Tim Baker/Herald
Alumni of Centre Avenue Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary last Saturday. Among the attendees were Michael Stern, from the sixth-grade class of 1975; his sister, Lisa Stern Burch, sixth-grade class of 1977, at right; and their mother, Barbara Stern, a past president and secretary of the PTA. More photos, Page 3.
The East Rockaway school district announced that each of the five winter varsity teams has earned Scholar-Athlete team status, and 41 athletes from those squads have been named Scholar-Athletes.
The honors come from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, which requires student-athletes to maintain a grade point average of at least 90, and for a team to earn the title, 75 percent or more of the roster must have GPAs of at least 90. The East Rockaway High School boys’ and girls’ varsity basket-
ball team, the cheer team and the boys’ and girls’ varsity winter track teams achieved this recognition for their outstanding academic performance.
Gary Gregory, director of physical education, health, and athletics, explained that last year, every team but one in fall, winter and spring earned this status. This year, only two fall teams were recognized as scholar-athletes, but he noted that 100 percent of the winter teams received the honor.
“I’ve been here several years, coaching the sport, and we earned scholar-athletes, but I would say these are the most responsible stu-
Maureen Doyle, Joseph Lores win seats on East Rockaway board, while Sean Murray, Lesli Deninno, Shannon Kelly were winners for the Lynbrook board
By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.comCommunity members in both East Rockaway and Lynbrook voted on their school district’s proposed budget Tuesday evening.
With a total of 382 yes votes and 152 no votes, the East Rockaway School District’s budget passed.
Proposition 2-capital reserve funds for technology, and Proposition 3-energy efficiency measures, also passed.
Maureen Doyle was elected as trustee to fill a pre-existing term from May 21 to June 30, 2025.
Joseph Lores was also voted into the board as trustee and he will serve for three years, starting at the end of June.
With a total of 1,110 yes votes and 318 no votes, the Lynbrook Public Schools’ budget passed.
Proposition 2-technology replacement fund, and Proposition 3-facilities and capital reserves fund, also passed.
The East Rockaway spending plan, which was adopted on April 16, is $1.3 million — or 3 percent — larger than the 2023 to 2024 budget, and would stay below the state’s tax cap with a 2 percent tax levy increase.
The proposed 2024 to 2025 budget maintains all current levels of instructional programs, extracurricular activities, and professional development in addition to supporting the new proposed programs.
The Lynbrook spending plan, which was adopted on April 16, is $4.5 million larger than the 2023 to 2024 budget, and would stay below the state’s tax cap.
In the budget, $2.7 million of the reserves will be used, which is an increase of $1.25 million. Paul Lynch, superintendent of Lynbrook School District, said that the district is fortunate to not have to layoff staff or cut programs due to the use of the reserve funds.
Lesli Deninno and Sean Murray were re-elected as trustees on the education board. Shannon Kelly was also elected as a new board member.
Richner Communications, Inc. — Long Island’s largest publisher of local media — has acquired the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon, Massapequa Post and Beacon Smart Shopper, from CJ Publishers Inc.
These brands join family-owned Richner Communications, which now owns and publishes 27 community-focused hyperlocal newspapers through its Herald Community Media division, which serves large parts of Nassau County, as well as parts of New York City through the Pulitzer Prize-winning Riverdale Press in the Bronx, and The Jewish Star, which serves the Orthodox Jewish communities throughout the region.
The Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and Massapequa Post date back to 1904, 1966 and 1951, respectively. Today, they serve the communities of the Village of Amityville, North Amityville, Vil-
Michael Hinman/Herald
For decades, the newspaper group that included the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and the Massapequa Post were published by Alfred and Carolyn James. Carolyn joins Herald Community Newspapers as an associate publisher.
ing the newspapers to remain “steadfast pillars within their communities under new guardianship.”
“In the pages of the June 19, 1991, editions of the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and Massapequa Post, we embarked on a journey, pledging to carry forth the legacy of those who came before us,” wrote James in a note to readers last week. “Now, nearly 32 years later, we stand on the precipice of change as Herald Community Newspapers — a stalwart in Nassau County’s weekly news landscape — assumes ownership of our beloved papers.”
The Richner and James families have a longstanding relationship. Richner Printing has printed the CJ newspapers for years and also prints other daily and weekly newspapers, specialty publications and newsletters throughout the tristate region, as well as general, high-volume commercial printing and mailing.
Like CJ Publications, Richner Communications is a proud family-owned business. Founded by Robert and Edith Richner in 1964, the company is today led by their son, Stuart Richner.
“We are excited to continue the great work of Carolyn, Al and their team, to ensure that the Amityville, Babylon and Massapequa communities have the critical news necessary to remain vibrant places to live and work,” Richner said. “Our company believes deeply in the importance of local journalism, and we look forward to introducing ourselves to our new readers.”
Carolyn James will assume the role of associate publisher at Richner Communications and will continue to oversee the four publications. The (516) 798-5100 phone number of CJ Publishers will remain the same, as will the newspapers’ websites of AmityvilleRecord.com, BabylonBeacon.com and MassapequaPost. com. James’ email address is now cjames@liherald.com.
Neighbors, elected officials, faculty, and students joined to celebrate Centre Avenue Elementary School turning 100.
This past Saturday was filled with music, games, tours, and talks, as dozens of community members recognized the 100th anniversary of the school. Since opening in 1924, Centre Avenue has always been “kids first.” Now, 100 years later, the school shares the same integral theme, as they continue to find different ways to make students prepared for their future.
— Ben Fiebert
Past and
Lynbrook firefighters quickly extinguished a deck fire that had spread to an adjoining neighbor’s deck on May 4 at 4:11 p.m.
The fire call came in for a home at 94 Scranton Ave., but firefighters found that the original deck fire began at 9 Piccadilly Downs and spread to the deck at the Scranton Avenue home. Engine Company was first on the scene. They stretched tow hose lines, one of which went to the rear of 94 Scranton Ave., and the other
On May 2 at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Lynbrook Fire Department’s Extrication Team, which is made up of Truck Company One and Tally-Ho Engine Three, and under the command of Chief Scott Bien, responded to an “overturn and entrapment” on Hendrickson Avenue near Dawes Avenue.
Just twelve hours before at 5 a.m., that same day, Lynbrook firefighters cut out a driver from his truck on Peninsula Boulevard after an accident with a car at Hempstead Avenue.
stretched to a hydrant three houses away. Meanwhile, Tally-Ho Company arrived and took the hydrant west of the Piccadilly Downs. They stretched another hose line to the rear of 9 Piccadilly Downs.
The fire was extinguished with the one hose line while Truck Company overhauled the burning deck. The fire did not spread to the homes and firefighters were on the scene for about 45 minutes.
— Contributed by Steve Grogan
Generally, parents leave their assets to the children thinking that the children will then take care of their children. Occasionally, parents want to bypass the children, either wholly or partially, and leave an inheritance directly to the grandchildren.
Inheritances to minors come in different varieties, such as bequests in wills and as beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries on IRA’s, investment accounts, life insurance policies and annuities.
Although well-intentioned, inheritances to minors, without a trust, must go through a court proceeding on death. Minors, those under 18, cannot hold property in their names. In the proceeding, the judge appoints a legal guardian to protect the minor’s interest until age eighteen, at which time the beneficiary receives the asset. The expenses of the legal guardian will be paid out of the minor’s bequest. Generally, the legal guardian will use the funds for the child’s health, education, maintenance and support having regard to any other assets or resources of the
minor known to the guardian. Again, ready or not, the legal guardian must turn over the assets to the minor at age eighteen, a tender age in today’s world.
A better plan would be to leave assets to a minor beneficiary by creating a trust. You leave directions for the use of the funds, distribution at a stated age, such as thirty years old and, in the meantime, the trustee, a person you choose instead of a legal guardian chosen by the court, uses the money for the purposes enumerated above, either by giving money directly to the minor or by paying bills on their behalf.
Trusts avoid probate court proceedings entirely for the trust assets. You either put assets into the trust while you are living or, alternatively, you may name the minor’s trust as death beneficiary on bank accounts, investment accounts, IRA’s or the retirement plans, annuities and life insurance policies.
The intention to benefit minor beneficiaries must be attended to with thoughtful planning to avoid having the good deed punished.
On Hendrickson Avenue, firefighters found a mini-van lying on the driver’s side, just past the Dawes intersection. The driver was trapped inside. Tally-Ho was quickly on the scene followed by Truck Company. Lynbrook police closed off Hendrickson from Marshall Avenue to Horton Avenue.
Tally-Ho set up their cutting tools and saws to free the woman. A member of the department’s Emergency Medical Company climbed through the back door of the van and stabilized the driver while the firefighters cut into the vehicle.
Tally-Ho and Truck Company members cut the roof off the car to safely remove the driver, who was conscious.
After the roof was removed, the driver was taken from the vehicle and placed on a stretcher to be transported to Northwell Health.
Firefighters were on the scene for about 40 minutes. According to Bien, he is not aware of Lynbrook firefighters ever being involved in two overturn accidents and entrapments in one day where drivers had to be cut out of their vehicles, let alone within twelve hours.
— Contributed by Steve Grogan
Courtesy Steve Grogan
Courtesy Steve Grogan
dent athletes in the school, and they are highly academic,” Ken Anderson, coach of the boys’ and girls’ winter track, said. “So, I wasn’t surprised that they received this status, however, I was honored to find out about this.”
What helped the boys’ and girls’ track team achieve this, Anderson explained, were the open lines of communication he had with his athletes. He said athletes would let him know if they had to go for extra help or if they had a lot on their plate and could not make it to practice. This open dialogue kept the coach informed about student issues and how to work around that.
“East Rockaway has developed a culture of academics first and the extracurricular are secondary,” Cheri Poland, girls basketball coach, said. “We take that very seriously and the students know that the academics is in the forefront.”
Poland said that she allows the students flexibility if they have a test or are behind on assignments. She also offers them support or suggestions on how to balance both schoolwork and being an athlete.
Gregory said he told all the coaches that extra help is always supported and there is no penalty for a student coming to practice late because of the extra academic help.
“I think time management was a big factor in achieving this,” Kieran Lynch, boys’ track athlete, said. “Being able to both put the time to go to practices and also being able to find time to do home-
students. He said that his coach helps ease his stress by allowing him and his teammates to get extra help when they need to.
Pollackov also pointed out that some athletes are trying to balance sports with schoolwork, but also the responsibilities they have at a job. He said that some the students are helping support their families by working. The athletes wear “many hats,” Pollackov added.
“It’s very important to learn how to prioritize your time,” Hailey Velasquez, a girls’ track athlete, said. “Sports are important, but if you have a test the next day, emailing your coach and teacher is really important to share where our priorities are.”
Gregory agreed with Valasquez and said that communication is key. He tries to instill that in the coaches so they can emphasize that to the students.
work.”
Nick Pollackov, a boys’ basketball player, echoed what Lynch said and noted that balancing sports and academics can be a huge stressor on the
“They need to have a voice and they need to be able to communicate to the coach about needing extra help, studying, or whatever it may be,” Gregory said. “And I think that’s a good way for the lines of communication to open up, and then they feel more comfortable speaking to their coach about any other issues that may arise.”
Each of these teams and athletes will be acknowledged by the school district at the end-of-the-year awards ceremony in June.
Baldwin Senior Lacrosse
IT WAS A NEAR-PERFECT regular season for the Bruins, who won 13 of 14 games and captured the Nassau Conference 3 title. And Ryan, who will play lacrosse at Hartwick College, was one of the biggest reasons for their success. She netted 52 goals, including the 100th of her career, and added 12 assists. She also had 87 draw controls. Ryan had eight points (six goals and two assists) May 6 as Baldwin sealed first place with a 14-13 win over Hicksville.
BASEBALL (Farmingdale State College)
Bianca LoBosco had just finished blasting her second grand slam in as many days, lifting Lynbrook’s still-unbeaten softball team to a pair of wins in mid-April.
Her team now trailing in the seventh inning by two runs against host Baldwin –the Owls’ perfect start to the season heading towards a sunset – LoBosco, a day removed from her back-to-back slams, stepped into the box knowing she wouldn’t threepeat the feat. ... For the simple reason that the bases weren’t loaded.
Instead, the junior catcher cranked a three-run shot – homering in three straight games – to put the Owls ahead late in a 10-8 win at Baldwin, as Lynbrook moved to an unblemished 8-0 with the nonleague victory.
“This team had confidence, and against Baldwin it really showed,” Owls coach Peter Toscano said. “We showed we could play with teams above us, out of our conference. I think it showed how good we really were.”
SOFTBALL (Farmingdale State College)
Thursday, May 23
Nassau
May 25 Nassau
Nassau
Nassau
Nassau
Sunday, May 26
Nassau Class A finals Game 2
3 if needed 5 p.m.
Nassau Class AA finals Game 3 if needed 7:30 p.m.
BOYS LACROSSE (Hofstra University)
Friday, May 24
Nassau Class B championship 5 p.m.
Nassau Class C championship 7:30 p.m.
Buoyed by the fearsome bat of LoBosco – who finished third in Nassau with eight homers – and a stellar first year in the circle from junior righthander Kylie Schroeder, Conference 5’s Pitcher of the Year with a league-leading 12 wins (14 overall), Lynbrook would start the season 12-0 before an April 25 league loss to Manhasset, exactly one month after Lynbrook’s opening win over South Side.
LoBosco earned All-County honors batting a team-best .667 while leading Lynbrook with 48 RBIs. Schroeder, still an outfielder this offseason when she approached Toscano with news she’d been practicing pitching and offered her services, took Honorable mention All-County honors along with the league’s highest pitching award, striking out 120 as she answered the Owls’ biggest preseason question.
“I knew we would hit,” said Toscano, whose team (12-1 Conference 5, 16-3 overall) fell to Floral Park, 7-6, in a Nassau Class A play-in May 13. “But wasn’t sure if we’d have any pitching. Kylie stepped into that role for us and was great.”
Sue Grieco/Herald
It was Lynbrook junior Kylie Schroeder’s first year in the circle but that didn’t stop her from being named the top pitcher in Conference 5.
“When you have someone like Kylie pitching and Bianca leading the offense, it’s a tough team to beat,” Toscano added. “And then everyone else in the lineup is just as capable, one through nine.”
Senior Owls shortstop Katie Sharkey hit .500 from the leadoff spot, ahead of LoBosco, who – like one of the slugger’s famous big-league counterparts – batted unconventionally second (“Bianca’s like our Ohtani,” Toscano said), followed by juniors Kelsey Roth (.392 average), Jess Ferrara (.531; All-Conference) and Emma Mylan (.444), and sophomore Angelina Macchia (.400).
Over their opening run of 12 wins the Owls pummeled opponents 157-57. “Our
lineup really had no holes,” said Toscano, noting that sophomore first baseman Danielle Inserra (.305) – who finished the season without a fielding error – functioned as “a second leadoff hitter” in the ninth spot.
Eighth-grade righthander Jamie Deitch went 2-0 spelling Schroeder in nonleague starts against Valley Stream North and West Hempstead – leaving Lynbrook’s staff, as well as its lineup, apparently set for next season. “Kylie’s obviously our ace,” Toscano said. “Jamie looks good for our number two starter.”
“Next year we should be similar”, he added. “And just like this year, we’ll go out and try to have fun.”
At a Town of Hempstead board meeting last month, the Tarmin house in Lynbrook was declared a historical landmark.
The home was built between 1810 and 1820 in a mortise and tenon technique. The foundation of the home was built on top of tree stumps. A lot of different families lived in the house in the past 200 years.
“It’s an old house,” Frank Torre, president of the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Historical Society said. “You’re talking 1810. That’s a decade after the death of the first president of the United States.”
Torre noted that some big local names lived in the home. Some include Charles Doughty; Benjamin and Sarah Pearsall; Robert Davison; Wheelock Combs, and more.
YThe well, which is still at the home today, is one of the reasons why Torre believed the Town of Hempstead decided to declare the property a historical landmark. Also, a lot of houses from the early 1800s were destroyed so with the Tarmin house being in a group of three or four other homes that were built in that generation, the Town sought to preserve the home.
“The fact that it was so well preserved and that it was a fine example of the 19th century, that was one of the reasons why the landmark commission unanimously voted for preservation,” Torre said.
In 1946, the house, along with the farm that was part of the property, was subdivided. The main barn was torn down.
FR aNk PresidentToRRE
of the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Historical Society
“Wheelock Combs is the most famous name that popped up,” Torre said. “Wheelock Combs was a famous, very well-known shipping captain, who was born in 1831 and died in 1900.”
The property was then sold to the Lunings in 1894 for $3,000.
“What’s interesting about the Lunings is that Herman Luning was a founding member of the first lutheran church in the area,” Torre said.
Torre explained that there was a well built on the property, which serviced horses during the Civil War.
“A sun porch was added in 1946 to the southeast side of the house and in 1973, the rear kitchen was expanded and remodeled and a laundry room added,” the record of the home stated on Catalog.Archives.gov. “Up until 1948, outhouses existed on the property but indoor bathroom facilities were installed in what were closets or tmnk rooms. The foundation of the main structure consists of masonry walls and cedar or locust posts set deeply into sand and topped with wide wood floor planks secured with cut nails.”
In 2008, the house was registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Now, it is privately owned by the Tarmin family.
On March 11, the East Rockaway Girl Scouts of the ELLM — East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne — participated in East Rockaway’s monthly Village Board meeting for Good Government Night.
The Girl Scouts got to take on the roles of the village officials to get an opportunity to see how the village board meeting is run. Junior Troops 2062 and 2606 took on the roles of mayor, deputy mayor, and trustees. Members of Daisy Troop 2122 took on the role of reading the February report for the Nassau County Police, East Rockaway’s library director, and the recreation/senior director.
At the end of the meeting, all the Daisies presented all the village officials with a box of Girl Scout mint cookies. Before the meeting began, the Girl Scouts got a behind the scenes, touring village hall and learned about some of the functions that the village departments perform for the residents of the village.
East Rockaway’s Good Government Night is annually held during Girl Scout Week. This year, the week is honoring the 112 years of Girl Scouting, which began on March 12, 1912 when Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low organized the first meeting in Savannah, Georgia.
— Ben Fiebert
On March 11, the East Rockaway Girl Scouts of the ELLM — East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne — participated in East Rockaway’s monthly Village Board meeting for Good Government Night.
The Girl Scouts got to take on the roles of the village officials to get an opportunity to see how the village board meeting is run. Junior Troops 2062 and 2606 took on the roles of mayor, deputy mayor, and trustees.
Members of Daisy Troop 2122 took on the role of reading the February report for the Nassau County Police, East Rockaway’s library director, and the recreation/senior director.
At the end of the meeting, all the
Daisies presented all the village officials with a box of Girl Scout mint cookies. Before the meeting began, the Girl Scouts got a behind the scenes, touring village hall and learned about some of the functions that the village departments perform for the residents of the village.
East Rockaway’s Good Government Night is annually held during Girl Scout Week. This year, the week is honoring the 112 years of Girl Scouting, which began on March 12, 1912 when Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low organized the first meeting in Savannah, Georgia.
— Ben Fiebert Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools The Spector family presenting the Charles and Marjorie Spector Grant to Lynbrook High School teacher William Luzzi to build an outdoor classroom.Marinela Lizana Plaza, Cedarhurst
American Legion Post 339
I think of soldiers that fought in our wars to keep freedom, our liberties and America as we know it, how much we owe them and their memories. I have a friend, a member of my unit, who died, who I think about every Memorial Day.
Ralph Esposito, Elmont Veterans Service Agency
We pay tribute to those who gave all to make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. I run the Elmont Memorial Day parade to remember those who gave it all and who made the supreme sacrifice.
Davian Savage, Lynbrook American Legion Post 339
It’s a day to recognize the fallen military personnel over the course of many wars, and to remember their impact on the freedom we have today, and the ultimate sacrifice they made.
Howard Stillwagon, Glen Cove
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 347 (with Cruiser, his service dog) Memorial Day is to honor the fallen veterans of all wars but (personally) for the 20 young men I saw get killed in Vietnam from January to July of 1969. For us combat veterans, we know what it was like to see them lose their lives We never forget.
Gary Glick, Bellmore Jewish War Veterans
It’s a day of mourning for guys who have passed away or who were killed in the war — in all wars. My motto is to help veterans. It shouldn’t just be one day of taking care of veterans, it should be every day.
Nassau County turned 125 earlier this year, and an eclectic grouping of politicians, artists and celebrities celebrated with the clinking of glasses at The Lannin catering hall at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
Last week’s party — hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — saw a packed room filled with dignitaries like Hempstead deputy town supervisor Dorothy Goosby and Valley Stream painter Mike Stanko, alongside celebrity guests like actor Vincent Pastore from “The Sopranos” television series, and singer Taylor Dayne.
“Nassau County was once known for agriculture, fishing, Gold Coast estates, and resort living,” Blakeman told attendees, during his toast. “Today, Nassau County is larger than 10 states in population. Our gross domestic product is larger than 146 nations in the United Nations. We are home to people of every race, every religion, every ethnic group, every lifestyle, and every ability. We are one of the healthiest — and thanks to our Nassau County Police Department, we are the safest.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums took The Lannin hall by storm at Eisenhower Park in paying tribute to Nassau’s 125th anniversary. It was all part of an all-star gala last week hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
It’s partly the reason why those like former Nassau County Historical Society president Natalie Naylor treated the milestone as less of a cause for celebration and more as an opportunity to underscore serious challenges in preserving the county’s much longer heritage.
“Nassau County once had a wonderful system of museums that, over the years, has deteriorated with less and less funding, staffing and expertise,” she said, pointing to the “county’s declining financial support and interest over the decades” as a main concern.
Naylor also mentioned that long-proposed projects like working with the county to bring back the Nassau County Historical Museum — formerly based in Eisenhower Park that shuttered in 1991 — have failed to get off the ground.
But the county still sought to make history a focal point of the celebration, commissioning Valley Stream artist Mike Stanko to create a rendering of the Theodore Roosevelt County Executive Building in his signature “pop-realist” style.
Thus, on Jan. 1, 1899, Nassau County was born with its suburban future firmly secured.
But for Alexandra Wolfe, chief executive of Preservations Long Island — a regional historic preservation nonprofit
The county’s origin story was, in effect, an act of secession, according to historians. In 1898, when New York City annexed Queens County, its three eastern towns — Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay — pushed to split away, drawing an invisible boundary between itself and the newly expanded city.
— the county’s historical value predates its official inception.
“You can find historical material as far back as the 18th century in Nassau County,” she said. “Every movement in history left an imprint on Long Island. But you’re not often aware of it. It’s hidden away, privately owned, or built around.”
Stanko chose the subject matter for his painting after touring the building with Blakeman, who personally requested him for the occasion.
“It’s the office of the county executive and of many other elected officials and public servants, and it’s going to be prominently displayed there,” Stanko said. “It’s a classic historic building, and it’s a true honor and privilege to be selected for this work.”
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Every spring, Scouts all over the country pull together to help the hungry in their communities, going doorto-door to collect canned and nonperishable foods from neighbors to help stock local food banks.
That’s the idea behind Scouting for Food, the annual food-collection drive run by Scouts BSA. It’s a reminder to Scouts that doing good deeds is part of their mission, and a reminder to local communities that Scouting is about more than just merit badges and camping.
However, East Rockaway’s Scout Troop 332 realized that the usual method of asking door-to-door for donations was barely enough to help feed the hungry in their town, so they decided to take it a step further. Last month, Troop 332 knocked on doors, put out donation bins, and held a huge food collection drive on Saturday morning, April 27 at the Stop and Shop on Atlantic Avenue. When all the food was collected and weighed, and dozens of boxes filled with donations, Troop 332 had collected 1,400 pounds of food — nearly five times the amount they had collected each year in previous efforts.
“As Scout Leaders, we want to develop young people who are not only aware of needs in their community, but then take the initiative to help their community fill those needs,” Lissette Bernal-Cruz, Troop 332 assistant, who coordinates the Troop’s community service efforts, said. “We were just discussing with our Scouts how food insecurity has increased over the past couple of years and wanted to really push ourselves as a Troop this
year to help people.”
Her colleague Peter Carbonaro, also an assistant scoutmaster with the Troop, concurs.
“Although our Troop participates in Scouting for Food every year, we wanted to make a statement this time,” Carbonaro said. “We began to ask ourselves, what can we do differently? How can we do things better? How can we ramp it up?”
Some of the local agencies that have partnered with Scouting for Food are the Mary Brennan INN Soup Kitchen, Island Harvest, and this spring’s partner agency, St. Raymond’s Food Pantry.
“When the Troop arrived at our pantry with cars full of food, we were astonished,” a representative for St. Raymond’s Parish Social Ministry said. “We are seeing families that used to show up at our pantry once a month, now showing up every couple of weeks for pantry staples, and there are always new families that need our help. These Scouts saw that challenge and rose up to meet it.”
Scouts BSA Troop 332 meets on most Fridays at 7:30 p.m. during the school year at the St. Raymond’s gymnasium, located at 263 Atlantic Ave. in East Rockaway. Parents of boys aged 11 to 17 who are interested in learning more about Scouting can contact Frank Honerkamp, Troop 332 scoutmaster, for more details at t332fwh@ yahoo.com.
St. Raymond’s Food Pantry is always looking for nonperishable foods for their community distribution efforts. To donate food to the Pantry, call St. Raymond’s at (516) 593-5000.
Scouts from Troop 332 collected over 1,400 pounds of food, including over 1,000 pounds from asking for food donations at the Stop & Shop on Atlantic Avenue.
On May 1, several officers from the fourth battalion fire district were sworn in.
Joe Mihalich, former chief of the East Rockaway Fire Department, was sworn into office for another year as chairman of the Fourth Battalion Fire District. Mihalich, along with Secretary Kevin Bien, former chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department, and Treasurer Mike Koppel, former chief of the Lakeview Fire Department, were sworn in by John Hennig, former Nassau County fire commission chairman of the Rockville Centre Fire Department. Also, James Lang, former chief of the Malverne Fire Department, was sworn in.
Mihalich was also as elected vice-chairman of the Nassau County Fire Commission at their annual meeting on May 8 in Floral Park.
The Fourth Battalion Fire District composes of the East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, and Rockville Centre Fire Departments. The fire district, which is the smallest district, is one of nine fire districts that make up the Nassau County Fire Commission.
Nassau County Fire Commission
Chairman John Hennig swearing in Joe Mihalich, Kevin Bien, and Mike Koppel into the Fourth Battalion Fire District.
Parliament Funkadelic
HGeorge Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic revolutionized funk music in the 1970s, blending psychedelic rock with soulful grooves and creating an extravagant stage show that influenced generations of musicians. Their iconic sound and outlandish performances made them pioneers of funk, with hits like ‘Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)’ and ‘Atomic Dog’ cementing their legacy in music history.
By Karen Bloom
Here we are — ready to kick back and enjoy Memorial Day weekend’s prelude to summer. Besides the observances, parades and barbecues, that yearly trek to Jones Beach to watch the action overhead during the Bethpage Air Show is a beloved tradition for so many of us.
Courtesy U.S. Navy
This year’s show — on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 — celebrates its 20th year with much fanfare.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, headliners at the first Bethpage Air Show back in 2004, return to helm the spectacular two-day display of flying stunts. George Gorman, regional director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, enthusiastically says that “spectators are in for a real treat” this time around with 2024 being “a very special year for us.”
“Not only are we celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bethpage Air Show, but we are also celebrating the 95th anniversary of Jones Beach State Park and the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks and the Long Island State Park Commission,” he notes.
The Blue Angels have strong ties to the region, flying Grumman Hellcats, built on Long Island for the team’s 1946 inaugural flight. The team then went on to fly other Grumman aircraft, including the Bearcat, Cougar and Tiger, one of which now hangs at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.
Parliament Funkadelic (often abbreviated as P-Funk), led by Clinton, is known for their innovative and influential contributions to the genre, combining elements of funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. The collective originated in the 1960s, with Clinton serving as the central figure and creative force behind both groups. He’s recognized as the godfather of modern urban music.
Saturday, May 25, 8 p.m. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $54.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com, (631) 673-7300
the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; along with Farmingdale State
College Flying Rams, flying several of their 22 college-owned aircraft, complete team uses five of the remaining World War II-era NA SNJ planes left in the world, meticulously restored with the latest technology.
The Skytypers, an air show favorite, combine the best of old and new. The team uses five of the remaining World War II-era NA SNJ planes left in the world,
“These were Navy scout planes used on missions in World War II and the Korean War,” explains Larry Arken, the Skytypers’ longtime flight leader. “We’ve modernized them and give them plenty of TLC. We have to take care of our warbirds. They’ve got quite a military history; they’ve landed on aircraft carriers and as fighter trainers they trained the Greatest Generation.”
• May 25-26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $10 vehicle use fee
• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
• For up-to-date information, visit BethpageAirShow.com or text ‘Airshow’ to (516) 842-4400, to download the Bethpage Air Show mobile app
The distinguished squadron — back for its 10th headlining appearance — is joined by other elite military pilots, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Air Force’s A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team, and the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team. These expert aviators demonstrate the armed forces’ capabilities in fulfilling air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The renowned Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron always delights air show visitors with unparalleled displays of flight precision, in keeping with the Navy’s time-honored tradition dating back to 1946. A total of 17 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels, showcasing the precision and power of naval aviation. Each year, the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support officers, and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot to relieve departing members.
As always, expert civilian performers join in the action. The popular Skytypers and their flight squadron of vintage World War II aircraft; Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; the Warbird Thunder team, piloted by former Skytypers members; Long Island’s aerobatic daredevil David Windmiller;
The Farmingdale-based Skytypers are, of course, a familiar sight along northeast beaches with their skytyped messages generated at an altitude of 10,000 feet with puffs of smoke in dot matrix-style letters. While those messages won’t be visible during the show this time around, the pilots are ready to entertain with their signature maneuvers.
“We’re thrilled that this is our 20th year with the show,” Arken says. “It’s so important to us as it’s our hometown show. For many of our friends, it’s the only time they get to see us (perform). We’re always excited to be here and put a smile on people’s faces. It’s great fun to fly down low and see everyone on the beach. This is a terrific event, and the pilots enjoy it as much as everyone on the ground.”
Flying at 500 feet, his team’s 18 minutes of precision skills always excite spectators. Among their favorite tricks is the “bomb burst,” in which the Arken’s planes come in at low altitude toward the spectators from five directions in a crisscross pattern.
“It almost looks like we’re going to hit each other,” he says. “It’s a real crowd pleaser.”
His team is a close-knit group of five pilots, with decades of military and professional experience, who honor the history and heritage of their refurbished aircraft.
“I consider us caretakers of these planes that had such a historical impact during World War II, “Arken says.”Everything we do is because we want to keep them alive for the generations to see them. We love flying these planes and bringing them to this show.”
The event is one of the largest air shows in the country. More than 240,000 people attended in 2022, when the Blue Angels last performed during a stormy weekend. Last year, more than 419,000 attended.
Aztec Two-Step 2.0 chronicles the extraordinary career of Simon & Garfunkel. The music speaks for itself, anchored by Rex Fowler, Aztec Two-Step co-founder and his wife, Dodie Pettit, an original cast member of Broadway’s ‘The Phantom of The Opera.’ Multiinstrumentalist Steven Roues, horn player Joe Meo, and drummer/ percussionist Peter Hohmeister round out the band. The show’s storyline was originally created by Pete Fornatale, the late great pioneer of progressive FM radio and author of Simon & Garfunkel’s Bookends biography. Now telling the stories, emceeing and directing is Fornatale’s protégé, Tony Traguardo, noted rock music historian, podcaster and founding board member of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Nostalgia and laughter abound, and a sing a-long is always in the mix.
Friday, May 31, 8 p.m. $42, $37. $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
Chris Botti
Award-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti visits The Paramount, Sunday, June 2, 8 p.m. Botti has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. He has thoroughly established himself as one of the important, innovative figures of the contemporary music world. Coming to prominence with the 2001 recording of his Night Sessions CD, Botti gained a reputation as a versatile musician in both jazz and pop music for his ability to fuse both styles together. He’s been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades; he’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and others.
theater
Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Wednesday through Friday, May 29-31, 10:15 a.m. and noon; also Saturday, June 1, 11:30 a..m. and 2 p.m. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
He knew his life’s dream was playing music after listening to Miles Davis play perform “My Funny Valentine” live from “Miles Davis – Four & More.” Before venturing out as a solo artist, Botti played in Carnegie Hall as part of the McDonald’s All American High School jazz band and went on tour with Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler and others. His time performing with musicians such as Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé in and out of the studio inspired the distinct style Botti has to this very day. He’s topped the jazz charts with numerous award-winning albums, and performed with symphony orchestras and on prestigious stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House. After signing to Blue Note Records, Botti released his latest album, “Vol. 1.” In many ways, the album is a fresh start for the trumpeter. Having successfully crossed over from the underground jazz scene to pop stardom, Botti’s first album in over a decade finds him coming back to his roots, focusing on acoustic jazz and classic standards. $99.50, $89.50, $74.50, $64.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Annual Concert at St. Agnes Cathedral THE SOUTH SHORE SYMPHONY
SOUND VISIONS: MUSIC AND ART
ADAM GLASER MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR WITH MICHAEL BOWER, ORGANIST
2,
Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.
Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists.On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Old Westbury Gardens Director Maura Brush leads a 45-minute floral arranging class just for kids, Saturday, June 1, 1010:45 a.m., to explore their creative side. Fresh flowers will be used, and she will teach proper care and handling, water, and how to make sure your floral arrangement lasts and looks beautiful. Discuss flower names and fun facts about each flower. For ages 5-12. $30. Registration required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Hawaiian Style
Join NY Elks Lodge No. 1 on Friday, May 31, 7 p.m, for a Luau party. Dinner will include salad, kings Hawaiian rolls, pineapple chicken and rice, dessert, and coffee. The entree of pineapple chicken and rice
Celebrate Memorial Day at Greis Park, on Sunday, May 26. With opening ceremony at the park, at 6 p.m., followed by the Elite Team dance performance at 6:30 p.m., with magic show at 7 p.m. Then, get ready for a fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. Chairs are prohibited on the turf field, blankets only. The rain date for this event is on Monday, May 27 at 7 p.m. On Monday, May 27 at 8:30 a.m., there will be an assembly for VFW Post Service, with Memorial Day parade, beginning at 9:45 a.m., followed by Doughboy services. Go to LynbrookVillage.net/calendar. html for the parade route and street closings.
Participate in the 2024 Season Picnic at Greis Park, Saturday, June 15 ,at 11 a.m., hosted by Lynbrook East Rockaway Little League. For more information, call (516) 8872626.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to experience its newest exhibit, Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!, opening Saturday, May 28. Participate in fun activities celebrate the arrival of this traveling exhibit, 1-3 p.m., during the drop-in programs. Step onto the Island of Sodor, where visitors can climb aboard a large model of Thomas the Tank Engine, race trains along a giant track, work together to sort and load cargo and maintain engines.
Kids engage in a variety of STEM challenges from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. As they test their abilities, the smiling faces of Thomas, Percy, Victor and others are there to offer encouragement and remind children how “really useful” they all are. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Plaza Theatrical brings back its acclaimed Broadway series. With the recent passing of Stephen Sondheim, regarded as one of the most important figures in 20thcentury musical theatre for reinventing the American musical, Plaza honors him with a staging of “Into the Woods,” Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, June 1, 2:30 p.m.; also Thursday, June 6, 2 p.m. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
The Village of East Rockaway presents the 54th Annual Huckleberry Frolic, Saturday, June 8,1 0 a.m.-5 p.m., in Memorial Park adjacent to Village Hall. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Cammerer Avenue and Main Street, continuing down to Memorial Park. The East Rockaway Cub Scout Pack 84 participates. Save the date to celebrate the anniversary of the Haviland-Davison Grist Mill. Anyone interested in being a vendor can call (516) 368-4157 or contact Village Hall at (516) 887-4157. Applications are available at VillageOfEastRockaway. org.
East Rockaway’s Annual Memorial Day Parade takes place, Monday, May 27, 10 a.m., kicking off at VFW Hall, 164 Main St. It goes east along Main Street to Ocean Avenue, north on Ocean Avenue to Centre Avenue, west on Centre Avenue to Atlantic Avenue, south on Atlantic Avenue to Woods Avenue past the reviewing
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce car shows are back on Atlantic Avenue!, begining Thursday, June 6. Come enjoy a nice spring night out in Lynbrook. Check out the cars and have dinner in one of Lynbrook’s local restaurants. Spectators are free! Showing
Grab your running shoes, the 15th annual Beit Halochem International Five Towns 5K takes place Sunday, June 9 at North Woodmere Park, with the starter’s pistol firing at 10 a.m., sharp.
Proceeds benefit disabled Israeli military veterans through Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans out of Manhattan. Beit Halochem International is the only organization in the United States authorized to raise money for the rehabilitation of wounded Israeli veterans, according to officials.
Isaac Seinuk — co-chair of Beit Halochem USA-Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans — founded this race in 2009 with the immense support and sponsorship of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group.
“Running a community-based organization for over 35 years, we believe in ‘for the community, from the community,’ and our community is well-known for supporting Israel and Israeli causes,” said Shalom Maidenbaum, founding and managing member of the property tax group. “In these challenging and faithful times both for the state of Israel and American Jewry, it is imperative that we all do our part for the community here and in Israel.”
Maidenbaum helped get the race off the ground and supported Seinuk, serving as the “father” of the event.
The 5K starts at North Woodmere Park, making its way through the local streets of North Woodmere with major stretches on Cliffside Avenue and Flanders Drive — along with a path through Nutley Place, Glenridge Avenue, Mulberry Place, Cranford Avenue and Kilmer Lane — before ending back at the park for an awards ceremony.
Other sponsors include Young Israel of North Woodmere, Young Israel of Woodmere, Congregation Beth Sholom, and the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach. Volunteers are provided by the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway.
“I felt very strongly that I wanted to do something for Friends of Israel Disabled
Veterans in order to raise funds, and much more importantly, to raise awareness,” Seinuk said.
Beit Halochem was not well known in the United States back then, but the Five Towns 5K changed that significantly. Seinuk’s goal was to have runners return each year to help support the cause and donate.
The organization was established to help assist the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, formed in 1949 following Israel’s War of Independence, according to the group’s website. There are currently four active locations in Israel with a fifth in the works.
Every year, Beit Halochem USA raises
around $30,000 from the North Woodmere event, Seinuk said, with this year’s donations expected to go even higher.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve raised over a half a million dollars — if not more — for Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans,” he added.
The race provides needed money to help disabled soldiers receive physical rehabilitation and mental health services, especially for those who may live without limbs, or are managing other permanent disabilities.
“This year, the need is multiple times more than in any year the race is transpiring, since the Oct. 7 war,” said Jeffrey Eisenberg, founder of the Israel Chesed Center. “We now have over 50,000 wounded soldiers from this current war.”
It was Oct. 7 when Hamas terrorists crossed over from Gaza into Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, and kidnapping hundreds more.
New programs and therapy are continually added to aid the Israeli disabled veterans in ways that keep them active, healthy, and socially connected.
“Right before this current war, we’ve helped 52,000 wounded soldiers,” said Tzvia Wexler, national developing director for Beit Halochem USA. “Unfortunately, now we had an additional 13,000 physically wounded and 15,000 to 20,000 with PTSD.”
Registration remains open until the day of the race. For more information, visit 5Towns5K.org.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION FREMONT
HOME LOAN TRUST
MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-3 Plaintiff, Against MICHAEL A. AVILES Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/03/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 6/6/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 31 Edwin Court, East Rockaway, New York 11518, 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 Bay Park, On Hewlett Bay, In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 42 Block 22 Lot 16
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $196,827.69 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 608723/2020 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. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 4/12/2024 File Number: 20-303025 CA 146500
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE F/B/O HOLDERS OF STRUCTURED ASSET
MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2007-3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3, Plaintiff AGAINST SONIA F. GARNES AKA SONIA GARNES, ORLANDO FINDLAYTER INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF YVETTE FINDLAYTER, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 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 June 11, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 67 LAWRENCE AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 54, Lot 219. Approximate amount of judgment $516,776.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003213/2017. 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”. George Esernio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-000730 80360 146593
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 27425, Pltf. vs. LFA BROTHER’S HOLDINGS, INC., et al, Defts. Index #610716/22. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 16, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 12 Oakland Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563 a/k/a Section 42, Block 126, Lots 32, 33 &281. Approximate amount of judgment is $503,028.68 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. EVAN
DANA VANLEERGREENBERG, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. File No. LF-366 - #101410 146839
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, New York, will hold a Public Hearing at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, NY on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the following application: #06-2024 Application of Thomas Scarpaci, Owner, requesting a variance of: Section 288-21 Front yards. of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a new 2 story addition with basement in the front of the existing house that is 18.8 feet from the front property line, where 25 feet is the minimum required. Section 288-21 Front yards. of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a 2nd floor addition to the front of the house over the existing 1st floor that is 18.8 feet from the front property line, where 25 feet is the minimum required. The premises are located at 32 Plainfield Avenue as described on the Official Tax Map as Section 20, Block 1, Lot 22.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place.
BY ORDER OF the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway.
John F. Felbinger Superintendent Department of Buildings
Dated: May 23, 2024 146951
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, New York, will hold a Public Hearing at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, NY on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the following application: #05-2024 Application of Morano Expediting, on behalf of the Owner, requesting a variance of:
“ Section 288-7
Uses. B. (2) of the Village Zoning Code, to maintain a shed with a height of 10 Ω feet, where 9 Ω feet is the maximum permitted.
“ Section 288-7
Uses. B. (2) of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a pavilion with an area of 320 square feet, where 120 square feet is the maximum permitted.
“ Section 288-7
Uses. B. (2) of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a pavilion with a height of 12 Ω feet, where 9 Ω feet is the maximum permitted.
The premises are located at 84 Centre Avenue as described on the Official Tax Map as Section 12, Block 4, Lot 17A. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place. BY ORDER OF the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway. John F. Felbinger Superintendent Department of Buildings Dated: May 23, 2024 146950
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING/DECISIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a PUBLIC HEARING and DECISIONS on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. in the Board Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following case: #1013 - 875 Sunrise Realty LLC, 875 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 146952
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WATERFALL VICTORIA GRANTOR TRUST II, SERIES G, Plaintiff, vs. JORGE ARIAS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale After Inquest and Appointment of Referee duly entered on August 19, 2014 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on February 2, 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 June 25, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 18 Catherine Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. 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 37, Block 226 and Lot 593. Approximate amount of judgment is $342,900.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008272/2009 and is subject to a 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
Tenth grade science research students from East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School recently presented at the Medical Marvels research competition. From left, Mia Salvador, Eva Lam, Charlotte Webster, Mary Riordan, and Jack Gamache with science teacher Bryan Palermo.
A team of tenth graders from East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School recently attended the Medical Marvels research competition which was sponsored by Northwell Health.
The students presented the science research project they have been developing for months.
The event took place at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset.
The topic for this year’s competition was ‘using science, engineering, and technology to create supportive, accommodating, and accessible schools.’
With that goal in mind, the team presented their design for an innovative product that uses haptic feedback.
Haptic feedback is a technology that uses vibration patterns and other physi-
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 Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146964
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE R. ERCOLE JR A/K/A GEORGE ERCOLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 4, 2017, 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 June 25, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 169 SPENCER AVENUE,
cal stimuli to simulate tactile experiences, to help students with disabilities navigate school hallways without assistance. Their research showed an essential need due to staff shortages across the United States,
The research also indicated that there is a lasting benefit to the students, including increased independence and sense of inclusion.
This will lead to an improved educational experience.
The district congratulates this outstanding team of science research scholars for their innovative and insightful presentation based on a desire to spread inclusiveness and provide support for their fellow students.
— Ben FiebertLYNBROOK, NY 11563.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 441, Lot 232. Approximate amount of judgment $367,743.07 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008271/2009. 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”. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002974 80624 146904
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary 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
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma
NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000
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
GRAPHIC DESIGNER F/T
Needed For Valley Stream
Digital/ Print Shop
Work Direct With Clients
Digital/ Copy Shop Exp. Preferred Bilingual (Spanish) A Plus Call 516-285-8526 Email Resume: lmninvoice@gmail.com
HANDYPERSON WANTED
Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211
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
MECHANIC NEEDED Auto Experience A Plus With Tools Must Be Reliable Will Train Right Person Minimum 40 Hours A Week Have Valid Drivers License Own Transportation Benefits Available Oceanside 516-764-2552 Fax Or E-mail Resume To: 516-678-9087 butchbpms@aol.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
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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
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and
$14,588.78 East Rockaway $660,000
First
Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor master bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Security system.
Taxes: $16,008.46
Elmont $705,000
Butler Boulevard. Split Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office and exercise room. Legal accessory apartment.
Taxes: $11,723
Hewlett Harbor $1,675,000
Hedge Lane. Split Level. 7 bathrooms, 4.5 bedrooms. Partial finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office, exercise room with sauna/steam room. Ensuite master bedroom. Security system. Private location at end of cul-de-sac.
Taxes: $26,542.42
Island Park $705,000
New York Avenue. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Many upgrades including wet bar and wood burning stove.
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Malverne $760,000
Orbach Avenue. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. First floor bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $13,526.16
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Lake End. Road. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Lindenmere neighborhood. Finished walk-out basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and Bosch appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room with natural quarry brick fireplace. Home office. Large ensuite master bedroom with cathedral ceiling and walk-in closet. Highend finishes include picture frame moldings and hi-hats throughout. Front porch with bluestone walkway. Rear Trex deck. New HVAC system.
Taxes: $19,440
Q. We are wondering what to do about our projects. Our building department told us that we probably didn’t need a permit after all for our kitchen, because we are only moving one wall and changing the cabinets to a new layout, but with the sink in the same location. At the same time, we are making changes to our business, which we know needs a permit because we are changing a warehouse space to offices, also with a kitchen and new bathrooms. In that case, we are being asked to provide a complete estimate, but not from the contractor (whom we haven’t chosen yet) but from our architect. Does that sound right to you, that the architect, and not the contractor, should provide the estimate with a breakdown of line items anyway?
A. Being put in this position, you wonder if your architect gave you any good advice. At the same time, the architect is wondering why they are being thrown under the bus in front of their client, who now does not trust them. The conflicts created here are by a party to the equation that separates itself less and less from health, safety and welfare and enters into the realm of “divide and conquer.”
The change made for your kitchen includes removing a wall. Unless your building department wants to lessen their control over such matters, you absolutely need a building permit. I am wondering if you told them the full scope of what you were doing. If you wrongly communicated or interpreted that you could do wall configuration or structural changes to your home, and told your building department that you were only changing the kitchen cabinets, you have misinformed, and then been misinformed in return. They only understand what you tell them.
Most people are not too eager to tell the whole story because of the concern over the amount of work they will have to file for, with expensive plans, so they diminish the amount of work, which then creates the friction you described. Regulations make everyone uneasy and often unhappy. It does not sound right to me, for example, that your architect would need to do the full breakdown cost estimate for your project, because it sets everyone up to be at odds with one another before the construction even starts. When the architect provides one set of numbers, which the unknowing owner sees as the cost and then the contractor provides their estimate, if the two are far off from one another, the conflict begins.
Either the architect’s number is too low or too high. Too low makes the owner challenge the contractor, who from then on will have nothing to do with the architect. Too high and the architect is made to look foolish. Unless the architect gets their numbers from the contractor and all agree, the project has been set up for failure by a third party. In both cases, communication and acceptance of facts is necessary. 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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Recently I had the opportunity to take part in a forum on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms, hosted by Cornell University’s Institute of Politics and Global Affairs, which is directed by former U.S. Rep. Steve Israel. (Full disclosure: My daughter, Erin King Sweeney, works as an assistant to Israel at the institute.)
The event was held at upstate Hyde Park, the site of FDR’s birth, home, burial, library and museum, and it provided a perfect backdrop for the daylong series of discussions on the president who led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II.
As a history major and a political junkie who has read numerous books on FDR and his times, I found the forum interesting and rewarding. The most detailed and illuminating segment was the presentation by Andrew
Meier, author of the epic work “Morgenthau: Power, Privilege, and the Rise of an American Dynasty,” who focused on Henry Morgenthau, Roosevelt’s longtime friend and the U.S. Treasury secretary for almost 12 years.
What struck me the most while listening to Meier was a renewed realization of just how perilous those years were. The country’s fabric was being threatened internally by the corrosive economic and social dislocation of the Depression, and, of course, externally, our independence and freedom as a nation was imperiled by Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Tojo’s Imperial Japan. And in the years leading to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American people were committed to America First and strongly opposed to any involvement in foreign wars.
Would we and our leaders have the same stamina and unity of purpose today?
reality of the Holocaust, which he had to confront as the only Jewish member of FDR’s cabinet. Yet somehow, Morgenthau, Roosevelt and, most important, the American people came through all this, emerging with the world’s strongest economy and most powerful military, and the forces of Nazism and Japanese imperialism defeated and crushed.
because that was still not known to Japan and would damage our war effort in the Pacific, Dewey complied in the national interest. That contrasted sharply with what I saw in the war against terrorism, when secret agreements we had with countries were disclosed on newspapers’ front pages for political benefit, without regard to national harm.
pAs treasury secretary, Morgenthau had to deal simultaneously with severe budget, economic and banking crises as well as the Herculean two-front war effort against Germany and Japan. Hovering over all this was the horrific
This made me wonder whether America and our leaders would have that same stamina and unity of purpose today. And whether there would be the same level of patriotism, putting country before party. I remember reading that during the 1944 presidential campaign, Thomas Dewey, the Republican nominee, learned that the United States had broken the Japanese code prior to Pearl Harbor. This raised the question of whether FDR had been negligent or actually allowed the attack to happen (which Dewey believed).
Yet when Army Chief of Staff George Marshall asked Dewey not to disclose that we had broken the code,
My last impression from the FDR forum was how important it is for Americans to remember the past and the lessons to be learned from it. To realize that the world did not begin the day before yesterday or the day you were born. That crises do not lend themselves to the easy black-and-white solutions of social media. As the philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” America has had a difficult but proud history. A prouder history than any nation in the history of the world. A history we must do all we can to learn and never forget going forward.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
oll after poll shows that most Americans believe the United States is more divided than usual. With many contentious issues appearing to lack compromises, constructive policies can emerge, but zealots on either side must have no greater influence in the debate, and solutions must be based not on either side’s so-called “facts,” but rather on the truth. One such issue is the environment and climate. I have yet to meet anyone who wants polluted air or water. Everyone I know wants a clean environment, and supports a transition to green energy that supplants as much of fossil energy as possible. The overwhelming majority of people I speak to on the issue understand that investment in renewable energy is a must so that technology will continue to develop.
At the same time, that majority wants public policy on the transition to green energy to be smart, realistic and, most of all, not financially ruinous to their families. That shouldn’t sound radical, but to the zealots on either side of the issue, it’s an unacceptable posi-
tion. To the right, there is no such thing as climate change or, they say, “Climate is always changing.” To the left, climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and if we don’t act immediately, the world will end.
Let’s face it: Green energy has become for Democrats what Big Oil has been for Republicans. Both are booming and competing industrial sectors willing to accept the support of one political party over the other in the hope of gaining market share in the world of energy.
The transition to green sources must be smart, realistic and make financial sense.
The debate over climate change and resulting policy is not only a federal issue but a state-to-state battle as well. It stands to reason that New York, a heavily Democratic state, is at the forefront of devising and implementing climate policy. But is that policy smart, realistic and affordable?
In 2019, New York, under Democratic rule, passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, mandating that 70 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable resources by 2030, and that 100 percent of its electricity be emissions-free by 2040. The cost of the act was estimated at $295 billion, but recent data puts total expenses closer to $4.9 trillion.
Will the CLCPA’s goals be achieved, or is it just a political boondoggle? To
meet its targets, more than 111 gigawatts of generation capacity will be needed by 2040, and 95 gigawatts must be new generation. To put that in perspective, one gigawatt is enough to power roughly 750,000 homes, and today the state generates a total of roughly 41 gigawatts. We have added only 12.9 gigawatts of new generation since 1999, so it’s responsible to ask whether we can produce another 70 by 2040.
Not reaching that arbitrary, unrealistic benchmark wouldn’t be fatal, but the all-in, nothing-butrenewable-energy approach is dangerous.
The New York Independent System Operator has warned that fossil fuel-powered facilities that were at one time feeding the largest share of energy to the state grid are being taken offline faster than renewable sources can be added. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s decision to shut down Indian Point in 2021 is a perfect example.
For years, it was claimed that energy lost from shutting the nuclear plant down would be replaced by gains in renewable energy. The reality is far from that, with wind, solar and other renewable energy increasing by only 2.2 percent since the closure, with fossil electricity generated rising by 11 percent. Basically, we closed a reliable, carbon-
free plant so we can more heavily rely on a fossil fuel-driven electrical grid. Even if renewable energy completely replaced fossil-based fuels, are these systems reliable? What happens when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing? If New York eliminates all fossilfuel power plants and won’t consider nuclear, it will need an unrealistic amount of battery storage. To highlight this issue, the state Energy Research and Development Authority has estimated that in periods when wind and solar resources are low, as much as 2,400 gigawatt-hours of storage will be required, which is well beyond current capability.
Then there is the question of the cost of the green transition — not just to government, but also to customers. This question was never answered before CLCPA became law. Ratepayers will cover that cost with increased fees, taxes, and energy bills. The real-life ramifications are beginning to be noticed: Customers of National Grid, PSEG and Liberty Water have seen their bills increase.
Moving forward, New York can lead in environmental protection, but not at the expense of its residents’ financial stability. A comprehensive review of the flawed CLCPA, incorporating accurate cost estimates and reliability studies, is imperative to chart a viable and broader path toward a cleaner future.
Brian Curran represents the 21st Assembly District.
When we think about 125 years of Nassau County, we have to look back to when the newly expanded New York City enveloped Queens County into its new domain — well, not quite all of it.
The towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead were excluded from the plans to join the city — despite being part of Queens. The 55,000 people who lived in this part of Queens County were not happy, and they gathered at a Mineola hotel in late January 1898 to do something about it.
They decided it was time to create their own county — which they would call Nassau, for King William III, who reigned from the House of Nassau when this land was first settled, and whose house name was already used for some settlements on the island.
But convincing lawmakers in Albany wasn’t so easy.
The measure ultimately passed, however, and was signed into law by Gov. Frank Black on April 27, 1898, officially bringing Nassau County into existence as of Jan. 1, 1899.
Now, 125 years later, Nassau is New York’s fifth-largest county by population with nearly 1.4 million people — making it larger than both the Bronx and Staten Island — and the 29th largest in the nation.
Let’s make the most of this chance to learn from history
To the Editor:
Why do so many choose Nassau County to not only work in and visit, but also to call home? Especially with the bustling, never-sleeping New York City quite literally over the next hill?
That answer is simple: Big homes and big yards. Less noise and pollution. Quieter streets. Much lower crime rates. And superior schools — especially when it comes to public schools.
Where else can you jump in the ocean at Jones Beach, then head to Tanglewood Preserve, in Rockville Centre, to enjoy everything else nature has to offer, and finish your day exploring the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale?
Why just read about history when you can actually visit it? Like Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay — the home of Theodore Roosevelt, existing today pretty much the way it did when the 26th president lived there. There’s also Raynham Hall, also in Oyster Bay, which was a spy headquarters during the American Revolution.
The Rock Hall Museum, in Lawrence, brings Colonial times to life not just with the artifacts inside, but the 1767 mansion they are all housed in.
Even Eisenhower Park, in East Meadow, has made history. As the site of the former Meadow Brook Club, it hosted the first-ever national women’s golf tournament in 1895, won by Lucy Barnes — the wife of Charles S. Brown, who
As a history Ph.D. and a high school history and civics teacher, I was gratified to read Peter King’s column urging Americans to heed the lessons of history (“We should have learned more than we have from history,” May 9-15). Unfortunately, there is little that most Americans can do directly to help defend Israel and Ukraine from the evils that assault them, to reduce trade with China for the material goods we have no choice but to buy, or even to calm tempers on college campuses. But there’s one thing every American can easily do to help our politics, and that is vote this November, to preserve the norms essential to American democracy.
Before coming to power, Adolf Hitler made clear his intention to expel or exterminate Jews and create an Aryan Empire in Central Europe. Mussolini promised to use violence to cleanse Italian politics of leftists. Rodrigo Duterte campaigned in the Philippines on promises of summary mass executions of drug dealers. These men, and others like them, were brought to power by a combination of voters who were sadistic enough to want exactly what each one promised, and others who didn’t take their promises seriously, found the audacity titillating, or assumed that power itself would tame these leaders. But once in office, each leader set about doing precisely what he had promised. History’s lesson is that megalomaniacal politicians must be taken at their word.
Donald Trump repudiated the tradition of conceding power
would go on to found what is now the Brown Harris Stevens real estate company. The park also hosted the ninth PGA championship tourney in 1926, won by Walter Hagen — the “father of professional golf.”
There are also great places to shop, pretty much in every neighborhood. So many Nassau County businesses are family-owned. So many of them have been in families for generations. And you know it the moment you walk through their doors. The way you are greeted. The way you are served. It proves you don’t need to be a Roosevelt to be treated like royalty here.
But when it’s all said and done, Nassau County is all about all of us, the people. Our neighbors. Our doctors and nurses. Our school superintendents, principals and teachers. Our police officers. Our sanitation workers. Those who do good in public service. The men and women who volunteer — and put their own safety on the line — as firefighters and first responders.
“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in,” Teddy Roosevelt once said. And that’s true not just for the United States, but also in our neighborhoods. And all of us here in Nassau County have shone for the past 125 years, and we look forward to shining for the next 125, too.
peacefully, a cornerstone of democracy. After losing the 2020 election, he and his henchmen assembled cadres of fake electors, spread demented conspiracy theories to confuse the public, and had Michael Flynn put out feelers for a declaration of martial law. Since the failure of his Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt, Trump has campaigned on promises to turn the U.S. military against civilians, throw migrants into detention camps,
hijack Congress by withholding legitimately voted funds, and strip the independence of the judiciary in order to remove obstacles to these actions.
He has said he will countenance the tracking of women’s pregnancies by state governments and the invasion of NATO allies by Russia. It is beyond any well-informed person’s doubt that, in office, he will weaken the NATO alliance, give Vladimir
after months of contentious budget negotiations, the State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul recently agreed to a historic $237 billion state spending plan. The final budget compromise included the Legislature’s reversal of Hochul’s proposed funding cuts to education, as it instead allocated nearly $36 billion in public-school aid.
The state’s public-school funding model can best be described as a three-legged stool consisting of state aid, commercial taxes, and residential property tax revenue.
But even as New York makes historic investments in our schools with taxpayer dollars, many corporations and commercial properties are skipping out on their fair share of tax payments, leaving residents to pick up the hefty tab for education costs.
According to a 2023 report, public schools in the state lost at least $1.8 billion in revenue to corporate tax breaks, also known as tax “abatements,” in fiscal year 2021. Nassau County ranked among New York’s top 10 counties in total forgone school revenue, and recorded the second-highest number of approved corporate net tax exemptions.
DThe independent report, published by Good Jobs First, a pro-economic development research organization, found that a massive portion of corporate tax abatements occur when local industrial development agencies acquire properties and lease them to private companies in exchange for payments in lieu of taxes. Of course, these PILOTs are only a fraction of the corporate tax revenue that would help fully fund our education system.
to private companies, resulting in billions of dollars in lost commercial tax revenue for school districts across the state.
istricts are losing many millions of dollars to corporate tax breaks.
According to this analysis, the lost revenue for Nassau County public school districts included $3 million — or $1,031 per pupil — for the Mineola Union Free School District, $8.4 million — $1,668 per pupil — for the Westbury Union Free School District, and $12.6 million — $1,827 per pupil — in the Uniondale Union Free School District, the highest in Nassau County and the third-highest among public schools statewide.
PILOTs where tax revenue was intended for public school districts. The bill has gained significant support from labor organizations, teachers unions and good-government groups seeking to reform IDAs to better serve our schools. Fundamentally, the Good Jobs First report argues, IDAs should not have the power to waive commercial taxes that would otherwise benefit our schools. The report makes key policy recommendations toward this end, including expanding school and community representation on IDA boards, increasing transparency and accountability in reporting forgone tax revenues, and eliminating IDAs entirely.
Let’s recap: Industrial development agencies, which are essentially public entities, buy up properties and offer them tax-free, for pennies on the dollar,
Putin a green light to expand his conquests in Ukraine, and encourage leaders — from U.S. state and local officials to dictators around the globe — to copy his methods, including delegitimizing any election that does not favor him or his party.
History’s lesson is that if Trump wins, he will do all he says he will do, and likely worse. The next four years will consist of a struggle between Executive’s efforts to dismantle democracy’s guardrails, and other government branches’, federal and state, to preserve them. That’s why Americans should vote for Joe Biden this November, as well as for Democrats up and down the ballot, and only those Republicans who promise they will stand up, rather than acquiesce, to the installation of a Trumpist dictatorship in the United States.
ALEx DILLON CedarhurstTo the Editor:
I share Jerry Kremer’s unease with recent campus unrest (“The blemish of college demonstrations,” May 9-15), but I’m also uneasy with his conclusion that college administrators need “outside help” to prevent future “drama.” My dissent is reflected in Kremer’s comment about “publicity-minded government officials” like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Gov. Greg Abbott. Jeremy Suri’s two cents indicates the category of “offi-
cials” extends beyond government.
The solution is for all involved to return to their respective corners, to reset the bargain, including the media. It must be remembered that the hardfought-for principle of freedom of speech and its extension to the principle of academic freedom began as protections against government power to suppress. This is what is at issue. Academic freedom developed during the Enlightenment as societies, and governments, realized that valuable and beneficial knowledge emerge from organized study, the pursuit of knowledge.
Many did not accept this intellectual freedom as a good idea, not then and not now. This is what we see in the general MAGA disdain for science, disparagement of expertise, distrust of libraries. Lately these “officials” have been supported by university donors who want greater control over staffing, curriculum and knowledge, undermining the premise of academic freedom.
Some academics have taken their protected status for an enhanced right of free speech to engage publicly in promoting their work, which has drawn criticism as activism beyond the original remit. Some students, too, have exceeded their commission to become learned in the service of social improvement by attacking that very privilege.
The media is part of all this, and can constructively be more balanced. But the outside agitators, those various “officials” seeking greater influence, must withdraw. Then university administrators need to review, clarify, revise if necessary, the ground rules under which they function, their unique status and
The estimated $1.8 billion in lost school budget revenue could have been used for such essential investments as air conditioning in classrooms, athletic field renovations, wages for bus drivers, and teacher training for new technology.
Last year, the State Legislature introduced a bill that would prohibit IDAs from granting corporate tax breaks and
In Nassau County, residents pay among the nation’s highest property taxes, 60 percent of which are earmarked for our public schools. But if we are to achieve a fairer, more equitable education and tax system, we cannot continue to allow corporations to shortchange our school districts at the expense of hardworking families.
Karl A. Valere is chief of staff and senior policy adviser to Assemblyman Khaleel M. Anderson. He lives in Baldwin.
what they owe the greater society. They must assert their independence from outside interests.
Students, similarly, need reminding of concepts like noblesse oblige, of behavior that infringes on free speech, and how, especially for them, “civil discourse” should be considered a virtue. The responsible media can seek less
drama and superficial speculation, and greater substance, and point out those who seek accommodation over those who prefer discord.
A very conservative suggestion to promote a very liberal goal.
