The Lynbrook school district has been grappling with its Regents grading policy for years — and a Board of Education special work session on the topic last week didn’t move the needle strongly in either direction.
By NIColE FoRMISANo nformisano@liherald.com
To Elizabeth Ruggiero, making art is the act of noticing — of taking in the intricacies of everyday surroundings that others often dismiss, and giving them new life on canvas. Her eye for detail and composition earned her a rare perfect score on her AP Drawing exam — which is only achieved by around 1 percent of students in the entire world.
“Trying to capture a moment of life in art is something that is really important to me,” said Ruggiero, a senior at East Rockaway High School. “I find it really interesting that art can convey a perspective that you can’t necessarily express in words.”
A perfect score on the AP Drawing exam is no small feat. Its rarity is representative of the exceptional level of skill and artistry that it requires from students. Ruggiero is such a student — a deep-diver into human emotion and memory, with the technical talent to back it up. She plans a lifetime as an artist, and East Rockaway’s art program is largely to thank.
“I think I was put in this art room for a reason,” Ruggiero said. “I was put in these classes for a reason. I have these amazing teachers and influences and I am forever grateful to those people.
I have so much gratitude for everybody in my life because my art wouldn’t be there
Educators, parents, students and a panel of college admissions representatives all weighed in at the Sep. 27 meeting at Lynbrook High School. The discussion grew heated at times, as the attendees debated whether to institute Do No Harm, a policy in which Regents grades would not be figured into a student’s class average if it would bring that average down. Regents have accounted for 10 percent of class averages since 2019, down from Lynbrook’s previous policy of 20 percent.
“I do have concerns about the optics of instituting a Do
No Harm policy,” Matthew Sarosy, principal of the high school, said. “I’m concerned that students will look at other challenges they face as potentially being harmful if they don’t get the result that they worked for.”
“While for some individuals, one or two points might feel trivial, that is just not the case for all of the stakeholders in this district,” parent Courtney Mack said. “I want my kid to not be the 88 from Lynbrook versus the 90 applying from Hewlett for the same spot at Penn State, per se.”
A number of area school districts have instituted Do No Harm in recent years, including Bellmore-Merrick, Hewlett-Woodmere, Syosset and others. Supporters of the policy emphasized that a student who underperforms on a Regents exam may see his or her class average tick down, while a student who lives a few blocks away, in a district with Do No
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without them. Truly.”
Ruggiero has been making art her whole life, but started to get more serious in 10th grade. She became more conscientious of what she was creating and fell in love with using unexpected colors to create realistic oil paint portraits.
“It’s been honestly a pleasure to watch her transform her skills, her understanding of technique and everything that goes into it,” said Kelly Cabasso, who alongside Kristie Galante have been Ruggieros’ art teachers for 5 years. “She’s just totally taken that to the next level.”
Cabasso said Ruggiero feels things deeply, and in turn, creates art that makes others feel deeply. Ruggiero’s creations are visceral, emotional, and possess a singular power to make the viewer feel fondness and nostalgia for a memory that is not their own.
“You can’t look at her work and not feel some connection to it,” Cabasso said. “It’s tangible. Her pieces make you feel something — a physical reaction.”
The AP exam is a “sustained investigation” into a topic of the artists’ choosing. Ruggiero’s portfolio is an exploration of the different forms of love in her life, and how they can be seen through the lens of ancient Greek concepts of love.
Each piece is unique — a blurry
childhood memory, a woman curled up with a cat, a couple studying together. But they’re all connected by the common thread of love, whether that’s “eros,” romantic love; “storge,” familiar love; “pragma,” enduring love; or “philautia,” self-love.
Ruggiero captured these moments of love in her own life, preserving them
beyond memory. It also gives her the special gift of looking back.
“Love changes, it’s constantly changing,” Ruggiero said. “I think every piece and every person in that portfolio has changed. Everything has changed. And I think capturing it in the portfolio means so much to me.
It’s like a moment of time, seen
through my perspective that only I could see.”
Where professional artists typically have as much time as they need to create their work, Ruggiero’s portfolio was created in under a year — all while balancing her other coursework and extracurricular activities. She dove deep into her own feelings and memories to create art that is extremely personal, while also somehow feeling universal. Her months of hard work appear on the canvas.
“I think she’s really done a fantastic job of channeling that into her artwork, making something beautiful even out of things that are challenging for her,” Cabasso said. “She is someone who is extremely passionate, dedicated to her craft — she’s in the art room all the time, whenever she can be.”
Creating the pieces helped transform Ruggiero. The portfolio documents a progression within Ruggiero as an artist and a person that Cabasso said has been a long time coming.
“I can see how her life’s transforming in these pieces,” Cabasso said. “Just her talent and her understanding, her skills — these things have just completely skyrocketed, and I’ve seen her taking such ownership and such pride in that now, which was not always the case before.”
To see more of Ruggiero’s work, visit her art Instagram @eliizabug.
Libraries remain the hub of their communities, and one way they are serving neighbors is by coordinating efforts to help those in need.
As part of the Great Give Back — a community service program started in Suffolk County and now offered throughout the state — many Nassau County libraries are helping their communities by initiating service projects throughout October.
The program started in 2017 when the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System sought a way to help communities. The program soon spread throughout the state and last year, 299 New York libraries participated and more than 27,000 items were collected and donated.
“A few colleagues and myself wanted to create an event in Suffolk County that brought positivity to our communities and showed that libraries are a central hub for giving back and creating good,” said Derek Ivie, youth services coordinator of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.
Nassau libraries have offered hundreds of service-oriented projects, including food and pet supply drives and clean-ups of parks, according to Renee McGrath, manager of youth services for the Nassau Library System.
“The Great Give Back enables our member libraries to offer their patrons an opportunity to participate in a day of service-oriented projects,” McGrath said.
This year’s event will take place on Oct. 21, but many libraries are offering projects throughout October. Dozens of Nassau libraries are participating, including East Rockaway, Malverne, Lakeview, West Hempstead and Lynbrook.
In Lynbrook, neighbors can donate Halloween costumes and books to help those in need. Library director Robyn Gilloon said the idea was to help children be able to enjoy an American tradition.
“When a parent says, ‘If it weren’t for this, my kid wouldn’t have a Halloween costume,’ that’s when you realize this is the right thing to do,” Gilloon said. “This is a great giveback for the community.”
Lynbrook will collect Halloween costumes and books for children throughout the month. The library’s website has a detailed list of the days that items could be donated. Anyone who needs a Halloween costume or book can simply stop by the library.
The East Rockaway Public Library is collecting new, unused socks, unopened hygiene products and non-perishable food. Adult services librarian Heather Massa said the library hopes to provide
much-needed items in the months when people don’t typically donate.
“When do people give? They give in November and December,” Massa said. “Donations are typically low in September and October, so we do a food drive in those months.”
Massa added that personal hygiene products — like diapers, menstrual pads and razors — are not covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“People who are struggling have to pay for these items,” Massa said.
The East Rockaway library will donate the items to the Mary Brennan INN, a Long Island non-profit that helps the hungry and homeless. Massa said that each year, the library collects enough items to fill up her Jeep.
“It’s a really cool event and makes me happy that we can use our public place to collect items,” Massa said. “East Rockaway comes through pretty great for us.”
For each local library, giving back means something different, which adds to the effectiveness of the countywide program. In Malverne, the library is collecting items to send care packages to deployed troops, veterans, wounded heroes and first-responders through Operation Gratitude. The library is encouraging children to make cards to show appreciation.
“Kids are going to make cards to show gratitude to those who served or are currently serving,” Carol Lagos, director of the Malverne Public Library, said.
Malverne is collecting puzzle books, card games and other new items in their original packaging. Donations can be dropped off during library hours, from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3. Donation boxes have been set up in the front lobby. Lagos said community service hours will be awarded to those who participate.
The West Hempstead Public Library is hosting the Town of Hempstead’s Mobile Adoption Unit on Oct. 21, from noon to 3 p.m. Neighbors can see some cute and cuddly animals up for adoption, and learn more about the town’s programs.
“We wanted to try something different,” Cindy Hosang, head of program -
ming for the West Hempstead library, said. “People can adopt or talk to someone about other adopts the town has. The town will be here with a whole bunch of information.”
Hosang said adoption literature will be available at the library after the event, if anyone wants to find out more but is unable to attend the event.
The Lakeview Public Library is collecting items and making cards for children and teens in foster care and for hospitalized children. The library is collecting toiletries for foster kids and teens, and making cards during children and teens’ craft time, through Oct. 31.
— Mark NolanThis is a great giveback for the community.
ROByN GiLLOON Lynbrook Public Library director
On Aug. 6, 2023 the world lost one-of-a-kind — Richard “Richie” Straub.
Richie was born in Oceanside, New York, on May 31, 1951. He moved to Lynbrook with his parents Kathleen and Lawrence Straub and called Lynbrook his cherished home for 72 years. Rich’s legacy lives on through his older brother Philip (Laureen), beloved wife Michelle, whom he spent 50 loving years with raising three sons — Gregory (Shannon), Bryan (Erica), and Keith (Alison). Also grandchildren Keanan, Kelly, Katie, Kasey, Cameron, Xavier, Grace, and Lilly.
Rich spent 38 years with the Lynbrook Post Office as a letter carrier, watching many of his customer having their children growing up and getting married.
He dedicated 45 years to the Lynbrook Fire Department as member and ex-captain of Vulcan Chemical and Hose Company. He was also a member of the Nassau County Fire Police, Office of Emergency Management and Nassau County Fire-
fighter Operation Wounded Warrior, an organization close to his heart.
Rich was an ASA Softball umpire for 25 years. He enjoyed the “guys” and also sometimes calling them out.
He ended his career with the Lynbrook Police Department Crossing Guard Division, where he was best known for his infectious smile and kind heart on both Sunrise Highway/Atlantic Avenue corner crossing and Lynbrook North Middle School crossing.
When Rich wasn’t serving his community, he could be found enjoying the sunshine on the golf course, in the stands cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events or sharing his jokes with friends and family.
He is truly missed by his family and friends among the community but he surely left his mark on the Lynbrook community with his infectious smile and just all-round good heart or a good story.
Richard was laid to rest on Aug. 8, 2023 at Holy Rood Cemetery.
Two East Rockaway stores were caught up in a sting by Nassau County police recently for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor, according to the police department
Police said the Problem Oriented Policing Unit made checks throughout East Rockaway and Oceanside on Sept. 13, resulting in five locations being cited. Employees at the five locations allegedly sold alcohol to underage undercover agents, which resulted in arrests.
The stores police said sold alcohol to minors were:
Lucky 7’s Gourmet Deli and Grocery, 276 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway
Ultra Mini Mart, 411 Atlantic Ave.,
East Rockaway
Patel Smoke and Convenience, 571 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside
BP Convenience Shop, 292 Long Beach Road, Oceanside
E Smoke Vape Beer Cigar, 3015 Long Beach Road, Oceanside
Police did not immediately identify any of the defendants, only the businesses allegedly involved. Each defendant was charged with prohibited sale of alcoholic beverage. Each seller was issued an appearance ticket and the premises violation referral was forwarded to the state Liquor Authority.
Celebrate the Halloween season during the 12th annual Spooky Fest at The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every weekend this October.
This special event focuses on providing family-friendly activities and attractions for the community, including decorated wooded paths and festivities with eerie lighting, special effects and popular Halloween characters.
“Long Islanders with children are searching for family-friendly events they can enjoy together with Halloween activities,” Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, executive director of The Center for Science, said in a release. “Spooky Fest offers a one-of-a-kind experience with seasonal attractions and activities families can enjoy together and build lasting memories. We encourage attendees to join in the fun and dress up in their costumes and share their Halloween spirit with us.”
During the event, parents are invited to experience some of the non-scary attractions, including the “Enchanted Halloween Walk.” Visitors are invited to take a walk through the woods and enjoy all of the colorfully lit Halloween decorations. There will also be spooky stories and a chance to meet some friendly Halloween characters along the way including butterflies, friendly ghosts, happy scarecrows, dinosaurs, aliens and Cinderella’s carriage com -
plete with a prince and princess. Other activities include Halloween arts and crafts, fortune telling, face painting and a DJ playing Halloween and other great music. New to Spooky Fest 2023 is an interactive glow tent. Also returning is the “Spooky Woods,” a quarter mile walk through the dark woods of the Tanglewood Preserve. This special attraction includes the sights and sounds of animatronic zombie dinosaurs, eerie smoke and lights and other spooky Halloween displays. Unlike any attraction on Long Island, visitors will enjoy a moderately “scary” thrill without jump out scares and is recommended for children ages 7-10.
Spooky Fest 2023 takes place at The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road in Rockville Centre from Oct. 6 - Oct. 8, Oct. 13 - Oct. 15, Oct. 20 – Oct. 22, and Oct. 27 - Oct. 29. The event is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine.
For tickets and more information visit CSTL.org. Admission is $22 for non-scary attractions and $27 for the allinclusive event featuring admission to “The Spooky Woods.” Tickets are available in advance online on a limited firstcome, first served basis. Ages 2 and older must have a purchased ticket.
IT WAS QUITE an afternoon for Goodman and the Colts Sept. 23 despite awful weather conditions. The rain, wind and Sewanhaka’s defense couldn’t stop Goodman from reaching the end zone five times as Calhoun evened its record in Conference II at 2-2. All five of his scores came on the ground, including three in the first quarter from 15, 10 and 78 yards. He added two touchdowns in the second and finished with 186 yards on only seven carries.
Thursday, Oct. 5
Field Hockey: Baldwin at Clarke 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: MacArthur at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Roosevelt at South Side 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Malverne/ER at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Elmont at Carey 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Hewlett at East Meadow 5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 6
Field Hockey: New Hyde Park at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Massapequa at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: V.S. North at Lawrence 5 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at South Side 6 p.m.
Football: Oyster Bay at East Rockaway 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 7
Football: Hempstead at East Meaadow 3 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Uniondale 3 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Lawrence 3 p.m.
Football: Malverne at North Shore 3 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Kennedy 3 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Mepham 3 p.m.
Football: Herricks at Long Beach 3 p.m.
Football: Manhasset at Calhoun 3 p.m.
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and earned an All-Conference award or higher last year. Please send the following information for consideration: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
North Shore High School’s homecoming festivities were postponed due to the threat of more severe weather that rocked the tristate area last Friday, but the Vikings still had plenty to celebrate on the field Saturday as junior Gianlucca Sferrazza’s three touchdowns highlighted a 34-0 victory over East Rockaway.
Senior quarterback Garret Gates and junior Jack Damphouse added touchdowns for two-time defending Nassau Conference IV champion North Shore, which won its second straight in dominant fashion after starting the year 0-2. The Rocks slid to 1-3.
“We always preach it’s a long season and if we work hard and improve, things will fall into place,” Vikings head coach Dan Agovino said. “We made a few mistakes in the first two weeks but right now we have all three facets of the game clicking and we’re excited about it.”
The margin was only seven with about two minutes left in the first half when the visiting Rocks were stopped on a 4th-and-1 pass attempt, batted down by North Shore’s Matthew D’Aversa. Four plays later, Gates scored from 12 yards out and the Vikings had a 14-0 halftime lead and all the momentum.
“They made a good play to break up that pass,” East Rockaway head coach Russ Pajer said. “They’re a tough, physical team and we definitely fought hard. We have a lot of kids playing both sides of the ball and we tired in the second half.
“Next week is homecoming and it’s a big one against Oyster Bay on Friday night,” he added. “If we can get to 2-3 we’re right back in the playoff race.”
The Vikings piled up 328 yards on the ground against the Rocks, who got three touchdowns from junior Anthony Grimaldi in their Week 2 blowout win at Carle Place. Behind the work of offensive linemen Justin Rosen, Chase Goldenberg, Dan Roper, Chase Evans and Issac Bratter, Sferrazza led the way with 109, senior John Haff had 66 and Gates 67.
Sferrazza opened the scoring on North Shore’s first possession with a
during last Saturday’s road defeat.
41-yard touchdown run. He had a 9-yard score in the third quarter and completed his ‘hat trick’ on the second snap of the fourth when he broke outside and raced 44 yards along the home sideline.
“My third touchdown was all the offensive line,” Sferrazza said. “Everyone hit their blocks.”
Sferrazza’s second touchdown came after Agovino’s staff reached into its bag of tricks and Haff, the backup quarterback, connected with senior James Toner for a 33-yard gain into the red zone.
“We’re a pretty vanilla team and mostly like to keep the game simple, but we also like to have a little fun,” Agovino said. “Mike Yoo joined our coaching staff this year and he and coach [Bill] Madigan joined forces and are opening the playbook a little bit.”
Senior Antonio Barbetta had an interception for North Shore. Junior Antonio Buzzetta had one for East Rockaway.
The Vikings are home next Saturday to face unbeaten Malverne at 2 p.m. “They’re a great team but we feel we are too,” Sferrazza said.
Nassau county is breaking ground on a new facility that officials say will transform police training like never before in the nation.
The $12 million project next to Nassau Community College — called Phase II Training Village — will replicate a village to mirror real-life communities. That includes everything from schools, banks and houses of worship — complete with role players — so police officers can get hands-on experience in a simulation before going out into the field of the real world.
“This is to take you out of the classroom and put you into that real-life scenario,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder told reporters last week. “No longer do you learn from a PowerPoint and a room that we say, ‘OK, pretend this is the mosque or this is a synagogue.’
“No, there will be a synagogue. There will be a mosque. There will be a church.”
The added realism of a village environment will allow police officers to learn a vital skill that was neglected in the past — a community-centric focus.
“Unfortunately, for the last 50, 60 years, we’ve trained only tactical,” Ryder said. “It’s always about tactics — keeping the officers safe, keeping the people safe, firing your weapons, using your baton, using your horses in crowd control situations.
“But now we’re going to police about community.”
The facility will be open to all agencies and departments in the region, not just the county police department. The village will be largely populated by NCC students participating in roleplays for a criminal justice credit.
Through the roleplay scenarios, officers learn how to
handle a variety of situations they may face on the job. Examples include confronting an armed homeless person, managing a group of protesting students, or helping a woman give birth while stuck in traffic.
“We are going to train our cops like no one else has ever trained them before in this country,” Ryder said.
“It’s about training for the community, so that we reflect what is needed and asked for by our community. And we do it right.”
Part of that community-centric focus is helping officers practice connecting people they encounter with government resources like social services. The new method of training is also in response to criticism the NCPD has received in recent years.
“We went through reform, we went through challenges and stuff in the community,” Ryder said. “It was asked of us to do better. Well, we’re going to do better.
“When it’s done, I get to sit down with the white kid, the Black kid, the Hispanic kid, the LBG person, the transgender person, the Jewish person, the Catholic person, the Muslim person, and they’re going to tell me what I did wrong.“I’m going to learn from them, but they’re going to learn from me.
“And that’s what the beauty of this is — whatever today’s society is, you’re going to have it in that village.”
The village is expected to be open and ready for use in 2025. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a project leader, promised it would open right on schedule.
“I want to make sure that if I’m not re-elected or I don’t run for office, it gets done before I leave office,” Blakeman said. “This will be a source of pride for not only our police department, but all the residents of Nassau County.”
This kind of comprehensive, multidimensional training will help create officers that can better serve their communities, Ryder added.
“If you take community and you consider that in your decision-making, you make better decisions,” the police commissioner said. “We are part of the community, the community is part of us. And that’s what this is all about.”
Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently celebrated 55 local Girl Scouts who are members of the 2023 Girl Scout Gold Award class who made a sustainable impact, addressing causes they care about in their communities. Lynbrook residents Ryan Benvenuto and Sofia Yaker were among 55 Girl Scouts throughout Nassau County who reached this milestone.
“Each of the Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this year showed fortitude, diligence and enthusiasm in creating and executing a plan to act on a societal issue,” said Randell Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “We are very proud and impressed by each of them for reaching their goals and leaving a legacy with their communities. Their dedication is evident and their hard work has touched countless lives.”
Girls in grades 9-12 begin their Gold Award journeys by identifying a civic or social issue that holds importance to them. Next, a Girl Scout builds a team to support her project with a mission to create a positive impact in her community. Gold Award projects are coordinated so that they can continue long after girls earn their award by establishing nonprofit organizations, publishing books to be added to school library collections, implementing classroom lessons to be taught for years to come or other initiatives to create lasting change.
Through the process, Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers, while educating and inspiring others. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
For Benvenuto’s project, “ShelfCare,” she created a book club of the same name that that focuses on teen
During a special assembly at Waverly Park Elementary School in the Lynbrook school district, students were taken on a journey through imaginative terrains to learn a lesson about kindness on Sept. 22.
It was an exciting search for the “Key of Kindness” in the gymnasium as students gathered to join the program hosted by Mobile Ed Productions. Through varying areas including mountains and caves, students were challenged to learn practical skills to identify emotions, manage
mental health issues through a partnership with Random House Children’s Books. Her mission was to find books that concentrate on mental health and use that as a tool for teens to open up about relatable issues. Benvenuto had students and teachers fill out surveys to gauge how they felt about teen mental health, where the teens cited social media and academic pressures as the main drivers of their stress. Benvenuto launched a website, ShelfCare.org, to sustain her project and share the message with teens.
Through her project, “My (Mascot) Emotions/ I Am
All About Colors,” Yaker led an art-supply drive to create coloring buckets for children. Each bucket contained an original coloring book and crayons for children to use to explore their emotions through the use of color. She developed a color wheel for children to demonstrate how colors help them to understand and navigate their emotions. She tied this to her community by giving presentations and donating art buckets to Girl Scout troops, recreation centers, day camps, and hospitals.
Yaker hopes her community will continue this project every year in May for Mental Health Awareness Month.
stress and solve problems. Students were invited to find and open numerous treasures containing items that helped them complete their journey.
The final legendary treasure unlocked what it means for students to be kind to those around them. Each stop on the journey included lessons about empathy, respect, coping mechanisms and how to stand up against bullying. Every student in the audience had the opportunity to move and groove along with each step.
Lynbrook American Legion Post 335 members attended the 2023-24 Nassau County American Legion Family Testimonial Dinner at the Coral House in Baldwin on Sept. 14.
New York State Department Com -
mander of the American Legion, the president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Detachment Commander of the Sons of the American Legion were the distinguished quests at the event.
Lucille and August Michela of Lynbrook, NY were wed on Sept. 28, 1963 at St Agatha’s Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY. Augie is retired from the NYC Transit Authority and Lucille is a retired secretary. ey have one Son and have enjoyed traveling through the USA and Europe. is year marks their 50th year as Lynbrook residents.
There’s a bit of a power struggle happening in Nassau County — and it quite literally has everything to do with power.
Dozens gathered in front of a closed office building in Seaford belonging to PSEG Long Island demanding the utility end its quasi-private management of the Long Island Power Authority and replace it with a fully public entity.
The coalition — which included community organizations, environmental groups, businesses, and various members of chambers of commerce — had already signed on to a letter addressed to Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators to help make that happen.
“It demonstrates the widespread support, both regionally and statewide, for a fully public LIPA,” said Ryan Madden, sustainability organizer for the Long Island Progressive Coalition.
Madden’s coalition hosted the recent event as part of its larger “Reimagine LIPA” campaign, calling for the public entity to become wholly locally controlled.
Madden describes the public-private PSEG model as expensive, unreliable and structurally flawed. Those flaws were made especially clear in 2020 when Tropical Storm Isaias swept through Long Island and left some 645,000 homes and businesses without power — some for as long as eight days.
Albany has been paying attention to the demands, however. Legislation was passed last year creating a commission tasked with developing a roadmap for a restructured LIPA. The Legislative Commission on the Future of Long Island released a draft report this past April detailing a key financial finding: That LIPA can save between $50 million and $80 million a year by operating
Charles Shaw/Herald
David Osorio joined Oceanside’s Jill Weber at a rally in front of a closed PSEG Long Island office in Seaford demanding the utility end its private-public partnership with Long Island Power Authority, and let distributing electricity be solely a public job. PSEG officials, however, warn making the utility fully public will lead to rampant mismanagement.
the local electric grid itself.
“It has shown that a fully public LIPA will lower rates and provide more transparency and accountability.” Madden said.
LIPA has been managed by PSEG Long Island since 2013 under a contract that runs through 2025.
Christopher Hahn, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of external affairs, told the commission during a hearing in Hauppauge a day after the rally that the public-private model is the best option for Long Island and the Rocka-
ways, and that LIPA — as a public entity — has already produced a muddy track record.
He cited a 175 percent jump in payroll since 2015, and increasing the organization’s debt from $7.6 billion to just under $13 billion. That has caused LIPA’s operating budget to grow an average of 25 percent each year for the past decade.
“Historically, empire building by government agencies — unchecked and unchallenged — does not produce efficiencies,” Hahn said, according to his written testimony. “And to believe this one would be different is just wishful thinking.”
Hahn also said the partnership provides the benefits of public power with accountability. Yet those who gathered in front of PSEG’s Seaford offices disagree.
“From Montauk to the Rockaways, Long Islanders are facing economic hardships and an affordability crisis that makes living and thriving here harder and harder each year,” Joseph Sackman, a member of the Long Island Activists, said at the rally. “With frequent and dangerous storms and an already outdated electric grid, we can add uncertainty and risks to life and property as well.”
John Hyland, a retiree member of the Professional Staff Congress — a union representing faculty and staffers at CUNY — says public power would prioritize serving the needs of the people.
“More transparency, accountability, lower rates, and a commitment to environmental sustainability and justice, are so important to Long Island communities.” he said.
“You cannot guarantee that a fully municipalized system will not drastically raise ratepayer costs, or that mismanagement and politics won’t run rampant,” PSEG’s Hahn said. “Are you willing to gamble our region’s electric grid with your constituents’ hard-earned dollars for a hypothetical savings of $3 per customer?”
Their absence has been sorely missed by Nassau Pops fans, CP Nassau, the concert’s beneficiary, and orchestra members. Now, after a three-year pandemic-imposed absence, Maestro Louis Panacciulli and his orchestra are back on the Tilles Center stage with their popular gala concert in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, next Sunday, Oct. 15. This year the orchestra welcomes Tony Danza and his band as their special guests.
The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team that has made their annual appearance a heartwarming tradition since 2004.
Acclaimed as a masterful storyteller, the singer-songwriter visits the Landmark stage for ‘An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories.’ She’s joined by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing a careerspanning show including favorites like Tom’s Diner, Luka and more. Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been called contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Bearing the stamp of a storyteller who ‘observes the world with a clinically poetic eye’ (The New York Times), Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people, and real-world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, her work is immediately recognizable — as utterly distinct and thoughtful.
“I’ve truly missed this concert,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. “The orchestra is family, and this is one big lovefest. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 40th season. It’s always exciting to be here. So many wonderful people have
The collaboration between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau goes back to his mother, who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream.
inspiring the orchestra’s crossed this stage.” for her idea
By Karen Bloom“In the past, we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals,” he recalls. “But the idea for doing this came one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on her legacy.”
And he’s delighted to return to Tilles Center.
Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. $195 and $99 premium VIP packages, $61, $51, $41. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
WHERE WHEN
“Music crosses over all lines, whether you’re young or old, no matter if you’re on the right side of the aisle or the left. The Nassau Pops is back at full strength, doing what we set out to do — not only to make music, but to make a difference.”
• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
“We knew it had to be special and are so fortunate to get Tony Danza to participate,” Panacciulli says. “He was very interested in working with a symphonic band.”
• Sunday, Oct. 15, 3 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $37.50; available at NPSO.org/tickets • Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, Brookville. Information available at TillesCenter.org or NSPO.org
• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum
That’s where Creation comes in, the singers who participate in CP Nassau’s Adult Day Treatment Program. As part of the opening segment, they’ll perform “Sweet Caroline,”
“Georgia on My Mind” and “God Bless the USA.”
“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.
Singers David Tindal and Chris Wawrzonek have “grown up” with the orchestra.
Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.
This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Songs and Stories.” Combining Danza’s wit, charm, storytelling — with a dash of soft shoe and even Danza on the ukulele — the “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss” actor sings his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while he interweaves stories about his life and personal connection to the music.
“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to
Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.
“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special when we share music together. The audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s so amazing to see what they can do.”
And for Panacciulli — a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and also serves as band director at Nassau Community College) — that moment defines this concert.
Pat McGann is quickly rising as of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com ParamountNY.com.
“He brings a lot of different things to the show,” Panacciulli says. “He draws in the crowd with ‘Angel Eyes,’ the big Frank Sinatra tune.”
This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.
“We always want to leave something behind after the notes have faded away,” he adds. “Creation is a by-product the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”
“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and
And throughout his 70-minute set, Danza is thoroughly enjoying himself.
“He always has a big smile on his face,” Panacciulli says. “He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well.”
Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia, which has been the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CP Nassau.
Mixing rumba, flamenco, salsa and pop, the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes will have you moving to their irresistible rhythms and melodies from the very first song. Their fast flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic strumming are truly captivating. What really sets them apart is Nicolas Reyes’ gritty, intense and instantly recognizable vocals. You feel the passion in every note he sings. Since they debuted more than three decades ago, France’s most successful group has performed all over the world, earning gold and platinum albums along the way. Thirty years is an eternity in pop music, but the story of the Gipsy Kings has the depth to endure. Theirs is a music that extends through generations, to the sounds of their ancestors — Spanish Romani people who fled the Catalonia region during the Spanish Civil War — and reflects the vibrantly eclectic and peripatetic history of the gitanos.
“We knew it had to be special and are so to while about personal Some might not realize that in addition television, clearly Panacciulli.
To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned the museum their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing all media — from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, For Freedoms, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia Victor.
The language of music is clearly special to
Sunday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.
Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire. The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with endlessly inventive collaborations,
Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.Maestro Louis Panacciulli conducts the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, which he refers to as his ‘family.’
Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music and the related arts. He visits the Landmark stage, Friday, Oct. 13 , at 8 p.m. A recognized prodigy, Cohen began Suzukimethod piano instruction at age three, and his playing quickly became a mature melding of musicality, technique, and concept. Downbeat observed that his nimble touch, measured stride, and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship. In the same spirit, Cohen himself has noted that playing jazz is about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality; it’s essentially about connections with both musicians and audiences. In constant demand as a sideman, he leads his namesake ensemble, the Emmet Cohen Trio, and is a vibrant solo performer. Possessing a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Cohen plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium. Cohen headlines regularly at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Village Vanguard and Birdland, among other prestigious venues. $48, $43, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Love reading? Like a good beer? The East Rockaway Public Library’s Books and Brews is for you! East Rockaway and Lynbrook librarians are holding a nopressure book discussion at the South Shore Craft Brewery, Thursday, Oct. 5, 7-8 p.m. They’ll talk about great books they’ve read and some new titles you may like. Present a valid East Rockaway or Lynbrook library card for a discounted tab. 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside. Call the library at (516) 599-1664 for more information.
Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll presents a Tax Exemption Seminar, Thursday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m., at East Rockaway Public Library. Discuss exemptions available to taxpayers that will help lower their tax burdens.Reservations are recommended and seating is limited. Seating will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 477 Atlantic Ave, East Rockaway. To make a reservation, email taxforums@hempsteadny.gov or call (516) 414-6598. Visit EastRockawayLibrary.org or call (516) 599-1664 for more.
The South Shore Audubon Society invites all to a lecture program, “Horseshoe Crabs: BlueBlooded Laboratory Stars,” with Dr. John Tanacredi, at its monthly meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 10 , 7:30 p.m., at Freeport Memorial Library. Dr. Tanacredi has tracked up to 115 locations for horseshoe crab breeding conditions and habitats on Long Island; he’ll discuss why they and their habitats are so important. A Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Center for Environmental Research and Coastal Oceans Monitoring at Molloy University, he is a founding member of the IUCN SSC Horseshoe Crab Specialist Group. 144 W. Merrick Road (at S. Ocean Avenue) in Freeport.For more information about the program or South Shore Audubon, go to SSAudubon.org.
Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Curious about the upcoming eclipse? Tom Lynch, a NASA/ JPL Solar System Ambassador and Long Island amateur astronomer, discusses eclipses, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7:308:30 p.m.. at the Lynbrook Public Library. Learn about the upcoming eclipse on Oct. 14 and how to view it safely. All attendees will get a pair of eclipse glasses. It will be visible from Nassau County as a partial eclipse. 56 Eldert St., Lynbrook. Visit LynbrookLibrary.org or call (516) 599-8630 for more.
Enjoy the spirit of the season at a Howloween Masquerade Gala benefiting Freeport-based Bobbi and the Strays animal rescue, Thursday Oct. 26, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., at Russo’s on the Bay. $125 ticket price includes four-course dinner, dancing, entertainment and raffles. All funds raised support sheltering and medical needs of the rescued dogs and cats. 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach. For information, call (917) 2139840 or (718) 845-0779.
Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s invites all to a Barnyard Dance Fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 21, 4-8 p.m. Enjoy live traditional music and learn dance steps from caller Chart Guthrie. Picnic and dance in the farm’s open space. For all ages. $20 per person, with children under 5 free. 80 Hempstead Ave., Malverne. (516) 881-7900.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, Oct. 6, noon-1 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 9, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 11-12, noon-1 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families who don’t want to be scared — or maybe just a little. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up, Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more. Get your fortune told, make a craft and danceg with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the new Amazing Glow tent. For those who want to get a little scared, venture into the Dino Woods. Be on the lookout for the Zombie Robotic Dinosaurs. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for more information.
A family-oriented annual fishing festival at Hempstead Lake State Park integrates fishing with fall activities, such as a casting for pumpkins contest and pumpkin decorating. The event, Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes fly fishing instruction, demonstrations, and outdoor exhibits by local fishing clubs. Children can enjoy time on an inflatable and pumpkin decorating. Food will be available for purchase. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. To register, visit EventBrite. com. Call (516) 766-1029 for information.
Harm, could earn the same grades in class but end up with a higher average. In a world of competitive college admissions, supporters said, every point matters.
“Acceptance rates at top universities are lower than half of what they were 10 years ago,” school board Trustee Andrew Lewner said. “We have a system in place where the kid who goes to Hewlett only needs eight yards to make the first down, but the kid in Lynbrook needs 10. They have a different set of
CASO 22-T-0346 - Solicitud de Empire Offshore Wind LLC para un Certificado de Compatibilidad Ambiental y Necesidad Pública para la construcción de aproximadamente 12 millas [19 km] de líneas de transmisión desde el límite de las aguas territoriales del Estado de Nueva York hasta un punto de interconexión en el Pueblo de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau.
El 17 de junio de 2022, Empire Offshore Wind LLC presentó una solicitud (Solicitud) para un Certificado de Compatibilidad Ambiental y Necesidad Pública de conformidad con el Artículo VII de la Ley de Servicio Público con el objetivo de construir, operar y mantener la parte de New York de las instalaciones de transmisión requeridas para interconectar su instalación de generación de energía eólica marina Empire Wind 2 propuesta con un punto de interconexión con el sistema de transmisión del Estado de New York en la subestación Barrett de 138 kilovoltios (kV) ubicada en Oceanside, en la ciudad de Hempstead, New York (el Proyecto NY). El 1 de agosto de 2023, Empire Offshore Wind LLC y EW Offshore Wind Transport Corporation (en conjunto, EOW) reformaron su solicitud y modificaron aspectos de su propuesta.
El Proyecto NY se extenderá en un total de aproximadamente 12,2 millas [19,6 km] dentro del Estado de New York e incluye varios componentes: dos cables submarinos de exportación de corriente alterna (HVAC) de alto voltaje de 345 kV de tres núcleos ubicados dentro de un corredor de cable de exportación submarino con un radio de aproximadamente 7,7 millas náuticas (nm) [14,2 km] desde el límite de las aguas del estado de New York a tres millas náuticas [5,5 km] de la costa hasta la recalada del cable; una recalada de cable en la ciudad de Long Beach; dos circuitos de cable de exportación terrestre de 345 kV, cada uno con tres cables de exportación terrestres HVAC de un solo núcleo dentro de un corredor de cable de exportación terrestre de aproximadamente 1,6 millas [2,5 km] desde la recalada del cable a la subestación terrestre; una subestación terrestre en Village of Island Park, dentro de la ciudad de Hempstead, que albergará importantes componentes de control para el sistema eléctrico y realizará funciones tales como regulación de voltaje, compensación de potencia reactiva y filtrado de armónicos; dos circuitos de cables de interconexión de 345 kV, cada uno con tres cables de interconexión HVAC de un solo núcleo dentro de un corredor de cables de interconexión de aproximadamente 1,7 millas [2,7 km] desde la subestación terrestre hasta la subestación recientemente propuesta de Hampton Road; la nueva subestación de Hampton Road en Oceanside en la ciudad de Hempstead, New York, que incluirá instalaciones de subestación que proporcionarán los conjuntos de interruptores y transformadores de 345 kV/138 kV necesarios; y cuatro circuitos de cable de líneas de entrada y salida de 138 kV, ubicados dentro de un corredor de cable de aproximadamente 0,1 millas [0.16 km] desde la subestación de Hampton Road hasta las líneas de transmisión existentes de Long Island Power Authority ubicadas debajo de Lawson Boulevard en Oceanside, New York.
Y SOLICITUD DE COMENTARIOS
(Emitido el 20 de septiembre de 2023)
Según la Ley del Estado de New York, la Comisión de Servicio Público (Comisión) puede adoptar o rechazar la propuesta de EOW, total o parcialmente, o modificarla. Al hacerlo, la Comisión considerará las aportaciones de las partes participantes y del público en general. Los jueces de Derecho Administrativo (ALJ, por sus siglas en inglés) Ashley Moreno y Tara Kersey presiden la recopilación de comentarios públicos y todas las pruebas relacionadas con el Proyecto NY. Como se indica en este Aviso, se llevarán a cabo audiencias de declaración pública para obtener comentarios del público sobre la propuesta de EOW.
TENGA EN CUENTA que las oportunidades para obtener información pública y comentarios sobre la solicitud de EOW se brindarán de la siguiente manera:
FECHA: 11 de octubre de 2023
UBICACIÓN: Ciudad de Long Beach, Ayuntamiento
Cámara Comunitaria, 6to piso
1 West Chester Street Long Beach, New York 11561
HORA: Foro Informativo 1:00 p. m.
Audiencia de Declaración Pública 2:00 p. m.
HORA: Foro informativo 5:30 p. m.
Audiencia de Declaración Pública 6:30 p. m.
Durante los foros informativos programados, los mapas de la ruta propuesta estarán disponibles para su revisión, y los representantes del Departamento de Servicios Públicos del Estado de New York brindarán una descripción general del proceso de certificación de la Comisión. Luego, EOW presentará un breve resumen del Proyecto NY. A continuación, el público tendrá la oportunidad de hacer preguntas sobre el proceso y la solicitud pendiente ante la Comisión.
Una audiencia de declaración pública seguirá cada foro informativo, donde todos aquellos que deseen comentar sobre la solicitud de EOW tendrán la oportunidad de hacer una declaración en el expediente ante los ALJ. No es necesario concertar una cita con antelación, ni presentar material escrito para hablar en una audiencia. Se llamará a las personas a hablar después de completar una tarjeta de solicitud. Cada audiencia de declaración pública se mantendrá abierta durante un mínimo de treinta minutos y continuará abierta hasta que todos los que deseen hablar hayan sido escuchados o se hayan hecho otros arreglos razonables para incluir sus comentarios en el acta. Se realizará una transcripción literal
de cada audiencia de declaración pública para su inclusión en el expediente de este procedimiento.
Las personas con discapacidades que requieran adaptaciones especiales deben llamar a la Oficina de Gestión de Recursos Humanos del Departamento de Servicio Público al (518)474-2520 lo antes posible. Los usuarios de DTS pueden solicitar un intérprete de lenguaje de señas llamando a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de New York al 711. Se recomienda a las personas con dificultades para comprender o leer inglés que llamen al Departamento al (800) 342-3377 para obtener servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística con respecto a este Aviso.
Otras formas de hacer comentarios Para aquellos que no puedan asistir o prefieren no hablar en las audiencias de declaración pública, existen otras formas de brindar sus comentarios a la Comisión. Los comentarios deben hacer referencia al “Caso 22-T-0346 – EOW2”. Internet o correo: Visite www.dps.ny.gov, haga clic en “Búsqueda de archivos” (ubicado bajo el título “Archivos de la Comisión”), ingrese “22T-0346” en el campo “Buscar por número de caso” y luego haga clic en Cuadro “Publicar comentarios” en la parte superior de la página. Alternativamente, los comentarios pueden enviarse por correo a la Excma. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretaria, Comisión de Servicios Públicos, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350.1 Todos los comentarios escritos pasarán a formar parte del expediente considerado por la Comisión y se podrá acceder a ellos en el sitio web del Departamento de Servicio Público buscando el número de caso, como se describe anteriormente, y haciendo clic en la pestaña “Comentarios públicos”.
Línea de Opinión Gratuita: Las personas pueden optar por enviar comentarios llamando a la Línea de Opinión de la Comisión al 1-800-3352120. Este número está configurado para recibir comentarios sobre casos pendientes de personas que llaman desde dentro del Estado las 24 horas del día. Estos comentarios no se transcriben literalmente, pero se proporciona un resumen a la Comisión.
Aunque los comentarios enviados a través de estos medios alternativos se aceptarán durante el transcurso de este procedimiento, se solicitan antes del 3 de noviembre de 2023.
La Solicitud se puede revisar en línea en el sitio web del Departamento de Servicio Público, www.dps.ny.gov. Para acceder a los documentos, haga clic en “Búsqueda de archivos” (ubicado bajo el título “Archivos de la Comisión”) e ingrese “22-T-0346” en el campo “Buscar por número de caso”
(FIRMADO) MICHELLE L. PHILLIPS Secretaria
1 Se recomienda enfáticamente la presentación electrónica.
rules.”
A panel of college admissions counselors from Hofstra University, Farmingdale State College, Penn State University and Marist College joined the meeting on Zoom to share their perspectives.
Ashley Hettinger, of Farmingdale, said that its admissions staff looks at applicants holistically, and evaluates them based on their essays and extracurriculars in addition to the grades on their transcripts. Laurie Wax, of Penn State, said that she and her colleagues focus on applicants’ grade point averages and transcripts, and that they plays a large role in whether a student will be considered. All of the panelists acknowledged that there is no way for them to determine whether a Regents score factored into an applicant’s class average, and that they only see the final number.
Under the Do No Harm policy, Regents grades still appear on students’ transcript, whether or not they weigh into their class averages.
Sarosy presented an alternative option to the board, proposing that Lynbrook not factor Regents exams into class averages at all, regardless of whether they bring those averages up or down. Instead, students whose Regents scores were higher than their class averages would be given an additional point. Students would still have an incentive to perform well on the Regents, Sarosy reasoned, and high-performing students would have just as much potential for gain as students with lower averages.
The idea seemed to pique the board’s interest, and trustees said they would discuss it further.
Perhaps inevitably, the policy debate turned to larger issues. Is the ultimate goal of public education to help students get into college, or to help them learn and grow? Is it the district’s responsibility to remove hurdles that may affect students’ success?
“I personally don’t think the point is to squeeze every point out of school that you can,” board Vice President Ellen Marcus said. “As a parent and as a school board member, it’s our job to have our students be well-rounded and deal with obstacles. If we take away all obstacles, what happens when they go away to college or get a job?”
“It’s OK — not your whole existence is based off what your grades are,” Marcus added.
“I’d love to see anyone come here with the research that says high-stakes testings are valid for measuring student learning,” board Trustee Sean Murray said. “There is a valid responsibility by this district, by this board, to examine whether or not any of our students should be put in a position to take a single high-weight exam to be a measure of their full learning of a course.”
The board said it would continue to discuss the policy, and take a vote at its next session, on Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m., in the high school cafeteria.
Nicole Formisano/HeraldBill Gaylor is all about keeping his constituents informed, but is there such a thing as too much?
The Nassau County legislator’s Democratic opponent says yes — especially with five mailers in the last four weeks. Even more, Jake Scheiner says Gaylor’s mailers are not only an unethical use of taxpayer money, but they also violate the law.
County law mandates legislators cannot send out mass mailing within 45 days of an election. Scheiner notes Gaylor’s final mailing was received by many of his constituents — and potential voters — on Sep. 24. That’s 44 days before the Nov. 7 election.
“Distributing political mailers in this blackout period challenges the very essence of ethical governance,” Scheiner said. “It prompts us to question the transparency of our elected officials, and the fairness of the electoral process.”
Of course, the question comes down to whether the law applies a deadline to when such mailers can be sent out, or when they can be received. Gaylor supporters could argue the mailers were taken to the post office on Sept. 22 — within county law — and they can’t control when the post office ultimately delivers them to homes.
Jake Scheiner, who is challenging Bill Gaylor for his Nassau County Legislature seat, says his incumbent opponent should be investigated for what he called an unethical — if not outright illegal — mailer Gaylor’s sent out to constituents using taxpayer money.
ly $50 million since 2009. Gaylor also boasted the proposed 2024 county budget from his Republican colleagues contains no tax increases.
cal advertising,” Markus Wilson, a Lynbrook resident and a Valley Stream education board member, said.
Mary Studdert, a spokeswoman for the county legislature’s Republican majority, released a statement to the Herald that didn’t address questions about the cost of the mailers, or how they were funded. Instead, she boasted that “Nassau County offers the finest services and programs anywhere.
“Of course, they are only effective if residents are made aware of them. All public service notifications from the majority legislature are distributed in compliance with all applicable regulations and restrictions.”
The concerns raised by the mailers coincide with the criticism Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has received for putting his name on county parks and properties — something Scheiner says is part of an overall pattern with Republicans.
“It’s about a broader issue, which is prioritizing personal branding over the genuine needs and interests of our community,” the Democrat said. “Our community deserves elected officials who prioritize our concerns over personal or political gain.”
Gaylor’s first mailer, sent out well before the blackout period, highlighted the county funds the county legislator secured for the Lynbrook Police Department. The second was about bicycle safety, while the third and fourth advertised Narcan training for opioid overdoses as well as the flu shot programs Gaylor co-sponsored.
The fifth and final one, however, took a much more political tone, Scheiner claims. It told constituents the legislature’s Republican majority had not raised property taxes in 14 consecutive years, while cutting taxes by near-
“This is simply a campaign ad that’s being printed at the expense of the taxpayers and everybody here today,” Scheiner said, adding the statements made in the mailer are “completely and utterly false.”
“I have a copy here with me of the 2024 proposed Nassau County budget,” Scheiner said. “It clearly outlines that, over a 10-year time frame, property taxes have gone up under the Republican-led Nassau County Legislature.”
In addition, Scheiner claims each of Gaylor’s mailers cost district cost taxpayers in excess of $5,000.
“It is disturbing to see our tax dollars spent on politi-
Gaylor, a former traffic court judge, was first elected in 2015 to the seat representing an area that includes Lynbrook, Malverne, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Hewlett and Franklin Square.
Scheiner, a former advisor to U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and now a vice president with Simon Paston & Sons Agency insurance company in Lynbrook, is calling for a comprehensive ethics investigation into the timing and content of the mailers.
“This is not supposed to be a partisan issue,” he said. “It’s about protecting the trust of the residents who rightly expect that their elected officials operate with the highest integrity and the highest ethical standards.”
CASE 22-T-0346 - Application of Empire Offshore Wind LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Construction of Approximately 12 Miles of Transmission Lines from the Boundary of New York State Territorial Waters to a Point of Interconnection in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County. NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION FORUMS, PUBLIC STATEMENT HEARINGS, AND SOLICITING COMMENTS
On June 17, 2022, Empire Offshore Wind LLC filed an application (Application) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law seeking to construct, operate, and maintain the New York portion of the transmission facilities required to interconnect its proposed Empire Wind 2 Offshore Wind Generating Facility to a Point of Interconnection with the New York State Transmission System at the Barrett 138-kilovolt (kV) Substation located in Oceanside in the Town of Hempstead, New York (the NY Project). On August 1, 2023, Empire Offshore Wind LLC and EW Offshore Wind Transport Corporation (collectively, EOW) amended its request and modified aspects of its proposal.
The NY Project will extend a total of approximately 12.2 miles within the State of New York and includes several components: two three-core 345kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine export cables located within an approximately 7.7-nautical mile (nm) submarine export cable corridor from the boundary of New York State waters three nautical miles offshore to the cable landfall; a cable landfall in the City of Long Beach; two 345kV onshore export cable circuits, each with three single-core HVAC onshore export cables within an approximately 1.6-mile onshore export cable corridor from the cable landfall to the onshore substation; an onshore substation in the Village of Island Park, within the Town of Hempstead, which will house major control components for the electrical system and perform functions such as voltage regulation, reactive power compensation, and harmonic filtering; two 345-kV interconnection cable circuits, each with three single-core HVAC interconnection cables within an approximately 1.7-mile interconnection cable corridor from the onshore substation to the newly proposed Hampton Road substation; the new
(Issued September 20, 2023)
Hampton Road substation in Oceanside in the Town of Hempstead, New York, which will include substation facilities that will provide the necessary breaker arrays and 345-kV/138-kV transformers; and, four 138-kV loop-in/loop-out lines cable circuits, located within an approximately 0.1-mile cable corridor from the Hampton Road substation to existing Long Island Power Authority transmission lines located under Lawson Boulevard in Oceanside, New York.
Under New York State Law, the Public Service Commission (Commission) may adopt or reject EOW’s proposal, in whole or part, or modify it. In doing so, the Commission will consider input from the participating parties and the general public. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) Ashley Moreno and Tara Kersey are presiding over the gathering of public comments and all evidence related to the NY Project. As indicated in this Notice, public statement hearings will be held to obtain comments from the public concerning EOW’s proposal.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that opportunities for public information and comment regarding EOW’s request will be provided as follows:
DATE: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
LOCATION: City of Long Beach, City Hall Community Chamber, 6th Floor
1 West Chester Street Long Beach, New York 11561
TIME: Information Forum 1:00 p.m.
Public Statement Hearing 2:00 p.m.
TIME: Information Forum 5:30 p.m.
Public Statement Hearing 6:30 p.m.
During the scheduled informational forums, maps of the proposed route will be available to review, and New York State Department of Public Service representatives will provide an overview of the Commission’s certification process. EOW will then present a brief summary of the NY Project. Members of the public will then have an opportunity to ask questions about the process and the application pending before the Commission.
Each informational forum will be followed by a public statement hearing where all those wishing to comment on EOW’s request will have an opportunity to make a statement on the record before the ALJs. It is not necessary to make an appointment in advance, or present written material to speak at a hearing. Persons will be called to speak after completing a request card. Each public statement hearing will be held open a minimum of thirty minutes and will be kept open until everyone wishing to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements have been made to include their comments in the record. A verbatim transcript of each public statement hearing will be made for inclusion in the record of this proceeding.
Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should call the Department of Public Service’s Human Resource Management Office at (518)474-2520 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Department at (800)342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this Notice.
For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at the public statement hearings, there are
several other ways to provide your comments to the Commission. Comments should refer to “Case 22T-0346 – EOW2.”
Internet or Mail: Go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), enter “22-T-0346” in the “Search by Case Number” field, and then click on the “Post Comments” box at the top of the page. Alternatively, comments may be mailed to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350.1 All written comments will become part of the record considered by the Commission and may be accessed on the Department of Public Service website by searching the case number, as described above, and clicking on the “Public Comments” tab.
Toll-Free Opinion Line: Individuals may choose to submit comments by calling the Commission’s Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is set up to receive comments about pending cases from in-State callers 24-hours a day. These comments are not transcribed verbatim, but a summary is provided to the Commission.
Although comments submitted via these alternate means will be accepted throughout the course of this proceeding, they are requested by November 3, 2023.
The Application may be reviewed online at the Department of Public Service website, www.dps. ny.gov. To access documents, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), and enter “22-T-0346” in the “Search by Case Number” field.
(SIGNED) MICHELLE L. PHILLIPS Secretary
1 Filing electronically is strongly encouraged.
Courtesy Jake ScheinerWe recently had the opportunity to visit Sunrise of Dix Hills, an assisted living community — part of a group of Sunrise communities across Long Island, Brooklyn, Westchester and Rockland, New York. A number of things impressed us on our visit. Everywhere we went on our tour of the community, staff warmly greeted us as well as each other and the residents. Residents were actively engaged in group activities including playing games, listening to live music and doing art and crafts. It felt like summer camp for older adults. Lunch was surprisingly tasty with many choices and we were pleased to find the menu changes daily. We were also glad to see diners in groups of three or more. There was a resident cat who kept turning up and we also learned that residents’ own pets are allowed.
Before moving in, staff meets with the resident, their families and their physician to
determine appropriate care levels, likes and dislikes, and hobbies and interests to develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP). The ISP is updated regularly according to a schedule.
Sunrise designs activities to support physical, mental and spiritual wellness through eight focus areas: exercise, excursions, art, music, education, intergenerational mentoring, community service and spirituality.
Sunrise also provides transportation services to residents for shopping, therapies, diagnostic testing, and doctor and dentist visits -- taking the burden off family members who often have to take time off work or are too far away to manage.
While many clients over the years have told us they would rather stay in their own homes, this often leads to loneliness, isolation and rapid cognitive decline. Being engaged with others has been proven to be one of the greatest tonics for increasing one’s “healthspan”.
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Juon Hodge, a direct support professional with AHRC, an organization that provides specialized support for children and adults with developmental disabilities, works at the organization’s New Woods Road residence in Glen Cove. He began his role with the Glen Cove home nine years ago, thinking it would only be a temporary part of his life. But, like many others in his position, he grew attached to those he cared for, and formed a family bond with his colleagues and residents.
Although Hodge works in a field he loves, his pay at AHRC doesn’t cover his life expenses. The Lynbrook native starts his day at 5:30 a.m. and commutes to his second job working for the parks department for the Town of North Hempstead. At 2:30 p.m., he commutes from Westbury to Glen Cove and finishes his shift with AHRC at 11 p.m. He gets home around midnight and prepares him to start the same day again fiveand-a-half-hours later.
“We’re working at this point just to survive even with two jobs,” Hodge said. “I feel like with one job, we should be homeowners, but with the two jobs, I couldn’t be a homeowner today if I wanted to.”
It takes a lot of energy to be a DSP like Hodge, especially since both of Hodge’s jobs are hands-on. When he works for the Town of Hempstead, he mows lawns, picks up trash and repairs fences and equipment on playgrounds. When he arrives to work in Glen Cove, he distributes medications, cooks, and cleans the home. He also escorts the residents to doctors’ appointments or nearby parks to enjoy fresh air.
Despite the high demands of the job, DSPs currently earn only slightly more than minimum wage. Statewide, reimbursement for DSP salaries has increased 1.4 percent per year over the last eight years. Despite the demands of the job, DSPs currently earn on average between $10 and $13 per hour.
This low pay is forcing these essential workers to look for other jobs so
they can afford food, shelter, and basic necessities. As a result, currently 25 percent of these jobs are vacant, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are left without the support they need, and those who formed attachments with one another feel as though they’re losing families.
For the past 25 years, advocates from AHRC and its sister agency, Citizens Options United, have been advocating for the creation of a standard occupational classification for DSPs, which they say is foundational to ensuring people with disabilities have access to critical supports and services. This would help the state and the federal government collect data on demographics and turnover rates. This, in turn, would help inform policies to address the workforce shortage.
Christine Basile, the residential manager at AHRC’s home on Red Spring Lane in Glen Cove, has worked for AHRC for 25 years. She believes increasing wages for DSPs would make a significant change in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
“Can you imagine getting married 30 times in one year, or changing friends 40 times in one year? It’s an exceptional loss to the people in our programs,” Basile said. “When people leave, the residents feel it, and the parents feel it, too. People need staff they can trust.”
Taiwan Verene, the residential manager at the New Woods home in Glen Cove, said one thing about the DSPs is there are so many instances when they put the needs of the people they support before themselves.
Hodge said he and many others feel as though their pleas for wage improvements have gone unheard for too many years.
“I feel like they don’t see it as we have a life, but we want to own homes. We have dreams too and we have things that we want to do too,” Hodge said. “I feel like everyone that I know that works in this agency either work here nonstop or they have two jobs. I know people who work in this agency that barely sleep at their own house because they’re here during night shifts.”
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 October 17, 2023 at 2:30PM, 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 77459
141773
LEGAL NOTICE
INDEX NO.: 608037/2022
Date Filed: 06/21/2022
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS WITH NOTICE
MORTGAGED PREMISES:
25 Randall Avenue, Lynbrook, New York
11563
SBL #: 38-460-3 & 4
Plaintiff designates NASSAU County as the place of trial; venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situate.
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU M&T Bank, Plaintiff, vs. Nezir Alija; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; John Doe #1 through #6, and Jane Doe #1 through #6, the last twelve names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY.
SENDING PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $515,490.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau on March 10, 2016, in Volume 41075, Page 457 and as Instrument No.
2016-00024163, covering premises known as 25 Randall Avenue, Lynbrook, New York
11563, SBL #: 38-460-3
& 4
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendants and for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises.
TO the Defendant Nezir Alija, the foregoing Supplemental Summons with Notice is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. David P. Sullivan of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, dated and filed June 14, 2023.
Dated: July 6, 2023
/s/ Christhie Montero
Christhie Montero, Esq.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, New York 10170
Phone: 347.286.7409
Fax: 347-286-7414
Attorneys for Plaintiff, M&T Bank
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS.
PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE.
The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.
To locate an entity near you, you may call the tollfree helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department’s website at www.dfs.ny.gov.
FORECLOSURE RESCUE
SCAMS
Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in
order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.
141760
Start
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
CV XXVIII, LLC, Plaintiff against AMJAD QURESHI, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230,Cranford, NJ 07016. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 9, 2016, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 2, 2023 at 3:00 PM. Premises known as 1 Olive Place, Lynbrook, NY 11563. Sec 42 Block 13001 Lot 91&92. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $681,400.38 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 002561/2015. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the
Lynbrook North Middle School students wore green and shared warmed greetings for Start with Hello Week from Sept. 18-22.
Middle schoolers in the Lynbrook school district brought awareness to the impact of social isolation during Start with Hello Week from Sept. 18-22.
The mission of Start with Hello Week, an initiative started by Sandy Hook Promise, is to limit social isolation and form connections through simple greetings. Students at North and South middle schools wore nametags and were challenged to greet five new peers with a simple “hello.”
At a photo booth, students had fun
Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with
posing together for photos. During “Positive Note Tuesday,” students shared notes with positive messages and compliments, while “Welcome Wednesday” was filled with new friendships being made.
Throughout the week at South Middle, Principal Kaitlin GaNun and social worker Amanda Cioffi pushed in to all sixth grade classes to read the book “Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig to facilitate discussions about social awareness, kindness and the importance of reaching out.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
AUTO MECHANIC: Village of Malverne. Full Time. Experienced. Must have CDL. www.malvernevillage.org/job-postings
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $15 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Gregoris Subaru Of Valley Stream Seeking Business Development Coordinator F/T Answer Phones, Email Leads, And Customer Follow Up. Good Phone Skills And Computer Literate A Must. Salary, Monthly Bonus, $40K-$50K/ Yr. Opportunity For Advancement.
Rosario 516-825-8700
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 $15 per hour to $20 per hour.
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 $31,200 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
631-831-7277 Or Email: johnperetta@yahoo.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
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
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $31,200 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Receptionist needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule: Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay $15 to $17 plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com
Health Care/Opportunities
Project Manager – E. Meadow, NY - Select proposals from listings for NYS agencies’ depts for dsgn, construction, procurement; analyze/prep bid docs against proposals. Manage/direct projects; monitor/control progress; ensure conformance to scope of work, qlty plan, SHE plan & contract docs. Review engg calcs from vendors & subcontractors for structural stability, cast stone anchors & roof top railing. REQ: BS Cvl Engg or related + min. 1 yr related exp.
Resumes: ibrahim@atlanticspecialtyinc.com
HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides
Open Houses
CEDARHURST BA, 332B Peninsula Blvd, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
EAST ROCKAWAY 10/8, 12-1:30, 45 Judith Ct, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Immaculate & Well Maintained 3300 Sq Ft, 6 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Beautiful Quiet St in SD#20. Won't Last!...$1,089,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETT BA,1534 BROADWAY #205, BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!!Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,.190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained
516-505-5510
Valley Stream
Prime Location! Close to LIRR Gibson train station, Barrett Park, and shops, this charming brick Tudor spans three levels. The main floor unfolds with an airy open-concept living room featuring a gas fireplace, a formal dining room, and a kitchen with deck access. Upstairs, discover three bedrooms, including the primary with an en-suite. Enjoy the convenience of gas cooking, heating, and a separate hot water heater. The full lower level, with a walk-out feature, offers easy access from the secure gated driveway, complemented by an attached garage. This home offers low-maintenance, with a welcoming brick patio. Perfect for commuters, combining comfort and convenience. Asking $625,000. Call Nicholas to arrange a private showing.
Nicholas Amato
The Corcoran Group LIC. RE SALESPERSON TEAM LEADER m: 516.514.0088 namato@corcoran.com
Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299
OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 10/3/23
E a ST ROCK aWay
45 Judith Ct, 12-1:30, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Immaculate & Well Maintained 3300 Sq Ft, 6 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Beautiful Quiet St in SD#20. Won’t Last!...$1,089,000
HEWLETT Bay Pa RK
190 Meadowview Ave,BA, Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home! REDUCED...$2,700,000
HEWLETT
1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/ Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000
WOOdMERE
504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14. Near All! REDUCED! $950,000
CE da RHURST
332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D.Pull Down Attic. SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $449,000
Q. I’m doing a report for school on how buildings get designed. If you design a skyscraper, what are the things you have to do, and is it different for different kinds of buildings? Like, what do you have to do for a school or a house or a store to figure out what it will look like and how it gets built? My mom helped me with this question, but then we thought you might have more to say about it.
A. There are so many considerations when designing a building. You really have to think about many things all at once. First, you need to know as much as you can about where the building will be built. Is the site big enough, and are there going to be government limitations on how big the building can be? Those limitations include how tall it’s allowed to be, how far from the street, how close to the side and rear property lines and how much area, in general, can be covered by the building itself, and how much area must be open land for parking and lawn space.
There are special areas, called zones, and each has different requirements, which is why you don’t see a shoe store or a skyscraper next to a house. You also have to know how hard the ground is to support the building, where rain will be collected, in what direction the sun rises and sets, how to resist wind, rain and snow, and whether there are trees that need to be removed. Nature plays a big role in the design of all aspects of buildings.
Next, you have to think about what materials the building should be made of. If there’s a limit on how much money can be spent, the materials, which all fit together like a big puzzle, have to be carefully selected to last the longest, prevent the building from moving too much and keep the weather out. Sometimes we plan buildings to limit how much wasted material there will be by using what are called modular materials, which are cut in factories and then assembled more quickly on the site, instead of picking materials that will need much more work (that is, labor) on the building site.
Labor costs, the money workers are paid, is the most expensive part of the building, so it’s very important to find ways to save money on how much time it will take to put all the parts together, whether it’s a house or a skyscraper.
Skyscrapers have many more parts, and because they’re very tall, they have to be stronger, since the wind is greater the higher you go in the sky. Every building has to be designed to resist fire from spreading quickly, to allow people to get out and to allow firefighters to put the flames out faster while being safe from the building coming apart. So, as you can see, there are many things to consider. More about the design next week.
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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Adele Esther Lahey is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson since 2001. Growing up in Brooklyn and Queens, she eventually moved her family to the Five Towns, where she has resided since. She is proudly involved in the community, an active participant in many organizations in the area and a mother of four. Two of her children have graduated from Hewlett High School, and two are currently attending. Her husband is also a Hewlett High School graduate and a volunteer firefighter in our community who works full-time for the FDNY. Besides her real estate license, she has a master’s degree in special education. She is proficient in five languages: Hebrew, English, Russian, Spanish, and Bukharian. You can reach Adele at 516-474-8188 or via email at lahey.adele@gmail.com
Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.
Most people view politics as a simple business. There are winners and losers. But there are other factors that can determine who emerges as a victor or suffers defeat, and the public hears little if anything about them. I refer specifically to the terms “coattails” and “down ballot.”
The best example of the first phenomenon I can think of was last year’s race for governor of New York. The contest featured Democrat Kathy Hochul, who was well known for her activities as lieutenant governor under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. She had ascended to the governor’s office when Cuomo resigned. Her opponent was then U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, a military veteran who had also been a state senator. Thanks to a number of hot issues, such as bail reform, Zeldin came much closer to beating Hochul than anyone expected, with the highest percentage of the vote for a Republican gubernatorial nominee in 20 years.
After a brutal campaign, Hochul won by a margin of 5 percentage margins. Generally, Republicans running statewide usually have little or no chance to win, but Zeldin mounted a spirited campaign, using crime as his major issue, and he spent an enormous amount of time in four of New York City’s traditionally Democratic boroughs. His aggressive campaign turned out to be a big bonus for other New York Republicans.
Thanks to what we call the coattail effect, Zeldin helped no fewer than five Republican candidates for Congress win in what were traditional Democratic districts. Thanks to Zeldin’s efforts, those five winners helped the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives. In addition to the impact on congressional races, Republicans also won a number of Democratic Assembly seats in Brooklyn and Queens.
If you research state and federal campaigns, you’ll find very few examples of candidates at the top of the ticket sweeping other candidates into office. The first race that I can recall where there was a massive shift in power thanks to
the top candidate was President Lyndon Johnson’s campaign in 1964.
Johnson was opposed by conservative Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona. Goldwater spoke for the extreme elements of the party, and as a result, Johnson was able to craft a campaign that helped elect hundreds of Democrats around the nation. Johnson’s effort was so strong that the Democrats were even able to unseat New York’s Assembly speaker, Joseph F. Carlino, with an unknown car dealer named Jerome McDougal.
Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama were able to help a few members of their party limp to victory. But their triumphs had none of the magnitude of the Johnson landslide. Candidates for almost every office often hope that the nominee at the top of the ticket will somehow magically propel them into office.
Of course, in some cases, candidates at the bottom of the ballot have to worry that the party frontrunner doesn’t cost them their own elections. Being swept out of office by a weak designee at the top of the ticket isn’t a rare occurrence.
In 1972, Democrats chose the ultra-liberal Sen. George McGovern as their presidential headliner. McGovern won only one state, and caused the party to lose numerous down-ballot races.
In 1988, the Democrats chose Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis as their presidential candidate, and many candidates on the slate, including me, had to run strong individual campaigns to survive.
Both parties are already confronting the issue of whether their candidate for president will help or hurt them. Republicans are especially concerned about whether former President Donald Trump will head their ticket and cost them seats. And Democrats are worried about whether President Biden will have any impact on the party turnout.
As the 2024 races unfold, the highprofile candidates will be the subject of much of the discussion of winning and losing, but their parties will be just as concerned with coattails, and what the results will mean down ballot.
Jerry Kremer was a state Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.
An alarming trend is taking place that is undermining one of the pre-eminent tenets of our U.S. Constitution — freedom of the press. Faced with the prospect of bad publicity, people in positions of authority, in some cases with a particularly conservative political ideology, are using the legal system as a weapon in a war with an institution once seen as a bedrock of democracy and now perceived as an enemy.
more legal fees for the Pilot & Review. The Times reports that the paper’s publisher has no idea how she can afford to both fight both the legal case and pay her staff of four.
In Wisconsin, a small-town newspaper is on the verge of bankruptcy due to the expense of defending itself in a defamation suit filed by a now Republican state senator. As detailed in a New York Times story in 2021, the Wausau Pilot & Review published an article reporting that a prominent businessman, Cory Tomczyk, referred to a 13-year-old boy as a “fag” at a public hearing. Tomczyk subsequently sued the paper for defamation, but the case was dismissed in April of this year because he failed to meet the legal standard to establish a case. Tomczyk has appealed, resulting in
Meanwhile, in Kansas, one can’t help but see the link between the raid of a small newspaper’s offices and its investigation of the local police chief. As reported on NPR, on Aug. 11, the Marion Police Department confiscated computers, cellphones and a range of other material at the offices of the Marion County Record. While it had not published any stories, the Record had been looking into allegations of misconduct against the local police chief. The paper’s publisher told the Kansas Reflector that the message from police and the local political establishment was clear: “Mind your own business or we’re going to step on you.”
As in Wisconsin, the Kansas case is getting national attention. According to The Intercept, the raid was strongly condemned in a letter from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to the Marion County Chief of Police, which was signed by 36 news media and press freedom organizations. The letter
states, “Newsroom searches and seizures are among the most intrusive actions law enforcement can take with respect to the free press, and the most potentially suppressive of free speech by the press and the public.”
This accounting of recent instances of press intimidation, by the Philadelphia Inquirer, makes clear that those above are by no means alone:
■ An Oklahoma sheriff caught on tape earlier this year discussing ways to murder reporters.
■ A government official in Las Vegas charged last year with murdering an investigative reporter who wrote stories about his bullying tactics of subordinates and his relationship with an employee.
■ The homes of two journalists in New Hampshire vandalized last year after stories detailed sexual assault allegations against the operator of an addiction treatment center.
■ Reporters threatened and harassed for covering the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
■ Some local governments have stopped
paying to print public notices in newspapers because of unfavorable coverage.
■ Elon Musk banned several reporters from the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, who aggressively covered his company.
And then, of course, there is arguably the ringleader in this war against responsible journalism, former President Donald Trump, who has accused the press of being an “enemy of the people,” according to The New York Times. The Times also reports that Trump has filed numerous unsuccessful defamation lawsuits against news organizations, the latest of which, a $475 million whopper against CNN, was thrown out by a federal judge for lack of merit.
This crisis has special significance for us Long Islanders. Marie Colvin was an award-winning hero journalist who lost her life covering war atrocities in Syria. She grew up in East Norwich. Marie used to say, “Be passionate, and be involved in what you believe in, and do it as thoughtfully and honestly as you can. … Our mission is to speak truth to power.”
We need to stand up and fight for independent journalism. Let us all speak ‘truth to power”!
Charles Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District.
An institution once seen as a bedrock of democracy is now often a target.
Counting on strength at the top of the ballot, or concerned about weakness.JERRY KREMER
the horrific charter bus accident on Orange County’s Interstate 84 on Sept. 21 that claimed the lives of a band director and a retired teacher while injuring 16 members of Farmingdale High School’s marching band should be a wake-up call for change. The procedure for ensuring that a charter bus is safe for travel — an inspection, now conducted by the owner of the bus company — should be augmented by the school districts themselves whenever any trip involves our most precious cargo.
Many school districts hire charter bus companies they deem safe by considering past driving records, hiring practices and inspection procedures. A state transportation department spokesman told reporters after the accident that the charter bus, operated by Regency Transportation of Nesconset, had undergone its semiannual inspection in August, and passed.
While it isn’t clear whether there was another inspection before the bus left for the marching band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania, investigators believe the crash was caused by a faulty front tire. One last inspection — especially by a qualified school district official — possibly could have found the problem, and the outcome of that day might have been quite different.
That’s already happening at schools in Glen Head, Glenwood Landing and Sea Cliff on the North Shore, where
To the Editor:
their own transportation depot, built in 2006, conducts inspections by mechanics employed and contracted by the district. A bus must pass a second inspection before it can leave the depot.
North Shore Schools superintendent Chris Zublionis says that having the depot saves the district money, and brings in revenue when its employees work on buses from other districts. It also gives them all the control necessary to ensure that buses are safe.
The school district’s charter and regular yellow buses all have seat belts, as do yellow buses rented by other districts. Most charter buses have seat belts, too. Initial reports from the Farmingdale accident, however, indicated that none of the 40 students and four adults on the bus were wearing seat belts when it careened 50 feet down a steep slope near Wawayanda after crashing through a guardrail. Several of the injured passengers were ejected.
AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair says that bus passengers should wear seat belts, although many yellow buses from various school districts don’t have them.
“The expense of having them in a school bus is paid for by school districts,” Sinclair said, “and since school buses are the safest vehicle on the road, statistically — with very few crashes — schools may not want to incur the expense.
“It would have been beneficial,” he added, “if they had been wearing them
in this accident.”
But the benefits of wearing a seat belt on a bus aren’t as clear as, say, for a regular passenger car, Zublionis said. One theory is that a seat belt could stop a child from escaping from a bus in an emergency. But Zublionis — along with other superintendents the Herald spoke with — supports wearing one, although no school district requires students to do so.
That needs to change. Sinclair said that it’s far more common for seat belts to protect passengers in a charter bus accident than to be a detriment.
And it wouldn’t be hard to make the change. Before a bus departs, a chaperone or teacher could instruct students to buckle their seat belts, demonstrate how it’s done, and then ensure that they are properly secured — as airline flight attendants do before takeoff.
Taking simple steps like these is the least we could do in light of the Farmindale High tragedy. This is an opportunity for school districts to be proactive, and make a few changes — like taking control of bus inspections, and ensuring that seat belts are worn. And the state education department could help, too, by sending bus safety guidelines to schools.
Everyone — from parents to school districts to bus operators — wants to protect our children, whether they are in the classroom or on the road. Taking these common-sense steps will help ensure that this happens.
Note to former Congressman Peter King (“We’ve had great people working for us at the U.N.,” last week): Driving into Midtown Manhattan in midafternoon is never a good idea, and a particularly bad one when world leaders gather at the United Nations in late September.
Rather than spending a half-hour traveling five and a half blocks, Mr. King could have taken the subway to his destination. If he had ridden the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central, the No. 6 train from there would have gotten him to WABC-AM’s studio on East 49th Street in about five minutes.
Imagine: no frustration, and plenty of time to read or nap. The train and subway would have been cheaper too, given Mr. King’s decision to spend at least $30 to park in a garage. Hopefully, congestion pricing will further encourage him, and thousands of other drivers, to opt for the vastly superior alternative of public transit.
KEvIN J. KELLEy Atlantic Beachthe Metropolitan Transportation Authority is, unfortunately, usually in the news for billion-dollar boondoggles. But local issues and corporate governance problems plague the agency that affects the daily lives of so many riders in Nassau County. The MTA needs some corporate governance and a renewed focus on the commuters it serves, and only then will it be able to lead us out of the pandemic era and into a robust recovery.
The MTA is the largest public transit system in America, shuttling over 11 million passengers on an average weekday, covering 14 counties, employing 70,000 people and serving over 850,000 vehicles across seven bridges and two tunnels. Because of its importance to New Yorkers’ livelihoods and the economy, it is critical that it functions efficiently and serves its constituency well.
The agency has certainly hit some big milestones recently, including increased ridership, back to pre-pandemic levels, and registering over 2 million OMNY fare-payment taps in one day. But at the same time, the MTA
is failing my constituents in the 15th Assembly District, as well as the hundreds of thousands of daily LIRR riders across the MTA’s Long Island footprint.
My district stretches along the eastern border of Nassau, from Farmingdale to Locust Valley, a large portion of which is served by the notoriously problemplagued Oyster Bay line. For years, commuters in this area have had to choose between leaving work ridiculously early in order to make it home to their families, or staying at work longer and missing activities at home.
At first, the excitement over the recent East Side Access project was palpable among Oyster Bay line commuters. After years of unreliable service and difficult train schedules, it seemed like more options were finally becoming available. To our dismay, it turned out that, once again, the line will suffer the brunt of bad schedule changes. The few popular peak trains available are now even fewer and farther between, and require changing in Jamaica.
The situation has become so dire that many people are opting to drive to other stations on other lines. This not only defeats the purpose of commuter
To the Editor:
I’d like to commend reader Brian Kelly for his thoughtful letter in last week’s issue, “Are we sure Trump’s guilt would be enough?” explaining how former President Donald Trump may escape conviction despite overwhelming evidence. I’d just like to add two things Mr. Kelly didn’t mention.
The first is that a “not guilty” verdict is not synonymous with “innocent.” When a jury foreperson announces “not guilty,” that means only that the jury did not feel the prosecution had a strong enough case to prove the defendant was guilty, even though he or she may clearly not be innocent.
The second is that Trump is only one part of a much bigger problem in our country. That problem is that so many people continue to support him regardless of what he says, how he behaves, or even how many times he is indicted. The most frightening thing is that Trump continues to soar in the
polls. He may actually succeed in once again getting his hands on the reins of this country due to his base of supporters, who don’t seem to care which laws he has broken, and to the many citizens who just don’t care enough to vote.
To the Editor: Welcome back to Randi Kreiss (“I’ll be choosing my words even more carefully,” Sept. 21-27)! As a reader, I for one welcome her return, and hope her husband is doing well.
I’m sad to hear that she has decided to write her column monthly, as opposed to weekly, but it will give me something to look forward to. Perhaps the Herald can fill her space with other columnists from different stages in life — a Generation X-er and a parent navigating a life with children come to mind. Just a thought.
DEBBIE LEVINE Baldwin
rail, it also negatively affects small business owners around the Oyster Bay line train stations who are there to serve commuters.
The problems LIRR riders are facing are a direct result of corporate governance failures at the top. When Phillip Eng retired as LIRR president over a year ago, the MTA announced that MetroNorth Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi would serve as president of both the LIRR and MetroNorth. While Rinaldi may be a capable transit executive, the very nature of this dual role divides her focus and allegiance, which is not fair to MetroNorth or LIRR customers, especially those who use the Oyster Bay line.
This arrangement would be untenable in any other arena of government, nonprofit or private business, and we need to get a fast and thorough executive search under way now. The fact that ridership is climbing to pre-pandemic levels means we needed a dedicated and focused LIRR president months ago.
But it’s no surprise that this structure isn’t sounding any alarm bells within the MTA. The same problem exists at the very top of the organizational chart. Janno Lieber, the chair-
man of the MTA, also serves as its chief executive officer. Much like the dual-president role, giving the same person the chairman and CEO powers is an inherent conflict of interest, and runs counter to the transparency and accountability that is supposed to be the bedrock of a public authority.
The private sector has for years now recognized this conflict, and more corporations are splitting the functions of the chairman and CEO. This allows the chair and the board to perform their vital oversight duties, including establishing budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability, engaging in shortand long-term planning, and evaluating executive performance, among other functions, independent of conflict.
These are problems with clear solutions. If the MTA had a better corporate structure, it would be a more transparent, accountable and efficient public authority that serves its customers better. Projects would be delivered closer to on time and on budget, and closer attention would be paid to customers throughout the system.
A clear organizational chart, with dedicated roles and talented executives, including a separate LIRR president, is the first step toward an efficient and responsive MTA. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.
the agency is failing hundreds of thousands of LIRR riders across the Island.PAM SINGER Malverne
Mount Sinai South Nassau and the Town of Hempstead are bringing Flu vaccines to your community. Additional information about the mobile unit and its schedule are posted on the hospital’s Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau
Baldwin Senior Center – Monday, October 2
10am-2pm, 810 N. Grand Ave, Baldwin, NY 11510
Elmont Senior Center – Tuesday, October 3
10am-2pm, 138 Elmont Rd, Elmont, NY 11003
Lido Senior Center – Tuesday, October 10
10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561
Green Acres Senior Center – Friday, October 13
10am-2pm, 400 Flower Rd, Valley Stream, NY 11581
Levittown Senior Center – Monday, October 16
10am-2pm, 555 N Newbridge Rd, Levittown, NY 11756
Merrick Senior Center – Wednesday, October 18
10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Rd, Merrick, NY 11566
Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center – Monday, October 30
10am-2pm, 840 Uniondale Ave, Uniondale, NY 11553
Bellmore Senior Center – Tuesday, October 31
10am-2pm, 2000 Bellmore Ave # A, Bellmore, NY 11710
Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center – Wednesday, November 1
10am-2pm, 750 Jerusalem Ave, Uniondale, NY 11553
Franklin Square Senior Center – Monday, November 6
10am-2pm, 1182 Martha Pl, Franklin Square, NY 11010
Merrick Senior Center – Wednesday, November 8
10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Rd, Merrick, NY 11566
For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-37 7-5333.