Sewanhaka spirit kicks off season Page 3 library showcases indigo artwork Page 10
eleanor Rizzuto, wearing a birthday sash, at her 104th birthday celebration at the plattdeutsche Home Society. as a World War ii nurse, she served at battlefields in north africa and italy.
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Eleanor Rizzuto, a World War II veteran and the oldest resident at the Plattdeutsche Home Society in Franklin Square, celebrated her 104th birthday on Sept. 29, surrounded by fellow residents and staff, among others.
Dozens of guests gathered in the basement dining hall at noon to honor Rizzuto, who has been a resident of the home for seven years, and topped off their lunch with a large vanilla birthday cake decorated with chocolate frosting
The attendees included Angel Hinostroza,
a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718; John Spavins, a life member of the 42nd Infantry Division Rainbow Association; and Rizzuto’s niece Jane Rizzuto.
Rizzuto began preparing for a nursing career in 1939, at age 18, studying for three years at King’s County Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn. In 1942, she enlisted in the Army, and was deployed to serve as a bedside nurse at battle sites that same year. She served in North Africa and Italy during her deployment.
“I always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was a little girl,” Rizzuto said, recalling her
Continued on page 7
Students plan futures at fair Page 16
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Giving Back to Community Corp. will support feeding 200 families in Elmont and surrounding neighborhoods for Thanksgiving and over 3,000 citizens of Onitsha, Nigeria, for the holidays after raising over $17,000 on Sept. 27 at the annual Hearts in Action Gala at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck.
Over 100 guests in attendance were treated to dinner, wine, music, raffles, auctions, and speeches about the charity’s mission by several keynote speakers.
We want our organization to be known to everybody. I feel like when we unite, we stand stronger.
pledged to match the final donation number, which Emeagwali said were still being counted as of press time. Additional sponsors include Eugene Agbimson, Oduche Igboechi, Mary Eisenstein, Carl Ellis, Walic Beverage Distributor Inc., located in Brooklyn, and State of the Art Physical Therapy, which is Emeagwali’s practice located in Valley Stream.
EmiliaN EmEagWali Founder, Giving
Back to Community Corp.
“It’s just a nice day of memories,” Emilian Emeagwali, founder of the charity, said. “It’s teaming up together in the spirit of unity and helping our neighbors.”
In addition to the funds raised at the gala, one of the charity’s longtime supporters and donors, Jackie Grabin,
The charity honored Joseph Ramirez, Nassau County’s regional representative at the state’s executive chamber in Albany. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was not in attendance, sent a certificate of recognition of the charity and its volunteers, as did County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
In addition to the food distributions, Emeagwali said the charity plans to support 20 women in Nigeria with $200-300 to invest in their businesses.
Continued on page 11
By RENEE DeLORENZO
rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce is looking to expand its network of local entrepreneurs and strengthen the community’s business base. At its general meeting at Salvatore’s of Elmont Pizzeria and Restaurant on Sept. 30, chamber leaders encouraged members to recruit new businesses and discussed ongoing initiatives to enhance the business district and boost local visibility.
With storefront vacancies and rising costs still affecting the local economy, chamber officials emphasized collaboration, networking, and creative outreach to help small businesses thrive.
Here are three things to know about the meeting:
businesses joined the chamber
The chamber welcomed several new members to its growing network of local professionals, including Brooklyn Kitchen, Tile and Design, Planet Pooch, and Garden Care Center. Each business brings unique services to Franklin Square, from home renovation and design to pet care and senior rehabilitation. Leaders encouraged members to support one another through referrals, partnerships and community engagement. The new additions reflect the chamber’s ongoing effort to strengthen its presence along Hempstead Turnpike and Franklin Avenue while inviting other local entrepreneurs to join.
Franklin Square’s business corridor is getting a facelift, thanks in part to a $10,000 PSEG grant recently awarded to the chamber. The funds will support the installation of new “Welcome to Franklin Square” signs at key entry points around the hamlet. Chamber leaders also reminded members that PSEG’s Main Street Revitalization Program offers up to $25,000 in grants for businesses that make improvements to their storefronts or interiors. Members were encouraged to apply for the program and use the opportunity to enhance curb appeal, attract more customers, and contribute to local economic renewal.
media campaign idea introduced
To strengthen visibility and attract more members, the chamber announced potential plans for a new social media campaign highlighting local businesses. The initiative would feature short video interviews and photos introducing owners, showcasing their services, and sharing how they support the Franklin Square community. The goal is to increase engagement across digital platforms and encourage residents to shop and support locally. Chamber board member Guiliano Burgelis would spearhead the project alongside President Santino Sarrica, with filming scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 | 8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M. The Heritage Club at Bethpage
For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
HONORING
COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO Luv Michael FIRST RESPONDER HEROES Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize DISASTER HERO Jennifer Keane
YOUTH HEROES Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein
Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Sewanhaka High School celebrated its homecoming with an energetic parade on Oct. 4, kicking off the new season with a burst of pride.
The event, hosted at the high school on Tulip Avenue, brought together students, staff, alumni and community members for a morning of school spirit and unity.
The parade featured colorful floats, spirited performances and plenty of purple and gold as participants marched across the campus, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators, and rallied for the Ravens.
Several local officials were in attendance, including Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Nassau County Legislator John Giuffre and Town Councilman Thomas Muscarella, who joined the community in celebrating the Ravens’ homecoming traditions.
–Renee DeLorenzo
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Ann Landers, who published her weekly advice column from 1955 to 2002 listed this as one of her top ten most requested columns – republishing it seven times in her long career.
Dear Ann: Let this letter be a wake-up call to all sons, daughters, and grandchildren. The message I want to convey is this: YOUR INHERITANCE IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IT’S A GIFT.
I am an estate planner. Over the last several years, I have seen many clients change their wills, bypassing children and grandchildren, and leave their money to friends, charities, and people they once worked with who were kind and helpful.
There are many reasons for changing a will, but the two most common are disrespect and isolation. In some families, the only time the old folks see the grandchildren is when their parents need a favor–usually, it’s money. So, the message the old folks wish to convey is as follows: “You didn’t make time for me when I was lonely and would have enjoyed your company, so why should I leave you the
money I worked for all my life?”
Wake up out there. An inheritance isn’t something that is owed to you. It is a gift of love. When there is no love, there should be no gift. — Manasota, Fla.
We like to say that your “family” are those you love and who love you. The rest are your relatives. Or, put another way, it’s not who you’re related to, it’s who you relate to.
For those who have children, the inheritance is usually left to the children in equal shares. However, there is no legal requirement to do so. One of the first concepts we learned in estate planning is that “there is nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Are some considerably better off than others? Has one been more attentive, more caring, gone out of their way for you? Where distributions will be unequal, we often suggest leaving a letter, to be opened after your death, explaining the reasons for your decision. A discussion with an experienced estate planning attorney often will provide ideas and options that you may not have thought of.
• Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, County Legislator Carrié Solages is partnering with NuHealth and the Women’s Ministry of Emanuel Baptist Church in Elmont to offer free breast cancer screenings to women over the age of 40 on Saturday, Oct. 18, according to a news release from Solages’s office.
The NuHealth breast cancer screening van will be stationed at the church, 1880 Pelham St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program provides mammograms, breast exams by a nurse and self-examination instructions for women.
Screenings are free for uninsured women who meet eligibility guidelines, the news release stated, while insured patients may have a copayment. Women who have not had a mammogram in the
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Emanuel Baptist Church 1880 Pelham Street, Elmont
Contact: Office of Legislator Carrié Solages (516) 571-6203
CSolages@NassauCountyNY.gov
past year will need a prescription from their doctor and any prior films, if available.
Appointments are required. For more information, or to schedule, contact Solages’s office at 516-571-6203 or email CSolages@NassauCountyNY.gov.
–Renee DeLorenzo
A new state law signed Oct. 3 expands the residential parking permit system within Elmont to include all of Sussex Road.
The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, authorizes the town board to create a permit system and set applicable parking fees within the designated residential area.
Previously, state law established a
parking permit system on streets adjacent to Sussex Road, as well as a portion of Sussex above 109th Street.
The new measure allows local officials to address growing parking congestion and protect residential access near commercial and transit-heavy zones, such as UBS Arena on Hempstead Turnpike.
–Renee DeLorenzo
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/franklinsquare or www.liherald.com/elmont
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■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail:
Fax: (516) 622-7460
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Polk Street School welcomed new students with a “Fun with New Friends” lunch on Sept. 26, giving them a chance to connect with one another and staff while enjoying lunch and snacks.
According to a news release about the event, it was led by Principal Gilbert Torossian, Assistant Principal John Trotta, School Psychologist Kaitlin Scorcia and Social Worker Christina Luca.
Students took part in school-themed
trivia, including questions such as “Who is our mascot?” and “What year was the school built?” They also shared what they love about Polk Street so far and how it differs from their previous school.
The luncheon provided opportunities for students to meet not only classmates, the news release said, but also administrators and specialized instructional support staff.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Students and staff shared lunch, snacks and schoolthemed trivia as part of the event designed to build connections and ease the transition
A TWO-WAY LINEMAN for the reigning Nassau and Long Island champions, Anaya completed a rare daily double on the defensive side of the ball for the Seahawks in a 35-14 victory at South Side Sept. 27. His sack in the end zone for a safety put Carey ahead for good in the second quarter. Then, late in the fourth, he scooped up a fumble forced by Justin DePietro and raced 69 yards for the game-sealing touchdown as the team won its 15th straight.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Girls Soccer: Elmont at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Long Beach at Kennedy 4:45 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Mepham at Garden City 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Garden City at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: North Shore at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Long Beach at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Boys Soccer: South Side at Malverne/ERock 7 p.m.
Girls Soccer: West Hempstead at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10
Football: Malverne at Seaford 6 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Syosset 6 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Plainedge 6 p.m.
Football: Clarke at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Football: Calhoun at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. Central at Glen Cove 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Football: Mepham at Garden City 1 p.m.
Football: South Side at Wantagh 2 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Baldwin 2 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at Lynbrook 2 p.m.
Football: Herricks at Freeport 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall 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.
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
The young and hungry Elmont girls’ volleyball team is back in championship form.
After hovering around the .500 mark last season following back-to-back conference titles, the Spartans improved to 5-1 in Nassau Conference A-II after defeating Valley Stream North for the second time this year, rallying to win in four sets last Friday evening after dropping the first 18-25.
It was again the sophomores that keyed the victory. Setter Myles Campbell continued her all-world season with 39 more assists and four aces, Arielle Aifuobhokhan had 15 kills and Marley Gobern-Moss added nine.
Not to be outdone by the youngsters, junior Nia Massey had eight kills of her own and senior Philicity Casiano sealed the win with a kill before serving the match-point ace.
The victory continued a dominant stretch for the Spartans, whom are now 19-7 in sets this fall. Their only loss came to Floral Park on Sept. 16 — a match in which they won the first set 25-18 before falling in four.
Elmont coach Terry Ianniello said the team’s youth has been a source of energy and determination.
“We have a very young group,” she said. “They’re talented sophomores — really strong, very competitive, and they just love the game. These kids are old-school gym rats. When I say practice is over, they’ll say, ‘Come on, another 15 minutes.’”
Derrick Dingle/Herald
Marley Gobern-Moss had 9 kills last Friday as the Spartans moved to 5-1 in conference play with a win at Valley Stream North.
The coach also credited the team’s athleticism and ability to adjust under pressure as major reasons for its success.
“We’re a very good hitting team when we swing,” Ianniello said. “I have leapers, jumpers, athletes. They’re learning where to place the ball, but they also power through and hit hard. Defensively, we’re making great adjustments because they
can move.”
At the heart of the offense is Campbell, whom has quickly become one of the county’s most reliable setters. She set the tone with a whopping 51 assists in the season opener over Valley Stream South, added 43 more in a four-set victory at Lawrence on Sept. 29, and entered this week’s action with 216.
“She’s got beautiful hands,” Ianniello said. “She moves well on the court and knows how to dictate who’s getting the ball and when. It’s like having a quarterback who knows the game.”
Christina Bayne, the lone starting senior, anchors the lineup in the middle. “She’s my leader and my captain,” Ianniello said. “She’s the spark on the court — the one motivating everyone, keeping them focused, and leading by example. She’s the kind of player you want out there in big moments.”
The lefty Branch leads the team with 25 aces, 10 more than second-place Casiano and Campbell. Junior Rowan Christian-Campbell already reached the century mark in digs, with Aifuobhokban contributing 80.
Ianniello also praised her bench players as the “unsung heroes” of the program as they continually help the starters prepare for each game.
“They’re the kids in the trenches every day,” she said. “They make the starters better. The energy from our bench is unbelievable.”
Elmont’s next challenge comes at home against Lawrence this Saturday, followed by a visit to Valley Stream South Oct. 15.
enlistment with a group of new colleagues. “We were young, we were happy and we were going to do this big job.”
During her three years of service, she tended to wounded soldiers on the battlefield — and many times she was the last comforting face they saw before they died of severe injuries.
Rizzuto said she still struggles with her memories of the war. “When I think of them, it’s hard,” she said of those soldiers. “I feel sorry for those I lost and those that I never saw again.”
Hinostroza noted the sacrifices that nurses like Rizzuto made to provide comfort and hope despite the horrors they witnessed on the battlefield. He spoke to residents during the birthday celebration, honoring Rizzuto on behalf of Charles Evans Center Health Care, a nonprofit healthcare organization, and the U.S. armed forces.
The emotional and physical toll on nurses during the war was nothing short of traumatic, Hinostroza said. But because of the supportive role they played, he added, they were viewed as “angels of the battlefield.”
“Her bravery, selflessness and the sacrifices made not just to heal, but to provide comfort and hope in the face of extreme adversity,” Hinostroza said of Rizzuto, “embody a powerful sense of humanity and duty in a chaotic environment.”
At her birthday celebration last year, Hinostroza gave her a small bronze statue of an angel holding a wounded soldier.
Spavins, who met Rizzuto in February 2024, at the annual George Washington Birthday Celebration and Dinner Dance at the Plattdeutsche restaurant next door, expressed his deep respect for her, and noted how traumatic the war experience was for all who served in
medical positions, many of whom were drafted alongside soldiers.
Nurses like Rizzuto were tasked not only with treating soldiers, but also supporting the doctors who performed battlefield surgery, emotionally as well as medically. His own childhood doctor served in the war, Spavins said tearfully, and was never the same after he returned.
“The fact that we have someone like
Eleanor with us is extremely special,” Spavins said. “All the guys in the association feel very much the same way.”
According to Plattdeutsche staff, Rizzuto is resilient. “She’s a tough cookie,” Maria Drauch, the facility’s program coordinator, said. Drauch added that Rizzuto often refers to other residents as “the young fellows.”
Teasha Wells, director of nursing at the senior home, said that Rizzuto needs help with almost nothing. At times, said Wells, who’s worked at the Plattdeutsche for 13 years, Rizzuto even asks if she needs help tending to other residents. Ultimately, though, Wells said, laughing, Rizzuto acknowledges that she must “pass down the baton” to Wells and relinquish her former nursing duties.
While Rizzuto’s eyesight and hearing are poor, Wells said, Rizzuto always recognizes her. “She always has her wits about her,” Wells said. “She’s just a gift to this place.”
While Rizzuto said she is happy to have made it this far in life, she feels at peace now, near the end of her journey. She said she has been well taken care of at the Plattdeutsche, and has no complaints about her day-to-day life.
The only thing she hopes for, she said, is for the world to never see war again. “I just pray that we don’t ever have any more wars,” Rizzuto said. “It doesn’t do a thing. It only kills young people. I hope nobody ever has to see it again.”
New Nassau County family medicine practice offers more time, more convenience and a focus on prevention.
When you need to see your doctor, can you get a convenient appointment? How long do you have to wait? Does your doctor spend time with you listening and answering your questions? Do they personalize your care based on your needs?
For most primary care patients, convenient appointments with a doctor who has time to answer questions and discuss care options are more of a dream than a reality. But at Dr. Harold Sirota’s new family medicine practice in Valley Stream, Nassau County patients are experiencing that dream. Dr. Sirota is affiliated with MDVIP, the leader in personalized medicine.
Sirota offers same- and next-day appointments with a strong focus on preventive care in his new practice, which opened in August. He sees fewer patients, so he has more time and can offer longer appointments. He has time to listen, answer questions and coach patients.
“In this new practice, you don’t have to wait days, weeks or months to see me,” Dr. Sirota says. “Patients can get same- and next-day appointments. I’m also available after hours for urgent matters.”
Dr. Sirota was inspired to go into medicine by his family. was the first vascular surgeon in the state of New York, an osteopathic physician, and I was drawn to the way he lived his life, the way he took care of people,” Dr. Sirota says.
“My sister and my two brothers were all physicians, and we passed it down to family. My daughter’s a physician, my niece is a physician, and we all believe that we were compelled to come to the medical field to help people, to give them a better quality of life through medicine.”
The heart of Dr. Sirota’s new practice is the MDVIP Wellness Program. Each year, patients will receive advanced screenings and diagnostic tests not typically covered by insurance. The program looks at risk in more than 12 key areas of health, from heart and brain health to bone strength and emotional well-being.
Dr. Sirota will use the results of these tests to personalize a wellness program for patients.
“I love helping others. I love being part of their overall health environment and really having a good time with them”
Patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices experience better health outcomes, according to 10 published studies, including:
• 79% fewer hospitalizations compared to traditional primary care
• 72% fewer ER visits and urgent care visits versus traditional primary care
• Better control of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than patients in traditional practices
They are also more satisfied with their care: 97% of patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices are satisfied with their doctor versus 58% in traditional practices.
“I love helping others. I love being part of their overall health environment and really having a good time with them,” Dr. Sirota says. “I want my patients to come in looking forward to seeing me. I want a practice where we can laugh and not only talk about healthcare but also about my patients’ personal needs and their lives.”
Dr. Sirota is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, board-certified in family medicine and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice. He went to medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Peninsula Hospital in Far Rockaway, NY. He is chairman of the department of primary care and an associate professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.
His new practice is located at 210 East Sunrise Highway, Suite 303, in Valley Stream. You can also learn more about his practice by
mdvip.com/Sirota.
MDVIP-affiliated
Members
97%
The artwork of Bernadette Puleo is currently displayed at the Franklin Square Public Library, introducing patrons to what Puleo describes as the “mysterious”and “magical” world of indigo.
The exhibit showcases 16 of Puleo’s pieces in the first floor meeting room, as well as various other projects placed in two display cases at the circulation desk in the lobby. The exhibit will remain at the library through the month of October.
Puleo, a local artist, indigo grower, dyer, educator and designer, worked as a professional graphic and textile designer until retiring in 2020. She has further delved into her artistry since.
Her journey with indigo began in 2002 when she came across an ad for indigo seeds in the back of Fiber Arts Magazine, she wrote in a short biography. It prompted her to further explore the use of Persicaria Tinctoria, or Japanese Indigo.
For over 20 years, Puleo has continued to use indigo dyed cloth to embed in pulp and create pulp paintings. She has also experimented with shibori techniques, she wrote, and created embroideries and watercolor paintings.
“It is the magical process in which the indigo pigment expresses itself on cloth through oxidation that captivated me,” Puleo wrote. “I consider myself a messenger of one of nature’s secrets.”
According to Puleo, her artwork is merely the beginning of her exploration into the “marvelous” pigment.
–Renee DeLorenzo
“Rose Tree,” top, is a fabric collage with leaves and grass that were stamped using indigo leaves. “Splash,” bottom, is a pulp painting that uses handmade paper with embedded indigo dyed cloth and yarn.
“Wisdom Vest,” which is made of cloth hand dyed and painted with natural indigo, is a compilation of sketches Puleo created during a transitional part of her life and is intentionally left unfinished because, as she writes, “we are always a work in progress as we journey through life.”
“Hung Out to Dry (Homage to Shibori Artists),” is made of dryer sheets dyed with indigo, painted with acrylic and trimmed with appliqued indigo leaves stamped onto clear tape.
assorted grasses. “Rising Tide,” bottom, is a sculpture created by Puleo using indigo dyed rayon yard.
“A Cat Named Blue,” top, is an embroidery of Puleo’s line sketches of her cat. “Robin’s Nest,” center, is an embroidery of eggs representing home, nurturing and life. “Le Chat et La Lune,” bottom, is a fabric collage with embroidery and indigo stems.
She said she believes supporting women is essential to break the cycle of poverty.
Chinedu Okala, a professor of arts and associate dean of liberal arts at Norfolk State University in Virginia, has attended the gala for the past five years and delivered speeches on the topic of poverty and hunger. He said he often discusses the topic with his students, as well.
“I talk about grander theories of life that we cannot gloss over because they are germane to human existence itself,” he said. “Everybody gets hungry. The difference is that for some people, there’s a means to address it. But a good number of our fellow human beings are hopelessly incapacitated toward banishing hunger.”
He said his work at Giving Back to Community is about bringing like-minded people together through community outreach and providing tangible solutions to hunger, whether it be funds or food.
“When you have a leader like Emilian,” Okala said, “who truly dedicates her heart to making sure this happens, she leaves no stone unturned.”
He said he hopes the charity, which he views as a microcosm of the larger mission, can expand to meet the needs of more communities.
Everett Leach, a volunteer who attended this year’s gala, said he began
Steve Sachs/Herald
attendees of the annual Hearts in action gala gathered at Leonard’s palazzo in great neck to support giving Back to Community Corp., which raised over $17,000 to feed families in elmont and onitsha, nigeria.
volunteering with his wife, Harietta Leach, after Harietta began seeing Emeagwali for physical therapy services. He recalled Emeagwali discussing the charity, and it resonated with him.
Being part of the charity, he explained, helps him be part of something bigger than himself.
“It was the dream to be able to help out others in the community,” Everett
said. “Not only in this community, but in any community where help is needed.”
Everett has assisted the charity for five years, raising funds for scholarships, school supplies, food distributions, and toy drives, which are all hosted out of Emeagwali’s Valley Stream office.
However, he said the office is too small to conduct the charity’s events,
and he and Emeagwali both hoped the recognition of local and state politicians could help promote the charity’s mission and convince officials to allocate funds for a new location so the charity can grow its operation.
“There are people who need it,” Everett said, noting that many families suffer due to no fault of their own. “Organizations like this are needed.”
Luckily, Everett continued, many attendees of the gala expressed interest in the charity’s mission.
He said it’s important to keep an open dialogue with people about the mission of the charity. Because Emeagwali is always sharing information about her charity with others, he said it often inspires them to get involved.
Emeagwali’s goal for funds remaining after upcoming food distributions and donations to other recipients is to find a permanent location for the charity to operate its food distributions. She agreed with Everett that it’s not large enough to host food distributions as often as she’d like.
Emeagwali added if anyone is willing to make additional donations or donate a space she could coordinate bimonthly distributions, it would help the charity expand its operation.
“We want our organization to be known to everybody,” Emeagwali said. “I feel like when we unite, we stand stronger.”
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Carrié Solages, the Democratic incumbent in Nassau County’s 3rd Legislative District, is seeking reelection on a platform focused on public safety, community investment and government accessibility.
Solages, 46, describes himself as a proud Haitian American who grew up in Elmont after being born in Queens. He attended Dutch Broadway Elementary School, graduated from H. Frank Carey High School, in Franklin Square, and earned a bachelor’s degree in international history at Georgetown University in 2000 and a law degree from Boston College Law School in 2004. He lives in Valley Stream.
Before entering politics, he built a career in law, as a civil and criminal defense attorney in Suffolk County. He has drawn on that background throughout his time in office. Solages was first elected in 2011, and in the years since he has emphasized that government should be accessible, accountable and responsive to residents’ needs.
On crime and public safety, Solages emphasizes that technology must play a central role. In previous legislative budgets, he secured funding for license plate readers, surveillance cameras and body cameras for Nassau County police.
He envisions a “virtual security wall” along the Queens-Nassau border to aid law enforcement in solving crimes and addressing traffic issues. At the same time, however, Solages underscores that accountability for police officers is crucial, and he has fought for body cameras since 2014.
services.
Immigration enforcement remains a sensitive issue, and Solages has been outspoken in separating local law enforcement from federal immigration duties. He has raised constitutional concerns about racial profiling and has advised immigrant constituents on their rights, stressing that Nassau County must balance safety with fairness. He urges residents to seek legal counsel and protect their families through proper documentation and planning.
Beyond public safety, Solages has supported food pantries, social services and funding for fire departments and emergency responders. He argues that Nassau has the resources to cut taxes while still investing in programs that protect families and improve quality of life.
Looking ahead, one of Solages’s signature projects is the creation of a long-awaited community center in Elmont. Partnering with Gov. Kathy Hochul, other state leaders and organizations like the YMCA, he said he has secured a location and seed funding, with plans for a modern facility that will include an indoor pool. “Elmont deserves this,” he said, noting that the project would fulfill promises made during the UBS Arena development in 2019.
Traffic safety is another pillar of his agenda. Solages has worked to install new traffic lights at busy intersections, particularly where accidents have claimed young lives on Dutch Broadway in Elmont. He has also pushed for infrastructure upgrades across the district.
According to previous reporting by the Herald, Solages voted against a police contract in November 2020 to fund raises for police officers despite the fact that it included funding for body cameras. At the time, he cited the high cost to taxpayers and the need for the police union to complete a state-mandated police reform plan before committing to the contract.
After more than a decade in the Legislature, Solages says his experience helps him navigate complex layers of government and deliver results. “Government should be accessible,” he said, “and as legislator, I work to make sure it works for the people of this district.”
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Kadeem Brown, a 34-year-old Elmont resident, is the Republican candidate in Nassau County’s 3rd Legislative District, challenging Solages. Brown graduated from Elmont Memorial High School in 2009 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in technology management from Penn State University in 2014.
Now, with 12 years of experience in private wealth management, Brown says his expertise in finance drives his vision of more efficient government and lower costs for families.
He emphasizes that affordability is at the heart of his campaign. Acknowledging that many residents feel priced out of Nassau, he argues that the county can and should reduce the burden on taxpayers. “People who grow up here should be able to move back here and live here,” Brown said, emphasizing his support for keeping property taxes stable.
He also advocates cutting wasteful spending, describing a need to review social programs annually and eliminate those with low participation or limited community benefit. While he did not specify programs he would review, he argued that savings could be reinvested in essential services like parks, traffic upgrades and support for first responders.
Public safety and law enforcement resources are another focus for Brown. While Nassau is considered one of the safest counties in the country, he notes the district’s proximity to New York City and stresses the importance of working closely with police. He supports technology such as license plate readers and “shot spotters” to help deter crime and improve investigations.
Kelsie Radziski/Herald
Republican candidate Kadeem Brown, a Penn State graduate and a private wealth manager, centers his campaign on cutting taxes, public safety and suburban preservation.
At the same time, Brown highlights the importance of open communication between law enforcement and immigrant communities to ensure trust and understanding. He describes himself as the son of Jamaican immigrants and a dual citizen, says that immigration “should be done the right way” and supports stricter monitoring of who comes in and out of the county for
both safety and fiscal reasons.
Brown acknowledges the contributions of immigrants, but argues that undocumented populations can strain resources if not properly integrated into the taxation system.
He points to the need for greater transparency and communication from police and county officials. He also emphasizes preserving what he calls Nassau County’s suburban character. He opposes high-rise developments, and says residents pay high property taxes for the quality-of-life benefits of suburban living. While he says he is not against moderate-density housing, such as small apartment complexes or condos, he warns against “overdevelopment” and the traffic congestion that comes with population growth.
Brown links these concerns to infrastructure strains in areas like Dutch Broadway, in Elmont, and Rockaway Boulevard, in Valley Stream, where he supports additional traffic safety measures and a broader review of transportation needs.
Supporting civic groups is another priority for Brown. He said he wants to expand civic engagement by working more closely with organizations across the district, from the Moms Club of Malverne to local chambers of commerce.
When it comes to small businesses, he points to his experience on the board of the Southeast Queens Merchants Association, where he helped connect entrepreneurs with grants and funding opportunities.
Framing himself as a political outsider with financial expertise, Brown says his goal is to deliver accountability and relief for residents. “We have to pay it back,” he said of his community. “And maybe this is the way I pay it back — by fighting for my district to bring resources home.”
By Karen Bloom
Spooky season is casting its spell — and whether you’re ready for a scare or just some seasonal flair, there’s much to check out.
The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin patches have their moment, but a pumpkin trail is even better. The wooded site of Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights is the evocative setting for a spooky 4,200 foot loop of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and illuminated objects (10,000 in all) that light up the grounds all month long.
The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is now in its 12th season on Long Island, delighting visitors with all sorts of seasonal delights, from those carved pumpkins — of all sizes — to inflatables and even a space to show off some dance moves, complete with disco lights and music.
You may recall Rise from its first eight seasons at Old Westbury Gardens. Its current home at Usdan accommodates a longer trail that enhances the immersive experience.
“We found this trail to be perfect,” says Mike Pollack, Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns’ executive producer, who proclaims this to be “the spookiest walk on Long Island.”
Spooky, most definitely, but not haunted. You won’t find any frightful creatures popping out along the path. As Pollack puts it: “No scares.”
This family-friendly event is designed to get everyone in the spirit of the season, appealing to all ages.
A team of 100 handpicked artists carve their individual pumpkins with facial expressions ranging from scary to silly.
“The artistry of these pumpkins is spectacular and you will not see anywhere else,” Pollack says enthusiastically.
The 40,000 visitors annually would seem to agree. Rise is open on weekends and select weeknight through Nov. 1. All tickets must be purchased online at jackolanterns. com; no tickets are available on site. Rise is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights.
Creatures of all kinds inhabit the woods, and ghosts and ghouls come out to play at Tanglewood Preserve, home to the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), in Rockville Centre. A seasonal tradition for area families, the spectacle takes over CSTL’s grounds every weekend through Nov. 2.
Each year the festival offers a spirited fun-filled slate of activities on the preserve’s 16 acres — both scary and not so scary — to appeal to all ages and fright levels. The wooded paths are transformed for the season, with eerie lighting, special effects and characters along the way.
Whether you and the kids are looking to be spooked or not, the choice is yours. This time of year the preserve’s woods are definitely haunted, as those who venture along the scary walk will find out. This quarter mile hike through
the woods is not for the faint of heart, it may leave some younger kids clinging to their parents legs. Step into the darkness of the Haunted Woods where you’ll stumble upon a deserted graveyard and more — you never know what is lurking around the next turn. Be scared if you dare!
“Adults will come out crying and the kids will be laughing,” CSTL Educator Michele Anselmo,says, somewhat bemused. “You need to know your fear factor before you enter.”
As always, the not-so-spooky Enchanted Walk is welcoming haunt for the younger set. Friendly Halloween characters — including witches, fairies, aliens, ghosts, butterflies, and scarecrows — greet visitors. This year a pirate ship with a band of pirates has made its way here to get in on the action. Other activities include holiday-themed arts and crafts, and the return of the Mystic Den, with a fortuneteller and face painting. And, of course, the glow tent, is another popular spot where everyone heads to make “slime.” Just be sure to take the goopy stuff home; “sliming” those nearby is frowned upon.
Costumes are always encouraged. And in the spirit of Hallowen season, kids may find some treats to pick up as they wander about.
“There’s always something for everyone here,” Anselmo says.
Find out what’s lurking in the woods at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, 1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit cstl.org for information and tickets.
Anglers — novice and skilled — will be on the scene once again when the Fall Fishing & Children’s Festival returns to Hempstead Lake State Park. Presented by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s “I Fish NY” program, on Oct. 18, the annual event offers an ideal way to make the most of the season with a mix of fishing, fun and family activities.
The day kicks off at 10 a.m., with a fresh stock of trout in the park’s South and MacDonald Ponds to help introduce families to the sport of freshwater fishing. Everyone can take part in fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish-cleaning demonstrations, and even borrow rods and bait free of charge.
“All ages are encouraged to attend to enjoy this wonderful fishing experience,” says George Gorman, State Parks’ Long Island regional director. “We hope festival attendees also take the opportunity to explore the beautiful Hempstead Lake State Park and all it has to offer.”
But the fun doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Young visitors can enjoy pumpkin decorating, a magic show, reptile exhibit, and a playful casting contest where the “catch” could be a pumpkin or a prize. Whether you’re an avid angler or just looking for a day outdoors with the kids, the Fall Fishing & Children’s Festival reels in plenty of reasons to drop by.
The fishing license requirement for all anglers over the age of 15 is suspended for this festival, and admission and parking are free. Check out the activities at the park’s MacDonald and South Ponds, also in Rockville Centre. Visit parks.ny.gov for more.
Break out the neon, dust off those leg warmers and tease up your hair — the ultimate ‘80s party returns to the Paramount stage. Jessie’s Girl, a band of New York City’s top rock and pop musicians, returns with their high-energy Back to the Eighties show, guaranteed to turn back the clock. Fronted by powerhouse vocalists who transform into the decade’s biggest icons, Jessie’s Girl delivers the hits that defined an era. Add in bold costumes, playful choreography, audience participation, and plenty of extras — bubbles, confetti, and props galore — and the result is part concert, part theater and all ‘80s spectacle. These talents each have dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with. With over-the-top renditions of memorable songs, Jessie’s Girl captures the glitz and sheer energy of the decade like no one else.
Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. $64.75
$52.25, $49.25, $48.50, $37.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the jazz world’s most exciting breakout artists. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, story-driven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album, features reimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions.
Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Friends of the Franklin Square Library meeting
Friends of the Library are always happy to accept new members, especially those with school-age children so as to better represent all segments of the community.
• Where: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road
• Time: 10 a.m.-noon
• Contact: Call (516) 488-3444 or visit FranklinSquarePL.org for application
Sculpture Stroll
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Plattdeutsche Senior Oktoberfest
Celebrate Plattdeutsche Park’s Oktoberfest with music, food, beer and dancing by G.T.E.V. Schlierachtaler Stamm. $65 per person. Reservations are required.
• Where: Restaurant, 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: Noon-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: ParkRestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131
Whimsical Wizard School
Families are invited to Old Westbury Gardens for a wizarding adventure. It all begins the moment you’re sorted into one of the enchanted Nature Houses. Create your own wand, adding colors and decorations that reflect your style. Step into a magical herbology class, where you’ll discover the plants that inspire fantasy and design your own terrarium herb garden. Join wizard professors on a Wizard Quest through the gardens, solving riddles and uncovering hidden icons along the way. Celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, and enchanting surprises in the most magical way possible. For ages 5-10. Registration required. $18, $12 children
• Where: The Barn at Orchard Hill, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Anthony Rodia is back “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour, an all-new stand-up showcase that’s refreshingly genuine and quick witted. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. A first-generation Italian-American born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene. Anthony’s comedic career skyrocketed thanks to his viral social media videos, where he brought his hilarious, larger-than-life characters and relatable commentary to millions of fans. His most iconic characters, including his over-the-top Uncle Vinny persona, quickly became fan favorites, making him a social media sensation and establishing a loyal following. His ability to turn everyday situations — family gatherings, parenting, and even the quirks of his own Italian heritage —into laugh-out-loud moments has earned him widespread recognition and a rapidly growing fanbase. Tickets are $144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $6475.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum’s special opening weekend festival to celebrate the launch of Saltwater Stories, the new permanent exhibition celebrating Long Island’s coastal heritage. Meet local fisherfolk, explore hands-on activities for all ages, and dive into the rich traditions of our bays and beaches. Enjoy storytelling, crafts, and demonstrations that bring Long Island’s maritime history to life! All activities included with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
12
Buster Keaton birthday celebration
Attend a celebration for one of the great silent film comedians, Buster Keaton, at Elmont Memorial Library. View his tworeelers, followed by Keaton’s 1928 film, “The Cameraman,” and conclude with the 1961 Twilight Zone episode, “Once Upon A Time.” No registration. First come,
first seated.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: ElmontLibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280
14
Elmont BOE meets
Attend the Elmont School District Board of Education meeting.
• Where: Gotham Avenue School, 181 Gotham Ave., Elmont
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: Visit ElmontSchools. org, or call (516) 326-5500
15
Child car seat safety program
Schedule a 30-minute inspection of child car seats through the Town of Hempstead’s Public Safety Department. Appointments are required.
• Where: Rath Park Pool parking lot, 849 Fenworth Blvd., Franklin Square
• Time: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 538-1900 ext. 7709 or visit HempsteadNY.gov for more
and explore. This week create one-of-a-kind wave paintings with a sensory twist. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
‘Great Gatsby’ soirée
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel “The Great Gatsby,” at Franklin Square Public Library. This after-hours event transports guests back to the Roaring Twenties. All are encouraged to don their flapper best and enjoy the special speakeasy, featuring mocktails and canapes. The night will be filled with the sounds of live jazz, and, of course, a chance to dance the Charleston! Registration required.
• Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: FranklinSquarePL.org
Enjoy the company of friends and neighbors at Franklin Square Public Library. No registration needed. Refreshments provided by Holiday Farms.
• Where: 19 Lincoln Road
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: FranklinSquarePL.org or call (516) 488-344
Are you game?
Bring some friends and make some new ones at Elmont Memorial Library. Many games to choose from. All games are noninstructional and open to anyone!
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: ElmontLibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280
16
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, and support imaginations as they play, create
Reggae fest Groove to the sounds of reggae in the Plattdeutsche Park Biergarten with IRIEspect. $8 cover charge.
• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.
• Contact: ParkRestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131
OCT
Franklin Square Library Board meets
The public is invited to attend the library’s Board of Trustees meeting.
• Where: 19 Lincoln Rd., Franklin Square
• Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: FranklinSquarePL.org or call (516) 488-3444
Having an event?
Items on rhe 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.
LEGAL NOTICE
Dated: September 30, 2025
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
LOCAL LAW NO.
64-2025
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 on the 30th day of September, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 64-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 64-2025, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: September 30, 2025
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 156131
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
LOCAL LAW NO. 63-2025
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 on the 30th day of September, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 63-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 63-2025, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: September 30, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 156130
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law
Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 10/15/2025 at 9:30
A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
530/25. ELMONTThomas McGuire, Renewal of grant to maintain 2-family dwelling., N/W cor. Raff Ave. & Clay St., a/k/a 197 Raff Ave. 534/25. - 536/25. FRANKLIN SQUAREMaria Wunsch & Rosanna Ruotolo, Variance, lot area occupied, construct 1-story addition, portico & exterior cellar entrance, all attached to dwelling; Maintain pool with less than required rear & side yard setbacks; maintain pool enclosure varying in height from 6’ to 7’ high; Special exception to maintain 2nd accessory structure (fire pit & brick bench) with less than required rear yard setback., N/s Palermo Ct., 183.93’ E/o Franklin Ave., a/k/a 1170 Palermo Ct.
537/25. ELMONT - Alan & Kimberly Shamoun, Install accessory structure (shed) with more than required rear yard and side yard setbacks., S/W cor. Evans Ave. & Sun Ave., a/k/a 140 Evans Ave.
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 546/25. FRANKLIN SQUARE - Michelle Notaro, Variance, lot area occupied, construct 2-story addition & roofed over stoop attached to dwelling, S/s Frame St., 217’ S/o Benris Ave., a/k/a 144 Frame St. ALL PAPERS
PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE
AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Elmont & Franklin Square within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 156115
LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527
RESOLUTION NO. 959-2025
Adopted: September 30, 2025
Councilmember Dunne offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 953-2025, adopted September 16, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 30th day of September, 2025, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this
Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:
BELLMORE
MADISON AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 40 feet north of the north curbline of Beltagh Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-420/25)
ELMONT
MARSHALL STREETsouth side, starting at a point 48 feet west of the west curbline of Covert Avenue, west for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-418/25)
LEVITTOWN
COTTON LANE - east side, starting at a point opposite the southwest curbline of Surrey Lane, south for a distance of 27 feet.
(TH-417/25)
ROOSEVELT RONALD
PLACE - west side, starting at a point 63 feet south of the south curbline of East Fulton Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-425/25)
UNIONDALE
LAWRENCE STREETeast side, starting at a point 95 feet south of a point opposite the southwest curbline of Shady Street, south for a distance of 21 feet.
(TH-436/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:
LEVITTOWN
PARKER AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 212 feet south of the south curbline of Coleridge Street, south for a distance of 24 feet.
(TH-466/03 - 11/18/03)
(TH-410/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a
newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting.
The foregoing resolution was seconded by Supervisor Ferretti and adopted upon roll call as follows:
NOES: NONE (0) 156134
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICEMANHATTAN DISTRICT AND” JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” THE LAST TWO NAMES BEING FICTITIOUS, SAID PARTIES INTENDED BEING TENANTS OR OCCUPANTS, IF ANY, HAVING OR CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN, OR LIEN UPON THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT, , Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Consent Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 13, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1601 Johnson Avenue, Apt 1 a/k/a 1601-01 Johnson Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 470 and Lot 31. Approximate amount of judgment is $531,815.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006112/2014.
Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 253456-1 156150
ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2021-2, Plaintiff against MILLER COMMERCIAL CONSULTANTS CORP., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 24, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 1717 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003.
Sec 32 Block 453 Lot 9 and 10. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Elmont (not an incorporated Village), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $795,715.93 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 609476/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee File # 23-001035-01 156180
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -againstMAHMOOD ALI, 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
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) The Frank Law Firm P.C. 71 New St Huntington NY 11743 (516) 246-5577 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 23, 2017 and recorded October 25, 2017, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 17, 2025 at 3:00PM All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and Nassau on September 20, 2024, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and MAHMOOD ALI, ET AL., are the Defendants. 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, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 21, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 276 BENSON AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-493-81, 82 & 83; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617170/2019. Ronald J. Ferraro, 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. 155767
being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as Section 32 Block 379 Lot 0114. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605736/2016. Tony D’Anzica, Esq., Referee 155733
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY ELM CAPITAL LLC, Plaintiff against LEON THOMAS, et al Defendant(s)
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2006-3, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, -againstRAMON FRANCISCO, 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 June 18, 2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2006-3, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 is the Plaintiff and RAMON FRANCISCO, 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 October 22, 2025 at 3:00PM, the premises known as 165 RANDOLPH AVENUE, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010; tax map identification 35-21-102 & 238; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT FRANKLIN SQUARE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602425/2023. Thomas R. Scanlon, 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. 155769
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-ASAP3, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstWILLIE MAE POUNCY, 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 June 27, 2025, wherein HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-ASAP3, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and WILLIE MAE POUNCY, 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 October 20, 2025 at 4:00PM, the premises known as 14 KEIL STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 37-381-95, 103, 104 & 105; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 616643/2023.
Thomas A Montiglio Jr., 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. 155775
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST 2006-AR8 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR8, -againstPUBLIC
ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY, 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 June 27, 2025, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST 2006-AR8 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR8 is the Plaintiff and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY, 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 October 20, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 44 CARNEGIE AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-359-20-22 AND 67; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 600402/2018.
Oscar A. Prieto, 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. 155773
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU. MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff -againstYVONNE M. BOLLINGKENNEDY a/k/a YVONNE KENNEDY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 2, 2024 and entered on July 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 28, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of South Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 32345 -112 Said premises known as 112 FREDERICK AVENUE, FLORAL PARK, NY 11001
Approximate amount of lien $930,202.69 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 002395/2017.
JOSEPH DEMARCO, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* Elmont Herald*} 155731
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
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To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
Binghamton University in New York provided information about admissions and campus life.
The Sewanhaka Central High School District hosted its annual College and Career Fair on Sept. 29, welcoming more than 100 post-high school institutions to meet with students and families.
The event, a news release from the district said, was presented by the Counseling Centers of Elmont Memorial, Floral Park Memorial, H. Frank Carey, New Hyde Park Memorial and Sewanhaka high schools, and gave students the chance to connect with representatives from colleges, universities and the U.S. Military.
Attendees explored career pathways, gathered resources and asked questions about admissions and opportunities. With strong turnout and participation, the news release said, the fair marked an important step in preparing students for life after graduation.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Springfield College in Massachusetts highlighted academic and athletic opportunities for students.
Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School was the first charter school to be established in Long Island,
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Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. Any advice would be helpful.
A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns. You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snow blower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultra-violet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction.
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Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans, from the manufacturer, that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move.
This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/ owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up.
I looked at a two-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer, even if you think you don’t. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. Good luck.
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in the weeks since the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, I have been deeply troubled by the response across our country. Kirk was a man of faith who placed family and his convictions at the center of his life. He dedicated himself to engaging with others to discuss ideas, challenging others to think critically and promoting dialogue, even in situations where he knew he would face hostility. College students and young people are voters, and it is crucial for them to understand and engage in discussions about political issues. A strong, informed voice in public conversation can inspire thoughtful debate and meaningful participation, and should never be met with violence, under any circumstances. Murder and violence can never be acceptable solutions to political disagreements. Yet because one individual chose violence, a family with two young children now
faces a life without their father.
As someone who was once a young widow, I know firsthand the profound pain children face when they grow up without a father. That is why the response we have seen from parts of this country, treating a public execution as if it were something to be minimized, is deeply troubling and profoundly disappointing. We must never lose sight of our shared humanity, regardless of political beliefs. Every life lost to violence is a reminder that civility, respect and the rule of law are values worth defending.
Charlie Kirk’s death should compel us to reflect on the values we hold dear.
What has been particularly concerning is the misinformation that often spreads following tragic events. More so, it is troubling when such events are misused to justify or excuse political violence. I was relieved to see other public figures speak out and issue statements firmly refuting any such violence.
But when someone in the public eye minimizes the brutal murder of another public figure, it is not only wrong; it reflects a failure to exercise the respon-
sibility that accompanies that role. Those who hold platforms with vast influence have a duty to act with care and recognize the real-world consequences of their words. Public figures must understand that their speech can foster constructive dialogue or, if misused, inflame division and contribute to hostility. Preserving the integrity of free expression requires accountability alongside protection. One could argue that the most important time to condemn political violence is when it is committed against those with whom you disagree.
Additionally, the repercussions of political violence extend far beyond the immediate tragedy. Communities, institutions and families are left grappling with fear, uncertainty and grief. When violence is used to silence ideas, it threatens the very foundations of democratic society. It undermines the ability of citizens to freely exchange viewpoints, challenge assumptions and participate fully in civic processes. Every person, regardless of age, background
or political perspective, deserves to engage in discourse without fear of physical harm or intimidation. Every life taken, every family shattered and every community unsettled by violence is a call to action. It is a reminder that our words, our actions and our leadership carry weight, and that safeguarding a culture of respect and civility is essential for the health of our nation. Charlie Kirk’s life, his courage to speak openly and the tragic circumstances of his death should compel Americans to reflect on the values we hold dear, and commit to defending them.
This tragedy must be a moment of reflection for our nation. Political violence, intimidation and incivility are never acceptable. Public figures, the media and all citizens share a duty to speak with integrity, engage one another respectfully and uphold the principles that make our democracy strong. Kirk’s life reminds us of the power of conviction and discourse, and his death underscores the cost of failing to protect those values. As a nation, we must stand united against violence and recommit to the civility that strengthens our democracy.
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.
Some of my most enduring memories involve libraries. Attending “Story Hour” at the local library with my mother as a child. Working my way through college staffing the Circulation desk and re-shelving books. Viewing the special exhibits at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library while serving as a visiting scholar after retiring from Adelphi. Writing my book on university governance while serving as an Allen Room Scholar at the New York Public Library. Showing the Gutenberg Bible to a grandson while visiting the Morgan Library.
Libraries are precious homes for books and other materials that preserve and interpret the past, stir curiosity and the imagination, and nurture future generations. They are celebrated worldwide on International Literacy Day, Sept. 8.
Andrew Carnegie recognized the importance of libraries over a century ago, when he began supporting free public libraries as places of congregation and education. Carnegie believed that access to information and knowledge
would help those from limited household circumstances advance in careers and civic engagement. That certainly was the case for me.
The heart of a library is the librarian. Librarians are licensed professionals with graduate degrees. They are experts in collecting sources of information and ensuring that valid and valuable knowledge is available. They monitor access to age-appropriate materials and make decisions based on evidence, not emotion.
Jtargeted books focus on sexual identity and racism, including slavery.
The lone Supreme Court ruling against book bans, from Long Island, no less, was Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, in 1982. Some think it could be overturned by a new case from Texas focusing on the removal of 17 books deemed “obscene” and “pornographic,” including Maurice Sendak’s childhood classic, “Where the Wild Things Are.”
ust like doctors and scientists, the expertise of librarians is now questioned.
Librarians build collections according to mission and library type. They not only promote literacy, foster education and encourage critical thinking, but also offer free access to technology. They support teachers and effective teaching. Businesspeople and professionals as well as students use libraries, and seek the help of librarians, for research assignments of all kinds.
But these temples to truth are being threatened by initiatives to ban books and dismantle the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. PEN America, a nonprofit literary and freeexpression advocacy group, found 10,046 instances of book bans in the 2023-24 school year. It noted book bans in 29 states and 220 public school districts, including on Long Island. Most of the
Banning books denies freedom of speech. In the past, such efforts were isolated and local. Now these campaigns are national, and simply compile lists of books to be banned whose subjects or authors — especially Black authors — are deemed questionable without any evidence. In years past, books such as Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” were banned, until successful lawsuits returned them to library shelves.
On Long Island, there are 120 public libraries and 125 public school districts with 656 schools. Public libraries are governed by boards of trustees and funded by fundraising, tax revenue and government grants. They are essential to high-quality schooling and are vital community resources, especially in
rural and low-income regions.
According to one national report, “the American library . . . is a barometer of where we currently stand as a society when it comes to access to knowledge and information.” Libraries host listings of employment opportunities, provide health care bulletins, are sources of election information, make textbooks available for free, lend audio books for the hearing-impaired, offer citizenship classes, and open their rooms for community gatherings.
It seems that increasing numbers of people question the expertise of librarians, just as they question the expertise of doctors and scientists. None of these professions is infallible, of course. What sets them apart is that they are honorbound by professional codes of ethics, and change their conclusions when new evidence is uncovered. For the librarian, this means curating as well as collecting and storing sources of information, whether on discs, in the cloud or in books.
The Swedish designer Josef Frank said, “The world is a book, and the person who stays at home reads only one page.” The librarian is our travel guide to new vistas through books, and libraries are our vehicles. We should treat them with care.
Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author, with Drew Bogner, of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”
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long Island is known for its beaches, its vineyards and its suburban sprawl. But a new report reminds us of something too often overlooked: The arts are one of the region’s most powerful economic engines.
According to the Center for an Urban Future, jobs in arts and culture on Long Island grew by a stunning 21.6 percent between 2014 and 2024. That’s five times faster than the region’s overall economy. The number of independent artists nearly doubled during the same period, fueling downtown revitalization, driving tourism and supporting small businesses. From muralists in Patchogue to theater productions in Huntington, creativity is reshaping the Island’s identity, and its bottom line.
And yet, just as this growth is transforming local communities, warning signs are flashing. The same report shows that the average arts worker on Long Island earns just $46,500 annually — barely half the regional average income. The number of performing-arts jobs remains more than 13 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the costs of housing and living have skyrocketed, with housing prices alone climbing more than 60 percent in the past decade.
The math doesn’t add up. We are asking artists to do the impossible: generate enormous economic and cultural value for the region while surviving on wages that barely cover rent.
The problem isn’t talent or ambition. It’s support — or rather, the lack of it. Despite being home to 14.7 percent of New York state’s population, Long Island
But Mamdani is giving people hope, Jerry
To the Editor:
receives just 2.8 percent of grants awarded by the state’s Council on the Arts. Less than 1 percent of federal National Endowment for the Arts funding in New York finds its way here.
And while state economic development councils are investing more than ever in arts projects statewide, only 3.1 percent of Long Island’s recent allocation went to the creative sector.
This chronic underinvestment has created what researchers call a “negative feedback loop.” Because the region has historically been overlooked, its institutions lack the resources to compete effectively for competitive funding, which in turn reinforces low funding rates. It’s a cycle that limits growth and puts Long Island’s creative vitality at risk.
The solutions are clear, and the payoff could be enormous. The Center for an Urban Future’s recommendations should be a wake-up call to policymakers.
Among them: dedicating 1 percent of county budgets to arts programming and operations, expanding the state arts budget, and creating a Long Island Grant Academy to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to win state and federal support.
The report also suggests converting underused commercial properties into cultural spaces, integrating the arts into tourism planning, and even embedding artists directly into government initiatives, as upstate Erie County has done successfully.
These aren’t fringe ideas. They’re pragmatic strategies to sustain a sector that has already proven itself indispensable. Arts and culture are not luxuries to be funded only in good times. They are
infrastructure — just as essential to the region’s economic vitality and community well-being as roads, schools and hospitals.
Consider the ripple effects: thriving downtowns anchored by galleries and theaters. Restaurants and shops boosted by performance-goers and festival crowds. Tourists are drawn to more than just beaches and wineries, while young families choose to stay because their communities feel vibrant and alive. At a time when many Long Island towns struggle with empty storefronts and affordability crises, creativity has been a rare and steady growth engine.
To jeopardize this progress through neglect would be shortsighted. As Jonathan Bowles, the center’s executive director, put it: “Unless county leaders and the state step up, Long Island risks losing the very creativity that is powering its success.”
Leaders in Nassau and Suffolk counties must recognize that a modest investment today could safeguard the region’s cultural and economic future. Allocating just 1 percent of county budgets to the arts —around $80 million annually — would not only stabilize existing organizations but also unlock additional state and federal dollars. That kind of leverage is how Long Island can finally get its fair share.
The arts have already proven what they can do for Long Island. The question now is whether Long Island will do right by the arts. If we want downtowns that hum with life, economies that diversify and communities that feel worth staying in, then investing in creativity is not optional. It’s essential.
Re Jerry Kremer’s column in last week’s issue, “There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani”: Nassau residents’ concern over Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, is curious, as we have no vote on the matter. Perhaps we sense the specter in our basement.
There are, I think, two reasons people embrace Mamdani — desperation and hope. Consider the central issues: housing, homelessness and “affordability,” increasingly enmeshed and worsening to the point of crisis. That’s desperation.
Housing, specifically urban housing, has been in decline since Ronald Reagan was president. Successive New York state and New York City administrations have failed to address the problem, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s and Mayor Eric Adams’s. Curtis Sliwa has no plan. They all focus on the flip side of
For too many families and small businesses in New York, high energy bills have become a serious threat to their stability and success. But that burden is not shared equally. A recent study by Binghamton University found that Black and brown households spend a disproportionate share of their income on average utility expenses. That same pressure is felt by the restaurants, retailers and other small businesses that anchor our communities, for whom higher bills mean tighter margins and fewer dollars to reinvest in jobs and growth. Rising costs hit our communities twice — once at the kitchen table, and again on Main Street.
Our elected leaders, however, have the opportunity to reorient the state’s energy policies to lower bills and protect our communities. To keep families
rfinancially stable and local businesses thriving, policymakers must support a multi-pronged energy strategy to reduce overall costs, lessen disparities and foster a more reliable grid. If energy affordability and equity are left unaddressed, high costs will continue to threaten household budgets and the survival of the very enterprises that drive opportunity in our neighborhoods. The ripple effects are enormous. When families are forced to spend more on basic energy needs, they have less to spend in local shops, less to save for education and less to invest in their future. When small businesses face higher utility bills, they are forced to cut back on hiring, scale down expansion — or in some cases, shut their doors altogether.
existing inequities. For Long Island, that could mean more families in financial distress and more businesses shutting down.
enewable sources are vital to our future, but they can’t meet the demand alone.
As someone who has dedicated his career to bolstering our local economy, I have great concern about the longterm impact of sky-high utility bills. If households are squeezed and small businesses cannot survive, job creation stalls, local wealth declines and entire communities lose ground. Lawmakers must take this seriously.
impose the steepest costs on those least able to afford them.
For Long Island’s business community, the stakes could not be higher. Rising energy bills risk driving entrepreneurs away and weakening our competitiveness. For families, the burden threatens financial stability and quality of life. For both, the wrong policies could deepen historical disparities.
There is no question that New York must do its part to advance sustainability, but the avenues we take to pursue that mission matter. We need a path forward that considers all factors before making decisions that could limit energy resources and further drive up costs.
This is why energy policy cannot be treated as one-size-fits-all. Communities differ in infrastructure, housing stock and business needs. Policies that ignore those differences risk driving up costs, reducing reliability and exacerbating
housing, speaking of “involuntary commitments” to “treatment” in facilities that don’t exist.
That totally ignores the tens of thousands of shelter-living students who need no treatment beyond a stable home address. The candidates speak of police and clearing the streets, but not of where this refuse would go. Cuomo’s plan is, again, only poetry in future tense while the desperation is now. A “rent freeze” is not “moderate,” but “moderate” has failed. The point is to keep people in their homes, now.
“Socialism” has worked well for the wealthy — maybe it should work a little for the poor as well. For all the obvious obstacles of Mamdani’s proposals, he alone names the problem, addresses its immediacy, acknowledges its multiple entwined factors and sees the human families entangled in those larger forces. That’s where the hope comes from, reflected in votes. It is a hope readily transferable to any other willing leader, but if hope comes only in Muslim garb …
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s column in the Sept. 25-Oct. 1 issue, “Is our democracy suffering growing pains”: The United States is approaching the 250th anniversary of
this political experiment. Kreiss’s op-ed attempted to place the blame on MAGA for the decline in our country, and I respectfully disagree.
■ Standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance has always been a mainstay of our country, until people on the left attempted to turn any display of national pride into a signal of racism.
■ Many on the left applauded the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was simply engaging young college students in active, respectful debate.
■ Not knowing who was running our country as Joe Biden was in mental decline was a huge threat to our democracy. Who used the autopen? Who issued the pardons? Who ran our country?
■ The Democrats wrote the book on using the Department of Justice to go after political opponents, and now have the nerve to complain when it is used against them. They weaponized the FBI to arrest political opponents like Gen. Michael Flynn, Peter Navarro, Roger Stone, Steve Bannon and Paul Manafort, to name a few. Now the Republicans have indicted Jim Comey as the tip of the spear, with many more to follow. Thank you, Democrats, for paving the way.
■ Arresting a former president for the first time in our nation’s history and attempting to incarcerate and bankrupt him is more proof that Democrats are more of a threat to our democracy.
■ If they gain control of both chambers of Congress, we can look forward to mak-
That means pursuing a balanced energy strategy — one that lowers costs and ensures reliability while advancing toward a greener future. Renewable energy is vital to our future, and requires sustained investments. But renewables alone cannot meet demand without driving costs higher. Natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar and emerging technologies all play important roles in powering New York. Phasing out reliable sources prematurely would destabilize the system and
The Empire State has always risen to meet big challenges. By adopting a balanced energy strategy that values every resource, invests in innovation and never loses sight of affordability, we can do so again — and set a national example in the process.
Phil Andrews is president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, New York state’s largest African American chamber. He is also a member of the Long Island Power Authority’s Community Advisory Board.
Framework by Tim Baker
ing Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., states, packing the Supreme Court, and reopening our borders. Another B.S. impeachment will follow. Sounds undemocratic to me.
■ I could go on, but I will only add one more thing. I challenge you to put on a red “Make America Great Again” hat and walk the streets of Manhattan — especially the Upper West Side — and report back on your First Amend-
ment right of freedom of speech and expression. To all the people on the hard left, if you want to see the real threat to democracy, simply look in the mirror. I enjoy the fact that President Trump lives rent free in the heads of the liberal left. God bless America.
