Courtesy Jay Belsky
Surf for All, a Long Beach-based nonprofit that helps anyone learn to surf, regardless of disability, teamed up with the Limb Kind Foundation for an event on July 20. Story, more photos, Page 3.
By JoRDAN VAlloNE & CHARlES SHAW of the Long Beach Herald
If any message was clear at Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini’s funeral Mass on Monday, it was the one conveyed in the words of the Rev. Steven Camp, who said simply, “He was there.”
Carini, a champion of quality-of-life initiatives in Hempstead and the 5th Councilmanic District, was laid to rest following a service at St. William the Abbot Roman Catholic Church in Seaford. The 5th District includes Seaford, Wantagh, and parts of Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport,
Point Lookout and Lido Beach.
Hundreds of family members, friends, elected officials and community leaders filled the church to pay their respects to Carini, while dozens of police officers from departments in and around Nassau County ensured that Carini, a retired Port Authority police officer, received a fitting send-off.
The longtime Seaford resident died unexpectedly on July 14, at age 49, while visiting family in Florida.
Carini’s body was flown home from Florida on July 17, and officers from the Port Authority
Continued on page 10
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
Some birthdays are milestones. The first, 16th, 21st, 50th and 100th — and anything beyond that — come to mind.
David Golden celebrated one last Sunday that very few have matched. His fell into the “beyond that” category: He turned 109.
The City of Long Beach, along with Golden’s friends and family, celebrated with him.
HGolden, who was born on July 21, 1915, grew up in Brooklyn, and remembered seeing only one Model T automobile in the entire borough. He graduated from City College with a degree in business administration, and worked at many jobs, including as an accountant, and as a treasurer for a real estate development company in Manhattan.
e was also quite a horticulturalist.
City Council President Brendan Finn and Councilman Mike Reinhart presented him with a citation.
“‘The City of Long Beach recognizes Mr. Golden for his longevity of life and his lifelong commitment to family, friends, and the Long Beach community,’” Reinhart read from the citation. “‘The City Council and the city manager of the City of Long Beach, in recognition of his 109th birthday, wish him a happy birthday’ — and proudly present this citation to you, sir,” he added. “Congratulations, and Happy Birthday.”
When he was 21, Golden met someone who would change his life forever. He met the love of his life, Ethel Rosenberg.
“Dad was a bellhop at Tamarack (Lodge) in the Catskills,” his eldest son, Joe, 81, said. “My mom was brought there by her parents, who came for the summer, and he fell in love at first sight. He pursued her for four years after that. He wrote her poetry.”
The couple got married in 1940, and decided to move to Long Beach.
Ethel’s brother, Abner, built four houses in the city, two next to each other on West Penn Street, and two directly behind
Continued on page 5
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Karina Licitra, a student within the Long Beach School District, has been honored with the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation.
This award is part of the new Dr. Robert R. Dillon Awards, which recognize students for their leadership skills and ability to build positive relationships in school and the community.
The Dr. Robert R. Dillon Awards were established in memory of Dr. Robert R. Dillon, the former Nassau BOCES District superintendent, who died last summer. Donations in his honor have exceeded $13,000, funding scholarships and special student awards at Nassau BOCES school and program completion ceremonies.
“These awards recognize and honor Dr. Dillon’s commitment to ensuring that all students be provided with equal opportunities and serve as a reminder of his passion for education,” said Anthony Fierro, chairperson of the foundation and chief administrator of the Nassau BOCES Department of Facilities Services and Capital Projects.
There are three categories of awards: the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Core Values
Herald file photo
Long Beach student Karina Licitra was one of a handful of students recognized, winning the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award.
Champion Award, given to students who exemplify Nassau BOCES core values such as compassion and integrity, the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award, given to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and citizenship, and the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Outstanding Teamwork Award, given to students who excel in teamwork.
Each winner received a $100 scholarship and a certificate.
her the award.
The Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation is a non-profit, communitybased organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for all students participating in Nassau BOCES schools, services, or programs.
The foundation funds projects and initiatives that fall outside the agency’s regular budget and actively pursues donations, grants, and government support to further its goals.
Nassau BOCES provides advanced educational programs for learners of all ages and abilities. It offers cost-effective services to school districts and municipalities, supporting student success in various fields including alternative education, the arts, special education, and career and technical training.
Additionally, Nassau BOCES offers adult education programs and plays a key role in enhancing the Long Island economy. Their professional development efforts improve teaching across the region, and their technology services support the infrastructure of many local school districts. As a leader in educational reform, Nassau BOCES helps shape the future of education in the county.
Licitra attends the Nassau BOCES Center for Community Adjustment. Her leadership and ability to build strong relationships have made an impact on her peers and the community, winning
For more information about Nassau BOCES and its programs, visit NassauBoces.org.
By JOSEPH D’ANDREA Intern
In Long Beach, surfing is a big part of the culture. To ensure anyone and everyone has the chance to ride the waves, two adaptive surfing events for children and adults with cognitive and physical hurdles took to the beach.
The first event, on July 20, was cohosted by the Limb Kind Foundation, which aims to “improve the lives of children with limb loss, both domestic and international, by strengthening the amputee community,” and Long Beach’s Surf For All, an organization that works to assist individuals and expose them to the ocean.
About 35 children and adults with limb loss attended, as well as the families and friends of those involved.
The globally involved Limb Kind’s Youth Group aids children with limb loss and differences in the United States and many underdeveloped countries, offering them the opportunity to feel comfortable among their peers and providing free prostheses to children.
“Adaptive children and adults are so used to being stared at — not for good reasons,” said Limb Kind Foundation’s Executive Director, Robert Schulman. “With these events, they’re on their own terms and they get to be celebrated for their journeys with applause and others cheering them on.”
Their fourth annual “Show Your Shine” event in Long Beach, an adaptive runway event, is coming up, further promoting those with limb loss and differences and acting as a fundraiser for Limb Kind.
Along with the children amputees who learned to surf, there were more than 15 adult amputee mentors who guided the children to overcome their fears and physical challenges.
For the second event, the Hospital for Special Surgery, in conjunction with Skudin Surf, took young patients surfing on July 23, where participants were treated to surfing lessons and got chances to make their own splashes with instructors by their side.
Nearly 20 patients, ages 4 to 18, were on the beach off of Riverside Boulevard, as well as several doctors and physical therapists who cheered them on. The event serviced those with both physical and cognitive impairment, with some surfing on their back or stomach and others staying upright on a surfboard.
“My team and I are so happy to put these events together and watch these kids get to do things that they wouldn’t normally get to do with an adaptive piece of equipment that enables them to participate,” Dr. Lisa Ipp said. “We’ll go anywhere that an adaptive event could occur and provide adaptive pieces of equipment to anyone who needs it to participate in an event.”
This was the hospital’s third year working with Skudin Surf, and although patients got their feet wet this past week, most events are on land: adaptive surfing, horseback riding, rock climbing, basketball, tennis, art and more.
Surfing in Long Beach isn’t just a sport or fun beach activity; it’s a way for people to celebrate their differences.
Surfers rode the waves in all different ways, including laying down on their stomachs and backs, and standing tall.
Katie Troy works at Skudin Surf and helps out with Surf For All. On July 22, a Surf For All open outing was held, which was in memory of her brother, Connor Troy.
“I love helping out because I give people like my brother a chance to go out and surf, and Connor always wanted to go out and surf on a yellow surfboard — his favorite color — but he was never able to do that,” she said. “So to help other kids who are like him means the world to me. I just think it’s so amazing.”
Melanie Rivera-Mora was at the event with her son Gabriel, 14, and daughter Vivian, 12, both of whom have participated in this event in the past.
“This is an activity that kids with disabilities wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to experience, which is why I encourage them to try it. It’s a really nice experience for them,” she said.
Dr. Jeanine Sorensen is a school psychologist who has been involved with
Some of the surfers even used an adaptive board with a built-in chair, offering more support for those who need.
Surf for All for over a decade, helping to increase disability awareness. A mother of two, she runs their adaptive surf camp program.
“Going in the water brings a sense of calm and being one with the water, and it’s a lot of nice sensory relaxation and input, and helps with motor skills, sensory function, awareness and selfesteem,” Sorensen said. “Being included with their peers and working with an instructor — it’s all to build self-confidence and body awareness. There are a lot of things that come together.”
A patient at HSS from Ronkonkoma, Alex Nowakowski, 15, said he was excited about the outing and felt more confident being around others in a similar physical situation as him.
“I’ve done water skiing, regular skiing, surfing. We didn’t do it last year because me and my brother both had surgeries but other than that, we’ve always been out here. My favorite part was going over the waves. I like the ones
that don’t fully break so that you kind of go up in the air.”
The Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy at HSS is named after Kate Doerge’s daughter, Penny, who was a patient at HSS for the 16 years of her life. In 2022, Doerge and her husband Chad founded Penny’s Flight, a foundation committed to spreading awareness of advancing research to find a cure for neurofibromatosis, or NF.
Doerge attended the outing on Tuesday, saying, “This is the most beautiful day to see these kids with such smiles and joy on their faces, to be experiencing this together with their families and friends. Penny lived her life with joy and positivity, so to see these kids be able to do activities in this adaptive way that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do is an honor to pass Penny’s legacy on and it’s so beautiful. The idea of inclusivity is so key and allows them to feel like they’re a part of something bigger, giving them that confidence and joy.”
Summer camp students in the Long Beach School District are enjoying creative learning during the district’s July Camp Invention program. Recently, campers were excited to welcome National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee Victor B. Lawrence to the program on July 8.
The inventor holds multiple patents for improving transmission for modern Internet. Throughout his career, Law -
rence has advanced signal processing in communications. His work has improved transmission for the modern internet and has made high-speed connections more available. Thanks to Lawrence, people everywhere can stay connected from a distance, so no one will miss out on important moments.
The young inventors enjoyed showcasing their projects as Lawrence visited each classroom to share his story and
Aging provides its own rewards, which only those who experience it really know, as the following quotes show.
“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”
— Ingrid Bergman
“Nothing is inherently and invincibly young except spirit. And spirit can enter a human being perhaps better in the quiet of old age and dwell there more undisturbed than in turmoil of adventure.”
— George Santayana
“The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball - the further I am rolled the more I gain.”
— Susan B. Anthony
“Why not just embrace it, go along with it and welcome it?”
—Helen Mirren
“I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it.”
— Frances Lear
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
“The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good, but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in order to shut out the tranquility of the evening. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.”
— W. Somerset Maugham
“There is a fountain of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
— Sophia Loren
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answer questions about his life and creating an invention. “Whatever you are working on, always think how it can be made better and don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Lawrence said.
Camp Invention is a STEM-related summer camp program for students in grades K-6 that turns curious campers into innovative thinkers. The two-week camp offered at Lido Elementary School allows students to participate in numerous activities such as creating and
designing their own game boards, producing and wiring their own circuit boards for light boxes, constructing a robotic hydro-lab on wheels, and developing and marketing new invention prototypes. Additionally, some of Long Beach’s Secondary School students volunteered as camp counselors for their younger peers.
–Brendan Carpenter
Lawrence spent time to with the campers, enjoying the summer day with them.
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them on West Beech Street. The Goldens moved into one on West Penn, and lived there until Ethel died in 2006, after 66 years of marriage. David still lives there.
He has always had a passion for music, art, reading and staying active at Temple Benai Asher, formerly the Sephardic Temple of Long Beach. In 1993, his younger son, Robert, 74, founded the Long Beach Symphony. His father played violin in the group, alongside Robert, who was the lead violin. The ensemble played a handful of concerts each year, including summer shows in front of City Hall, until 2000, when it disbanded.
‘
THe also has a handful of plants scattered about. “He was also quite a horticulturalist,” Robert said. “When he was about 102, he planted all of these flowers and plants all around the house. He grew citrons.”
he City of Long Beach recognizes Mr. Golden for his longevity.’
Mike ReinhaRT Councilman
Golden’s home is full of books, all of which he has read, he said. There is also a room with paintings covering most of the wall space, including portraits painted by Ethel’s brother, alongside a collage of papers, photos and documents showcasing the story of his life.
Golden has always been in great shape. Up until he was 103, he walked 2 miles a day on the boardwalk. Then he began experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue, however, which limited his walks to about a halfmile. In February 2019, five months before he turned 104, he underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a surgical procedure to repair a calcified heart valve. He was the oldest patient ever to have that operation at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn.
A few months later, he was back to his 2-mile walks.
He doesn’t get to the boardwalk anymore, but is still in great health. Asked about his secret to good health and longevity, he said simply, “There is no secret.”
Residents across Long Island complain that low-flying airplanes have increased in number since the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
By Will Sheeline, Mohammad Rafiq & Brandon Cruz
Continuing a series exploring the impact pollution from air, noise and light has on our communities and way of life. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.
The roar of jet engines overhead has become a constant aural backdrop for many residents of Long Island, particularly those living in lower-income neighborhoods. In recent years, a shift in flight paths from nearby airports such as Kennedy and LaGuardia, which together handle roughly 1,400 flights a day, has exacerbated the issue. Residents now endure relentless noise from aircraft flying directly over their homes, disrupting daily life and sparking widespread frustration.
“I’ve lived in Uniondale for 30 years, and I don’t ever remember the noise from the planes being so loud and annoying,” Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, said. “Now it’s to the point where these planes are going all day and night long, flying across our skyways, and some of these planes are very low.”
Jacobs and other residents believe that the flight path changes disproportionately affect minority communities. The enforcement of noise ordinances dates back to the rise of American urbanization and industrialization, with New York becoming the first major city in the country to implement noise ordinances in 1905 — which often defined the music of Black and Hispanic communities as noise disturbances.
committee’s primary goal is to obtain accurate decibel readings from FAA monitors, because data is averaged across neighborhoods and does not reflect specific impacts.
“If we get the raw data and find that the decibels violate municipal or federal code, we can appeal to the FAA to make changes,” Vilardi explained. The FAA, however, has been largely unresponsive, leaving residents in limbo.
Brookville Mayor Daniel Serota voiced similar frustrations.
“Years ago, when Congressman (Steve) Israel was our congressman, he initiated meetings with regional FAA folks and other mayors to discuss the planes and their heights,” Serota said. “Every Saturday and Sunday, they fly over our villages, and they’re supposed to have a certain height limit, but the pilots never adhere to that.”
“I strongly believe this is a racial issue,” Jacobs said. “I’m not saying that white communities aren’t having this issue as well, but in Uniondale and other nearby communities, it is all day, all night, and they are constantly going.”
Efforts to address the noise have met with limited success. The Town of Hempstead created the Town-Village Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee in 1966 to tackle the problem, but local governments have little influence over the Federal Aviation Administration, which controls flight paths. Jacobs’s attempts to draw more attention to the issue have included writing to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, but she has yet to receive a response.
James Vilardi, executive director of the Noise Abatement Committee, emphasized the challenge of getting the FAA to acknowledge and address the problem. The
Serota detailed the complexities of addressing the issue, including the discretionary power of pilots to determine flight paths based on safety considerations. Despite some agreements to maintain certain altitudes, those measures, he said, often fall by the wayside.
“It’s up to the pilot, and if he feels he needs to go lower or the weather is a certain way, that’s his purview,” Serota said. “We had Covid, which silenced the planes for a while, but now they’re back, flying as low as can be.”
Serota added that despite years of reaching out to airline and public officials, nothing has been done to solve the issue. He said it is one of the most frequent complaints he gets from Brookville residents.
“On weekends it can be very loud,” he noted. “These big planes, like the double-decker ones with four engines, fly over at sometimes 1,500 feet. You can see the words on the Emirates Airlines planes and hear the noise as if they’re right above your backyard.”
The impact of aircraft noise extends beyond mere annoyance. According to the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Library of Medicine, prolonged exposure to aviation noise can have serious health consequences. Common adverse effects include not only annoyance, but cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular disease. Noise pollution has been linked to higher rates of heart disease and stroke, as well as hypertension and disrupted sleep patterns. Studies have also suggested potential effects on birth outcomes and psychological health, although more
Low-flying airplanes can cause serious health issues, increasing stress levels, preventing sleep and in some cases even leading to cardiovascular issues.
research is needed to fully understand those impacts.
Annoyance, the most often documented response to noise, can interfere with thoughts, feelings and activities, and lead to resentment and discomfort. Cognitive impairment, particularly in schoolchildren, is another concern, with research from the National Library indicating that high levels of aircraft noise can affect reading comprehension, memory, attention and mood. Sleep disturbance, characterized by awakenings and changes in sleep patterns, can result in next-day fatigue and longterm health issues.
Cardiovascular disease is a significant risk, with high levels of aircraft noise acting as a stressor on the body. Research by the Civil Aviation Authority has found associations between aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Hypertension, another cardiovascular risk factor, has also been linked to chronic aircraft noise exposure.
Despite the evident health risks, local officials face an uphill battle in addressing the problem.
“We understand that everybody has to share the burden, but it’s a nuisance and a problem,” Serota said. “It’s not for lack of trying; all the elected mayors I know on the North Shore have been very vocal. But the FAA is a big bureaucracy, and when you’re dealing with a bureaucrat, they don’t care.”
The struggle for quieter skies continues, but without greater cooperation from the FAA and a commitment to addressing the issue, Long Island residents will likely remain under the constant hum of aircraft, their health and well-being hanging in the balance.
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Milwaukee was the place to be last week for Republicans as the Wisconsin city hosted the 2024 GOP national convention, where former president Donald Trump accepted the party’s official nomination as its presidential candidate and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance became the Republican nominee for vice president.
During the four-day convention, Republicans from across the country hobnobbed and networked, including Woodmere resident Cindy Grosz, Matt Capp, who serves as Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s communication director, as well as D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who were both delegates representing New York. Delegates are responsible supporting a presidential candidate at the convention.
There were also speeches by celebrities such as former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, model Amber Rose, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, along with Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
Post-convention news included the July 21 announcement by President Biden that he was stepping aside. The presumptive front-runner for the Democratic nomination is Vice President Kamala Harris. The Democrats hold their convention Aug. 19-24 in Chicago.
–Jeffrey Bessen
While sharing a conversation with a trusted soul, the topic of cultivating personal joy came up for discussion. An emotion I too, have been contemplating in my own life and today’s ever-changing world. As such, I found myself asking, “what exactly is joy,” as I needed to better understand this emotion and how to better cultivate it.
What is Joy?
Joy is a powerful emotion and harnessing it can be a remedy for stressrelated burnout. Contentment and joy can positively improve physical and mental health and overall well-being.
The Joy Molecule: Dopamine and Serotonin:
When we experience joy, our brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals create a sense of happiness and contentment, fostering relaxation and reducing stress. They serve as our brain’s natural reward system, encouraging us to seek out more joyous experiences.
Joy versus Happiness:
finding what may work best for you:
■ Perform regular physical activity. Think of physical activity as releasing a bubble bath of neurotransmitters – and their effects linger long after the exercise is over.
■ Dedicate yourself to others. Activities such as volunteering produce greater joy than focusing on oneself.
■ Connect with your spiritual side. When we join with something larger than ourselves, we develop feelings of gratitude, compassion, and peace. Meditation is a powerful way to modify brain pathways to increase joy.
It is easy to confuse the emotions of joy and happiness because they often are experienced at the same time. Yet, some nuances should be distinguished. Often, happiness is the emotional reaction to what is happening around you. Whereas joy is not reactionary and often is driven by internal motivations like working toward a goal or finding a purpose in life.
“Happiness is an emotion, whereas joy is more a state of being,” says Rebekkah Frunzac, M.D., general surgeon and chief wellness officer at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and Minnesota. “When you are joyful, it doesn’t mean you are always giddy or happy. But it means you can appreciate moments of happiness within the bigger context of life.”
How to build and increase joy:
During challenging times, it becomes twice as important to modify your routine, allowing yourself to experience joy. To focus your efforts on what brings meaning to your life.
Here are some ideas to explore in
■ Discover something new. As humans, we are hardwired to experience joy when experiencing novelty. Developing a new pursuit can help us refocus our energy.
■ Vacation Anticipation. The simple act of imagining a positive, future event can induce a sense of joy and well-being.
Surprising benefits of joy:
Regardless of the changes you make to your mindset or your daily routine, increasing your ability to find joy may provide long-lasting health benefits. Your immune system can be strengthened by your mental state of mind. Interventions to increase joy may also decrease stress hormones, improve pain, and help to ease depression.
In summary: Joy looks different to each person and can be found in everyday situations. Joy enhances creativity, knowledge, resilience, and social capacity. It lessens the time spent in negative moods and helps us recover from them more rapidly. In other words, joy is good for your mental health!
On a personal note: Ultimately, I learned that joy is a state of mind and heart. Being emotionally open to “reaching within,” as well as “reaching out.”
To allow ourselves to be touched by life!
To say, “Yes, to Joy!”
Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on mental health topics.
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JFK Commissary, at Kennedy Airport, gathered to greet him with love and prayers. Police officers stood on the tarmac as the plane pulled into the gate, and Carini’s casket was removed by officers, while dozens more stood in salute.
When he was back in Nassau County, the Seaford and Wantagh fire departments stretched a huge American flag across Southard Avenue, and the hearse carrying his body drove beneath it.
Monday’s Mass followed two days of wake services at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home in Seaford. Carini, a Republican, was elected to the Town Board in 2019, after Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney dropped out of the race six weeks before the election. Carini had long been involved with the Wantagh/Seaford Homeowners Association, which often focused on qualityof-life issues. He was re-elected to his second term last November.
In office, Carini spearheaded the town’s Quality of Life Task Force, and was a staunch supporter of law enforcement. He campaigned against bail reform efforts, and directed funding toward the improvements of recreational facilities in his district. He made an effort to attend every town event, Little League opening day, and Eagle Scout or Gold Award ceremony.
And it wasn’t just his job that Carini loved, but his family, too. He is survived by his wife, Danielle, and their two children, Ava and Joey.
Camp, who led the funeral services, said that Carini’s greatest achievement in life was his family. “He cherished them,” Camp said, “and understood how much family meant.”
The day after Carini died, local officials who worked alongside him expressed their sadness. In a statement emailed to the Herald, State Sen. Steve Rhoads described Carini’s energy as “boundless” and his humor as “infectious.”
“I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone who was more passionate or took more enjoyment out of helping his neighbors and trying to make his community better than Chris,” Rhoads said.
Town Councilwoman Missy Miller said Carini was
project thank a Cop, an organization that supports police officers and their families, set up a comfort station at Carini’s wake and funeral, offering water and refreshments to mourners.
“the epitome of the phrase ‘larger than life.’”
“He was passionate and effective,” Miller wrote on Facebook. “He was the best kind of public servant, selfless.”
At Carini’s wake and funeral, Project Thank A Cop, a group he worked closely with that supports police officers and their families, set up a comfort station for mourners. They handed out water, snacks and baked goods, and had therapy dogs on hand as well to comfort Carini’s family members and friends.
“We are so heartbroken,” group administrators wrote on Facebook.
Camp spoke about how Carini was committed to the communities he served, and, of course, to those who knew him best — his family and friends.
“There’s a lot of turmoil in our society today, and we try to figure it out,” Camp said. “Chris understood all of that turmoil, and he always tried to do his best.”
Those wishing to donate to Carini’s family can do so at GoFund.Me/25067cbb. The family also asked that donations be made to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, based in Wantagh, in his memory. Go to JTCF.org to donate.
Carini was buried at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
police officers from departments in and around nassau County paid their respects to Carini, who was a staunch support of law enforcement.
‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’
Whether
By Karen Bloom
firing up the grill for a pool party, barbecue or even just a weeknight meal, one thing’s for sure: summertime means grilling season. Grilling takes many forms: your crowd may prefer the standard fare of burgers and hot dogs to flame-kissed vegetables and the artistry of a perfectly done steak. However, the possibilities don’t end there.
By mixing and matching traditional grilled classics with options that have a variety of textures and flavors, you can shake up your at-home menu and add new favorites to your routine this grilling season.
It’s easy to go from casual to elegant in a snap. The traditional faves always have their place, but if you’re looking for a different type of barbecue, add some finesse to your menu with other ideas, by re-imagining your grilling style.
With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh flavors.
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate.
To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.
Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down.
Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.
These cabbage steaks blend sweet and slightly sour notes with savory crumbles of cheese for a dish that pleases every one of your taste buds.
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 package McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Applewood Marinade
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 head green cabbage, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices (about 6 steaks)
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
Crumble bacon; set aside. Mix marinade mix, oil, vinegar, maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings in small bowl until well blended. Place cabbage steaks in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well.
Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer for extra flavor. Remove cabbage steaks from marinade. Reserve any leftover marinade.
Grill cabbage steaks over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes per side or until tender-crisp, brushing with leftover marinade. Serve cabbage steaks topped with blue cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions.
Fresh veggies tossed with rice vinegar and garlic make a tasty, nutritious side.
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (seasoned)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus extra, to taste
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh zucchini, sliced into 1 3/4-inch long, 1/4-inch thick planks
• 1 cup fresh green pepper strips
• 1 cup fresh red pepper strips
• 8 fresh stalks asparagus, slicing off 1/4 inch from bottom of stalk
• 1 fresh portobello mushroom, sliced into 1/2-inch squares
• 1 cup fresh eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch squares
Heat grill to 375 F.
In large bowl, mix together rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and garlic to create marinade. Clean vegetables then place them in marinade in small batches. Toss to coat then place in foil pouch. Pour remaining marinade over vegetables and seal pouch.
Bake in oven or over indirect heat on grill 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, after removing pouch from heat.
Chef’s tip: Open pouch after 20 minutes of cooking and allow vegetables to crisp slightly under direct heat for remaining 5 minutes.
Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their beachy vibe back to the Paramount stage. With summer in full swing, enjoy their“Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach/country sounds for over a decade to the delight of their audiences.
Friday, July 26, 8 p.m. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Sal Governale, Richard Christy and Billy Mira, radio personalities known for their prank calls and comedy, keep the laughs coming as “The Hilarious Hitmen.” The dynamic trio brings a modern twist to humor, drawing inspiration from the classic styles of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Christy’s extraordinary drumming skills set the heartbeat for their performance, while Governale’s charisma and comedic genius keep audiences in stitches. Not to be outdone, Mira’s impressions and vocal range captivate everyone. Get in on the laughs when they bring their to Harry Chapin Theatre at Eisenhower Park, for a lively evening that blends big band comedy with audience participation and delightful surprises. Audiences can’t get enough of their refreshing and new take on music and comedy, making their performances an unforgettable experience that leaves you craving for more.
Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m. Free admission. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
The acclaimed dance company visits Long Island on its 2024 tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage Sunday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company, co-founded by dance icon and international superstar Arthur Mitchell, has toured the world, engaged communities and introduced young minds and bodies to the power of dance. With all its renown, this boundary-breaking, dynamic organization has maintained Mitchell’s core belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, DTH presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all. The dynamic program includes “Higher Ground,” with choreography by Robert Garland, featuring Stevie Wonder tunes; “New Bach,” also choreographed by Robert Garland, with music by J.S. Bach; “Take Me with You,” choreographed by Robert Bondara, featuring Radiohead; also Robert Garland’s “Return,” with James Brown and Aretha Franklin tunes. Tickets are start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Aug. 4
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 29, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story.
Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence. This week’s theme: Undersea Adventure. Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Enjoy some films! Check out the annual Long Beach Film Festival, Friday, July 26. The latest and greatest independent movie releases from around the world will be shown on the National Boulevard beach. For more information, visit LongBeachFilm. com.
Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, July 31, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See the recent 3D animated musical fantasy “Trolls 3: Trolls Band Together.” The film serves as the threequel to Trolls, the sequel to Trolls World Tour, and the continuation of DreamWorks Trolls franchise. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
The Jones and Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament hits the sand, Saturday, Aug. 3. The matches will be within a 20-foot diameter circle on National Boulevard starting at 10 a.m. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
Join in the community barbecue in Kennedy Plaza, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 4-7 p.m., bridging relations between the community and the LBPD. With kids activities, music, food and more. Visit LongBeachNY.gov/ nno for more information.
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:3011:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Michaela Goade’s “Berry Song.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Plastic ducklings compete for first place in the Kennedy Plaza Fountain, Sunday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. Is this for real?
Yes! Are the ducks real?
Do you play Mah Jongg and want to meet other community members who play? Join in the game, at Long Beach Library, Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the auditorium. Practice your skills and have fun while you do it. Bring your own Mah Jongg tiles. 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. com or call (516) 432-7201.
Bring the family, a beach chair and blanket, and don’t forget the popcorn, Saturday, Aug. 10. Watch Trolls (3) Band Together on Lincoln Boulevard Beach. Movie starts at dusk For more information, visit Long BeachNY.gov/movies.
Participate in the 21st Annual Bike tour around the barrier island, Saturday, Aug. 10 Proceeds benefit Citizens United to Remove Barriers. Kick off from the Recreation Parking Lot at 9:45 a.m. Go to Bike4Curb.org for more information.
All those 16 and over are welcome to participate in the Lifeguard Memorial One-Mile Swim, Sunday, Aug. 11, in honor of all the deceased members of the Beach Patrol. Swim takes place at 9 a.m. on Riverside Boulevard beach. For more information visit, LongBeachNY.gov/races.
Enjoy Irish Night on the beach, Wednesday, July 31, 7 p.m. Harpers Ferry, the popular local Irish-American folk band performs on Grand Boulevard Beach.
Held in memory of NYC Firefighter and Long Beach Lifeguard Michael Kiefer, the annual swim-paddle-run takes place, Sunday, July 28. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Riverside Boulevard. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov/races.
Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist.
She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Game on! Swing by the library, Wednesday, July 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m., for a teens-only game session. Meet up with friends to play some video games in the second floor program room. Registration required. 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. com or call (516) 432-7201.
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop? Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m., to get answers to your pressing tech questions. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachPL.org.
NO! Games for the kids, refreshments, raffles and more. For more information, LongBeachLionsClub.org. Aug. 11
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.
Enjoy the community event for all, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., in Kennedy Plaza, Sunday, Aug. 11, celebrating Long Beach Library’s Summer Reading Program. Activities include bounce houses, games, photo ops, book swaps, raffles, and more For more information, visit LongBeachLibrary.org.
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Despite repeated partisan legal challenges aimed at its demise, the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, has not only survived, but become an indispensable part of the American health care system. This year, a record number of Americans — an estimated 21 million — are insured through its marketplaces, which have redefined baseline expectations for consumer coverage in the health care system. Yet despite its 14 years of proven durability, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat, remains warily concerned about ACA’s future.
Solages was blunt in her assessment of what, or rather who represents the biggest political risk to undoing the health care law — former President Donald Trump.
At a news conference in Valley Stream last week, Solages, and leaders of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East labor union and Protect Our Care, a nonprofit health care advocacy group, forcefully articulated their concerns, underscoring how the law has served as a crucial safety net for New Yorkers, and warned that its termination could be disastrous.
“As we interface with the affordability crisis, it’s important to acknowledge there are reforms at work, from the
Affordable Care Act to the Inflation Reduction Act, to ensure that people have access to health care,” Solages said.
“Now we are seeing constant attacks on these reforms, whether it’s federal representatives trying to take away provisions that ensure people with pre-existing conditions have access to health care or cull prescription pricing relief.”
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, sought to roll back or repeal significant elements of the law when he was president, but did not succeed. On
the campaign trail this year, certainly aware of the law’s popularity and lasting power, he has made vague promises to replace it with a superior alternative if he returns to the White House.
Solages also cited proposals by Republicans to cap and cut federal Medicaid spending and introduce a block grant system in which states would have to bid for federal funding to secure benefits.
“Instead of direct funding to the states, they want states to enroll in a
Hunger Games-like competition for coverage,” said Solages. “We can’t compete for coverage when it comes to healt care,” which will inevitably shrink the Medicaid program and leave many uninsured.
For more than a decade, there has been grumbling about the cost and sustainability of health care coverage under ACA by conservative critics.
Many maintain, as they have for years, that coverage plans under ACA can still be too expensive for some middle-class Americans because of high insurance premiums, burdensome costsharing requirements, and narrow health insurance networks that limit people’s choice of doctor and hospital.
And with the sting of inflation and rising health care costs, the insured may still struggle to afford higher-thanexpected co-payments or deductibles.
While Solages acknowledged that New Yorkers are grappling with growing medical debt and prohibitively expensive prescription prices, reducing investments in existing reforms will only exacerbate these problems, not solve them.
“From womb to tomb, all New Yorkers interact with the health care system, and when you erode health care, you impact the most vulnerable New Yorkers,” she said. “We need to raise our voices against unfair cuts to health care.”
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
6 p.m.
At Hofstra University, graduate students plant the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.
For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR C-BASS MORTGAGE LOAN
ASSET-BACKED
CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-CB4, -againstELLEN M. DAYTON, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 6, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR C-BASS MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-CB4 is the Plaintiff and ELLEN M. DAYTON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 6, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 411 EAST HARRISON STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-148-46 & 47. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 615778/2019. Bruce W. Farquharson, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 147834
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MARY MARKS, RON MARKS AKA RON EVAN MARKS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 16, 2022, 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 ‘Rain or Shine’ on August 5, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 47 East Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 99, Lot 61-64. Approximate amount of judgment $1,405,702.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600924/2018. 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. Fay Mattana, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-005692 81190 147757
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, BR MADISON LLC, Plaintiff, vs. MARIO ZARCOGUADARRAMA, AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF MARLENE M. CARROLL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 13, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 42 Wyoming Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 258 and Lot 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $13,167.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617520/2023. 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.
Kenneth Lawrence Gartner, Esq., Referee Robert Bichoupan, P.C., 175 East Shore Road, Suite 270, Great Neck, New York 11023, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147942
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NICHOLAS R. RAO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 811 West Park Avenue a/k/a 811 Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 250 and Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,009,609.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603179/2023. 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.
Matin Emouna, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 232578-1 147940
LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Sale
Supreme Court: Nassau County Acqua Capital LLC v James G. Kane et al. Defts Index 605167/2022
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and entered December 19, 2023, I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY on August 16, 2024 at 3:00 pm premises known as
Section 59, Block 172 Lot 64, Group Lot 64-65, City of Long Beach, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “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 and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
John P. Clarke, Esq. Referee 148068
www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Sale
Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v John A. Curry Jr As Administrator C.T.A of the Estate of Amanda M. Shuler A/K/A Amanda Curry et al. Defts Index 609094/2022 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 6, 2023, I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY on August 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm premises known as Section 59, Block 93 Lot 95, Group Lot 95-97, City of Long Beach, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “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 and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee 148066
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Sale
Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v Brian McBrearty et al. Defts Index 607236/2022
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 19, 2023, I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY on August 15, 2024 at 2:00 pm premises known as Section 59, Block 189 Lot 348U CA157 Unit 200, City of Long Beach , County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and
Dunia Sibomana Rodriguez has been continuing his wrestling prowess.
The rising Long Beach High School junior captured the 2024 US Marine Corps Junior National Wrestling Championship. The tournament was held in Fargo, North Dakota, where the country’s top high school wrestlers compete in the world’s signle largest wrestling tournament.
The City of Long Beach extended its congratulations to his family, including his father, Miguel Rodriguez, who is one of the coaches of the Long Beach High School Wrestling Team, as well as the High School Head Coach, Raymond Adams.
The final winner for Hollywood Fitness’s 2023-24 school year three-year memberships is Luke Hartman.
Academically, he has a 105 weighted average, which is top 5 in his class, and tutor’s kids alongside him in high school.
He is a three-sport varsity captain in football, winter track and lacrosse, as well as All-County in football and lacrosse.
He won the Jay Fiedler Award, which is given out to the top student athlete in Nassau County.
Luke will be playing Division 1 Lacrosse at Towson University this upcoming fall.
Luke is the founder of the annual LBHS Hat and Glove Drive Charity as well as a participant of Surf for All. He works with younger athletes in L.B. Pal G2H team and BTB travel lacrosse.
He is excited about winning a threeyear scholarship to Hollywood Health Club and staying in top shape.
filed judgment of foreclosure, and any liens owned or held by the Board of Managers of the Ocean Crest Condominium. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “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 and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
Brian J. Davis, Esq. Referee 148064
Business Intelligence Analyst wanted by 3W Auto Accessory Inc. in Oceanside, NY. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, or business-related major. Duties: Collect and analyze data from various sources, uncovering insights into sales, inventory, and market trends; Create interactive reports and dashboards, aiding decision-making by presenting key performance metrics; Forecast sales, conduct market research, and optimize inventory levels; Segment customers for targeted marketing and evaluate sales team performance; responsible for Data security and compliance, along with continuous improvement. Yearly Salary will be $80850 to $90000. Mail Resume to 3W Auto Accessory Inc., Attn: Qi Zhou, 3401 Lawson Blvd, Oceanside, NY 11572.
Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST: PART TIME, Must be Fluent in English and Spanish, Must Have Good Computer Skills, Able to Learn New Programs, Pleasant Phone Voice, Good People Skills, Salary Negotiable. 516-726-0309 or Email Resume to coreybickoff294@gmail.com
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
Ayou pull up to this home you
LYNBROOK: 2 BR, Off Street Parking, No Pets, $3,100. 516-599-3174
WANTAGH 1 BEDROOM, Full Kitchen, Full Bath, Livingroom/Kitchen Combo, No Smoking No Pets. $1650. 516-731-3763.
Taxes: $10,270.09
Elmont $640,000
Norfolk Drive. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Many updates including bathrooms. First floor master bedroom. Cozy fenced-in yard.
Taxes: $13,272
BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE SUNNY Private Entrance,Walk In Closet, Walking Distance South Nassau Hospital, Share Bath, 516-913-0804.
3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $3999; Purchase Together $9999. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316
ONE BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE at Beth David’s in Elmont. Asking for $6,500. Please contact Michele Flanigan at 518-546-9550
Hewlett $670,000
Peninsula Boulevard. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. New eat-in kitchen with shaker cabinets, high-end Samsung appliances and island, also sliding doors to private fenced-in yard. Move-in ready with new siding and roof. Taxes: $14,237.40
Lido Beach $1,430,000
Biarritz Street. Cottage. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office. High-end finishes include cathedral ceiling and wet bar. Taxes: $19,573.89
Malverne $920,000
Foster Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Movein ready stunning home in convenient Westwood neighborhood. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Updates include skylight. Walk to Westwood LIRR. Taxes: $16,869.06
Merrick $1,200,000
Loines Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office and guest quarters in bonus finished attic. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling and wet bar. Entertaining style backyard with heated saltwater pool and pool house with 3 portico doors. 2 car garage. Security system.
Taxes: $23,818.67
Rockville Centre $1,650,000
Q. We are getting estimates for a small bump-out at the back of our house to add a breakfast room, and the estimates have been much higher than we were led to believe. We met with a contractor before we hired an architect, and he gave us a number, but suggested we get plans made, which we did. In addition to doing an estimate from the plans, the contractor said we should pay him for the estimate if we don’t use him because of the time he took. His card actually says “Free estimates.” Between the price, which went way up, and the fact that he wants money, even if he doesn’t get the job, we aren’t going to even consider him, but is this common, that he should have such a higher price and also want to get paid? Incidentally, he added a lot of things that aren’t in the plans and aren’t what we spoke about.
A. This scenario is common, and I often warn people that they should, preliminarily, try to get a ballpark estimate, just to be sure they can do the project before getting started with plans. It always helps to have the contractor and architect speak, so we’re all on the same page.
Most often, though, what ends up happening is a kind of disillusionment when the plans are done and the contractor’s numbers are much higher than discussed. I’m amazed at how many contractors, without a phone call or meeting, try to change the project, question the engineering or structure, or try to work around the architect after all the time and consideration given to planning. It’s rare to have a contractor not make statements about the structure, even though I have rarely dealt with a contractor who can show expertise, with a license in engineering, to alter the design. Many just want to make it simpler to build without ever having to recognize the long-term issues of high winds, heavy snow or building codes.
On the other hand, one individual tried to upsell the job, claiming that piles were needed on a home where there was a basement and no other pilings. In order to add underground pilings to the price, a deep soil test, showing the character of the supporting earth, would need to be done. The home is over 100 years old and shows no signs of settling, so the inclusion of piles, without even consulting the licensed professional, is unwarranted.
It’s true that contractors have a hard job doing estimates, especially because the prices of lumber and other commodities change. They can spend many weeks calling around to suppliers and checking pricing, only to have their integrity questioned. This can lead to increasing numbers to account for potential material price changes. While you can’t expect the cost to remain the same, it is fair to ask, at the beginning, for a higher-end number so the outcome isn’t so different. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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From Buffalo to Montauk, New Yorkers of every color, creed and religion find themselves struggling to stay afloat amid the ever-increasing tax burden imposed on them, especially by the legions of out-of-touch bureaucrats who wield power in Albany. For too long, Long Islanders seeking financial relief from our state capital have found instead that many of their elected leaders in Albany are all too eager to nickel-anddime hardworking taxpayers as a solution to the fiscal mismanagement rife across government-operated entities as well as those directly tied to New York state, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
There is no doubt that the MTA is a vital resource for New Yorkers, but the dereliction of duty by the agency’s lead-
Has New York state government helped address your costs of living over the past six years? Has it made your life easier?
According to a recent poll, only 37 percent of registered voters thought the state was on the right track, while 52 percent said they believed it was headed in the wrong direction. In response to a prompt asking if the “2024 New York State legislative session did or did not succeed in passing laws that improve the quality of life in New York,” only 17 percent of respondents said they believed it did.
This sentiment was broadly shared across the political spectrum: Only 26 percent of Democrats, 7 percent of Republicans, and 12 percent of Independents/Others said they believed laws were passed this session that improved our quality of life. It is especially concerning that New Yorkers do not feel that state government is improving their lives when you consider how much money our state spends. When the state last had a divided
ership has led to staggering budget deficits and wasteful spending, to the point where it now costs the MTA roughly $3 billion a year just to service its enormous debt. Recognizing the unsustainable nature of this spending spree, the MTA conspired with Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Democrats to siphon more cash from commuters via a congestion pricing plan, which is nothing more than a thinly veiled commuter tax.
that part of Manhattan altogether — like many in the trucking and carting sector.
Will Gov. Kathy Hochul simply restart the plan after November’s election?
Charging drivers who enter Lower Manhattan via car a fee in addition to the tolls already collected on many bridges and tunnels is nothing short of highway robbery, and New Yorkers resoundingly rejected this latest Democratic cash grab. Indeed, residents of every political stripe have voiced their concerns about this new tax, which would see the average commuter fork over an additional $4,000 for the privilege of entering Lower Manhattan, and force many businesses to raise prices or shy away from conducting business in
I was proud to stand alongside fellow Republicans, and some common-sense Democrats, to raise the alarm across the tristate area about this anti-business mandate. What’s more, I introduced bipartisan federal legislation to reject congestion pricing and to ensure that this disastrous plan did not come to fruition. After repeated public calls to Governor Hochul and the Democrats in the State Legislature to scrap the plan, the people were heard, and Hochul “paused” the implementation of congestion pricing at the 11th hour last month.
But the timing seemed suspect.
Poll after poll across New York told the same story: Congestion pricing was an awful plan, and voters were prepared to take their frustration to the ballot box. It isn’t hard to connect the dots and conclude that Hochul only delayed implementation of congestion pricing
because, on the federal level, Democrats feared that it would imperil their campaigns in competitive House districts leading up to the November election — including the one for my seat. I find it hard to believe that New York state and its governor invested significant money in constructing the new tolling infrastructure across Manhattan only for Hochul to have a change of heart at the last minute.
So it is vital that while commonsense, anti-congestion pricing advocates have the wind at our backs, we press on and demand further reassurances — in law — that this plan will not simply be restarted once the all-important fall election season has concluded.
It is extraordinarily important that New Yorkers stand united in continued opposition to Hochul’s disastrous congestion pricing plan, and demand more concrete protections against the implementation of this debilitating scheme as we move forward. I will be sure to keep up the fight in Washington as your voice on Capitol Hill.
Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.
government, in 2018, with the governor’s mansion and the Assembly controlled by Democrats and the State Senate controlled by Republicans, in partnership with a handful of Democrats, the state budget was $168 billion. This year, under one-party control, the spending plan totaled $237 billion — an increase of roughly 40 percent over six years, far exceeding the 26 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for the same period. The budget passed in 2018 under divided government was the eighth one in a row that adhered to a 2 percent spending increase cap, but Albany no longer seems to concern itself with such fiscal restraint. Yet does anyone believe that New Yorkers received a quality return on their additional investment of more than $60 billion since 2018?
A 40 percent increase in spending over the past six years — for what?
clean-water infrastructure funding, which had been championed by the State Senate Republican Conference when it controlled the chamber. Meanwhile, New York City has received a bailout of $3.4 billion over the past two years for the self-inflicted migrant crisis that will only serve as a Band-Aid, without fixing the problem.
Blumencranz and I succeeded in forcing the legislative supermajorities to address the issue of illegal squatters, instead of including the language we had proposed, Albany passed a watereddown version that has left gaps in the law.
To be clear, there are areas where state spending is a crucial investment in our future — education, clean water and air, and infrastructure, to name a few. But it is troubling that despite Gov. Kathy Hochul’s initially proposing such a costly budget, we still had to rally with local schools in Nassau County to restore their state funding, and the State Legislature had to fight to restore
Regarding crime and public safety, an issue on the minds of many New Yorkers, the legislative supermajorities still refuse to take meaningful action to fix the failed cashless bail laws they enacted. In polling numbers that nearly mirror voters’ feelings on this year’s legislative session, only 17 percent of New Yorkers say they believe crime has improved in the past year. Common-sense legislation I carry with Assemblyman Ed Ra to grant judges discretion to consider dangerousness when determining whether to hold a defendant pretrial was voted down in the Senate Codes Committee along party lines, and the Legislature refused to take up a comprehensive package of bills to combat antisemitism, including several of my own and Assemblymen Ari Brown’s and Ra’s bills. Further, while Assemblyman Jake
This is not to say that the state has failed to make progress on any issue. In the final days of the session, we passed a bill to help protect children’s mental health from addictive feeds on social media, which I was proud to cosponsor. However, I believe most New Yorkers would agree that Albany hasn’t done enough to stem the consistent outmigration our state is experiencing — driven largely by our affordability crisis. As a small-business owner and a mother of four, I know the importance of budgeting and spending within my means. Yet when I proposed an amendment on the Senate floor to keep utility costs under control by placing a moratorium on any new costs or regulations until a thorough cost-impact study is completed, my amendment was voted down along party lines.
At some point, Albany needs to realize that simply spending more money won’t solve our problems, and that using a little sense will go further than even billions of dollars.
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th Senate District.
amid ongoing debates about public safety and individual rights, the Nassau County Legislature is poised to make a significant decision that could have an impact on both.
Republican Legislator Mazi Pilip has proposed a bill that would make the county one of the first in the metropolitan area to ban face masks that conceal a wearer’s identity.
The proposal, backed by all 12 Republican county legislators, aims to unmask those responsible for violent acts during protests, imposing fines of up to $1,000 and potential jail time for violators.
A similar measure was proposed by State Sen. Steve Rhoads last month, after six young men wearing masks attacked another man at the Academy Charter School graduation at Hofstra University.
The Pilip bill is a reaction to violence involving people wearing masks in recent months during protests at universities including Columbia, George Washington and Yale. Pilip said that when they cover their faces, people can act as brazenly as they wish, which is unacceptable, and the idea behind the proposal is to curb violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
A laudable goal — but this well-meaning legislation may compromise public health and civil liberties, particularly when face masks are used as intended. They became an essential public health
To the Editor:
tool during the coronavirus pandemic, and are not just a means of personal protection, but also a potential collective shield that helps reduce the transmission of airborne viruses.
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of masks in curbing the spread of infectious diseases, thereby saving lives. To undermine this practice, even with the pandemic seemingly behind us, could have dire consequences for public health, especially as we ponder future outbreaks of other diseases.
The proposed bill includes exemptions for those wearing masks for health or religious reasons, but the enforcement of those exemptions would raise significant concerns. While the Republican presiding officer of the County Legislature, Howard Kopel, said he doubted anyone would intervene when an older person wears a mask for health reasons, there appear to be broader worries. The New York Civil Liberties Union has voiced concerns that the legislation paints a target on the backs of people of color, and protesters who disagree with government policies.
Those sentiments are echoed by Democratic Legislator Debra Mulé, who highlights what she sees as the ambiguity surrounding the bill’s implementation and enforcement.
Historical and current events have shown that laws with vague enforcement guidelines often disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Even the appearance that some were
Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “It’s time to give the governor a break”: I strongly disagree with Kremer’s opinion about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s cancellation of congestion pricing. This money would have been of great benefit to those of us who ride the Long Island Rail Road and the New York City transit system. It would also have helped to reduce air pollution in New York City, a big problem.
As we’ve seen in the weeks since the governor canceled this program, there is no Plan B for funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital program, despite her absurd statements to the contrary. There is a real risk of losing significant federal funding for the Second Avenue subway. Also, muchneeded new electric train cars for the LIRR will likely now be indefinitely delayed.
I’m guessing that Kremer doesn’t ride the railroad and experience some of the very old M-3 passenger cars, which break down frequently. The now canceled capital program would also have improved accessibility at LIRR stations, not to mention helping
being unfairly targeted by a face mask law would not only undermine trust in public institutions, but also exacerbate existing social and racial tensions.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s consideration of a mask ban on New York City transit, and similar proposals from other state legislators, indicate a broader trend toward restricting mask use that, if taken up by individual counties as well and not carefully managed, could become the focus of endless litigation and, yes, masked protests. Legislators’ focus should instead be on fostering a safe environment without infringing on individual rights or compromising public health. Rather than outright bans, there should be a nuanced approach that balances safety with the right to wear masks for legitimate reasons. Enhancing security measures at protests, improving surveillance to identify perpetrators of violence without compromising the anonymity of peaceful demonstrators, and fostering better communication between law enforcement and the public could be more effective strategies.
Legislation that restricts the use of masks must be carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences that affect citizens’ freedoms or can be seen as discriminatory. As the County Legislature considers Pilip’s bill before a scheduled Aug. 5 vote, it should seek input from a wide range of stakeholders before finalizing it, in an effort to protect both public safety and individual rights.
the treatment is working. For the past year, the leadership of long island’s largest safety-net hospital has buckled down to demonstrate that this beacon of hope for so many residents can survive, and thrive.
That may not be the message of some politicians, Albany bureaucrats and media often content to push misinformation, but the facts tell a story of resilience. The Nassau health Care Corporation and Nassau University Medical Center are demonstrating the power of strategic reform and unwavering dedication in the face of intense financial strain.
The comprehensive reforms implemented over the past year have been nothing short of transformative. We overhauled NUMC’s ancient billing and collections processes, updated financial standards and practices, strengthened quality controls, and upgraded our information technology systems. All were longstanding areas of deficiency in hospital management that needed reform.
Today NUMC boasts on-time budgets, comprehensive audits, greater transpar-
ency and daily financial reporting that have enabled us to identify more than $100 million in savings in the past year.
The recent audit by Grant Thornton confirms that our reforms are working. NhCC is on a path to long-term fiscal sustainability. The numbers speak for themselves. Despite what has been reported by Newsday, our cash on hand increased from $23 million to $67 million in just the first six months of 2024.
we’ve identified more than $100 million in savings in the past year.
Net patient service revenue saw a significant boost, rising by $76 million to $536 million in 2023. We also managed to reduce our operating losses by $30 million, and reduced overtime costs by $4 million. These aren’t just dollar figures; they represent our commitment to responsible stewardship and our dedication to providing quality health care.
For 2023, NUMC was projected to have a $179 million budget gap. We’ve closed that projected deficit by more than half.
This remarkable progress underscores the efficacy of our Financial Sustainability reform Plan, initiated last year, and highlights the potential for more success if health care is prioritized over political gamesmanship.
This dramatic reform program has
to buy new diesel train cars and locomotives, which are approaching the end of their useful lives.
Kremer noted the economic cost of congestion pricing, and perhaps some adjustments could be made. But not funding our transit system is a terrible idea, and it will absolutely result in higher costs to taxpayers in the end.
i once thought of Mr. Kremer as a fairly progressive and effective legislator, but i guess that’s all in the past now that he’s a lobbyist.
i n contrast, Kevin Kelley’s column, “Our future should include transit-oriented development,” makes a lot of sense. We urgently need housing and transportation here on long island. Kremer’s negative comments about transit funding accomplish nothing, except to play to the short-term interests of uncaring politicians.
i suggest he think about this, and reevaluate his position.
MiChAel CrAveN Point Lookout
To the editor:
Anyone who travels by car, rides a bike or walks across an intersection in
been a team effort led on a daily basis by our interim president and CeO, Megan ryan. her leadership, combined with the tireless efforts of our new chief financial officer and the entire NhCC management team, has been pivotal in demonstrating that despite chronic challenges, the hospital can thrive, giving peace of mind to future generations. it is important, however, to acknowledge that our journey is far from over. While the audit results are encouraging and key metrics are positive, there is an underlying and inescapable truth that seems inconvenient for some Albany leaders. As a safety-net hospital, NUMC cannot continue to serve its more than 275,000 patients per year without state aid and higher Medicaid reimbursement rates. We serve a diverse community, including Nassau’s most at-risk patients, many of whom cannot afford to pay for care. even though the legislature just increased the state budget by $8 billion, there continues to be reticence to commit to ensuring that our hospital survives. Our progress shows clearly that our stated goal for NUMC of relying on less aid over time is achievable. But we still need help to provide care for those
who cannot afford to pay.
Claims that the state doesn’t have the money are nonsense. Claims that management isn’t making reforms are patently false. Cutting our staff by 90 percent, which was recommended by the Nassau interim Finance Authority in 2020, would be an insult to the people who rely on us for care. Caring for our most vulnerable should be government’s top priority, not political jockeying for control over vital institutions.
Nassau needs NUMC. No other hospital can serve our patients. There simply isn’t enough capacity. Other local hospitals are disincentivized from treating Medicare and Medicaid patients and won’t treat the uninsured. While we wait for Albany to recognize that, our team will continue to protect this vital institution. We are determined to address the challenges we face head-on, with the same commitment and resilience that have brought us this far.
Despite what you’ve heard, the future of NhCC is indeed promising. The hospital is treating what has ailed it for decades. This success should be a rallying cry for bipartisan support now for a healthier tomorrow for all we serve.
Matthew J. Bruderman is chairman of the board of directors of Nassau Health Care Corporation, which operates Nassau University Medical Center and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility.
Nassau County knows that life-threatening recklessness behind the wheel has become terrifyingly common. in fact, 20 times more people are killed in the county by drivers than by shooters. yet elected officials, led by County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman, are doing little or nothing to reduce traffic violence. instead, in a stunning example of skewed priorities, Blakeman and his political allies stir public fears of the comparatively tiny threat of gun-related crime.
i n 2022 — the most recent year for which statistics are available — traffic violence claimed 81 lives in Nassau County. That same year, a total of four people in the county were killed by armed assailants.
And the roads are becoming ever more deadly.
“Traffic fatalities in New york have grown at an alarming rate since the pandemic,” state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a report last month.
Speeding and drunk or distracted driving are among the leading causes of this upsurge. But the Nassau County Police Department issued 66 percent fewer speeding tickets in 2022 than in 2019, the year prior to the pandemic. DWi arrests have also sharply decreased.
“ i n Nassau County,” Blakeman declared in March, “we back the blue, and we fund our police.” he boasted that more than 200 officers have been added
to the county’s police force since he took office in 2022.
That rhetoric, and those statistics, mean little to the families of children and adults killed in preventable crashes. And almost all motor vehicle fatalities can indeed be prevented with safer road
designs and tighter enforcement of traffic laws. Nassau County public officials must stop ignoring this worsening threat to the lives of their constituents.
