Labeck, with Jack gonzalez, 3, embrace the Halloween spirit with playful dinosaur costumes at last year’s Fall Festival, bringing excitement to the nautical Mile.
Fall Festival set to return to Nautical Mile on Oct. 26
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Village of Freeport ‘s annual Fall Festival promises participants a scary-good time, complete with Trunk-or-Treating, a Fire Expo, Chowder Fest and Halloween Parade along the Nautical Mile.
The festivities, scheduled to begin at noon on Oct. 26, are free and open to all ages, with participants encouraged to strut their stuff down Woodcleft Avenue to the parking lot across from the esplanade.
Those interested in marching in the parade should arrive at Sea Breeze Park, at
11 Richmond St., by 11:45 a.m.
Once they arrive, attendees are encouraged to fill goodie bags or baskets with candy, courtesy of the village, the Freeport Police Benevolent Association and the Freeport Fire Department. Costumes aren’t required, but everyone is encouraged to get into the spirit.
“This is the one time where being quirky, scary or just a little crazy is 100 percent OK,” Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy said, while refusing to reveal what costume he’ll be wearing. “This is a great event that brings everyone out and brings out the fun
Continued on page 11
Did you know... We don’t outsource? Our in-house on-site team handles the entire grievance and appeal process from start to finish.
Educators, ex-trustees urge transparency
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Freeport School District is grappling with deepening turmoil as teachers, parents and former members of the Board of Education raise alarms about administrative instability, poor communication and a growing lack of public trust.
IThe discontent follows a series of abrupt leadership changes over the past year — beginning with the retirement of longtime Superintendent Kishore Kuncham; the hiring and subsequent administrative reassignment of his successor; Fia Davis, and a sweeping restructuring of the district administration. Parents and teachers say they have been given few answers and have little confidence in how the district is being run.
the Freeport Teachers Association, said that issues have gone unaddressed for years, and have worsened under the current administration.
f you speak up, there’s retaliation, there’s write-ups, there’s false accusations
that come at you.
“I’ve been a teacher at Freeport for 32 years, and it’s had its ups and downs, but I do think there has been a lot of problems for the past decade that have been unchecked and undealt with and essentially covered up,” Langan said. “But those problems have just gotten worse and worse as time has gone on.”
PATRICIA lANg AN President, Freeport
Teachers
Association
She described a district in which communication has eroded, and trust between administrators and teachers has nearly collapsed. Safety concerns, she said, have been minimized, leaving staff uneasy and students feeling vulnerable.
And teachers, according to Langan, are afraid to speak up.
For educators, the impact is being felt inside the classroom. Patricia Langan, president of
“If you speak up, there’s retaliation, there’s write-ups, there’s
Continued on page 14
Olivia Castillo/Herald
Kathy, Mary and danielle
Hablamos Español
Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC
HERALD SchoolS
Students sprint into school spirit at Fun Run
New Visions Museum School of Exploration and Discovery in the Freeport Union Free School District hosted its annual Fun Run in early October, an energetic and engaging event organized by the school’s Parent Teacher Association.
Designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit, the Fun Run featured students running laps around the school building, navigating a series of fun and challenging obstacles, and enjoying collaborative activities with their classmates.
The event was highlighted by an enthusiastic atmosphere that highlighted the unity and spirit of the New Visions community.
Additionally, the Fun Run served as a fundraiser to support PTA-sponsored programs and events that enrich the educational experience for students and their families.
Special thanks to the many volunteers, whose dedication and hard work made the Fun Run a memorable and meaningful success.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Students at New Visions Museum School of Exploration and Discovery raced around the schoolyard during the annual Fun Run, an event promoting fitness and teamwork.
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Schools celebrate at Homecoming Festival
Freeport’s school spirit was on full display as students, families, and community members came together for the Freeport Public Schools Fall Homecoming Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Atkinson Intermediate School. The daylong celebration, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., brought excitement, music, and plenty of Red Devil pride to the heart of the village.
The festival kicked off with vendors setting up early in the morning, followed by a series of athletic events that showcased Freeport’s student-athletes. The varsity girls soccer team took on Valley Stream Central at 10 a.m., while the varsity boys soccer team battled Roosevelt later in the afternoon.
At noon, the crowd gathered for a spirited send-off for the varsity football team, which capped the day with its 3 p.m. game against Herricks High School at Long Beach Middle School, with the Red Devils winning handedly with a score of 42 to 23.
With families filling the field, vendors offering treats, and music echoing throughout the campus, the event was a joyful reminder of what makes Freeport a close-knit and proud community.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Caira Golding, 8, flashes a peace sign while showing school pride at district’s annual event.
Deliah Roberts/Herald photos
Mia Reid, Crystel Peterkin-Reid, Kordei Karesa Mclean, and Aryana Mclean hand out spirit wear and refreshments during the district’s Homecoming and Fall Festival.
Joanna Ferrufino, owner of Lemoncita, Mia Singleton, 5, and Anthony Singleton served up sweet treats at the school district’s annual community celebration.
Families gathered for games, food, and fun at the annual Homecoming and Fall Festival.
Jacob Medrano, 7, enjoyed cotton candy before the big game.
the
say a
Freeport
of a
man charged after
Merrick crash, one injured
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
A Freeport man was arrested on Oct. 10 after police say he struck a pedestrian and a parked postal vehicle in Merrick while driving under the influence of drugs.
Ettinger Law Firm’s New Guide for Families Coping with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
When the unfortunate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is made, the whole world shifts for the patient and their family. Uncertainty abounds. For this reason, Ettinger Law Firm has published a guide for families facing these dilemmas, available as a free download at our website, trustlaw.com.
Sections of interest are:
Communication Strategies: Adapting communication techniques to improve connection and reduce frustration.
Establishing Daily Routes: Predictability reduces anxiety, helps with orientation and promotes independence.
Creating a Safe Home Environment: Modifying the home to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.
Medical Care and Support: The importance and benefits of early diagnosis in slowing the progress of the disease and improving quality of life, as well as a list of questions to ask the doctor. Non-Medical Interventions: Different types of therapy, both physical and
mental to support physical and mental wellbeing. Building a Care Team: Who is on the team and avoiding caregiver burnout.
Coping with Behavioral Changes: Tips on managing new and challenging behaviors, such as agitation, depression, waking and sleep disturbances.
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Merrick
The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Butt was also transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
According to Nassau County police officials, officers responded to a crash in front of the post office on Merrick Road near Merrick Avenue around 10:40 a.m. Investigators determined that Jeffrey Butt, 45, was driving a 2025 black Chevrolet eastbound when his vehicle hit an unidentified 50-year-old man and then a parked United States Postal Service truck.
Two other parked vehicles were also damaged in the chain-reaction crash.
■ WEB SITE: freeport.liherald.com
According to detectives, an investigation revealed that Butt was impaired by drugs at the time of the crash. Police said he was found in possession of a substance believed to be cocaine and pills believed to be oxycodone. He was arrested without incident.
Butt is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, assault, vehicular assault, reckless driving, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 11 at First District Court in Hempstead.
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: freeporteditor@liherald.com
■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 206
rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
Brian Kacharaba/Herald Police investigated
scene
crash on Merrick Road near Merrick Avenue on Oct. 10, where officers
vehicle struck a pedestrian and a parked U.S. Postal Service truck. The driver, a Freeport man, was later arrested on drug-related charges.
JeffRey Butt
SARAH FLYNN
V.S. NORTH Senior SWIMMING
A KEY MEMBER OF Valley Stream Central High School District’s girls’ swim program since its inception in 2023, Flynn earned the coaches award as a sophomore and has served as a two-year captain. She has earned an appearance in the Nassau County championships in each season and reached the finals of the 100-yard butterfly as a junior. Her career-best time in the event is 1:07.02, and she also thrives in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
games to watch
Friday, Oct. 17
Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Clarke 5 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Westbury 5 p.m.
Football: Plainview at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at South Side 6 p.m.
Football: Elmont at Hewlett 6 p.m.
Football: Bethpage at Wantagh 6 p.m.
Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. South at Division 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Football: Carey at Clarke 11 a.m.
Girls Volleyball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 11:45 a.m.
Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.
Football: Baldwin at Roosevelt 12 p.m.
Football: Massapequa at Farmingdale 1 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Mepham 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.
Football: Long Beach at East Meadow 2 p.m.
Football: Jericho at V.S. Central 2 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Roslyn 2 p.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Seaford 2 p.m.
Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.
Football: Malverne at Lawrence 2 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.
Freeport seeks winning finish
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
After a tough start to the season facing an unusual schedule, the Freeport football team enters the final three games with the wind at its back.
The Red Devils (1-4) got in the win column for the first time this fall with a 42-23 victory against Herricks-Wheatley last Saturday to provide a big confidence boost heading into the home stretch of the schedule. The homecoming victory was held at Long Beach Middle School in the third home game held outside of Freeport due to renovations of the Freeport High School set for completion by the end of October.
“On a lot of fronts it was very gratifying,” first-year Freeport head coach Mike McQueen, who was previously a longtime assistant coach with the Red Devils going back to 2008. “Everybody believed and now they get to see the fruits of their labor.”
Freeport trailed 7-0 after the first quarter before seizing control with a 22-point second quarter en route to a convincing win.
Junior Judah Murchison shined with 101 yards passing and three touchdown passes in just his second varsity start after missing the start of the season with a rib injury. His 5-yard touchdown toss to sophomore wide receiver Cameron Douglass in the fourth quarter to give Freeport a 36-14 lead.
The passing attack was spearheaded by senior wide receiver Andrew Carter, who hauled in five receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
“He’s the perfect teammate and very unselfish who blocks well in the run game,” McQueen said of Carter. “When his number is called he gets open and he makes huge plays for us.”
Versatile Jalen Brown also played a large part in the passing game throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Carter in the second quarter for a 14-7 lead. Brown’s 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth capped off a 28-0 scoring run to give Freeport a 42-14 advantage.
The rushing attack was paced by
Eric Dunetz/Herald
Dawud Abdul-Ali ran for 73 yards and one touchdown to help the Red Devils give head coach Mike McQueen his first win at the helm.
senior Dawud Abdul-Ali, who ran for 73 yards and one touchdown. His 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter followed by a Murchison two point conversion gave Freeport an 8-7 lead.
The defense stepped up big in holding Herriks-Wheatley to just one score in the second half. Senior defensive end Josh Soto led the defensive effort with five tackles and an interception.
McQueen credited his defensive line of David Addo, Malik Groover, Jaren Reeder and Izayah Hankins-Majano with stepping up big to help keep the
Herricks-Wheatley offense largely under wraps after the first quarter.
Freeport will look to make it two wins in a row on Friday at Westbury starting at 5 p.m.. After a challenging road game at Oceanside, the Red Devils are scheduled to host Uniondale to close the regular season on Nov. 1 for an 11 a.m. kickoff in an opportunity for Freeport’s 14 seniors to end their high school careers on a winning note on Freeport soil.
“Every day in practice we always try and win the day and always get better,” McQueen said.
O’Connell seeks to build on 20-year record
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Maureen O’Connell, the Nassau County clerk since 2006, is seeking re-election, with a focus on continuing the modernization of county records and expanding services for senior citizens and non-English speakers.
A registered nurse and an attorney, O’Connell, 74, has served in public office for more than three decades, including a term in the Assembly and as deputy mayor of East Williston. In the clerk’s office, she says, she is committed to improving access and service for residents.
“When I walked into that office … there were about 2 million unprocessed documents,” she said. “We were not really modernized.”
Since then, O’Connell said, the office has undergone a significant transformation. Court and land records are now digitized and available online, allowing attorneys and members of the public to file and access documents without visiting the clerk’s office in a building on Old Country Road in Mineola that is notorious for its limited parking.
“We created an electronic database so that a lawyer who wants to start a lawsuit doesn’t have to drive over,” O’Connell said. “They can electronically file a lawsuit from their home office.”
In addition to overseeing deed and mortgage filings, the clerk also serves as the clerk of county Supreme Court. O’Connell said she implemented one of the state’s first Supreme Court filing databases, and added digital interfaces with local and state agencies to streamline access to records.
She has also led efforts to digitize historical documents, a process she refers to as “backfilling.” “The more we backfill, the better the public is served,” O’Connell said. She noted frequent visits from senior
citizens needing access to decades-old property records they have misplaced. “Sometimes that safe place is so safe they can never find it again,” she said.
To further assist homeowners, O’Connell created a Property Fraud Alert Program. Property owners can sign up to receive email alerts if any documents — such as deeds or mortgages — are filed relating to their property. The goal is to prevent fraud involving falsified documents.
“Fortunately, we have not seen a lot of it in Nassau — a very minimal amount,” O’Connell said. “But the county clerks statewide do see it in some counties.”
COUNTY CLERK
If she is re-elected, O’Connell said, she plans to focus on expanding parking at the Mineola complex and to continue efforts to digitize older records. She also hopes to expand the effort to adapting services to the growing population of residents for whom English is not their primary language. A language line, which translates conversations between clerk’s office employees and visitors in real time, has been implemented to aid communication.
O’Connell said that her dual background in nursing and law has shaped her approach to public service. “As a nurse, you like to help people,” she said. “Get the problem solved, and help them resolve whatever issues they’re in need of resolving.”
A lifelong Nassau County resident, O’Connell grew up in Mineola and now lives in East Williston. She trained at Flushing Hospital School of Nursing, and has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from St. Joseph’s College and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She is an assistant professor of nursing at SUNY Farmingdale, and serves on several local boards, including the Farmingdale School of Nursing advisory board and Harbor Child Care in Mineola.
She remains passionate about her work for the county. “It’s just a wonderful job,” she said. “I love working, serving in public.”
Clerk must be more accessible,Williams says
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Joylette E. Williams, a professor of English at Nassau Community College, is running for Nassau County clerk. A resident of the Village of Hempstead since 1993, she has built her career in education and local service, and in her campaign is emphasizing administrative experience, accessibility and modernization.
Williams has a Ph.D. in English, is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut and is in her second term on the Hempstead Board of Education. She was first elected in 2022, and re-elected in May after community members urged her to continue her service. Her current term runs through 2028.
“It helps me to understand not only the concerns that residents have throughout the county, but it’s very, very rewarding to actually participate in those advocacy roles,” Williams said.
Her academic background, she added, which includes several master’s degrees and over two decades of teaching, has prepared her for the administrative demands of the clerk’s office, which manages the county’s legal documents, property records and business filings. She noted her experience with recordkeeping, document management and organizational leadership in higher education.
Williams served as a Hempstead village trustee from 2021 to 2022, and sits on the Town of Hempstead’s Industrial Development Agency board. She is also the assistant secretary of the Hempstead chapter of the NAACP, is active in the Hempstead Community Land Trust, the Hempstead chapter of the AARP and the Long Island chapter of the National Coalition of 100
Tim Baker/Herald
Joylette Williams has a Ph.D. in English and is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut.
Black Women. She is a member of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
A central goal of her campaign is to digitize county records and to modernize the operating systems of the clerk’s office. “Right now it’s running like it’s 1974,” she said.
Williams has spoken with title insurance companies and attorneys who frequent the clerk’s office, she said, and has identified inefficiencies, including a lack
of online access to court records that makes it necessary for paralegals to visit the office in person.
The clerk’s mobile outreach van is underutilized, she added, and she has proposed increasing its presence across the county, including at libraries and senior centers. She has also proposed extending the office’s hours to 7 p.m. one day a week to accommodate working residents.
“The clerk’s office needs to be more accessible to all residents of Nassau County, and not just a few areas,” Williams said.
If elected, she plans to propose to the Legislature that fees for deed transfers and property transactions be reduced, and has identified seniors, first responders, first-time homebuyers and veterans as populations that could benefit from fee reductions or waivers.
Williams also cited the need for translators in the clerk’s office, noting a range of languages, from Spanish to Urdu, that are spoken by residents who visit the office regularly. Increased language accessibility, she said, would ensure equitable service across the county’s diverse population.
Her work in civic organizations, Williams said, has helped her better understand residents’ needs and leadership strategies. She added that she plans to request a leave of absence from Nassau Community College if she is elected, because both positions are county-funded and cannot be held simultaneously.
Williams was invited to join the ticket by the Democratic Party leadership, and underwent a vetting process that included interviews, reference checks and social media review. Her commitment to public service and community advocacy, she said, motivated her to accept the nomination.
Tim Baker/Herald
A registered nurse and an attorney, Maureen O’Connell has served in public office for over three decades, including a term in the Assembly.
Phillips has led county’s drive into digital era
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips traces her drive for public service to a childhood defined by independence, perseverance and the generosity of mentors who opened doors. Born in western Pennsylvania, the youngest of four daughters, she was the first in her family to attend college — a milestone achieved without guidance or financial help after her father’s death when she was 12.
“I was kind of left on my own a lot,” Phillips recalled. “There was no guidance for college.” That changed when she became a Rotary exchange student in Brazil for 13 months — an experience she described as life-changing. “It allowed me to mature and figure out who I wanted to be in life,” she said, adding that she still speaks fluent Portuguese nearly five decades later.
Phillips went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA in finance from Penn State, working as a bartender to pay tuition. Her career began in finance — first at Metropolitan Life, later at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, where she helped build mortgage-backed securities departments. After taking time off to raise her three daughters, she negotiated a rare job-sharing arrangement at Goldman that allowed her to balance motherhood with highstakes finance work for nearly a decade.
Public service came later. After serving as mayor of Flower Hill during Superstorm Sandy, she was elected to the State Senate in 2016, where she championed legislation closing a loophole that had allowed those convicted of domestic violence to keep certain firearms. In 2021 she was elected Nassau County’s comptroller — a role she calls both humbling and demanding.
Her signature initiative, she said, has been modernizing the county’s outdated financial system, which dates back to 1999. “We do our accounting basically
using Excel files,” Phillips said. “Departments like DPW, purchasing and accounting all had different data — none of it lined up.”
Her office led a two-year process to select CGI to implement a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, dubbed Nassau Forward, that will unify county financial operations and automatically update accounting standards. “It’s transformative,” Phillips said. “Our goal is to go live between 2027 and 2028.”
During her tenure, the comptroller’s office also digitized vendor claims, cutting payment times from four months to less than 10 days. “There used to be paper almost to the ceiling,” she said. “Now it’s all online
COUNTY COMPTROLLER
through e-claims.” Phillips also overhauled the audit process, emphasizing collaboration and corrective action rather than punitive reports that “collected dust.”
She credited her staff for the county’s recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association with its Triple Crown award for excellence in financial reporting — the only county in New York state to earn it. Nassau has also received seven bond-rating upgrades during her term.
Looking ahead, Phillips said her top priorities, if re-elected, would be completing the Nassau Forward project, hiring additional accountants and expanding electronic systems for retirees’ benefits. “We’re still sending out paper checks to some retirees,” she said. “We want to move to direct deposit — it’s safer and more efficient.”
She acknowledged ongoing challenges balancing employee wages and benefits with affordability for residents. “You want to pay your employees a fair wage and provide good health care,” Phillips said. “But you also want to make sure people can still afford to live here.”
Reflecting on her career, she credited her success to teamwork. “I’m as good as the people around me,” she said. “You always want to do more — to make government more efficient, save taxpayers money, and keep Nassau in strong fiscal shape.”
Wink: Comptroller must be ‘fiscal watchdog’
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Wayne Wink says Nassau County is once again standing on shaky financial ground — and he believes the comptroller’s office should be the first line of defense. The longtime public servant, attorney and former legislator is challenging incumbent Comptroller Elaine Phillips, arguing that the county needs more transparency, oversight and independence from the administration.
“I’ve always spoken truth to power,” said Wink, 58, who currently serves as minority counsel to the County Legislature. “What we need is a fiscal watchdog. What we have is a fiscal lapdog.”
A Hofstra University and St. John’s University School of Law graduate, Wink grew up in Uniondale, in what he describes as a “barely middle-class” household, and was the first in his family to go to college. He was elected to public office for the first time in the early 2000s and went on to serve 20 years in local government — including as a North Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and town clerk.
Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alert system but designed to locate missing seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We’ve had a number of people saved because of that program,” he said. He also helped establish North Hempstead’s domestic partner registry before same-sex marriage was legalized in New York. and pushed for “right-sizing” government by transferring underused county assets to towns that could better manage them.
Jeff Bessen/Herald
Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alerts system.
Now, as he seeks to return to countywide office, Wink says that Nassau’s biggest problems aren’t new — they’re just unresolved. “When I left the Legislature in 2013, I came back 10 years later and found the same issues: the college, the medical center, the jail, assessments,” he said. “They’re all repackaged, but the same issues.”
One of his top concerns is the county’s ongoing fiscal oversight by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created more than 20 years ago amid
budget turmoil. “No county our size with our affluence and abilities should still be under a control board,” he said, adding that sustainable budgeting and stronger auditing practices could allow the county to regain autonomy.
Wink has been especially critical of the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to plug operating deficits. “The only way they’re balancing the 2025 budget is to take $120 million of Covid money,” he said. “We’re spending down reserves that were built up under Laura Curran,” he added, referring to the former county executive. “It’s unsustainable.” He said that Nassau faces a structural deficit of $200 million to $250 million per year in its four-year plan.
Wink argues that genuine transparency begins with full disclosure of how public money is spent — including vendor identities. “The county’s ‘open checkbook’ lists every transaction except who got the money,” he said. “That’s not transparency.”
If elected, he said, his first priority would be to restore field audits, which he claims have disappeared under the current administration. “The comptroller is there to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Wink said. “We need to get back to real audits, in the weeds, to find waste, fraud and abuse.”
He also called for greater oversight of county contracts, jail operations and agencies such as the Nassau University Medical Center, which he says have faced mounting financial and management issues.
“The county is slowly fading into the fiscal abyss again,” Wink said. “We’ve been here before — and if we keep the status quo, we’ll be back there again. Nassau needs new eyes, real accountability, and leadership willing to tell the truth.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips is seeking re-election.
Poe classic revived in haunting musical
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
There’s a certain magic in being first — the first to hear the music, to witness the tension crackle between characters, to see a world take shape from the ground up. That magic will be in the air as the curtain is pulled back on the staged reading of the upcoming musical The Cask of Amontillado at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center in Freeport, a daring new adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting short story — a twisted tale of pride and revenge beginning its transformation into a fully realized theatrical world.
With a book and lyrics by John Cozzi and original music and additional lyrics by Laurence Dresner, the musical adaptation stays true to Poe’s gothic roots while reimagining the story with haunting melodies and a darkly lyrical style. Set in Italy during Carnival, the production brings to life the tale’s themes of betrayal, obsession, and the chilling consequences of vengeance.
“I’ve been a fan of Poe my entire life,” said director David Coonan. “John and Larry have created a beautiful adaptation of this macabre masterpiece that I’m excited to bring to life. I look forward to sharing this unique production with our audience,”
The audience follows Montresor’s chilling descent into madness as he manipulates Fortunato, a vain and
unsuspecting victim, deeper into the crypt with promises of rare amontillado sherry. But as the journey unfolds, so does Montresor’s dark plan for vengeance. The result is a captivating experience that combines Poe’s macabre storytelling with a dynamic musical score — a theatrical journey into vengeance, madness, and death.
“Poe’s story is all about the dark corners of the human soul, and we leaned fully into its gothic horror. We wanted to honor its psychological depth and suspense, to make this as visceral as possi-
ble,” says Cozzi. Composer Laurence Dresner added, “Poe didn’t hold back on the horror, and neither did we. We wanted audiences to feel the weight of the bricks, the suffocation of revenge, and the finality of Fortunato’s demise.”
The show’s orchestrated music combines haunting melodies with moments of intense emotion — from quiet foreboding to dramatic, thrilling crescendos — capturing the psychological complexity of the characters. Songs like “Building a Wall” and “Amontillado” weave tension and intrigue, while “Buco Nel
Muro” adds humor, and “Do You Still Think of Me?” reflects the poignant duality of Fortunato.
Laurence Dresner, composer, has had his works performed by ensembles such as the Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble and the American Chamber Ensemble, with performances across the United States and Europe.
John Cozzi, playwright and lyricist, brings a unique ability to channel Poe’s grim genius into a theatrical experience that blends dread with a perverse sense of fascination.
“The Cask of Amontillado is one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most well-known stories which lends itself to be dramatized with music on the stage,” said Robyn Workman, owner of Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, in an email to the Herald. “Larry Dresner is the composer & co-lyricist along with John Cozzi , author & co- lyricist. The cast members come from all over L.I. some of whom have performed at Sparkle before.”
As Poe is typically read by young teens & up we suggest a similar age for the audience,” Workman added. “The actors will have scripts in hand, & will be moving about the stage. The audience will have the opportunity to give their feedback in an online survey post show. We here at Sparkle are excited to host another original performance.”
The staged reading will take place at Sparkle on Stage, 195 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, on November 8.
Freeport native leads Oceanside Library
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Michelle Samuel, a lifelong Freeport resident and a familiar face at the Oceanside Library for the past seven years, stepped into the role of assistant director at the end of July, succeeding the retiring Tony Iovino, and has taken on responsibilities she previously shared with Director Chris Marra. Samuel — who came to the library in March 2018 as the head of children’s services — said the transition has been busy and full of face-to-face time with patrons, staff and neighbors.
Samuel, 43, who lives in Freeport with her 5-year-old daughter, is a career librarian who graduated from St. John’s University with a Masters in library science in 2007. Over the years she has gained operational know-how and leadership skills to draw on in her new role. She says she is dedicated to serving the Oceanside community.
“I’m here to help them,” Samuel said. “Freeport is my hometown, but I look at Oceanside as my second home. I really do love it here.”
Samuel’s path to librarianship began early. She started working at her hometown Freeport Memorial Library as a teen — shelving books and learning the operations that most patrons never see. After earning her master’s
she spent 12 years at Freeport Memorial, moving up through roles before coming to Oceanside.
Here she helped run a rapidly expanding children’s program and built relationships across departments. That experience, she said, prepared her for the broader responsibilities of assistant director: supervising staff, helping patrons and collaborating with the director on strategic initiatives.
“Now I’m really getting to say hello to everybody, really getting to know everybody, and just learning how they are using the libraries,” Samuel said.
The promotion made her “nervous, but excited,” she added, crediting both Iovino and Marra for mentoring and preparing her.
“Tony took the time of a whole year to fully train me and prepare me for this step,” Samuel said. “Chris is the one that’s here day to day with me, still guiding us and helping out.”
Samuel has laid out an ambitious agenda, planning to grow programming by bringing back events that were paused during the library’s temporary relocation; pushing current offerings “to the next level”; improving operations so patrons wait no longer than a week or two for requested items; revamping the library’s website to make essential information easier to find; bringing in new services and technology by attending
conferences and scouting innovations that enhance patrons’ experiences; and advocating for stronger funding by building relationships with local legislators and being more vocal about the library’s role beyond books.
Money, she said, remains its biggest challenge. State aid covers only a sliver of its operational needs, so staff members pursue grants and creative partnerships to get new projects off the ground.
She is already active beyond Oceanside. She is vice president of the Nassau County Library Association and the organization’s president-elect, with a formal installation set for December. She will be presenting at the New York Library Association conference in Saratoga Springs next month, when, she said, she looks forward to both sharing Oceanside’s successes and bringing back new ideas.
“Michelle’s leadership and the passion she brings is incredible,” Marra said. “We’ve worked together a long time.”
Samuel described her leadership style as accessible and collaborative. She once handed patrons’ questions up the chain, but now has the authority to respond to them directly. She also stressed cross-department cooperation: helping staff get to “yes” when they conceive new programs, and making it easy for patrons to find what they need.
Samuel’s immediate focus is on returning seasonal offerings to full strength, with the highly anticipated eighth annual OceanCon, Oceanside’s spin on Comic Con, on Oct. 26, and other fall events on the calendar. Longer term, she’s scouting new services and digital tools that could expand the library’s reach and usefulness.
Courtesy Robyn Workman
The cast of The Cask of Amontillado gathers ahead of the musical’s Nov. 8 staged reading, bringing Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting tale of pride and revenge to life.
Kepherd Daniel/Herald Michelle Samuel has taken the helm as assistant director at the Oceanside Library.
Fire expo and chowder fest return to Mile
in everyone.”
Trunk or treating is a Halloween event where families gather, often in a parking lot or an open space, decorate their car trunks, and hand out candy to kids who go from car to car. It’s a safe, festive alternative to traditional trickor-treating, often with games, music and costumes.
Each year, the village’s recreation center coordinates the event with dozens of volunteers — from the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to the fire department and schools — to keep the festival running smoothly. Children, parents and grandparents often return year after year to walk the same parade route that has become a signature fall moment for the waterfront village.
In addition to the parade, the fire department will present its annual Fire Expo, now in its 35th year as one of Long Island’s largest public safety demonstrations. Visitors will see the department’s fire apparatus up close, watch live equipment demonstrations, and learn safety tips from firefighters. Children will have a chance to meet first responders and collect giveaways, while parents pick up information on fire prevention and home safety.
If festivalgoers start to feel hungry, the annual Chowder Fest will be available as part of the day’s festivities.
Adults will be asked to give a small donation to take part, but children can chow down for free. The friendly competition has become a staple of the festival, showcasing Nautical Mile’s restaurants and highlighting the village’s culinary talent.
“Everyone gets a pencil and a piece of paper with all the categories, and they pick their favorite,” event coordinator Susan Lyons, who is the associate
village judge, said. “I’m a big clam chowder person.”
Categories to be judged in the Chowder Fest will include Manhattan, New England, most innovative, Long Island, bisque, original and chunkiest. Past competitions have featured contestants such as Halfway Down, Sonny’s Canal House, and Novi, with Halfway Down returning to defend its title as last year’s overall winner.
“Chowder is like chicken soup, there are so many variations,” Lyons said. “When I make mine, I start with bacon and clams. Only thing I don’t like is if you don’t put enough clams in it.”
Mayor Kennedy said he’s also looking forward to the tasting portion of the contest. “When the weather is great and everyone is having a good time, a nice clam chowder just tops off the day,” he said. “As mayor, I have to be impartial and taste them all.”
The event typically draws between 500 and 1,000 visitors each year, depending on weather, and is widely seen as the closing celebration of the Nautical Mile season. Past festivals have included face painting, hayrides, pumpkin decorating and live music from local performers. This year’s organizers said they expect a similar turnout and the same mix of family-friendly energy that has made it a Freeport tradition.
As a bonus, for families looking to kick off the weekend early, the village will host a free screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Recreation Center. With the Nautical Mile as its backdrop the festival is expected to once again capture the spirit of community that defines Freeport.
Organizations interested in participating in the parade can call Elizabeth Comerford, director of the Freeport Recreation Center, at (516) 377-2314.
Courtesy Randy Milteer/Village of Freeport
Kids in colorful costumes, from firefighters to superheroes, were ready for fun at freeport’s fall festival in 2022.
Mulé’s priorities: infrastructure, public space
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
From flooding fixes to affordable housing, County Legislator Debra Mulé says her priorities remain strengthening infrastructure and community spaces as she seeks a fifth term in office.
The Democrat, who currently represents the 6th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside, has served in the minority but has continued to find ways to deliver for residents, and plans to push for progress on long-delayed projects if she is re-elected in November.
“I was very proud, this term, to finally get Centennial Park finished for the Roosevelt community,” Mulé said during a recent roundtable with Herald reporters. “That project was a long time coming, and I really believe that park is a model for communities across the country. They pack a lot into less than three acres — it’s a crown jewel.”
Mulé said she was struggled to move forward with some Community Revitalization Program projects, as a result of what she described as a “political blockade” by County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration. Legislators, she explained, are each allotted district funding for local capital projects, but she claims that many of the projects overseen by Democrats have stalled.
“The score is now 56 to 2,” she said. “That means 56 Democratic projects
have been stopped at the county executive’s desk. My hope is that with a new county executive, we can get these projects going.”
Infrastructure, Mulé added, remains a central focus of hers. Baldwin continues to deal with aging sewer systems and sinkholes, including several along
Grand Avenue.
“The sinkholes happen because the sewer pipes are well past their useful life,” she said. “Cracks form, the dirt underneath the pavement goes into the pipes, and when there’s nothing left to hold the road up, you get sinkholes.”
The first phase of the Grand Avenue
Complete Streets Project — from Merrick Road to Stanton Avenue — was completed under Mulé’s leadership. There area plans to extend improvements north to the Southern State Parkway, representing more than $20 million in total investment.
She also pointed to Nassau’s housing crisis, citing the new Baldwin Commons development, which drew more than 6,000 applicants for 60 affordable units. “That shows you the need,” she said. “There’s clearly a hunger for affordable housing.”
Mulé praised similar redevelopment in Freeport, including the Moxey Rigby apartments, which reserve units for veterans and seniors.
If she is re-elected, she said, she will continue focusing on restoring Baldwin’s historic Kellogg House, environmental revitalization at Brookside Preserve, and finding a long-term solution for the Oakwood Beach Club property in Baldwin Harbor.
“That site could be something really special — ideally green space,” Mulé said. “My dream is to see something nice happen there.”
Smikle learned a lot from Assembly campaign
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Danielle Smikle, who first entered the political arena with a 2024 run for the State Assembly, is now seeking a seat in the Nassau County Legislature representing the 6th District, pledging to confront issues ranging from high property taxes to frequent flooding, the housing shortage and community safety in Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside.
Smikle, a longtime resident of Freeport, said her Assembly bid gave her valuable insight into voters’ concerns and the barriers that keep so many people from engaging in local politics.
“It was eye-opening,” she said. “People didn’t always know they could vote for someone outside their party. It showed me how crucial it is to make government accessible and understandable for everyone.”
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, and raised in Freeport since age 3, Smikle graduated from Freeport High School and earned a degree in political science and communications from Canisius College in Buffalo. She now works as a college and career counselor at the Academy Charter School in Uniondale, helping students chart their paths after high school.
“My work with students and small
businesses gives me a perspective on the day-to-day challenges families face,”
Smikle said. “Everyone wants a good job and a good education, but there are
many roadblocks in between.”
Smikle’s campaign is focused on reducing property taxes, supporting education, revitalizing small businesses
and improving infrastructure. When it comes to housing, she advocates redeveloping vacant and neglected properties to create opportunities for younger residents without building large new apartment complexes.
Flooding and storm preparedness are also key concerns in the coastal 6th District. Parts of Baldwin and Freeport are below sea level, and Smikle emphasized the importance of maintaining floodgates, repairing roads and ensuring that public facilities remain safe and accessible.
Public safety and community policing are two more of her priorities. Smikle said she hopes to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement, promote dialogue and address mental health challenges affecting both officers and community members.
“I want people to see government as a team effort, not a partisan fight,” she said. “Working together across differences is how we solve the problems that matter most to our towns.”
If elected, Smikle said, she plans to draw on her background in education, small business and community service to deliver tangible results for the district. “Even small changes can make a difference,” she said. “It’s about showing up for the community and making things better for everyone.”
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, the Democratic incumbent in the 6th District, is seeking her fifth term in the Legislature.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
After running for the Assembly last November, Freeport’s Danielle Smikle seeks to flip Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District seat as the Republican nominee.
Teachers fear retaliation for speaking out
false accusations that come at you,” she said. Some educators have begun voicing their frustrations publicly, she added, because working conditions have become so difficult that the district risks losing quality teachers and administrators.
Langan also said she has personally faced disciplinary actions and false accusations, while the union has been shut out of the hiring process, which once included all key stakeholders. Staffing shortages and overcrowded classrooms, she said, are hurting students.
“We have a lack of staffing,” she said. “We have children not receiving services. We have classes that are overcrowded. The high school started this year without schedules. The teachers’ assignments were not contractually based.”
Despite the challenges, Langan emphasized her commitment to the students. “I’m concerned for the children of Freeport — that’s my always, my primary concern,” she said. “The educators of Freeport are dedicated to the children of Freeport, and that’s why we are starting to stand up.”
Former Board of Education trustees Shuron Jackson and Maria JordanAwalom, who both served until earlier
this year, when both chose not to run for reelection, said that many of the same problems exist at the leadership level, indicating a breakdown in process, transparency and accountability.
The current school board’s approach to public meetings, Jackson said, has alienated residents. “I think telling the public ‘this is our meeting’ is really showing that you almost forgot who put you there, right?” she said. “So it’s like the elected has forgotten about the electors, and really that community embodiment that you want to see.”
Both Jackson and Jordan-Awalom pointed to the board’s recent administrative restructuring — in which assistant superintendent roles were replaced by “executive director” titles — as an example of decisions made hastily and without proper discussion. The affected positions, Jackson said, had already been budgeted for, and the move appeared rushed.
board responsibility; that comes down to the superintendent,” she said. “Those are superintendent decisions, superintendent recommendations to the board, but it’s not the board who should be making these decisions.”
Both former trustees said the district’s decision-making has financial and legal consequences. “The only thing we can say, I think that’s fair, is all of this is extremely costly,” Jackson said. “Costly, you know, like its decisions have consequences.”
Jordan-Awalom said the board itself was deeply divided.
“At the close of our term we held positions contrary to the majority which was obvious in the last few months,” she said over text message. “The board began operating as a majority block rather than reaching the consensus of 5 on decisions that are consequential to our community.”
board meetings: confusion over major decisions, frustration with unanswered questions and anxiety about the district’s direction.
Several meetings have been scheduled with little notice — sometimes only hours in advance — and abruptly adjourned before community concerns could be addressed.
Key positions remain vacant, and the board’s internal divisions have spilled into public view.
The district, in its official statements, has described its restructuring as a modernization effort intended to improve efficiency and reduce duplication of responsibilities. But for many, the changes have instead deepened uncertainty.
Langan said that teachers remain devoted to the students, but are increasingly demoralized. Jackson and JordanAwalom said that the school board’s credibility depends on restoring open communication and following proper procedures.
Jordan-Awalom said many board actions now seem to blur the line between governance and management. “The day-to-day of a district is not a
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.
The Heritage Club at Bethpage
She added that her public questions about overspending and special-education costs “were never addressed.”
The comments from teachers and former trustees echo what many Freeport parents have voiced at recent
Join Us!
Across the community, parents say they simply want stability, honesty, and trust that decisions are made with their children foremost in mind. The common thread among educators, former trustees and families is a plea for transparency and accountability in a district struggling to regain its footing.
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
MILITARY HERO
Mel Cohen
YOUTH HEROES
Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein
The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon
For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes
Maria Jordan- awalo M
STEPPING OUT
At the mock store modeled after Freeport’s Two Cousins Fish Market, kids role play as fishmongers and customers.
Visitors are introduced to the exhibit’s many components.
THE SEA IS CALLING
Children’s Museum’s ‘Saltwater Stories’ is rooted in local maritime traditions
By Abbey Salvemini
Long Island Children’s Museum sets sail on a bold new chapter with “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me,” its first new permanent exhibition in over a decade. The 1,900-square-foot immersive installation, which officially opened last week, invites families to explore Long Island’s rich nautical heritage, celebrating the people, traditions and cultures that have long relied on the sea.
Our coastal identity comes to life through storytelling, interactive play and local traditions. Kids (and grown-ups!) can climb into a full-size bay house, sort the day’s catch in a bustling fish market, explore the wonders under the sea and even hop inside a 500-pound hand-carved canoe. That canoe — a mishoon (Indigenous dugout canoe) commissioned by the museum — was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation. Welcomed by the museum in June, it now takes up residence within “Saltwater Stories.”
A culmination of more than 15 years of museum programming and partnerships with local fishermen, Indigenous communities and historians, it anchors Long Island’s past to its future with creativity and care. The concept first took shape several years ago, sparked by the museum’s long-running partnerships with tradition bearers and a desire to give families a more personal connection to the natural world around them.
Museum President Erika Floreska describes the exhibit as “authentic, playful and beautiful.”
Director of Exhibits Margo Malter traces its roots back to weekend programs begun in 2009, when local baymen and fishermen shared firsthand stories about life on the water. Over the years, those early conversations grew into a deeper exploration of Long Island’s maritime culture. The turning point came in 2019, when the museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That funding allowed the team to assemble a cohort of community advisors — fisherfolk, Indigenous leaders, historians, and educators — whose voices helped shape Saltwater’s foundation.
“We like to say the exhibit is informed by community, for the community,” Floreska adds.
From the stories of generations of baymen to the bustling fish markets of the Nautical Mile, the exhibit’s components are rooted in the everyday lives of Long
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. 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. 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.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Islanders past and present. It also highlights the connections between the traditions of immigrant communities who share seaside cultures, offering opportunities for shared experiences and dialogue.
Visitors are welcomed by a nine-foot high immersive, stylized wave tunnel. Visible from the three entries to the museum’s second floor, this wow-moment hooks you into the gallery and recreates that first introduction to the sea for many of us — a day at the beach. Lighting and sound effects give a transportive transition into “Saltwater Stories.”
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Among the exhibit’s many features, young visitors can role-play life on the bay in a walkin replica of a bay house, where a “magic window” lets them observe real-time changes in weather, tides and marsh life. Nearby, in a classic Long Island fish market, you can sort, weigh and sell the day’s catch — mimicking the work of generations who lived off the sea. Also everyone will enjoy “Lifting the Ocean’s Lid,” an early learner area where kids can get a close-up look at what lives under the sea.
• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
For Floreska, Saltwater’s heart lies in its ability to tell a local story while providing a playful, hands-on space that’s deeply connected to the real world — something she describes as both unique and meaningful.
“It gives visitors of all ages a chance to connect with a cultural richness that defines Long Island,” she says.
Integrating new technology felt like a natural next step in the evolution of the museum’s approach to storytelling, according to Malter. She highlights the bay house installation as a standout example, where digital features are used to make the environment feel dynamic and real.
To create the immersive “magic window,” the team hired a videographer to capture time-lapse footage of a local marsh over the course of several days, including scenes at night and during a storm. With the push of a button, kids can change the view outside the window — transforming from day to night or calm to stormy — making the experience both magical and grounded in the real world.
“Observing the natural world was a big educational goal for me,” Malter explains. By blending real footage with playful interaction, young visitors notice environmental details they might otherwise overlook — fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity rooted in the rhythms of local life.
The phrase “we need the sea and the sea needs me” serves as the exhibit’s guiding inspiration.
Even the quintessential Long Island Islander — Billy Joel — has a place here. Everyone can watch a video of his “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” commercial fishing’s unofficial anthem.
To help families turn inspiration into action, a resource guide on the museum website provides ideas for local, family-friendly activities that extend the learning into the home. Floreska points to community programs like Freeport-based “Operation Splash,” where families can participate in cleaning up local shorelines.
As a permanent fixture now, “Saltwater Stories” continues the museum’s commitment to ignite curiosity, encourage stewardship and strengthen our bond with the environment — reminding us all that the sea’s story is deeply intertwined with our own.
$144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra
Gala
Maestro Louis Panacciulli and the Nassau Pops Orchestra return to the Tilles Center for their annual gala supporting the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, joined again by Tony Danza and his band. Danza’s latest cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories,” blends personal anecdotes, humor and some classic tunes. He pays tribute to the music of ‘Ol Blue Eyes, whose music formed the soundtrack of his childhood. He brings his trademark charisma and storytelling — along with touch of soft shoe and ukulele-strumming — to his selection of Sinatra’s timeless classics. Swing into an afternoon of great tunes and fascinating stories — all to benefit this vital organization.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org.
Photos courtesy Kevin Chu/KCJP Everyone is welcomed into “Saltwater Stories” through a stylized wave tunnel.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
OCT
16
Arty Party
The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport hosts its annual “Arty Party” fundraiser, supporting local arts programming with music, food and community celebration.
• Where: The Bayview, 395 Woodcleft Ave.
• Time: 6:30-10 p.m.
• Contact: liacfreeport.org or (516) 223-2522
OCT
18
Community Resource Fair
Connect with local nonprofits and service agencies at Freeport Memorial Library to discover valuable services and volunteer opportunities in the Freeport area. Open to all, no registration required.
• Where: 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport
• Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274
South Shore Arts Festival
Celebrate Long Island’s creative community at this indoor festival spotlighting original works by local artists. Fine art for sale includes painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. Meet the artists and support homegrown talent at Freeport Recreation Center.
• Where: 130 E. Merrick Road, Freeport
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: liacfreeport.org or (516) 223-2522
Ghostly Gala
Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. Enjoy the holiday in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way! Show off your costumes and dance moves in a Monster Mash Dance Party. Visit the Spooky Studio and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Also make some cool and creepy crafts. Start offyour spooky night by decorating a bewitching trick-or-treat bag, then collect ghostly goodies from the museum’s roaming staff. Also a special showing of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch” in the LICM theater. $16, $14 members; show $5.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 6-9 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Enchanted Forest Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to another Super Family Saturday program. This magical adventure includes
OCT
25
Little Feat
One of America’s most distinctive and longest-running rock bands, Little Feat is back in a big way with a revitalized lineup, a stellar new record — its first album of original material in over a decade The venerable six-piece is touring in support of ‘Strike Up the Band,” their first new studio album reliant on new material since 2012’s Rooster Rag. It’s Little Feat’s triumphant return to rock ‘n roll with plenty of swampy Southern soul. The band builds on a deep, over 50-year history. Little Feat used a combination of elite musicianship and brilliant, idiosyncratic songwriting to create a repertoire that transcends all boundaries. California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly mixed with New Orleans swamp boogie led to a powerful sound that has kept the audience dancing for decades. Their groove — in songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” — was so infectious it allowed them to endure and press on even when losing their founder, Lowell George, and founding drummer, Richie Hayward. They’re in top form now with Scott Sharrard on lead/vox and Tony Leone on drums/vox, and with founder Bill Payne on keys/vox, Fred Tackett on guitars/vox, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vox. Fifty years on, they’ve been up and they’ve been down and they know where they belong — standing or sitting behind their instruments, playing for you. And anything’s possible, because the end is not in sight. Tickets are $141.25, $120.25, $99.75, $77.75, $66.25
hands-on art activities themed around transformation, fantasy, and discovery, plus a special trail through the site’s fall forest.. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.
• Where: Manes Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Session 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Session 2, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Korean Culture Day
Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Korea at Old Westbury Gardens at the 3rd Annual Korean Culture Day Celebration. This family-friendly event brings together the sights, sounds and flavors of Korea in the beautiful garden setting. Enjoy authentic Korean foods and flavors, dance performances, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, and more. Whether you’re discovering Korean culture for the first time or reconnecting with cherished traditions, this afternoon offers something for everyone. Free with Gardens admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 2-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
OCT
25
Freeport Gem and Mineral Show
Explore dazzling displays of gemstones, minerals, and fossils at the annual show at Freeport Recreation Center Ice Rink. Ideal for collectors, families, and geology enthusiasts; with 89 exhibitors, educational talks and workshops throughout the weekend.
• Where: 130 E. Merrick Road
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., also Oct. 26
• Contact: (516) 377-2314
‘Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: Under New Management’
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to its latest theater production. Horrible news! The Mountain Boo Soda Company has their eyes on a piece of property for their new factory — Uncle Vlad’s pumpkin patch! Join Uncle Vlad, his nephew Chad, and their freakish friends as they team up to protect their Halloween home from the bony fingers of big business. The company is run by a skeleton, after all! With puppeteers and actors from LICM’s Theater, this musical adventure will tickle your funny bone as a Halloween treat for the whole family. $5 with museum admission ($4 members). $10 theater only.
appreciate the colors and beauty of the fall season in the farms, woods, and fields of the historic site. $15, $12 seniors and children 5-12.
• Where: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: oldbethpagevillagere storation.org or call (516) 5728409
OCT
26
Suicide Awareness Walk
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Long Island Chapter holds their Long Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk to raise awareness about suicide at Jones Beach. Register to walk or become a sponsor.
• Where: Field 5, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: Carrie Aronson at (516) 865-3944 or afsp.org/ longislandwalkwest
Festival and Fire Expo
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., also Oct. 26
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Dog Days Weekend
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), With fall dog parade and costume contest on Sunday.Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury.
• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: also Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with costume parade/contest, 3-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Haunted Halloween
Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for some Halloween fun. Enjoy safe trick or treating, a kids’ costume parade and contest, witch-broom making, pumpkin painting, and other family fun. Meet the Headless Horseman and listen to a reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Enjoy the spooky fun while you
The village hosts its annual Fall Festival and Fire Expo. With fire department exhibits, music, food, and family fun along the Nautical Mile.
• Where: Woodcleft Ave., Freeport
• Time: Noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: freeportny.gov
OCT
30
Halloween Parade
Kids are invited to wear costumes and join the Halloween Parade through the Freeport Memorial Library. Fun for all ages!
• Where: 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport
• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
things to know fall foliage
Because of the unusually warm temperatures this fall, a majority of the tree leaves on Long Island are still fully green. But that will change very soon.
Don’t worry leaf peepers – the fall colors will appear soon
Although it’s mid-October, most trees across Long Island are still holding onto their green leaves, a sign that the region’s fall color is arriving later than usual this year. Unseasonably warm temperatures and above-average rainfall have slowed the transformation, but nature’s annual show is just beginning. Over the next few weeks, the Island’s parks, arboretums, and scenic byways will start to glow with yellows, oranges, and deep reds — and for those who know where and when to look, it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the outdoors.
–Brian Kacharaba
Peak color hits in mid to late October
While the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks often burst into color weeks earlier, Long Island’s trees tend to turn later thanks to its coastal climate. Typically, the Island’s peak foliage arrives between Oct. 20 and Oct. 30, when cooler nights and bright, dry days combine to ignite the leaves into a fiery mix of red maples, golden oaks, and copper beeches. This year’s delayed transition means that the most striking colors may extend into early November — a rare treat for leaf-peepers. Watching the change unfold gradually across Nassau and Suffolk counties also allows residents to enjoy multiple weekends of fall beauty before the leaves drop for good.
State parks offer the best views
For those planning a fall outing, Long Island’s state parks provide some of the best opportunities to experience the season up close. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor boasts miles of wooded trails, meadows, and saltwater vistas where gold and crimson leaves contrast against the blue of Long Island Sound. Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale offers wide fairways and walking paths that make for easy, colorful strolls. Out east, Caleb Smith State Park in Smithtown and Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale are ideal for spotting wildlife against the backdrop of changing trees. Even smaller gems like Sagamore Hill and Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay turn into painterly landscapes, perfect for photography, picnics, or quiet reflection.
Foliage reports help you plan your trip
If you’re wondering when to grab your camera or plan a weekend drive, the New York State “I LOVE NY” foliage tracker is your best resource. Updated every Wednesday through late October, it compiles onthe-ground reports from parks and tourism agencies statewide. The map highlights which regions are “just starting,” “near peak,” or “past peak,” helping travelers find the perfect timing for fall color. For Long Islanders, that might mean a scenic drive east along Route 25A through Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, and Huntington, or down the Long Island Expressway toward the North Fork wine trail. By keeping an eye on the tracker, residents can make the most of autumn’s brief but brilliant display — before the wind and rain sweep it all away.
HERALD
ATTENTION STUDENTS: THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
CONTEST RULES:
Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:
Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12
One entry per student
Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.
Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.
Mail or hand-deliver to:
Wrapping Paper Contest
Herald Community Newspapers
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).
Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14
HELPFUL HINTS
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.
• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.
Brian Kacharaba/Herald
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee, in trust for the registered holders of ACE Securities Corp., Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-NC3, Asset Backed PassThrough Certificates, Plaintiff AGAINST Christopher Prescott; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 18, 2018, amended August 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 5, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 205 New York Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at New Cassel, in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 11 Block 30 Lot 79 (Lot Group 79 and 80). Approximate amount of judgment $708,798.90 plus interest and costs. Premises wil l be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003168/2014. Jason P. Sackoor, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: September 16, 2025 For sale information, please visit Servicelinkauction.com or call (866) 539-4173 87156 155987
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -against-
ANDREA BATTLE A/K/A ANDREA BATTLEBROWN, 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 July 7, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANDREA BATTLE A/K/A ANDREA BATTLEBROWN, 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 31, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 572 MILLER AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; tax map identification 62-182-239; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602567/2020. Edward Andreas Vincent, 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. 155996
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC., -againstERNESTINA DELVALLE, AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF
THE ESTATE OF BARBARA A. ROLLINS A/K/A BARBARA ROLLINS, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk
of the County of Nassau on April 14, 2023, wherein WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC., is the Plaintiff and ERNESTINA DELVALLE, AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA A. ROLLINS
A/K/A BARBARA ROLLINS, 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 November 3, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 20 LILLIAN AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; tax map identification 55-447-103; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602944/2018. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq.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. 156000
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MITCHELL PENDARVIS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VALARIE COLLIER, KAYLA SIGMORE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VALARIE COLLIER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale
duly entered February 13, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 58 Weberfield Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55 Block 207 and Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment $451,981.90 plus interest and costs. Prem ises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615127/2023. Ellen N. Savino, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003027 87258 155985
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE TRUST 2006-3, ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGEBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, Plaintiffagainst - SANDRO COLLADO, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 22, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 30th day of October, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 213 North Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520.
(Section: 54, Block: 55, Lot: 3)
Approximate amount of lien $603,189.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold
subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 618335/2023. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: September 4, 2025
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 155976
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR MLM 13648 TITLE TRUST, PLAINTIFF, VS. PANTHER ENTERPRISES INC., ET AL., DEFENDANT(S). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 305 Roosevelt Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62,
Block 152 and Lots 5 & 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $859,190.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614107/2023.
Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee 516-510-4020
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 234193-1 156146
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, JOVIA FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION F/K/A NASSAU EDUCATORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, PLAINTIFF, VS. MARK A. MCMILLIAN A/K/A MARK A. MCMILLAN, ET AL., DEFENDANT(S). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 17, 2024, 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 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 183 Moore Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 101 and Lot 148. Approximate amount of judgment is $156,591.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603963/2023. The sale of this property and clear title are subject to a superior lien dated December 10, 2002 and recorded on December 24, 2002 in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County, State of New York, under Liber Book 23338 and Page 102. Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231848-1 156148
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to §128-5 of the Freeport Village Code, a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport will be held to conduct public hearings on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 5:00 P.M., in the Municipal Building, Board of Trustees Conference Room, 46 North Ocean Avenue, 2nd Floor, Freeport, NY adjacent to the Mayor’s Office.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk Issue Date: October 16, 2025 156348
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that a license, number NA-0340-25-132829, for a beer, cider, liquor and/or wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider, liquor and/or wine, as the case may be, at retail in a restaurant, under the Alcoholic Beverage Law, at 124 S. Main Street, Freeport, New York 11520-3846, County of Nassau, for on-premises consumption. Melanies Restaurant and Bar Inc. 156346
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF YACHTSMAN’S COVE CONDOMINIUM, Pltf. vs. BRYAN VALENTIN, CLAIRE A. VALENTIN, Deft. Index #619845/2023.
Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered November 15, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. prem. k/a 531 Ray Street, Unit 20, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 54, Block 315, Lot 446. The real property above described is a unit shown on the plans of a Condominium prepared and certified by Barrett, Bonacci and Van Weele, P.C. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 17th day of January, 2017, as Map No. 0285 defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled Yachtsman’s Cove Condominium made by Ray Street Commons
LLC under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law dated January 17, 2017 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 17th day of January, 2017 in Liber 13462 of Conveyances at Page 496. Being a part of a Condominium in the Village of Freeport, Nassau County, State of NY, known and designated as Home No. 20, together with a 4.1666% undivided interest in the Common Elements of the Condominium hereinafter described, as the same is defined in the Declaration of Condominium hereinafter referred to. Approximate amount of judgment is $11,542.99 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JOHN BOKLAK, Referee. JAY L. YACKOW, Attys. for Pltf., 355 Post Avenue, Ste. 201, Westbury, NY. #102577 156280
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST SERIES ACE 2005-HE5, -againstCHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, 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 November 19, 2015, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES ACE 2005-HE5 is the Plaintiff and CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, 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 November 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 36 JOHN STREET, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575-1720; and the following tax map identification 55-422-146, 147, & 148; and description:
Public Notices
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 019083/2008. Janet Deluca, 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. 156320
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Stephen Dedomenico; William Dedomenico; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 25, 2015, amended February 23, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 20, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4 August Lane, Old Westbury, NY 11568. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Old Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 19 Block D Lot 112. Approximate amount of judgment $928,735.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 007547/2012. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or
Shine”. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP
f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff
175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624
(877) 430-4792
Dated: September 27, 2025 156325
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Nassau Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust I, Plaintiff AGAINST Paul O. Lyseight, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 19, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 9 Brooks Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 55, BLOCK: 315, LOT: 151. Approximate amount of judgment is $153,248.05 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608839/2021. Brian J. Davis, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-09873 4-F00 87504 156272
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
LPP MORTGAGE, INC.
F/K/A LPP MORTGAGE LTD., Plaintiff - against - GERARD Y. OLIVIER
A/K/A GERARD OLIVIER, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 3, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court
Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 13th day of November, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 134 North Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520.
(Section: 55., Block: 384., Lot: 39)
Approximate amount of lien $633,213.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 613787/2022. John Boklak, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516-742-1212
OLIVIER-79584
Dated: September 17, 2025
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change. 156258
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR LEHMAN MORTGAGE TRUST MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST LATCHMIN BANKS, ET AL.,
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 25, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100
Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 957 Jerome Street, Baldwin Harbor, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 553, Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment $516,562.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608105/2017. Merik Aaron, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Wi lliamsville, NY 14221 17-003759 87344 156265
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST FELICIA A. OMENE, JACKSON OMENE, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 16, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm, premises known as 3588 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 590, Lot 21. Approximate amount of judgment $1,403,156.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006993/2016. Chris ty M. Demelfi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-001620 87474
156270
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. YK2021 LLC, Pltf. vs. CDSS LLC, et al, Defts.
News brief
Freeport steeple glows pink for awareness
The steeple at Freeport Village Hall is glowing pink throughout October in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Health experts emphasize that early detection through regular screening — including mammograms — significantly improves survival rates. Common risk factors include age, family history, hormone use, and certain lifestyle factors. Symptoms can include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, and pain.
“We hope illuminating the steeple in pink will remind women to get screened and also do self-examinations,” says Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy in a statement. “This is a devastating disease and anything we can do to decrease the number of women who suffer through breast cancer and treatment is a plus.”
The symbolic gesture, Kennedy said, serves both as a tribute to those affected and as a community-wide reminder of the importance of awareness, prevention, and support.
–Mohammad Rafiq
The steeple at Freeport Village Hall
in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a community reminder of the importance of early detection, screening, and support for those affected by the disease.
Public Notices
Index #600251/24. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered September 30, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 106 North Grove Street, Freeport, NY a/k/a Section 55, Block 263, Lot 18. Approximate amount of judgment is $684,007.60 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JOSEPH M. TERINO, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. File No. I-404#102587 156354
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wilmington Trust, NA, successor trustee to
Citibank, N.A., as Trustee f/b/o holders of Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Inc., Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust 2006-8, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-8, Plaintiff AGAINST Sergia M. Minaya, Julio Estevez, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 15, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 23, 2025 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 34 Grand
Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, together with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of
Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 55., BLOCK: 23601, LOT: 222. Approximate amount of judgment $565, 937.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001309/2015. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Andrew K. Preston, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-029399-F01 87192 155867
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CALCON MUTUAL MORTGAGE LLC DBA ONETRUST HOME LOANS, Plaintiff AGAINST MARTECH LLC, PARKER HART LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 14,
2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 335 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62 Block 44 Lot 391. Approximate amount of judgment $647,773.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600764/2023. Jaime David Ezratty, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-0038 31 87077 155863
Courtesy Village of Freeport
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Why can’t the architect and the contractor be friends?
Q. We’re trying to figure out how a mess started right at the beginning of our renovation. The plans were permitted, so we believe they were properly reviewed, but the mason and the contractor built something different than what was in the plans. The contractor is a friend who we trust. They have told us that the architect made mistakes, and they couldn’t build it the way the plans show, so they did something different.
We don’t want to stop the job, but the architect came by and said that there are many problems now, because the structure isn’t going to work the way the contractor made changes, and because the structure had to be a certain way. The contractor keeps sending us texts showing different ways to do the job, complete with sketches. The architect is saying that the work will be unsafe the way the contractor is proposing the changes. What should we do?
A. When plans aren’t followed, which happens all too frequently, the job has to stop while the design is reassessed by the architect. If you take that authority away from the architect, you set yourself up for a prolonged set of problems that can go on and on, delaying the work and possibly not even getting the outcome you were looking for.
The contractor is not given the authority to change the design or construction. Most construction plans have clauses stating that the contractor is not to deviate from them, and also instruct the contractor to contact the architect with questions, or to get clarification on any issues or discrepancies before any work starts. Once the work starts, the contractor will often begin to point fingers at the architect for anything not clear and misunderstood. I refer to this as “divide and conquer,” a common practice in which the contractor, empowered to run the construction job, alienates the architect from the owner, creating an often permanent rift.
Contractors and building inspectors have told me it is rare to see an architect on a construction site, but I recommend that the architect look at the work — especially foundation forms — before a concrete pour and also framing. During demolition is an important time to see previously hidden structure, especially because older homes were often built with bare-minimum beams — hence the explanation for sagging floors that people often point out before the architect starts redesigning. You need to listen to the architect before this problem becomes harder, and more expensive, to undo.
If you have doubts about the architect, especially about structure, bring in a structural engineer to meet with the architect. One of the biggest reasons these problems occur is because of a lack of communication. You, the owner, should have brought everyone, including the architect, contractor, subcontractors — especially the mason — together and had a team meeting. Letting everyone do their own thing with the assumption that everything would run smoothly was the first problem. But it’s not too late. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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We will remain the leader of the free world
American foreign policy is at a watershed moment, comparable to the critical years after World War II, when the United States and our allies were forced to accept that the euphoria of victory over Nazi Germany and imperial Japan had been supplanted by the reality of the Iron Curtain and the threat of Soviet expansion. The Cold War had begun.
The NATO alliance was formed to prevent Joseph Stalin from emulating Adolf Hitler’s march through Europe after the Munich Conference capitulation in 1938, which had given Hitler virtually free rein to invade and seize Czechoslovakia. A decadeslong struggle would continue through various iterations and crises until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 — a struggle that today’s isolationists would have labeled an “endless war.” Fortunately, neither American political party elected isolationists during those defining 45 years. Pre-World War II isolationism had long since been consigned to the ash heap of history.
The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a sense of euphoria similar to
Staying
Ithat of 1945 and ’46. Eastern Europe was liberated from the yoke of Soviet communist rule, and the Soviet republics declared their independence from Moscow. One of them was Ukraine, which, tragically, had been brutalized for centuries by Russia.
TUkraine was also left with thousands of Soviet nuclear weapons. In 1994, in keeping with the spirit of the Soviet demise, Ukraine gave up those weapons in return for guarantees of security from the United States, Britain and Russia, in what was known as the Budapest Agreement. All indicators seemed to foresee a reformed Russia, and no aggression of the type that drew the U.S. into the two world wars of the 20th century.
rump’s turnabout with Zelensky and Putin sends a clear message to China.
There would be fits and starts with Russia during the later Bush years, including an incursion into Georgia, and then a promise by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009 that the Obama administration would “reset” the relationship with Russia. That reset never worked, and Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. There was no Russian aggression during the first Trump administration, but then, in February 2022, Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine — the first invasion of a sovereign European nation since the end of World War II.
defeating Russian aggression, having supplied more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. Unfortunately, President Trump has shown reluctance to stand with Ukraine, ascribing equal blame for the war to Zelensky — even berating him in the White House, telling him he had no cards to play.
I accompanied President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Moscow in September 1998 for meetings with Russian President Boris Yeltsin and other Russian officials to strengthen economic and cultural ties between our two nations. The dialogue between the leaders was extremely positive. Then, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the newly elected Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was among the first foreign leaders to pledge President George W. Bush his full support.
Ukraine, under its newly elected reform president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was expected to succumb in days or weeks. President Joseph Biden even offered to have American jets provide Zelensky safe passage out of Ukraine. But with the U.S. and NATO countries supplying weapons and logistical support, Zelensky and Ukraine have fought Russia to a stalemate for over three and a half years — longer than America’s war against Nazi Germany.
Russia has suffered more than a million casualties, and has had to resort to using North Korean troops. Its economy is in shambles. NATO has admitted two previously neutral nations, Sweden and Finland, and remains committed to
Trump met with Putin in Alaska, and implored him to meet with Zelensky to reach a compromise. Putin implied that he would, but reneged. Realizing he was being played, Trump denounced Putin in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, and just hours later, met one on one with Zelensky. Then, going full circle, Trump released a statement hailing Zelensky’s leadership, saying that Ukraine was in a position to “fight and win,” and pledging to continue to supply weapons to NATO for Ukraine’s use against Russia.
Trump’s turnabout will prevent a catastrophic replay of Munich and halt Putin’s attempt to rebuild the Russian empire. This defeat of Russian aggression in Europe will simultaneously send a clear message to China not to move against Taiwan or other Pacific nations such as the Philippines and Japan. The United States will remain the leader of the free world.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
sane in the age of information overload
’m tired. In fact, I’m exhausted. I’m overwhelmed. It’s not from going to the gym. It’s not from being glued to my TV, watching my favorite baseball team trying to survive the playoffs.
It’s the torrent of information that has been drowning me 24 hours a day, with no promise of abating. Is there any hope that the flood will end and that I’ll have a respite from information overload? Is there any hope that the barrage will shut down over the weekend, when we try to pay less attention to our laptops and cellphones? Or are we doomed to being perpetually overwhelmed by the greatest avalanche of facts, figures, news, emails, text messages and robocalls since the dawn of the high-tech era?
There is no one culprit that we can identify whose elimination would give us a reprieve from the onslaught. One of the biggest offenders of them all is,
Aof course, the White House, which engages in a strategy known as Flood the Zone. Every day, it releases so many “hot” news items that it would take you or me two or three days just to get through them. In addition to the media flood, President Trump holds freewheeling news conferences that can last well over an hour. Generally, those events generate other news stories on top of the daily pressroom output.
Then there’s the smartphone app challenge. I checked my phone and found that I am attached to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X and have subscriptions to the Daily News, the New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsday, Newsday TV, the Huffington Post, Apple News, The Hill, CNN, The Weather Channel and some others that I’ve forgotten. I know that over the course of the day, I tap into every one of those outlets for some type of information.
imagine waiting at a bus stop for six hours. It’s a long time.
ll ‘breaking’ news all the time — and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget podcasts.
Beyond all these challenges is the introduction of artificial intelligence into our lives. No matter how hard you try, there’s no way to escape the onslaught of articles, studies, memos and office talk about AI. Just a few years ago, if someone had uttered the words artificial intelligence, they would have been largely ignored. These days, those words hover over us like a threatening storm cloud, with most of us having no idea whether it will help or harm us.
program. How many times in a halfhour can there be so much “breaking” news? And the repetition of the same stories can be head-splitting.
Last, but by far not least, is the introduction into our space of the podcast. Today, almost every media, political, religious, sports or entertainment personality has a podcast of some kind. They have rotating guests, and offer a mountain of opinions on the subjects of the moment. Many of them are interesting and informative, but how many hours in a day do we have to partake in this newest information vehicle?
Once a week, I get a text telling me that, on average, I’m on my phone for a minimum of six hours a week. That doesn’t sound like a lot of hours, but
Once upon a time, watching television was a respite from the pressures of the day. Today, watching TV can leave you dazed and confused by hour after hour of commercials for countless drugs, all of which, apparently, will save humanity. On top of the drug tsunami, there are countless other ads that dominate the time you would like to just sit back and watch your favorite show, uninterrupted.
To add to the desperation for some chill time, there’s today’s typical news
So that is my ongoing nightmare. It is mine, but it’s the nightmare that we all face. We’re just human beings; we’re not robots. At least for now, they can’t implant a chip in our brain to help us fend off the cascade of facts, figures, opinions, ideas, theories and concepts that flood our every waking hour. So we’ll have to find new ways to help ourselves live a normal life, and still be adequately informed people.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Freeport
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Incorporating the Freeport Leader in 2013
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HERALD
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Cliff Richner
Publisher, 1982-2018
Robert Richner
Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ STUaRT RichneR Publisher ■
JeffRey beSSen
iHerald editorial
Real journalists, reporting real stories
n an age of uncertainty and skepticism toward the media, one mission has remained unwavering: to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity.
That mission defines Herald Community Media, publisher of 27 community weekly newspapers serving Nassau and Suffolk counties and a touch of New York City. It is the foundation of everything we do — every story we report, every question we ask and every issue we print.
The Herald’s purpose has never been clearer or more vital, especially now, during election season. Across the nation, trust in media has declined as misinformation spreads faster than facts and as social media platforms blur the line between opinion and truth. Yet despite this turbulence, the need for reliable local journalism has never been greater. We know you depend on us not only to tell you what’s happening, but also to help you understand why it matters — to your neighborhood, your family and your future.
This summer, the Pew Research Center published “How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age,” an indepth look at how the public perceives our profession. Pew surveyed nearly 9,400 U.S. adults and convened a number of focus groups, and found both optimism and concern. Most Americans still believe journalists are vital to our soci-
letters
There’s often been bias in journalism
To the Editor:
Re Nick Buglione’s column in the Oct. 2-8 issue, “I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed”: I, too, would like to put to rest the argument that Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other social media have any role in serious journalism. It’s indeed unfortunate that so many people rely on these geysers of rumor, gossip, misinformation and lies for their news.
But the journalism profession has never been as idealistic and innocent as Mr. Buglione seems to suggest it once was. In fact, long before social media invaded our world, the press’s coverage of important events was at times nakedly partisan, ignorant and dishonest.
In the 19th century, for example, some newspapers accepted hefty sums of money from politicians for favorable coverage of their campaigns. At least one paper from that era, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, ran sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba, which, many believe, helped drum up support for American involvement in the Span-
ety’s well-being — but many also express frustration, feeling that the media’s credibility and influence have declined amid political division and technological upheaval.
Yet within those findings lies a message of hope and direction. Americans say what they value most in their news providers is honesty, intelligence and authenticity — qualities that have guided the Herald’s reporting since its founding in 1964. Our journalists live by those values every day. We verify information carefully, we listen with compassion and we report with clarity and context. We are not distant observers; we are your neighbors, your fellow community members and your partners in truth.
At a time when the term “media” often evokes distrust, the Herald reaffirms its promise: to deliver accurate, objective and trustworthy local journalism. That means being transparent about how we report, being accountable when we err, and being authentic in how we connect with you.
Authenticity, as editors across the country have noted, may be the most powerful defense against today’s flood of misinformation and artificial intelligence-generated content. Real, local journalism can’t be practiced from behind a desk or from a distant city. It requires trained professionals who show up in the community, ask hard questions and share the stories of other real-life
people.
Every week, Herald journalists attend school board meetings, interview local business owners, chronicle civic debates, and celebrate the achievements of neighbors doing extraordinary things. We are not reporting on the community from afar — we are reporting within it, with care, empathy and purpose.
Readers deserve to know how stories come together — how sources are verified, why certain facts are included and how conclusions are drawn. We are committed to correcting mistakes quickly and publicly, because credibility is not earned by claiming perfection but by demonstrating honesty.
As Pew’s research highlights, Americans long for media that is clear, fair and accountable. The Herald’s commitment to those ideals has not wavered for more than six decades, and it will not waver now. Our mission — to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity — is our responsibility, our calling and our promise. As a locally owned family business, our commitment is to our communities, not to Wall Street.
In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and artificial noise, the Herald’s voice remains steady: local reporting by real journalists, telling real stories that matter. That is how we serve. That is how we strengthen our community. And that is how we continue.
A clearer view: understanding and treating cataracts
Have you noticed that your vision is becoming a little hazy, like you’re looking through a foggy window? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of cataracts.
contact lens prescription, or double vision in one eye.
What, exactly, is a cataract? Imagine the lens of your eye is like the lens of a camera. It’s a clear, natural part of your eye that focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of your eye. The retina then sends signals to your brain, creating the images you see.
A cataract is simply the clouding of this natural lens. It’s a bit like a clear camera lens becoming frosted over. This clouding prevents light from passing through properly, leading to blurry, hazy or dim vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly, so you might not even notice a change in your vision at first. As they progress, however, you may experience cloudy or blurry vision, the fading or yellowing of colors, an increased sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, halos around lights, frequent changes in your eyeglass or
The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but other factors can also contribute to their development, including family history, medical conditions, previous eye injury or surgery, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
When cataracts begin to interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to read, drive or watch TV, it’s time to consider cataract surgery. It’s one of the most common and routinely successful surgical procedures performed today.
Tdistance (i.e. driving, watching a Broadway show). You will likely still need glasses for reading, using a computer and other close-up tasks.
Toric lenses (astigmatism correction): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a baseball, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric IOLs have a special design that corrects both your cataract and your astigmatism in a single procedure.
hey’re a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision.
The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, and then uses a special tool to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens. Then a new, clear artificial lens — called an intraocular lens, or IOL — is implanted in its place. The new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no special care.
With modern cataract surgery, you have options for your new lens. Your doctor will help you choose the best one to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Monofocal IOL: This is the most common type of IOL. It provides clear vision at a single distance, usually for
LeTTers
ish-American War.
Closer to our time, the press remained curiously silent about the 1940s Levittown covenant restricting home ownership in that community to white people. And in 2002, when President George W. Bush justified our invasion of Iraq by insisting that the country’s weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to America, few newspapers questioned his claim.
I’m sure Mr. Buglione enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with his Herald colleagues 20 years ago. And while I’ve no reason to doubt his statement that Herald reporters were genuinely committed to presenting the news accurately, we’d be hard-pressed to find a time when the press — in general — has been entirely squeaky clean.
RICHARd J. COnWAY Massapequa
Koslow’s a better choice than Blakeman
To the Editor:
It can be an easy win for a candidate with name recognition who has enough money and government power to bombard us with fliers, signs and TV ads
each day. Bruce Blakeman, our current n assau County executive, has this power. We need to look beyond the hype. It’s time for a more centrist candidate. Blakeman and his team are entrenched in national politics, pleasing President Trump by doing such things as training a group of our county police officers to work in tandem with the president’s controversial ICE force, setting aside cells in our county jail for nonviolent ICE detainees, and creating a volunteer, private militia that Blakeman can use when and how he decides.
On the other hand, Seth Koslow is a centrist candidate for county executive with years of experience as a Queens district attorney, a private-practice lawyer and a current member of the nassau County Legislature. He has lived in n assau County his entire life, and is raising his family here. He is very concerned about our taxes in nassau, and has said that he would order a full, independent audit of county spending to see where our money is being spent.
Koslow has stated that he would share ideas with his Republican counterpart in Suffolk County, because he believes in the idea of people on both sides working together for the benefit of the county. He has said he would disband Blakeman’s private militia because he believes that our excellent
Extended depth of focus lenses: These lenses create a single, elongated focal point to provide a continuous range of vision. They offer excellent distance vision and a solid range of intermediate vision — great for computer work or seeing a car dashboard — with a lower chance of nighttime glare or halos than other multifocal designs. You may still need glasses for very fine print.
Light adjustable lenses: These are the only IOLs that can be customized after they have been implanted. The lenses are made of unique, photosensitive material. After a few weeks of healing, your surgeon uses a special light-delivery device to fine-tune the lenses’ power to your exact visual needs (distance, near or a blend), eliminating any small remaining prescription errors. Once
the optimal vision is achieved, the lens is “locked in” and the adjustments are permanent. This offers the highest level of precision and customization.
Femtosecond cataract surgery: precision with lasers: While traditional cataract surgery is very safe and effective, many surgeons now offer laser-assisted surgery. It uses a highly precise, computer-controlled laser to perform several key steps of the surgery that were traditionally done by hand with a blade. The laser creates the tiny incision, opens the lens capsule and even softens the cataract before it is removed. This allows for extraordinary accuracy and consistency, can lead to a more predictable outcome and a faster recovery, and is a safer procedure for certain patients.
Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision. With simple preventive measures and highly effective surgical options, you can look forward to a world that is once again clear, vibrant and full of light. If you have any concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to speak with your eye doctor.
Dr. Carolyn Shih is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and works at South Shore Eye Care, a member of the Northwell Health Eye Institute.
county police force is more than capable of handling our citizens’ safety.
The bottom line is that Seth Koslow is a highly qualified local resident who would concentrate solely on the needs
of our county. This makes him and his team best suited to run our county.
Framework by Jackie Adamo
Waiting to hail a gondola? — Castello, Venice
CaroLYn sHiH
ELAInE RAuCH Lynbrook
