

The case was referred to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office by the Office of the Nassau County Inspector General.

Christopher Kowalewski, 49, of Merrick, was arraigned before Judge Petrara Perrin on one count of grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 3, 2025.

Pofficer allegedly stole more than $100,000 in health insurance payments meant to pay his estranged wife’s medical bills. My office is committed to holding public servants accountable when they violate community trust and ignore their oaths.”

Nassau County Inspector General Jodi Franzese emphasized her office’s commitment to detecting and deterring fraud, waste, and abuse within county government.

ublic servants are entrusted with doing the right thing, and when they take advantage of the system for personal gain, it hurts everyone.

ANNE DONNELLy

District attorney Nassau County

If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

“Public servants are entrusted with doing the right thing, and when they take advantage of the system for personal gain, it hurts everyone,” District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “This correction

“As this case illustrates, our office takes seriously allegations of fraudulent conduct by county employees,” she said.

According to prosecutors, under NYSHIP’s standard procedure, reimbursement checks for out-of-network medical providers were issued to Kowalewski, the policyholder, following his estranged wife’s back surgery on March 2, 2022. The checks should have been forwarded to the medical providers.

Between December 2021 and December 2023, Kowalewski allegedly received 11 checks from United Healthcare, NYSHIP’s administrator, totaling $110,096. The checks ranged from $147 to $92,488.

Investigators determined that nine of the 11 checks were deposited into a joint

A corrections officer in Nassau County is facing grand larceny charges. Officials allege that he stole more than $100,000 in reimbursement benefits from his health care plans. Above, the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow.

bank account held by Kowalewski and another individual, while the remaining two checks were cashed. Financial records allegedly show that Kowalewski spent the stolen funds on personal expenses.

Between Aug. 15, 2022, when the $92,488 check was deposited into Kowalewski’s bank account, and November 15, 2022, he allegedly withdrew $75,600 in cash.

Kowalewski surrendered to Nassau

County District Attorney Detective Investigators on Feb. 10, 2025.

The case is being prosecuted by Crimes Against Revenue Unit Chief Christine Burke under the supervision of Major Financial Frauds Bureau Chief Maureen McCormack and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. Kowalewski is represented by attorney Marc Gann.

things to know: Bellmore-merrick Broadcasting

On Jan. 31, students in Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting BCII and Foundations of Broadcasting classes transformed an old locker room at Wellington C. Mepham High School into a Hollywood sound stage for an afternoon.

Students transform locker room into movie set

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Students in Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting, a specialty program

in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, stepped into the roles of professional filmmakers on Jan. 31, transforming an old locker room at Wellington C. Mepham

n Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting prepares students for media careers

BMB offers students from Mepham, Kennedy, and Calhoun high schools the opportunity to develop skills in video production, journalism, and multimedia storytelling.

Housed at Mepham High School, the program provides hands-on experience in filming, editing, and producing content that is shared with the school community and beyond. Students create news segments, documentaries, and original films while using professional-grade equipment. The program mimics real-world media production, preparing students for careers in broadcasting, film, and communications.

High School into a Hollywood-style sound stage.

The project, led by students in the BCII and Foundations of Broadcasting classes, gave participants hands-

n Students took on professional film roles in a realistic production setting

For this project, students stepped into industry roles such as script supervisor, best boy, and key grip, working collaboratively to bring their short film to life.

Allison Redican, a broadcasting student who served as the project’s art director, focused on transforming the space with props and lighting. “It was really cool to see how props and lights can completely change the look and feel of a place,” she said.

Claire Arnoff, the director of photography, ensured that every shot was framed and lit to match the film’s vision. “It was really hard to place the cameras and lights just right to create the look, but in the end, it came off like a real movie set,” Arnoff explained.

Sophomore Paige Anderson took on the role of first assistant director, helping to maintain the professional atmosphere on set. “Everyone knows you call out ‘quiet on the set’ and ‘action,’ but there are a lot of other parts to the process that made it feel like a professional setting,” she recalled.

on experience in set design, cinematography, and directing. Here’s what to know about the production and the program behind it.

n The project will launch at Valentine’s Day Film Festival

The scene filmed by BCII students takes place at a construction site where a “strange discovery is made.” This short film will serve as the foundation for upcoming student-produced Valentine’s Day mystery films, created by BMB’s BCIII and BCIV classes. These films will premiere on the BMB YouTube channel on Tuesday, Feb. 25, as part of the program’s annual Valentine’s Day Film Festival, showcasing the students’ storytelling and production talents.

By combining hands-on learning with real-world experience, Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting continues to offer students a unique opportunity to explore the world of media production and prepare for future careers in the industry.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Student chefs cook to support Island Harvest

want to have the opportunity to help people who really need help.”

MAO’s fundraisers began last August, and have become a monthly tradition for their families, usually held at one of their homes. For each meal, the team thoroughly vets new recipes that will test their skills and practices until the day of the fundraiser. Their love of cooking, they said, came from their families.

“It started as my grandfather was a chef,”

Beznicki said.

“He was in the culinary industry for years. When I was younger, I would cook with him.”

Through cooking, Beznicki was able to overcome the language barrier between her and her grandfather, and share their love of cooking.

“My mom and I used to bake all the time together, for every event,” Klein recalled. “It inspired me to bake a lot. I’ve never been the biggest into cooking, but it’s really when I cooked with my friends that it really opened my horizons.”

Lauren and Randy Klein, Matthew’s

parents, said he has been interested in baking since he was a child, and they have watched him grow into a chef.

“Matthew has always impressed us with his innovative ideas and his determination to bring them to fruition,”

Lauren Klein said. “MAO is an initia -

The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)

For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.

The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.

Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend –like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.

When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five years

after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Proposed new rules, often delayed but constantly looming, would also require you to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.

The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.

The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.

Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

trustlaw.com

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tive that combines these students’ passion for cooking with the fight against hunger, and I think that this was the best way to do that for them. I’m really proud of my son, and all three of these young adults, for spearheading this initiative on their own.”

The Kleins are co-owners of Paul Evan’s Catering in Island Park.

“They’re really hardworking, they’re dedicated, they love doing it, and it’s great,” Randy said of MAO. “For me and for my wife, as owners of a restaurant, seeing our son have the passion to do something that’s exciting to us.”

The diners who attend the team’s fundraisers are frequently friends and family members who make donations to Island Harvest Food Bank, a nonprofit food charity that relieves hunger for people across Long Island.

“Students participating in JFK’s culinary program are to be commended for their unique fundraising efforts to help Island Harvest in our mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island,” Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest, said.

“The people we serve will certainly benefit from the students’ generosity, and we hope the lesson of compassion and helping improve the lives of others will stay with them throughout their lives. We know that young adults can and certainly do make a difference.”

To donate to Island Harvest, visit IslandHarvest.Org.

Homemade focaccia with rosemary and garlic

Salad with olive oil, tomato and avocado

Spaghetti a glio e olio

Chicken francese

Scalloped potatoes and string beans

eight layered cake

Courtesy Lauren Klein

the mao team cooked a four-course meal for friends and family to raise funds for island Harvest.

Oriana Merzlyak MAO member

MIKE KONDYRA

MacArthur Senior Basketball

A THREE-YEAR STARTER looking for his first AllCounty selection, Kondyra reached a milestone Jan. 27 in MacArthur’s 79-72 defeat to Long Beach. As part of a 42-point performance, he recorded her 1,000th career point. He hit seven three-pointers in what was his third 40-plus point game of the season. The AllConference honoree in 2023-24 iis averaging 25 points per game this winter to rank among Nassau County’s top five scorers.

GIRLS WRESTLING

NASSAU COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Tyasia Buxton, V.S. Central, 94 pounds

Harley Eidens, Long Beach, 100

Presley Eidens, Long Beach, 107

Gabrielle Severin, Bethpage, 114

Haley Gonzales, Hicksville, 120

Olivia Rausenberger, MacArthur, 126

Taylor Brock, Kennedy, 132

Jessica Marzano, Bethpage, 138

Gabriella Schechtman, Kennedy, 145

Keishara Tulloch, Uniondale, 152

Isabella Steffa, Seaford, 165

Eyslin Turcios, V.S. North, 185

Naomi Gonzalez, V.S. North, 235

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Girls wrestling takes center stage

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

History was made Feb. 2 when Nassau County hosted its first-ever girls’ wrestling tournament at Bethpage High School with more than 100 entrants from over 20 districts.

Champions were crowned in 13 weight classes, ranging from 94 to 235 pounds, before a jam-packed crowd. Uniondale had the largest contingency with 22 participants as coach Tim Godoy said interest exploded after fall sports concluded.

“It’s been a really fun season and this tournament is great to see,” Godoy said. “I recruited some kids I coach in soccer and badminton and it just kind of took off from there. Last year we had two girls wrestling. By the end of the first week of practice this November, we had 30.”

Bethpage coach Sean Severin coordinated the one-day tournament and was thrilled to see everything run smooth. His daughter, Bethpage junior Gabrielle, captured the

Kennedy senior Gabriella Schechtman, who competed for MacArthur’s team, won the title at 145 pounds.

114-pound title which made a historic day that much more special.

“I was super happy with how good the event turned out,” Sean Severin said. “It drew a really big crowd and the girls brought the energy. It’s going to be a great stepping stone for the growth of the sport in Nassau County.”

Long Beach, which for more than four decades has fielded one of the premier wrestling programs in the county, has four girls competing this season including eighth-grade twins Presley and Harley Eidens. All four made the finals with the Eidens’ both winning championships.

“This is unbelievable opportunity for all the female wrestlers in Nassau,” said Long Beach coach Ray Adams, whose daughter, Reese, competes for Calhoun but missed her junior season with a knee injury that required surgery. “Our youth program, the Gladiators, started a girls program a few years ago and it keeps growing,” he said.

Adams credited 2020 graduate Lina Diamond with being the trailblazer for the budding Long Beach girls program. Presley Eidens, who also plays lacrosse and volleyball, said she started wrestling about two-and-ahalf years ago and grapples with her sister every day in practice. Freshmen Arianna Balsamo (152) and Sofia Calle (165) are also workout partners. “They’ve all improved every match,” Adams noted.

Valley Stream Central junior Tyasia Buxton said she joined wrestling to bring additional discipline into her

life. She just took up the until four months ago but has come a long way in a short time, coach Chris Carbajal said. Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.

“Really proud of her,” Carbajal said. “She made a commitment and stuck to it all season.”

Buxton credits a good deal of her success to scraping against boys almost exclusively this season. “I’ve taken my losses, but I learned a lot and I’m better for it,” she said. “It feels great to win. I gave it my all and didn’t give up.”

Lynbrook junior Dani Zhanay is one of the county’s most-experienced wrestlers. She’s been competing for eight years, coach Rich Renz said, after starting with the Titans youth league. “She loves competing and has a lot of skill,” Renz explained.

Uniondale sophomore Brianna Marquez is one of a

handful of soccer players who decided to give wrestling a try at the urging of Godoy. She was runner-up to Presley Eidens at 107. The Knights crowned one champion — sophomore Keishara Tulloch at 152.

“All the girls are amazing and the wrestling community has been really supportive,” Marquez said. “We all push each other harder every day. It’s definitely something I can see myself continuing to do.”

Valley Stream North crowned a pair of champs with juniors Eyslin Turcios winning at 185 and Naomi Gonzaez emerging victorious at 235. Kennedy saw senior Gabriella Schechtman win at 145 and eighth-grader Taylor Brock finish first at 132. All 13 county champs along with six second-place finishers advance to the girls state tournament Feb. 27 in Albany.

Terry Uellendahl/Herald photos Valley Stream Central’s Tyasia Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.

Legislators sue over county’s ‘illegal militia’

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Nassau County Democratic legislators and civil rights attorneys filed a lawsuit against the county last week, branding County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of special sheriff’s deputies an “illegal militia.”

“Bruce Blakeman’s militia is not about public safety — it’s political theater at the expense of Nassau County residents,” Legislator Seth Koslow, ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said. “There is no justification for creating an unaccountable and illegal force that answers only to the county executive.”

Legislator Scott Davis criticized the measure as unnecessary, citing Nassau’s ranking as one of the safest counties in the country, and called for an increase in properly trained law enforcement officers as an alternative to the volunteer deputy program. The county currently employs over 2,500 officers who have undergone rigorous training.

In the event that the county’s existing law enforcement and crisis volunteers are insufficient, the county has the ability to call for assistance from law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties.

The lawsuit alleges that the county’s application process for the program requires minimal qualifications, including ownership of a pistol license and no

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Democratic Nassau County legislators filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court last week against the county and County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of a special sheriff’s deputy program. Legislators Carrié Solages, far left, Scott Davis, Seth Koslow, Debra Mulé, Arnold Drucker and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton gathered to announce the suit on Feb. 5.

“misdemeanor convictions within the previous five years.” For each day of activation during an emergency, a volunteer would receive a stipend of $150, which exceeds the hourly rate of pay limit that deputies may receive without legislative approval.

The lawsuit cites a Newsday investigation that found that 25 people had enlisted in the program as of last Sep-

tember, six of whom were not able to be found through background checks. The plaintiffs allege that the county’s program appears to require significantly less training than its regular police training.

Carey Dunne, an attorney from the Free and Fair Litigation Group, argued that this poses a risk to the general public.

“County Executive Blakeman’s mili-

tia endangers public safety in Nassau County and the health of our democracy nationwide,” Dunne said. “Our lawsuit alleges an authoritarian power grab in the heart of suburban America. We cannot let the abuse of executive power go unanswered.”

Legislator Debra Mulé alleged that special sheriff’s deputies are an illegal group that should not be funded with taxpayer money, and that the county executive should be compelled to comply with public record laws.

“We filed formal Freedom of Information Law requests to get answers, and Blakeman ignored them,” Mulé said. “Even the county budget hides how much money is being funneled into this program. If this militia is such a great idea, why is he hiding it from the public?”

Blakeman is the first defendant in the case, alongside Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco. Blakeman was adamant in his opposition to the lawsuit and his support of the volunteer unit.

“Debra Mulé and Scott Davis are a disgrace for bringing this frivolous action and defaming the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement, who have agreed to pitch in in the event of an emergency,” Blakeman said in a statement. “The antisemitic statements, denigrating these good citizens by labeling them as Nazi brownshirts, disqualify them for public service.”

Where Expertise Meets Convenience

“I

Providing: General

Oral

Prosthodontics

Periodontics

Endodontics

The camp has a special theme each week

each child has an opportunity to participate in sports, art-and-crafts, swimming and more.

The Gemini Program is for Twin Oaks’ oldest campers, for students entering fourth through ninth grades. Instead of attending the day camp, children in the program travel each day to a new location all over Long Island and New York City, going to everything from baseball games to amusement parks.

Enrollment is currently open for all programs for the upcoming camp season, which runs from June 30 to Aug. 22.

“We’re not the biggest or the fanciest,” Elman-Davis told the Herald, “but we have the most heart. We do a lot of fun, innovative programming. Our travel program for our teens is one of the best travel programs around.”

During each week of camp, Twin Oaks offers a special “theme” that children can take part in — whether it’s dressing up in red, white and blue for Independence Day celebrations, or a special activity day like relay races, a DJ Dance Party or Halloween in August.

Elman-Davis said the camp is special because it boasts multigenerational members. Many campers from the 70s and 80s now have children of their own, who are either campers or enrolled in Twin Oaks’ Day School, which opened in 1975. The students range from toddlers to pre-K.

“We have a very good relationship with the local elementary schools,” Elman-Davis said. “A lot of local elementary school teachers send their children to us because they feel that their students come to public school very well prepared.”

Hal Elman — affectionately known as “Papa Hal” — died last year, but ElmanDavis said her mom still checks in each day, even though she lives in Florida. Her mom still constantly runs into people, who simply remember her as “Barbara from Twin Oaks.”

Stone said the environment at Twin Oaks is incredible, and that there’s nothing Elman-Davis wouldn’t do for members, her staff or the families they serve.

“She is kind and loving and understanding,” Stone said. “She loves the children here, but she loves her staff too.”

Colella described Twin Oaks as “family, fun and flexible” — meaning that the directors really try to accommodate every family and their schedules in order to meet their needs.

“We’re a place that smiles,” ElmanDavis said. “The minute you walk through our gate, how could you not smile? You’re greeted by happiness. To get to see the world through the eyes of a child every day is the greatest gift that anyone could receive.”

For more information on Twin Oaks, at 458 Babylon Turnpike, visit TwinOaksDayCamp.com or call (516) 623-4550.

the day camp serves children as young as 20 months, in a variety of different programs. from sports to arts-andcrafts, there’s something for everyone.

for 50 years, campers have fallen in love with the atmosphere at twin oaks day Camp. founded in 1975 by Hal and Barbara elman and Bernie and Beverly Hoffman, the family-based camp has served generations of families.

“themed” days make the camp calendar engaging. above, children played around with some bumper cars. family-owned

Camp has left many families and campers with memories

Photos courtesy Twin Oaks

NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

WE’RE EXPANDING SERVICES

NUMC’s new clinical services can help all Nassau residents focus on preventative health care in 2025. We’ve recently expanded these offerings and have longer hours to make staying healthy more convenient than ever before.

12:30pm

2:30pm

9am

NASSAU HEALTH CARE UPDATE

Ó NUMC is running out of money and could close its doors in

Ó NUMC is poorly run and should be taken over by Albany

be

by

NUMC’s

NUMC’s leadership reduced the hospital’s projected deficit by more than $100 million

NUMC earned the coveted Gold Seal rating from the Joint Commission and increased its safety rating in 2024

NUMC opened it’s new MRI facility in 2024 and expanded clinical services

and we’re here for you and your family. We treat everyone –

$0 in grants

The Hochul Administration and NYS provided for NUMC in 2024. NYS has now been exposed for breaking federal law through a massive Medicaid scam to cheat Nassau residents out of additional funding.

Newbridge Road’s poetic golden birthday tradition

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

At Newbridge Road School in the North Bellmore School District, “golden birthdays” aren’t just celebrated, but versified into a poem. One of the school’s secretaries, Dianne Agoglia, has long been Newbridge Road’s resident poet, and she turns the numerical coincidence into a personalized set of verses, for students whose age matches their birth date.

A golden birthday occurs when someone turns the age that matches the day of the month they were born, for example, turning 5 on the 5th of the month or 10 on the 10th of the month. It is rare in the sense that it will only occur once in person’s lifetime, and is considered a special milestone.

Agoglia has been writing and reading poems for many years at Newbridge Road School, often marking other milestones, such as the school’s 100th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2024, staff retirements, and other celebrations.

WAgoglia worked in an administrative role in a different office, located on the second floor of Newbridge Road School. When she moved into her current position, it became easier for her to keep track of all golden birthdays.

“It’s fun — they love it,” she told the Herald. “When the kids see me in the hallway, they know and say, ‘Oh, is it someone’s golden birthday?’”

On Feb. 7, Agoglia stopped by one of Newbridge’s third-grade classrooms, where a student, George, was turning nine on Sunday, Feb. 9.

hen the kids see me in the hallway, they know and say, ‘Oh, is it someone’s golden birthday?’

DiANNE AgOgLiA

Secretary, main office

Newbridge Road School

In regards to her golden birthday poems, Agoglia recalls the exact date she read her first one to a student: June 11, 2009. It sticks out, she explained, because June 11 also happens to be Agoglia’s birthday. One of Newbridge’s students was turning 11 that day — hence the inspiration for that poem — marking the unofficial beginning of this poetry series.

Before working in the school’s main office,

“It all has to do with the date of your birth and the number of years that show what you’re worth,” Agolgia read aloud to the class, “when your years match the date of the day you were born.

“So on Sunday you’ll be nine, just like the date,” she continued, “happy golden birthday, George, I hope it’s great.”

As there are often plenty of golden birthdays that take place over the summer, Agoglia said she also celebrates those. And on one occasion, a student was left of the list — she was turning 12 on that upcoming July 12.

As to not leave her out of the festivities, Agolgia delivered the poem and a small gift that accompanies it, to her home over the summer.

From that first poem on June 11, 2009 through last week’s celebration for George, Agoglia has created a lasting legacy at Newbridge Road School, codified in the verses of many poems — especially those that mark the golden birthdays of many.

Agoglia,

at

is known for the many poems she writes to commemorate different milestones and celebrations. She also reads a poem for students’ golden birthdays — when they turn the age that matches the day of the month they were born. Agoglia above with George, a Newbridge Road third-grade student who turned 9 on Feb. 9.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Dianne

a main office secretary

Newbridge Road School,

Bellmore residents Westin Heath and Stephanie Collins were assisted by Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray as they obtained a marriage license last month at Hempstead Town Hall. Residents interested in obtaining their marriage license and/or scheduling a wedding ceremony should call the Office of the Town Clerk at (516) 812-3014 or visit HempsteadNy.gov/marriage.

Taking part in community read aloud

During Norman J. Levy Lakeside School’s Community Read Aloud on Jan. 17,

The Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital delivers the nation’s best cardiac care.

Our team offers a full range of exceptional care, from minimally invasive procedures to lifesaving transplants—all while tackling the greatest challenges in medicine.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray served as a guest reader.

Hundreds Attend The R.E.A.L. Awards

Event celebrates professionals driving growth and community development

By Angelina Zingariello

RichnerLIVE hosted its fourth annual R.E.A.L. Awards on Jan. 29, honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs, professionals and visionaries shaping Long Island’s real estate industry.

This event, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, recognized individuals who have excelled in their fields and dedicated themselves to community advocacy and development.

“We strive to spotlight these developments and the people and organizations behind them week in and week out,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc., said. “Your work is vital for our shared growth and prosperity.”

The ceremony emphasized the deep connection between real estate and local communities, highlighting how industry leaders contribute to the region’s growth and well-being. The event celebrated the accomplishments of professionals whose efforts go beyond building structures; they lay the foundation for thriving neighborhoods and economic prosperity.

The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where attendees mingled and connected with friends and colleagues. The networking session set the tone for the night, allowing industry leaders to celebrate their shared achievements and contributions to the local real estate landscape.

“It’s always an honor to be honored,” said Sheldon Shrenkel, CEO and executive director of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, said. “We appreciate the recognition, and to be together with all these other wonderful people in similar professions.”

After dinner, the awards ceremony was hosted by five-time Emmy Awardwinning investigative reporter Kristin Thorne. The honorees were recognized for their achievements, and came to the stage to accept their awards.

“It is always an honor to be celebrated multiple times by fellow architects and industry organizations,” Willy Zambrano, founder and design principal at Zambrano Architecutal Design, said. “However, recognition from another professional field is truly invaluable, particularly when it comes from a local news outlet. I’m elated to receive the Architectural Design Excellence award from this event.”

Keynote speaker Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute, addressed the growing challenges in Long Island’s real estate market, emphasizing how rising construction costs, insurance premiums and restrictive zoning regulations are making homeownership increasingly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Florio highlighted the region’s desirability, and the need for collaborative efforts among developers, policymakers and local businesses to create sustainable, mixed-use communities that accommodate evolving demographic needs while ensuring

economic stability.

“To achieve these goals, we must take this conversation beyond a solution,” Florio said. “Everyone inside understands the challenges we face, but we need to reach a broader audience. Too often, the highest voices in the room are the small but local minority that is resistant to change.”

The annual Herald R.E.A.L. Awards served as a reminder of the vital role real estate professionals play in shaping Long Island’s future, not only through development but also through advocacy and community engagement. The evening brought together industry leaders to celebrate their achievements, foster connections and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.

A portion of the proceeds from the

evening benefited General Needs Ltd., a nonprofit organization that is committed to supporting homeless veterans. Founded in May 2015, General Needs provides essential services to veterans in emergency shelters in Brooklyn and Queens and across Long Island. The organization operates entirely through community support, ensuring that all donations directly assist those in need.

For a full list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/realestate.

Robert Esposito, founder of Relocators Service Inc. and author, “Nobody Move!” with Stuart Richner

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Honoree Nicholas Ceccarini with friends and family of Weatherstone Mortgage Corp

Hundreds cheer on our 2025 honorees

Keynote Speaker Mike Florio, Long Island Builders Institute

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Honoree Kevin D. Boone, Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau

Honoree Christina Volz and Nancy Cuite, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Honoree Sheldon L. Shrenkel, Nassau County IDA

Father/son honorees Kenneth and Stanley Schuckman, Schuckman Realty

Honoree Brendan D’Loren of Terwilliger & Bartone and Stuart Richner

Cocktail hour filled with 2025 honorees and their guests ahead of the ceremony

Honoree Tiffany Balanoff, Douglass Elliman

Honorees Vito Giannola, Provident Bank and Dee Dee Brix, Compass

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Honoree Willy L. Zambrano, Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC

Honoree Joseph Farkas, Metropolitan Realty Associates, LLC

By Danielle Schwab

GOUT

Friends

of the Brothers

Dinosaurs and epic roars

Dig into the mysteries of our favorite

et ready to embark on Jurassic Quest, one of the largest immersive dinosaur experiences in North America. The traveling prehistoric adventure, which combining archaeology with the latest tech, returns to Nassau Coliseum with its herd this weekend, Feb. 15-17.

Journey back 165 million years — to a time when mighty dinos ruled the Earth. The arena transforms into the TriassicJurassic and Cretaceous periods with life-like dinosaurs to observe and interact with during, that’s sure to spark the imagination.

“We bring dinosaurs to people in a way that’s fun, interactive and educational that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Jurassic Quest dinosaur expert Sarah Menard, better known as “Safari Sarah,” one of the expert “dino trainers.”

“You can go to a museum to see dinosaurs, but you’re only going to see fossils. You’re going to see educational things, but it’s not going to be as interactive or fun as maybe bouncing on a giant dinosaur inflatable would be,” she says.

There are plenty of opportunities to dig into the excitement. Hop on rideable dinosaurs, engage in hands-on science and art activities, enjoy thrilling dinosaur shows, observe real-life artifacts — and that’s only the start.

All of this — enhanced by carefully chosen vegetation, immersive sound effects, dynamic lighting, and interactive electronics — will make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into another time.

“One of my favorite things to see is whenever kids walk in their jaws drop, and then their parents walk in right after them and they do the same exact thing,” Safari Sarah adds.

Expect to see all your favorite dinos and meet new ones, including the formidable Triceratops, towering longnecks, fierce raptors, and of course, the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex — standing proud at 20 feet tall as the ultimate apex predator.

prehistoric pals

• Feb. 15-16 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Tickets start at $22 (Use code QUEST15 for 15 percent off admission); available at jurassicquest.com or on-site

• Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale

where they can channel their

where they can channel their inner paleontologist, and study replicated and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull.

“They can learn not only how fossils are made, but they can make fossils themselves, and at the end of the day, they get to walk away with a dinosaurshaped fossil,” Safari Sarah says.

On display, you’ll find real artifacts like Megalodon and dinosaur teeth, horseshoe crabs, and maybe even a dinosaur skull.

Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers. Their powerful celebration featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Guitarist/singer Junior Mack has fronted Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band for 12 years and starred in the acclaimed Broadway show “Lackawanna Blues.” Guitarist Andy Aledort played with Dickey Betts for 12 years while singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their firsthand experience with the Allman Brothers and their deep knowledge of the repertoire, its roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. Rock on!

Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.

Every dinosaur is created in collaboration with top paleontologists to create accurate depictions. As more is learned about these prehistoric creatures, their features are updated to reflect the most authentic depiction of dinosaurs in their prime.

This year, you may see some different feather placement and colors added to the pack.

“We actually know that feathers were a lot more prominent than we originally thought. There are even some paleontologists that think that the T-Rex had feathers,” Safari Sarah explains.

While we may think of dinosaurs in their largerthan-life forms, they, of course started out young — and “small.” Meet the baby dinos, Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops, three lovable hatchlings ready to play with new friends!

“They all have their own personalities. They’re all kinds of tricksters and will steal your hat or your phone from you. They’re cute little buddies,” Safari Sarah says.

“The famous question we get is ‘Is this really real?”’

There’s much to explore at each activity station, including an opportunity to become a Utahraptor trainer for the largest raptor in the world. The team instruct families on different commands and tricks to use that they can try out for themselves.

Kids will also want to check out the fossil dig,

For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s

For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s a scavenger hunt-style activity that the whole family can explore. Go on “The Quest,” a scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Park Rangers, and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help of a fun and fact-filled video tour.

and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help the

And the youngest adventurers have a spot all their own. Little dino-lovers can roam the ‘Triceratots’ soft play area, taking a well-deserved break from the excitement.

While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all of this

While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all ages to a sense of wonder.

“If a parent can step outside of their ‘common sense’ and get into ‘wow, this is a real science,’ it really opens it up for their children as well, ” Safari Sarah says.

From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, atmosphere

From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, dinosaurs unearth new — but actually very old — possibilities.

“Studying dinosaurs is a gateway science,” Safari Sarah explains. “It opens it up to all these different sciences that talk about our Earth or the atmosphere or the stars. Things that have always been around since the beginning of time.”

His ‘Bronx Tale’ Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage, with his solo version of “A Bronx Tale.” The powerful one-man stage play depicts his bruising childhood, which included witnessing a gangland killing in the Bronx when he was nine years old. Palminteri plays 18 characters and brings them all to life in his autobiographical play. His friends, enemies and family all come alive on stage. It became a hit after he wrote it in 1989 and the most sought after property since “Rocky.” This is the original show he wrote and performed that made him an in-demand character actor and served as the basis of the acclaimed movie and Broadway musical. Bronx-born and raised, Palminteri was a natural choice to continue the long line of prominent Italian actors in the film industry.

Sunday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Visit ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com for tickets.

Photos courtesy Jurassic Quest

Trainer Safari Sarah (at left) knows her way around a dinosaur herd. These prehistoric creatures — of all shapes and sizes — roar to life at Jurassic Quest.

Art Explorations

Kevin James

You know him, you love him, and now you can catch Kevin James when his “Owls Don’t Walk” tour arrives at the Paramount, Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. The standup comic and beloved sitcom star brings his latest material out on the road in 2025. In this this unfiltered special James’ delivers his hot takes on everything from parenting to marriage and getting older. As only Kevin can, he covers a range of topics from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many tater tots he can fit in his mouth. James sure has come a long way since his early standup days on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom. “The King of Queens” premiered in 1998 and ran for nine seasons, earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. From there, his acting career blew up — in film and television. He also starred in, and executive produced The Crew, a sitcom set in the world of NASCAR and is currently developing a single camera comedy (both for Netflix).

Of course, he’s always eager to return to his standup roots. He had concluded his previous tour, “Irregardless,” at The Paramount in November2023, in a benefit event for The Alonso Foundation, a nonprofit group founded by Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and his wife, Haley, to help combat bullying, cyberbullying, animal abuse and other societal ills. So if you love the King of Queens’ hilarious, spot-on takes on jobs, relationships, and the petty annoyances of everyday life, then don’t miss your chance to hear his newest jokes live $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Converse, collaborate and create at family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The dropin program continues, Saturday, Feb. 15, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Tune with Celtic Thunder

Celtic Thunder, a fan-favorite Irish band, appears at the Bellmore Movies, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Purchase tickets by visiting Celtic Thunder’s Spotify page. 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:3011:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Virtual Property Tax Grievance Seminars

Nassau County Leg. Bill Gaylor hosts two 2025 Virtual Property Tax Assessment Grievance Seminars for all homeowners who disagree with the assessed value of their home, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Representatives from the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission (ARC) will be online to answer questions and show residents how to use ARC’s online tools to file an “Application for Correction of Assessment” online or via mail. You may dispute the assessed value of your home until March 3

For information on your specific property visit LRV. nassaucountyny.gov. For forms and applications, visit nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/ ARC/forms.html. To log in to the seminar, go to the link on Leg. Gaylor’s website: nassaucountyny.gov/ld14. For more information, contact Leg. Gaylor’s office at (516) 571-6214.

Tune with Celtic Thunder

Celtic Thunder, a fan-favorite Irish band, appears at the Bellmore Movies, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Purchase tickets by visiting Celtic Thunder’s Spotify page. 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore.

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, Feb. 1722, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.”

She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella helps fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show her new hyper warp speed engine.

But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Retirement Village People

Enjoy laughs and music with the special performance by The Retirement Village People, at North Merrick Public Library, Sunday, Feb. 16. There’s no fee to attend the afternoon show, which kicks of at 2 p.m., but the library asks that you register in advance. Visit NMerrickLibrary. org for more. 1691 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick.

In

concert

Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.

The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Having an event?

A Band Called Honalee

Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”

With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.

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

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.

Hempstead House tour

Feb. 16

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

13,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

Canderella, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 10/17/24. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: 2637 Kenny Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Purpose: Any lawful. 150998

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

CHRISTIANA TRUST AS

CUSTODIAN FOR GSRANZ LLC, Plaintiff against BHNV REALTY 2 CORP (AKA BHNV REALTY 2 CORP.), et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 5, 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 February 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as 1765 Carroll Ave., Merrick, NY 11566. Sec 55 Block 081 Lot 364 (Group Lot: 364-365). Approximate Amount of Judgment is $3,913.40 plus interest, fees, and costs and attorneys fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 607315/2023.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing 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.”

Gerard DeGregoris, Jr., Esq., Referee File # 19-6406 151137

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST

COMPANY AS TRUSTEE

FOR RAST SERIES

2002-A12, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH

CERTIFICATES SERIES

2002-L UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2002, Plaintiff, Against

ELISA DUREN AS EXECUTRIX AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON CAGEN AKA JERRY

CAGEN, BARBARA CAGEN AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON

CAGEN AKA JERRY

CAGEN, DAVID CAGEN AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON CAGEN AKA

JERRY CAGEN, HOWARD

CAGEN AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON CAGEN AKA JERRY

CAGEN,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/06/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 2/25/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 318 Frankel Boulevard, Merrick, New York 11566, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Township of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 63 Block 126 Lot 43, 44, and 45. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $610,329.71 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine; Index # 606849/2018

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573

Dated: 1/2/2025 File Number: 272-8714 MB 151132

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE TIKI SERIES III TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. VLADISLAV BONDARSKY, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 5, 2023, 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 February 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2621 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements

thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 135 and Lot 881. Approximate amount of judgment is $949,219.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004169/2009.

Jerry A. Merola, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 191890-2 151116

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY TAXCTCO LLC, Plaintiff against ANTHONY BOPP, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 18, 2020, 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 March 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as 59 Winifred Dr., Merrick, NY 11566. Sec 56 Block A05 Lot 36. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $57,732.95 plus interest, fees, and costs and attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615070/2019.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing 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.”

Roger Hausch, Esq., Referee File # 16-3252 151275

LEGAL NOTICE

Invitation to Bidders

BOARD OF EDUCATION

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given for separate, sealed bids for: Auditorium Reconstruction at John F. Kennedy High School, Rebid. Bids will be received

by the school district on February 25, 2025, at 11:00am in the District Administration Building, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, New York, 11566, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); however the Contract Documents may only be obtained thru Biddy c/o Lohrius Blueprint, 226 Newtown Road, Plainview, NY 11803 (516) 465-2880, beginning on February 11, 2025. Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of OneHundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from REV upon a deposit of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities in, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the

SchoolS

Old Mill Road students show off their spelling skills

Eighteen students at Old Mill Road Elementary School in the North Merrick School District took to the stage in front of their peers to show their vocabulary know-how during a spelling bee on Jan. 22.

The competition was fierce, and the words grew more complex as the rounds rolled on. As part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, each student was given a word and accompanying sentence to inde-

School District will thereby be promoted. Bidder may not withdraw its bid until forty-five (45) days after the bid opening, except in accordance with General Municipal Law Section 103(11).

Restrictions, if any, applicable to construction activities in the Owner’s facilities as a result of State, Federal, or Local orders, laws, regulations or rules, and the duration of any such restrictions, the Owner may modify the construction schedule, including the anticipated start date, set forth in the Contract/ Bid Documents. By submitting a bid, the Bidder consents to any such schedule modification and further acknowledges and agrees

that there shall be no additional compensation for the schedule modification caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions. The Bidder further acknowledges and agrees that the sole remedy for any schedule modifications or delays caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions shall be an extension of time, to be determined in the sole discretion of the Owner.

Dated: February 6, 2025 By Order of: The Board of Education Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District 151551

pendently spell. Challenging words included “murky,” “smock,” “jumbled” and “motion,” with students showing a high level of spelling skill throughout. Ultimately, sixth grader Ray Congimi was crowned the winner followed by Chase Bergen in second place. Both students received Barnes and Noble gift cards from the PTA.

— Jordan Vallone

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Michael B. Kosowski a/k/a Michael B. Kosowki, Doreen E. Kosowski, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 15, 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 March 17, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 11 Roydon Drive West, North Merrick a/k/a Merrick, NY 11566. 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: 50, BLOCK: V-01, LOT: 22. Approximate amount of judgment $538,516.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #005990/2016. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Maria Sideris, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-081476-F00 84162 151498

Courtesy North Merrick Public Schools

Old Mill Road students gathered on stage to compete in the school’s annual Scripps National Spelling Bee on Jan. 22.

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Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER : Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. $20-$30/ Hr. Send resume cbc@catalinabeachclub.com Call 516-239-2150

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 $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

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 $34,320 + 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 $34,320 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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Nailing down the permits

Q. We completely rebuilt in 1996, and are ready to retire and sell. Our real estate agent told us they checked our permit records and it was never signed off. Although it’s a long story, our first contractor went to jail and destroyed our original permit papers. The second contractor never got a plumbing permit or electrical sign-offs, even though they had people do the work. Is this going to be a big problem to get everything signed off, because we want to sell within the year to take advantage of the market right now? What can you advise?

A. Sounds like you went through a lot. Most people tell me they could write a book about their experience. You need to see your building department records and get copies of the signed and sealed plans. Many municipalities keep records either in paper form, which you may have to pay for copies of, or microfilm or computer files.

Then speak with your inspector to find out what they think needs to be done. Most will be very helpful, and allow for the process to continue, asking you to hire a plumber to get a permit, which involves your notarized signature so you know it’s being done. In way too many cases, the plumber or contractor says it was done when it really wasn’t, so most municipalities require the owner’s signature on permit applications so the building department and owner are aware that the process is being done and is not false.

The plumber needs to see your bathrooms, kitchen, heating equipment and any other plumbing to be sure it meets the plumbing code (and building code). The same process must be done with an electrician, but most building departments ask for a certification from a private agency, not your electrician, since most building departments don’t have an electrical inspector. The reason for this is that one of the two leading causes of fire is electrical (the other being use of the kitchen) so your local government wants nothing to do with the liability for fire safety.

You’ll find that almost everyone in this process wants to avoid responsibility as much as possible. You may have to either call for an inspection agency yourself or, if you suspect that there could be questionable electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to inspect and correct before hiring an agency to detect, if you elect. The private agency charges a few hundred dollars, usually, depending on the number of rooms and outdoor items, like air conditioning condensers, pool equipment and landscape lights, which must also be inspected. After all this is done, you may be able to get a final inspection and a sign-off and certificate from your building department, unless … your building department makes you get plans and a new survey redrawn and updated to the most recent code, which is complicated, time-consuming and expensive — in the thousands of dollars — before you can get a final inspection. Allow plenty of time.

Monte Leeper

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On smartphones, collaborate, don’t mandate

The advent of smartphones, social media and other personal devices has brought about a revolution that has impacted everything from the way we communicate and socialize to the way we research information and work. While these technologies offer undeniable benefits, they also present significant challenges, particularly for our youth.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed statewide ban on student smartphone use during the school day aims to address these challenges, but a top-down approach risks creating more problems than it solves. The governor has charged each school district with devising a plan for eliminating student smartphone use during the school day. While the motivation behind her proposal is laudable, the impact of this mandate could place schools at odds with students and their families. The path forward requires collaboration with our stakeholders, not mandates. The research highlighting the nega-

Ntive impacts of social media on young people, especially girls, is compelling. Teachers, administrators and even students themselves acknowledge that smartphones are a problem. In addition to harmful effects on student well-being, their use has an adverse effect on learning, socialization and development. Students whose use of smartphones is unregulated tend to pay attention less in class. As teachers battle for attention, learning declines. Students may try to pay attention, but the gravitational pull of their phones is just too great. Between the alerts, the messages, the apps and the games, it’s extremely difficult for even the most diligent students to resist the urge to check their devices. We can all agree that something must be done.

A

communities, access to smartphones is more than just play; it is a lifeline to work and needed resources.

s we discuss their challenges in schools, we can’t overlook their benefits.

Hochul frames phones as a public health threat, justifying government intervention. However, we must consider parental choice and respect the principle of local control. Schools need to work with teachers, families and students to co-construct “rules of engagement” for student smartphone use. We also need to understand the perspectives of all stakeholders before we make decisions that alter the way students navigate their day at schools.

are also significant. Storing thousands of phones every day will present logistical and financial burdens for schools that are already stretched thin. While the state proposes funding for storage solutions, the ongoing costs of staffing and implementation remain a concern. Moreover, how will schools facilitate communication between parents and children in emergencies? These logistical hurdles underscore the need for careful planning and collaboration.

But as we discuss the challenges of phones in schools, we cannot overlook the benefits they provide. Teachers may utilize phones during class for instant feedback, and students rely on them when their school-issued devices malfunction or are unavailable. Additionally, some families rely on the access to their teens for coordinating child care or work schedules. In lower-income

We should teach students to be responsible young adults, with the ability to self-regulate, by fostering opportunities for them to do so. By teaching them from a young age to manage their phones, we empower them with lifelong skills that they will need in order to succeed in most workplaces. During these conversations with family members, we will undoubtedly find that one-size solutions will not fit every district. Instead, school leaders, in consultation with teachers, parents and students, should be able to develop their own solutions.

The practical implications of a ban

Many districts already have cellphone policies in place. These models, along with input from all stakeholders, should inform the development of targeted strategies that work for them. Let’s allow schools the flexibility to develop plans that are responsive to the unique needs of their communities.

The goal is to create safe and productive learning environments in which children are free from the distracting influence of their phones. This requires open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to finding solutions that work for everyone. By fostering collaboration and empowering local communities, we can effectively address the challenges of smartphone use in schools.

Monique Darrisaw-Akil is superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District.

High anxiety is gripping many Americans

ot that anxiety is funny, but sometimes it helps to laugh at ourselves.

In 1977, Mel Brooks did just that, with his movie “High Anxiety,” starring Brooks as a wildly neurotic shrink and Cloris Leachman as his mustachioed, militaristic nurse at the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous.

Now, either you think that’s funny or you’re already writing me a letter. But I speak from experience. I’m an anxious person, and according to the American Psychiatric Association, 40 percent of Americans said last year that they were more anxious than the year before.

I was an anxious kid, and teen, and adult. I come by my anxiety honestly, from my nervous parents and grandparents. Most days, I do breathing exercises before I open my eyes in the morning.

How do you know if you have anxiety? Do you have a pulse and a moral conscience? You’re in.

Officially, according to psychotherapist Linda Hubbard in an article on the

Mayo Clinic website, you might have trouble concentrating, you may feel tense or restless, or experience muscle tension or headaches or lightheaded or sleeplessness.

Anxiety treatment has become big business. As I write this — case in point — I just got a pop-up ad from an online health letter selling “proven stress-busting techniques.” The barrage of anti-anxiety messaging is endless. We have to be careful consumers.

I offer these words to commiserate and say you are not alone. These are troubling times, and nearly everyone I know is feeling some stress or anxiety. It is permissible now to discuss these feelings openly, and there is relief in sharing.

Now anti-anxiety tactics and treatments are freely marketed and talked about and posted.

A nd its treatment is big business. Anti-anxiety messaging is endless.

Today’s society and culture have produced more anxiety, and more discussions of anxiety online, on TV and in social media. Anxiety has become monetized, from advertisements for medications to promotions for apps that control anxiety and foods and selfhelp books that promise to ease our emotional pain. Since the pandemic, we have had good reason to feel anxious. Our peace of mind is under attack, by everything from rising waters and emerging viruses to political dysfunction and the assault on our democratic values.

degree.

For those of us whose anxiety is triggered by the confederacy of dunces who have taken the political stage in Washington, eventually we can vote, but day to day, we can turn off the cacophony of news and social media that surely make us feel worse. I read a few newspapers to keep informed, but I no longer watch much TV, unless it makes me laugh (in a good way).

Throw everything at the problem and see what works. But don’t try to tough it out. Be selective in using the internet. Let social media be your tool and not the other way around.

There is no real history tracking anxiety. Maybe Shakespeare was anxious; he did create Hamlet, one of the most deeply anxious characters in literature. Maybe cowboys who rode the range felt stress about the roundups. Perhaps our storied astronauts suffered these symptoms.

It’s worse to suffer in silence, but that was always the expectation, especially for men. Soldiers who suffered debilitating anxiety in World War I were considered “shell-shocked,” and ostracized.

I am a foot soldier in the struggle with anxiety. What works for me? I walk outdoors as often and as far as I can, weather permitting. The steps, one by one, for a mile or two, seem to ease tension.

I bought one of the apps that promise to reduce anxiety. It offers really boring stories read by monotonic narrators, which help you unwind and even fall asleep. The app also features yoga exercises and various sounds like rain on a roof and light piano music and ocean waves. In my own experience, all of these work, sometimes and to some

Each of us, in our own lives, can find reasonable and healthy ways to reduce anxiety. Many of them are free, like turning away from devices and toward people. When we need professional help, we can find it. Medications work for millions of people.

It doesn’t hurt to have a laugh or two each day. Comedians like Sarah Silverman and the late Robin Williams carved careers out of their struggles with anxiety. The Apple TV series “Shrinking” has some laugh-out-loud moments. Maybe start by streaming a copy of “High Anxiety” and checking into the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous for a few hours.

Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

RANDi KREiss MoNiQUE DARRisAW-AKiL

2

The concern about a county civilian militia

the recent controversy surrounding Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of an armed civilian unit has sparked intense debate.

Blakeman unveiled a plan last March to deputize gun-owning residents for what he termed “the protection of human life and property during an emergency.”

Democratic lawmakers in Nassau County have now taken legal action, filing a lawsuit in State Supreme Court against what they describe as an “illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia.”

The concerns focus on not only the legality of the initiative, but also on Blakeman’s refusal to provide clear and essential details about the program.

While opinions on the concept of a civilian militia may vary, what should trouble every resident, regardless of political affiliation, is the disturbing lack of transparency surrounding this initiative. It is not merely the existence of the militia that is at issue, but the secrecy and lack of accountability with which it has been formed and implemented.

As representatives of the people, these lawmakers have a duty to ensure that government actions are conducted openly and lawfully. Their inability to obtain basic information about this unit — who is being recruited, what their training entails, the weapons they will carry, and the total cost to taxpayers — should alarm everyone, regardless of where they stand on the issue of deputizing civilians.

State law in New York is explicit in

letters

defining who can wield police powers: only professional, sworn law enforcement officers. By contrast, the county’s unit consists of volunteers who are required only to be licensed gun owners and complete 12 hours of classroom and firearms training.

This falls far short of the rigorous training required of sworn officers, raising critical concerns about competency and public safety. If these volunteers are granted the authority to use deadly force and make arrests, then their selection, training and oversight should be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny.

Blakeman has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit as “frivolous” and an attack on the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement personnel. But his response sidesteps the central issue. No one is questioning the dedication or service history of these individuals. What is being questioned is the manner in which the program has been conceived and implemented — behind closed doors, without legislative approval, and without adequate public oversight.

The county has stated that these deputies will only be deployed in emergencies to protect critical infrastructure, not to patrol streets or manage protests. But without a transparent, codified framework governing their deployment, there are no guarantees that those boundaries will be respected. History has shown that when emergency powers are granted without sufficient oversight, they can be misused or expanded beyond their original intent.

Has Peter King forgotten Jan. 6?

To the Editor:

I just read Peter King’s column in last week’s Herald, “An inauguration that was decidedly different,” and it made me sick. But King is correct in stating that this inauguration was different. Unlike President Trump four years ago, President Biden was there to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. There was no denial of who won the election. Biden upheld our country’s grand tradition.

On Jan. 6, 2021, police officers were killed and injured by people doing Mr. Trump’s bidding. The lives of Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and all of the members of Congress were at risk. The brave Capitol Police did their duty to protect them, and the thanks they get is a president pardoning their attackers and the people they protected turning their backs on them.

I’d warn Mr. King: Trump’s presidency is a moment in time, but eventually it will pass, and history will not be kind to those like you. Your grand-

Nassau County is not lacking for law enforcement resources. With roughly 2,600 sworn officers, the Nassau County Police Department is the 12th-largest local police force in the country. There is also an existing structure for civilian involvement — the Nassau County Auxiliary Police and the County Community Emergency Response Team, both of which operate unarmed and under professional supervision. Given these resources, what specific gap is the militia intended to fill?

County residents deserve answers. How were these individuals selected? What specific criteria were used? What safeguards exist to ensure their proper conduct? What is the financial burden on taxpayers? Until these questions are answered, the program lacks legitimacy. The lack of transparency is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental issue of governance. When taxpayer money is being used to fund an initiative that involves armed civilians exercising government-sanctioned power, full disclosure should — must — be the bare minimum. If the program is truly necessary, it should withstand public scrutiny and meet the highest standards of accountability.

Blakeman and his administration must provide the information being sought by community members and lawmakers alike. Without this transparency, concerns about the legality and safety of the program will only continue to grow. The people of Nassau County deserve to know exactly what is being done in their name and with their money. Anything less is unacceptable.

opinions

Long Island gets shortchanged on transportation funding

over a decade ago, the Long island Regional Planning council recognized a critical issue: Long island’s transportation funding and planning processes were failing to meet the growing demands of our region. in response, we proposed the creation of a dedicated nassau-suffolk Metropolitan Planning organization. Unfortunately, that never happened. now, 10 years later, the situation has worsened, and investment in transportation on Long island continues to be shortchanged.

Long island’s share of transportation funding has steadily declined, a trend that has become more alarming over time. today, the region receives just 6 percent of the money allocated by the new York Metropolitan transportation council, which primarily serves the interests of new York city. Long island is forced to compete for resources with the city, leaving our region underfunded and unable to meet its infrastructure needs. this funding disparity is particularly troubling given Long island’s economic significance. As new York state’s secondlargest economic engine, Long island

plays a crucial role in its financial health. each year, Long island sends nearly $15 billion more in tax payments to Albany than it gets back, and an additional $27 billion to Washington. the state’s tax imbalance with Long island has doubled over the past decade, worsening an already unsustainable situation. if left unaddressed, it threatens Long island’s economy and its ability to sustain residents’ high quality of life. the consequences of this inequity are visible in our daily lives. congested highways, deteriorating bridges and inadequate public transportation aren’t just inconvenient; they hinder economic growth, erode quality of life and compromise public safety. crucial projects aimed at addressing these issues — from modernizing the Long island Rail Road to alleviating notorious traffic bottlenecks — remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization. the current system is failing, and the need for change has never been more urgent. one of the most effective ways to address this problem is by establishing a nassau-suffolk MPo, which would allow Long island to apply directly for federal transportation funds. it would bypass the bureaucratic delays at the state level, ensuring that funding is allocated to

a

projects that best meet our region’s needs. smaller areas, such as ithaca, have had their own MPos for years and have benefited significantly from direct access to funding. Long island, with a population of nearly 3 million and an economy that rivals that of many states, deserves to be treated with the same attention and respect.

nd crucial projects remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization.

the need for a nassausuffolk MPo extends beyond simply fixing roads and bridges. it’s about taking control of our region’s future and ensuring that its transportation infrastructure supports longterm economic growth and innovation. in today’s global economy, transportation is the backbone of a thriving region. Without a dedicated MPo, Long island’s potential for growth is stifled, and the region risks falling further behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.

the Long island Regional Planning council first raised this issue because we understood the long-term consequences of continued disinvestment. over the past decade, those consequences have become painfully clear. our transportation infrastructure is deteriorating, and other critical areas of need, such as affordable housing and the modernization of water systems, roads, bridges and power grids, remain neglect-

Letters

kids will have to explain why their grandfather sided with a man who tried to take down democracy instead of standing up to him.

Rest assured, many of us will never forget what happened on Jan. 6. We will continue to fight the good fight. At the same time, career politicians like Mr. King will sacrifice their integrity (if they ever had any) to support a man who wants to be king.

Vincent MAstRotA Sea Cliff

Whose golden age?

to the editor:

After reading congressman emeritus King’s op-ed, i have reservations about his lauding President t rump. i wrote trump before he took office, saying that it would be groundbreaking if he became the president of all the people. His legacy would be the destruction of the partisanship that is slowly strangling the UsA. i received a very hopeful reply signed by the president-elect.

As of today, i realize this was a dream. i and many like me, ordinary hardworking Americans, have been scammed.

King defends most of t rump’s and his minions’ draconian attacks on the very roots of what’s left of our republic. Revenge, and creating turmoil and anxiety, are the order of the day. Religion is being weaponized, and censorship, which trump says we will now be free of, is being spread through the agencies of government, right down to teachers in our schools.

Being poor, with skin of a different tone, dispossessed or a peaceful immigrant, is no longer acceptable. t he norm will soon become the knock on the door, the presentation of “your papers” and a disappearance in the night. History proves that while we’re not there yet, we are heading down this slippery slope.

King writes of trump’s new “golden age.” o n that term we agree, but we define it differently. the only gold i see is his greedy cadre of rich men grabbing all the power they can lay their hands on. t hey know that power breeds money. t hey are pigs at the trough.

King writes that the functions he attended in Washington were filled with “extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.” Yet the president is but three weeks in office, and many who supported him are reacting

ed. these issues require both state and federal support, and Long island’s fair share of transportation funding is a critical first step in addressing them. thankfully, there is hope for change. thanks to the leadership of state sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblyman steve stern, legislation has been introduced to establish a nassau-suffolk MPo this is a significant step toward securing that transportation funding. it would give our region the ability to prioritize projects that are critical to our local economy and residents, ensuring that Long island’s transportation needs are no longer overshadowed by the priorities of new York city or other areas of the state.

the establishment of a nassau-suffolk MPo wouldn’t be just a policy change — it would be a commitment to the future of our region. Long island deserves safe roads, efficient public transit and infrastructure that supports economic growth and opportunity. We have waited long enough. the time for action is now.

Long island has the potential to be a leading force in the state’s economy, but that potential cannot be realized without the right infrastructure. establishing a nassau-suffolk MPo is a critical step in ensuring that Long island receives the resources it needs to thrive. it’s time for our region to earn its fair share.

John D. Cameron Jr. is chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council.

adversely to the confusion, disappointment and the “shock and awe” of his policies and his erratic statements. Many are feeling buyer’s remorse.

King is an intelligent man who did much for his constituents when he served the public. it is difficult to comprehend how he cannot sense that this president is quickly on his way to

becoming a clear and present danger to the republic King served. King and i probably both pray, in our own ways, for the same things, a better country and a peaceful world. it’s good to dream!

Framework by Tim Baker

At the annual month-long celebration of Black history — Freeport

MARK c nUccio Bellmore

JoHn D. Cameron Jr.

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