Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 01-12-2023

Schumer pushes for clean water

An Elmont Winter Wonderland

Redistricting tensions persist

Three earn Eagle rank

F.S. Boy Scout Troop 93 members receive highest honor

By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com

Three members of Franklin Square Boy Scout Troop 93 recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout — scouting’s highest and most coveted honor.

Joseph Barberesi, Nicholas Hernandez and Ryan Noonan were recognized at a Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 5, surrounded by their fellow Boy Scouts, family, friends and mentors.

Robert Murawski, scoutmaster of Troop 93 and Iroquois District commissioner, said

that Barberesi, Hernandez and Noonan have demonstrated what it takes to become “life scouts,” which made them worthy of the Eagle Scout honor.

“The life scout goals can be accomplished, but it takes real effort, and only those with true scout spirit will achieve it,” Murawski said. “(They) are to be congratulated for reaching this highest peak of the eagle trail — (their) diligence and hard work has paid off.”

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, and more than two million scouts

Elmont girl, 10, gives back through her own nonprofit She discovered philanthropy through pageantry, and founded Meera Empowerment

By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com

At 10 years old, Selene Ferdinand of Elmont is already compiling quite the résumé.

A student at Dutch Broadway Elementary School, Selene is giving back to her community through her own nonprofit organization, called Meera Empowerment, which she launched two years ago with the help of her mother, Savitre Ferdinand.

“When I give back to all the kids and children in my community, it makes me so happy to see

a smile on their face,” Selene said.

Selene first showed an interest in volunteerism and community service at age 4, when she began entering beauty pageants. She received a letter in the mail asking if she wanted to join the National American Miss pageant, and she decided she wanted to give it a shot.

She was immediately bitten by the pageant bug, and is now in her seventh year of competing, Selene said. Through the competitions, she has learned about the importance of giving

back. This inspired her to create Meera Empowerment, to encourage others her age to get involved in volunteerism and philanthropy.

“The reason we keep coming back to pageantry is because it’s all about community service and empowering the youth in your community,” her mother said. “She decided to create her own platform. I wasn’t surprised — I was already doing so much with her. I said, ‘Why not?’”

Meera, which is Selene’s middle name, teaches kids in the Elmont community different life

skills and lessons, such as how to cook and sew, Selene said. The young entrepreneur added that she also organizes fashion shows and hosts tea parties to raise money for various causes, including ending hunger and finding a cure for cancer.

The fashion show was one of

the first Meera Empowerment events she organized, and to this day, it is a favorite of hers, she said.

“We did it in our backyard, and we made around $3,000 — I sold some of my pageant clothes that didn’t fit me anymore,” Sele-

Ana Borruto/Herald

RYAN NooNAN, lEfT, Joseph Barberesi and Nicholas Hernandez were celebrated for their Eagle achievement at a Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 5.

Schumer promises push for tech, environment

By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

Chuck Schumer has three goals for the new year: improve mass transit, ensure water and air quality are safe, and promote high technology on Long Island.

The New York Democrat who maintained his role as majority leader in the U.S. Senate after last year’s mid-terms, told more than 1,000 people attending last week’s Long Island Association breakfast in Woodbury that he has, in the past two years, secured federal money to help the Metropolitan Transportation Authority recover from the worst of the Covid pandemic, while still getting money earmarked to protect the Long Island Sound and even clean up aging lead pipes.

The event at Crest Hollow Country Club was LIA’s annual State of the Region gathering that attracted both movers and shakers, as well as elected leaders like the executives from both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Schumer’s participation comes after he was elected to a fifth six-year term in the upper chamber of Capitol Hill, defeating Joseph Pinion, a conservative columnist who claimed Schumer had been in office too long with too little to show for it.

But history is written by the victors, and Schumer had a lot of history to share.

“We had one of the most productive legislative sessions in years,” the senator

said, ticking off a list of legislative wins that included his role in shepherding through President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill, as well as securing $15 billion for the MTA, which operates the Long Island Rail Road.

“No one was riding the trains” during the pandemic, Schumer added.

“For the first time, New York state got back more money that it gave out,” the senator said, referring to the give-andtake of funding with the federal government. New York has traditionally been a “giving” state, meaning its federal dollars usually went to help other states. This past year, the state was more of a receiver.

How productive the next two years will be is a big question. Republicans took control of the U.S. House — but only by a slim margin. That might mean pushing through bills that could win over at least some moderate Republicans.

One of those efforts will focus on improving transportation. The MTA funding, for example, would pay for repairs and upgrades of cars, tracks and electronic systems. Money also would be directed to portions of the Sunrise Highway in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Another $5 million will build a transit hub in Ronkonkoma.

Schumer also budgeted $106 million to clean up Long Island Sound, and that’s just the beginning. He also plans to use $60 million to help remove some of the contami-

nants from the Long Island aquifer.

Yet, the Senator sounded most enthusiastic about a project to install electricitygenerating windmills off Long Island’s South Shore — likely within the next few years.

Equinor, a multibillion-dollar Norwegian conglomerate specializing in petroleum, hopes to build a wind energy farm just a few miles off the coast with a substation delivering power directly to Island Park — a plan that has aroused controversy with neighbors.

The $3 billion project must still pass a plethora of bureaucratic hurdles, however.

“Long Island will be the capital for offshore wind,” Schumer said, “not just in New York, but across the country.”

The senator also wants to promote two of Long Island’s largest high-technology institutions — Brookhaven National Lab and SUNY Stony Brook.

“Long Island can be the center for (microchip) production and manufacturing,” Schumer said. “BNL and Stony Brook are at the cutting-edge of technology.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, told the Herald there was more in the works for this part of Long Island as well. He’s heard chatter about a strong interest in securing a casino, possibly at the Nassau Hub.

But for that to happen, anyone developing it would need to make sure the facility is first acceptable to the community.

“We wouldn’t be interested in anything but a first-class hospitality venue with a casino,” Blakeman said.

Additional reporting by Daniel Offner.

Daniel Offner/Herald U.S. SEN. ChUCk Schumer told the Long Island Association last week he would seek to promote the environment, transportation and technology this term.

A Winter Wonderland holiday celebration

Two young girls enjoy some hot chocolate the Winter Wonderland event. olaf The snowman, above, joined in on the festive fun at the Guggin Café. elizabeTh forbes, lefT, and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages were the organizers of the Winter Wonderland Holiday event. They provided free toys to children and created a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy.

Photos courtesy Assemblymember Michaelle Solages communiTy members young and old gathered to spread holiday cheer by carolling outside of the Guggin Café in Elmont during the Winter Wonderland Holiday celebration on Dec. 17. The event was hosted by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, Legislator Carrié Solages and Elizabeth Forbes of the Gift of Giving Foundation.

Happy New Year to all!

There have been significant changes in the law in a number of areas as of January 1, 2023.

The gift tax exclusion, which many people still think is $15,000, is now $17,000, up from $16,000 in 2022. Each person may give up to $17,000 to as many people as they want to without incurring any Federal gift tax liability and without using any of their Federal estate tax exemption at death.

Speaking of the Federal estate tax exemption, that has been raised from $12,060,000 to $12,920,000. Since the exemption amount is adjusted for inflation, and inflation was high in 2022, there was a large jump. Same for the New York estate tax exemption which jumped from $6,110,000 to $6,580,000.

The higher Federal exemption is due to tax reform initiated by President Trump commencing in 2016. Fiscal restraints required that the higher Federal exemption expire after ten years. At the end of 2025 then the Federal exemption is slated to return to

New York levels. Since you can use any of your now almost $13,000,000 per person as a tax-free gift while you are living, many savvy clients have moved and are continuing to move family wealth to trusts for their children. Often, the parents choose to maintain control of these trusts, and they not only get the assets out of their estate while the getting is good, they also get all of the growth on those assets out of their estate.

Medicaid rates have changed so that an individual who needs care, either at home or in a nursing facility, may keep up to $28,133.00 in assets. If one spouse is at home, and the other spouse is in a nursing home, the spouse at home may keep up to about $150,000 in assets. The value of the home, up to $1,033,000 is exempt from Medicaid if a spouse is living there (while the other is in a facility) or for an individual receiving Medicaid for home care.

Finally, the age at which an individual must take their IRA required minimum distribution has been raised from age 72 to 73.

Youngster hopes to inspire other youth to volunteer

ne said. “I invited all my friends and the kids in my community.”

Meera Empowerment also fundraises to award scholarships to students in the local high schools, collects donations for toy drives during the holidays and supports community service efforts organized by elected leaders.

In school, Selene is involved with Teachers of Tomorrow, helping younger students with their schoolwork. She also assists kids in the class of her art teacher, Stefanie Greco.

Savitre said Selene has been involved in other activities over the years, including cooking meals for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, volunteering for Island Harvest Food Bank, and Building Homes for Heroes.

While managing her own

nonprofit, Selene also keeps herself busy going to dance classes. She also coauthored a book, “Road to the Crown,” which she wrote with 17 other girls in the beauty pageant community.

Selene said in the future she hopes to take Meera Empowerment nationwide and get more young people involved in her cause.

“I think it’s a good life lesson and it gives (young people) a little bit more confidence,” Selene said. “I think it’s really important to be involved in your own community where you live, because there’s tons of people suffering.”

Selene’s mother said she hopes Meera Empowerment can continue to expand and reshape the young minds of the future.

“I feel it’s a blessing,” her mother said.

Courtesy Savitre Ferdinand

Continued from front page

i think it’s really important to be involved in your own community where you live, because there’s tons of people suffering.\

Selene ferdinand Founder of Meera Empowerment

legiSlator

Carrié Solages and Selene Ferdinand handed out holiday gifts to children in Elmont on Dec. 10.

Elmont man to serve 22 years for shooting

Malcolm White, 44, was sentenced last week to 22 years to life in prison for shooting his wife during a dispute at the Hillside Hotel in Jamaica, Queens in March 2020.

White, who lived on Kirkman Avenue in Elmont, was convicted in July following a two-week trial on charges of attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

According to the complaint, emergency medical technicians and police were called to the hotel and White warned responders that if they entered the room, he would “blow (his wife’s) head off.”

In searching for White, police found his 34-yearold wife in the hotel lobby, naked, with a gunshot wound to her arm and she was later diagnosed with several bone fractures to her face. Police kicked down the deadbolted door to White’s hotel room and discovered blood.

Police recovered a fired bullet from the hotel room’s bathtub and two cell phones — one hidden under the mattress and another in the toilet. White was found naked hiding behind the hotel.

Police later recovered a fired bullet from the room’s bathtub and two cell phones—one concealed under the mattress and another in the toilet. The defendant was discovered naked behind the hotel.

Officers also recovered an unloaded revolver near the back of the hotel.

“I believe that the sentence imposed (Jan. 6) provides at least some measure of peace to the victim as she continues to recover,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “I urge victims of domestic violence who need safety planning services, or help in securing an order of protection or shelter placement, to call us or contact a Family Justice Center immediately.”

Herald file photo

A judge determined Malcolm White will serve 22 years to life for attempted murder of his wife in 2020.

Healthy outlook for a healthy year

NResolve to achieve a better you in 2023

ew Year’s resolutions are full of expectations. Common goals like eating healthier or losing weight are admirable, but there are plenty of other goals you can set in 2023 as well, like upping your sleep regimen, talking with a friend every day, or going on more walks.

Since the emergence of Covid, it has become more essential than ever to take care of yourself and enhance your immunity. In addition to physical health, mental health is equally important. Many people make New Year’s resolutions that they soon forget. It can be due to a lack of commitment, self-doubt, or unrealistic goals.

So, start by making short-term and realistic goals you can achieve without putting too much pressure on yourself. Once you list what you want to achieve this year, stick to it and believe in yourself to accomplish them.

Exercise more

Much like changing a diet, exercising is often seen as a means to weight loss. While that’s a positive side effect of daily exercise, daily or frequent exercise is an all-around health benefit.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, exercise helps lower the risk of heart disease and hypertension by 40 percent while lowering the risk of depression by 30 percent. In addition, men and women with a family history of diabetes should know that regular exercise lowers their risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent. So while exercise is a great means to losing weight, it’s even better at helping reduce the risk for serious disease.

When incorporating exercise into a daily routine, start slowly and gradually work your way up to more vigorous exercise regimens. Going full speed from the outset is a great way to increase risk of injury, and no one wants that.

Find 30 minutes a day to walk

Getting the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day can be as simple as taking a walk. If you’ve got a busy schedule, take three 10-minute walks throughout your day.

“That’s 10 minutes before work, 10 minutes at lunch and then 10 minutes after work. Make it fun! Grab a partner at work to get you through your lunch routine. Then have a friend or family member meet you for an evening stroll,” suggests physical therapist Stacie Page.

Your diet matters: healthy and well-balanced is achievable

This year, promise to eat right. Choose whole foods instead of packaged ones. Crash diets and eliminating foods from your daily intake can deprive you of needed nutrition and may not be effective in the long run.

Keep your mental health in check

Mental health is as vital as physical health, and it needs attention. The daily stress of life and other factors may lead to serious health issues, including depression and anxiety. Mental health issues can make it hard for you to cope with everyday life and interfere with your work and relationships.

If you feel something is wrong, believe your instinct and get help. Practicing self-care techniques can also help combat mental health issues. Try to find the positives and adopt habits that can benefit your well-being, such as meditating.

Manage stress

Stress is a cause of many serious illnesses, such as heart disease. It can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Stress can become regular if you are always busy or have other problems related to finances or relationships. It is crucial to take steps to manage your stress. You can manage stress through meditation, exercise, or other relaxation techniques.

Sleep well

Improve the quantity and quality of your sleep. Getting enough sleep enhances your health by ensuring the smooth functioning of your body. It is also critical that you have a sound sleep. Regular interruptions can disrupt your sleep pattern, causing low energy and fatigue during the day. Getting a good night’s sleep is definitely something you should add to your 2023 checklist.

Limit social media usage and screen time

Just as you’ve decided to finish a task or go to sleep, you receive a social media notification alert. As you check the notification, something else catches your attention, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour doomscrolling. Invariably, this leaves you feeling worse than before. If this resonates with you, you are not alone.

Social media, particularly when used for long hours, is reported to have contributed to an increased risk of a variety of mental health concerns like anxiety and low mood. This could be because of social comparison, isolation and cyberbullying. It also increases screen time, which can impact sleep and leave you less time to engage in other activities. Reducing your social media usage might help your anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems and the fear of missing out.

Practise meditation and mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness give you space to pause and reflect, allowing you to slow down and increase your emotional awareness, in a chaotic and bustling world. In fact, practising meditation and being mindful can help you in improving emotional regulation, reduce physical pain and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Meditation and mindfulness require consistent effort. Starting with mindfulness for even one minute every day can be helpful. You can slowly increase the time as you see fit. Mindfulness and meditation apps like have also proven to be useful in improving mental health.

Create (and keep) those resolutions

Taking a good, hard look at daily behavior is the key to setting realistic self-improvement goals

The early Babylonians believed that what people did on the first day of the year affected what they did for the rest of that year. Many of us see the New Year as a perfect opportunity to start over or to change bad habits.

According to several surveys, the most popular resolutions people make are related to health and fitness (eating better, losing weight, and exercising), reducing consumption of alcohol, caffeine, quitting smoking, and becoming more financially responsible by promising to spend less and save more.

Unfortunately, over 70 percent of resolutions are broken by the end of January, and this can leave a person feeling discouraged.

You might even consider New Year’s resolutions like romantic relationships: They’re easier to start than maintain.

One in four people who makes a New Year’s resolution will drop out within the first seven days, statistics show. About half jump ship within six months.

Resolutions are complicated, and being able to achieve them usually requires taking a hard look at our thoughts and behaviors. Setting goals keeps us on track, but stamping out old habits is difficult, and may even require the help of a professional for some.

But there’s hope.

Striving for self-improvement and setting goals for ourselves gives us a sense of purpose and hope for the future. Be sure to make your goals a priority, be specific, and work at them daily.

Your goal should be specific and measurable. Make your goal concrete, and if necessary, break it down into smaller steps.

Setting vague goals such as “I want to lose weight” can be ineffective. Instead, ensure your resolution is quantifiable. If your goal is to shed some pounds, identify the number you’d like to lose within a specified period of time. If your aim is to exercise more in 2023 set a specific objective for the number of hours you’ll work out each week.

Or, if your resolution is to consume fewer carbohydrates, resolve to eat carbohydrates only at one meal per day rather than resolving to eliminate carbohydrates entirely. Once you are successful, begin to decrease your consumption further.

Don’t set unrealistic resolutions that will be impossible to keep. If you resolve to eat healthier by cutting down on desserts, switch to an alternative you enjoy rather than forcing yourself to eat a vegetable you’ve hated since childhood. For example, swap ice cream for Greek yogurt or fruit rather than raw cauliflower sprouts (unless you enjoy them, of course).

Be nice to yourself. Changing habits isn’t easy, so you’re likely to struggle at some point in your journey. Take it easy. Minor bumps are normal. The important part is jumping back on the bandwagon and continuing momentum forward.

Write your resolution down and put it somewhere where you can see it on a daily basis. This will help you to stay focused.

Keep it manageable. Keep the scope of your New Year’s resolution practical by working toward changing one or two behaviors at a time.

Have coping strategies in place to deal with obstacles that may arise along the way. For example, if your goal is to drink less alcohol you may consider skipping parties or events that involve a lot of drinking or bring a sober friend along to provide you with support and to help keep you on track.

On the bright side. Stay focused on the benefits of the change you’re making rather than what you’re giving up. Rally your mind around how much better you’ve been feeling instead of lamenting the loss of your daily chocolate-chip muffin.

Photo: Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make the biggest impact. Rather than setting a major health or fitness goal that takes you far out of your comfort zone, start the new year by committing to small changes here and there.

Hold yourself accountable and lean on others. Use a support network to help stay motivated. Discuss your resolution (and the accompanying struggles) with friends and family members. Consider joining a group with common goals, whether a collection of friends teaming up to quit smoking or an exercise class at the gym.

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spotlight athlete

JaMes DesiMoNe

Clarke Senior Basketball

a thiRD-YeaR vaRsitY starter, DeSimone is a major part of Clarke’s impressive 9-1 start. An All-County selection last season after earning a Nassau coaches award in the Covidshortened campaign, he’s averaging close to 16 points per game to go along with 4.4 assists. He’s scored in double digits in every game so far while hitting 21 three-pointers. He hit for a seasonhigh 23 against Long Beach on Dec 5.

gaMes to WatCh

Friday, Jan. 13

Boys Basketball: G.N. North at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynbrook at Plainedge 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Friends Academy at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hewlett at Carey 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Long Beach at New Hyde Park 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Boys Swimming: Long Beach at Jericho 5 p.m.

Girls Fencing: Valley Stream at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: East Rockaway at Malverne 5:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Malverne at East Rockaway 6:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: South Side at Garden City 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Meadow at Baldwin 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Plainview at Oceanside 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Calhoun 7 p.m.

saturday, Jan. 14

Wrestling: Baldwin Tournament 9 a.m.

Wrestling: V.S. Central Tournament 9 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Wheatley at West Hempstead 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Port Washington 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Plainview 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Baldwin at East Meadow 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Farmingdale at Freeport 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at Carey 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Port Washington at V.S. Central 12 p.m.

sports

Elmont displays playoff form

By BRiaN KaChaRaBa sports@liherald.com

Last winter, the Elmont boys’ basketball team missed making the playoffs by two games. So far this season, it looks like that won’t be an issue.

The Spartans are off to a 9-3 start and have won four of the first five games on their conference slate to make them a contender for the Conference A2 crown. Their nine wins are already four more than their entire total from last season, which included a 4-8 mark in conference play.

It also helped that Elmont returned nine players from last year’s squad and that experience has been nothing but a positive for third-year head coach Ryan Straub.

“We basically are the same team from last year,” he said. “We’ve played together all year round, spring leagues, summer leagues, fall leagues, so we really developed that chemistry.”

The close losses that plagued the Spartans last year are now turning into wins, with three of them coming by two points. Against St. Dominic on Dec. 27, Elmont trailed by five points with about 40 seconds left and rallied to win thanks to two key defensive plays by senior and top ballhawk Girell Frias-Walsh, a gametying 3-pointer by leading scorer Cassius Moore and a mid-range bucket by senior Nathan Phifer with three seconds left for a 52-50 win.

Four days later, Elmont erased a 10-point deficit by scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter for a stunning 67-65 victory over Southampton. Moore and Joshua Phifer hit key shots during the run before Frias-Walsh capped the rally with a threepoint play and a pull-up jumper in the paint with two seconds left.

“I would like to think it gave us a good amount of confidence,” Straub said. “But I do think it’s important that we realize that this is not last year. Last year wasn’t how we want to play and we’ve grown leaps and bounds.”

Elmont still has room to grow after a 12-point loss to undefeated Baldwin on Dec. 28 and 14-point defeat at conference-

foe Garden City on Jan. 3 but has shown plenty of resiliency by following each loss with a win. The Spartans followed the Trojan game with a 78-39 victory over Roslyn last Saturday.

Moore is averaging almost 16 points this season and has been the Spartans’ top scorer or co-leader eight times. He recorded a season-high 22 points at Sewanhaka on Dec. 15 before pouring in 20 two days later against St. Anthony’s. “He’s very skilled,” Straub said. “He can score from all over, he can shoot the 3, he can attack the rim [and] he can cre-

ate for others.”

Phifer has led the team in scoring four times and is averaging 14 points a game. “He’s been shooting the lights out for us,” Straub said.

At least seven players are averaging at least five points. Seniors Nathan Phifer and Jaylen Thybulle and FriasWalsh are just over six points and 6-foot5 junior Osagie Ekhator is just under that threshold.

Six-foot-6 sophomore Ebu Nwabudu has shown plenty of potential and is also an intimidating presence on the boards.

Sue Grieco/Herald seNioR Josh phiFeR has led the Spartans in scoring on more than one occasion and is averaging 14 points per game.

STEPPING OUT

Culinary inspiration for a wintry weekend

By Karen Bloom

January is the ideal time to decompress and get into the kitchen and work on those “Top Chef” skills. It’s not that difficult with some great comforting — healthy — foods to nourish and warm our soul.

Experiment with new culinary creations that incorporate bold flavors for delicious results. Nothing pleases the senses quite like a hearty dish on a chilly evening. Try adding these recipes to your repertoire.

Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder

• 1/2 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch dice (about 2 cups)

• 3 medium parsnips, peeled, cut into 1-inch dice (about 1 cup )

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch dice (about 1 cup)

• 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch dice (about 1 cup)

• 1/2 fennel bulb, quartered & sliced thin (about 1 cup)

• 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt

• 2 tablespoons plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 medium onion, diced (about 2 cups)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 2 cups) 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs

Hearty Beef Stew

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 1/2 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup Burgundy, Zinfandel or other red wine

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1 1/2 cups ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots

• 4 medium parsnips, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 1/2 pound small red potatoes, cut in half

• 2 dried bay leaves

• 6 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

In 4-quart Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Cook beef in oil 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Remove beef to bowl; cover to keep warm.

In Dutch oven, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic in oil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Return beef to Dutch oven. Sprinkle with flour; cook and stir 1 minute. Add wine; cook 1 minute, scraping to loosen any browned bits from bottom of pan. Stir in broth, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper.

Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.

• 1 cup milk or unsweetened plain almond milk

Additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

More pepper and thyme leaves for garnish

Heat oven to 400 F.

In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and fennel with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast until tender and browned in places, about 40 minutes, turning a couple of times while roasting.

While the veggies are roasting, prepare the base of the soup. To a large saucepan over low heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion along with a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Stir in the vegetable broth. Add the potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Remove from heat. Pick out the thyme stems and discard.

Stir in the roasted vegetables. Carefully transfer about 3 cups of the chowder to the pitcher of a blender. Puree until smooth. Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir to combine. The soup should be thick, rich, and creamy.

Stir in the milk. Place the pot back on the burner, and, with the heat on medium-low, return to a simmer, stirring often to prevent burning.

Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve garnished with an additional turn of cracked pepper and thyme leaves.

Lucky Chops

This big, brassy and unapologetically bold six-piece band comes at you with every hue in the rainbow. Their sound pays homage to New Orleans brass band tradition while incorporating eclectic rock, Caribbean, Arabic, Eastern European, funk, jazz, ska, gospel and EDM influences. Their irresistible groove is led by co-founder Josh Holcomb’s soulful trombone, Daro Behroozi’s soaring sax and Joshua Gawel’s powerful trumpet. Their high-energy brassy funk has attracted listeners since forming in New York City in 2006. Starting in the underground halls of subway stations, Lucky Chops went viral when a video of their mash-up of Lipps Inc.’s ‘Funkytown’ and James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’ amassed hundreds of millions of views across social media, and led to an online subscriber base almost two million strong. They’re now back on tour for the first time since the end of 2019.

Thursday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

America

The perennial classic rock favorite enters 2023 on the road again as founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell celebrate the band’s 53rd anniversary. The pair (along with former band mate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song ‘A Horse With No Name.’ More than 40 years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners discovered there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.

Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. $99, $79, $69, $59. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter.org.

ith the holidays behind us, cozy up to some comfy winter nesting. And, of course, it’s time to refocus on healthier eating now that we’re finished with weeks of festive over-indulgence.

THE SCENE

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Jan. 19, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Also Feb. 23. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

In concert

David Alterman returns to the stage with Altzim, Friday, Jan. 13, at My Father’s Place supper club. Enjoy an evening of music that Alterman describes as “Dylan with a twist,” with special guest Cathy Rose Virgilio. Rich Demand and his band also appear. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. The Metropolitan, 3 Pratt Blvd., Glen Cove. For tickets/ information, visit MyFathersPlace. com or call (516) 580-0887.

Winter Blood Drive

Long Island Stock Traders Group

Branford Marsalis

The renowned saxophonist visits the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University campus, with his quartet, Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. The NEA Jazz Master, triple Grammy Award winner and musical polymath with his stellar ensemble — pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner — bring the brilliance that has made this quartet one of the most revered and influential in jazz. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics. $40-$95. 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For tickets and information visit MadisonTheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.

Jan. 20

The Long Island Stock Traders Group holds a free virtual meeting, Thursday, Jan. 12, 7:30-9 p.m. The stock market seminar features speaker Charles Carlson, a Dow Theory Forecasts affiliate, who will discuss the market forecast for 2023. To sign up, visit MeetUp.com/LISTMG/ or call James De Franco at (516) 3309906.

Elmont Memorial High School, 555 Ridge Road, holds its winter blood drive in the gym, Thursday, Jan. 12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call (516) 488-9200 for more information.

Board of Education Meeting

The Sewanhaka Central High School District holds its Board of Education meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 8-10 p.m., at Sewanhaka High School, 500 Tulip Ave., in Floral Park.

Jan. 21

Paint Night Fundraiser

Troop 93 Mothers’ Club hosts a paint night fundraiser, Saturday, Jan. 21, 7-10 p.m., at the Franklin Square VFW Post 2718, 68 Lincoln Road. Cost is $35 per person; BYOB, snacks, coffee and dessert will be provided. Reserve a spot by Jan. 14 by emailing Troop93Mothersclub@gmail. com. All proceeds benefit the Scouts of the Troop 93.

Chefs of d’Future

Learn how to make homemade gnocchi, Tuesday, Jan. 24 , 7 p.m. at Franklin Square Library, 19 Lincoln Road. Attendees will make one pound of pasta and will take one pint of tomato sauce home with them.

Franklin Square Civic Association

Forest Bathing

On exhibit

Tax Forum

The Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, is hosting a forum, Tuesday, Jan. 24. All issues regarding property tax exemptions, tax assessment, payment dates, locations and discounts discussed. To register, email taxforums@hempsteadny. gov or call (516) 414-6598.

The next Franklin Square Civic Association general meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., in the first floor conference room of the Franklin Square Public Library, 12 Lincoln Road. The meeting is open to the public for all residents and businesses in Franklin Square, Garden City South, and West Hempstead. Guest speakers include representatives from the Franklin Square and West Hempstead Water Districts, the Problem Oriented Police (POP) Unit and the 2023 FSCA Board will be sworn in as well.

Jan. 25

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 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. Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Having an event?

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.

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Let Freedom Ring with MLK

Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a workshop honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 16. Families will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the civil rights movement. Also participate in a gallery walk of images from the Civil Rights Movement and then create a bell to “let freedom ring.” $4 with admission, $3 members. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

New town redistricting long way from finish

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

Voters talked, but at least according to them, a committee tasked with drawing new boundaries for Hempstead town elected officials didn’t listen.

At least that was the takeaway during the latest public hearing last week over the state of redistricting in the town.

Yet, it was a meeting just before the winter holidays that took most of the attention — a meeting where a number of speakers during public comment demanded lines be redrawn for the six town districts in what they called a more balanced representation through the inclusion of three “minority-majority” districts. That is, where an overall ethnic minority would be grouped into a majority as a way to help diversify a leadership board like the town council.

That same week, new map proposals were released. Yet, after further review, critics of the earlier drafts claimed most of their recommendations were ignored.

“While I hope that the commission changes course on these maps, I doubt (they) will because (they) have to show us that (they’re) listening to what residents are saying,” said Amil Virani of Valley Stream.

But there were changes. For example, the committee has proposed grouping together Elmont, North Valley Stream, a portion of the Five Towns and Franklin Square into a single district. Baldwin — which went from three to two representatives on the latest maps — was split in half.

The idea, according to Hempstead town attorney John Maccarone, was to ensure villages were kept whole, in accordance with the law. However, hamlets like Baldwin don’t enjoy the same protections.

Elmont, Valley Stream and Franklin Square are per-

fect for this new district, said Elmont resident Mimi Pierre-Johnson, but it should also have included Bellerose, Bellerose village, South Floral Park, Floral Park and New Hyde Park.

“That would’ve been a perfect minority-majority,” she said. “Everyone in that district would have had a fair share of choosing their elected official.”

Baldwin has been split into three council districts since the 2010 census. The Baldwin Civic Association collected more than 400 signatures on a petition urging the committee to place the entire hamlet of Baldwin under the 11510 ZIP code and one Town of Hempstead council district.

“Again, (the redistricting committee) has cracked Baldwin,” Janet Poretsky said. “My vote in Baldwin Harbor won’t count, it will be canceled out by someone in Wantagh-Seaford. I don’t think that’s fair, and I have nobody who is really representing my area.”

The last time officials got together to redraw district lines, it was done to benefit legislators without any concern for the needs of Nassau County communities, said Karen Moskowitz, cochair of the League of Women Votgers of Nassau County’s redistricting committee — specifically communities of color.

The lATesT RedisTRicTiNg map for Hempstead town elected officials reveals little change to what a number of people asked for ahead of the revision last month. Their desire is to see a better chance of creating a more diverse town council by creating ‘minority-majority’ districts.

As a town where 40 percent of its residents are people of color represented by a council that is mostly white, Moskowitz added that the latest map proposals show this intention has not changed in Hempstead.

The 2020 census revealed a 12 percent drop in the town’s white, non-Hispanic population, according to supporters of the minority-majority district concept. At the same time, the Hispanic and Latino population grew 32 percent, while the Black population increased by 4

percent.

“The league takes positions on a variety of policy issues, but never supports or opposes any political party or candidate,” Moskowitz said. “Our review of the commission’s proposed maps reveals deliberate manipulation of district lines.”

Another redistricting meeting was scheduled for Jan. 9, and the town attorney confirmed more such meetings will be scheduled before the board votes on a new map.

Ana Borruto/Herald

Elmont man dies after house fire

After some time in the hospital in critical condition, John McDonnell, 67, of Elmont died from his injuries he suffered in a house fire on Dec. 30.

The home at 490 Oakley Avenue went up in flames at approximately 9:26 p.m. When officers arrived, they entered the basement, but quickly exited when they were met with heavy smoke and heat. The Elmont Fire Department arrived and entered the house, where they found

Crime

THE TOP 3 FINALISTS IN

DINING

MEXICAN FOOD:

Frida’s Mexican Grill

Margaritas Cafe

The Cabana Mexican American Restaurant

NEW RESTAURANT:

Casarecce Italian Tap Room

The Chef’s Table - Lynbrook

ORGANIC/NATURAL FOOD:

Bob’s Natural Foods

Fit by Globish Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery

OUTDOOR DINING:

Lazy Lobster Point Lookout Clam Bar

SALT - Merrick PIZZA: Friendlier 76 Lia’s Pizzeria - Oceanside Vincent’s

Elmont afterschool program director arrested

Daniel Butler, director of the Fullness of Joy Ministries Church, was arrested last month for sexual-related crimes against a 10-year-old girl who attended the organization’s after-school program, officials said.

Butler, 41, of Elmont was charged with 1st degree rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. In addition to attending the Fullness of Joy Ministries Church in Jamaica, Queens, the victim was also present at Bulter’s home for childcare.

He was arraigned on Jan. 5 in Hempstead. This is an ongoing investigation by Nassau County police and the NYPD.

L et us K now

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

Churchill’s IHOP-Oceanside Toast Coffeehouse

BUBBLE/BOBA TEA: Bubble Hut Kung Fu Tea

YAAAS TEA

BUFFET: China Buffet King Diwan Indian Restaurant and Bar Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet

BURGER: American Burgers Ay! Caramba! Burgerology

BUSINESS LUNCH: City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill Frank’s Steaks Remy’s Italian Restaurant

BUTCHER SHOP: Charlie’s Butchers

Chubs Meats Sons of a Butcher

CATERER: Bagel Boss Barnum Ballroom Bialystok & Bloom

CHINESE FOOD: Danny’s Chinese Kitchen Little Fu’s

Omandarin

COCKTAILS: Da Nicola

Dirty Taco + Tequila

Lia’s Pizzeria - Oceanside

DELI/SANDWICH SHOP:

Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers Farmer Joel’s

Pantano’s Gourmet

DESSERT: Dolce Confections

Frank’s Steaks Sugarberry Bakery Cafe

DINER: Apollo Restaurant Diner Imperial Diner The Pantry

Artie’s South Shore Fish Market & Grill

Hewlett Fish Market Inc.

Jordan Lobster Farms

FRENCH FRIES: All American Hamburger Drive In Brooklyn Dip & Burger Press 195

FRIED CHICKEN: Chicken Carnival Swingbellys Beachside BBQ Zorn’s of Bethpage

GERMAN FOOD: Das Biergarten Oak Chalet

Plattduetsche Park

GREEK FOOD: B Greek Kitchen

GREEKTOWN

Mykonos Greek Restaurant

HAPPY HOUR:

Dirty Taco + Tequila

J Paul’s Terrace Cafe

Michael’s Billiards

ICE CREAM:

Carvel - Merrick Dolce Gelateria

Marvel Frozen Dairy

INDIAN FOOD:

Color of Spices

Diwan Indian Restaurant & Bar

Raagini

ITALIAN FOOD: Friendlier 76

Lia’s Pizzeria - Oceanside

San Marzano Brick Oven Pizza & Fresh Pasta

JAPANESE FOOD: Himawari

Izumi Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse Kashi

LATIN FOOD: Cabo RVC

Island Empanada of Merrick The Cuban

LOCAL COFFEE SHOP: Coffee Booths

Heavenly Coffee Kookaburra Coffee Co

PRETZEL: Knot of this World Pretzels

Philly Pretzel Factory

Pretzel Stop/Pretzel Town USA

RAMEN: 8RAMEN

MB Ramen - Huntington Ni Ramen

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT: Da Nicola Livorno

Remy’s Italian Restaurant

SEAFOOD: Artie’s South Shore Fish Market & Grill

Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar Jordan Lobster Farms

SMOOTHIE: Fit by Globish SoBol Hewlett

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

SPECIALTY PIZZA: Friendlier 76 Lia’s Pizzeria - Oceanside Vincent’s

STEAKHOUSE:

Frank’s Steaks

Jimmy Hays Steak House

Rothmann’s Steakhouse

SUSHI: Himawari

Izumi Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse

Sushi Palace

THAI FOOD:

Ra-Kang Thai Cuisine

Seeda Thai

Thai Station Restaurant

Thai Table Restaurant

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN:

Bob’s Natural Foods

Energy Fuel Garden City

Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery

WINGS: Croxley’s Ale House

Pearsall’s Station

Swingbellys Beachside BBQ

YOGURT: Hewlett Station Yogurt Swirls & Twirls

TCBY

McDonnell and two women.

Photos courtesy Dom Balletta and Anthony Biscardi engulfed in flames on the night of Dec. 30.

Courtesy Nassau County Police Department 41-year-old daniel BuTler

Congrats to all the Top 3 Finalists in the 2022 Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island! Check back each week for the Top 3 Reveal in each category leading up to the Oscar-style awards ceremony in April 2023. Did your favorites make it to the top? Visit www.LiChoiceAwards.com! *Finalists are listed alphabetically, not in order of placement.

HHERALDERALD

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust as trustee for PNPMS Trust II, Plaintiff AGAINST Raymond Crossfield, Joan Burgess Crossfield a/k/a Joan Burgess-Crossfield a/k/a Joan A. Burgess, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 03, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 2, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 161 King Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 32, BLOCK: 688, LOT: 20. Approximate amount of judgment $687,765.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000629/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-073852-F00 74411 136441

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FVI, INC. IN TRUST FOR MORGAN STANLEY MORTGAGE CAPITAL HOLDING LLC, Plaintiff, vs. DWAYNE A. SAMUELS A/K/A DWAYNE SAMUELS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 27, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court

Drive, Mineola, NY on February 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2330 Dutch Broadway, Elmont, NY 11003. 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 32, Block 719 and Lot 20.

Approximate amount of judgment is $1,136,596.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 002371/2017. The property is also being sold subject to a potential strict foreclosure. 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.

Russell S. Burman, Esq., Referee

Greenspoon Marder, 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022, Attorneys for Plaintiff 136599

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. DANIEL MULLAN et al, Defts. Index #611850/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 25, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 32, Block 391, Lot(s) 30-32. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law.

PETER KRAMER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #99930 136154

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-M1, Plaintiff,

Against LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATRIX TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN RANDALL S. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS GUARDIAN OF CHELSEA K. R. RAMRATTAN WHO IS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN, ET AL.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/10/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 1/26/2023 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1069 Concord Street, Franklin Square, New York 11010, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square In The Town Of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 33 Block 380 Lot 260

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $882,483.61 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 003792/2015 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 12/6/2022 File Number: 17-300381 LD 136156

Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 152 Emily Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 688 Lot 24. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Village of Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $544,794.60 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 614211/2017. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee NY-73000071-15-2 136158

LEGAL NOTICE

the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:30 PM the premises described as follows:

1089 Lydia Dr Franklin Square, NY 11010 SBL No: 01335532 00340 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 008894/2016 in the amount of $753,128.41 plus interest and costs.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Richard S. Mullen Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 136121

LEGAL NOTICE

Dehler, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-002195 73792 136000

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9

MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff against PETER SYLVESTER, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., Woodbridge Corporation Plaza, 485B Route 1 South, Suite 330, Iselin, NJ 08830.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 18, 2022, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE (CWALT 2006-36T2), Plaintiff, v. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE STANLEY KUSTERA A/K/A STANLEY P. KUSTERA, ET AL, Defendant. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 3, 2022, I, Michael Alpert, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on January 25, 2023 at The North Side Steps of

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST VIVIAN PRYOR, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 7, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 25, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 29 Litchfield Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 31, Lot 391 & 392. Approximate amount of judgment $662,737.09 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001660/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and a s such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Martin

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST PARTHA ROY, SARMISTHA ROY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 15, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 23, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 171 OAKLEY AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 560, Lot 57, 58. Approximate amount of judgment $200,496.14 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #010101/2010. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all p ersons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Malachy Lyons, Jr., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-003973 73949 136002

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Sharon McDougald, Charles T. Duff, Cynthia Duff, Clara Duff, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 15, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 24, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 136 Greenway Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and

being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 568, Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment $505,878.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607931/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-000355 73980 136004

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., Plaintiff, vs. MARIA SOFRONIS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Discharging Senior Mortgage, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 3, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 200 Raff Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. 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 32, Block 319 and Lot 71. Approximate amount of judgment is $483,514.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 006820/2016. Cash will not be accepted. 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.

Joan Agostino, Esq., Referee

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 136111

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for the RMAC Trust, Series 2016CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST Peter B. Bourke, Elaine M. Bourke, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 24, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 25, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 121 Franklin Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Queens Park, Franklin Square, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, SECTION: 33., BLOCK: 422, LOT: 115. Approximate amount of judgment $440,123.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001838/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Martin Dehler, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-078306-F00 74138 136006

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. KETLIE CHEVALIER, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Public

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 1, 2018 and an Order

Appointing Successor Referee and Other Relief duly entered on October 28, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1716 Dutch Broadway, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 667 and Lot 34. Approximate amount of judgment is $427,271.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #17-000700. 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.

Edward Andreas Vincent Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 190986-7 136328

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff AGAINST John M. Gibbs, Betty Tucker Gibbs, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 17, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 30, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 11538 238th Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 32, BLOCK: 632, LOT: 23. Approximate amount of judgment $456,765.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609471/2019. The aforementioned auction

will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633 Malachy Lyons Jr., Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091270-F00 74296 136295

Greenspoon Marder, 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022, Attorneys for Plaintiff 136330

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Licul Lighting, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/06/2022.

NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 507 N. 12th St. New Hyde Park, NY, 11040

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 136483

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD

THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 136611

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO.: 610776/2019 D/O/F: August 7, 2019 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Premises: 32 CERENZIA BOULEVARD, ELMONT, NY 11003

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC, Plaintiff, vs. BRIAN F. CURRAN AS PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY FOR THE ESTATE OF MARIAN CORCORAN, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Default Judgement and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 24, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 31, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 919 Van Buren Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010. 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 35, Block 484 and Lot 136. Approximate amount of judgment is $100,776.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 613958/2020. 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.

Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking On Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 24th day of January, 2023, at 7:00 o’clock in the afternoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution 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 at the following locations:

ELMONT 237th STREET - west side, starting at a point 163 feet south of the south curbline of 115th Terrace, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-563/22)

OCEANSIDE SARATOGA STREET - east side, starting at a point 197 feet south of the south curbline of New York Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-554/22)

ROOSEVELT

ELMWOOD AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 168 feet west of the west curbline of Willet Place, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-560/22)

DELISLE AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 173 feet south of the south curbline of Elizabeth Street, south for a distance of 40 feet.

(TH-564/22)

MONROE AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 312 feet west of the west curbline of St. Francis Street, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-567/22)

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: January 10, 2023

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF POPLAR ABS INC. MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, -againstTHYCESLYN FREEMAN, SAMONIE E. LEWIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; COUNTY OF NASSAU; CAVEL ELLIOTT A/K/A CAVEL MCKENZIE AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HORACE ELLIOT; ZOYA ELLIOTT AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HORACE ELLIOT; SANDRA ELLIOT if living, and if she be dead, respective heirsat-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; COLEEN ELLIOTT if living, and if she be dead, respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having of claiming, under by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; MARCIA ELLIOTT if living, and if she be dead, respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administers, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under by or

through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Unknown heirs at law of HORACE ELLIOTT if living, and if he be dead, respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; DEON JONES, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. David P. Sullivan, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, dated November 7, 2022 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on August 19, 2005 in Liber 29262, Page 851, covering premises k/a Section 32, Block 672, Lot 00001.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

DATED: December 7, 2022 New York, New York Michael C. Manniello, Esq. HILL WALLACK LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 261 Madison Avenue 9th Floor, Suite 940 New York, NY 10016 Phone: 929-504-7005 Email: mmanniello@hillwallack.c om #99971 136593

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within twenty (20) days after the service of the Summons exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State.

The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear, or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in this Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

This is an action to foreclose a Mortgage (“the Mortgage”), covering premises known as 27 Caroline Avenue, Elmont, New York 11003.

LEGAL

NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-FF15 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-FF15, Plaintiff, -againstSTEFANIE FRANKLYN, as Heir-at-Law to the Estate of Winston Franklyn; ROCCO F. FRANKLYN, as Heir-at-Law to the Estate of Winston Franklyn; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF WINSTON FRANKLYN; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA o/b/o INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; JOHN DOE” and “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein, Index No. 607116/2021

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Premises being foreclosed: 27 Caroline Avenue Elmont, New York 11003 Section: 37 Block: 568 Lot: 10

ACTION TO FORECLOSE MORTGAGE ON PROPERTY SITUATED IN NASSAU COUNTY Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

VENUE Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing an answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: December 19, 2022

VICTOR SPINELLI, ESQ. FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 1400 OLD COUNTRY ROAD STE C103 WESTBURY, NY 11590 Telephone No. 516/394-6921 SPSNY507 136258

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX #602903/2022 FILED: 12/12/2022

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates NASSAU County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is: The location of real property being foreclosed. BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, against UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. ARNOLD, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint, MICHAEL J. ARNOLD A/K/A MICHAEL ARNOLD AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF BARBARA J. ARNOLD, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, and “JOHN DOE No. 1’’ through ‘’JOHN DOE No. 100’’ inclusive, the name of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendant(s). To the above named Defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff’s attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete

OF

Troop, family members celebrate milestone

have achieved the honor since 1912. About 4 percent of scouts reach the Eagle rank, according to Christine Jeremias, advancement chairperson of Troop 93.

Candidates are required to be an active participant in their troop and patrol, as well as serve in an important leadership position for at least six months while being a life scout. They also must demonstrate scout spirit and live by the scout oath in everyday life.

Another leadership requirement for Eagle Scout candidates is to plan, develop and spearhead service projects that are helpful to a religious institution, school or community.

Boy Scouts must accumulate 21 merit badges — 14 of these badges are Eagle scout-specified. Barberesi has earned 30 merit badges, Hernandez 31 and Noonan 27.

After a long, difficult journey, several rounds of review and close examination, the National Council gave the three Boy Scouts their final stamp of approval.

“They have demonstrated loyalty, their duty to God and to their country,” Jeremias said. “We believe that Joe, Nicholas and Ryan are qualified to receive the rank of Eagle.”

Hernandez joined the Cub Scout Pack 372 in 2011 and four years later, became a Boy Scout for Troop 93. He served as a patrol leader, quartermaster and assistant senior patrol leader, as well as received training in various skills, including Tote’N Chip, which grants a scout the right to carry and use wood tools.

For his leadership project, Hernandez designed and built two large wood gardening boxes for the Ascension Lutheran Church’s “Joyful Noise” Pre-K program, which was his former preschool. In addition to teaching preschoolers the importance of sustainable gardening, the vegetables grown in the boxes are used throughout the parish and serve as a means of nutrition for community members.

“I’m very thankful for everything I learned in scouting,” Hernandez said. “I think it’s (one) of the best things that you

can do to set you up for the future. I recommend it to anyone.”

Barberesi joined Troop 93 in 2015 and later took on numerous leadership roles, such as patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. Like Hernandez, Barberesi also earned a Tote’N Chip badge, as well as the Kayaking BSA Award.

For his leadership project, he collected over 2,000 toiletry items and snacks, as well as hundreds of letters from children showing their gratitude to soldiers deployed in the Middle East.

“I was never really interested in scouting,” Barberesi said. “I wasn’t in the Cub Scouts and never really wanted to join until one of my friends begged me to come to a meeting, so I went to make him happy and I really loved it. I’m so glad I decided to join scouts because it really changed my life.”

Noonan joined Cub Scout Pack 372 in

Public Notices

this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an

attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P Sullivan, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the

State of New York, Nassau County, granted on the 7th day of November, 2022, and filed with the Complaint and other papers in the office of the County Clerk of Nassau County. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by BARBARA J. ARNOLD to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR ACADEMY MORTGAGE CORP, bearing date April 22, 2011 and recorded in Book M 36011, at Page 705 in the County of Nassau on May 5, 2011,

which was assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. by instrument executed November 8, 2019 and recorded December 2, 2019, in Book M 43842, at Page 162. Said premises being known as and by 94 Crown Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003, bearing tax map designation Section: 0032, Block: 00305-00, Lot: 00102, which is more fully described in the Schedule “A” attached to the Complaint. Aldridge Pite, LLP, Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 File 1092-11426B 136285

2011 and became a member of Troop 93 in 2015. Like his fellow honorees, he quickly moved up the ranks and became an Eagle Scout in June 2022.

He also completed training in Tote’N Chip and was recognized by the Order of the Arrow, which is a special program for those who best exemplify the scout oath in their daily lives. He decided to collect used sneakers to recycle through the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe Program for his leadership project. Noonan organized three in-person collections, set up drop off boxes throughout his community and exceeded his goal of 500 pairs to send to Nike.

When speaking about his journey to Eagle Scout, Noonan couldn’t help but get a little emotional, thanking his parents for supporting him along the way.

“As I progressed through scouting, it then turned into working with other scouts my age to pass these lessons down

to the younger scouts,” Noonan said. “That was truly one of the most rewarding experiences for me.”

The Eagle Court of Honor ceremony took the audience through each candidate’s scouting career with the visual presentation of the Lighting of the Eagle Trail. Boy Scout leaders led the Eagle Charge, the candidates’ mothers read aloud touching poems about their sons’ journey and others shared congratulatory letters.

The candidates said they will carry the skills they learned and friendships they created over the years with them for the rest of their lives.

“This is by far the greatest honor the Boy Scouts of America can offer,” said Nicholas Marcino, as he led the Eagle Charge. “From now on you are a marked man.”

Ana Borruto/Herald photos

Ryan noonan got a helping hand from his proud mother, Amy, who pinned on his Eagle Scout badge.

the thRee eagle Scouts received various awards and certificates for their achievement, which only a small percentage of Boy Scouts attain.

niCholas heRnandez admiRed his badge as his mother, Elizabeth, pinned it on his uniform.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner

reers@liherald.com

CLEANING PERSON FT Needed For Local Cleaning Company. Will Train. If Interested Call Bill 516-678-5943

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Assist

General Contractor. Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877.

DRIVERS WANTED

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs.

Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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. 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

supervise elementary school aged children from 2:45 pm to 5:00 or 6:00 pm weekdays. Experience helpful. If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or call (516)379-4245

Hewlett

Spacious Side Hall Colonial Near All

Nestled in the prestigious school district 14, you will find this bright and airy Side Hall Colonial that also offers plenty of space. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a finished basement that provides additional living space for entertainment. The formal dining room and living room are perfect for hosting guests while the kitchen with an island allows for plenty of prep space when cooking up your favorite meals. The backyard deck and lush lawn provide a great spot to relax or entertain friends. You're also just minutes' walk from Grant Park - perfect for enjoying a beautiful day outdoors. This home is conveniently located close to transportation, shops, and restaurants. Don't wait - come see this wonderful home today! For a private tour contact us at 516.791.1313.

Adding to the attic

Q. A few contractors have looked at my attic so I can finish it for more bedrooms and a family room. The 1920s house has a very large attic with stairs to the second-floor landing. The attic stairs are much steeper and narrower, and the contractor says the walls will need to be taken down and wider and longer stairs put in. Is this necessary? The stairs are already there, and even though they’re steep, they work. Also, one of the contractors said that the horizontal 2x4s going across the attic, which are too low to walk around, could be removed or raised. Is that true? He said we could put them higher and add more so we can add finished wallboards to them. Do you agree, and is there anything I should know about doing this before we start?

A. Good thing you asked before you started. Instead of starting, you need to stop and take a few steps back. What you’re describing has multiple issues that you have to address.

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First, your state building code doesn’t allow the occupancy of a third floor in a single-family, woodframed dwelling. This is because of the many dangers involved in surviving a fire at that level. In the process of getting the permit to occupy a third story, which you left out of the description of your investigation, you would need to have a licensed architect or engineer prepare plans that include specific methods of escape, including the correct size and number of windows, distances to exterior and interior levels below to escape to, sprinkler locations along the entire path of travel to get out of the dwelling, heights of ceilings and fire-rated materials to be installed. This is because, as I have often written, the chances of surviving a fire in the third floor of a wood-framed dwelling are statistically remote, only 5 percent. That means you or your loved ones could be among the 95 out of 100 who will die from smoke inhalation or burns.

The plans for a finished third story are submitted to both your local building department, which will rightfully reject them, and to the State Codes Division for a public hearing, where your case will need to be represented by a code-knowledgeable professional. I have seen people represent themselves, which generally doesn’t go very well, since safety is the reason for the codes, and there are many laws and standards that the average owner is unaware of.

The stair access must be 3 feet wide, and the tread must be at least 10¼ inches, while the risers cannot exceed 8¼ inches. The horizontal 2x4s you described are collar ties, and they serve the important function of holding the roof together, especially in high winds and under snow loads. Moving or removing them can be dangerous. The higher up, the less effective, and without first calculating several factors, it should not be done.

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OpINIONS LIRR to Grand Central Madison? We’re still waiting.

Once again, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has left coal in the stockings of Long Island Rail Road commuters.

Every Christmas since 2011, the MTA has failed to initiate the promised East Side Access to Grand Central Madison service. The original Federal Transit Administration capital investment — or New Starts — grant agreement with the MTA was approved in 2006.

time in the coming weeks.

The ESA project cost has grown to $11.6 billion. This doesn’t include debt service payments of $1 billion for borrowing costs buried in the MTA’s operating budget. There are also $4 billion worth of LIRR readiness projects to support the start of service — including such things as third-track construction and capacity improvements at Jamaica Station — which are separate from the official budget. Without these projects, the LIRR lacks the expanded operational capabilities to support the new service.

LARRY pENNER

It included a project cost of $6.3 billion, with the start of passenger service — including a promise to run 24 hourly trains on the LIRR’s 10 branches to Grand Central Madison during rush hour — in 2011. We still don’t know when that service will begin.

The temporary shuttle service that did not start last month, as promised, will come nowhere close to meeting this commitment. I can just imagine the overcrowding on shuttle trains between Jamaica and Grand Central Madison when this service begins — likely some-

Even when East Side Access service begins, thousands of potential new LIRR customers will continue to be out of luck in Hunters Point, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Elmhurst and Woodhaven, Queens because of limited or no service. The LIRR currently runs a handful of morning rush-hour trains westbound from Jamaica to Hunters Point and Long Island City, returning east in the evening rush hour. There is no rush-hour, hourly off-peak or evening bi-directional service to those other communities.

Another problem: Penn Station is a

24/7 facility. Grand Central Terminal is closed overnight from 2 to 5:15 a.m. Unlike the LIRR, Metro North provides no service in or out during that time period. The LIRR has the advantage, but Long Islanders who commute at odd times — or come home late from events in Manhattan that end well after midnight — and want to use Grand Central will lose that advantage to incomplete service. A simple analysis of the proposed schedules reveals that depending on your branch or station, there will be no LIRR service to or from Grand Central Madison for three to five hours overnight on weekdays or weekends.

Catherine Rinaldi is the first MTA official to serve as president of both the LIRR and Metro North. Those extrahours riders might want to ask her why the LIRR must be subject to the Metro North’s schedule shortfalls. Isn’t it time to make Grand Central, too, a 24/7 facility?

As well, whenever East Side Access service to Grand Central Madison begins, the LIRR will suspend virtually all direct, one-seat, ride-through service between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal

Brooklyn. Thousands of LIRR riders bound for downtown Brooklyn, Wall Street, the World Financial Center, the World Trade Center or other destinations in downtown Manhattan via Atlantic Terminal Brooklyn will now have longer commutes. One rider’s gain in time savings — being able to get to Manhattan’s East Side via Grand Central Madison instead of Penn Station — will be a loss for another rider trying to access destinations via Atlantic Terminal Brooklyn. Was investing $12.6 billion in East Side Access worth it? The verdict is still out. It is doubtful, in a post-Covid-19 world, that there will be anywhere near the anticipated 160,000 daily riders using Grand Central Madison, as the MTA predicts. Time will tell if commuters and taxpayers will see all of the benefits from this project, which has been promised for decades by elected official and MTA and LIRR presidents. When it comes to East Side Access, the LIRR’s 1960s motto, “Line of the Dashing Dan,” should be changed to “Line of the Slow Moving Sloth.”

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who worked in the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management for three decades.

Writing predictions in disappearing ink

As I look back on my New Years’ columns over these last many years, I might as well have been writing in disappearing ink. Pretty much nothing I expected came to pass, and a whole lot of stuff I never saw coming changed my life and yours, too. So why even try to predict? It’s in our DNA, I suppose, conferring the illusion of control when we have none.

ies is and will be zero.

With that as a caveat, let me hope rather than predict that we will not have a recession; that the markets will rally in 2023 and, somehow, all the thousands of people who are literally dying to get into our country will be matched with all the jobs that are begging to be filled.

Will Covid surge again? Will some new bug emerge from the virulent epidemic in China? I wonder if Kim Jung-un will hold on to his rockets or let them fly. When will Ukraine find peace, and will it be before Putin snaps? How will our children and teenagers recover from the grief and academic setbacks of the pandemic lockdown? When can we feel safe in our lives again?

No one, except for Bill Gates and some epidemiologists who were ignored, predicted the greatest catastrophe of our lifetime, the coronavirus pandemic, the more than 1 million deaths here at home and more than 6 million deaths worldwide.

Everyone predicted a huge Republican sweep in the midterms, and that didn’t happen. And with the MAGA loonies running the GOP, to predict what will happen in 2023 would be folly indeed.

Bullish? Bearish? Last week the big dailies posted predictions for the markets. Inflation, recession, deflation, higher mortgage rates? Columnist Jeff Sommer wrote in The New York Times: “It’s simply impossible to forecast the path of the markets six months or a year ahead with accuracy and consistency, as many academic studies have shown. That the financial services industry continues to label these unreliable numbers as forecasts is a triumph of breathtaking chutzpah — a technical term for shameless audacity.”

RANDI KREISS

In politics, too, the prediction business is bust. We — all of us — lived through the 2016 presidential election, in which pretty much everyone with an opinion, from columnists to people on the street to professional pollsters to Las Vegas bookies and even many supporters of Donald Trump, absolutely did not believe that he would or could win. How many times did we hear pundits say that his path to victory was slim to none? How much airtime and ink were wasted on the assumption of a Hillary Clinton victory and how that would play out? Folks thought DJT would ride that escalator into oblivion.

On New Year’s Eve we toasted 2023 with wishes for good health and peace on earth and peace of mind. Wishes. As hostages to fate and dysfunctional politics, that’s the best we can do. We humans have never tolerated the existential uncertainty of being a person alive on earth. So we turn to exit polls and Svengalis and any grifter who hangs out a palm-reading sign. The truth? I’m even down on Punxsutawney Phil.

I can’t and won’t believe anyone who ever again purports to know the future of an election or an economy or the course of a disease or the likelihood of an earthquake striking any particular location at any particular time.

We are in the game, and it changes day to day.

Yearning for a seed of certainty, yesterday I booked a hotel in Dallas for April 8, 2024, when a full solar eclipse will be seen for two minutes and 20 seconds. I predict, with 100 percent certainty, that it will occur.

Which leads me to predict that the value of their elaborate algorithmic stud-

The very least we could take away from that election was healthy skepticism. Pollsters, even the academic knowit-alls, have little success predicting the results of an election or anything else.

In our personal lives, it’s painful to accept that we cannot know what the future will bring. Life reads like a mystery, not an itinerary. We can’t know what comes next or if we’ll make an appearance in the next chapter.

The track record of clairvoyants is abysmal.

What isn’t sure is if I will get to see it. There may be clouds overhead, or clouds in my life. I am choosing to have faith that the eclipse will occur as scheduled, on April 8 in Dallas. I plan to be there. It’s a small thing, but I’m counting on it.

Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

Life reads like a mystery, not an itinerary. We can’t know what comes next.

Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com

We all deserve a chance to pursue our dreams

the federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for 14 years — a time period during which mere adjustments for inflation would now have it over $10.

Congress isn’t expected to act on raising that wage anytime soon, so many municipalities and states — like New York — have taken matters into their own hands. New York City and Long Island both have a $15 minimum wage, as does Westchester County. Last week, upstate New York rose to $14.20.

In fact, 27 states raised their minimum wage at the beginning of 2023, according to the National Employment Law Project, with new baselines ranging from $9.95 in states like Montana to $15.74 in Washington state.

We hear a lot about the minimum wage. What we don’t ever talk about is something that many may not even know exists: the subminimum wage.

It’s real, and it has been since the Fair Labor Standards Act, which first established a federal minimum wage, was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938. Many have credited the law with helping to guide the United States out of the Great Depression. And the framework of the Fair Labor Standards Act — 40-hour work weeks, child labor restrictions, extra pay for overtime — fuels our labor economy to this day.

But if you look closely at the law — particularly at Section 14(c) — you might be surprised to learn that not everyone is eligible for the minimum wage. Even at $7.25. It allows employers to apply for a certificate from the federal government to pay less than minimum wage to workers with disabilities.

It’s an archaic law based on an archaic

way of thinking when it comes to people with disabilities.

When the legislation was first passed, “it was assumed that a worker with a disability was less productive than a non-disabled worker,” former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge wrote in a 2021 opinion piece in USA Today. “In retrospect, it was a flawed assumption. We want to be fair to the intent of the original legislation, which was to provide individuals with disabilities an opportunity to enter the workforce.”

When the former Pennsylvania governor wrote those words, he was nearing the end of a long chairmanship of the National Organization on Disability, an advocacy group for a class of people who are, more often than not, overlooked. Ridge described paying people with disabilities less than minimum wage as “no less than another critical civil rights issue.”

And he was right. Treating an entire group of people differently from everyone else simply because they have disabilities is a relic of the distant past that should stay in the distant past.

Yet efforts to eliminate this disparity over the years, by both Republicans and Democrats, have come up short on the federal level. Most recently, President Biden tried to remove the subminimum wage as part of the American Rescue Plan at the beginning of his administration, but never got it through Congress.

Since then, however, more than a dozen states have abolished the subminimum wage, according to the Association of People Supporting Employment First. But New York isn’t one of them. Not that our legislators haven’t tried — it’s just that none of their efforts have ever made it out of committee.

Closer to home, there are many who are trying to make a difference — like the Backyard Players & Friends of Rockville Centre, which describes its mission as seeking “unity without uniformity, and diversity without fragmentation.” The organization opened the Front Porch Market next to its headquarters on North Long Beach Road, conceived to provide creative work in a retail environment, treating everyone equally no matter what they bring to the table.

The market officially opens Jan. 17, and will feature crafters from around the community, classes on creating things like candles and soap, along with small retailers like Popcorn for the People and Smile Farms Hot Sauce.

The percentage of people with disabilities finding jobs is growing, but only 1 in 5 in that community is working. And of those, more are finding employment because they’re working for themselves rather than getting hired by someone else — a rate far higher than those without disabilities.

Even if the subminimum wage were finally abolished, there are many other hurdles that must be swept away for those with disabilities, and they can’t be ignored, either. But right now, hundreds if not thousands of our neighbors and community members aren’t getting the same consideration for pay as those without disabilities.

That must change. And if it can’t happen on the federal level, we need to focus our efforts much closer to home, blocking the availability of subminimum wages in our state.

Because as Tom Ridge made very clear, “all Americans should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

letters

Elected officials should resolve to be transparent this year

To the Editor:

Many will start the new year with goals to exercise more, eat better and lose weight. January will also be when newly elected public servants or incumbents starting another term take office across New York state.

Franklin

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530

LIHerald.com

(516) 569-4000

Old habits are hard to change in people — and especially hard to change in government. The biggest issue in government today is the lack of trust the public has in their elected leaders. The best way to build trust as an elected official is through transparency.

Elected officials should begin 2023 by conducting the public’s business in an open and transparent way. To show their commitment to open government, elected officials serving on a village board,

Long Island’s energy future: vision vs. mirage

Follow the money. This adage never gets old.

For decades, gas pipelines and other delivery infrastructure have been a reliable cash cow for utility companies, which recover the costs of building their distribution systems from our utility bills, which give them a fat return on their investments. This traditional utility profit model is now at odds with a climate-driven energy transition, creating all kinds of perverse incentives. And while hikes in heating costs are grabbing the headlines, the jostling over the future of heating isn’t getting much attention.

In order to succeed in the challenging but essential task of decarbonizing its economy in the coming decades — as mandated by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which it passed in 2019 — New York state will need to embrace an all-electric future and eschew fossil fuels, including natural gas. Utilities like Con Edison and the Long Island Power Authority, which together serve about 60 percent of the state’s electric customers, have endorsed this scenario. Many builders and households are already going all-electric, because gas fouls our homes and communities, and modern electric homes are cheaper and superior.

This is the approach espoused by almost all experts because, as the electric grid becomes cleaner, the rest of the economy will naturally follow. This is also the most cost-effective and energy-efficient decarbonization strategy for buildings, because electric heat pumps use only a fraction of the energy of their fuel-based counterparts.

Heat pumps and Long Island are a match made in heaven. With relatively mild winters, Long Island homes don’t need the top-gun units for efficient, reliable heating and cooling. LIPA’s electric load peaks at around 5 gigawatts in the summer, but barely makes it to 3 gigawatts in the winter. Adding winter load will spread the fixed grid costs over more usage and reduce per-kilowatt-hour prices.

In an effort to conserve their profitable gas distribution system, some utilities have floated their own “clean energy vision” involving green hydrogen and biomethane, marketed as renewable natural gas, or RNG — a so-called fossil-free duo that could supposedly flow through their pipeline network forever.

But consider the science and the economics of this vision. It took NASA months to fix hydrogen leaks on its recent Artemis 1 moon mission. Any proposal to pump highly explosive hydrogen, which

Letters

town board, City Council, community board or county legislature should introduce and pass a New Year’s resolution stating they will:

■ Post timely notice of all meetings at least one week prior to those meetings.

■ Post online meeting agendas and all meeting documents at least 24 hours before a meeting.

■ Post draft meeting minutes online, no more than two weeks after a meeting.

■ Allow members of the public to speak at the beginning of a meeting regarding agenda items and non-agenda items — whether they attend in person or remotely.

■ Livestream meetings by video and post the video recording online afterward.

■ Only conduct private executive sessions on rare occasions, in accordance with the New York State Open Meetings Law.

Just because you can hold an executive session doesn’t mean that you have to. A motion to hold an executive session to discuss “litigation,” “personnel” or “collective bargaining”

isn’t sufficient, as the Open Meetings Law requires motions to state more information when holding an executive session.

■ Agree not to hold private political party caucus meetings. There is no reason, at the local level, to hold private political party caucus meetings to discuss political business or public business. Secret meetings build a lack of trust among the public.

■ Have information regarding the Freedom of Information Law posted in a visible place on their websites. Proactively post documents online as much as possible so the public can access information without having to file a FOIL request. Post an easy fill-inthe-blank form that assists the public in filing a FOIL request by email on the website.

■ Commit to ensuring that all FOIL requests are acknowledged within five days, as required by law, and that information is provided to the public promptly.

PAUL WOLF Amherst

Wolf is president of the New York Coalition for Open Government.

has the tiniest molecules in the universe, through 50,000 miles of pipe in New York should raise serious doubts. Multiple studies have also warned of the risk of damage to the steel in pipes and appliances posed by gas blends with significantly more than 5 percent hydrogen.

Moreover, it shouldn’t take a NASA scientist to question the wisdom of heating homes by burning the stupendously expensive green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity, when that electricity can directly power energysipping heat pumps. Not surprisingly, expensive experiments and demonstration projects involving the use of hydrogen for heat, the kind of boondoggles being developed in the Town of Hempstead, are already being scrapped or failing in other parts of the country and the world.

Hydrogen’s partner in crime, RNG, is produced by capturing and refining the naturally produced biogas in landfills and wastewater treatment plants. But naturally derived biomethane can meet only a minuscule fraction of the home-heating demand, so much of it will need to be artificially generated from organic waste streams. Its global warming potential isn’t much lower than that of fossil gas because of inevitable releases and leaks of methane, which is much more destructive to the climate than carbon dioxide.

Framework

Fossil-free doesn’t mean emissionsfree, and the scheme doesn’t satisfy the science-based methane accounting methodology of New York’s climate law.

Produced naturally or intentionally, RNG is significantly more expensive than fossil gas, and its supplies will be limited by feedstock availability. Even the rosiest projections in the gas utilities’ own studies show that there won’t be enough of it for every possible use that those companies are touting it for, home heating being the least practical one.

The gas utilities’ so-called fossil-free clean-energy vision based on hydrogen and RNG is a mirage that doesn’t pass scientific, technical, economic or legal muster. To make matters worse, burning hydrogen would produce high levels of nitrous oxide, a health hazard, and RNG would cause indoor pollution from leakage and combustion akin to fossil gas, which is linked to myriad health risks, with the latest research attributing almost 19 percent of all childhood asthma in New York to gas stoves.

Pollution for profit shouldn’t have a place inside homes and businesses.

Anshul Gupta is a Steering Committee member of the Climate Reality Project’s NYS Coalition. Gordian Raacke is executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island.

by Tim Baker

At the Twin Lakes Preserve — Wantagh

ansHUL GUpta

GorDian raaCke