Bellmore Herald 03-07-2024

College olympics at Shore Road

Page 2

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Mireille Taub, a Holocaust survivor from France, spoke at Sanford H. Calhoun High School last week, detailing how her family fled to the United States. She also described the experience of her husband, who lived in parts of occupied and free France during World War II.

Learning from Holocaust survivors

Mireille Taub leads powerful presentation for freshmen, sophomores at Calhoun H.S.

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Throughout February, students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District took many opportunities to hear from survivors of the Holocaust. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is commemorated on Jan. 27, when the Soviet Army liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945. The anniversary holds historical importance in social studies classes, and helps students broaden their understanding of hate and prejudice aimed at groups of people.

Sanford H. Calhoun High School played

host to two speakers on Feb. 27 — Mireille Taub, a Holocaust survivor, and Bernie Furshpan, a second-generation survivor. Taub spoke to Calhoun’s freshmen and sophomores, while Furshpan addressed the juniors and seniors.

The Herald took the opportunity to listen to Taub’s presentation to get a sense of what students are learning and why stories like hers still hold so much significance today.

Mireille’s story

Christina Cone, the district’s social studies chairperson, introduced Taub to Calhoun students, saying, “This is such an amazing

Rallying behind a firefighter in need of a liver

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Thomas Gleason, a longtime volunteer firefighter with the Merrick Fire Department, has been waging a courageous battle against liver disease, with his wife Laura by his side. The best chance of survival for the father of two is to receive a portion of a liver from a donor.

Gleason told the Herald that he was diagnosed with liver disease several years ago, due to some conditions like fatty liver and cirrhosis, impacting the liver’s ability to filter blood from toxins, produce bile and carry waste.

Iin Merrick, graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore in 1984. He worked for a private sign company, and then later worked for almost three decades as a sign maker for the Town of Hempstead. He retired in 2021.

Gleason was stationed at his Empire Hose Company No. 3 firehouse in Merrick when the onset of encephalopathy struck him, and he was quickly rushed to the hospital.

t’s just a hell of a disease.

THoMAS GlEASoN Volunteer firefighter, Empire Hose Company No. 3

“It’s just a hell of a disease,” he said. “I’m not saying it was dormant, but I was holding my own pretty much — things were going okay.”

In 2019, he suffered a bout of hepatic encephalopathy, which is when the liver isn’t processing toxins as it should.

“You get very confused,” he explained. “It kind of mimics a stroke.”

Gleason was born and raised

Gleason spent time in the hospital recovering from it, and then began to see specialists at different hospitals, including Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. But for a while, his liver function, while not optimal, remained stable.

During the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, when it was hard to access hospitals due to precautions, things became worse, he explained.

“The liver just affects everything — everything in your body, from your hair falling (out) and thinning, to your feet

ConTInUed on page 6

College Olympics brings competition to Shore Road

Camaraderie, teamwork and sportsmanship were the theme for the week at Shore Road School in the Bellmore School District as sixth graders represented different colleges in a series of competitions.

Each Shining Star Leader in sixth grade participated in two athletic competitions, ranging from a fitness relay, timed basketball shooting and a fierce volleyball tournament. Teams represented different

colleges from across the country, building up their desire to come out on top after the games were settled. As they played in the gymnasium, teams’ flags and posters made by students showed off their represented school. They also prepared an original song, which was performed for judges. No matter the competition, the young athletes and artists all had the opportunity to step up and be a leader.

Monday, March 11 at 7pm A

Monday, March 18 at 7pm

Teams represented different colleges from across the country, building up their desire to come out on top after the games were settled

Photos courtesy Bellmore Public Schools Shore Road School sixth graders were decked out in colors representing colleges from across the nation at the annual College Olympics event.

Each Shining Star Leader in sixth grade participated in two athletic competitions, ranging from a fitness relay, timed basketball shooting and a fierce volleyball tournament.

Bellmore-Merrick basketball league is a slam dunk

Sunday Morning Men’s League shoots hoops, 40 years in the making

For decades, members of the Bellmore-Merrick Sunday Morning Men’s League have been playing basketball. While the people who participate have changed, grown older — and younger — over the last 40 years, the love of the game hasn’t changed.

And on March 3, the league gathered for a tournament that took place at Merrick Avenue Middle School, where the league meets weekly on Sunday morning’s for friendly matches. The tournament resembled the inaugural in-season tournament hosted by the NBA between Nov. 3 and Dec. 9, 2023.

What started as casual, fun play has evolved into a league that’s event attracted sponsors, like Wilson Sporting Goods, the main manufacturer of basketballs in the U.S., and the official sponsor of the NBA and NCAA.

“A lot of friendships have been made over the years,” Robert Mann, who plays in the league told the Herald. “It’s gotten to be a little bigger than a Sunday or Saturday morning thing.”

— Jordan Vallone

Skye Margies/Herald photos

The Bellmore-Merrick Sunday Morning Men’s League has been united through the love of basketball for the last 40 years. The league recently played an in-season tournament on March 3.

The league plays basketball every Sunday morning at Merrick Avenue Middle School. At the tournament, Thunder teammates, from left, Chris Lynch, Phil Giammarino, Rob Mann, and Dan Miklos.

Jordan Daniel, with his wife Jenna, and her father Greg Hirsch at the tournament on March 3.

While older players have stepped down throughout the years, there’s still a large group of players that gather every Sunday. Teams during Sunday’s tournament battle it out under a basket.

Mike Batnick dribbled the ball down the court.

How the kindness of others resonates today

opportunity for us to be able to learn from Ms. Taub.”

Taub, who was born in Paris to Polish-Jewish parents, has labeled her story “the last train out of Paris.” Her family escaped from France before the country fell to Nazi Germany during World War II. They ended up in New York, and were processed through Ellis Island.

She grew up in Brooklyn, and later became an educator, teaching in Freeport for 34 years, while raising her family in the same community. Now, she’s a volunteer at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County in Glen Cove.

In the late 1930s, Taub was just an infant and later a young toddler when tensions began rising in France, as Adolf Hitler rose to power with his Nazi regime in Germany. Paris — and the northern half of France — would eventually fall to the Nazis, while the southern half remained free. Jews who lived in Paris were subject to harsh rules and regulations, and forced to wear a Star of David, she said.

Taub, who was too young to remember much of her family’s escape and learned of their passage through her parents, had relatives living in the United States. Her father arranged for them to get to America — but finding transport out of France, in a time of political

tension, was hard.

The U.S., at the time, created quotas for immigrants, meaning the number of people entering from certain countries was limited. As French residents, however, they experienced little issues entering America.

“The French quota was never filled,” Taub said, “because no one wanted to leave France.”

In the spring of 1940, Taub and her family took, what her father called, “the last train out of Paris,” as France was getting ready to surrender to Germany. They trekked towards Bordeaux, a city on the Atlantic Ocean, and from there crossed the Pyrenees mountains, which separate France from Spain, in a truck driven by an American consulate — who ironically had issued Taub’s father his papers to leave France.

II knew what was going on,” she said.

“My bedroom was off the kitchen, and family who gathered would talk in several different languages. I understood the English, I understood the French — I did not understand the Polish. My parents would tell me as much as a child could understand.”

t’s been a passion of mine … to ensure that the lessons of the past don’t get forgotten.

ChrIstIna Cone Social studies chairperson, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

In Spain, they traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, where they eventually boarded a ship in June that provided them passage to the U.S. Taub and her family arrived in New York three months later, in August of 1940.

Though she was young, she recalled understanding the war.

“As a little girl growing up in the war,

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The other part of Taub’s story is that of her husband’s — which she tells in clear detail.

Her husband, David Taub, was shuffled around France as a young boy and survived the war, thanks to the “kindness of strangers,” helping him, his parents and brother. He lived as a “hidden child,” because a family in the free part of France protected his identity. But he also traveled with his mother to Beaunela-Rolande, an internment and transit camp for Jews in occupied France, to rescue his older brother who was imprisoned there. Conditions, like many Nazi-run camps, were insufferable.

Her husband has since died, but Taub has made it a part of her life’s work to tell their stories and educate people about the Holocaust. While she and her family managed to escape and survive, many relatives in Europe were not as

lucky, and ended up imprisoned and killed.

Throughout Taub’s presentation, she showed photos and artifacts from her past, including the shoes she wore while fleeing France, her mother’s sewing kit — which was kept in an old tobacco carton — and her husband’s Star of David, that he was forced to wear in occupied France.

“We were the lucky ones — I survived in America,” she said. “My husband survived unspeakable conditions, and often spoke about them. I am always moved by these stories because they are part of who I am.”

Learning about hate and prejudice is exceedingly important throughout the Bellmore-Merrick school district, officials said. Student leaders from high schools have opportunities to lead lessons in the middle schools, and educate younger peers on hate symbols and hate speech, during presentations scheduled in the spring.

“It’s even deeper than that,” Cone told the Herald. “It’s been a passion of mine — and I’m sure many other educators — to ensure that the lessons of the past don’t get forgotten.”

Cone said it’s interesting that Taub refers to her husband’s story as “the kindness of strangers,” and hoped that it resonated with students.

“We all have it in us to do the right thing,” she said.

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by Joan Chittister

Your writer was grateful to find author Chittister’s book, subtitled “Growing Old Gracefully”, written by her at age seventy, the same age your writer turns this year.

A certain serenity sets in.

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Inevitably, we come to see things differently as we age. In “The Gift of Years” these changes in the “capstone years” as she calls them, present the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever. Cicero notes that old age is richer in reflection, force of character and judgement. The maturity and mellowing of character allows the older generation to provide a behavioral model for younger generations showing them the way to a fullness of life.

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Chittister writes “But we are here to depart from this world as finished as we can possibly become. Old age is...exactly the time to grow in new ways [making] sense out of all the growing we have already done. It is the softening season when everything in us is meant to achieve its sweetest, richest, most unique self”.

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Chittister calls it a damping-down time of life where anger, jealousy, envy, and pride subside to awaken another whole level of life.

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Seneca said these years abound with pleasure if we know how to use them. Free of obligations and deadlines, there is freshness in these years. Understanding, enjoyment and love of life all increase, allowing for deeper, richer and more important experiences. The world looks different — more to be treasured, explored and enjoyed.

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“As Agatha Christie put it, we ‘bloom’ as we grow. New abilities emerge, new insights arise. New vision is possible.”

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A certain urgency and intensity in living sets in as we become aware of the presence of time. With forty short chapters on subjects such as Regret, Joy, Possibility, Letting Go, Success, Wisdom, Time and Appreciation, “The Gift of Years” provides an indispensable guide to aging well.

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Desperately seeking a liver match for Gleason

Continued from

swelling, and everything in between,” he said.

Now, doctors at NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola are overseeing his care, and have begun discussing with him his need for a transplant.

“In terms of a transplant, the only way you can get them is they have these things called MELD scores,” he said. “You have to be at a certain score to even get on a list. And I hadn’t been at that score, but then I hit it.”

MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease.

Gleason spent a lot of time in the hospital between last December and January, undergoing tests to assess his overall health in relation to receiving a liver.

“Technically, they say I’m not sick enough to get a cadaver donor right now,” Gleason said, meaning he’d received a liver from a deceased person. “I don’t know how bad, and how sick, I have to be to get to that point. They wanted me to try and find a living donor — which is when a person volunteers, they get checked out, and if they’re a match, we both go into the hospital at the same time.”

Gleason’s friend, Scott Cohen, who lives in Bellmore, has taken the lead, trying to spread the word about Gleason’s condition to see if anyone is willing to help.

In a letter he shared with the Herald, Cohen explained, “A living-donor liver transplant is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the liver from a healthy person is placed into someone whose liver is no longer working properly. The donor’s remaining liver will re-grow and return to its normal size and capacity shortly after the sur-

gery and the transplanted portion will grow and restore normal function in the recipient.”

The donor must be between the ages of 18 and 60, and if over 50, must be in impeccable health, Gleason said. The most crucial aspect to finding Gleason a match for a liver is blood type, which must be O-positive. Gleason also gave permission to receive a portion of a liver from someone with Hepatitis C, a liver infection, because the illness is treatable.

Gleason is not the only member of his family to have faced a medical hardship. In 2006, when his daughter Shannon was 3, she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a highly aggressive form of soft tissue cancer.

“That was just a nightmare,” he said. “She’s tough and she’s had 19 different surgeries. Right now, she’s at Clemson (University). She’s still going to have problems, you know, for the rest of her life. My son’s also a great kid — I just love them more than life itself.”

Cohen said of the Gleasons, “I don’t think I’ve met another family who’s gone through as much prolonged trouble and heartache. We’d love to just put a plea out for anyone who’s willing (to get tested).”

Anyone interested in possibly being a donor for Gleason should call (212) 263-8133, ext. 4. Any contact made with the donor team at NYU is completely confidential. Those interested in getting tested will be sent a script, and can visit any Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp site for basic blood work.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know your blood type,” Cohen said. “It’s completely free. The thing that’s really positive for the donor is that they’re saving someone’s life.”

Courtesy Christopher Clement

Projects, pros honored at REAL Awards

Long Island’s most prolific real estate leaders highlighted at annual event

By Parker Schug

The diverse Long Island real estate scene includes industry experts from every niche specialty from construction and design, to insurance and sales. And the best of the best were honored last week as part of Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive’s third annual Real Estate Achievement and Leadership Awards, or REAL Awards.

“It’s a relatively small island, but a lot of things are happening,” said Chris Kelly, the marketing vice president at Tritec Real Estate Co.

Held at The Heritage Club at Bethpage, this year’s awards once again honored many leaders in the space who have been in the game for decades, as well as up-and-coming professionals — all with successful projects and happy clients to show for their work.

Antoinette Biordi, four-time Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter for News 12, handed out a number of awards split into nearly 30 categories that included Broker of the Year, Construction Group of the Year, and the top residential and commercial broker.

Sara Gore, real estate saleswoman and four-time Emmy Award-winning television host for “Open House” and “New York Live” on NBC, was a keynote speaker and recipient of the special “Trailblazer” award.

“I’ve been in this business for a long time,” Gore said. ”But now to be on the other side of things — and be on the real estate side and really feel like I’ve solidified my place, my stake in this industry — it feels really good to be a part of it.

“I’m so proud to be included within this group of professionals that are here tonight.”

Mel Pulatani and son Dan of MP Construction D — a general contracting company specializing in luxury residential and sophisticated commercial projects — were given the Father & Son Power Team special award.

“I mean it’s obviously an honor to be honored at this event,” Dan Pulatani said. “But I have to give all credit to my father. He’s the real reason we’re here. He’s the guy that makes the dream happen. I’m lucky and honored to be his partner every day.”

Eric Alexander, executive director of Vision Long Island, accepted the NotFor-Profit special award.

“The theme of our work is connecting to local communities,” Alexander said. “And that’s how real estate development is successful: When they work with local communities. It means a lot when a number of the other honorees, too, are connected to local communities. I’m in great company.”

Steven Krieger, chief executive of B2K Development, was selected as Power Developer of the Year.

“Hard work leads to luck,” Krieger said. “I’ve been so lucky to meet so many great people in this business.”

Beth Donner, founder of Melvillebased Beth Donner Design, was honored

with the Interior Designer of the Year special award. Christopher Robinson, president of R&M Engineering, accepted the engineering special award, while also celebrating 25 years in the business.

Elisabetta Coschignano, of the Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano law

firm, was among those honored in the commercial real estate category.

“I pride myself on being prepared in the Long Island real estate world, and especially as it relates to zoning and land use,” Coschignano said.

Connie Pinilla, principal agent for the

Connie Pinilla Team at Compass, received the brokers’ award in the residential category for her 21 practicing years.

“I love real estate,” Pinilla said. “It makes me feel on top of the world.”

Gold Sponsors of the event included B2K Development and Beth Donner Design.

Silver Sponsors were All State Abstract, Amazon, Anthony A. Nozzolillo Esq., Breslin Realty Development Corp., Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency, Brown Harris Stevens, Champion Elevators, Cronin & Cronin, Damianos Realty Group, Empire Electrical Corp., GC Advisory Group, Harris Beach PLLC, Long Island Board of Realtors, Men on the Move, Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Metropolitan Realty Associates, Mojo Stumer Associates, MP Construction D, PX4 Development, R&M Engineering, Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano, Signature Premier Properties, Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass, the Crest Group and Tritec.

The ballroom filled with guests ready for the ceremony to begin.

Mark Stumer of Mojo Stumer Associates.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Sara Gore, host of Open House NYC, was the keynote speaker for the evening.

Kelly Heck accepts on behalf of Tritec. Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island.

Beth Donner with her crystal award. Christopher Robinson of R&M Engineering.

Joseph Farkas accepting his special award for Real Estate Investment/Development Company of the Year.

Kevin Leatherman of Leatherman Homes and president of LIBOR.

Steven Krieger of B2K Development

Honoree Connie Pinilla, right, at the REAL Awards photo booth.

Honorees Justin Breslin and Elisabetta Coschignano.

Honorees Marco Scarda, left, Daniel Scarda, Chuck Merritt and Cara Cronin at RichnerLive REAL Awards last week.

Father and son power duo Dan and Mel Pulatani.

Natasha Williams of LIBOR with her son.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos Julia Krispeal from Serhant.

Michael Puntillo of PX4 Development.

Jack Martins of Harris Beach PLLC.

Bellmore Fire Department celebrates 127 years

The Bellmore Fire Department swore in new chiefs on Feb. 24, and congratulated longtime members for their contributions to the department over the course of its history.

Several honorees included Ex-Chief and Ex-Comissioner Kenneth Noon, for 60 years of active services; Honorary Chief and Department Chaplain Dennis Rich, for 65 years of active service; and outgoing Chief Timothy Carroll.

The new chiefs sworn in are Chief of the Department Michael Oakses, First Assistant Chief Brandon Conway and Second Assistant Chief Eric Ozechowski.

Lieutenants for the Bellmore department that were sworn include Michael Massaro, Jordan Leibner, Ronald Coppolino, Timothy Carroll, James Rand, Scott Maltz, and Thomass Gunther; and captains include James Constantin, Michael Stein, Stephen Marsar, Michael Irving, Corey Mumolo, Matthew Rose, and Dennis Rich.

Members of the Bellmore Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary were also honored, including Mary Messmer, for 60 years of service.

— Jordan Vallone

The Bellmore Fire Department celebrated its installation on Feb. 24. First Assistant Chief Brandon Conway, left, Chief of Department Michael Oakes and Second Assistant Chief Eric Ozechowski were sworn in.

Outgoing Chief Timothy Caroll received his Ex Chief’s badge from Commissioners Michael Irving and Gary Horn. Looking on was his wife, Gina, and their daughter.

Photos courtesy Bellmore Fire Department

Second Assistant Chief Eric Ozechowski and his wife Theresa, with their sons, and Caitlin Conway and First Assistant Chief Brandon Conway.

President of the Bellmore Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Dawn Johnstone presented a plaque to Mary Messmer, honoring her for 60 years of service.

Captains of the Bellmore Fire Department being sworn in by Commissioner John Johnstone.

The anti-transgender controversy continues

By RACHELE TERRANOVA & PARKER SCHUG

Of the Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order on Feb. 21 that banned transgender athletes who are male born from competing on female athletic teams in county parks, recreation spaces and museums.

The criteria of the executive order demands sports, leagues, organizations, teams, programs or sport entities interested in using county facilities must first designate themselves based on male, female or coed, and then only accept athletes according to what was originally listed on their birth certificate.

“An individual’s gender is defined as the individual’s biological sex at birth,” Blakeman said in his executive order.

PFY, which formerly stood for Pride For Youth, is a division of the Long Island Crisis Center, dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ individuals and providing health and wellness services, has firmly came out against the county executive’s decisions. PFY has headquarters in Bellmore and Deer Park, but serves adults and youth in the Long Island region and Queens.

“To deny transgender and nonbinary students the chance to compete on their school and community sports teams is to perpetuate exclusion and reinforce

harmful stereotypes,” PFY’s Director Devon Zappasodi said in a statement.

“By embracing diversity and inclusion on the field, we not only cultivate a sense of belonging and acceptance but also uplift a culture of respect and understanding.”

The order affects transgender athletes who were born male but identify as female, as well as nonbinary athletes. These athletes are banned from participating on the teams of the gender in which they identify.

300,000 American youth ages 13 to 17 identify as transgender — equaling only 1.4 percent of the 332 million citizens living in the United States, according to a study conducted by the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California, Los Angeles’s Law School, and reported in an April 2023 article by Newsweek.

Only a fraction of this number is a transgender person identifying as female who is also hoping to compete in girls or women’s sports. As estimated by Joanna Harper, a researcher and medical physicist, the number of transgender female athletes competing in public school sports nationwide is thought to be below 100 — though privacy laws make it difficult to know the exact number, according to the same Newsweek article.

Former deputy county attorney and

an Oceanside resident Dawn Foster stopped by Mineola on Monday to speak out against Blakeman’s executive order in front of the county legislature on behalf of her family.

“In 2021, when I finally stopped fighting against myself and accepted that I was a woman and needed transition, we felt fortunate to live in Nassau County,” Foster said, calling the executive order unlawful, and condemning what she described as efforts to demonize trans women. “That feeling was shattered last week.”

PFY said it passionately continues to support residents and families of Nassau County affected by this executive order.

“PFY stands strong in our belief that inclusivity, diversity, and respect are the cornerstones of a truly patriotic and values-driven society,” Zappasodi said.

On March 1, New York Attorney General Letita James said Blakeman’s action “is transphobic and blatantly illegal” because it is a clear violation of New York’s Civil and Human Rights laws.

“The law is perfectly clear: you cannot discriminate against a person because of their gender identity or expression,” James said. “We have no room for hate or bigotry in New York.”

The same day, Blakeman rebutted the claims that his executive order is illegal.

“Attorney General’s reaction is reaction is contrary to the law.” He said, “Nassau County will abide by the law, we will follow the law, we will follow the state and federal constitution. However, there may be a controversy with respect to this matter, which may have to be adjudicated at some time in the future. I would invite the attorney general and her staff to meet with our county attorney and our lawyers to discuss this matter.”

Blakeman said without his executive order, women’s rights are being violated.

“Women and girls are a protected class under the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and we will protect women from bullying by transgender males who want to compete against biological women” Blakeman said. “We think that since there are other avenues for them to compete, that there is no discrimination.”

Citing a 16-year-old resident who sent him an email stating her support for the order as one example, he stands firm.

“I have heard from many, many residents of Nassau County who are in favor of the executive order. We’ve heard from a diverse population,” said Blakeman

The county needs to rescind the executive order or face additional legal action states the state’s cease-and-desist order.

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MUSEUM

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Long Island Children’s Museum

Raynham Hall Museum

PLACE TO HAVE A PARTY

Epic Escape Rooms Long Island

Kombert Caterers

Long Island Children’s Museum

PLACE TO WORSHIP

First Presbyterian Church of Glen Cove

Temple Avodah

Temple Israel - Lawrence

WEDDING VENUE

Bridgeview Yacht Club

Crest Hollow Country Club

Swan Club On The Harbor

SERVICES

ADVERTISING AGENCY

Austin Williams

Creative Focus Designs, Inc.

Jillian’s Circus

ANIMAL ADOPTION/ RESCUE SERVICES

North Shore Animal League America

Ruff House Rescue

Terry Animal Hospital

APPLIANCE REPAIR STORE

Home Appliance

Reliable Appliance

The Appliance Doctor

ARBITRATION & MEDIATION FIRM

Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

Resolute Systems, Inc.

Vaz Law, PLLC

ARCHITECT

Katherine Serrano Sosa, Rooted Architecture Studio

Long Island Architecture Studio

Stephen G. Hayduk, P.E., Hayduk Engineering LLC

CAR WASH

Majestic Auto Spa

Seaford Car Wash & Detail Center

Ultimate Express Car Wash

CAR/LIMO SERVICE

Broward Limousines

Executive Limousine of Long Island

Long Island Elite Limousines

M&V Limousines, Ltd.

CEMETERIES

Huntington Rural Cemetery

Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum

St. Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries

CORPORATE LAW FIRM

Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

Love Law Firm, PLLC

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

DIVORCE ATTORNEY

David Mejias, Mejias, Milgrim & Lindo, P.C.

Marina Moreno, Law Office of Marina Moreno, PLLC

Robert Keilson, Esq., Garden City Law Firms

DRY CLEANER

American Drive-In Cleaners

Delta Cleaners

Old Country Cleaners

ELDER LAW ATTORNEY

Jennifer B. Cona, Cona Elder Law

Marina Moreno, Law Office of Marina Moreno, PLLC

Wendy K. Goidel, Goidel Law Group

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Express Employment Professionals

NRGUSA

PrideStaff

ESTATE PLANNING

ATTORNEY

Jennifer B. Cona, Cona Elder Law

Marina Moreno, Law Office of Marina Moreno, PLLC

Stephanie D’Angelo, D’Angelo Law Associates

FAMILY LAW FIRM

Joseph Law Group, P.C.

Law Office of Marina Moreno

Mejias Milgrim Alvarado & Lindo, P.C.

FEMALE MENTORING GROUP

Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Miss Long Island Pageants

Moxxie Network

FUNERAL HOME

Gutterman’s Funeral Homes

N. F. Walker Funeral Home

Towers Funeral Home, Inc.

GREEN BUSINESS

Green Home Logic

Green Team LI Winters Bros. Waste Systems

HEALTH CARE LAW FIRM

Cona Elder Law PLLC Harris Beach

The Rizzuto Law Firm

LABOR LAW FIRM

Jackson Lewis P.C.

Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP

The NHG Law Group P.C

LAUNDROMAT

Bayport Laundromat

Laundry Palace

Lynbrook Laundry

Standard laundromat

LAW FIRM (OVERALL)

OVER 35 EMPLOYEES

Miller and Caggiano, LLP

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

The NHG Law Group P.C

LAW FIRM (OVERALL)

UNDER 35 EMPLOYEES

Cona Elder Law PLLC

Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP

The Rizzuto Law Firm

LITIGATION/BUSINESS

LITIGATION LAW FIRM

Levitt LLP

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC

The Rizzuto Law Firm

MATRIMONIAL LAW FIRM

Law Office of Marina Moreno

Mejias Milgrim Alvarado & Lindo, P.C.

Picarello & Saciolo, P.C.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Hewlett House

Long Island Children’s Museum

Temple Avodah

PERSONAL INJURY

ATTORNEY - FIRM

Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP

The Rizzuto Law Firm

The Selvin Law Firm

PET GROOMER

Kelly, Spaw Pet Salon of Westbury

Maria - The Barrie Inn

Posh Paws Pet Spa & Boutique

PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian Ozegovich, Park Ave Studio

Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, GSM Communications

Jonathan Ortiz, Creative Focus Designs

PROPERTY TAX

REDUCTION SERVICES

Herman Katz

Maidenbaum Property Tax

Reduction Group, LLC

Tax Correction Agency

PUBLIC RELATIONS

COMPANY

Ingrid Dodd Public Relations

Marketing Works

ZE Creative Communications

REAL ESTATE LAW

ATTORNEY

Anthony Nozzolillo, On Point Land Services Corporation

Gilbert Balanoff, Law Offices of Gilbert L. Balanoff, P.C.

Marina Moreno, Law Office of Marina Moreno, PLLC

REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM

Ackerman Law PLLC

Law Office of Marina Moreno

The Law Offices of Gilbert L. Balanoff, P.C.

SELF-STORAGE COMPANY

CubeSmart Self Storage

Freeport Self Storage

Men On The Move Moving & Self Storage

TAX LAW FIRM

Barnes & Barnes, P.C.

Maidenbaum & Sternberg, LLP Tenenbaum Law, P.C.

TRAVEL AGENCY

Magical Dad Vacations - Keith Voets

Superior Travel Consultants

Vitas Travel Service

VETERINARIAN

Gabrielle Pimento, DVM, Bond Vet: Merrick

John Foy, DVM, Terry Animal Hospital

Timothy Sheppard, DVM, Sayville Animal Hospital

WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Jamaica Ash & Rubbish Removal

Long Island Waste Services, LLC

National Waste Services, LLC Winters Bros. Waste Systems

SHOPPING

ANTIQUE STORE

Collectors Coins & Jewelry

Garden City Antiques & Fine Arts, Ltd.

THE SHOPPE by Trubee Hill

APPLIANCE/HOME ELECTRONICS STORE

Appliance World P.C. Richard & Son

Reliable Appliance BOUTIQUE

Jolie Fleur

Trois Jours Boutique Etc.

Uniquely Yours

BRIDAL STORE

Blossom Brides

Bridal Reflections

Estelle’s Dressy Dresses

CARPET STORE

Carpet Depot

Dee-Jay Carpet Co., Inc.

Glen Floors

COIN STORE

Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay Collectors Coins & Jewelry

Long Island Rare Coin & Currency

COLLECTIBLES STORE

Collectors Coins & Jewelry

Living Legends Memorabilia & Collectibles

Remember Yesteryears Vintage Center

CONSIGNMENT/ THRIFT STORE

LuxeSwap

National Council of Jewish

Women Thrift Shop

Worth Repeating, Worth Repeating

EYEWEAR STORE

Eyeglass House

Eyes On Broadway

Mt. Sinai Optical

FARMERS MARKET

Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s

Deep Roots Farmers Market

Meyer’s Farm & Greenhouses

FLORIST

Central Florist

Feldis Florist & Flower Delivery

Pedestals Floral Decorators

FURNITURE STORE

Bob’s Discount Furniture and Mattress Store

Furniture Gallery of Long Island

Raymour & Flanigan

GIFT SHOP

Dolce Confections

Pampered Professional

The SHOPPE by Trubee Hill

GOURMET MARKET

Grace’s Marketplace Sons of a Butcher

The Original Salpino’s of Wantagh

GROCERY/SUPERMARKET

Holiday Farms Stew Leonard’s

Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace

LOCAL CHILDREN’S

CLOTHING

Denny’s Fashion, Style, For All Koukla Children’s Boutique

Mur-Lees, Men’s & Boy’s Shop

LOCAL HARDWARE STORE

Costello’s Ace Hardware

Millers True Value

Schaefer’s Ace Hardware

LOCAL JEWELRY STORE

Hislon Jewelers

North Shore Gold & Diamond

Unicorn Jewels

LOCAL MEN’S CLOTHING

B2bespoke Custom Clothier

Mur-Lees, Men’s & Boy’s Shop Standard Thread

LOCAL WOMEN’S CLOTHING

A.J. & MOS

Trois Jours Boutique Etc.

Uniquely Yours

NURSERY & GARDEN

CENTER

Atlantic Nursery & Garden Shop

Dees’ Nursery And Florist

Hicks Nurseries

PAWN SHOP

Collectors Coins & Jewelry

Matthew James Jewelers

Pawn Express

WINDOW TREATMENT STORE

Blinds To Go

Homestead Window Treatments

The Blind Spot Inc.

SPORTS

BICYCLE STORE

Brands Cycle & Fitness

Oceanside Cycle

Trek Bicycle Massapequa

BOXING CENTER

Fit Theorem

iLoveKickboxing

Kayo Boxing

CROSSFIT GYM

CrossFit Merrick

CrossFit Seize The Day

Fit Theorem

GYM & FITNESS CENTER

Fit Theorem

Fit4Life Studios, Inc.

The Bodysmith Fitness & Massage

ICE SKATING RINK

Grant Park Skating Center

Newbridge Arena

Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center

KIDS’ SPORTS LEAGUE

East Coast Football Club

East Rockaway Raiders Football

Hewlett Lawrence Soccer Club

PERSONAL TRAINER

Ava Donaldson, Fit4Life Studios

Leah Stukov, FitX50

Taylor Costello, CSCS, MMP, LMT, The Bodysmith Fitness and Massage

PERSONAL TRAINING

FACILITY

Fit Theorem

Fit4Life Studios, Inc.

Personal Training Institute of Rockville Centre PILATES

Club Pilates Merrick

Fit4Life Studios, Inc.

The Pilates Studio, Inc.

PLACE

Bay Shore

Michael’s

Fed Bank leader says Long Island is recovering

By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@liherald.com

We’ve heard a lot about the economy in the years coming out of the coronavirus pandemic — and those conversations will only get louder as we head into what is expected to be a rather contentious presidential election.

But when it comes to the economy on Long Island — at least for now, it’s rebounding. At least according to the man whose collection of gold in Manhattan far exceeds what’s found in Fort Knox.

John Williams, president and chief executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, paid the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale a visit last week, sharing the state of the economy with members of the Long Island Association. And there’s plenty to talk about.

“As business leaders, you all know all too well the impacts the pandemic had on our communities in our economy,” Williams said “In many way, Long Island’s economy mirrors New York City’s, and both were hit especially hard in 2020. In fact, much harder than what we saw in the rest of the country.”

Inflation was rampant, the job outlook was unstable, and the supply chain was struggling to regain its once super-efficient form.

But an important milestone was reached last year, Williams said: total employment numbers returned to what they were before the pandemic.

“Last year was also a turning point for the U.S. economy overall,” Williams said. “The economy grew far faster than anyone expected a year ago, boosted by increases in the labor force and productivity.”

The fact that the financial market has held for the past two years also is significant, Williams said, since that’s the longest stretch in five decades.

And although inflation continues to be a concern, at least as far as personal consumption expenditures go,

numbers are falling from the 40-year high experienced just a couple years ago to levels considered far more stable.

Williams visited with the LIA as part of an overall Long Island tour that included stops in Suffolk County as well as at Hofstra University. Although monetary policy itself is decided on Capitol Hill and the White House, the Reserve Bank of New York is where the nation’s monetary policy is implemented as part of the larger Fed.

Williams visited Long Island at a time when the economy here has stabilized, according to LIA president and chief executive Matthew Cohen.

“Our gross domestic product is $200 billion,” Cohen said. “About 45 percent of adults have a college degree — which is higher, actually, in both New York City, and the state as a whole. And, as a region, we have a low unem-

ployment rate.”

That’s pretty significant for a region that is larger than 15 states. Which is why it’s important businesses on Long Island work together, Cohen added, to lead the rest of the nation in the ongoing recovery.

“We need to work together — everyone in this room, everyone in our region — to create new good-paying jobs to support the growth of both legacy sectors and these emerging industries,” he said. It’s also important to “cultivate entrepreneurship so that the next Apple can be built here.”

Over the decades, Long Island and the country has proven to itself it can weather a number of storms. But the economy is ever-changing, Williams said, and the pandemic proved it’s important to strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure.

“It’s kind of a recognition of our limits to that resiliency,” Williams said. “Supply chains have become extremely complex.

“That’s one of the lessons — that when you have extreme movements in demand supply … things can crack in that system. People are recognizing that, in terms of businesses, of having more resiliency.”

Williams can’t make predictions of what the economy will bring, but can say the world we live in now is already different, and will continue changing as we move forward. Like the movement of more and more people to continue working from home, or maintaining hybrid work environments where they may only be in the office a couple times a week.

A potential solution?

“To do office space in the modern world, you have to invest a lot to make that office space attractive,” Williams said. “It’s just one of those kinds of evolutions that is jarring that we go through in cities like New York where things have changed, and we need to adjust to that. I’m confident we will be able to do that.”

Michael Hinman/Herald

John Williams, right, president and chief executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, joined Long Island Association president and chief executive Matthew Cohen for a discussion on Long Island’s economy during a visit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale last week.

STEPPING OUT

FOREVER A) ‘

By Karen Bloom

Laughing along with Joe Gatto

All roads lead back to Lynbrook it seems. Certainly for Joe Gatto.

He’s stepped away from his comfort zone — “The Impractical Jokers” — to the dismay of many folks. His loyal cadre of fans came to know him from the popular improvisational hidden camera show, which he hosted with his buddies Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, and Sal Vulcano, for nine seasons.

Fans were certainly disappointed when he moved on from Q, Murr and Sal in 2021 to focus on co-parenting his two kids, Milana and Remington (now 9 and 7).

But you needn’t fret. Gatto is doing just fine — as is “Jokers,” now in its 10th season.

Since leaving his pals to carry on “Jokers” without him, the jokes certainly continue as Gatto’s taken his energy — and his comedic talents — to the stand-up circuit.

His tour, “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy,” arrives Friday at The Paramount in Huntington. Minus his friends, fans get an hour of Gatto, as he riffs on life, his family, and probably even his dogs.

“I’m extremely proud of this hour of comedy I’ve put together, and am so excited to film it at the first theater I performed on this tour back in February 2023,” Gatto says. “It also happens to be one of my favorite theaters, too, which is nice since it’s in my ‘hometown’ of Long Island.”

Of course, there were some nerves involved in going solo.

“After my time with ‘Jokers,’ I needed to figure out the next step in my career,” Gatto reflects.

• Friday, March 8, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

• $59.75, $39.75, $29.75

• Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com

• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

“I needed to figure out different ways to make people laugh because that’s what I love to do. Stand-up presented itself as a way to do that. My agents and managers were like, ‘Why don’t you give stand-up a shot?’”

And so he did, on a winter’s evening in a small club in Appleton, Wisconsin, in January 2022, for a brief 35 minutes.

“I enjoyed it right from the get-go,” he says. “It quickly graduated into an hour show, and I moved up to theaters. Fans were coming out, and we’re having a great time. Telling stories of my life and thinking about different ways that I could express myself to get people to know me a bit better has been a really fun journey.”

Gatto readily admits it’s been a learning experience.

“It was a different format that I wasn’t necessarily versed in, so I was a little nervous,” he says. “The biggest thing for me was I had never performed live before. For 20 years, I was part of an ensemble, stand-up being its own art was a thing I needed to adapt to. I quickly took to it.

“The challenge of writing the hour, curating it, and thinking of what stories I want to tell and how to tell them and punch up the jokes, was fun to do.”

Everyone’s in on the fun right along with him.

“I’ve always been pretty open on ‘The Impractical Jokers,’”

talk about parenting, I’ve got lots of stories of my kids, also

he says. “I was always myself. I didn’t play a character, so when people watched it, they really to got to know the sense of me, my personality. Even a lot of my personal life was in that show as well. People who come to my show know me already from that. But here I get to tell different stories. I talk about parenting, I’ve got lots of stories of my kids, also the craziness of animal rescue with my dogs, growing up with my crazy Italian mother on Staten Island, and of course, my friends, the Jokers. There’s no shortage of stories.”

Janeane Garofalo

Oh yes, about those dogs. There are nine of them in the Gatto household, all older rescues.

“It’s like a pack mentality,” he says, laughing, insisting his four-legged companions “pretty much follow the house rules.”

Eventually the Gattos realized they couldn’t rescue every dog in need. Hence their nonprofit Gatto Pups & Friends, which facilitates adoptions for mainly senior and disabled dogs, opened in Glen Head in November 2022.

“We wanted to do it in our neighborhood,” he says. “We love being around here. We found a cool space for the storefront, right across the street from one of our favorite places for lunch. It just all aligned.”

Although firmly ensconced in Glen Head, the South Shore still calls out to him. Gatto frequently visits Lynbrook, where he lived between 2014 and 2017, and where his sister still resides.

His family ties bring him frequently back to visit.

“I love Lynbrook,” he says.“I had such a great experience there. There’s always something special about your first home.”

Plus, “Vincent’s is still one of my favorite pizzerias,” he adds.

You’ll even find him hanging out at Lynbrook’s Regal, taking in a movie with his niece and nephew.

“I go there all the time with them,” he shares. “They’re movie buffs like me, and that’s our go-to movie theater.”

In fact, a film may be in his future.

“I’m doing pretty good, enjoying my ride right now,” Gatto says. “But I’ve always wanted to write and direct film. That’s actually why I got into entertainment. So that’s what I’m focusing on now. That’s what’s left on the bucket list, along with always creating and thinking of new ways to make people smile.”

And as for his outing at The Paramount, it’s being filmed for a comedy special.

“I’ve been working to two years on the thing,” he says, “so I don’t it want it to just go away.”

And there’s always the possibility of another collaboration with his “Jokers” buddies. “I never un-united with them,” he says. “They’re still my friends. We’re just not ‘friends from work’ anymore. I love creating with those guys, so who knows what the future holds.”

The comedian-actress, who reigns as the queen of the alt-comedy scene, is eager to speak her mind when she visits here with her latest stand-up tour. Considered by many as an American institution since she first burst on the scene in 1992, the outspoken activist has plenty to say, in her own inimitable comedic style. Known for her incisive cynical sense of humor, the SNL alum has branched out into film and television, including ‘The Truth About Cats and Dogs,’ ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ and ‘Ratatouille,’ among her memorable roles. Garofalo’s informed opinions and unflinching honesty on topics ranging from everyday life to pop culture inspire laughs and strike a chord with audiences everywhere. Often a lightning rod for controversy, Garofalo finds a way to get her point across with her trademark sense of humor. Known and respected worldwide, Garofalo was also instrumental in the successful launching of the first liberal radio network, Air America Radio, where she hosted her own talk show, ‘The Majority Report.’

Friday, March 8, 8 p.m. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

‘Greatest Show On Earth’

The circus is back. The iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey spectacle returns after a hiatus, re-imagined as a 360-degree experience that brings fans into the action. Packed with explosive excitement, ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ begins and ends with a bang. Lauren Irving, Alex Stickels and Jan Damm join forces as Aria, Stix and Nick Nack, who serve as its soul, rhythm and funny bone. The trio, appearing as show guides, encounter never-before-seen stunts, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts along the way. An international cast of 75 performers take on a variety of enthralling circus acts, including new stunts like the Triangular Highwire, led by the Lopez Family, sixth-generation circus artists hailing from Mexico and Chile. There are also comic clowning, extreme sports, and acrobatic aerial feats — all enhanced with original music.

Friday through Sunday, March 8-10, times vary. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or Ringling. com. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont.

Courtesy Joe Gatto

Joe lives his life by a code of pastry and family, loving his wife, two children, cannolis — and his dogs.

Photo by Jonathan Thorpe

THE Your Neighborhood

March 16

JigJam

When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running through the wide open fields of Bluegrass and Americana, JigJam is born. This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the Irish invasion of Americana with a brand new band member from Glasgow injecting the magic of Scottish folk music. The lads bring their foot-stomping sound to the Landmark stage, for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these gents have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’. Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 string banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (mandolin and tenor banjo) in 2016. They’ve since added Glasgow native Danny Hunter (fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet. They’ve been hailed as “Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival,” with a sound that has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son. $38.14-$49.48. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Family theater

Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s stories, this clever adaptation puts the audience front and center, literally, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, March 8, 10:15 a.m. and noon, Sunday, March 10, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, March 13-14,10:15 a.m. and noon. Kids become cast members, singing dancing, and acting on stage alongside the professional cast.

One of our most interactive shows at LICM Theater, this production received rave reviews in its prior run. Going beyond the traditional telling of the Oz stories, “Journey to Oz” uses personal journal entries and historic newspaper headlines to bring the history of author L. Frank Baum and illustrator W.W. Denslow to life. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion take the audience with them on this lively, playful trip down the yellow brick road. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Our Gilded Age,” examines the appearances and the realities of an era that mirrors our own in many ways. Like the nation’s economy, American art and literature flourished during the Gilded Age. The art of John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Louis Comfort Tiffany and others adorned palatial residences designed by Stanford White and Ogden Codman Jr., architect of the museum’s own quintessential Gilded Age mansion.

Drawing heavily upon the local literary history of Long Island, including William Cullen Bryant, Mark Twain (who named the Gilded Age), Walt Whitman, Edith Wharton and others, the exhibition will include paintings, fashion, decorative arts including period silver and china, photographs, manuscripts, first editions and other historic memorabilia.

The “Upstairs, Downstairs” approach to the life of a country house brings to life not only the storied conspicuous consumption for which the Gilded Age was infamous, but also the real lives of these many individuals who maintained the palatial estates where that lifestyle was enjoyed.

On view through March 10 Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Merrick Winter Flea Market

Merrick’s Winter Flea Market is open every Sunday, now through March 31, 8 a.m.5 p.m., in the Merrick LIRR parking lot. Vendors pay $50 each Sunday for each vendor space, which is equal to two parking spaces. Pay upon arrival. Corner of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Ave. Visit NassauCountyFairs.com for more.

Friday Night Car Show

Friday car shows return, sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Town of Hempstead, Friday, weekly through Oct. 4 (weather permitting), at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway.

See a variety of classic and custom cars. Spectators can enjoy the displays free of charge, while car owners are invited to showcase their vehicles for a nominal $5 admission fee. For more information, contact (516) 679-1875.

Having an event?

March 10

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for another in its series of bird walks, at Massapequa Lake, Sunday, March 10, starting at 9 a.m. Massapequa Lake is at the south end of Massapequa Preserve, between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road.

Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet at the gazebo. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

In concert

Icon and superstar Whitney Houston, has left a lasting legacy that is celebrated an exhilarating spectacle. “Queen of the Night, A Musical Tribute to Whitney Houston,” Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m., at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. An exhilarating tribute to Houston’s remarkable musical repertoire, the electrifying production, which premiered on London’s West End, honors her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.

Named after the swaggering hard rock single from “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, the show celebrates 30 years of hits, from “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “Saving All My Love for You” to “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All” and, of course, “I Will Always Love You.” With the accompaniment of a dynamic band, backing vocalists and dancers, “Queen of the Night” fully conveys the essence and persona of Houston in a captivating production has been described as “a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level.” NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com or call (516) 247-5200.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Sunday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Best of Broadway

Adelphi University Performing Arts students celebrate the music of Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 10, 4 p.m. The theme of this season’s concert is a royal one, paying tribute to the kings, queens, “Aladdin,” “Camelot, “ “Six,” “Frozen,” “Anastasia,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella,” and more. $30, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

A number of state electeds are calling on the governor to slow down her plans to make school buses electric by 2035 — something they say could have a devastating impact on district finances.

Some like state Sen. Steve Rhoads and state Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined Assemblyman John Mikulin and other officials handling fire and safety at schools at the Levittown Public School bus yard in Wantagh last week hoping they can convince Gov. Kathy Hochul to extend the deadline for that mandate deeper into the future to ensure it’s affordability for communities like those in Nassau County.

“There’s nothing magical about this New York state school bus mandate,” Rhoads said.

Citing the main character from the popular children’s television animated series “The Magic School Bus,” Rhoads said “even Ms. Frizzle herself would agree that this burdensome mandate takes chances, makes mistakes, and gets messy.”

The state’s current budget mandates all school buses must have no environmental impact through emissions by 2035, with districts only allowed to purchase electric school buses by mid-2027.

The idea, according to Hochul, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050. The state’s environmental conservation department blames the transportation sector overall as one of New York’s largest sources of emissions, which contributes to climate change impacts such as increased heat waves, sea level rise and flooding.

“Old school buses are putting children’s health at risk, spewing toxic fumes and pollutants into the air that are proven to have negative health impacts,” Hochul’s office said, in a statement. “After New York vot-

ers approved an Environmental Bond Act that allocated $500 million for zero-emission school buses, Gov. Hochul is working with communities across New York to allocate these funds and ensure they are fully utilized.”

But Rhoads says the mandate does not account for the logistical and financial challenges that school districts, bus companies and power companies will face in implementing the plan. A new, full-sized electric bus costs as much as $450,000 — triple the price of a conventional.

With some 45,000 school buses on the road in the state, Rhoads says the full conversion by 2035 would cost in the neighborhood of $20 billion.

The Levittown school district — with a fleet of 80 buses — is in the beginning stages of the mandate. Superintendent Todd Winch said it would cost the district as much as $32 million to replace their fleet, and will purchase its first electric bus this year.

“We don’t replace a whole fleet for maybe 20 years, but now they’re asking us to replace the whole fleet from 2027 to 2035,” Winch said. “Now you’re talking about a very short time period to replace the whole fleet, which would be very, very difficult.”

In addition, the Levittown bus yard would require 40 charging stations, each one costing between $30,000 and $50,000, Winch added.

The state has offered to help, but Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the $500 million offered would only cover a little more than 1,200 buses. The rest would have to paid for by local taxpayers — and that’s not even including infrastructure and charging stations.

“Where’s the rest of that money coming from?” the state senator asked. “You, from the taxpayers, because that’s what the school districts will be forced to do to meet this mandate.”

But the current high costs associated with electric buses are expected to come down over time, Hochul said. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced last September it believes the price of an electric school bus should be on-par with a gasoline-powered bus as early as 2027 thanks to advances in battery technology, more manufacturing, as well as lower fuel and maintenance expenses.

Rhoads calls Hochul’s mandate a rushed plan.

“We all want to see a greener future,” he said. “There is no question about that. But we have to make sure that if our goal is providing affordable, safe, and reliable transportation to our students, we have to make sure we have a plan which gets us to that future, but still accomplishes that primary goal.”

Charles Shaw/Herald

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK, NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL

TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. HENRY OSORIO, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 22, 2023, 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 March 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1294 Poplar Street, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 220 and Lot 19. Approximate amount of judgment is $243,284.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611370/2018. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Firm File No.: 192529-1 144928

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SPECIAL

DISTRICT MEETING

NORTH BELLMORE

PUBLIC LIBRARY

NORTH BELLMORE

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW

YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that a Special Library

District Meeting and Voting upon the appropriation of necessary funds and tax levy to meet the estimated expenditures of the North Bellmore Public Library for the fiscal year 2024-2025, and the election of one Library Trustee for a full five-year term, to the position currently encumbered by Barbara Fillios, whose term of office will expire June 30, 2024 will be held at the North Bellmore Public Library at 1551 Newbridge Road North Bellmore, NY 11710 on Tuesday, April

9 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN THAT:

1. Pursuant to Education Law Section 2020, personal registration of voters is required and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not appear on the register of said Library; and

2. Any person shall be entitled to have his name placed upon such register provided he is known or proven to such Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the meeting or election for which such registration is prepared to vote at general elections; and

3. Qualified voters may register at the North Bellmore Public Library on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Voters having previously registered for any Annual or Special Library or School District Election or Meeting, or who shall have voted at any Annual or Special Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the past four (4) calendar years prior to the preparation of the register, or who are registered to vote at any general election pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law of the State of New York are considered registered to vote. Such register will be filed in the office of the Director of the North Bellmore Public Library five (5) days preceding such Special District Meeting and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District during such days between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

4. In accordance with Education Law No. 2018-a, application for absentee ballots for the Library Special District Meeting may be applied for at the Library. Such application must be received by the Board of Registration at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. The Board of Registration shall make a list of all persons to whom absentee voters’ ballots have been issued, and have it available during regular office hours until the day of election. Such list shall be posted at the polling place during the election. No absentee vote ballot shall be canvassed unless it is received not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.

BUDGET

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the North Bellmore Public Library for the purpose of

discussion of the said expenditures of funds and the budget thereof.

Copies of the proposed 2023-2024 Library Budget will be available at the North Bellmore Library during regular library hours (9AM-8PM

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 10:30AM-8PM

Wednesday; 9AM-6PM Friday; 9AM-5PM Saturday; and 1PM-5PM Sunday) commencing fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Special District Meeting of April 9, 2024 and at the polling place on the day of the Special District Meeting.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that the candidates for the office of Library Trustee shall be nominated by petition. Each petition shall be directed to the Library Board of Trustees and shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and specific vacancy for which a candidate is nominated, including at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any.

In the event that any such nominee shall withdraw his candidacy prior to the election, such person shall not be considered a candidate unless a new petition nominating such person in the same manner and with the same limitations applicable to other candidates is filed with the Secretary of the Library Board of Trustees. No person shall be nominated by petition for more than one separate office. Each petition shall be filed with the Board of Trustees of the North Bellmore Public Library between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, not later than the thirtieth (30th) day preceding the day of the election, to wit: March 4, 2024 at 5 PM.

BY ORDER OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

NORTH BELLMORE

PUBLIC LIBRARY 145145

Robert Cullen a/k/a

Robert J. Cullen; Barbara Cullen a/k/a Barbara L. Cullen; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 8, 2019 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 April 2, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2032 Bergen Street, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the west side of Bergen Street, Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 142 Lots 819 & 820.

Approximate amount of judgment $867,267.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011407/2014. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Jane Pastor 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: February 7, 2024 145152

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NO.21527

RESOLUTION NO.140-2024

Adopted: February 13, 2024 Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:

RESOLUTION

ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Home Equity Asset Trust

2006-7, Home Equity

Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-7, Plaintiff AGAINST

accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and

WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

BELLMORE FARMERS AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 400 feet south of the south curbline of Merrick Road, south for a distance of 17 feet.

(TH-603/23)

ROOSEVELT EAST PENNYWOOD AVENUE - south side, starting at a point 492 feet west of the west curbline of Park Avenue, west for a distance of 16 feet.

(TH-599/23)

(NR) VALLEY STREAM ALDEN AVENUE - south side, starting at a point 126 feet west of the west curbline of Charles Street, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-604/23)

and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE MAPLE DRIVE - south side, starting at a point 90 feet west of the west curbline of Court House Road, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-319/20 - 1/26/21)

(TH-598/23)

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 135-2024, adopted January 23rd, 2024, a public hearing was duly held on the 13th day of February, 2024, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in

LEGAL NOTICE Annual Audit Report Notification Notice is hereby given that the fiscal affairs of Bellmore UFSD for the period beginning on July 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2022, have been examined by the office of the state comptroller, and that the report of examination performed by the office of the state comptroller has been filed in my office where it is available as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. Pursuant to §35 of the General Municipal Law, the governing board of the Bellmore UFSD may, in its discretion, prepare a written response to the examination performed by the office of the state comptroller and file any such response in my office as a public record for inspection by all interested persons not later than June 1, 2024.

By Randy Yee District Clerk

Bellmore UFSD, Bellmore, New York 145308

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 10-2024

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held February 13th, 2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 10-2024, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 10-2024, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations

; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting.

The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Muscarella and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: SEVEN (7)

NOES: NONE (0) 145256

application forms for the 2024-25 school year are available at the Bellmore Union Free School District, Transportation Office, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710 or on our website at www.bellmoreschools.org , under the “District” tab. Also please note that new students to the district must be registered in the Superintendent’s Office at the Winthrop Ave School even though they will be attending a private or parochial school outside the Bellmore School District. 145313

SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 145323

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE BELLMORE MEMORIAL LIBRARY

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Dated: February 13, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 145254

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO STUDENTS OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bellmore Union Free School District parents are reminded that New York State Law requires a written transportation request annually by April 1st, from parents or guardians of students (grades Kdg.-6) who plan to attend private or parochial schools outside the school district in which they legally reside. Requests must be submitted prior to April 1, 2024, for the school year beginning September 2024. Transportation

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE CIM TRUST 2016-2, MORTGAGEBACKED NOTES, SERIES 2016-2, V. IRENE A. FOSTER A/K/A IRENE FOSTER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated June 26, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE CIM TRUST 2016-2, MORTGAGEBACKED NOTES, SERIES 2016-2 is the Plaintiff and IRENE A. FOSTER A/K/A IRENE FOSTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 5, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2346 FOWLER STREET, BELLMORE, NY 11710: Section 56, Block 117, Lot 553:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT NORTH BELLMORE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 606470/2019. Janine T. Lynam, 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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of the Bellmore Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held in the Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. prevailing time, for the purpose of voting, by paper ballot and ballot box, upon the following items:

(1) To adopt the Annual Budget of the Bellmore Memorial Library for the fiscal year 2024-2025, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the School District; and

(2) To elect one (1) Trustee to the Bellmore Memorial Library board to fill a five year term commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that for the purpose of voting at such meeting on April 18, 2024 the polls will be open between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. prevailing time, and the voting will be held in the Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, New York; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for the Bellmore Memorial Library’s purposes, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the School District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said meeting, except Sunday, from the Library, located at 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, New York, during regular business hours; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Trustee of the Bellmore Memorial Library shall be filed at the Bellmore U.F.S.D. District Office, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York not later than 5:00 p.m. prevailing time Monday, March 18, 2024. Each

Public Notices

voters of the District, and must state the residence of each signer and the name and residence of the candidate; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the provisions of Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the School District prepared thereof. All persons who shall have been previously registered for Annual or Special School District Meetings and who shall have voted at any such Annual or Special Meeting held or conducted at any time within the four (4) calendar years prior to April 18, 2024 shall be entitled to vote at this Special District Meeting.

In addition, all those who are registered to vote with the Board of Elections of Nassau County pursuant to Article 5 of Election Law shall be entitled to vote at this Special District Meeting.

FURTHER NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for early mail ballots must be completed on a form prescribed by the New York State Board of Elections. Such applications are available on the New York State Board of Election’s website, by visiting the School District website www.bellmoreschools.org , and at the district clerk’s office 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore, NY between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on days when school is in session.

Completed applications for early mail ballots must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to his or her designated agent. Early mail ballot applications will not be accepted before March 19, 2024. Early mail voter’s ballots must be received in the district clerk’s office not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election in order to be canvassed. A list of all persons to whom early mail ballots have been issued will be available for inspection in the district clerk’s office.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballot applications for the Bellmore Memorial Library election and budget vote are to be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections by visiting the NYS Education Department’s website (http://www.counsel.nyse d.gov/common/counsel/fil es/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-english.pdf,

http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-spanish.pdf), the Bellmore UFSD website, (www.bellmoreschools.or g), or by contacting the District Clerk by email (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) or phone (516-679-2910).

Completed applications must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the applicant, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the applicant or to his or her designated agent. Absentee ballot applications will not be accepted by the District Clerk before March 27, 2023. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s office on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 to 12:00 noon on the Saturday prior to the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Bellmore Memorial Library may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk by email (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) or phone (516-679-2910). In such request, the military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail to the Office District Clerk at Bellmore Memorial Library. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-b of the Education Law. The application for a military ballot should include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax or email.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail to the District Clerk, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk: (1) before the close of the polls of election day and showing a cancellation mark of the U.S. postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the U.S. government; or (2) not later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the

day before the election; and FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reason of permanent illness or physical disability and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Election Law, shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law without making separate application for such absentee ballot.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public information hearing will be held at the Bellmore Memorial Library, Bellmore, New York on Tuesday, April 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BELLMORE MEMORIAL

LIBRARY

Randy Yee, District Clerk

DATED: March 2024

BELLMORE, NEW YORK 145051

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE LA REUNIÓN

ESPECIAL DE DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA

CONMEMORATIVA DE BELLMORE

CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD

CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Reunión Especial del Distrito de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Bellmore Union, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, el jueves 18 de abril de 2024 a la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, con el propósito de votar, por papeleta y urna, sobre los siguientes conceptos: (1) Adoptar el Presupuesto Anual de la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial para el año fiscal 2024-2025, y autorizar que la parte requerida de la misma se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito Escolar; y (2) Elegir un (1) Fideicomisario para la junta de la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial para completar un período de cinco años. período que comienza el 1 de julio de 2024 y finaliza el 30 de junio de 2029.

POR LA PRESENTE SE

NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que, con el fin de votar en dicha reunión del 18 de abril de 2024, las urnas

estarán abiertas entre las horas de la 1:00 p.m. y las 8:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, y la votación se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York; y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que cualquier residente del Distrito Escolar puede obtener una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para los propósitos de la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, excluyendo los fondos públicos, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha reunión, excepto el domingo, de la Biblioteca, ubicado en 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, durante el horario comercial habitual; y

POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial se presentarán en la Oficina de Distrito de Bellmore U.F.S.D., 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente del lunes 18 de marzo de 2024. Cada petición debe ser dirigida al Secretario del Distrito, debe estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito, y debe indicar la residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y residencia del candidato;

y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro del Distrito Escolar preparado por la misma. Todas las personas que se hayan registrado previamente para las Reuniones Anuales o Especiales del Distrito Escolar y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión Anual o Especial celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años calendario anteriores al 18 de abril de 2024 tendrán derecho a votar en esta Reunión Especial del Distrito. Además, todos aquellos que estén registrados para votar con la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral tendrán derecho a votar en esta Reunión Especial del Distrito. POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que las solicitudes de boletas anticipadas por correo deben completarse en un formulario prescrito por la Junta Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. Dichas solicitudes están

briefs

March bringing new events to Beth Ohr

With winter near its end, Congregation Beth Ohr has many events, services, and training classes lined up.

The synagogue will be hosting a Tot family and Scout Shabbat along with a dinner and family service on Friday, March 8. The Tot Shabbat will start at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 and the service beginning at 7. Families are invited to join all events.

They will also host a Stop the Bleed Wednesday event on March 13. Josh Frumer, captain of the NY Fire Department will be giving a Stop the Bleed training. This offering is only limited to 25 people, with $18 per person, and $25 for two people of the same household.

Instructor Jennifer Mule will be coming to Beth Ohr for a country line dancing lesson on Sunday, March 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. Mimosas will be offered as refreshments throughout the event, and the price of admission is $10.

Adults can celebrate the holiday of Purim during an adult-only masquerade party on March 23, which will follow

Herald

file

Congregation Beth Ohr has a slew of events lined up for March that cater to man different age groups,

Purim services. Services begin at 8 p.m., and the party at 9:15.

Congregation Beth Ohr is located at 2550 Centre Ave, Bellmore. For more information on all events, visit their website, CBOhr.org.

— Mason Lauron

Public Notices

disponibles en el sitio web de la Junta Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, visitando el sitio web del Distrito Escolar www.bellmoreschools.org y en la oficina del secretario del distrito 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore, NY entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. los días en que la escuela está en sesión. Las solicitudes completadas para boletas anticipadas por correo deben recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta anticipada por correo debe enviarse por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Las solicitudes de boleta anticipada por correo no se aceptarán antes del 19 de marzo de 2024. Las boletas de los votantes por correo anticipado deben recibirse en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección para poder ser escrutadas. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas anticipadas por correo estará disponible para su inspección en la oficina del secretario del distrito.

ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que las solicitudes de boleta de voto en ausencia para la elección de la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial y la votación del presupuesto deben completarse en un formulario prescrito por la junta estatal de elecciones visitando el sitio web del Departamento de Educación del Estado de

Nueva York (http://www.counsel.nyse d.gov/common/counsel/fil es/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-english.pdf, http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-spanish.pdf), el sitio web de Bellmore UFSD, (www.bellmoreschools.or g), o comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito por correo electrónico (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) o por teléfono (516-679-2910). Las solicitudes completadas deben recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al solicitante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al solicitante o a su agente designado. Las solicitudes de boleta de voto en ausencia no serán aceptadas por el Secretario de Distrito antes del 27 de marzo de 2023. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a la elección, excepto el domingo, y solo con cita previa de 9:00 a 12:00 del mediodía el sábado anterior a la elección. ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados de la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial pueden solicitar una solicitud para una boleta militar al Secretario del Distrito por

correo electrónico (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) o por teléfono (516-679-2910). En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de boleta militar por correo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito en la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial. Las solicitudes de boletas militares recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-b de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de una boleta militar debe incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo al Secretario del Distrito, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York Las boletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito: (1) antes del cierre de las urnas del día de las elecciones y mostrando una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los EE. UU. o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otra agencia del gobierno de los EE. UU.; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de las elecciones y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo de la

misma, con una fecha que se determine que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección; y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que un votante calificado cuya capacidad para presentarse personalmente en el lugar de votación se vea sustancialmente afectada por razón de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física y cuyo registro de registro haya sido marcado como “discapacitado permanentemente” por la Junta Electoral de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley Electoral, tendrá derecho a recibir una boleta de voto ausente de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación sin hacer una solicitud por separado para dicha boleta de voto en ausencia.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia de información pública en la Biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, Bellmore, Nueva York, el martes 8 de abril de 2024 a las 6:00 p.m. con el fin de discutir el gasto de fondos para el año fiscal 2024-2025.

Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

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Q. We are suing our contractor and need some advice. A year ago, we finished our second-floor addon and first-floor kitchen and rear family room remodel by opening up walls to join them. Everything seemed fine until it rained the first time. The windows began to leak at the bottom, and then around the tops and sides. Our new sliding glass door did the same. The basement flooded, and we are not in a flood area. Then the air-conditioning company said somebody disconnected the ducts, and when we opened the ceilings, more water poured down. The house is now filled with mold, which we clean with bleach where we can get to it, but we couldn’t move out and have two small children under age 4.

Although we have many questions and hired an attorney, we’re wondering whether we should hire an architect to go over all the problems and identify them, with remedies, or hire one of the contractors who said they could fix the problems, or wait until the lawsuit is finished to make it possible for a jury to see the damage. The job architect, whom we never met, has now had their license revoked for the next two years, but we wouldn’t go to them, anyway.

A. Ugh! This is more common than you would think. It starts with not having the architect working for you and instead working for the contractor. I can guess that the contractor was contacted first, and you hired them to get their architect and provide plans. That was your first mistake.

Next, people are lazy, expecting that anyone they hire knows all the best techniques to build and knows all the rules, codes and laws. That was mistake number two. Even though you hire people, you should have gone over critical details, especially about waterproofing and structural techniques on the plans, to make sure that the building owner looks for those steps to be carried out. You, the building owner, I always say, are the “eyes and ears” on the job, since the architect often isn’t there at critical times, when waterproofing membranes and materials are joined.

Mistake number three was not doing a water test with a garden hose when the finish siding, windows roofing, etc., had been applied. Simulating rain by pointing a hose skyward so that the water cascades down — not a direct fire-hose hit — tells you right away if something is failing.

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Why I joined the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus

Growing up in Island Park, I was always acutely aware of how lucky I was to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, bountiful waterways and stunning coastlines. Preserving Nassau County’s coastal environs has been a main priority of my tenure in public office, and I am proud to represent so many community partners who share in that goal. Indeed, the pristine nature of our South Shore was recently threatened by a largescale offshore wind turbine project proposed by Equinor, but thanks to unified community opposition, this dubious plan appears to have stalled — for now.

The growing national push to advance offshore wind energy has clearly reached Long Island, and while Equinor’s plan was defeated due to the corporation’s failure to properly liaise with local stakeholders, there will certainly be other developers attempting their own offshore wind projects mov-

ing forward.

Now more than ever, it is vital that our communities make their voices heard on any projects that would impact our coastline, which is why I am proud to announce that I have been made a co-chair of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus. This bipartisan panel provides members of Congress from across the country a forum to discuss the growing utilization of offshore wind energy, compare notes on offshore wind projects being advanced, and strategize on how best to approach future development questions. What’s more, my leadership role in the caucus also provides neighbors in the 4th District with an enhanced voice when the panel communicates with turbine developers — ensuring that the thoughts, concerns and opinions of South Shore residents are made known.

We’ve seen interest from other developers seeking to take Equinor’s place.

residents of the Long Beach barrier island, Island Park, Oceanside and beyond during the development of its Empire Wind 2 offshore wind turbine plan. This lack of engagement justifiably led to distrust among community members, and fueled the successful grass-roots campaign to quash the project.

Like my neighbors along the South Shore, over the course of several meetings, Equinor representatives failed to provide me with adequate information on the long-term environmental impacts of the project or outline a proper plan to support the communities that would have hosted facets of Empire Wind 2 — which is why I fought to stop the project from moving forward.

ment, residents’ wishes are respected, and local communities’ bests interests are advanced. If a company can articulate a vision for an offshore wind energy project that safeguards our environment, incorporates robust stakeholder feedback into the development process, benefits the community, and creates good union jobs, I believe it is beneficial for the public to hear them out and approach the plan with an open mind. I intend to utilize my position on the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus to hold corporate developers accountable by demanding full transparency on any proposed projects that come before the community.

Those residents have recently seen firsthand the difficulties that stem from a corporate entity outright ignoring the concerns of community stakeholders when developing a large-scale project. Indeed, Equinor failed to engage with

Now that Equinor appears to have realized the error of its ways and pulled back from its offshore wind plan, we have seen growing interest from several other developers seeking to take Equinor’s place. As the selection process plays out and companies vie for a chance to develop offshore wind energy in Nassau County, it is vital that stakeholders have a say in project advance-

I will continue to utilize all the tools at my disposal to advocate for the best interests of South Shore neighbors and ensure that our communities are not negatively impacted by overdevelopment. My position as co-chair of the bipartisan caucus will give our community a stronger voice in that arena, and ensure that any proposed plans include real benefits for the South Shore. Long gone are the days when developers like Equinor thought they could simply muscle their way past community opposition. We won’t allow it.

Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

For Democrats, Suozzi’s victory is nothing to brag about

Democrats were understandably elated when former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi won the special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional District on Feb. 13, but they shouldn’t be popping any champagne. In truth, Suozzi’s victory over the Republicans’ candidate, Mazi Melesa Pilip, was a lot closer than it should have been.

Suozzi won just under 54 percent of the vote.

Doesn’t that seem a little low? After all, he’s a former mayor of Glen Cove, a former Nassau County executive, and a former three-term representative of the district in Congress. Pilip, meanwhile, is a sophomore county legislator.

An alarming sign for me is the money spent by each campaign for each vote. Suozzi spent $2.36 million and won roughly 91,300 votes, meaning he spent almost $26 per vote. In comparison, Pilip spent just $714,000 and won roughly 78,200 votes, or just over $9 per vote.

That means that Pilip needed on average one-third the cash to bring her vot-

ers out to the polls. That indicates to me that Pilip’s voters were more excited and zealous. Suozzi, on the other hand, had to fight to bring Democrats out.

If Pilip and Suozzi had had the same fundraising numbers, and the cash-pervote numbers held, Pilip would have garnered over three times her vote total. Even if we halved Suozzi’s advantage (to make the comparison a bit more realistic), Pilip still might have won, with over 58.5 percent of the vote, if she’d spent as much money as Suozzi.

HSo, Democrats, is this your grand victory?

Aside from that lingering question, Suozzi ran a good campaign. He attacked Pilip where he needed to and worked hard in just the couple of months that he had, barnstorming through the district. He held a large event in my native Westbury, which I appreciate. The difficult fight he had, and the difficult fight many Nassau Democrats have, was beyond his control.

e spent nearly three times as much campaign money as Pilip for each vote.

To top it off, state Democrats are going to get another chance to draw district lines this year, meaning that Suozzi is almost certainly going to be redistricted into a safer, more heavily Democratic district. Why sink millions into an election that you most likely would have won more easily in nine months?

I read the election results this way: A Democratic political veteran with high name recognition and a 3-to-1 fundraising advantage won an election with the second-worst margin he’s won his House seat with, against a neophyte opponent no one had ever heard of, whom he probably would have more easily defeated in nine months.

For one thing, the political landscape on Long Island is shifting against Democrats. For years in Nassau County, the number of new voters registering as Democrats outpaced those registering as Republicans, but that is changing. In the towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay and the City of Glen Cove, which account for most of the population of the 3rd District, voter registration data for the past year confirms that the ratio of Democrats to Republicans is shrinking.

Area Democrats have also been suffering from guilt by association. The Nassau GOP has successfully associated local Democrats with their more leftleaning colleagues in New York City. The Long Islanders are branded with

negative labels like “radical” and “socialist,” or worse, “radical socialist.”

Finally, local Democrats continue to be hammered on bail reform, affordable housing and crime. These attacks are nonsense, but they stick because there is no apparatus in place to respond. None of this is Suozzi’s fault. Rather, the problem lies squarely with the Nassau and state Democratic committees, which have poor fundraising operations, abysmal organizing capacity, and virtually nonexistent communication with voters.

The party is failing to recruit new members, and cannot adequately defend its candidates, let alone go on the offensive. The state Democratic Party continues to fail candidates like Suozzi and the voters that make their existence possible.

That’s why I don’t consider Suozzi’s victory any kind of Democratic renaissance. His hard-fought win doesn’t portend more party wins in Nassau, because a successful two-month campaign can’t fix a state Democratic Party that has lost almost every position of power on Long Island in the past eight years.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chronicle and the Anton Media Group.

Herald editorial

Support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act

as objective and independent news writers and editors, we have an imperative to cover the issues most important to you, the people of our community.

Every day, our team of reporters is on the ground questioning elected officials, uplifting the stories of community changemakers, and uncovering truths that some would rather keep hidden.

But, amid industry challenges, it is no longer unfathomable to picture a future when New York state is completely without local newspapers and other local news outlets.

According to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, 2.5 newspapers now close each week in the United States. More than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country since 2004, and New York has been particularly hard hit.

In 2004, New York boasted 501 newspapers. Today, it’s only 260. In 2022 alone, 30 newspapers closed across the state.

A quarter of New York’s counties are news deserts — down to their last newspaper. Orleans County recently became the first in the state to have none. These closures have also resulted in thousands of lost journalism and newsroom-supporting jobs.

Local news matters. Studies show that when a community loses its source of local news, it experiences decreased voter turnout and civic engagement. Increased municipal borrowing costs that lead to higher taxes. And decreased transparency among government and business officials, leading to increased waste, fraud and abuse.

As newspapers shutter, communities become more polarized, leaving us stuck in a never-ending doom loop where we lose sight of our shared values. During this era of intense national partisan-

letters

Let these elected officials know that we need to save local news

■ Contact Gov. Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390

■ Contact State Sen. Steve Rhoads: (516) 882-0630

■ Contact Assemblyman David McDonough: (516) 409-2070

Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition. Support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com.

ship, local news offers a path forward.

The time to act is now. That is why the Bellmore Herald has joined with more than 150 other New York local newspapers to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition.

Comprising both print and online local newspapers, this coalition is advocating for sound public policy that ensures the important work of local news organizations can continue in our state. Through our independent journalism, we aim to serve, inform, uplift and protect New York residents.

Our coalition cares deeply about our local communities as well as the future of New York’s free press. However, market forces are making it nearly impossible for us to survive. So, together, we are sounding the alarm bell for our leaders in Albany to hear.

At the heart of our advocacy is the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-

Bruce Blakeman bans trans athletes

To the Editor:

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s recent signing of an executive order banning transgender girls from playing sports in county facilities was a disingenuous performance to ingratiate himself with the cruel anti-LGBTQ movement. These kinds of orders and bans do more harm than good, setting a dangerous tone that can send the message that hateful acts against the LGBTQ community are justified. Nex Benedict, the non-binary 16-year-old from Oklahoma who died last month after an altercation in a high school girls’ bathroom, comes to mind.

Sadly, by targeting transgender young people, Blakeman chose to use his executive power to sacrifice a very vulnerable group, already struggling for acceptance and facing far greater rates of depression and suicide than their peers, for his own political gain. Instead of doing something to help the transgender community in Nassau County, he decided to put them at further risk.

Sigal and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner — with the bipartisan support of 55 co-sponsors — this bill provides tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of local news journalists. News organizations are incentivized to actually add jobs, returning reporters to many of the state’s newsrooms, which are becoming increasingly desolate.

Importantly, the bill is also contentneutral, meaning that any legitimate local news outlet — left, right or inbetween — can benefit from this bill. The objectivity of the bill’s eligibility requirements means the legislation cannot be weaponized to penalize news organizations critical of government officials.

As New York loses talented journalists, lawmakers must act to ensure the industry is allowed not only to survive, but also to thrive. Only local news outlets — with boots-on-the-ground journalists — can deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial wellbeing.

Imagine no stories about the village or town board meeting, or the school budget debate. No pictures of your granddaughter’s first soccer goal. No obituary of your friendly (and eccentric) neighbor. No investigative reporting to hold public officials to account. And no trusted institution to convene the community around a family in need.

We need your help to save local news in New York. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers need to hear from you about why our newspaper matters and why this bill is important to you.

If you would like to help, reach out to Gov. Kathy Hochul and your local state representatives to let them know you stand with local news.

Hochul’s budget fails people with disabilities

when I was elected to the Nassau County Legislature last fall, I pledged to make it my mission to champion the rights of people with disabilities on the local, state and federal levels to the best of my ability.

mICHaeL GIaNGreGorIo

I am deeply troubled by the recent state budget proposal put forth by Gov. Kathy Hochul. In the intricate web of state budgets, the allocation of resources becomes a powerful reflection of values and priorities. Hochul’s proposal, however, raises significant concerns about equity and fair distribution of resources, particularly when it comes to direct support professionals, or DSPs, in volunteer agencies and the 853 schools statewide catering to students with disabilities.

The commitment to supporting those with disabilities is a cornerstone of any just and compassionate society. DSPs in volunteer agencies are the unsung heroes of our communities, and play a crucial role in ensuring the

swell-being of those with disabilities, providing essential care and support. Their work is demanding, often emotionally as well as physically, yet the proposed state spending plan allocates only a 1.5 percent cost-ofliving increase for those working in volunteer agencies, whose hourly wage is $18. This fraction of the budget hardly reflects the true value of their contributions to the well-being of our society.

State-employed DSPs, who enjoy higher salaries, state benefits and a retirement plan, are being favored with more substantial rate increases compared with their counterparts in volunteer agencies. This lopsided allocation not only undervalues the critical work done by DSPs in volunteer organizations, but also jeopardizes the quality of care provided to those who need it the most.

sage about the state’s commitment to its most vulnerable citizens and educational institutions. The question that arises is whether the state is neglecting its own citizens, particularly those with disabilities, in favor of other causes.

he is sending a disconcerting message to our most vulnerable citizens.

Furthermore, the budget proposal fails to address the longstanding issue of underfunding for 853 schools that cater to students with disabilities. These schools, already grappling with resource shortages, have never received a fair share of entitlements. The lack of resources hampers their ability to provide quality education and support to students who need it the most. The perpetuation of this educational inequality raises serious concerns about the state’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

torical injustice, further exacerbating the struggles faced by students with disabilities and the schools that serve them.

It is dismaying to see the neglect of essential workers and marginalized schools while significant funds are allocated elsewhere. As engaged citizens, we must question and challenge these disparities. We have a responsibility to hold our elected officials accountable, and to urge them to reconsider budgetary allocations to ensure that resources are distributed equitably among all deserving sectors of our society.

Coupled with preferential treatment for state DSP employees and a substantial $2.4 billion allocated for migrants, which encompasses short-term shelter services, health care, emergency housing centers, and legal assistance, Hochul is sending a disconcerting mes-

Letters

Blakeman claims that “boys” are bullying their way onto girls’ teams, but he’s the real bully here.

KArIN JOHNSON RVC Pride Rockville Centre

It was obvious why Republicans chose Pilip

To the Editor:

I read the Herald’s coverage of the special election between Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip. You didn’t mention that Pilip was a registered Democrat when she ran against Suozzi. She didn’t change her party affiliation until a few days ago. right from the beginning, Pilip didn’t want to take many questions from the press, and showed she didn’t know very much about the issues. The republicans had her run because she was pretty, black, and Jewish, with an interesting background.

MYrON MArINBACH Lynbrook

Immigrants make our economy stronger

To the Editor:

It’s time to cut through the noise and

Despite the challenges these schools face in providing specialized programs and services, they continue to be shortchanged by a system that should prioritize the educational needs of all its students. Hochul’s budget proposal missed a golden opportunity to rectify this his-

tell the truth about immigration: Our economy and community is stronger because of it. Some leaders would have us think it’s a zero-sum game when our country takes in immigrants, but that’s not true at all.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the U.S. economy will grow by an extra $7 trillion over the next 10 years thanks to immigrants!

But we don’t have to wait for the future to see how they are strengthening the economy. In 2021, immigrants paid $524.7 billion in taxes. That’s money that helps fuel our nation’s schools, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs. Immigrants help support our communities as consumers and taxpayers.

Don’t believe it? Even former President Donald Trump’s appointed Federal reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, recognized the massive contributions immigrants make in an interview on “60 Minutes,” saying, “A big part of the story of the labor market coming back into better balance is immigration returning to levels that were more typical of the pre-pandemic era.”

So let’s give credit where credit is due, stop the anti-immigrant rhetoric and end the zero-sum mindset. Immigration truly is essential for our economic growth and our communities’ prosperity.

JOSEPH M. VArON

Long Island chapter, Bend the Arc West Hempstead

A budget is not merely a financial document. It reflects our collective values and priorities. Hochul’s budget proposal necessitates a critical examination of the state’s commitment to equity and fairness. Let’s stand together in advocating for a spending plan that reflects the principles of justice and compassion, one that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, from direct support professionals and students in underfunded schools to migrants seeking refuge within our borders. Only through such collective action can we build a society that truly values and uplifts all its members.

Michael Giangregorio represents Nassau County’s 12th Legislative District.

Framework by April Ruff