Audience members clapped along to the timeless hits of Earth, Wind & Fire at a special Juneteenth tribute concert on June 19 at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. The high-energy performance was part of the county’s summer concert series. Story, more photos, Page 10.
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow has big plans for the inaugural Kiwanis Kids Day, a funfilled event raising money for scholarships for graduating high school seniors.
Kids Day will be held at the East Meadow High School on June 28 and offer food trucks, face painting, and guest appearances by characters from popular TV shows and movies.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the East Meadow Scholarship Program. The Eden II Program, East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and Club Pilates are the event’s three main
sponsors.
Melody Schiller, president of the Kiwanis Club, said the Kids Day fundraiser is designed to help sustain the club’s educational support system.
“We’ve been noticing that our scholarship fund has been dwindling, unfortunately,” she said. “It’s the first day of summer vacation, and this gives the kids a way of having fun while doing something to help the future of their community. While they’re bouncing and having fun, they’re putting into their own scholarship funds for later years.”
The Kids Day fundraiser will help impart another important lesson onto children.
“Our kids are our leaders of the future, and
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
A redevelopment project may be on the horizon for a shopping center in East Meadow. East Meadow Plaza, which occupies space between Front Street and Hempstead Turnpike, houses CarMax, a company that specializes in selling used cars. Currently, CarMax occupies a 10,285-square-foot building and is looking to expand with a 2,500 squarefoot addition. The proposals, as well as other developments, were discussed at a Council of East Meadow Community Organizations meeting on June 17. The plans — which were handed out to meeting attendees — were explained by Bill Bonesso, a land use attorney for Forchelli Deegan Terrana Law. He was joined by representatives from CarMax as well as the property’s owners, Salisbury Associates.
C“CarMax has done very well at this site,” Bonesso said, referencing a blown-up version of the site plans, “and frankly, they need more space. They need more space to accommodate customers.”
arMax has done very well at this site and frankly, they need more space. They need more space to accommodate customers
Bill BoNESSo Land use attorney, Forchelli Deegan Terrana Law
Bonesso said CarMax already has an automotive repair and servicing center in the current space that is not growing, but rather hopefully moving into the expansion. The original building will be filled with additional sales and administrative offices.
Two additional tenants were outlined in the CarMax development plan, including a space that is approved for a restaurant with a drive through and an existing building set to be modified for a fitness center. There is currently no bid slated to go into the restaurant space, but the fitness center will likely be occupied by Planet Fitness. The development at East Continued on page 2
at a Council of east
Community organizations
land use attorney with forchelli deegan terrana Law, discussed development plans at the Carmax site in east meadow. Currently, there’s a 10,285-square-foot building, seeking to be expanded with a 2,500-square-foot addition to accommodate customer needs.
Meadow Plaza backs up to another project by Regency Centers, which will include a major renovation and parking lot restructure at the Stew Leonard’s grocery store, which faces Front Street, and the shopping center behind it, which faces Hempstead Turnpike, and houses a Lidl and other stores. Those changes were first discussed at another CEMCO meeting held in September of last year, and moving along now that approvals from the Town of Hempstead are in place. Everything in the plot will undergo major changes to improve appearance, cleanliness, and safety.
Regency’s improvements will feature much needed repairs to sidewalks, rebuilt fencing, improved sight lines when leaving the traffic center onto a main road, and a rework of the circulation of traffic in the parking lot to reduce speeding.
Currently, there is no roadway between the Stew Leonard’s and Lidl parking lots, but one will be added once the project comes to conclusion. A timeline for the project is still in the works, but new signage is planned to go up soon, improving the lot’s aesthetics.
On the CarMax side, Bonesso said they will have to ask for a parking variance with the Town of Hempstead’s board of zoning appeals because of certain regulations in place. The town requires the business to factor in car staging areas for parking, but the staging area does not generate more traffic, Bonesso explained.
“This will be supported by a traffic consultant who has already looked at this and will be testifying,” he said. “Our actual need is significantly lower because this doesn’t generate parking demand.”
An application for the variance has
been filed and Bonesso said the development will likely have a hearing towards the end of September, should all go as planned.
“CarMax — it’s busy, it’s successful,” he said. “It’s doing good business. They will now have the ability to have more salespeople there, and they’ll have the ability to prepare more vehicles, store more vehicles, as needed for their customers.”
The developers also met with the East Meadow Fire Department and made some adjustments to the plans at their request, to improve emergency access, Bonesso added.
If all moves forward as planned, Mark Sagliocca of the Salisbury Associates said the permits for the work could come in at the earliest in September and at latest this December, the work may be completed in three to four-month timeline.
Joe Parisi, president of CEMCO, expressed the need for these shopping center redevelopments to look nice and bring curb appeal to East Meadow, referencing some of the new plantings that are set to go into the parking lots.
“Wherever you can add to it, we would very much appreciate that,” he said. “We really want to have shopping centers that stand out — that really pop.”
CEMCO regularly hosts meetings on a variety of subjects impacting the East Meadow and Salisbury communities. Its leaders said they’d be happy to connect community members with people informed on the project, should anyone have additional questions about the work planned at the CarMax site. For more, visit the group’s Facebook page, Council of East Meadow Community Organizations, or email CEMCO1976@ gmail.com.
By Rei Wolfsohn Correspondent
The sweet, smoky scent of barbecue drifted across Eisenhower Park from June 13 to 15 as grill masters from across the country gathered for the National BBQ Festival, turning the East Meadow into a sizzling celebration of food, flavor and family fun.
Visitors flocked to the three-day event, which featured professional pitmasters competing in rib, brisket, pulled pork and chicken categories.
The festival grounds were lined with food vendors serving up everything from Kansas City-style ribs to Carolina pulled pork, while live country music, cooking demos, and eating contests kept the crowds entertained. Local artisans and crafters also set up shop, and families enjoyed a dedicated kids’ zone complete with face painting, games, and inflatable rides.
The event marked one of the largest BBQ festivals to date on Long Island, drawing both competitive teams and hungry guests from far beyond Nassau County.
Kell Phelps started the festival with his parents in Douglas, Georgia in the early 2000s. This was its first year back after a 15-year hiatus, and the first time the event was held on Long Island. Pitmasters came from all over the country to compete.
“We wanted to bring it to some place that it could really grow and host what that event could grow into,” Phelps said. “So, my town of 10,000, sometimes we’d bring 50,000 on a weekend and it would just gridlock the town.”
Brand Identity PR, the marketing team that urged Phelps to restart the festival, and they settled on bringing it to Long Island, seeking cooler temperatures for visitors and competitors.
“(Nassau) County has been so good,” Phelps said. “Any request that’s made, they’re (extremely helpful). So the combination of community and teamwork is what it’s all about and this crew has stepped up way above.”
The crew is made up of both volunteers and paid workers. Most are local to Long Island.
To enter the contest, all a pitmaster had to do is pay the entry fee and fill out the form. A health department license for public distribution was required this year, but an easier one or none will be required next year, now that the department knows how it works.
Terrelle Beverly of Chef Rell’s Place in Baltimore, Maryland competed on Saturday. His grandmother taught him how to cook when he was a small child. He learned barbecue through trial and error in his own backyard.
“I love the smoke taste,” Beverly said. “All the time that goes into it — I just love the end results of something, of the meat being very good, the smoke flavor, the appearance of the product as well.” He’s been barbecuing for 15 years, and started cooking professionally five years ago. “This is all I do,” Beverly said. “I barbecue.”
Another contestant was Wild Fork pitmaster Shane Jacobs. Wild Fork is a local frozen meat source in the Franklin Square-West Hempstead area.
“The main inspiration for my cooking is just to constantly find that right balance with flavors, whether it’s for seasonings, the way it’s cooked,” Jacobs said. “Just trying to find that right way to do things.”
As a full-time detective, Jacobs was inspired to start barbecuing when his NYPD football team visited Texas six years ago, and tried an assortment of barbecue food. He’s been barbecuing since then.
“That’s where it all started,” Jacobs said. “Going down to Texas and bringing all the flavors up here to New York.”
Jacobs finally found his passion as backyard pitmaster. “There’s nothing bad about barbecue,” Jacobs said. “There is a lot of creativity, how you can make something taste so many different ways - sweet, spicy, there’s just so many options.”
To judge the food that the pitmasters compete with, a person has to take a
judge certification class. Completing the class doesn’t just qualify them for this festival, but for any of the hundreds of competitions that the state cook-off association participates in.
The BBQ Pit Boys were also there, though they didn’t compete. They presented their food at the Live Fire tents. They have 15,000 chapters across 100 countries, with over 5.5 million online followers. The organization is run by Bob Ahlgren from Middlefield, Connecticut.
“I’ve been doing it all my life, since I was a little Cub Scout,” Ahlgren said. “Cooking outdoors, there’s nothing like it, the smell of smoke, the aroma. That’s what keeps us going.”
Phelps shared the sentiments that all the pitmasters and presenters express that day. “We want to share what true real deal barbecue’s about,” Phelps said. “But it’s really a community, family-oriented type of event. That’s really what we want to share. That family deal that the barbecue community has in it. It’s like a big family to us. To share that family with as many people as we can here in the county.”
Arson and Bomb Squad
detectives arrested an East Meadow man Friday evening after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a large quantity of fireworks in his vehicle.
According to Nassau County police, officers with the Bureau of Special Operations stopped a 2005 Cadillac Escalade with an obstructed license plate around 5:29 p.m. near the intersection of Front Street and Gates Avenue.
During the investigation, officers observed a significant amount of fireworks inside the vehicle. The driver,
Mario Calderon, 56, of 1636 Dale Ave., was arrested without incident. Arson/Bomb Squad detectives responded to the scene and safely secured the explosives.
Calderon is charged with possession of explosives without a license, storage of explosives, aggravated unlicensed operation and multiple vehicle and traffic violations. He was the arraigned at the First District Court in Hempstead.
–Jordan Vallone
Students from Nassau BOCES Gerald R. Claps Career and Technical Center celebrated a major milestone in their professional journeys during the school’s annual Career Signing Day, formally committing to careers in skilled trades, further education in their chosen fields, or military service.
The event, modeled after National Signing Day for college athletes, is held in partnership with SkillsUSA’s National Signing Day — observed May 6 — which recognizes students across the country pledging to pursue careers in the skilled trades. SkillsUSA is a national organization that promotes workforce development and supports students in becoming career-ready leaders and responsible citizens.
Of the 13 GC Tech students honored this year, six will begin full-time jobs, six will continue their education in trade-specific programs, and one will join the U.S. Marine Corps.
The signing ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication in GC Tech’s career and technical education programs, which include Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Esthetics and Skin Care, and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Many students had already gained hands-on experience through internships with local industry partners, several of whom attended the
event to welcome their new hires. A representative from the Marine Corps was also present to recognize the student enlisting for military service.
The following students included:
■ Aiden Coppola, Automotive Technology, Bellmore-Merrick – Alfred State College
■ Harel, Automotive Technology, Hewlett-Woodmere – Universal Technical Institute
■ Jazmin Lopez, Automotive Technology, Hicksville – Grand Prix Subaru
■ John Dooling, Automotive Technology, Massapequa – Security Dodge
■ Austin Malinowski, Automotive Technology, Levittown – The Learn Center
■ Vincent Collazo, HVAC, East Meadow – Mac Heating and Air Conditioning
■ Drew Feinberg, HVAC, Island Trees –U.S. Marine Corps
■ Daniel Quiroz, HVAC, Levittown –Suffolk County Community College
The ceremony served not only as a celebration of these students’ accomplishments, but also as a spotlight on the growing importance of skilled trades and technical careers in today’s economy.
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By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Donning the uniforms of the past two collegiate national champions, Ohio State and Michigan, respectively, added a special touch to last Saturday’s inaugural National Football Foundation All-Star Classic featuring the top high school seniors from Long Island and New York City at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.
After the Boomer Esiason Foundation enjoyed a tremendous 24-year run presenting the Empire Challenge game culminating in 2019, its replacement
made a striking debut despite real-feel temperatures in the upper 80s.
Long Island, behind Islip quarterback Brady Nash, Garden City running back Michael Berkery, Westhampton kicker/safety Brody Schaffer and a run defense as stifling as the weather, led after every quarter of a 33-15 victory before a crowd of 1,500. Nash completed 10 of 14 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score to earn the Boomer Esiason Player of the Game award.
“The last time this game was played, we were all in sixth grade,” said Nash, who completed scoring strikes to Berk-
ery and Half Hollow Hills West’s Jesse Brooks. “As the week went on, it got more and more serious. You could tell how much it meant to everyone,” he added.
Schaffer went 4-for-4 on extra points, booted a 24-yard field goal and had a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter, and Massapequa’s Tyler Villalta added a touchdown run for Long Island, which compiled a topnotch coaching staff led by Garden City’s Dave Ettinger.
Carey head coach Mike Stanley, who led the Seahawks to last season’s LI Class II title and a perfect 12-0 campaign, served as the offensive coordinator. Reade Sands, who coached Sayville to the Suffolk Division III title last fall, ran the defense. Additional highly successful coaches on the L.I. staff were Manhasset’s Jay Iaquinta, who enjoyed lengthy stints in Lynbrook and Hewlett, Wantagh’s Keith Sachs, who led the Warriors to the Conference IV title last fall, Oceanside’s Rob Blount, Longwood’s Sean Kluber, Half Hollow Hills East’s Alex Marcelin, BayportBlue Point’s Mike Zafonte and St. Anthony’s Joe Minucci.
Angelo Portillo (Sachem North) formed a wall all afternoon.
Long Island’s lead swelled to 23-9 by halftime. An early turning point came on the first play of the second quarter when a bad snap over the head of New York City punter Andrew Stosko (Xaverian) resulted in a safety to make it 9-3.
“This is such an awesome experience for the kids,” Stanley said. “Their attention to detail in practice was outstanding and they did a really nice job of executing on both sides of the ball.”
Lincoln’s quarterback-receiver tandem of Kory Reese and Solomon DeCoteau hooked up for both New York City touchdowns.
New York City/Erasmus Hall head coach Danny Landberg said logistics were a challenge and several obstacles prevented the team from having a full roster at any practice. “It was fun to be a part of this but it was really difficult to come to Long Island two hours each way for practices,” he said. “We made four of the eight sessions and attendance varied.”
Long Island trailed 3-0 before Nash directed an 11-play, 68-yard scoring drive capped by his 2-yard touchdown run. The starting O-line with center Clint Chichester (Longwood), tackles Dylan Kakareko (Oceanside) and Howie Silverstein (Carey), and guards Brennan Kurtz (Ward Melville) and
Carey’s Chrisian Todaro returned the ensuing free kick 26 yards to the NYC 35 and Long Island’s offense needed only four plays to take a 16-3 lead on Villalta’s 2-yard touchdown run. Both offenses reached paydirt on their next possessions. A 40-yard pass from Reese to another Lincoln teammate, Gicah Paul, set up DeCoteau’s 12-yard touchdown grab to cut the margin to 16-9 after a failed two-point conversion try. Long Island answered with Berkery’s 37-yard touchdown catch.
Long Island’s defense, led by run stuffers Bellport’s Trevon Holland and Wantagh’s Shareef McMillian, pitched a shutout in the third quarter and Schaffer’s field goal extended the lead to 26-9 entering the fourth.
Freeport’s Curtis Ealy III and Bayport-Blue Point’s Dylan Spano had sacks for Long Island, which outgained NYC by a 339-232 margin.
“We got the win and it was so much fun,” Nash said. “I’m a Notre Dame fan but it’s cool we get to keep these jerseys.”
that’s what Kiwanis is all about,” Schiller said. “It’s building leadership in kids who understand paying it forward and helping others.”
Taleen Krug, a Kids Day committee member, worked to get the event up and running this year and hopes it will continue year after year.
Some of the Kids Day attractions are provided by local organizations.
“East Meadow is really unique in the fact that we have a lot of community organizations that all come together and do things like this for the community, free of charge and or at minimal cost,” Krug said. “It’s all about the kids.
“We partnered with Jump and Jam Long Island, which is a local small business — he will have a bunch of bounce houses for the kids. We’ll have face painting, and there’s cotton candy and popcorn donated by the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce.”
Mitchell Allen, a past president of the Kiwanis Club who has been actively involved in the group for almost 30 years, was instrumental in the planning and execution of this new annual tradition.
“Our club gives out $6,000 worth of scholarships to high school seniors every year, and we’ve done this for as long as I can remember,” Allen said. “It’s probably longer than I’ve been a member of the club, but we are struggling to meet these annual goals.”
the first Kiwanis Club Kids day will take place on June 28 at east meadow High School. the fun-filled event will raise money for scholarships for high school students.
“Our scholarship fund costs us $6,000 a year. We are trying to hit that number. This is our first year, so I’m quite hopeful that we’ll do that.”
The program is based on engaging the elementary school students in our district to help fund their own scholarships, he explained. That will include bringing in characters from Star Wars and the hit children’s cartoon Bluey.
Kara Lamendola, a fellow Kiwanis
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t ickets for the event will cost $10 per child through June 27, and will cost $15 at the event’s entrance.
Club Kids Day committee member, is also the Assistant Director of the Eden II Program, an education nonprofit focusing on supporting students with autism — including those in East Meadow.
“One of our main goals is to definitely integrate our participants into the community,” she said. “I think that everybody in East Meadow raising money for these scholarships would be great, including for the participants in our programs.”
The event will occur across two sessions: the first from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the second from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
An online ticket is $10 per child, or $15.00 if purchased at the entrance for the event. Adults are admitted for free.
To purchase an online ticket, visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org. East Meadow High School is at 101 Carman Ave., East Meadow.
In April of 2015, these two Nobel Peace Prize laureates celebrated His Holiness’s 80th birthday by meeting for a week at the Tibetan leader’s exiled home in Dharamshala, India. Their purpose? To answer the question: How do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?
“From the moment of birth, every human being wants to discover happiness and avoid suffering. Sadly, many of the things that undermine our joy and happiness we create ourselves. Often it comes from the negative tendencies of the mind, emotional reactivity, or from our inability to appreciate and utilize the resources that exist within us. We create most of our suffering. So it should be logical that we also have the ability to create more joy. It simply depends on the attitudes, the perspectives, and the reactions we bring to situations and to relationships with other people. When it comes to personal happiness there is a lot that we as
individuals can do”, says the Dalai Lama
“The problem is that our world and our education focuses on external, materialistic values. We are not concerned enough with inner values. I believe everyone has the responsibility to develop a happier world. We need, ultimately, to have a greater concern for others’ well-being. In other words, kindness or compassion, which is lacking now. We must pay more attention to our inner values. We must look inside,” he further states.
Lasting joy – joy as a way of being – arises from the serenity of deep well-being and benevolence, say the authors.
A strong sense of concern for the well-being of others will make you happy in the morning, says the Dalai Lama, even before coffee. Even ten minutes of meditating on compassion, on kindness to others, and you will see its effects all day. That’s the way to maintain a calm and joyous mind.
By MADISON GUSLER & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD of the Heralds
Final part in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
State.
In April, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $7 million plan to reconfigure ramps at Exit 15 of the parkway. The state will eliminate the southbound exit ramp, and all traffic will exit via a redesigned northbound ramp. Exit 15N will consolidate both north- and southbound traffic entering the intersection at Corona Avenue. The changes aim to improve traffic flow for the more than 8,000 vehicles that use those ramps each day.
The Southern State Parkway is one of the busiest highways in New York state. It opened in 1927, and its original design has not been able to meet the demands of Long Island’s increased population and consistent roadway congestion, which has resulted in many deadly crashes.
Nearly 100 years later, work on the 25.3-mile parkway has ramped up, in an effort to ensure the roadway’s safety, and longevity.
Stephen Canzoneri, a public information officer for the state Department of Transportation Region 10, noted that New York has one of the most aggressive road and bridge renewal programs in the United States, and that it is investing more in the modernization of its transportation infrastructure now than at any point in the state’s history.
Canzoneri explained that a $34.1 billion, five-year capital plan adopted in 2022 to invest in major infrastructure projects is the largest of its kind in state history. This plan, which is entering its fourth year, includes substantial investments in modernizing roads and bridges on Long Island, including the Southern
At the end of the ramp, a new traffic signal will be installed, as well as crosswalks, a pedestrian refuge island, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps. The westbound connection to the parkway from Corona Avenue will be enlarged for easier left turns, accompanied by improved signage to better direct drivers.
There will also be a reconfiguring of Exit 13, with a new single exit ramp providing access to both Central Avenue and Linden Boulevard. The entrance ramp from Central Avenue to the eastbound Southern State will be rebuilt, the traffic signal will be updated with pedestrian countdown timers, and the sidewalks along Central Avenue, between Stuart Avenue and Linden Boulevard, will be improved. This project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin construction in 2027 Enhancements at Exit 41A, from the eastbound Southern State to the northbound Sagtikos State Parkway, include increased safety measures. In 2024, new
reflective signs were installed and pavement markings were added. This year the ramp will undergo concrete pavement work, and a new concrete barrier will be installed.
Between 2021 and 2024, a significant portion of the parkway and several ramps were resurfaced with new asphalt, and highly reflective pavement markings were installed in an effort to increase driver safety. In an email to the Herald, Assemblyman Michael Durso, whose District 9 encompasses towns in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, wrote that in 2023, Wrong Way and Do Not Enter signs were refreshed or installed at all parkway ramps.
“Safety is always the top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation,” Canzoneri said. “We
continuously review safety measures in place on all our highways on Long Island and across the state, implementing enhancements wherever it is necessary.”
Safety improvements rely on responsible driving Canzoneri noted that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“Working with our partners in law enforcement, local government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways. But motorists must do their part,” he said. “We urge everyone to obey the rules of the road, drive responsibly and remain alert, especially in work zones.”
Durso echoed Cazoneri’s sentiment
that safety is a shared responsibility, writing that “all of the wrong way crashes that occur along the Southern State Parkway have involved impaired drivers.”
However, Durso noted an ongoing effort to address roads that have become unsafe. “As Assemblyman, I continue to work with the New York State Department of Transportation to pass along concerns from constituents and identify areas that can be improved,” he said. “Safety is my top priority.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes Exits 13 to 28 on the parkway, serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Gillen recently sent an open letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a spike in traffic fatalities.
Working with our partners in law enforcement, government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways, but motorists must do their part.
STEPHEN CANzONERI
State Dept. of Transportation
“Traffic crashes are the single leading cause of accidental death among young people on Long Island, and the second-leading cause for all residents under the age of eighty,” she wrote. “Every seven minutes on average, a serious traffic accident happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families being ripped apart, and a terrible void left in too many communities.”
Gillen urged Duffy and the DOT to open an investigation into these accidents, and advocated for larger investments to improve roadways and increase driver safety. She is also pushing for the state to lower the legal blood alcohol limit.
“Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunk-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05,” Gillen wrote in an email to the Herald, noting evidence that lowering the limit reduces the number of accidents and saves lives. She noted that the state of Utah, which lowered its drunk-driving threshold to .05 in 2018, saw a nearly 20 percent drop in fatal car crashes over the next calendar year.
“There is already a push to bring this limit to New York at the state level, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across America,” she wrote.
Gillen also mentioned distracted
New York State Department of Transportation
a draft of plans for the Southern State parkway’s exit 15, where two exits are being replaced by one.
the parkway near exit 13. “We need to increase high-visibility traffic enforcement,”
driving and speeding motorists. “My plan to make our roads safer includes stepping up enforcement on reckless and dangerous driving,” she wrote.
“That means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police unsafe driving.”
Gillen stated that it’s crucial that
drivers reduce their speeds. “No matter what day or time you drive on the Southern State Parkway, there are people recklessly speeding and street racing,” she wrote. “We need to increase highvisibility traffic enforcement, and I’ll continue to push for New York State to increase the number of troopers on the
Southern State Parkway and other Long Island roads to keep people safe.”
“It’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Durso wrote. “We remind residents to abide by the posted speed limit, put down your cellphone, and never drink and drive.”
The performance took place on Juneteenth, a holiday celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. An Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band was set to perform, but the performances were cut short due to rain.
Jazz, soul and R&B icons took the stage at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park for a Juneteenth celebration on June 19.
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. It first became a holiday in 1865, three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation, when enslaved people in Texas were declared free.
The performance featured The Trammps, which includes Earl Young, a drummer who is considered one of the leading figures in Philadelphia’s soul scene during the 1970s. The group’s hits include “Disco Inferno,” famously featured in the 1977 movie, “Saturday Night Fever,” starring John Travolta.
Other hits include “Hold Back the Night,” “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Disco Party,” among others.
After the Tramps, a group paying tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire, a classic six-time Grammyaward winning musical group that has spanned a vast range of genres throughout their career, was set to perform.
Earth, Wind and Fire has sold over 90 million records worldwide, producing countless hits, such as “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Reasons.”
Although the event was cut short due to rain, each musician played with enthusiasm, making the celebration all the more memorable for those who attended.
–Jack Schwed
The Trammps, a group know for songs including ‘Disco Inferno,’ which was included in the movie, ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ were part of the performances.
Earl Young, a drummer who is considered one of the leading figures in Philadelphi’a soul scene during the 1970s, on stage during the Trammps’ performance.
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The new leadership team at Nassau University Medical Center have fired Megan Ryan, the hospital system’s former president, chief executive and legal officer.
Ryan, who began her position in December 2024 after serving as interim president, was placed on administrative leave on June 10. The move followed a revamp of the board overseeing NUMC, as part of a state budget package that included legislative changes directly impacting the hospital system based in East Meadow and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale.
In late-May, Ryan sent a letter to Dr. Irina Gelman, the Nassau County health care commissioner and former chair of the board at NUMC, stating her intent to resign from her role on July 20. Her administrative leave was set to last through the same day, or “an earlier date to be determined pending further review,” according to minutes from the hospital’s June 10 board meeting.
The move to terminate Ryan comes at the end of a turbulent month for NUMC.
On May 31, Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Stuart Rabinowitz, a former Hofstra University president and expert in law, education, and public policy, as chair; Amy Flores, a vice president at JPMorgan Chase; Dean Mihaltes, a
health care executive and licensed pharmacist; and Lisa Warren, a business leader and longtime nonprofit advocate on Long Island.
Two additional board members, Dr. Lisa Zakiya Newland, a professor and chair of the Department of Social Work at Molloy University, and Rory Lancman, vice chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority and director of corporate initiatives and senior counsel at the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, were recommended by the State Legislature and appointed by Hochul on June 3.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman strongly opposed the changes, calling the moves “illegal” in early June. Under the state’s new provisions for the hospital, Blakeman has the authority to appoint two members to the hospital’s board, but refused to do so at a news conference in which he slammed the state’s decisions and stated the county’s intent to file a lawsuit.
Gelman, who sided with Blakeman, said “employee morale was at an alltime low,” at NUMC, and criticized the lack of a transition plan in place by the state as the hospital undergoes further changes.
County Democrats, including Legislator Seth Koslow, who is running against Blakeman for the county executive seat this November, called Blakeman’s move “a refusal to do his job.”
As a member of the county’s minority caucus, Koslow joined fellow legislators to demand transparency in regard to events that transpired with the NUMC board prior to the state’s takeover — including both an FBI probe and an alleged robbery at the home of Matthew Bruderman, the former hospital chair.
Ryan’s termination was with “cause,” according to a letter issued by Dr. Richard Becker, the new interim chief executive of the hospital. The letter showed that Ryan authorized payments of $3.5 million to herself and others around May 30, after the state legislature began its revamp of the board. It further stated that $1 million was in excess of amounts that were due to Ryan and other employees.
The payments allegedly served no valid purpose.
Newsday reported that Ryan’s defense attorney Alex Hartzbland said Ryan and former employees were entitled to the payments, which were authorized based on time lawfully accrued. Hartzbland told Newsday reporters that it is another “politically motivated hit” against Ryan as the new hospital leadership attempts to “distract from the state’s own corruption in the handling of NUMC’s finances.”
In an emailed statement from earlier this month, Gordon Tepper, the Long Island press secretary for Hochul, said the changes at the hospital are “the best
possible news for anyone who relied on NUMC.”
“Due to years of gross mismanagement under his watch, the hospital is in financial peril,” he said. “This is a desperately needed intervention. The state’s priorities for NUMC have always been ensuring quality patient care and achieving financial stability.”
By Danielle Schwab
The proud culture and legacy of Shinnecock Nation will be full display soon, representing the region’s cherished heritage. Everyone is invited to celebrate the arrival of a newly crafted dugout canoe at the museum, on June 30.
The Arrival Ceremony — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — is an opportunity for connection with our Indigenous community. Traditional songs, music and remarks from community leaders and culture bearers provide gratitude, context and a spiritual welcome as the canoe is greeted at its new home. Families can also participate in hands-on activities and sample traditional Native foods.
• June 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
The 10-foot 500-pound white pine mishoon, commissioned by Long Island Children’s Museum, was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation.
Named “Pewea Koowa,” or “Little Pine,” the vessel reflects the enduring relationship between Long Island’s waterways and the Indigenous communities who have lived in balance with the region’s waterways for generations.
“One of the most important things is for us to understand that the indigenous population is still here, as an active, living part of our community. We’re often taught ‘that’s the old times’ or ‘that was hundreds of years ago,’ when actually, no, they’re here. They’re part of us,” Museum President Erika Floreska says.
Carving the mishoon involves deep care — rooted in ancestral knowledge. It was crafted by hollowing out a 1,700-pound white pine tree using fire, controlled burning and hand tools — a method passed down through the generations.
“The best way to learn is to be an apprentice, because you have to know how to identify the right tree for the vessel,” says Bullock, who guided the project (her seventh mishoon) as lead artisan.
“You strip the bark off. You get the log right where you want it to be. Then, you roll it over and begin to start the fire on top of the log,” Bullock explains. “Once you light that fire, your eyes do not leave that mishoon at all. You are on that mishoon until it is complete.
“Paddling a mishoon in Shinnecock waters was a profoundly special experience for me. Throughout my life, I have crafted numerous mishoons, participated in a handful of maiden voyages, and paddled in many of them. However, this particular journey was unparalleled, as it took place in my home waters. Water holds memory, and I believe that in this moment, we unlocked memories for our community, as well as for the land and water that we cherish.”
Symbols carved into the vessel offer further cultural meaning. Bullock added a whale tail to honor the importance of whales in Indigenous life here.
“It begins to teach the kids what these mishoons were used for. It’s kind of hard for people to think about how our ancestors took these mishoons and actually hunted whales. Whales are a big part of our culture,” Bullock adds.
The mishoon will be placed in the museum’s upcoming permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me”, opening In October.
“It’s important to celebrate what makes Long Island unique and this connection to the ocean, but also our responsibility for taking care of it. The mishoon is a really good representation of the history, the ecology and the climate,” Floreska says.
In the spirit of reciprocity, resources for a second mishoon will be gifted to the Shinnecock community in September.
“The tradition of gifting and showing reciprocity in relationships is very important to represent the balance between each other. The idea of them gifting [the mishoon] to us, us gifting to them, is very symbolic,” she adds.
Everyone can also contribute to the making of a wampum belt from quahog clam shells, led by artist and educator Tecumseh Caesar during the event.
This ongoing collaboration between Indigenous communities and the museum offers meaningful ways for families to explore deep connections — not only to the land and water, but to histories that continue to shape the present.
“There’s a whole culture that we’ve inherited and that we have a responsibility to include and think about as we all work together to shape the future,” Floreska reminds us all.
finished
Get The Led Out
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” for two electrifying nights of classic rock, The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these bluessoaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and highoctane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. . With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion, GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock.
Friday and Saturday, June 27-28, 8 p.m. $75, $45, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Paula Poundstone
Get ready for an evening of razor-sharp humor and brilliantly unpredictable comedy with the one and only Paula Poundstone. When she’s not dishing out laughs as a beloved panelist on NPR, she’s hosting her wildly popular podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. It’s a quirky “comedy field guide to life,” filled with offbeat segments like taste tests, “cat of the week” tributes, and interviews. Her stand-up résumé is as robust as it is hilarious, with HBO specials like “Cats, Cops and Stuff, Goes to Harvard” and “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” In 2017, she added “bestselling author” to her list of accomplishments with “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness “— a laugh-out-loud account of her quirky quest for joy. Oh, and if her voice sounds familiar to your kids? That’s because she played Forgetter Paula in “Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out.”
Friday, June 27, 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; also June 29-30, July 2-3
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
June
28 On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s unveils its new exhibition, “At Play,” a survey of artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. Works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view June 28 to Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Kiwanis Club of East Meadow hosts its Kids Day event at East Meadow High School.
• Where: 101 Carman Ave.
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: eastmeadowkiwanis.org
and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week families create a vibrant firework painting. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Stroll
5
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Arnold Lobel’s “The Rose in My Garden” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org
Share in some lively repartee when four stand-up comedians — two men, two women, two are married, two are single — sling comedy barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.” The troupe — known for their elite brand of clever comedy as seen on late-night TV and Comedy Central appearances — is armed and ready with high-brow, clean fun. Laugh the night away wty tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this lively comic take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong — done with panache and good humor. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect comedic timing almost certainly gained from his years as a professional symphony musician; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and her onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or successfully fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun Eli shows you that there’s hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg (pictured), host of the comedy podcast Parenting Is A Joke with iHeart and Pretty Good Friends, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling. $40, $30.
CCE Nassau Farmers Market
Cornell Cooperative Extension hosts its farm stands throughout the summer at Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Field 8, East Meadow
• Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: ccenassau.org
Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and charities aligned with those of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’ signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb.
Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walk-ins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60.
• Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff
• Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine
• Contact: n2nbc.org
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for this inaugural poetry event. Join current Nassau County Poet Laureate, writermusician-educator Alan Semerdjian who hosts readings by former Laureates Paula Curci, Evelyn Kandel, Linda Opyr, and Gayl Teller. Readings will respond to the artwork on view in NCMA’s new exhibition “At Play – Artists & Entertainment.” Pre-registration recommended. $15, $10 seniors, $5 children, members free.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 4-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
TD Bank ‘Celebrate America’ Eisenhower Park welcomes the annual TD Bank Celebrate America Fireworks and Show. Enjoy tunes with Chicken Head and Glenn Strange Band, followed by fireworks. As always, bring seating. Rain date is July 5.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for a nighttime skywatching session at Old Westbury Gardens. Free with admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
Little Learners Art Lab Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary,
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to observe animal bath time and learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animals.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City.
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Afternoon tunes
Visit Eisenhower Park’s Field #1 for its Noontime Concert Series, featuring the Just Nuts Band.
• Where: Field 1, East Meadow
• Time: Noon
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or call (516) 459-7060
Having an event? Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District
The East Meadow School District congratulated W.T. Clarke Middle School’s Robotics Teams for their incredible showcase in this year’s Statewide Robotics Competition.
W.T. Clarke Middle School’s Robotics teams participated in this year’s Statewide Robotics Competition. Both teams placed within the top 3, receiving high scores on their presentations.
“The Fantastic 5” comprised Natalie Calabrese, Kyle Krauz, Nirav Nataraj, Arrisa Qu and Mathias Villanueva.
This team won first place in the competition and received a perfect score on their presentation. They were also the only team at the competition to both discover and solve a secret game that was hidden within the tournament.
“The Robo Rams” was made up of
Amitis Barzehkar, Sara Bhosale, Mohammad Islam, Aiden Khan, Aydin Sheikh and Hridhaan Shetty.
This team advanced to the semifinal round and ultimately placed in third place. They received a score of 98 out of 110 on their presentation.
Gregory Greco, a teacher at W.T. Clarke Middle School, led both of these teams.
The East Meadow School District offered congratulatory remarks to the students for their success in the competition.
–Jordan Vallone
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 2 TICKETS to watch New York Mets vs San Fransisco Giants at Citi Field.
Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.
Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 4 TICKETS to watch Long Island Ducks vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m.
Contest ends August 10th
midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
Scan this QR code https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//
June 26, 2025 — EAST
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION of SBB PLAINVIEW REALTY
LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/06/2025. Office location: Nassau Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 572 Haddon Ln, East Meadow, NY 11554. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 154053
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU FELICIA GROUP, INC., Plaintiff,
v. WILLIAM KISH, ALLYN OIL CO. INC., Defendants Index No. 617818/2022
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 14, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, ‘Rain or Shine’ on July 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M., premises known as 1455 Rose Lane, East Meadow, New York 11554, All those certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Section 50, Block 546, Lot 27. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $210,830.00 plus interest, fees, and costs and disbursements. Premises will be sold subject to the terms and conditions and provisions of filed Judgment Index No. 617818/2022 and terms of sale. The Premises is also sold subject to a first mortgage held by Metro City Bank given by William Kish, Mortgagor in the original amount of $385,000.00 dated May 9, 2028 and recorded May 22, 2018, in the office of the Clerk of Nassau County at Instrument 2018-44619 Book M, Volume 42849, Page 1. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID- 19 Protocols and as such all persons
must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.
LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.
MELISSA D. MOHAN, ESQ. – REFEREE THOMPSON LAW GROUP, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff 190 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, New York 11501 154176
LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE
L&L Associates Holding Corp., Plaintiff -against Jean Claude Masson a/k/a Jean Claud Masson a/k/a JeanClaude Masson, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
The Frank Law Firm P.C. 71 New Street, Huntington New York 11743 (516) 246-5577
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held June 17, 2025 by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 37-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 37-2025, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: June 17, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 154272
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST
C/O U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST JEAN LESLEY
JEAN-LOUIS AKA JEAN
LESLY JEAN-LOUIS, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Itend to keep my text groups limited, relying less on the social media apps and more on my phone to text people in the equivalent of one-onone dialogue or sometimes in a bunch that never exceeds three or four.
However, I have noticed that there’s a dynamic — especially if the group numbers more than ten — in which there is always someone who needs to be heard. A lot. They tell everyone what they do, what others should do like them and how they do it all whether asked or not. This is often couched as “being helpful” given their own experience, but when they write long, often and commandeer the conversation until it is not that at all — I instantly regret their insistent monologue.
Is it just me or is my boring, grammar-corrected, brief texts that just don’t hold the masses? I want to get in and get out of chats, deleting anything that isn’t needed to free up space on my phone. It’s the antithesis of this “post it now, share and react to all” texting behavior and I guess it’s not instinctive for me, having not been born in this 24/7 digital environment.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 18, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as Sec 11 Block 97, Lot 36-37. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608029/2021 and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 from the date of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine”. Original Sale
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 40-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held June 17, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 40-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 40-2025, amending Section 202-52 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to repeal “BUS STOPS” at various locations.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 12, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 24, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 33 2nd Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 11 Block 109 Lot 137 and 376. Approximate amount of judgment $409,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604695/2 023.
An example would be a week’s seminar I attended in New York in which visitors from all over the U.S. were introducing themselves via What’s App. There was one woman who spent before, during and after the event telling anyone who was online her trials and decisions every moment. Of course the irony is that you have to read all posts so as not to miss something important (a form of “reading” FOMO) which never really showed up. I tired quickly, both in print and in meeting her, considering my perception of her point of view went from “helpful” to narcissistic pretty quick.
Lawrence S. Farbman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-002694 85963 154228
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Date: June 10, 2025. Beth Chamow, Esq., Referee 154264
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
LOCAL LAW NO. 37-2025
Dated: June 17, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 154275
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 16285, Plaintiff, vs. ARK ESTATES INC., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 32 Valley Road, Old Westbury a/k/a Westbury, NY 11568 a/k/a 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon
erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Old Westbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 17, Block 12 and Lot 38. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,714,010.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603467/2023. John Boklak, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 252373-1 154242
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1, -againstVLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, 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 April 28, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1 is the
But we aren’t talking about Gen Alpha on the thread, we are talking about my fellow Baby-Boomers who use this electronic pulpit to post their logic and reasoning for something as simple as not attending a planned event. It’s okay, really. If you can’t make it, write your regrets. Not the great American novel.
And why I’m at it, maybe I should avoid comments about novels and instead start reading what everyone is talking of, the self-help book, “Let Them” by Mel Robbins. If I have the synopsis right, people need to focus on only what they can control in themselves. Maybe we texters, me included, could learn from that.
A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.
Plaintiff and VLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 29, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 839 WINTHROP DRIVE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554 and the following tax map identification 50-437-24. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EAST MEADOW, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY
OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611656/2021; Leslie Feifer, Esq., as Referee; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 154262
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Q. Our house was damaged by a fire over 10 years ago, renovated and finished. We are now refinancing, and discovered we have no “closed” permits for the work. Our bank says that they can’t continue processing until plumbing, electrical and building permits are finalized and we give the bank a copy of our certificate of occupancy. We aren’t sure why this happened, and we can’t reach the contractor or the plumber. We got a certificate that our electric was inspected. Can you explain what to do, how this happened and how long this could take? The bank is pushing us to get this done.
A. Speed and control of the project are the reason this happened. People doing construction need to get in, get out and get paid, and often there is little attention to documentation. Construction, with permits, has many steps that can be ignored. It’s rewarding to work with people in construction who respect the process.
Even with your emergency repair, the whole job, from planning to final paperwork, had to be done completely. The concern about time, and how quickly plans can be made and a permit received, sets the tone for the rest of the work. In his “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” Benjamin Franklin phrased it well: “Haste makes waste.” Rushing through planning can lead to delays if the plans are incomplete.
At each step, it seems, speed is of utmost importance. Banks, lawyers, insurance companies, contractors, real estate salespeople and building officials all have an interest, at some point, in moving you through the process of pushing for plans to be finished, a permit to be obtained and the construction work commenced. But plans and permits aren’t done by pushing a button on a computer. By diminishing this part of the process and only concentrating on getting the work done, other important parts are also ignored.
The back end of the job is making sure that each step of the work was inspected, and passes inspections. Covering up work before it is inspected is very common and done with purpose, often to avoid losing time, covering up inferior work or because the customer isn’t as important as their wallet.
You needed a full outline, a checklist, to follow through. The checklist would have shown you needed a final electrical inspection, for which you received a written certificate; a final plumbing inspection, which your plumber was required to arrange; and a final building inspection, which your contractor should have arranged. After the final inspection, you would have then received the final document you needed.
You’ll need to call your building department and confirm what inspections are needed. If you can’t find the plumber, you’ll need to either request the final plumbing inspection or spend the money to have another plumber follow through with starting the paperwork over again. Once these have been done, you’ll request the final building inspection walk-through, and hopefully thereafter receive the final certificate of completion. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Former New York City Police
Commissioner Bernie Kerik died recently. In many ways, Bernie’s death marked the beginning of the passing of an era. He was the commissioner when New York was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, and he became a symbol of New York’s resistance and courage with his leadership in the days, weeks and months afterward.
peter King
Before becoming commissioner, he was a heroic police officer and detective, receiving numerous departmental awards, including the Medal of Valor.
Rosemary and I were proud to call Bernie our friend, in good times and bad. And there were some bad times, primarily when he was imprisoned for ethical crimes for which he was later pardoned. A number of us believed that he had been targeted for prosecution, and that his sentence was excessive. But Kerik would be the first to admit he was no saint. He did his time and went on with his life. Besides occasionally getting together with him for dinner, I looked forward to the massive barbecues he hosted for police officers and veterans
at his home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. I believe in judging people on the entirety of their lives. For those who knew him or even just observed him, Kerik passed that test. The respect and admiration for him were amply demonstrated by the crowd of mourners at his funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who shared memories of Bernie — especially his loyalty to friends, his patriotism and his unwavering leadership after 9/11.
In addition to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the attendees included law enforcement officials, government leaders and well-known New Yorkers.
HCairo and I went after President Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally. On the day of the funeral, Kash described Kerik as a “titan among men” and “our warrior in the Colosseum when the world needed saving.”
e came to symbolize New York’s courage in the aftermath of Sept. 11.
The day of the funeral, Rosemary and I arrived early. Among the first people we met outside the cathedral was famed journalist and media personality Geraldo Rivera, a longtime friend of Kerik’s. Rivera and I spoke about the times we spent with Bernie during his tough days, and how tough he was during those days.
Also outside the cathedral was FBI Director Kash Patel. The last time I had seen Kerik was with Patel last October at Il Milano Restaurant in Manhattan, where County Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Chairman Joe
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and FDNY Commissioner Tom Von Essen, the city officials who were closest to Kerik in leading New York back after 9/11, appeared heartbroken and devastated. Current Mayor Eric Adams also attended, and I commended him for authorizing this ceremonial tribute to Kerik.
I also spoke with the NYPD’s longest-serving commissioner, Ray Kelly, and current Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Kelly succeeded Kerik, and served for 12 years as commissioner. I met Tisch when she served as Kelly’s deputy commissioner for information and technology.
The NYPD Pipes & Drums performed, and many hundreds of NYPD officers lined up to pay their respects. Before the Mass began, Rosemary and I had the chance to meet in the cathedral with Dolan, a true man of God and a man for all seasons who always supports the efforts of the men and women in blue.
The hearse carrying Kerik’s remains arrived outside the cathedral as the bag-
pipes blared. Then the flag-draped coffin was carried up the steps of the cathedral to be blessed by Dolan, who led the funeral procession of family members and friends up the center aisle to the altar. Rosemary and I sat with Joe Lhota, formerly Giuliani’s deputy mayor, who is now chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center.
The funeral was definitely a celebration of Kerik’s life, best summarized by an opening sentence of NYPD Chaplain Msgr. David Cassato’s eulogy, which elicited laughter and knowing smiles as he patted the coffin: “Each of us has a Bernie Kerik story.” Kerik’s brother and his son Joe, a hero Newark SWAT team cop, also delivered moving eulogies.
At the conclusion of the funeral, Kerik’s coffin was carried from the cathedral. Taps was played. The American flag was taken from the coffin and presented to Bernie’s widow, Halla, by Patel and Giuliani. Accompanied by the pipe band playing “America the Beautiful,” the hearse headed slowly south on Fifth Avenue. A man who had done so much to lead New York through its darkest hour was leaving the arena. But the memories would remain. Bernie Kerik, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Alot of people are upset about the recent reports of the murder of the former speaker of the Minnesota legislature. If there is a list of concerned citizens, please put me at the top. Having served in elected office for 23 years, I have good reason to be worried about the fate of thousands of public officials who dedicate their lives to serving us. We are living in very sick times, and it’s time for the American people to become a part of the solution and not the problem. Less than two weeks ago, a deranged man took it upon himself to launch a carefully orchestrated campaign to kill elected officials in Minnesota. He created an enemies list and armed himself with AK-47s and other deadly weapons. You will note that I do not describe his victims and intended targets as Democratic lawmakers because party affiliation does not give potential murderers a free pass to kill only certain people. The Minnesota horror show coincid-
Ded with the eighth anniversary of the mass shooting during a practice session for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia. U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican, suffered serious injuries that have left him with permanent disabilities. His attacker also shot three other people. It is coincidental that Scalise’s attacker was angry with Republicans, and the Minnesota killer had grievances with Democrats.
These events are part of a long history of people acting out of hatred for elected officials. In January 2011, U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting in Casas Adobes, Arizona. Six innocent people were killed that day. The assassin was Jared Lee Loughner, who had a longstanding grievance with Giffords. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
today, whether you’re a Democratic or Republican official, there’s a target on your back and there are an abundance of people out there who want to harm you.
emocrat or Republican, there are lots of people out there who want to harm you.
Some people think the solution to this madness is providing more security guards for certain officials. That easy fix would cost taxpayers billions of dollars, and is not the solution. Instead, the first step is to voice loud criticism of anyone who supports violence against any elected official. Shortly after the Minnesota slaughter of two innocents, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee baselessly suggested that their assassination was connected to the political left.
The second solution to this constant wave of horror is very much in the hands of the political establishment, starting with President Trump, who has escaped two attempts on his life. It is incumbent on him to set a new tone against violence by either side. While the nation might be split politically, a president who speaks out on this issue is doing all Americans a favor.
Aside from my worry for the people who currently serve the people, I am deeply concerned about the impact these attacks will have on potential candidates for public office. I think if I were interested in running for the first time, my family would be begging me to reconsider. If qualified people decide that being an elected official is too dangerous, the country, and our system of government, will be the losers.
Since that time there have been countless cases of violence against public officials. President Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts, and just two months ago, another deranged person attempted to kill Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro by setting fire to the governor’s mansion. Sadly,
“This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way,” Lee wrote on his personal X account with an image of suspected murderer Vance Boelter. In a follow-up tweet, he wrote “Nightmare on Waltz Street” in a misspelled reference to Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Waltz. Lee’s comments were met with a firestorm of complaints, but to date he has not retreated from his inflammatory remarks. If they go uncensored by the Senate leadership, America is the loser.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that this cycle of violence will end, but it won’t be without all Americans being a part of a new crusade.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Summer should be a time of freedom, fun and new experiences for young people. But for teenage and young-adult drivers, the warmest months of the year come with a chilling nickname: the 100 Deadliest Days.
During this span, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike significantly. The reasons are numerous and well documented — but the solutions are equally clear and achievable, if families and communities act with urgency.
Between 2019 and 2023, 13,135 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving teen drivers. One more person per day died in those crashes during the summer than at any other time of the year, according to an American Automobile Association analysis of accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why is this time of year so deadly for young drivers?
The first and most obvious reason is increased time on the road. School is out, teens have more freedom, and that translates to more hours behind the wheel — many of them without adult supervision. This newfound autonomy can lead to increased exposure to risky situations, especially for drivers still learning the nuances of safe vehicle operation, who often create those situation.
Then there are the social factors. Summer is filled with gatherings, beach trips and late nights with friends. Often, teen drivers are not alone in the car, so
To the Editor:
It was refreshing to see a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, offering ideas about the concerns of everyday people in his op-ed last week, “Centrist Democrats need to listen, learn and lead.”
Suozzi wrote a column not once bashing President Trump.
He went one step further. He sent a letter to the president about working together to address border security, immigration reform and a path to legalization, and the release of a bagel manager from Port Washington who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Working with the president may not make Suozzi popular with his fellow Democrats, but the majority of the people approve of both parties cooperating.
It’s what the people want, not about the power of the parties.
Recent developments involving Iran are more reasons why we should heal our divi -
each fatal crash involving a teen has the increased chance of claiming a number of lives. The distractions of conversation, music, phones and peer pressure can divert a driver’s attention at exactly the wrong moment. Reading and sending text messages, as well as watching and recording TikTok and Instagram videos, while driving are accidents waiting to happen, too.
Inexperience compounds the problem. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted, teen drivers are still developing the judgment and skills they need to respond to rapidly changing road conditions. They may fail to recognize hazards, misjudge distances or respond too late to hazardous situations. Add common behaviors such as speeding and driving under the influence, and it becomes clear why summer teen crash statistics rise so predictably.
Other risks are more situational, but just as serious: unfamiliar routes, fatigue from erratic summer sleep schedules, heat-related vehicle problems and heavy seasonal traffic. Each of those factors can test a teen’s ability to maintain control behind the wheel.
What can, and should, parents do without unnecessarily limiting their children’s freedom? First, set clear rules about when, where and with whom they can drive. That includes enforcing curfews and limiting the number of passengers that can accompany them. Research has consistently shown that the presence of more than one teenager in a car increases the risk of a
crash.
Second, lead by example. Teens model the behavior they see. Parents should avoid using phones while driving, follow traffic laws and show that safe driving is a lifelong habit — not just the subject of a lecture.
Open, honest communication is also vital. Conversations about the dangers of drinking, drugs and distracted driving should be ongoing, not one-time talks. When teens understand the reallife consequences of risky driving, they’re more likely to make responsible choices.
Technology can help, too. Apps that provide driving feedback and location tracking — like those recommended by Family1st GPS — offer an added layer of safety and accountability. These tools aren’t about spying; they’re about creating a support system.
Emphasize safety basics: always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and keeping eyes on the road and off the phone.
The 100 Deadliest Days will continue to claim many more lives than they should until families, schools and communities step up. Public service campaigns, driver education refreshers and localized policies — like New York state’s Zero Tolerance law, which dramatically reduced the allowable blood alcohol content for drivers under age 21 — can make an impact.
This summer, let’s treat teen driving safety like the urgent public health issue it is — and make sure that the road to adulthood isn’t cut short by tragedy.
As the leader of the Democratic caucus in the Nassau County Legislature, I’ve always believed that public service is about one thing: delivering results for the people who elected us. That means putting partisanship aside and focusing on what matters — keeping our communities safe, ensuring fair access to resources and doing the hard work of good government.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to fight tooth and nail for basic fairness from the administration of County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Until recently, over $1.3 million in grant funding for first responders in Democratic districts was being blocked. That’s not just wrong; it’s dangerous. Meanwhile, the county executive approved 34 Republican-backed projects worth $2.5 million, many of them nearly identical to the proposals submitted by
Democrats. Thirty-four to zero. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a political blockade.
Our Democratic team wasn’t going to let that slide. We made the decision to leverage our power on the capital plan, something that can’t pass without a 13-vote supermajority. We drew a line in the sand and demanded that these long-overdue grants be awarded. The result? A month later, we secured the funding our districts deserved, and we passed a capital plan that invests in roads, buildings, parks and other critical infrastructure across the county.
cosplay isn’t what Nassau families asked for, and we deserve full transparency about how such a dangerous and misguided idea was ever allowed to take root.
We got the job done by demanding that longoverdue grants be awarded.
That’s what happens when you stand up instead of standing by. We got the job done.
But make no mistake, our work is far from over. We’re still holding this administration accountable, especially when it comes to public safety.
My colleagues on the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee are continuing their legal efforts to dismantle Blakeman’s reckless, unauthorized “armed militia.” Taxpayer-funded paramilitary
sions. There are many external actors who would like to see our country torn apart. We shouldn’t make it so easy for them.
TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside
To the Editor:
Organizations in New York can pay a person with a disability as little as 5 cents hour, and it is legal. This must end.
It’s time for the state to eliminate the subminimum wage and treat people with disabilities with the fairness they deserve. The State Senate has passed Bill S.28 to do just that, and now it’s time for the Assembly to act before their session ends.
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand what people with differing abilities can accomplish when given the chance. My son, John Cronin, co-founded a business with me, John’s Crazy Socks, and we have learned that hiring people with differing abilities isn’t charity; it’s good business. More than half of our employees have a disability. They work hard, produce extraordinary results, and earn the same wage as their colleagues.
The subminimum wage law, a relic of 1938, allows people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents an hour. That’s not just outdated, it’s wrong. It tells people that their labor, and their lives, are worth less.
New York should lead the nation by ending this discriminatory practice. No more second-class workers. No exceptions. I urge the Assembly to pass S.28 and help build a more inclusive and just future for all.
MARk X. CRONIN
Cofounder and president, John’s Crazy Socks Farmingdale
We’re also facing a crisis that cuts across every ZIP code, every income level, every community: the opioid epidemic.
Nassau County has received nearly $100 million in opioid settlement funds from drug manufacturers, money meant to save lives. Yet barely $5 million of it has actually been spent. That’s inexcusable. People are dying while bureaucracy and mismanagement keep help out of their reach.
That’s why we took action. To break through the delays and dysfunction, the Legislature approved the hiring of an outside firm to manage a public grant portal that will finally move this process forward. This change will help expedite funding to the nonprofits and agencies that provide prevention, treatment and recovery services. We’re making sure
the money gets where it belongs, which is with people and organizations fighting to save lives.
Through all of this, I remain inspired by the everyday heroes in our communities: first responders, educators, nurses, outreach workers and so many others who make Nassau County a better place. It’s their example that keeps me going, and it’s why I will never stop fighting for a government that serves everyone, not just the politically connected few.
So whether it’s pushing for fairness in funding, protecting our communities from dangerous policies or getting lifesaving resources into the right hands, know this: The Democratic caucus is united, we are focused, and we are just getting started. We’ll keep showing up. We’ll keep holding this administration accountable. And we’ll keep fighting for you.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District, and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”
•
“It feels like my feet are under attack by fIre ants.”
•
“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”
And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.
“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W. Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.
“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”
While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman’s terms, the cause is unknown.
This was the case with Rose.
“Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least. “
Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.
was this acupuncturist in the article claiming a 90% success rate in treating neuropathy!
I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am
AJae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common.
work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims Rose. “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.
lmost all of my neuropathy patients have been told there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope, says Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture.
“Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”
Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring lae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here
265 Post Ave. Suite 280, Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 500-8281 info@westburyacupuncture.com cancer rate treating that I did.” of years,” you’ve
If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.
Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit Westbury Acupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.
To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”
“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”
Four months after treatment, Rose IS back at
Four months after treatment, Rose IS back at