DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
Nothing but love for a good girl
Seaford Middle School students greeted Lucie Lou the cockapoo during the companion dog’s visit to the school on Jan. 15. Story, more photos, Page 2.
A field to keep his memory alive
New William Desroches Foundation announces fundraiser
By CHARlES SHAW
cshaw@liherald.com
The friends and family of William Desroches, a 15-year-old Wantagh High School student who died in a personal watercraft accident in 2023, are working to establish a soccer and lacrosse field in his honor.
At a Jan. 25 kickoff event at Forest Lake Elementary School, William’s father, Donald Desroches, announced the launch of the William Desroches Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for a new artificial-turf field next to the school’s baseball field.
The foundation’s first fundraiser is set for May 8 at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. The event, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will feature live music by the band Vinyl Revival, auctions, and a raffle to support the project.
Assisting with the fundraiser is John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that aids sick and underprivileged children.
Desroches said William played on the field at Forest Lake, inspiring him to approach the Wantagh School District about naming a new turf field in his memory. He has received approval from the superintendent and school board to raise funds for the project.
“The fact that I’ll be able to have something here in his memory that will last for a while is really amazing to me,” Desroches said.
Coordinating volunteer efforts for the Mulcahy’s fundraiser is Mikayla Desroches, William’s 17-year-old cousin. She’s recruiting volunteers and helping to reach out to businesses for sponsorships and donations for raffle baskets. She
Alliance shares plans for future initiatives
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
The South Shore Women’s Alliance, which reconvened last fall ahead of the 2024 election, has been meeting regularly over the last few months, forming committees and discussing important topics that affect a wide variety of people.
Originally founded as a democratic women’s caucus, the group has transitioned to what it is today — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for issues important to not only women, but also to all voters in general.
Espeaker to discuss health care initiatives in New York; organized rallies against abortion bans; and held fundraisers for groups like Planned Parenthood.
ach person’s experience is unique.
JUli GREY-oWENS Executive director, Gender Equality New York Inc.
Members of the alliance come from Levittown, Wantagh and Seaford, as well as other communities along the South Shore.
The alliance’s work is done through partnerships and activities with students, informative panels, and fundraisers for causes that the group supports. Over its history, the alliance organized a response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018; hosted a
During the group’s Jan. 15 meeting, held in the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, the alliance, led by president Claudia Borecky, updated attendees on some initiatives the group is currently working on. Through its immigration committee, the alliance is involved with a diverse array of immigrant organizations, and is seeking to assist with the immediate needs of community members. In a report distributed to attendees, the group said it is “addressing the need to change the narrative by ending harsh and dehumanizing language that permeates political discourse,” while also working toward encouraging language around immigration that “creates a more passionate society, where everyone is valued and welcomed.”
The alliance has been work-
Continued on page 5
Courtesy Seaford School District
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.”
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
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.”
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
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
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.
than 50 young athletes took to the field at Wantagh High School on
local officials and Wantagh Superintendent John McNamara.
Children develop skills at flag football clinic
More than 50 young athletes took to the field at Wantagh High School on Jan. 25 for a flag football clinic hosted by Wantagh Nation Flag Football. The event aimed to foster teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship among children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The clinic was led by high school varsity flag football coaches from Long Island, offering participants expert guidance and skill development. Organizers Dan, Scott, and Joe, who founded Wantagh Nation Flag Football as a nonprofit.
The winter clinic, spanning four weeks, saw enthusiastic participation, with each child receiving a Wantagh Nation sweatshirt and hands-on training from a team of varsity coaches and assistant coaches—many of whom are part of the Long Island Champion Wantagh High School football team. With the winter session wrapping up, Wantagh Nation is already preparing for its next programs. In April, a spring clinic will provide professional training and competitive games for young athletes, with registration details available soon on their website, WantaghNation.com, and Instagram @ wantaghnation.
Looking ahead to June, Wantagh Nation will host the inaugural “Battle of Nations” tournament, the first of its kind on Long Island. The event will bring together teams from across Nassau and Suffolk counties, featuring multiple age divisions for boys and girls. A highlight of the tournament will be the Varsity High School Division, where top-tier teams will compete, providing younger players a chance to watch and learn from elite athletes.
–Charles Shaw
Michael Rechter/Herald photos
More
Jan. 25 for a flag football clinic hosted by Wantagh Nation Flag Football. Joining them were coaches,
Ryder Solomon, 6, warming up his throwing arm.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads playing catch with the kids. Joel Sineone, 5, throwing a football during the flag football clinic.
Joe Gallina, left, with Councilman Chris Schneider, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Scott Barone, State Sen. Steve Rhoads and Dan Moses. Gallina, Barone and Moses are the original founders of the flag football clinic.
Fundraiser for new turf field set for May 8
said it means a lot to her watching everyone get involved in the project.
“William was my first friend,” Mikayla said, “and it means a lot that something is going to be in his name.”
William died on Aug. 6, 2023, when he and another teenager were riding personal watercraft on Crescent Lake in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. At some point, New Hampshire police said, one of the riders slowed down, and the other collided with him from behind. Desroches was rushed to a hospital, where he died. The other teen was not hurt.
The fact that I’ll be able to have something here in his memory that will last for a while is really amazing to me.
William’s father and his mother, Kathryn Walsh, described their son as fiercely determined. When he set his mind on a task, William wouldn’t stop until he achieved it, his parents said. That drive led him to excel at numerous outdoor activities, including soccer and lacrosse.
“William used to love soccer and lacrosse,” his father said. “He loved playing, he was a great athlete and a hard worker.”
According to Desroches, his son always showed generosity toward those close to him, and would help family members when they weren’t feeling good about themselves.
“He always tried to help people,” Desroches said. “He used to always bring humor where he was.”
Joining Desroches and his family at Forest Lake were Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who thanked Desroches for organizing the project.
“As a community, we were all heartbroken when we lost William,” Rhoads said, “but I’m always continuously amazed. In the face of an incredible tragedy, (family members) have tried to use that loss as an opportunity to do something positive for future generations. It’s really inspirational.”
The fundraising goal for the turf field, according to
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.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
x117 or email info@trustlaw.com
Desroches, will be around $1 million, estimating it would take “a year or two” to raise the money. He hopes to plan more fundraising events after the first one in May, such as a run/walk event at Jones Beach.
Raising money for the turf field will be a challenge, Desroches said, but friends and family are determined to create a lasting legacy for William that will benefit future generations.
“It’s a great thing to be able to give back,” Desroches said. “And it’ll be an honor to have my son’s name on the field.”
For more information on the William Desroches Foundation, visit desrochesfoundation.tinyurl.com.
Charles Shaw/Herald
Local officials joined friends and family of William desroches, who died two years ago at age 15, at forest Lake elementary School, where his father, donald, far right, announced a fundraiser for a new turf field in his name.
DonalD Desroches
William Desroches’ father
Alliance working on education initiatives
ing with the Elmont Cultural Center to record human-interest stories, which could potentially be transformed into a comprehensive video. It is also working with interfaith organizations to collect and distribute personal and household items for families that live in shelters.
Through its education committee, the alliance is tackling book bans and has expressed interest in legislation in New Jersey that prohibits bans, and provides a “safe haven” where children can go to read banned books. The alliance’s hope is that a similar law could be enacted in New York.
During the alliance’s Jan. 15 meeting, Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York Inc., led an insightful PowerPoint presentation on the language of gender in a session called “Gender 101.” Grey-Owens, who was born a male, has been a driving force on behalf of the transgender community over the last two decades.
She spoke about her personal journey, and zeroed in on specifics regarding inclusive terminology and ways to support the LGBTQ+ community. Maria O’Leary, a parent
of a transgender child, joined GreyOwens in the discussion.
“Everyone has the right to define their own gender and their sexual orientation, and that includes the freedom of creating, defining and using new labels that feels authentic and empowering and provides a way to express who they are,” GreyOwens said. “It’s constantly evolving.
“The important point is that not everyone who aligns with certain aspects or concepts will identify with the labels that we discuss, because each person’s experience is unique,” she added.
Grey-Owens also discussed intersex individuals, often overlooked when it comes to discussions about gender and expression. Health experts indicate that up to 1.7 percent of the population is born with intersex traits — meaning reproductive organs, chromosomes or sexual anatomy different from their biological definition.
Grey-Owens said society likes to “put people in boxes”— but suggested it’s time to get away from that, describing the way people view themselves and categorize themselves as more linear.
“We want to get rid of boxes,” she explained. “The way that we’re
going to represent a community of this continuum (gender or identification), of this characteristic, is by basically using a going line — going in both directions.”
The presentation opened up a civil dialogue between attendees and Grey-Owens, who answered questions relating to themes, terminology, and broader ideas that were discussed.
The Jan. 15 presentation was only the first half of Grey-Owens’ “Gender 101” — she’ll be returning for a part 2, on a date that is still being scheduled by the women’s alliance.
The evening concluded with the reading of a poem called “Sense or Censure,” by Harriet Pollack, a member of the alliance who attended the event.
“In essence, we are ‘Earthmates’ with a home on Earth to share — we can live together in harmony if we all choose to care,” she read. “Let’s show that we’re intelligent and also that we’re kind, and make our shared existence the best home humanity can find.”
To learn more about the women’s alliance, how to get involved, and its upcoming meetings, visit its Facebook page, South Shore Women’s Alliance.
About the South Shore Women’s Alliance
Key initiatives and activities:
Immigration Committee
■ Working with diverse immigrant organizations
■ Collecting household items for families in shelters
■ Advocating for more compassionate language in political discourse
Education Committee
■ Addressing book ban concerns
■ Studying New Jersey’s legislation for banned books
■ Exploring similar legislation possibilities for New York
Background:
■ Operates as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization
■ Current president: Claudia Borecky For more information:
Follow the South Shore Women’s Alliance on Facebook for meeting schedules and involvement opportunities.
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 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lawrence at West Hempstead 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: South Side at Manhasset 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Mepham at New Hyde Park 5 p.m.
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.
MacArthur doubles its win total
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
MacArthur’s boys’ basketball team is looking for a strong finish to a 2024-25 season that has seen year-to-year progress competing in one of Long Island’s most challenging conferences.
The Generals (6-10 overall) entered the final three games this week with double the win total of last season with strides from a team that will return plenty to the court next winter. Fifthyear head coach Brian Maini said he is proud of how the team has competed in Conference AA-III, a deep league that features multiple county championship contenders including four-time reigning Class AAA champion Baldwin.
“This league is no joke as it’s going against some of the top teams in Nassau,” Maini said. “There’s definitely a culture change going on with this team and we are heading in the right direction.”
Maini said the team showed plenty of mental toughness in a 53-44 home victory against Mepham on Jan. 16 in which the Generals trailed by nine in the third quarter before rallying back to lead by one at the end of the period and outsourcing the Pirates in the fourth quarter, 20 to 10.
MacArthur was led in the come-frombehind win by 20 points from 6-3 sophomore forward Raj Singh, who has had a stepped up role this season after starting a few games as a freshman. Senior guard Mike Kondyra, who surpassed the 1,000 career point mark with 42 against Long Beach Jan. 27, also was big agaisnt Mepham with 15 points including a clutch late three-pointer that extended MacArthur’s lead to six. Junior guard Danny Lopez finished with the game with eight points on the strength of six free throws.
“We faced some adversity and then fought through and got it done so that was a nice win for us,” Maini said. “I was proud of our guys for bouncing back and sticking together and getting the win.”
The Generals also defeated Mepham, 45-30, on Dec. 10 after jumping out to a
MacArthur senior Mike Kondrya, right, eclipsed 1,000 career points Jan. 27 when he scored 42 against Long Beach.
24-0 lead to start the game. Kondrya led the offense with 21 points followed by 11 from Singh and seven by sophomore shooting guard Vinny Szucs scored seven points including a huge three late in the fourth quarter, who sunk a key late three-pointer as the Pirates were mounting a comeback.
The final road game of the season will see MacArthur travel on Thursday to Jericho, an opponent the Generals hung tough with on Jan. 11 in a 61-48 loss trailing just 40-36 going into the fourth quarter.
The final game is slated for Monday evening in Levittown at 7 p.m against Great Neck North, who MacArthur was also competitive with in a 63-55 defeat on Jan. 13 in a game that was tied at halftime.
“I think the team’s chemistry,culture and competitiveness is definitely heading in the right direction and this year was a building block,” Maini said. “Tthere’s no doubt in my mind that they’re going to fight till the end and look to end the season on a winning note.”
Erik Lee/Herald
Companion dog fetches hearts of Seaford students
Lucie Lou the cockapoo is a celebrity at Seaford High School and Seaford Middle School. Students look forward to the companion dog’s weekly visits through a program that supports social and emotional learning.
The companion dog program launched last year at the high school through a grant from the Seaford Wellness Council and expanded this year to the middle school. Lucie Lou is joined by her human partner Luwana Hart, from Therapy Dogs of Long Island, during lunch periods. Students can visit with Lucie Lou during 10-minute increments in the guidance conference room at the high school and wellness center at the middle school.
“The companion dog program at Seaford Middle School has been a tremendous success,” Principal Raphi Morey said. “It’s incredibly well received here. The students love Lucie Lou and the opportunity just to hang out with her.”
Morey said that when students interact with Lucie Lou, it relieves stress and builds empathy. They also create stronger connections with each other as students are invited down in small groups.
“There are a lot of reasons for having a companion dog in a building, just from an emotional standpoint,” he added.
Eighth graders Aaron Gomez and Lena Parisi look forward to Lucie Lou’s visits and regularly get a pass from the lunch room after eating.
“I love dogs and it’s nice seeing one in school,” Aaron said. “She’s really nice. It releases my stress and makes me feel good.”
“I have a better day when I see Lucie Lou,” added Lena. “If I’m worrying about anything, it just calms me down.”
Guidance counselor Sarah Squicciarini oversees the companion dog program at the high school, where Lucie Lou can be found most Mondays. She noted that many students take advantage of the visits to alleviate stress or just enjoy the interaction. Whatever the reason they come in, she said, students always leave with a smile.
Courtesy Seaford School District
Eighth grader Gia Lennon got a goodbye hug from Lucie Lou at the end of her session.
things to know from the library
Three things to know about upcoming library events
February is packed with exciting events at the Wantagh Public Library, offering activities for all ages. From hands-on crafts and educational programs to
n Make your own heart-shaped pizza to celebrate Valentine’s Day
Children in grades K-5 can celebrate Valentine’s Day by creating their own heart-shaped pizza on Friday, Feb. 14, at 4 p.m. Participants will roll out the dough, add sauce and cheese, and take it home to bake. Registration opens for Wantagh Public Library cardholders on Jan. 31 and for out-of-district cardholders on Feb. 7.
interactive entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Here are five standout events happening after Feb. 6 that you won’t want to miss.
n Get an up-close look at owls with the Sweetbriar Nature Center
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 12 p.m., children in grades 2-5 can get an up-close look at owls with the Sweetbriar Nature Center. Attendees will meet nonreleasable owls and learn about their behaviors, adaptations, and role in the ecosystem. Registration opens Feb. 6 for Wantagh Public Library cardholders and Feb. 13 for out-of-district patrons.
For more information or to register, visit wantaghlibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200.
n Learn the art of crafting and personalizing tea bags
Adults can learn the art of making custom tea blends on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. This hands-on workshop will teach participants how to craft their own tea bags and decorate personalized tags. Each attendee will take home six tea bags. Registration opens Jan. 25 for Wantagh Public Library cardholders and Feb. 1 for out-of-district patrons. A $5 registration fee is required.
Cupcake Wars brings creativity and collaboration
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Wantagh Middle School’s eighth-grade students put their baking and design skills to the test during the Cupcake Wars competition, the culminating event of the Ultimate Chef elective.
Held as part of the school’s Family and Consumer Sciences Department, the contest challenges students to craft cupcakes and a display based on a chosen theme. This semester’s theme focused on countries, with students selecting nations such as the United States, France, and Egypt to inspire their creations.
The competition, which takes place at the end of the semester, allows students to showcase the skills they’ve honed throughout the course, including piping, working with fondant, and collaborating as a team. Groups of two to three students designed their displays together, assigning roles such as bringing materials, making fondant, and creating designs.
“They just have to think outside the box and come up with their own ideas,” said Janine Rotondo, one of the Family and Consumer Sciences teachers. “It really was a group effort. They all did everything together, but they really designated who was bringing in what.”
The contest was judged anonymously by teachers and faculty, with winners announced on Jan. 24. The competition featured students from two classes, those taught by Rotondo and Jenna Messina. Messina, in her first year at the middle school, was impressed with the students’ creativity and collaboration.
“You really get to see their creativity and their collaboration working together,” Messina said.
Beyond baking, students incorporated educational elements into their displays, learning about their selected country’s flag and geography to enhance their backdrops. Wantagh Middle School Principal Anthony Ciuffo praised the attention to detail in the students’ work.
“The teachers do a really great job at bringing out the creative license in all of our students. This is an engaging activity for them,” Ciuffo said.
The Ultimate Chef elective remains one of the most popular eighth-grade courses at Wantagh Middle School. Rotondo noted that students eagerly anticipate Cupcake Wars, calling it the highlight of the semester.
“This is one of the things that students look forward to. This is the very last project of the semester, so we saved the best for last,” she said.
In addition to the excitement, students faced challenges such as time management and ensuring their cupcake designs stood out. But for many, the experience was rewarding, allowing them to craft delicious treats while having fun with their peers.
Students also learned valuable life skills throughout the semester, including knife skills, baking techniques, and how to prepare healthy and allergenfriendly foods. According to Rotondo, the hands-on approach to cooking keeps students engaged and eager
to learn.
“They love to cook,” she said of the students. “If there’s a day they’re not cooking they’re so upset about it.”
This hands-on experience allows students to develop teamwork and communication skills, as they must coordinate responsibilities, plan their displays, and execute their cupcake designs efficiently. The ability to manage time effectively and work collaboratively under pressure is an essential takeaway from the event.
The Cupcake Wars competition has become a tradition at Wantagh Middle School, with past themes including board games, Disney, and movies. Each year, students rise to the challenge, displaying creativity and skill as they compete for the top spot in this highly anticipated event.
Charles Shaw/Herald
Nina Kurz, left, with teammates Izzy LePorin and Francesca Ortega with their cupcake display of Greece during Wantagh Middle School’s Cupcake Wars.
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
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.
Reading Wonderland
Seaford Public Library hosts its 10th annual “Walking into a Reading Wonderland” adult winter reading program through Feb. 22. Adults 18 and older can register online or at the library Participants can submit weekly book reviews online or in-person for a chance to win gift certificates to local restaurants, with grand prizes including a Kindle Fire HD 10. Winners will be announced on Feb. 24. For details, visit seafordlibrary.org. 2234 Jackson Ave.
Long Island Choral Society auditions
Boat slip lottery
Nassau County residents can apply for the 2025 Wantagh Park boat slip lottery now through Saturday, March 7, at the Wantagh Park Marina Office. The drawing will be held on Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. Applicants must submit a Nassau County Leisure Passport, driver’s license, boat registration, and recent tax or utility bill, along with a $36 nonrefundable fee (cash or credit). For more information, call (516) 571-7460. 1 King Road, Wantagh.
Game time
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.
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 Feb. 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) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics. org. 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City.
Enjoy Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday, noon-4 p.m., at Congregation Beth Tikvah. $5 contribution, no outside food, as snacks and drinks will be supplied. Bring your games and cards, lessons available. 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. For more info, email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.
Square and Line Dance
Temple B’Nai Torah invites everyone to their annual Square and Line Dance, Saturday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The evening includes a hot buffet dinner, snacks, coffee and soda. Entry fee is $40 per person. Contact Brian at bellobl@gmail.com or call (516) 781-4966 for more information and reservations. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh.
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
Family theater
Seal walks
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.
Bingo at Temple B’nai Torah
Temple B’nai Torah hosts a fun-filled bingo session, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and every Thursday, 7:15 -10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 221-2370.
Jones Beach State Park hosts guided seal walks through Monday, March 10, beginning at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature CenterA state park naturalist will lead 90-minute beach walks to observe wintering seals, marine geology, and birdlife. Walks cost $4 per person, and reservations are required at bookwhen.com/ jonesbeachnaturecenter. For dates, times and more information, visit jonesbeachenc.org or call (516) 7803295. 150 Bay Parkway, Wantagh.
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.
Having an event?
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.
can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
every
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.
I’m frequently asked if you can change a relationship if only one person is trying. My unequivocal answer: YES! Of course, it’s not going to be as simple or easy as having two cooperative partners, but here’s an example of what can happen.
First, if you’ve been knocking yourself out trying every possible way you can think of, to get the other person to change, give it up. You’ve explained what’s bothering you. You’ve repeated yourself many times, nagging, demanding, crying, having a fit, threatening, punishing, becoming silent and resentful. Where has that gotten you? You’re just as frustrated as ever. So, save your energy and give up trying to make the other person change.
Second, decide how you will respond differently, not only to get the other person to change, but primarily to take care of your own needs. When you make a change, even a small one, you automatically change not only yourself, but also something about how your relationship works.
Consider the following example. Jacqui entered my office feeling miserable. “My marriage is at a low point. I love my husband, but he rarely talks
Change for one PERSON TO PERSON
to me. I ask him how his day was; he’ll grunt ok, then flip on the TV. He shuts me out of his life and doesn’t want to hear about my day. I’ve asked him to come to therapy with me, but he refuses. What can I do?”
Jacqui had tried everything she knew to get her husband to talk to her. In addition to constantly asking him questions, she was always trying to initiate more conversations hoping to get him involved. Figuring that it might be easier for him to talk late at night, without the kids and other distractions, she scheduled talk time twice a week, when she and her husband would go for a walk or just sit on the deck and talk.
This scheduled talk time, however, backfired. It soon became obvious that even then Don was not communicative. As a result, Jacqui felt even more upset, abandoned and totally unloved, even though Don said he loved her but just wanted to be left alone after a hard day’s work.
The first thing I told Jacqui was
that she was trying too hard to get Don to change. Now it was time for her to focus on making a change for herself. I suggested she stop asking him questions, stop initiating conversations, and cut out the talk time. If she felt the need to talk with someone, she could call her friends, her mom, her sister, or her kids. Since she also had expressed a need to do more things, I suggested she join a gym or take an adult-ed class.
Immediately, Jacqui resisted. She believed that these changes would make things even worse because they’d increase the distance between her and her husband. I reminded her that the purpose of these changes was not to get closer to Don but to take care of herself, to meet her needs, to be more in control.
After a while, Jacqui decided to give my suggestions a try. After getting involved in a pickleball league a ceramics class, and talking more with friends, she noticed that she was feeling happier, and less resentful even
though Don, true to form, was still his non-communicative self. Then months later, Jacqui noticed that Don was less withdrawn. He admitted to feeling lonely and left out. He complained that she had gotten busy with things outside the home, and he’d like her to spend more time with him.
Jacqui was amazed that Don was now coming to her with a request to spend more time together. She was careful, however, not to drop her activities and go back to the way things used to be. Instead, she responded casually but positively saying, “You’re right. I have been out a lot. And enjoying myself too. But if you’d like to spend more time together, I’m open to that. This Thursday evening’s a good time for me. Would that work for you too?”
©2025
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Linda Sapadin
Chambers workshop focuses on marketing
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) 23, 6 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:6 seafoRd Ufsd
RICCIARDELLI CHRISTINA 14,421.90
65073 15240 1524-1527
LIVINGSTON VICTORIA & LIVINGSTO 10,593.88
65074 15070 1507-1509
LONGHWAY THOMAS & EILEEN M 23,858.72
65075 00390 39-41,65
GERRATO SALVATORE & ROSE 5,579.62
65082 02350 235-237
MENICHINO ANGELA 3,525.63
65086 07270 727-728
SCHIAVONE CHARLES & SHERRIL 9,719.63
65088 07610 761-763,784
SCHIAVONE CHARLES & SHERRIL 806.40
65088 07640
GRIFFIN JOHN & EILEEN 24,437.43
65240 00030
ZOROJESKI CAROLE 8,845.37 65253 00070
WALLACE PAUL A & DOLORES & NATA 3,132.02 65254 00070
CESTRO MICHAEL & MELISSA 6,158.08
65256 00260
FADER DENISE & WAYNE 2,806.15 65257 00140
YEUNG VICTOR H & SARAH 7,677.66 65274 00190
LYNCH CHRISTOPHER & ANN MARIE 13,154.96 65276 00490
Town of HempsTead scHool:23 wanTagH Ufsd Name Parcel Group Lot Amount
GREIG JENNIFER SKELLEY 16,645.76
56 H1000070
MCCLOSKEY THOMAS J & GUARDINO R 2,469.10
56 H1200370
WALLIS JAMES A & CATHRINE 17,781.36
56 H1300400
MAGGIE’S SIGNATURE HOMES, LLC 11,738.41
56 Y 00170 17,38
DELANEY CHRISTINE J & JAMES 673.26
56199 02180
DELANEY CHRISTINE J & JAMES 20,015.53
56199 02200
SOUTH NASSAU BUILDING CORP 11,090.26
56209 01140
DE MAILLE LEA ELLEN 16,132.85
56267 01960
TOSCANO VINCENT JR & JENNIFER A 6,481.09
56267 02070
FAYMAN LYUDMILIA 16,352.68
56269 03060
MUNDY TRUST 6,194.55
56280 00070 7,44
DECOSTA CHARLES & CARMEN 9,867.38
56280 00270
JLEM ASSOCIATES II LLC 28,339.56
56286 00180
SACIOLO ROSALIND 9,029.68
56299 02570 257,259
BRAUM MEYER TRUST 26,389.68
56410 03280
PRINCE NANCY & HOWARD 20,235.33
56410 04040
MAURO JAMES 20,894.70
56419 00300 30
MAURO JAMES 636.65 56419 00310 31
OLSON JOANNE 25,180.75
56444 00080
LILIENTHAL MARVIN & DOROTHY 4,802.25
56462 00110
3341 BELTAGH AVENUE LLC 9,701.45 56462 00600 3341 BELTAGH AVENUE LLC 38,548.82 56462 00610
1358 WANTAGH AVENUE LLC 19,777.39 56462 00620
1378 WANTAGH AVENUE LLC 25,495.46 56462 00630
DESIMONE DENISE & SERAFINA 16,681.86
56495 00270
OBRAY JAMES & REBBECA 17,341.30 56498 00300
BELICA VLADIMIR & RENATA 2,621.11 56502 00250
TOWNSEND CHRISTINE ELLIOTT LIFE 18,291.55
57011 00750
MAGRI JONATHAN & LAURA 2,568.08
57022 06360 636-639
CAMPODONICO ADRIAN A & SILVANA 4,564.42
57033 05550
SEGERDAHL PAUL & ELIZABETH 23,679.31
57033 05640
ALBANESE ANNE 21,187.76
57038 00580
GEFFNER JONATHAN
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 State 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 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
Public Notices
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
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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 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
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GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
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NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
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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
NEWSDAY THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3024
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Dist 3001
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD Dist 3203
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
Public Notices
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.
City
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMTP TRUST, SERIES
2019-C, Plaintiff - against - DAVID HOSKIN A/K/A
DAVID A. HOSKIN, et al
Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 22, 2020. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 25th day of February, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Seaford, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 1967 Russell Court, Seaford, NY 11783.
(Section: 57 Block: 06001 Lots: 63 and 64)
Approximate amount of lien $606,487.45 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 614367/2018.
Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
Dated: October 24, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules
issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
151055
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY
MORTGAGE SECURITIES
TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, -againstJOSEPH GRECO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 5, 2020, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES
TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH GRECO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY
SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 4, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3586 MARJORIE LANE, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 57-286-15. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612236/2017. Lisa S. Poczik, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New
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.
Dated: February 05, 2025
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1288772
York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 151270
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of January 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Lifepack Replacement Project Phase 3 (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed OneHundrew Thirty Five Thousand ($135,000.00)
dollars and the District
Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project. This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law.
Dated: January 27th 2025
By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 151418
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids subject to all instructions, terms and conditions herein and pursuant to the specifications, will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Seaford Fire District at the Office of said District located at 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York, until 7:00 PM on March 3, 2025, where they will be opened publicly and read aloud after 7:00 PM prevailing time, on the said date for the goods and/or services as specified and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practical for :ONE 2024 OR 2025
CHEVROLET TAHOE LT 4WD CHIEF’S VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be obtained at the office of the Fire District located at 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York from February 1, 2025 until March 3, 2025 between the hours of 10:00AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Friday. Bidders must call the Fire District Secretary at [(516) 679-6560] to schedule an appointment to pickup a bid package. The Seaford Fire District as purchaser reserves the right to award all or any part of said bid, also to reject all or any part of said bid. Bidders must deliver together with their sealed bid a certified check or bid bond in the amount of five (5%) percent of the amount of their bid as bid security. Seaford, New York Issue date: January 27, 2025
News briefs
Celebrating John Downey on his Eagle Scout achievement
State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined Councilman Chris Schneider and the Lions Club of Seaford on Jan. 12 to recognized John Downey from Seaford Troop 581 for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, John completed a landscape renovation project for Mommas House, a homeless shelter located in Levittown that provides housing and support to young mothers and their babies. He selected this project because of his passion for health and wellness as well as his commitment to helping others in need. Notably, during his scouting tenure, John has participated in over 125 camping nights, hiked over 75 miles, and completed over 100 hours of community service in addition to those spent on his project. Rhoads thanked John for all he has done for the community and congratulated him on the milestone.
Public Notices
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT ATTEST: MICHAEL FORAN SECRETARY 151419
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of January 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth,
namely, the Portable Radio Upgrade Project Phase 3 (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed One Hundred Ninety Thousand ($190,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project. This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law.
Dated: January 27th 2025
By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell
Superintendent 151416
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 27th day of January 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and ApparatusCapital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Ambulance
Replacement
Project
Phase 1(labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed Four Hundred Thousand ($400,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project. This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law. Dated: January 27th 2025 By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 151417
Courtesy office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
lsveda@sewanhakaschools.org
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City
is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT
Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
& PT. Long Island
for
has IMMEDI-
HomesHERALD
WMASSAPEQUA:
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!
are encouraged to send questions to
with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Formica top. W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $99. 516-320-1906
END TABLES (2): Mahogany, Good Condition, $30. 516-450-1654
SERVICES
Cable/TV/Wiring
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
Exterminating
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Handyman
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SERVICE
Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000
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TVS MOUNTED. PHONE, TV, Computer Wires, HD Antennas, Starlink Dishes, Stereos Installed And Serviced. FREE Estimates. Lic#54264-RE And Ins. Call Dave 631-667-9473(WIRE), 516-353-1118(TEXT)
Miscellaneous
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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.
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Dialing up a possible cellphone plan
ov. 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 nonfiction and sports, but I also enjoy mysteries and detective novels. I
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.
Long Island gets shortchanged on transportation funding
over a decade ago, the Long Island Regional Planning Council recognized a critical issue: Long Island’s transportation funding and planning processes were failing to meet the growing demands of our region. In response, we proposed the creation of a dedicated Nassau-Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization. Unfortunately, that never happened. Now, 10 years later, the situation has worsened, and investment in transportation on Long Island continues to be shortchanged.
JoHn D. Cameron Jr.
Long Island’s share of transportation funding has steadily declined, a trend that has become more alarming over time. Today, the region receives just 6 percent of the money allocated by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which primarily serves the interests of New York City. Long Island is forced to compete for resources with the city, leaving our region underfunded and unable to meet its infrastructure needs. This funding disparity is particularly troubling given Long Island’s economic significance. As New York state’s second-largest economic engine, Long
Island plays a crucial role in its financial health. Each year, Long Island sends nearly $15 billion more in tax payments to Albany than it gets back, and an additional $27 billion to Washington. The state’s tax imbalance with Long Island has doubled over the past decade, worsening an already unsustainable situation. If left unaddressed, it threatens Long Island’s economy and its ability to sustain residents’ high quality of life.
and crucial projects remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization.
The consequences of this inequity are visible in our daily lives. Congested highways, deteriorating bridges and inadequate public transportation aren’t just inconvenient; they hinder economic growth, erode quality of life and compromise public safety. Crucial projects aimed at addressing these issues — from modernizing the Long Island Rail Road to alleviating notorious traffic bottlenecks — remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization. The current system is failing, and the need for change has never been more urgent.
One of the most effective ways to address this problem is by establishing a Nassau-Suffolk MPO, which would allow Long Island to apply directly for federal transportation funds. It would bypass the bureaucratic delays at the state level, ensuring that funding is allocated
Letters
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
to projects that best meet our region’s needs. Smaller areas, such as Ithaca, have had their own MPOs for years and have benefited significantly from direct access to funding. Long Island, with a population of nearly 3 million and an economy that rivals that of many states, deserves to be treated with the same attention and respect.
The need for a NassauSuffolk MPO extends beyond simply fixing roads and bridges. It’s about taking control of our region’s future and ensuring that its transportation infrastructure supports longterm economic growth and innovation. In today’s global economy, transportation is the backbone of a thriving region. Without a dedicated MPO, Long Island’s potential for growth is stifled, and the region risks falling further behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The Long Island Regional Planning Council first raised this issue because we understood the long-term consequences of continued disinvestment. Over the past decade, those consequences have become painfully clear. Our transportation infrastructure is deteriorating, and other critical areas of need, such as affordable housing and the modernization of water systems, roads, bridges and power grids, remain neglected. These issues require both
state and federal support, and Long Island’s fair share of transportation funding is a critical first step in addressing them.
Thankfully, there is hope for change. Thanks to the leadership of State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern, legislation has been introduced to establish a Nassau-Suffolk MPO. This is a significant step toward securing that transportation funding. It would give our region the ability to prioritize projects that are critical to our local economy and residents, ensuring that Long Island’s transportation needs are no longer overshadowed by the priorities of New York City or other areas of the state.
The establishment of a Nassau-Suffolk MPO wouldn’t be just a policy change — it would be a commitment to the future of our region. Long Island deserves safe roads, efficient public transit and infrastructure that supports economic growth and opportunity. We have waited long enough. The time for action is now.
Long Island has the potential to be a leading force in the state’s economy, but that potential cannot be realized without the right infrastructure. Establishing a Nassau-Suffolk MPO is a critical step in ensuring that Long Island receives the resources it needs to thrive. It’s time for our region to earn its fair share.
John D. Cameron Jr. is chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council.
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 ris-
ing costs essential for maintaining services like trash collection, recycling, 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.
Framework by Diane Revinskas
At the Knossos Palace — Crete, Greece
PETROS kROMMIDAS Baldwin
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