Rockville Centre Herald 02-06-2025

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A visit to South Side High Eighth graders explore elective options for next year

By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

South Side Middle School eighth grade students recently explored the variety of elective courses available to them as they prepare for high school. They visited South Side High School for a series of presentations by high school teachers to learn about their options.

Last year, teachers from the high school went to the middle school and gave presentations during the students’ lunch period. This year, for the first time, presentations were held at the high school, blending the seminars with the building in a way that was designed to give students a taste of the what’s ahead.

“The goal is to help our current eighth graders be informed about course offerings and electives at the high school,” Patrick Walsh, South Side High School principal, said, “and also to welcome them into the building so that when they arrive as ninth graders, they’re more comfortable and know the building and have more familiarity with it.”

The day was divided into five seminar groups, with each session focusing on electives in different subjects. In each 20-minute presentation, teachers explained the classes they teach and what they would provide for students. Counselors also spoke about how these electives would fit into students’ schedules, highlighting the addition of two extra

Continued on page 7

‘Dick’ Torykian dies at 85 A central figure in the Chaminade High School community

By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Richard “Dick” Torykian, a Rockville Centre native and a central figure in the Chaminade High School community, died on Jan. 10, at age 85. He lived in Rockville Centre until 2017, when he moved to San Diego to be closer to his family.

Born on Sept. 26, 1939, to Paul and Dora Torykian, Richard was the youngest of three siblings. He attended St. Agnes Cathedral School, in Rockville Centre, and then Chaminade, in Mineola.

Saint Joseph’s University, in Pennsylvania, where he completed a master’s. He was drafted to go to Vietnam, opted to join the Marines, and served in the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966. He had “an illustrious career in military,” according to Cleary, and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain at the end of his service.

“When he walked into the room, you knew he was there,” Brother Thomas Cleary, president of Chaminade, said of Torykian. “It was a biggerthan-life personality, and he had a heart bigger than that.”

Torykian graduated from Chaminade in 1957, and went on to St. Michael’s College, in Vermont, where he earned a bachelor’s in chemistry, and

“He was a friend beginning in Chaminade HS where we received an amazing education that sent us on the right track for the rest of our lives,” John Varol, a friend of Torykian’s, wrote on the Dignity Memorial funeral home website’s tribute wall. “His obituary tells the story of his big heart and his commitment to everyone he met.”

When Torykian returned to the United States, he earned an MBA from Adelphi University, and went on to work in business, with a career focused on fixed-income securities sales.

Continued on page 10

Kelsie Radziski/Herald Sophomore damien d’antonio, left, freshmen Charlotte thomson, and Sadie tallarico, shared why they liked taking the public speaking elective with Christine Brown.

RIchARD ToRYKIAN

Heart health tips from Mercy cardiologist

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

February is American Heart Month, and Thierry Duchatellier, a seasoned cardiologist at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre with 28 years of experience in general and preventive cardiology, highlights the importance of heart health and how to take it seriously.

Duchatellier has dedicated much of his career to improving heart health in the local community. Serving as the section chief of cardiology at Mercy Hospital for over two decades, he has seen firsthand how crucial early detection and preventive measures are in managing heart disease.

Heart testing through the coronary calcium score test

One of the most significant developments in preventive cardiology, according to Duchatellier, is the use of the coronary calcium score test, which has gained traction in recent years. This test provides valuable insight into the presence of coronary artery disease by measuring the buildup of calcium in the arteries, a key indicator of potential heart problems.

“Recent trials (have) shown the effectiveness of the tests and the availability of the tests being more prominent in the radiology, cardiology world…But more importantly is that the trials have

shown its usefulness, and therefore the insurance companies have started approving it more and more,” he said. “It’s effective, it’s low cost and it gives great information to the physician, and more importantly, and allows the physician to convey the result to the patient and come up with a plan as to how to manage their issue.”

Duchatellier said that the coronary calcium score is a vital tool in risk assessment, especially for patients aged 40 and older or with low to moderate risk factors but without symptoms of heart disease. A score of zero, he explained, is “ideal” because it indicates no plaque buildup and a low risk of heart events. Scores above zero — which can go up into the 300s or 400s for people with very high buildup and risk — provide doctors with crucial information that can influence treatment plans.

While the coronary calcium score is important in preventive cardiology, Duchatellier emphasized that it is not a standalone test for patients already diagnosed with heart disease. In such cases, additional testing is required to assess the extent of artery blockages more accurately.

A holistic approach to heart health

Duchatellier said that maintaining a healthy heart is all about balance. He advocates for a balanced diet, regular physical activity and adequate sleep to

complement medical treatments. He warns against extreme diets, such as high-protein, low-carb diets, which, while effective for weight loss, can increase cholesterol and promote inflammation. Instead, he encourages a diet rich in all the food groups to improve heart health.

“All the food groups should be on the table with moderation,” he said, “and have frequent re-evaluation by your physician to see if there is an impact on your blood tests.”

Duchatellier explained the importance of regular exercise, specifically “low-impact physical activity” like walking or cycling. It can help reduce cholesterol, improve blood pressure and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

Sleep hygiene is another critical aspect of heart health, Duchatellier said. He highlighted studies showing that heart attacks can be caused by rising cortisol levels and increased blood pressure after inadequate sleep. He advises patients to prioritize seven to eight hours of sleep each night to support overall cardiovascular health.

Regular check-ups are key to prevention

Above all, Duchatellier stressed that “preventing is better than treating.” He encourages individuals, particularly those over 40, to get regular checkups and screenings, even if they feel healthy. Early detection of risk factors like high

cholesterol, family history of heart disease or diabetes can help prevent heart problems before they become severe.

Heart disease and other heart problems can often be prevented or better managed through lifestyle changes, early detection and a collaborative approach between patients and their healthcare providers. Through regular checkups, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active and getting sufficient amounts of sleep, people can reduce the risk of future cardiovascular harm.

Courtesy Mercy Hospital

February is American Heart Month, and Thierry Duchatellier, section chief of cardiology at Mercy Hospital, shared some heart health tips to know.

SIBSPlace scores big at Molloy game

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

SIBSPlace, a local nonprofit organization that provides critical support for children coping with family illness or loss, celebrated a major milestone during its latest fundraiser. For the first time, the organization hosted a university-level event at Molloy University, marking a significant expansion of its long-standing Hoops for Hope fundraiser, which has raised vital funds for the nonprofit for over 20 years.

Held at Molloy University’s Quealy Gymnasium on Feb. 1, the college event featured two basketball games, with the Molloy Lions women’s team triumphing over the Queens College Knights with a score of 74 to 57, and the men’s team following up with a 92 to 68 victory. The Molloy dance team and cheer team were there to encourage the players.

“Molloy is very excited to be hosting the SIBSPlace fundraiser for hope,” Debra McCarthy, advancement associate and communiversity liaison of Molloy University, said. “This is the first time that SIBSPlace has ever done a fundraiser at a university level for 20 years.”

Hoops for Hope, which started as a high school fundraiser led by Bill Dubin, has expanded over the years to include various local schools. This year, in addition to teams from the local high schools, Molloy University joined the effort through their “communiversity” partnership with the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce and the village.

The event raised a total of $13,000, bolstered by donations from sponsors, including the Peninsula Kiwanis, and funds made during the games.

“Part of it is a fundraiser, but more importantly for me, it’s the community awareness,” Joanna Formont, executive director of SIBSPlace, said. “So it’s a wonderful partnership to have with the school, because they’re already helping us. They’re sending us interns, they’re sending us volunteers, they’re helping us out at events, and now they’re helping us with this important fundraiser.”

SIBSPlace serves as a therapeutic haven for children, offering weekly support groups and creative arts programs. The organization also provides free services like family summer camps and bereavement counseling, made possible through donors and local fundraising efforts. Rockville Centre welcomed SIBSPlace, which was originally founded in Hewlett, in 2021.

“There’s never an expectation of a fee for the families, and that’s because we’re very lucky to have great fundraisers and donors and support from the communities the last 25 years,” Formont said.

While the fundraiser was a financial success, the event’s larger goal was to spread awareness of the services SIBSPlace provides to children in need, McCarthy said. The nonprofit remains committed to supporting the emotional well-being of children, providing them with a safe space and a network of caring individuals who understand their

advancement associate and

One of Vario’s colorful abstract paintings, blending figurative elements with his distinct, expressive style.

struggles. As the organization celebrates 25 years of service, it continues to look forward to the ongoing support of the community in helping its mission thrive.

To learn more about SIBSPlace or to make a donation, visit SIBSPlace.org.

Players from the Molloy Lions and the Queens Knights race to the basket during the game.

Danielle Hippner shoots a basket at the beginning of the women’s basketball game at the first SIBSPlace fundraiser at Molloy University.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Joanna Formont, executive director of SIBSPlace, Bill Dubin, SIBSPlace board of directors and founder of Hoops for Hope, Michael Gliner, president of Peninsula Kiwanis, Suzanne Kornblatt, previous executive director and board member, and Debra McCarthy,

communiversity liaison for Molly University.

Crime watCh arrest

On Jan. 31, Amir Zareinejad, 37, of Little Neck, was arrested and charged with disseminating indecent material to a minor after he engaged in text conversations with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.

On Feb. 2, Lauren Knighton-Ward, 27, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania was arrested and charged with larceny after an investigation in municipal parking field #1.

On Feb. 2, Tarik Felder, 20, of Rockville Centre, was arrested and charged with assault following an investigation at his residence.

aCCident

On Jan. 29, a vehicle driven by an Ozone Park woman collided with a building in municipal parking field #1 after the operator mistakenly pressed the gas instead of the brake.

harassment

On Jan. 29, a Rockville Centre resident reported that she was punched in the face by the driver of another vehicle after the two were involved in a road rage altercation.

On Jan. 31, a Rockville Centre resident reported that he was involved in a verbal argument with his neighbor.

UnUsUal inCident

On Jan. 29, a Rockville Centre resident reported several unauthorized withdrawals from her bank account.

On Feb. 2, a Rockville Centre resident reported her house was hit by several eggs apparently thrown by youths.

aided

On Jan. 29, a woman was found unconscious in municipal parking field #3. She was transported to Mount SinaiSouth Nassau Hospital in serious condition but is expected to recover.

homiCide – natUral

On Jan. 31, a resident of North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre was discovered deceased in her apartment from apparent natural causes.

larCeny

On Jan. 28, a Rockville Centre resident reported that his vehicle was stolen from his driveway during the night. The vehicle was later recovered by NCPD.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Fire watCh

The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just

Jan. 26 – Feb. 2

General Alarms – 5

Still Alarms – 5

Rescue – 3

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 55

Mutual Aid Fire – 3

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0

Total – 71

have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.

Year To Date

General Alarms – 58

Still Alarms – 20

Rescue – 16

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 270

Mutual Aid Fire – 6

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 1

Total – 371

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7”

CHASE TIMBERLAKE

Baldwin Senior Basketball

AFTER HELPING LEAD the Bruins to a historic 2023-24 season highlighted by a fourth straight Nassau Class AAA title, Timberlake joined a very short list of 1,000-career point scorers in program history. On Jan. 17, he reached the milestone previously achieved only by his head coach Darius Burton, a 1993 Baldwin graduate. Timberlake is well on his way to a second All-County selection, averaging a team-high 24 points per game.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Feb. 6

Boys Basketball: Baldwin at G.N. North 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Carey at Roosevelt 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Elmont at Hewlett

Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at West Hempstead 5

Girls Basketball: South Side at Manhasset 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Mepham at New Hyde Park

Girls Baksetball: Jericho at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Kennedy 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Mepham 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Manhasset at South Side 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7

Girls Basketball: V.S. South at Lynbrook 4:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Syosset at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Clarke at Mineola 6:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Seaford at Malverne 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Floral Park at Wantagh 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Wrestling: Nassau County Division 1 qualifier tournaments at Farmingdale, Long Beach, Oceanside, Jericho, Massapequa and Kennedy 9 a.m.

Gymnastics: Coaches Invitational at North Shore 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hicksville 12 p.m.

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.

High scores routine for Cyclones

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Currently 7-1 with just over a week left in the regular season, it’s nothing but full steam ahead for the South Side gymnastics program, said head coach Ashley Harney. The Cyclones currently boast a technically strong program with multiple gymnasts landing themselves merit to compete in the state qualifying meet.

Harney described junior Mia DiSalvo as the team’s anchor for the floor exercise, emphasizing how strong of an athlete she is. DiSalvo met the state qualifying numbers for beam and vault, averaging 8.43 and 8.22 for the respective events.

“She’s been a really strong competitor for us, she pulls through for us,” Harney said.

There’s also team captains who share the limelight on the floor, seniors Olivia Accomando and Julia Boehm. Both excel on the floor according to their coach, with Olivia eligible for the state qualifiers with her 8.82 average in that event.

For the uneven bars, Ava Jewett has the highest average on the team with 8.43, also set to be competing for the state qualifier meet in the event. “She’s been extremely consistent on the uneven bars this year,” Harney said. “Last year she sometimes had a hard time connecting her long-hang kick to her catch but this year there was only one meet where she disconnected it so she’s been really consistent on bars for us.”

Nina Napoli, excelling on the bars and beam events for the Cyclones, after having acquired a new skill on the bars. As a result, she’d been able to score well enough to qualify for the state qualifier for her first time ever.

“She’s a constant for us on beam throughout the year,” Harney said.

“She’s got the highest average on our team on balance beam with an 8.63, and she’ll also be competing on the balance beam at the state qualifying meet.”

A lot of the improvement this season came from athletes like Sofia Rosa, the

thriving on floor exercise.

only all-around gymnast on the roster, with added emphasis on what she does on the vault.

“Sofia has become our anchor on vaulting because she has now been starting to do the Tsukahara vault. She’s my first gymnast in nine years that’s pulled this vault off and she’s increased her score because of it,” Harney said. “She’s also pretty strong on uneven bars and is very close to qualifying on uneven bars for state qualifiers.”

Rosa met the state qualifier for the beam with an 8.58 average, and with a 9.1 average for the floor.

The Cyclones have Syosset and Plainview circled on their calendar as some of their toughest competition of the season.

“We definitely have some tough weeks to come but we’re looking forward to it,” she said.

After that are the state qualifiers on Feb. 11, where all of the girls who qualified to get into this event will compete against each other individually at a state meet. On a team-level, there’s still the team championships that’s on Feb. 13, after which the top 10 teams in the county compete against each other.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Seniors Julia Boehm, left, and Olivia Accomando are South Side’s captains and

Teachers, students share class experiences

elective periods this year.

One set of seminars centered on English electives. Lisa Ries, who teaches creative writing, emphasized the creativity and imagination involved in her class, encouraging students to explore different writing techniques through short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction. For those interested in learning American Sign Language, Camryn Ryder presented her introduction to deaf culture, focusing on deaf history and society.

Public speaking, taught by Christine Brown, emphasized its value in developing leadership skills. Some of Brown’s former students expressed their appreciation for the class and their personal growth stories.

“It definitely strengthens your confidence, especially when you come up here,” Damien D’Antonio, a sophomore who took the class this past fall, said, “because obviously that takes a lot of guts to get up here and speak in front of a lot of people.”

Freshman Sadie Tallarico told the eighth-grade students that it’s a good idea to take the class “because when you’re coming in, you want to be able to talk to people. When you get into high school, you’re in classes with older grades and you want to be able to meet new people.”

Science electives were also on the

Students sat in the bleachers listening to the benefits of participating in the high school’s theatre program.

agenda, with a presentation from the computer science department. Students learned from Christopher Bennett that computer science is far more than just coding.

“It is a field that focuses on collaboration and working together in teams, and it spans all fields of study,” he said..

Students can take courses that offer college credit starting their freshman year, including classes in Python programming and prompt engineering, which explores artificial intelligence. For those interested in a more advanced

path, the department offers an Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles and Advanced Placement Computer Science course.

The arts were also highlighted, showcasing a wide range of opportunities for creative expression. Theater teacher Russell Dembin emphasized that theater isn’t just for actors.

“There’s really room for everyone, people from every skill set, every talent and every inclination,” Dembin said.

Dembin explained that there are winter and spring shows, student-directed

performances, and the drama guild, a professional theatre organization at the school that all theatre students can join.

Other art classes were outlined by the arts department. They offer students a creative outlet through courses in studio art, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and digital photography, with a variety of skill levels. Students looking for an advanced challenge, International Baccalaureate Visual Arts and Advanced Placement Explorations/Portfolio provide a deeper dive into art while also earning students’ college credit. With both full-year and half-year options, students can find the ideal fit in their schedules for their artistic interests.

Students also explored music electives, with options ranging from band, choir and concert orchestra to music theory and production. Students can use the Apple Mac Lab and soundproof booths to create their own music, learning how to mix, produce and track songs.

“A thing that I really remember about middle schoolers is that so much of what your life is like is trying to figure out how to find friends and build a community and feel like you fit in and that you belong,” Doreen Fryling, a music teacher, told the students. “A big path of your high school journey is going to be to try out classes and to figure out where your strengths are, so that when you go to college, you have a pretty good idea of [them].”

RVCTA Spotlight On : Jaime Chillemi

Marie Curie once said, “I am among those who think that science has great beauty.” For 24 years, I have had the privilege of sharing the beauty of science with the students I teach at South Side Middle School. As I reflect on this journey, I recognize that much has changed in the world since I began my teaching career. However, my teaching philosophy has remained steadfast. Through science, I am committed to fostering curiosity and a love of learning in my students, encouraging them to become lifelong learners. While some may pursue science as a higher-level field of study, every student—regardless of their aspirations—should develop essential skills like problem-solving, inferencing, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and collaborating with others. Achieving this requires a classroom built on mutual respect and kindness.

Think back to your middle school years. For most of us, they weren’t easy. Middle school

students need patient, compassionate teachers who truly understand their struggles. Yes, students must learn the value of rules, deadlines, and consequences, but these lessons can be delivered with dignity and grace. When students feel cared for, they’re more willing to embrace learning, knowing their teachers will support and guide them. In such a safe environment, students are also more likely to take risks in their learning and think “outside the box.”

I am profoundly grateful to the teachers, professors, family, colleagues, students, parents, and the entire Rockville Centre school community for shaping my journey. Without their influence, I would not have the honor of sharing this spotlight piece with you.

As I once read, “Life is a continuous school, and everyone you meet is a potential teacher.” So I ask you, what will you learn today?

Kelsie Radziski/Herald

BS - Hofstra University • MS - Hofstra University

Chloe Veg helps young artists thrive

By Rei Wolfsohn Correspondent

Chloe Veg has been around art her whole life, but she didn’t discover she wanted to permanently be an art teacher until she started working at The Art Studio in Rockville Centre.

“I knew I was looking for a job in an art studio,” Veg said. “So I was calling all the studios in the area, and they didn’t reply or weren’t hiring. I called this one and Danielle (Barbaro) happened to answer. It was the most welcoming and warm conversation. We were just laughing and talking.”

As owner and manager Danielle Barbaro tells it, there was more at work in Veg working there than just random chance or choice.

for anybody creating anything, don’t be too hard on yourself.

Chloe Veg Art teacher, The Art Studio

“Serendipity happened where a couple of staff members left because their schedule changed,” Barbaro said. “So everything fell into the right place at the right time. She is so great. I love her energy. She just has a great vibe. The kids love her. It’s just like, I got very lucky.”

Veg’s parents weren’t in the professional art world, but they exposed Veg to a variety of arts as a child because of their appreciation for it.

“So it was always very present in my life,” she said. “I was never the type of kid to be in sports, I was always in an art class. My brother was always in an art class, my parents always talked about art.”

When it was time to go to college, she researched different majors and thought she wanted to be an art therapist.

“My school pulled the art therapy program right when I was going in,” Veg said. “But working here I’ve adjusted my brain and I’m leaning towards wanting to be an art teacher instead. Everything about this place made me realize everything else is just trying to get the feeling of what I’m doing here.”

She wants to be an art teacher because she loves helping others create more than she loves making art herself.

“When it’s with kids, or anybody, and they have an idea in their brain, and we’re talking about it … I feel like I get more enjoyment out of helping someone create rather than myself creating.”

Maybe that’s because she defines her art experiences more as a source of mental health rather than a chance to make something.

“When I went to these art classes I would always be in the worst mood,” Veg said. “Then I would go to my art class, and I would leave and I would be in the best mood ever. It would just calm me down. I feel like it’s very much about not what you create, just the feelings during creation, and about being proud

of your final work. Just about enjoying the process and trusting the process.”

Her approach to teaching is very kidfriendly.

“I want everyone to just feel like they have a safe, happy environment to feel however they want, be however they want,” Veg said. “You don’t realize that time is going by. I feel like that’s most important for me.”

What she wants her students to experience each class is her message for everyone.

“For anybody creating anything, don’t be too hard on yourself,” Veg added. “Just let it happen. And everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”

Zahra Rizvi and Chloe Veg hang out with Zahra’s bird, Rainbow, who visits the studio frequently.

Adeline and Fiona Charpied show off their art projects they worked on during Veg’s class.

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos Chloe Veg, a new art teacher at The Art Studio, guides a young student with her project.

Veg fell in love with teaching art when she joined the studio staff.

Discover what’s coming in the

20

Kids Camp and School

Kids Camp and School is an in-depth guide on summer camps, after-school programs, and educational institutions, ensuring families have all the information they need to make informed decisions.

Ad Deadlines Feb. 6 and Apr. 3

Our Story

Our Story is a special supplement dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of the community—its local businesses.

Ad Deadline Feb. 13

Our Story Finance

The Our Story Finance special supplement is a dedicated exploration of how community businesses drive local economies, foster financial resilience, and create lasting social impact. This edition highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, showcasing how locally owned enterprises shape thriving neighborhoods through shared resources, ethical finance, and community investment.

Ad Deadline Feb. 20

Our Story Real Estate Movers and Shakers

This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how community-focused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.

Ad Deadline Feb. 27

Torykian’s philanthropy benefits veterans and families

Never straying from his duty of service, he mentored countless young people who sought careers in finance.

brief

James — in Rockville Centre, and sent all three to Chaminade. Over the years, he “rekindled” his relationship with the school, Cleary said, and he played a key role in starting the Torch Fund, the school’s endowment.

WA Catholic Knight of Malta and Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, Torykian served as chairman of the 50th Mercy Ball for Friends of Mercy Hospital, and was a founding member of several organizations, including the Council of Institutional Investors and the St. Michael’s College Founders Club.

His philanthropic efforts have had a major impact on the lives of veterans and first responders. In 1995 he co-founded the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, which has provided over $93 million in scholarships and support to more than 4,800 children of fallen first responders and military personnel. He was also instrumental in acquiring the USS Growler for the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York City.

hen he walked into the room, you knew he was there.

Brother thomas Cleary President, Chaminade High School

Richard and his wife, Mary Lou, raised three sons — Eric, Richard and

“When I think of this now, and look back on his extraordinary life of service to not only this country, but his family and his church,” Cleary said, “he was someone who not only walked the walk, but he did what he said he wanted to do, and if he felt passionate about something, he was vocal about it and supported it.”

A funeral mass for Torykian was held on Jan. 15 at St. James Catholic Church in Solana Beach, California. He was buried at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, at mc-lef.org/donate, or the Chaminade Torch Fund, at Chaminade-HS.org/ support/makeagift.

rockville Centre Legislator Scott davis was joined by his audience after his presentation on Black History month on feb. 1 at Hempstead Lake State park.

Davis highlights Black History Month

Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis visited the Environmental Education and Resiliency Center at Hempstead Lake State Park for a presentation on Black History Month on Feb. 1. Davis spoke in front of an audience about his life growing up in the Hempstead and Rockville Centre areas, becoming the legislator representing those areas and what Black History Month means to him as a biracial man. He said Black History Month is not just a month, it’s every day for him, and it leads him to

“lift and bring and encourage” others.

“When I walk in a room, quite often, I’m the only person of color,” he said. “But I have to tell you, if you saw a barometer of my insides, it doesn’t move, because I never make other people’s perceptions of me change what I do, and just the responsibility of knowing that you’re in the position that you’re in and knowing the influence that that could have in a positive way for people.”

–Kelsie Radziski

Planning for Those You Are Responsible For

A client came in to see us for their follow-up consultation. The client shared that, in between their two meetings with us, the husband‘s brother had suffered a stroke and was now in a rehabilitation facility. He was a bachelor. He had no power of attorney or health care proxy. He may or may not have had a will -- they didn’t know. Further, they were unable to get access to his apartment to clean out the fridge, get his clothes, and look for his papers, because he had failed to put them on the list of persons approved to enter in the event of an emergency.

One of the most overlooked areas in estate planning is the question of who you are responsible for. Do you have a friend or relative who you know will need to rely on you if something happens? Either they have no one else or everyone else is too far away. If you have the responsibility, then make sure that you have the documents you will need to carry out that responsibility. Otherwise, you may be facing a guardianship proceeding. Similarly, so many of our clients have adult

children with young families. Do you know whether your children have wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies?

There are serious pitfalls for young families if one spouse dies without a plan. Roughly half of their assets go to their surviving spouse and half to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian for the children’s money and the unused portion must be turned over to them at age eighteen, ready or not!

A potentially more serious problem for older adults is whether their sons and daughters who have families possess adequate life insurance. If your son or daughter dies without sufficient life insurance, you may be called upon to support and educate your grandchildren out of your retirement money.

Finally, if you are responsible for the care of an elderly parent, then make sure it is you who has the power of attorney and health care proxy and not another sibling who may end up controlling the situation from afar, much to your dismay.

Kelsie Radziski/Herald

RVC’s Crystal Dunn signs with Paris team

Crystal Dunn, Rockville Centre native and U.S. women’s national soccer team star, has officially signed with Paris Saint Germain after mutually parting ways with Gotham FC. The move, announced by Dunn on Instagram on Jan. 31, marks a new chapter for her, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in the sport.

“Excited to start this new chapter with Paris Saint Germain!” Dunn wrote on Instagram. “I would like to thank the club for all their support since I arrived.”

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Dunn’s departure from Gotham FC comes after a solid season with the National Women’s Soccer League club. She joined the New York and New Jersey-based team in December 2023 via free agency, appearing in 23 matches across all competitions, with 13 starts. During her time with the club, she contributed one goal and two assists.

“Crystal is an accomplished player who has achieved so much in her career,” Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC, said in a statement. “We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career, and we thank her for her contributions to our club.”

This move to PSG comes on the heels of a major milestone in Dunn’s career. She helped lead the U.S. women’s national team to an Olympic gold medal in Paris this past summer, earning her legacy as a key figure in women’s soccer.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dunn has been honored for her abilities since high school. A graduate of South Side High School in Rockville Centre, Dunn was inducted

into the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2024. She made a name for herself in high school as a major part of three state championship teams (2006, 2007 and 2009), as the Herald previously reported, where she got 46 goals and assisted on 35 others playing midfield and forward.

As a player on the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she was a two-time All-American and won the Herman Trophy and the Honda Award as the top collegiate player in the country.

–Kelsie Radziski

News brief

Civic meeting on proposed development

The Village of Rockville Centre Civic Association is holding a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. about the proposed development of a mixed-use building at 24 South Park Avenue, citing concerns over its size and parking issues.

The development, Case #31-2024, proposes the construction of a three-story building with no front yard setback. Opponents are concerned that the oversized project would overshadow the existing one-story buildings that define the area, changing the small-town charm that Rockville Centre is known for.

The Civic Association also has concerns about the proposed building’s lack of parking. The development requires 56 parking spots but none are present in the proposal. The absence of parking could lead to hardships for residents, patients visiting the nearby medical center and local businesses. Concerns have been raised about the added congestion on South Park Avenue, where

double-parked vehicles could impede traffic flow and emergency access.

The proposed development also includes a rooftop dining area, which requires approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Critics are concerned about the potential for noise disruptions and the overall impact on the village’s atmosphere.

The Civic Association is calling for the Board of Zoning Appeals to enforce the zoning regulations that protect the village, particularly the requirement for a ten-foot front yard setback, and to consider the long-term consequences of the development.

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Civic Association meeting at the Rockville Centre Public Library to voice their concerns. The Board of Zoning Appeals is set to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks.

For more information, email ozpkcivic@gmail.com.

–Kelsie Radziski

Herald file photo

Crystal Dunn, a Rockville Centre native, signed with Paris Saint Germain after leaving Gotham FC.

RVC hosts fundraiser for Bethany House

Rockville Centre came together at the American Legion for a fundraiser for Bethany House, an organization dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing homelessness in Nassau County. With over 50 people attending the event — a paint night run by Hue Studio in Rockville Centre — the group raised $3,000 for the organization through a fun night of decoupage and giving.

The fundraiser, titled “Giving Plates,” was a collaboration between Bethany House and Hue Studio. The evening featured an arts and crafts activity where attendees decorated glass plates as part of a unique tradition. Each decorated plate is intended to be filled with food and passed along from one person to another, Anne DeGruttola, Director of Administrative Services at Bethany House, explained, symbolizing the spirit of giving and sharing.

There were other treats available at the Jan. 23 event too, like charcuterie boards from Let It Brie, in Rockville Centre, and raffle prizes for all ages, including tickets to Broadway shows and Adventure Park.

Participants at the fundraiser enjoyed charcuterie boards from Let It Brie, in Rockville Centre, and had the chance to win prizes from a variety of raffles, including Broadway show tickets and passes to Adventure Park. The event was made possible through the partnership of local businesses and supporters, with

this collaboration coming from the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, where Bethany House and Hue Studio connected. This is not the first time Rockville Centre has run fundraisers for the organization, DeGruttola said.

“We have so much support from Rockville Centre,” she said.

Bethany House operates three emergency homeless shelters in Baldwin and

Roosevelt, a small affordable housing unit and a privately funded transitional housing building, DeGruttola said. The organization offers a variety of services beyond emergency shelter, including mental health resources, therapeutic activities like yoga and support programs aimed at helping residents achieve self-sufficiency. The organization is well-supported among local com-

munities, DeGruttola said.

“We always are having beautiful, different things happen from community partnerships,” she said.

For more information on upcoming events or to support Bethany House, visit their website at BHNY.org/events or follow them on Instagram at @BethanyHouseNY.

–Kelsie Radziski

The Rockville Centre community painted ‘giving plates’ on Jan. 23 to raise money for Bethany House.

Photos courtesy Anne DeGruttola Laura Grace, owner and head instructor at Hue Studio, hosted the paint night at the American Legion in Rockville Centre.

Gillen is ceremonially sworn in to House

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Laura Gillen celebrated joining the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, at a ceremonial swearing-in at the Elmont Public Library on Jan. 25.

Nearly 400 people gathered in the library’s theater to honor Gillen, who was officially sworn into office in Washington on Jan. 3. Former Rep. Steve Israel did the ceremonial honors, with the help of Gillen’s husband, Chris Gillen.

In 2024, Gillen announced she would run against Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito, whom she had challenged in 2022, losing narrowly. But voters chose Gillen by a margin of about 2 percentage points in last November’s election.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow also attended the library ceremony.

“As you are taking your oath, we could not be prouder of you,” Solages told Gillen. “This moment is really a testimony to your hard work, your dedication and the trust that you have earned from so many of us. Your vision in this district gives us hope and gives us confidence. And we know that the integrity, compassion and determination you have will resonate here, in D.C. and all over.”

Former U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, left, and Rep. Laura Gillen’s husband, Chris Gillen, took part in her ceremonial swearing-in before a cheering crowd, three weeks after Gillen began her term in the House of Representatives.

Meeks recalled the uncertainty of the October election, particularly in the 4th C.D. But, he said, the Democratic caucus chose Gillen to run because of her character, her ability to connect with the community and her care for all citizens.

“You can’t be a leader if you’re not willing to serve,” Meeks said. “And we

saw in Laura one that served and one that listened. She’s coming and talking to all sides, and she’s looking for ways to bring people together to better the entire United States of America.”

“So, I made it to Capitol Hill,” Gillen laughed when it was her turn to speak, to loud applause. “I have gratitude for

the awesome opportunity to serve the people of this district, and gratitude to all those that made this possible.”

She thanked the elected officials who supported her campaign, expressed enthusiasm about working with them and thanked her family, who she said sacrificed so much in the months leading up to the election to help her campaign.

From 2018 to 2019, Gillen was the first Democrat to serve as Town of Hempstead supervisor in 112 years, which she attributed to her dedication to compromise and bipartisanship.

“Working across the aisle was a necessity,” she said. “It wasn’t always easy. But with a carrot and a stick, we made it possible.”

Among her successes during her time as supervisor, she continued, was the leadership she demonstrated in bringing down taxes, upgrading infrastructure, serving communities that had been ignored, challenging polluters and bringing vital ethical reforms to the town to ensure that public servants were accountable to the people they serve.

“Now, as your congresswoman, those lessons will continue to guide me,” she said. “I’ll always put Long Island and our nation first, and work to do what’s best for all the people in our community. It is the honor of my lifetime to be your congresswoman.”

Tim Baker/Herald

Runners brave the cold for ‘Icebreaker’

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Runners from near and far gathered at Eisenhower Park on Jan. 25 for the Icebreaker Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K.

Michael Volk, 35, of Rockville Centre, was the second male runner to cross the finish line during the 5K, which kicked off the event at 8:45 a.m. That race was followed by the marathon and half-marathon at 9 a.m. The looped course, featuring park paths and fully closed roads, was designed to accommodate spectators.

Participants received long-sleeve tech shirts, finisher medals and perks like live race updates, free finish-line photos and personalized bibs for those who registered early.

In the 5K race, the top male finishers were Michael Martinez, 41, of the Bronx; Volk of Rockville Centre; and Ashton Eloi, 18, of Hempstead. The top female finishers were Megan Everswick, 39, of Newton, New Jersey; Victoria Hamitlon, 13, of Wading River; and Hannah Hanley, 15 of Miller Place.

In the half-marathon, the top male finishers were Kevin Bartolotto, 41, of Bayville; Scott Crane, 36, of Huntington Station; and Joseph Connerty, 37, of Bellmore. The top female finishers were Cristin Delaney-Guille, 43 ,of Long Beach; Margarita Wickard, 47, of East Northport; and Kelly Maxey, 41, of Oyster Bay.

An lastly in the marathon, the top male finishers were Frank Dougherty, 34, of Philadelphia; Iain Ridgway, 45, of Worcester, Massa -

chusetts; and Kyle Mahoney, 43, of Ballston Lake, New York. The top female marathoners were Amy Demarco, 41, of East Setauket; Helen Huang, 55, of Cold Spring Harbor; and Courtney Connelly, 25, of Moriches.

The event was organized by EliteFeats in partnership with the Greater Long Island Running Club. Proceeds benefited the Greater Long Island Running Club and Medals4Mettle, a nonprofit that donates medals to children and adults battling serious illnesses.

EliteFeats is an event management and timing company dedicated to organizing and enhancing running events. It provides a range of services, including online registration, live race-day updates via text and email, personalized race bibs, and professional timing systems. Participants can also access free finishline photos and detailed race results in realtime. EliteFeats partners with running clubs, charities, and community organizations to ensure seamless events that appeal to both competitive athletes and casual participants.

The Greater Long Island Running Club is a nonprofit organization based in Long Island, New York, that promotes running and fitness in the local community. GLIRC organizes a variety of races and events throughout the year, ranging from casual fun runs to largescale marathons and charity fundraisers. The club provides resources and social opportunities for runners, hosts training programs, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.

For more on races coming up, visit EliteFeats.com.

Mike Monahan/Herald

Michael Volk of Rockville Centre was the second male runner to cross the finish line during the 5K race.

brief

ACDS’s annual St. Patrick’s celebration

The Association for Children with Down Syndrome will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 15 at St. Agnes Parish in Rockville Centre, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature food and drinks from Craft Kitchen & Taphouse, live music by the local band Good Clean Fun, Irish dancers, raffles and a big screen viewing of The Big East Tournament.

The celebration will honor Rockville Centre resident Natalie Carey, an accomplished international Irish dancer who emigrated from Ireland as a child. Carey, who has been active with ACDS for many years, has contributed to the organization through the Leadership Council. Her daughter Isla has been a student at ACDS for the past two years.

Sponsorships, tickets, journal ads and raffle tickets are available online at ACDS.org. All proceeds will benefit the ACDS Foundation. For more information, call ACDS at 516-933-4700 or email Development@acds.org.

ACDS, based in Plainview, provides services for individuals with Down syn-

drome, autism and other developmental disabilities. For more than 50 years, ACDS has supported individuals and families through a range of educational, therapeutic, and community programs.

–Kelsie

Radziski

Courtesy ACDS

Natalie Carey, pictured with her husband John, is the honoree for the 2025 ACDS St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

STEPPING OUT

SCORE BIG on

Super Sunday

Go for the ‘tasty ‘win’

By Karen Bloom

It’s the biggest sports day of the year. The big game — on Feb. 9 — is great opportunity for casual winter entertaining.

Thrilling plays, must-see commercials and your pals are all quintessential elements of the perfect game-day get-together. Of course that game on the big screen is the main focus, but plenty of action takes place around the table — keeping everyone well fed is a sport in itself.

While crowd-pleasing Buffalo flavor-inspired foods and football always seem to go together, think beyond those traditional flavors for a new twist on your Super Bowl cuisine.

Baked Spinach and Chicken Dip

A tasty dip is always a winner. Try this flavorful, creamy variation — in addition to the guacamole.

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed

• 1 cup ranch dressing

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped Heat oven to 375 F.

In microwave-safe medium bowl, add cream cheese and dressing. Microwave on high 30 seconds, or until cream cheese is soft. Stir to combine. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add chicken and stir to combine.

Transfer mixture to baking dish that holds at least 6 cups. Bake 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165 F.

Serve with crackers, bread or veggie sticks.

Note: If you like it spicy, substitute a chipotle ranch

dressing and add diced pickled jalapenos. To make ahead, prepare unbaked dip up to 3 days ahead; store covered and refrigerated. Bake prior to serving.

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Pizza

Instead of the pizza delivery, get creative with “garlic bread” version.

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta

• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, divided

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt

• 3/4 cup pizza sauce

• 1 cup mini pepperoni

• 2 (16 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta, cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt. Transfer mixture to a 9”-x13” baking dish then spread pizza sauce on top. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and pepperoni.

Halve biscuits and roll into balls, then place on top of dip.

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, and parsley. Brush on biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

Bake until biscuits are golden and cheese is melty, about 45 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake until biscuits are cooked

Sheng Wang

through, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Step up your chili with a barbecue twist.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder

• 1/2 tablespoon cumin

• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

• 26-28 ounces crushed or chopped tomatoes

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Chili fixin’s: shredded Mexican cheese, avocado, jalapeno, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, fresh tomato, corn chips, and salsa are all great additions.

Over medium heat, saute onion and carrots in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and spices and saute another minute. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth and simmer over low heat until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Stir in the corn, beans, and barbecie sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more chili powder and cumin to spice up if necessary.

Simmer another 5 minutes or until ready to eat.

Serve with your favorite chili add-ons.

With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special “Sweet & Juicy” produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedianactor-writer Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage. Wang is now truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Texas, Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and wrote for ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang now resides in L.A. and in his time explores botanical gardens and new ways to snack.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Boyz II Men

R&B superstars Boyz II Men are always in the groove. They arrive at Tilles Center with their soulful multi-octave sound and incredible vocals, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Given the monumental success of their albums and the timeless quality of their vocals, it’s easy to see why they remain one of the most popular R&B groups of all time. Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B and continue to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across generations. Their four Grammys are just the tip of the iceberg. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group, with an astounding 64 million albums sold. And the reason is abundantly clear. For the past three-plus decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. And for Boyz II Men, the hits just keep on coming.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Barbecue Three Bean Chili

THE Your Neighborhood

Friends of the Brothers

Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, 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, has recorded with Double Trouble and Band of Gypsys and toured with Experience Hendrix. Singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers Band biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth.

Friends’ perform songs from every stage of Allman Brothers career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players, including drummers Dave Diamond (Zen Tricksters, Bob Weir, Robert Randolph) and Lee Finkelstein (Tower of Power, Blues Brothers), bassist Craig Privett (Half Step) and keyboardist Mike Katzman (Leslie Mendelsohn, The Electrix). Rock on! $38, $33. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org. Feb. 15

Long Island Choral Society auditions

Long Island Choral Society, under the Direction of Michael C. Haigler, holds auditions for new members for the final concert of their 96th Season. Auditions are by appointment only and will be held Monday, continuing 10, at Garden City Community Church. The Berlioz Requiem is a piece known for its power and beauty that offers a rare musical performance opportunity while bringing the Choral Society’s 24-25 concert season to an exciting close.

If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. Those interested can schedule an audition by calling (516) 6526878 or via e-mail at audition. info@lics.org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 8, 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 Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Bird walk

The South Shore Audubon Society welcomes all to join its members for another in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, Feb. 8, starting at 9 a.m. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet The group will meet in parking lot #3, off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.

Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment

Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 5995705.

St. Agnes Dinner Dance

The St. Agnes Cathedral School will hosts its 2025 Dinner Dance, Saturday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m., at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. This year’s event honors St. Thomas Aquinas Award recipients Jacqueline and Peter Agresta, St. Catherine of Siena Award recipient Pat O’Brien, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recipients Maureen O’Loughlin and Kelly Magas. To RSVP, contact StAgnesReservations@ Gmail.com.

Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast

St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council No. 2548 hosts its second annual Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, Feb. 9, 8 a.m-12:30 p.m., at the St. Agnes Parish Center. Cost is $5 per person for children and $10 per person for adults. Checks can be made to PO Box 594, Rockville Centre, NY, 11571.

Proceeds go to help causes supported by the Council, including Mercy Hospital’s NICU unit, The St. Agnes Outreach Center, The St. Agnes Cathedral School, The INN at Hempstead, The American Vet-Dog Foundation, NewGround in Levittown and Sharon’s Pantry at the MLK Community Center. 29 Quealy Place.

Nassau BOCES

GC Tech Open House

Nassau BOCES GC Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at the campus in Levittown, Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-7:30 p.m. Nassau BOCES GC Tech prepares students for a future in the workforce by providing them with the skills, knowledge and professional qualities they will need to be successful in their chosen career fields.

The school boasts a new spa where aspiring estheticians learn skin care and massage techniques. There is also a newly revamped auto shop. Prospective students and families from Nassau County are invited to tour the GC Tech campus at 150 Abbey Lane, and to meet with expert teachers, counselors and administrators. Register at nassauboces.org/gctech or call the school for more information at (516) 604-4200.

Having an event?

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Feb. 7, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 12-13,10:15 a.m. and noon. 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 saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show the Prince 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.

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.

Fire Department reflections, projections

As a new year begins, it’s a good idea to look back on the previous year to fine-tune the things in our lives that are important to us. Your all-volunteer Rockville Centre Fire Department does exactly that. We look back over a very busy year with a combined total of 3,739 alarm responses. Those alarms were a combination of residential and business fire, natural gas, water flow, carbon monoxide, rescue, EMS and mutual aid to surrounding communities. We look back on our responses to those alarms to revise and improve training and drills in order to fine-tune an already excellent performance. Our mission is to protect the property and the residents of our Village, our neighbors, which makes it much more personal than a job. Every member takes that responsibility to heart and shares that personal connection with the community in our efforts. As with any venture, participation by everyone involved is the key to success. Please take a look at a few reminders of how you, as residents, can help make our Village safer for all of us:

■ Make sure your house number is visible from the street. Delays of even seconds in an emergency situation due to uncertainty over exact property location, can result in serious consequences.

■ Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and develop and practice an escape plan. Remember, emergencies don’t always happen to someone else.

■ When driving in our Village, please do not become distracted by our beautiful homes and businesses. Remember that stop signs are not suggestions. When making turns, please be alert for any pedestrians crossing the street. It is the law to yield to emergency vehicles operating with lights and sirens activated. That requires pulling off to the side of the road when

safe and stopping until the emergency vehicles have passed.

■ Pedestrians, please be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly when crossing the street. Simply because you have the right of way in a crosswalk does not guarantee your safety. Please pause your cell phone use or other distractions until you have safely crossed.

One of the biggest challenges the department faces in the new year is recruitment of new members. If you

have thought about joining or if you are curious about exactly what being a member entails, stop by any of our firehouses on Sunday mornings and speak with an officer. Please call (516) 678-9320 with any questions and someone will return your call. If you have an emergency, call 911 or (516) 766-0400.

Together we can make 2025 a safe, happy and healthy one for all.

Richard Pook is the public relations representative for the Rockville Centre Fire Department.

Herald file photo

The Rockville Centre Fire Department reflects on 2024 and gives the community advice for 2025.

Chambers workshop focuses on marketing

Local businesses, hosted by Richner Communications, learn to reach customers in new ways

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Nassau County small businesses gathered to learn about cutting-edge digital marketing strategies from Richner Communications’ Lori Berger at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Roslyn, on Jan. 21.

The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce organized a series of workshops to help local businesses thrive in 2025, sharing information about computer systems, financial planning and communications and marketing. Berger was a presenter for two marketing classes: one in Malverne, on Jan. 14, and the class a week later in Roslyn.

“I’m so passionate about helping people and small businesses with marketing,” Berger said. “We’re a community newspaper company. That’s what we do.”

Her presentation walked attendees through four core aspects of marketing: offline, social media, E-commerce and websites.

The marketing presentation was for businesses in Zone 1, north of Route 25, and it was attended by about 50 small business leaders from throughout the zone. The workshop was made possible by a Nassau County Technical Services grant, which is designed to help the local economy by offering guidance to small businesses free of charge.

Ira Reiter is a co-owner of the Barking Biscuit with his wife, Hillary, and president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. Their business took off five years ago, around the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Social media proved to be a vital tool that helped their to succeed.

Richner Communications offered complimentary one-on-one meetings for all attending businesses to review their search engine optimization and social

media presence — a service Reiter intends to follow up on.

“We are looking forward to it — were just hoping that we can absorb everything,” Reiter said. “So much, and so much fantastic information that came out of last night, and it will help us with our online presence.”

The workshop encouraged Reiter to use Geo-Fencing, a technique to target advertisements to potential customers in a specific area.

Janna Rodriguez, founder of the Innovative Daycare Corp., in Freeport, has been helping children learn and grow for 12 years. “We’ve created a strong support system between the families, the community, the educators and the other organizations that we partner with,” she said.

The NCCC provides a service that makes entrepreneurship much more accessible in Nassau County, Rodriguez said. “The reason that I was interested in marketing is because small businesses, such as myself, find it very difficult to be able to hire a marketing consultant, especially when you’re first starting up,” she said.

In the workshop she discovered that her business comes up on the front page of search engines, and she was advised her to plan more content for Facebook and Instagram.

This was the first time the NCCC has offered classes at no cost, according to Russel Green, a board member of the council and president of the Syosset and Woodbury Chambers of Commerce.

A Chamber “allows other businesses and individuals in the community to know who you are and when you’re starting,” Green said. “We’ll support you, hopefully, for many, many years.”

To learn more about the NCCC and future events, visit ncchambers.org.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

About 50 small businesses owners gathered at Roslyn’s Hilton Garden Inn on Jan. 21 to learn about digital marketing with Lori Berger, of Richner Communications.

Public Notices

leGal noTice pUBlic noTice of coUnTY TReasUReR’s

sale of TaX liens on Real esTaTe

Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 18, 2025, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 13, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges, against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per cent per six month’s period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 18, 2025 lien sale, Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at:

https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February, 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2023 - 2024 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2024. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 20, 21 in the Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2023/2024 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.

impoRTanT

THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2023/2024 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER.

Town of HempsTead scHool:20 lYnBRook Ufsd

00080 8-9,110

SONDON RAFAEL 10,348.52

42236 00190

KHAN TRUST 1,810.65 42244 00060

STEFANAKOS JAMES & JOANNA 8,826.83 42254 00080

ROTOLO SHARON & ARONSON ROBERT 18,294.86 42261 00110

ZELANKA KERRY 32,470.19 42263 00060

MZI REALTY CORP 14,259.91 42264 00110

ZIMMERMAN GERARD 967.03 42274 00290

KORNBERG MITCHELL 5,984.84 42275 02210

AMORUSO CAROLINE NIELSEN 18,980.06 42276 00100

GINGOLD DAWN ALLISON 13,886.98 42281 00040

PERSICO MITCHEL & JOANNE 18,618.21 42281 00110

BONFA FRANCIS LIFE ESTATE 1,461.67 42281 00160

EHRLICH MICHELLE & SCHWARTZ EMA 10,126.75 42281 00310

RAMLAKHAN DIPCHAND 32,032.54 42281 00350

Town of HempsTead scHool:21 Rockville cenTRe Ufsd

Name Parcel Group Lot Amount

MAZZANOBILE AIGA & EMIL 23,392.50

35071 00820 82-85

MITCHELL ESTELLE 1,102.43

35088 00220 22-23

PERALTA DANIEL & NUNEZ MARIA 1,570.67

36183 00520

ROMARR GEORGE 15,560.81

36197 05580 558-559

COICO JOSEPH 4,293.72

36199 07970

AYMAMI WILLIAM 1,954.29

36206 01850 185,186

MCCRORY JAMES E 23,498.79

362360102550

CABALLES ROLAND & FELICISIMA 1,072.57

36238 00410

PENKAVA ERIC & DEBRA 25,007.18

36243 01040

RIVERA JAMES & LUZ 11,401.06

36272 00490

PUELLO FAMILY TRUST 13,244.65

36277 00610

MONTI SALVATORE & RITA 27,223.96

36281 00590 59,66

LAPIERRE DANIELLE 14,834.77

36282 00720

STILLWELL ELAINE E 1,178.50

36301 00090 9-11

PUELLO TRUST 1,333.18

36310 00550

PELLEGRINI JAMES & XOCHITL 9,960.31

36335 00850 85-87

BEAVER ELSIE 22,650.43

36335 05410

C + C INVESTORS CORP 14,318.91

36337 02430

CAZALET ELIZABETH & SCHENCMAN E 23,112.78

36338 05290

MAELIA EDWARD & KATHLEEN 24,306.17

36347 01600 160-162

86 BUCKINGHAM, LLC 24,656.66

36348 00310 31 & 124

ALLEN JOSEPH & MARIAN 21,565.95

36357 02810 281-283

STANISLAUS TRUST 1,272.42

36357 02860

STANISLAUS TRUST 356.48

36357 02880

CROUTIER JUDI SMITH & BRIAN 24,539.56

36363 00490

CREAGH ROBERT & ALLISON 17,314.25

36428 01140 114-117

SCHWARZ CLIFTON J & REDDAN KAIT 1,556.96

36458 04170

LAURIE KEVIN & MARY 29,585.06

36458 07100

STOEHR LAWRENCE & SARAH 11,894.71

38163 01160

RIORDAN DANIEL & GINA 28,968.58

38168 00120 12-14

KLEIN REFAEL M & GILA 11,581.65

38171 01100 CLARK JR ALFRED R & JEAN K 5,997.88 38177 00170

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and

Soldier’s and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), 12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et. seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further

Public Notices

notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.

The rate of interest and penalty which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall beretained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase be of no further effect.

Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made, in connection with, said bid shall be forfeited. This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:

Town of HempsTead Dist 1001

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK TREND

NEWSDAY

UNIONDALE BEACON Dist 1002

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK TREND

NEWSDAY

UNIONDALE BEACON Dist 1003

EAST MEADOW HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NEWSDAY Dist 1004

BELLMORE HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NEWSDAY Dist 1005

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 1006

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN

WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN Dist 1007

BELLMORE HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1008

BALDWIN HERALD

BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1009

BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE

FREEPORT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1010

BALDWIN HERALD

BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1011

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD Dist 1012

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1013

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1014

FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)

NEWSDAY Dist 1015

FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1016

FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD

FRANKLIN SQUARE BULLETIN

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1017

FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEWSDAY Dist 1018

GARDEN CITY NEWS

GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY Dist 1019

EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

ROCKAWAY JOURNAL Dist 1020

EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD Dist 1021

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

ROCKVILLE CENTRE TRIBUNE Dist 1022

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEWSDAY Dist 1023

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN

WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN Dist 1024

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1025

MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1026

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 1027

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

WEST HEMPSTEAD BEACON Dist 1028

LONG BEACH HERALD

LONG BEACH TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1029

MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY Dist 1030

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

Dist 1031

ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD

Dist 1201

EAST MEADOW HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY

Dist 1205

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEWSDAY

Town of norTH HempsTead

Dist 2001

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY

Dist 2002

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY

Dist 2003

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

ROSLYN NEWS TIMES

Dist 2004

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

Dist 2005

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEWSDAY

Dist 2006

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

Dist 2007

GREAT NECK NEWS RECORD

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

Dist 2009

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY

Dist 2010

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY

Dist 2011

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEWSDAY

Dist 2122

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEWSDAY

Dist 2301

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

Dist 2315

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

Town of oysTer Bay

Dist 3001

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3002

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3003

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3004

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3006

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3008

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3009

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3011

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

OYSTER BAY ENTERPRISE PILOT

SYOSSET ADVANCE Dist 3012

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SYOSSET ADVANCE

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3013

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SYOSSET ADVANCE

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3014

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3015

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3017

HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3018

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

MASSAPEQUA POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3019

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3020

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3021

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3022

MASSAPEQUA POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEWSDAY

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3023

MASSAPEQUA POST

MID-ISLAND TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

Public Notices

Dated: February 05, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1288769 Continued from previous page

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSRMF MH MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST II,, Plaintiff -againstMICHAEL EGAN A/K/A MICHAEL C. EGAN; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; CITIBANK, N.A.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NASSAU COUNTY CLERK; EMERALD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC; VITALCAP FUND; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Index No. 616933/2023. Mortgaged Premises: 70 Reid Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Section: Section: 38 Block: 415 Lot: 20 To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

of lonG BeaCh

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities.

Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in braille, large print, audio tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.

News brief

The St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council No. 2548 held their annual free throw competition on Jan. 20, with four boys’ winners and three girls’ winners.

Knights of Columbus free throw contest

captioned action is to foreclose on a Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement to secure $195,000.00 and interest, covering the premises known as 70 Reid Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Said Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement consolidated a Consolidation, Extension, and Modification Agreement recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on June 15, 2001 in Liber Book M21085, Page 685, Control Number 921 with a mortgage dated January 16, 2004. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP

1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 151003

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ELECTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at the general village election to be held in the Village of Rockville Centre on June 17, 2025, the following offices are to be filled for the terms indicated:

Two (2) Trustees, for terms of four (4) years each

One (1) Village Justice, for a term of four (4) years

NANCY HOWARD, Village Administrator/Village Clerk

NOTIFICACIÓN SOBRE LA ELECCIÓN ANUAL SE LE NOTIFICA que, en la elección municipal general que se celebrará en la ciudad de Rockville Centre el 17 de Junio de 2025, deben cubrirse los siguientes cargos para los términos indicados: Dos (2) consejeros administrativos para un período de cinco (4) años cada uno

Un (1) juez municipal para un término de cuatro (4) años

NANCY HOWARD, Administradora Municipal 151435

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on FEBRUARY 20, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: RELIANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESTROOM REHABILITATION

137 NORTH FOREST AVENUE

Bid No. 2502CP1(1138)

The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by

a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than February 13, 2025. Potential bidders for this contract are required to visit the site: 137 North Forest Avenue prior to submitting bids. Please contact Mario Bento (516) 852-0859 or (516) 678-9271 to schedule. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department

Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 151436

a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: February 12, 2025

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE February 12, 2025 at 7:00

PM Case # 31-2024 - Joseph DiFigueroa - Adjourned from November 13, 2024

The St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council No. 2548 in Rockville Centre held their annual basketball free throw competition on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for boys and girls. The competition, held on Jan. 20, was officiated by members of the Knights of Columbus and athletes from Molloy University’s basketball teams.

The winners of the boys’ age groups are Chris Latushkin, 9, Cole Williams, 10, Donovan Blaney, 11, and Timmy Wil-

To construct a mixed-use building within a “Business A District” which requires a ten foot (10’) front yard setback where zero feet (0’) front yard is proposed, fifty six (56) parking spaces required for the medical office use where zero(0) parking spaces are provided, where roof top dining is proposed which requires approval of the Board of Appeals and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Premises known as 24 South Park Avenue

***Note: This case will be adjourned at this upcoming hearing for a future date certain, no presentation***

Case # 03-2025 - Patrick & Meryl Lee Cerrato

To convert a one-story open porch to enclosed living space with a proposed side yard setback of 3.78 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 22 Stonehenge

Case # 04-2025 - Gregory & Maria Stanclik

To construct a rear covered patio and balcony above with a proposed lot coverage of 34.5% where 30.0% is the maximum allowable, and an impervious lot coverage of 45.7% where

45.0% is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 29 Allen Road

Dated: January 28, 2025 BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York

J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 151434

liams, 12.

The winners of the girls’ age groups are Maeve Quigley, 9, Lily Wasserbergh, 10, and Emma English, 11. All age group winners will advance to the district championships, which are set to take place in the coming weeks. In addition to the winners, all participants were awarded certificates of achievement in recognition of their efforts.

LEGAL NOTICE

Malverne Union Free School District

Malverne, New York

Legal Notice UNIVERSAL PRE-K SERVICES

Notice is hereby given that separate bids, submitted in sealed envelopes for UNIVERSAL PRE-K SERVICES, will be received on: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m. 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 Malverne Administration Building

Sealed bids are to be addressed to the attention of Christopher Caputo, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Malverne Union Free School District, 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, New York 11565. All bids must be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent, on or before the date and time of opening in sealed envelopes, bearing on the outside the name and address of the bidder and the title of the bid in the lower left-hand corner. Contact Donna Fecht at dfecht@malverneschools. org for the RFP. The Board of Education reserves the right to award all or a part of this bid or to reject all bids or to make awards which are in the best interest of the school district.

Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025 By Order of the Board of Education Malverne Union Free School District 151414

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM

MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST ARTHUR EDWARDS, ELIZABETH EDWARDS AKA ELIZABETH MC ARDLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 16, 2022, 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 10, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 LINCOLN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situated, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 347, Lots 380 & 381. Approximate amount of judgment $723,702.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609188/2019. Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville,

–Kelsie Radziski

Tim Baker/Herald

lsveda@sewanhakaschools.org

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& PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDI-

HomesHERALD

Welcome to this stunning renovated home! A grand entry foyer leads to a formal dining room and living room with a gas fireplace, built-ins, and

Do we have beams we don’t need?

Q. We were meeting with our contractor during our home reconstruction, literally tearing the entire house apart and adding a floor. He introduced his “framer,” who was polite but left us with concern. He said the beams going across our house were “overkill.” The beams support a new balcony and high ceilings, so our foyer and living room are two stories tall, very dramatic, and we love what our architect did. We started wondering if we had overpaid for beams that maybe we didn’t need, since the framer said the structure was much more than necessary. Should we ask our architect for an explanation, or just let it go? Construction isn’t cheap, and we understand that, but there is concern about spending more than needed. What do you suggest?

A. Let it go. What you’re experiencing is common and frustrating to hear, because there are so many aspects to designing a building, and I wonder if your framer understands. For example, beams are designed for much more than carrying material loads. Roof beams must carry what we call “dead” loads as well as “live” loads, such as wind and heavy snow.

I have asked framers who have made these statements if they were aware of the several different code-required load capacities a beam is subjected to, to which they either answer, honestly, that they aren’t sure, or make remarks like, “Well, that’s your job,” or “I just know this is overkill.” They just know. And they probably don’t, or they could explain.

Wind impacts buildings in many ways, and is considered a load with multiple effects, requiring calculations, for your safety, to keep the walls and roof from tearing away, or lifting off the house, or crushing down on you in a push-and-pull manner that wind naturally has. Then there are connectors to attach everything. These braces, stirrups and saddles keep structure from pulling apart, but each type comes with engineered calculations.

We often start selecting beams, rafters and joist sizes based on stringent energy codes, which dictate that you must have certain thicknesses of insulation, to prevent heat from escaping quickly or causing your air conditioning to work constantly from heat migrating inward. If you choose the more expensive compact foam insulation, which has greater resistance per inch to heat gain and loss, then we can sometimes reduce the size of some structure. But if you choose less costly fiberglass insulation, which looks like cotton candy, the structure must be deeper, taller, larger — however you can describe it — to accommodate the required insulation thickness.

Larger rafters and joists weigh more, and their angled end cuts require deeper-sized beams to join them. So now you know part of why those beams probably aren’t “overkill,” and why your framer should do a different kind of “home-work” before professing his knowledge. A building is a large jigsaw puzzle of custom parts, and “under-kill” can lead to disaster. Will the framer be there to take responsibility? Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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opinions

An inauguration that was decidedly different

Last month I traveled to Washington, joining many Nassau County Republicans, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman and GOP Chairman Joe Cairo, to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump as our 47th president. Beginning with Richard Nixon’s second inaugural in 1972, I had attended 10 previous ones, seven of them during my 28 years in Congress.

This year’s event was certainly memorable, and not just because the tundra-like weather forced the ceremony indoors. From the moment I arrived at the historic Mayflower Hotel, where many of New York’s elected officials and party leaders were staying, I was struck by the extraordinary level of excitement, enthusiasm and hope. This was significantly different from Trump’s first inaugural in 2017, when, though he had many strong supporters, there was an air of uncertainty about whether his administration would hit the ground running. There had been multiple leaks from the Trump camp and a number of his top cabinet officials, like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had no previous

connection to Trump or any political or governmental experience.

This time around, Trump was striding into Washington as a conquering hero who had made the greatest political comeback of any president in history. And he was as prepared for action as any of his predecessors. There was no doubt he would hit the ground running.

The cold and the intense security made getting around Washington more difficult than I remember for any previous inauguration. Cairo and I were in a car for almost two hours, encountering constant roadblocks and rerouting as we tried to get to a Newsmax event at the relatively nearby Andrew Mellon Auditorium, before we gave up and returned to the Mayflower, where New York was staging its Inaugural Party, featuring Elise Stefanik, the upstate congresswoman and the nominee for ambassador to the United Nations.

old friends and prominent officials gathered to reminisce and share the latest news and rumors.

Trump’s inaugural address was truly unique. No president has ever been so direct or detailed, as he laid out the specifics of his agenda and the myriad executive orders he would be issuing on everything from border security to energy production. He was unsparing in his criticism of what he saw as the terrible failings of the Biden administration — all of this as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sat just several feet away.

iwas struck by the extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.

But none of this dampened the spirit of hope and optimism. The Mayflower event, the day before the inauguration, drew an overflow crowd of hundreds, who heard powerful speeches from EPA nominee Lee Zeldin, Congressman Mike Lawler and Blakeman. And there was always action in the hotel lobby, as

Ordinarily I would consider it wrong to disrespect a former president at an inaugural ceremony, but these are not ordinary times. Trump strongly believes that the Biden administration and its allies abused the legal system in attempts to destroy Trump with criminal prosecutions and bankrupt him and his family. Ironically, Trump didn’t know that just moments before his term expired, Biden had pardoned five members of his family.

The main impact of Trump’s address was that he would do all he could to change the direction of the country. The days of woke progressivism were over.

After the ceremonies, the president went to the Capitol One Arena for an

indoor version of the inaugural parade. I was particularly proud that one of the bands taking part was the NYPD Pipes & Drums. By some mistake, the band hadn’t been included in the original lineup, but when its leaders came to me just weeks before the inauguration, I was able to reach out to the Trump team and get it done.

The almost frenetic energy of the inauguration continued in the days that followed, as Trump signed one executive order after another. (While I strongly agreed with most of them, I believe it was wrong to issue blanket pardons to those who carried out violence against police officers and other law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite all the injustice carried out by the Justice Department against Trump, and the department’s failure to prosecute violent rioters on the left, these pardons cannot be defended.)

Trump has promised America a new Golden Age — an age in which American economic, diplomatic and military power will be respected around the world. An America where we will no longer be subject to government censorship and strangling bureaucratic regulations or be defined by race, religion or sexual preference. If he succeeds, it will indeed be an American Golden Age!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting

The beginning of a new year is a chance to clean the slate from 2024 and to look ahead to more positive things. If you have your health, when you aren’t at work, it’s a chance to enjoy taking long walks, squeezing in a vacation and maybe finding a good book to read. But to erase the 2024 board clean, it’s important to get some things off my chest. One of my pet peeves is our national airline system. These days it costs a lot of money to travel almost anywhere in the United States, and we’re often treated like cattle, unless you fly first class. Boarding the plane can be demeaning, and the seats are uncomfortable. For a round-trip costing $800, asking for an extra bag of pretzels shouldn’t be a big deal, but I’ve had a

few turn-downs on flights to Florida. My wife has designated me the family shopper, and I don’t mind the periodic trips to the supermarket. My parents had a grocery store, so I know how to move quickly from aisle to aisle. I’m sure many readers have heard the term “shrinkflation,” which is rampant in supermarkets. Almost every item weighs less and costs more. My favorite boxes of cereal not only weigh half as much, but their contents don’t taste anything like they did when I was a child. Especially Kix and Rice Krispies.

Tgains are anything but.

o get a fresh start in the new year, it’s important to get some things off my chest.

Department store shopping was once an adventure. You could go from floor to floor, and it would take hours to go from the ground floor to the top. The shelves were once stacked with many interesting items, and the quality of the merchandise was pretty good. These days, though, there seem to be many less items for sale, and the so-called bar-

I’ve been a loyal Yankees fan for as long as I can remember. I try to get to at least two or three games a season, but the ticket prices can be staggering. I truly feel bad for a family with young kids who make an annual trip to the ballpark. The hot dogs, pizza and ice cream are costly, and if the kids want a few souvenirs, the outing can costs hundreds of dollars. Baseball owners need the revenues to pay high-priced players, but not everyone can afford to be a talent sponsor.

Going to a movie isn’t what it used to be, either. I recall childhood trips to theaters with my parents that were affordable and frequent. Once upon a time, theatergoers would even get some type of premium for buying a ticket. A movie ticket today can cost over $20, and if you and your companion want popcorn, candy or soda, the price of this night out is pretty high.

There are more things that bug me. I look at Facebook from time to time because it’s nice to see people celebrating happy occasions, but there is no shortage of party-poopers who insist on posting political barbs that are of no interest to most viewers. We’ve just survived a period of intense political bickering, and I’m not anxious to see a Facebook testimonial to a politician who my crazy uncle worships.

I have bad feelings about a lot of people both in and out of the political arena, but we’ll save that for another time. There are things going on right now that I could talk about for hours. I’ve chosen the things that upset all of my friends and neighbors as well, with little or no dissent. I’m sure I skipped over some of your annoyances, but I have a whole year to write about them.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

JERRY KREMER

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Edith

Dialing up a possible cellphone plan

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s newly unveiled plan to restrict smartphone use in schools across New York state has sparked robust discussion among educators, parents and policymakers.

With the goal of creating distractionfree learning environments, the proposal would direct schools to limit cellphone use throughout the school day while providing practical solutions for communication and storage. The initiative has notable advantages as well as challenges, warranting careful consideration as it moves forward and is considered by the State Legislature.

The primary argument in favor of Hochul’s plan is the undeniable distraction that the phones pose to students. Research consistently shows that smartphones can impede focus, reduce academic performance and foster excessive screen time. By eliminating unsanctioned use of the devices, students would be expected to engage more deeply with their lessons and their peers, improving their classroom experience, their grades and their interpersonal skills.

Hochul’s thinking also aligns with growing concerns about youth mental health. Excessive smartphone use, particularly on social media, has been linked to anxiety, depression and reduced self-esteem among adolescents. The governor’s effort builds on her earlier success in regulating addictive social media feeds for minors, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting the mental well-being of its youth.

The proposal also addresses safety concerns, a priority highlighted by law

letters

Randi shares the joy of books

To the Editor:

enforcement experts. Distracted students are more vulnerable to accidents and less likely to be aware of their surroundings during emergencies. A focus on reducing these distractions could enhance student safety.

Allocating $13.5 million for smartphone storage solutions — such as pouches or cubbies — would ensure that schools, regardless of budget constraints, have access to the resources needed to implement the plan.

Despite its merits, however, the proposal raises several concerns. Chief among them is the potential challenge of enforcing the restrictions uniformly across diverse school settings. Administrators and teachers may find it difficult to monitor compliance, especially in larger schools with limited staff.

The plan also risks alienating students and parents who view cellphones as essential tools for communication and personal safety. While the initiative includes provisions for parents to contact their children during the school day, it may not fully address the anxieties of those who rely on immediate connectivity, particularly in emergencies.

Another issue is the reliance on alternative devices, such as school-issued tablets and laptops, for instruction. While these tools are permitted under the plan, they, too, can be distractions if not properly managed. Critics of Hochul’s plan argue that simply replacing smartphones with other internet-enabled devices may not fully eliminate the problem of divided attention in classrooms.

Exemptions outlined in the proposal — such as those for medical needs or individualized education programs —

Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time you read a book?”: As she stated, one of the great joys in life is having a wonderful book to read. I never go anywhere without one. I taught English on the junior and high school levels on Long Island for 39 years, and I loved it. I would do it all over again.

The exciting discussions I had with my students triggered by great literature were priceless. I loved teaching “Of Mice and Men”; “The Picture of Dorian Gray”; “Romeo and Juliet”; “The Great Gatsby”; my nominee for the greatest novel of all, “To Kill a Mockingbird”; and many others.

Randi’s statement that in some of the country’s “elite” colleges, many students are neither willing nor able to read the books they are assigned is scary. What does that bode for our future leaders? And presently we have one in the White House who I’ll bet has never read a complete book, including our Constitution.

I belong to a book club in which we read mostly non-

highlight the necessity of accommodating diverse student populations. Ensuring that these exemptions are applied fairly and without reinforcing stigmas, however, could add complexity to the plan’s implementation.

A strength of the proposal is its flexibility, allowing schools to design their own storage and implementation strategies. This autonomy acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work across New York’s varied educational landscapes. However, the success of this flexibility hinges on clear guidelines and adequate support from the state to help schools navigate potential challenges.

The plan’s focus on equity, including ensuring that students without internetenabled devices are not disadvantaged, demonstrates an awareness of the broader implications of digital access. This consideration is crucial in preventing unintended disparities.

Hochul’s proposal is a bold step toward addressing the challenges of the digital age in education. While its goals are commendable —enhancing focus, promoting mental health and improving safety — it must carefully navigate the concerns of enforcement, equity and parental confidence.

As the state prepares to roll out the measure by the 2025-26 school year, ongoing collaboration with educators, parents and students will be essential to refine it, and ensure its effectiveness. With a proper balance of structure and flexibility, the initiative has the potential to foster a more focused, healthier and distraction-free learning environment for New York’s students.

What was happening in RVC 100 years ago?

The Rockville Centre Historical Society had an incredible 2024, and we’re looking forward to another exciting year. We have been on a mission to get the organization back on the map. We offered six compelling events last year, and have plans for more this year.

As we continue our columns, we’re mixing things up a bit.

One of our members, Dan D’Antonio, wanted to share some of the current events from the village from 100 years ago. Man, how things have changed.

In the early 20th century, most trolley cars, such as the trolleys that ran on Centre Avenue, were worked by twoman crews. In the 1920s, one-man trolley cars started to appear. The Feb. 5, 1925, issue of The News and Owl reported that the Rockville Centre board of trustees had passed a resolution not to oppose the one-man trolley car working in the village.

In 1925, the village didn’t require

building permits for new construction. But it passed a new zoning ordinance, and officials suggested that anyone considering new construction become familiar with the code to avoid “unintended violation and future trouble.”

The Electric Department reported that mainline transformer fuses were blowing out as customers were breaking the seals on their electric meters. In some homes, nails were used in place of fuses. Residents were warned that “insurance companies will at once cancel all risks on property where it is reported that residents are using makeshift fuses. New fuses must be installed by village employees.”

Back to a time when the gravel roads were sprayed with oil to keep the dust down.

At a February 1925 meeting of the Rockville Centre Exchange Club, members went on record opposing the Child Labor Amendment to the Constitution. Most members felt that New York shouldn’t allow the federal government “the power to decide the laws that affect our own state.” Many of the members, however, spoke of their experiences of working at an early age, and “agreed that youth must be made to work before reaching the age of 18 or (they) would never work.”

To suppress dust from the many gravel roads, the highway department would spray a layer of a petroleum-based product on the road. At the Feb. 18, 1925, board of trustees meeting, former Village President Dr. D.N. Bulson suggested that the annual cost of oiling the streets ($30,000 for the previous three years) be used to fund a project to pave village streets with concrete. He also noted that much of the oil used in the past had washed into Mill River.

LeTTers

fiction and sports, but I also enjoy mysteries and detective novels. I am currently reading “All the Sinners Bleed,” by S.A. Cosby. A sheriff in Charon County, Virginia, with a very unpleasant case. Cosby is a terrific writer.

Thanks to Randi for her other suggestions. I hope she has fun teaching the class.

JIM HAWKINS

Baldwin

Randi’s given me some catching up to do

To the Editor:

I’ve been reading Randi’s columns in the Herald for years, and enjoying her take on everything, as well as her style. I am 81. Been reading since I was a single digit. My first novel was “Black Beauty,” by Anna Sewell, which I read when I was about 7.

I’ve read 135 books in each of the past two years, and I’m going to look into all the books in Randi’s curriculum, because I find I’ve read maybe one, “Of Mice and Men,” when I was way younger. Lol. No matter what, I’m going to tackle her list. I hope they don’t have to be read in that order, because I’ve chosen “The Wren, the Wren” to be my first.

RINA

COHEN East Meadow

Clavin’s ‘poorly

handled,’ double-digit tax increase

To the Editor:

Town Supervisor Don Clavin’s proposed 12.1 percent property tax increase for 2025 represents a glaring failure of financial management. This steep hike places an unreasonable and unnecessary burden on the residents of the Town of Hempstead.

Such a dramatic increase reflects Clavin’s inability to implement sound, long-term financial planning. A more responsible approach would have been to distribute any necessary increases gradually over several years, avoiding the current financial strain on our community.

What is even more troubling than the tax hike itself is the lack of proper notice for town residents. Clavin’s administration failed to adequately inform citizens through mail, email or social media about this significant change. Ironically, the same administration had no issue filling our mailboxes with partisan mailers on other topics. This lack of transparency and accountability is both surprising and unacceptable.

It’s true that, given the inflationary pressures of recent years, modest tax increases may be necessary to cover rising costs essential for maintaining services like trash collection, recycling,

The amendment would have given the Congress the power to “limit, regulate or prohibit the labor of people under 18 years old.” It was approved by the House and Senate, but never received the needed number of state approvals.

During winter weather, the village covered sidewalks with ashes “to prevent damage suits through accidents to pedestrians.” A Mrs. David McMurray, of 50 Rockaway Ave., did not want ashes on her sidewalk, and applied at the police station for a warrant for the arrest of the village president, Joseph Monds, who she believed administered the program. The police department, of

which Monds was the chief, withheld the warrant pending further investigation. Hope you enjoyed the “news.” For the coming spring, we have some notable events planned, including our annual Appraisal Day and the second annual Night at the Museum cocktail party. Information can be found on our website. If you like the short stories, the historical information and the events we’ve offered, we have a quick appeal. Like all treasures, the Phillips House Museum needs attention and care. To continue offering the programs, exhibits and experiences that make the museum such an important community resource, we ask for your support. This appeal is our only fundraising drive of the year, and every donation makes a difference. If you would like to contribute, please visit us online at rvchs.org. Donations by check should be payable to Museum of the Village of Rockville Centre and mailed to Rockville Centre Historical Society, P.O. Box 605, Rockville Centre 11571. Kindly include your name, address and email. We thank you in advance for being part of this effort, and hope to welcome you at your village museum!

Jim Belling is a member of the board of trustees of the Phillips House Museum and the Rockville Centre Historical Society.

Framework by Diane Revinskas

parks and water management. These are critical responsibilities of our town board. However, many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. To impose a sudden, substantial tax hike without sufficient notice is a disservice to the very people the town government is meant to serve.

Clavin owes the residents of the

Town of Hempstead not only a detailed explanation, but also a sincere apology for this poorly handled tax increase. Transparency and thoughtful planning should be the standard — not afterthoughts.

At the Knossos Palace — Crete, Greece

Jim BeLLinG

PETROS KROMMIDAS Baldwin