Tim Sullivan, mayor of Malverne Village, took a trip to Italy with his wife Catherine and their 18-month-old daughter, Ella.
While in Venice, the trio visited the iconic St. Mark’s Square and saw the St. Mark’s Basilica — but made sure to keep up to date on the latest happenings in their hometown.
It’s one thing to recognize a problem in your community. It’s another thing entirely to do something about it. Maya Flam, Vera Hametz and Harpreet Kaur, juniors at West Hempstead High School, completed a project that improves water quality while making their school more beautiful: a rain garden.
“It’s for our school, it’s for our environment,” Hametz said. “It’s helping more than just us.”
An unused patch of lawn near the basketball courts will soon become a small sanctuary of
hyacinths, frost flowers and other native plants. It will boost the ecosystem for pollinators like butterflies and bees, and the plants’ roots will help absorb excess nitrogen that otherwise would run off into the local water supply.
“It feels really good to contribute something,” Flam said. “A lot of clubs, you do stuff and it’s just for that year. But this is something that’s going to last more than this year.”
The students’ project lies at the intersection of form and function: It reduces pollution, mitigates the heavy flooding on that lawn when it rains, and also creates something that students
After two years of defeat, the West Hempstead school budget passed on the first try Tuesday evening, with 2,277 people — or just over 58 percent of the voters — in favor, and 1,629 against.
The $77.9 million budget is expected to increase the tax levy by more than 2 percent.
Education board vice president Kurt Rockensies was re-elected, stopping a challenge from Aaron Zelig, 2,223-1,717.
Also getting re-elected was Andrea Shinsato, who will now add to her nine years on the board after defeating Rachel Kushner 2,2231,726.
The Malverne school budget also passed quite overwhelmingly, with 410 people — or just under 80 percent of the voters
— in favor of it, and 107 against.
The $71.2 million budget is expected to increase the tax levy by 2 percent.
Administrators say the budget provides students with the resources they need in a postCovid-19 world. That includes efforts like a social worker to support students in- need, and a literacy program specifically helping students from kindergarten through the fourth grade who were hit especially hard with learning loss during the days of remote learning. Proposition 2 also passed, expected to upgrade school facilities like bathrooms, front doors, and the auditorium.
Jeanne D’Esposito was reelected to her board seat, running unopposed.
“It’s always very gratifying that we get so much school support,” D’Esposito said.
“The families in our district really prioritize giving our children the best education we can.”
Richner Communications, Inc. — Long Island’s largest publisher of local media — has acquired the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon, Massapequa Post and Beacon Smart Shopper, from CJ Publishers Inc.
These brands join family-owned Richner Communications, which now owns and publishes 27 community-focused hyperlocal newspapers through its Herald Community Media division, which serves large parts of Nassau County, as well as parts of New York City through the Pulitzer Prize-winning Riverdale Press in the Bronx, and The Jewish Star, which serves the Orthodox Jewish communities throughout the region.
The Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and Massapequa Post date back to 1904, 1966 and 1951, respectively. Today, they serve the communities of the Village of Amityville, North Amityville, Village of Babylon, North Babylon, West Babylon, Copiague, Deer Park, West Islip, Lindenhurst, South Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Plainedge and Seaford.
Carolyn James, owner of CJ Publishers with her husband, Al, expressed a mix of emotions in announcing the sale. James says she trusts the sale will be seamless with careful stewardship, allow-
Michael Hinman/Herald
For decades, the newspaper group that included the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and the Massapequa Post were published by Alfred and Carolyn James. Carolyn joins Herald Community Newspapers as an associate publisher.
ing the newspapers to remain “steadfast pillars within their communities under new guardianship.”
“In the pages of the June 19, 1991, editions of the Amityville Record, Babylon Beacon and Massapequa Post, we embarked on a journey, pledging to carry
forth the legacy of those who came before us,” wrote James in a note to readers last week. “Now, nearly 32 years later, we stand on the precipice of change as Herald Community Newspapers — a stalwart in Nassau County’s weekly news landscape — assumes ownership of our beloved papers.”
The Richner and James families have a longstanding relationship. Richner Printing has printed the CJ newspapers for years and also prints other daily and weekly newspapers, specialty publications and newsletters throughout the tristate region, as well as general, high-volume commercial printing and mailing.
Like CJ Publications, Richner Communications is a proud family-owned business. Founded by Robert and Edith Richner in 1964, the company is today led by their son, Stuart Richner.
“We are excited to continue the great work of Carolyn, Al and their team, to ensure that the Amityville, Babylon and Massapequa communities have the critical news necessary to remain vibrant places to live and work,” Richner said. “Our company believes deeply in the importance of local journalism, and we look forward to introducing ourselves to our new readers.”
Carolyn James will assume the role of associate publisher at Richner Communications and will continue to oversee the four publications. The (516) 798-5100 phone number of CJ Publishers will remain the same, as will the newspapers’ websites of AmityvilleRecord.com, BabylonBeacon.com and MassapequaPost. com. James’ email address is now cjames@liherald.com.
Malverne High School
The Malverne High School World Languages Club recently hosted a celebration that showcased the district’s artistic talent, cultural diversity and spirit of inclusiveness. The event featured vocal and dance performances by Malverne students, as well as a guest performance by the Ecuadorian folk dance group “Sisay Pacha,” who were visiting from Pan American International High School in Queens.
After the entertainment, everyone sat together to enjoy
dinner, which included a variety of food that represented some of the many cultures that make up the Malverne community.
The district is “proud to recognize the students, faculty and community members who contributed their time and talents to this entertaining and inspiring event that shines a spotlight on the spirit of love and acceptance that is a hallmark of Malverne schools,” officials said.
–Talya Lippman
The Town of Hempstead is taking a progressive approach to combatting water conservation issues on Long Island. Supervisor Don Clavin, joined by colleagues in government, as well as Frank Piccininni and Marshall Brown of the Long Island Conservancy, announced its plan to launch a new rain barrel program last week at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick.
The initiative includes the installation of rain barrels in several town parks, including Levy Park, Baldwin Park, Echo Park, the Merrick Golf Course, Rath Park, Speno Park and Veterans Memorial Park. Hempstead residents can also purchase rain barrels at a discounted rate, making it easier for homeowners to contribute to the town’s water conservation efforts.
Overall, the program aims to promote water conservation and educate residents on the benefits of rainwater harvesting.
“It’s an initiative where you’re going to be able to collect rain in your house, utilize it to water your lawn, your flowerbeds, and save money — and at the end of the day, you’re doing the right thing for the environment.” Clavin told reporters at a news conference on May 17.
While the last several weeks — even months — have been exceedingly rainy, Clavin said, that doesn’t mean a drought won’t happen during the summertime. Just last year, there was a nationwide drought, where in some areas, people weren’t even allowed to water their lawns.
Town of Hempstead residents can place an order for a rain barrel no later that May 30 online at Hempstead. ComposterSale.com. They’ll receive a 55-gallon rain barrel, which must be picked up at the Four Towns Fireman Training Center between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on June 1 and 2. The training facility is just minutes away from Levy Park, at 1640 Merrick Road, Merrick.
Barrels cost $65, Clavin said, and through other retailers, barrels can cost upwards of $100.
“Residents want to reinvest in the environment,” Clavin said. “They want to do their part, and by teaming up with them and giving these out at a discounted price, you’re seeing that end result.”
If anyone has concerns as to how rain barrels work, Clavin said they can visit any park in the Town of Hempstead where they’re already in use.
“Ask a staff member, and we’ll show you how simple it is,” he said.
The rain barrels, which resemble an average-sized garbage can, collect water through a filtered opening on the top. To use the water supply, a hose is hooked up at the bottom where there’s a small opening. All one has to do is turn the spicket of the hose, hold it in a downright position, and then utilize the supply that
comes out to water their plants, flowers, grass and more.
Piccininni of the Long Island Conservancy, which raises awareness for the environmental issues that impact communities, said the rain barrels also help combat nitrogen pollution, which causes major issues in the island’s bays.
“Our atmosphere is something like 78 percent nitrogen,” he said, “and when it’s dry, and especially when it’s raining, the nitrogen is just falling out of the sky, ending up in our storm drains and our waterways. The (Town of Hempstead) is taking an incredible step providing these rain barrels, because the nitrogen is going to kind of just stick on site in the rain barrels, and not get washed away downstream.”
“It’s an investment in our environment and our community,” Clavin said, “and really, that’s what it’s all about. These are just good, great initiatives that team up with people with a passion for the environment, with good government that wants to help the environment. There’s always solution.”
Jordan Vallone/Herald photos Town Clerk Kate Murray demonstrated how rain barrels are used at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve. She was joined by Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, Marshall Brown, Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Tom Muscarella and Frank Piccininni.
can enjoy on a walk outside, or looking out their classroom window.
“We were trying to prioritize having both STEM and aesthetics,” Kaur said, referring to the complementary disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math. “And with all the work we put in, and all the ideas we had, we actually made something. That’s really cool.”
Nitrogen is the leading cause of water quality deterioration on Long Island, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. It harms local ecosystems, degrades wetlands and marine habitats, and contaminates the water supply. In an effort to reduce nitrogen pollution, the Long Island Regional Planning Council has been searching for student projects that would help make an impact. Flam, Hametz and Kaur’s project was among the winners of the council’s annual Long Island Water Quality STEM Challenge, and their design won a grant of just over $1,000 for the high school. The students also received a commendation from Nassau County Legislator Bill Gaylor.
“As young leaders, you have shown that you’re not only aware of the critical issues facing our region, but also proactive in finding solutions,” Karen Brohm, president of the West Hempstead Board of Education, told them. “Your project serves as a testament to the importance of STEM education, and the role it plays
West Hempstead High School juniors maya flam, Herpreet Kaur and Vera Hametz created a rain garden to improve the local water supply. they were mentored by science teacher Sal trupia, right, and earned the school a grant from the Long island regional planning Council, whose executive director, rich gardino, is at left.
in shaping a sustainable future for Long Island.”
The project “serves as a beacon of hope for our community,” Dina Reilly, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, added. “Your hard work demonstrates how thoughtful design and scientific principles can harmoniously coexist to mitigate environmental risks and enhance the beauty of the West Hempstead surroundings.”
Generally, parents leave their assets to the children thinking that the children will then take care of their children. Occasionally, parents want to bypass the children, either wholly or partially, and leave an inheritance directly to the grandchildren.
Inheritances to minors come in different varieties, such as bequests in wills and as beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries on IRA’s, investment accounts, life insurance policies and annuities.
Although well-intentioned, inheritances to minors, without a trust, must go through a court proceeding on death. Minors, those under 18, cannot hold property in their names. In the proceeding, the judge appoints a legal guardian to protect the minor’s interest until age eighteen, at which time the beneficiary receives the asset. The expenses of the legal guardian will be paid out of the minor’s bequest. Generally, the legal guardian will use the funds for the child’s health, education, maintenance and support having regard to any other assets or resources of the
minor known to the guardian. Again, ready or not, the legal guardian must turn over the assets to the minor at age eighteen, a tender age in today’s world.
A better plan would be to leave assets to a minor beneficiary by creating a trust. You leave directions for the use of the funds, distribution at a stated age, such as thirty years old and, in the meantime, the trustee, a person you choose instead of a legal guardian chosen by the court, uses the money for the purposes enumerated above, either by giving money directly to the minor or by paying bills on their behalf.
Trusts avoid probate court proceedings entirely for the trust assets. You either put assets into the trust while you are living or, alternatively, you may name the minor’s trust as death beneficiary on bank accounts, investment accounts, IRA’s or the retirement plans, annuities and life insurance policies.
The intention to benefit minor beneficiaries must be attended to with thoughtful planning to avoid having the
deed punished.
Flam, Hametz and Kaur’s rain garden is an extension of a project they did together in their Earth Science class last year. When Sal Trupia, their science teacher and project mentor, heard of the LIRPC Water Quality Project, he knew they would be the perfect candidates.
“I’m really proud of them,” Trupia said. “They did a lot of work. They did an amazing job.”
The three friends may only have one
more year at the high school, but they take comfort in knowing their project will benefit generations to come. The rain garden is an “eternal living classroom,” LIRPC spokesman Mark Smith.
“Having an interactive classroom,” Kaur said. “Having something where you can come outside and be like, ‘That’s nature. That’s something you can actually observe.’”
“Like the photography classes,” Flam said. “If we’re having all these plants here, there will most likely be animals and bugs coming in. (Photography students) could come and capture that.”
“It’s also good for still-lifes and drawings and different types of paintings,” Hametz added. “Good inspiration for AP Art students.”
The rain garden “will be beautiful out here, and also serve students going forward,” district Superintendent Daniel Rehman said. “Once it’s in place, it’ll be an opportunity for instruction for years to come.”
Next year, as seniors, Flam, Hametz and Kaur plan to see their project through to the end.
“This is our baby, you know?” Kaur said. “So we’re trying to nurture it.”
“It’s just cool knowing we did this,” Hametz said. “It’s there.”
“We only have one more year to enjoy it,” Flam said, “but it should be fun looking out the window and being like, ‘We did that.’”
EMMA RYAN
Baldwin Senior Lacrosse
IT WAS A NEAR-PERFECT regular season for the Bruins, who won 13 of 14 games and captured the Nassau Conference 3 title. And Ryan, who will play lacrosse at Hartwick College, was one of the biggest reasons for their success. She netted 52 goals, including the 100th of her career, and added 12 assists. She also had 87 draw controls. Ryan had eight points (six goals and two assists) May 6 as Baldwin sealed first place with a 14-13 win over Hicksville.
SOFTBALL (Farmingdale State College)
Thursday, May 23
Saturday, May 25
Nassau
Nassau
BOYS LACROSSE (Hofstra University)
Friday, May 24
Nassau
Nassau Class C championship 7:30 p.m.
For the Malverne boys’ tennis team, the 2024 regular season was simply perfect.
This year’s group became the first in program history to run the table from start to finish by going 14-0 this spring while winning the Conference IV championship. The Mules, who shared the conference title with Freeport during coach Heath Hocoluk’s first season at the helm in 2022, joined Manhasset and Lynbrook as the only Nassau teams to not suffer a loss during the regular season.
The Mules’ season did end with a defeat to Conference I powerhouse Roslyn in their postseason opener last Saturday, but that did not in any way diminish what the boys accomplished this spring.
“The boys deserve it,” Hocoluk said. “They’ve worked hard since middle school age coming to the high school. When I took over the team three years ago, there were about nine players on the team, now there are a total of 30 and it’s
a good group of boys.”
But the road to perfection was not easy. Malverne won five matches by 4-3 scores, including two against secondplace West Hempstead, three others by 5-2 margins, and had just two 7-0 sweeps. The two one-point victories against the Rams featured clutch wins by two of the Mules’ doubles teams and the only set loss dealt to top singles star Jamar Smith all season, courtesy of rival Aden Palmer.
On May 1, the third singles pairing of seniors Justin Costa and Ryan Hayes lost the first set to West Hempstead 3-6 before rallying to win the last two by 6-2, 6-4 scores. Eight days later, the first doubles team of Chase Rucker and Saim Qureshi played the heroes by winning the decisive third set 6-3.
“We were counting on our doubles to step up and I spoke to them before the matches started and I said, ‘Listen boys, we have to have all hands on deck here from top to bottom.’” Hocoluk said. “You’ve got to step your game up.”
Smith won all 12 of his matches in
2024 and is an astounding 33-2 since his freshman year, with the only two defeats coming last year against Baldwin’s Brandon Firth. He also boasted a 134-46 wonloss mark in games this season.
“As he’s getting older, he’s getting more vocal and becoming a leader,” Hocoluk said. “Next year when he’s a senior, I’m waiting to see what he does for the team. It should be exciting.”
Sophomore Matthew DaCosta was 10-1 in the second singles slot, including a hard-fought 7-6 (2), 3-6, 7-6 (5) victory over Freeport’s Johncarlo Rivera that keyed the Mules’ sweep of the Red Devils on May 6. Senior Chadrick Glenister won nine of his 11 third singles matches.
Rucker and Quershi went 9-1 together as the top pairing and sophomore Zain Raza filled in admirably with Christopher Ferguson in second doubles while senior Jerico Villanueva was sidelined. Costa and Hayes posted a 5-3 mark and the fourth doubles team of juniors Andrew Li and Noah Viscaino were one of the most consistent performers with four straight set victories.
Marinela Lizana Plaza, Cedarhurst
American Legion Post 339
I think of soldiers that fought in our wars to keep freedom, our liberties and America as we know it, how much we owe them and their memories. I have a friend, a member of my unit, who died, who I think about every Memorial Day.
Ralph Esposito, Elmont Veterans Service Agency
We pay tribute to those who gave all to make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. I run the Elmont Memorial Day parade to remember those who gave it all and who made the supreme sacrifice.
Davian Savage, Lynbrook
American Legion Post 339
It’s a day to recognize the fallen military personnel over the course of many wars, and to remember their impact on the freedom we have today, and the ultimate sacrifice they made.
Howard Stillwagon, Glen Cove Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 347 (with Cruiser, his service dog) Memorial Day is to honor the fallen veterans of all wars but (personally) for the 20 young men I saw get killed in Vietnam from January to July of 1969. For us combat veterans, we know what it was like to see them lose their lives We never forget.
Gary Glick, Bellmore Jewish War Veterans
It’s a day of mourning for guys who have passed away or who were killed in the war — in all wars. My motto is to help veterans. It shouldn’t just be one day of taking care of veterans, it should be every day.
It’s never too early to plan for summer. Hofstra Summer Camps is open for registration!
A favorite of Long Island families for 40 years, Hofstra Summer Camps provides campers in grades K through 12 an exciting opportunity to explore their passions, learn new skills, or become better athletes in any of our 50+ camps. Campers benefit from use of Hofstra’s state-of-the-art facilities, and our included lunch and transportation options make us the preferred choice for parents.
Learn more about Hofstra Summer Camps at Hofstra.edu/camp
Grab your running shoes, the 15th annual Beit Halochem International Five Towns 5K takes place Sunday, June 9 at North Woodmere Park, with the starter’s pistol firing at 10 a.m., sharp.
Proceeds benefit disabled Israeli military veterans through Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans out of Manhattan. Beit Halochem International is the only organization in the United States authorized to raise money for the rehabilitation of wounded Israeli veterans, according to officials.
Isaac Seinuk — co-chair of Beit Halochem USA-Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans — founded this race in 2009 with the immense support and sponsorship of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group.
“Running a community-based organization for over 35 years, we believe in ‘for the community, from the community,’ and our community is well-known for supporting Israel and Israeli causes,”
The 5K starts at North Woodmere Park, making its way through the local streets of North Woodmere with major stretches on Cliffside Avenue and Flanders Drive — along with a path through Nutley Place, Glenridge Avenue, Mulberry Place, Cranford Avenue and Kilmer Lane — before ending back at the park for an awards ceremony.
Other sponsors include Young Israel of North Woodmere, Young Israel of Woodmere, Congregation Beth Sholom, and the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach. Volunteers are provided by the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway.
“I felt very strongly that I wanted to do
Veterans in order to raise funds, and much more importantly, to raise awareness,” Seinuk said.
Beit Halochem was not well known in the United States back then, but the Five Towns 5K changed that significantly. Seinuk’s goal was to have runners return each year to help support the cause and donate.
The organization was established to help assist the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, formed in 1949 following Israel’s War of Independence, according to the group’s website. There are currently four active locations in Israel with a fifth in the works.
around $30,000 from the North Woodmere event, Seinuk said, with this year’s donations expected to go even higher.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve raised over a half a million dollars — if not more — for Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans,” he added.
The race provides needed money to help disabled soldiers receive physical rehabilitation and mental health services, especially for those who may live without limbs, or are managing other permanent disabilities.
“This year, the need is multiple times more than in any year the race is transpiring, since the Oct. 7 war,” said Jeffrey Eisenberg, founder of the Israel Chesed Center. “We now have over 50,000 wounded soldiers from this current war.”
It was Oct. 7 when Hamas terrorists crossed over from Gaza into Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, and kidnapping hundreds more.
New programs and therapy are continually added to aid the Israeli disabled veterans in ways that keep them active, healthy, and socially connected.
“Right before this current war, we’ve helped 52,000 wounded soldiers,” said Tzvia Wexler, national developing director for Beit Halochem USA. “Unfortunately, now we had an additional 13,000 physically wounded and 15,000 to 20,000 with PTSD.”
Registration remains open until the day of the race. For more information,
Courtesy Isaac Seinuk
Olivia Brown, a junior from Malverne High School, was honored by Princeton University with the 2024 Princeton Prize in Race Relations Olivia is one of only 36 high school students in the nation selected for this award, and the only one on Long Island. She was commended at a ceremony in Manhattan on May 14.
The prestigious accolade is awarded to high school students who have made significant contributions to improving race relations through leadership, understanding, and actions toward racial equity. Olivia was recognized for her leadership in the ‘What’s In A Name” project. The campaign to saw Lindner Place, a street named after Ku Klux Klan member Paul Lindner, renamed to Acorn Way. This extensive three-year project showcased Olivia’s commitment to justice and equity — it involved rigorous research, compelling advocacy at town hall meetings and the active engagement of her fellow students alongside the Malverne Village committee and town historian Donald Putke, who attended the ceremony.
The successful renaming of the street to Acorn Way stands as a testament to the community’s collective stand against racial hatred and its commitment to creating a legacy of equality and unity.
“Olivia’s relentless pursuit of justice, combined with her ability to inspire and unite her peers and community members, has made a tangible impact on promoting racial understanding and equity in Malverne,” said Jason March, district supervisor of humanities, in his recommendation for the award. “Her leadership and passion for change are truly exemplary.”
The impact of Olivia’s work extends far beyond the symbolic renaming of a street — it has ignited a wider dialogue on racial equity and underscored the signifi-
cance of community activism. Olivia’s actions have inspired her peers to engage in civic readiness and activism, showcasing the impactful role of youth in driving positive societal change.
Olivia exemplifies the exceptional leadership and dedication to racial equity that the Princeton Prize in
Race Relations aims to acknowledge and celebrate, school officials said. They added that her contributions have not only enriched her community, but have also set a precedent for future generations to follow.
–Talya Lippman
Photo courtesy Malverne school district
Olivia Brown, a Malverne High School junior honored with the 2024 Princeton Prize in Race Relations. She, joined by her family, was congratulated by Malverne Historical Society board member Donald Putke and district supervisor of humanities Jason March.
This year’s Nassau Boces Long Island High School for the Arts’ Scholarship Gala honored founding principal Ava Favara and celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary. Alumni and faculty delivered an evening of performances during the April 25 celebration. Donors provided over 50 raffle and auction items, helping to raise more than $13,000 in scholarship funds for LIHSA seniors wishing to pursue post-secondary education in the arts.
Principal Ava Favara was overwhelmed by the honor.
“It was a beautiful night of unending surprises,” Favara said. “I was overwhelmed with the alumni who returned to perform as well as the wonderful video tribute from amazing alumni who are performing all over the world and couldn’t be in attendance,” she said. “The audience was filled with alumni, former parents, teachers, staff members and artists as well as family members, friends and wonderful LIHSA students and supporters. It has been my great honor to have been in a position to help so many students make their dreams come true. It truly was one of the greatest nights of my life.”
The annual event is much anticipated for alumni to perform together and share a variety of performing arts talents that they honed while attending LIHSA. Visual artists had their work on display in the school’s art gallery. Alumni hailed from the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Momix, the Broadway stage and a current contender on “The Voice,” Jackie Romero.
was honored during Scholarship Gala
Lt. Robert Connolly, commanding officer of Homeland Security for the Nassau County Police Department, is being lauded by Nassau Boces as one of the most devoted supporters of public education on Long Island.
Connolly is among 14 honorees to receive the 2024 Nassau Boces Education Partner award, which is bestowed annually on individuals and organizations that Boces believes have had a profound effect on education in Nassau County.
Connolly personally responds to school safety issues on an around-the-clock basis. He manages the NCPD School Resource Coordinator Program, providing training for students, educators and the public on recognizing and reporting suspicious activity.
He established an emergency notification system designed specifically to alert and update superintendents on county-wide emergency issues. On top of that, he runs the Situational Awareness For Educators program, the Actions and Consequences program for teens, and Second Shift training for extra-curricular programs.
Connolly was honored at an awards gala last Tuesday, May 7, by the Nassau Boces Educational Foundation. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that raises funds for educational programs that fall outside of the agency’s budget.
Boces created the awards program to recognize those who share its mission of ensuring a “successful, challenging, caring and safe environment that enables students of all ages and abilities to achieve their maximum potential,” administration said. These individuals and organizations have made strides in accom -
Courtesy Nassau Boces
Lt. Robert Connolly has received the 2024 Nassau Boces Education Partner award. Under his leadership, the county’s Department of Homeland Security has made school safety a top priority.
plishing key educational goals embraced by Boces, such as ensuring student success.
The county’s Homeland Security division, under the direction of Connolly, has made local school dis-
tricts — and the children they rely on them — a top priority, Boces administration said, and he is devoted to keeping them safe.
The NCPD Homeland Security’s specialized team of officers is specifically assigned to assist school districts in response to issues outside their daily routine, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and threat assessment, as well as their impacts on mental health. The division also addresses security, emergency response, and the training of students and staff on these issues.
The division routinely conducts school security assessments and provides in-district safety training. They also attend monthly meetings of the Nassau County school superintendents’ safety subcommittee to review school district concerns and update superintendents on emerging issues.
The lieutenant created a cross-sectional Threat Assessment Team for county schools. It consists of law enforcement and educators, as well as numerous representatives from federal, state, and local partners. This team serves to better enable schools to prepare for potential threats, and to address those threats immediately and from numerous perspectives. The newly-developed Nassau County Threat Advisory Committee, or NASTAC, works with the Threat Assessment Team to provide training and advise on best practices.
“Lt. Robert Connolly’s efforts allow Nassau County school districts to enjoy a level of safety and security that is considered to be one of the best in the nation,” wrote his award nominator. “He is greatly respected by all school district leaders, and has the gratitude of educators and students alike.”
Courtesy Nassau Boces Ava Favara, center, founding principal of Nassau Boces’ Long Island High School for the Arts was celebrated during a Scholarship Gala. Jackie Romeo, second from left, LIHSA alum and The Voice favorite, also performed.
HArken
By Karen Bloom
Here we are — ready to kick back and enjoy Memorial Day weekend’s prelude to summer. Besides the observances, parades and barbecues, that yearly trek to Jones Beach to watch the action overhead during the Bethpage Air Show is a beloved tradition for so many of us.
Courtesy U.S. Navy
This year’s show — on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 — celebrates its 20th year with much fanfare.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, headliners at the first Bethpage Air Show back in 2004, return to helm the spectacular two-day display of flying stunts.
George Gorman, regional director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, enthusiastically says that “spectators are in for a real treat” this time around with 2024 being “a very special year for us.”
“Not only are we celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bethpage Air Show, but we are also celebrating the 95th anniversary of Jones Beach State Park and the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks and the Long Island State Park Commission,” he notes.
The Blue Angels have strong ties to the region, flying Grumman Hellcats, built on Long Island for the team’s 1946 inaugural flight. The team then went on to fly other Grumman aircraft, including the Bearcat, Cougar and Tiger, one of which now hangs at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.
Parliament Funkadelic George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic revolutionized funk music in the 1970s, blending psychedelic rock with soulful grooves and creating an extravagant stage show that influenced generations of musicians. Their iconic sound and outlandish performances made them pioneers of funk, with hits like ‘Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)’ and ‘Atomic Dog’ cementing their legacy in music history.
Parliament Funkadelic (often abbreviated as P-Funk), led by Clinton, is known for their innovative and influential contributions to the genre, combining elements of funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. The collective originated in the 1960s, with Clinton serving as the central figure and creative force behind both groups. He’s recognized as the godfather of modern urban music.
Saturday, May 25, 8 p.m. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $54.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com, (631) 673-7300
the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; along with Farmingdale State
College Flying Rams, flying several of their 22 college-owned aircraft, complete
The Skytypers, an air show favorite, combine the best of old and new. The team uses five of the remaining World War II-era NA SNJ planes left in the world,
team uses five of the remaining World War II-era NA SNJ planes left in the world, meticulously restored with the latest technology.
“These were Navy scout planes used on missions in World War II and the Korean War,” explains Larry Arken, the Skytypers’ longtime flight leader. “We’ve modernized them and give them plenty of TLC. We have to take care of our warbirds. They’ve got quite a military history; they’ve landed on aircraft carriers and as fighter trainers they trained the Greatest Generation.”
• May 25-26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $10 vehicle use fee
• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
• For up-to-date information, visit BethpageAirShow.com or text ‘Airshow’ to (516) 842-4400, to download the Bethpage Air Show mobile app
The distinguished squadron — back for its 10th headlining appearance — is joined by other elite military pilots, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Air Force’s A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team, and the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team. These expert aviators demonstrate the armed forces’ capabilities in fulfilling air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The renowned Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron always delights air show visitors with unparalleled displays of flight precision, in keeping with the Navy’s time-honored tradition dating back to 1946. A total of 17 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels, showcasing the precision and power of naval aviation. Each year, the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support officers, and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot to relieve departing members.
As always, expert civilian performers join in the action. The popular Skytypers and their flight squadron of vintage World War II aircraft; Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; the Warbird Thunder team, piloted by former Skytypers members; Long Island’s aerobatic daredevil David Windmiller;
The Farmingdale-based Skytypers are, of course, a familiar sight along northeast beaches with their skytyped messages generated at an altitude of 10,000 feet with puffs of smoke in dot matrix-style letters. While those messages won’t be visible during the show this time around, the pilots are ready to entertain with their signature maneuvers.
“We’re thrilled that this is our 20th year with the show,” Arken says. “It’s so important to us as it’s our hometown show. For many of our friends, it’s the only time they get to see us (perform). We’re always excited to be here and put a smile on people’s faces. It’s great fun to fly down low and see everyone on the beach. This is a terrific event, and the pilots enjoy it as much as everyone on the ground.”
Flying at 500 feet, his team’s 18 minutes of precision skills always excite spectators. Among their favorite tricks is the “bomb burst,” in which the Arken’s planes come in at low altitude toward the spectators from five directions in a crisscross pattern.
“It almost looks like we’re going to hit each other,” he says. “It’s a real crowd pleaser.”
His team is a close-knit group of five pilots, with decades of military and professional experience, who honor the history and heritage of their refurbished aircraft.
“I consider us caretakers of these planes that had such a historical impact during World War II, “Arken says.”Everything we do is because we want to keep them alive for the generations to see them. We love flying these planes and bringing them to this show.”
The event is one of the largest air shows in the country. More than 240,000 people attended in 2022, when the Blue Angels last performed during a stormy weekend. Last year, more than 419,000 attended.
Aztec Two-Step 2.0 chronicles the extraordinary career of Simon & Garfunkel. The music speaks for itself, anchored by Rex Fowler, Aztec Two-Step co-founder and his wife, Dodie Pettit, an original cast member of Broadway’s ‘The Phantom of The Opera.’ Multiinstrumentalist Steven Roues, horn player Joe Meo, and drummer/ percussionist Peter Hohmeister round out the band. The show’s storyline was originally created by Pete Fornatale, the late great pioneer of progressive FM radio and author of Simon & Garfunkel’s Bookends biography. Now telling the stories, emceeing and directing is Fornatale’s protégé, Tony Traguardo, noted rock music historian, podcaster and founding board member of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Nostalgia and laughter abound, and a sing a-long is always in the mix.
Friday, May 31, 8 p.m. $42, $37. $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
Courtesy Larry Left: The Skytypers return each year with their display of flying expertise, a Memorial Day weekend tradition.Chris Botti
theater
On exhibit
He knew his life’s dream was playing music after listening to Miles Davis play perform “My Funny Valentine” live from “Miles Davis – Four & More.” Before venturing out as a solo artist, Botti played in Carnegie Hall as part of the McDonald’s All American High School jazz band and went on tour with Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler and others. His time performing with musicians such as Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé in and out of the studio inspired the distinct style Botti has to this very day. He’s topped the jazz charts with numerous award-winning albums, and performed with symphony orchestras and on prestigious stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House. After signing to Blue Note Records, Botti released his latest album, “Vol. 1.” In many ways, the album is a fresh start for the trumpeter. Having successfully crossed over from the underground jazz scene to pop stardom, Botti’s first album in over a decade finds him coming back to his roots, focusing on acoustic jazz and classic standards. $99.50, $89.50, $74.50, $64.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com. June 2
Award-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti visits The Paramount, Sunday, June 2, 8 p.m. Botti has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. He has thoroughly established himself as one of the important, innovative figures of the contemporary music world. Coming to prominence with the 2001 recording of his Night Sessions CD, Botti gained a reputation as a versatile musician in both jazz and pop music for his ability to fuse both styles together. He’s been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades; he’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and others.
Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Wednesday through Friday, May 29-31,10:15 a.m. and noon; also Saturday, June 1, 11:30 a..m. and 2 p.m. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.
Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.
Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
ADAM GLASER MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR WITH MICHAEL BOWER, ORGANIST
SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2024 • 7:00 PM
PROGRAM - MUSIC INSPIRED BY ART
Respighi: Church Windows
Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute
Granados: Intermezzo from Goyescas Liszt: Battle of the Huns
Old Westbury Gardens Director Maura Brush leads a 45-minute floral arranging class just for kids, Saturday, June 1, 1010:45 a.m., to explore their creative side. Fresh flowers will be used, and she will teach proper care and handling, water, and how to make sure your floral arrangement lasts and looks beautiful. Discuss flower names and fun facts about each flower. For ages 5-12. $30. Registration required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Participate in summer festivities at Malverne Art Walk, beginning June 15 Walk through Malverne and enjoy music, food, street vendors, while browsing among 100 original art pieces — sculptures, photos, quiltwork, paintings and more — from local artists. The event, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, is free and begins at the Malverne Public Library. 61 St Thomas Place.
Join “The Patriot Man,” Greg Waxman, for a 5K race as a tribute to veterans past and present, Monday, May 27. The race is at 8 a.m. rain or shine, and begins at the Malverne Gazebo on Church St. Register at tinyurl.com/Freedom5k2024. The first 150 registrants receive a free seed packet from Crossroad’s Farm.
Examine bees, their importance in the local ecosystem and contributions to daily life, Sunday, June 2, 1-2:30 p.m., at Hempstead Lake State Park. Plus, paint a candle. To register, visit #NatureEdventure at Eventbrite.com.
Join Mayor Tim Sullivan and the Board of Trustees to see what the village is up to, or voice your concerns, Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., at Malverne Village Hall. 99 Church St..
‘Thomas & Friends’ Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to experience its newest exhibit, Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!, opening Saturday, May 25. Participate in fun activities celebrate the arrival of this traveling exhibit, 1-3 p.m., during the drop-in programs. Step onto the Island of Sodor, where visitors can climb aboard a large model of Thomas the Tank Engine, race trains along a giant track, work together to sort and load cargo and maintain engines.
Kids engage in a variety of STEM challenges from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. As they test their abilities, the smiling faces of Thomas, Percy, Victor and others are there to offer encouragement and remind children how “really useful” they all are. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
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.
Plaza Theatrical brings back its acclaimed Broadway series. With the recent passing of Stephen Sondheim, regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre for reinventing the American musical, Plaza honors him with a staging of “Into the Woods,” Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, June 1, 2:30 p.m.; also Thursday, June 6, 2 p.m. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
What’s better than a meal and a comedy show? West Hempstead Public Library offers a bus to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for lunch, a comedy play, and a dessert buffet, Wednesday, May 29. Pickup at the library is at 8:30 a.m., and the return time is around 6 p.m.. The event is $109, payable to WHPL. Register at tinyurl.com/WHPLComedyTrip.
Join the veterans of Cathedral Post 1087 in honoring the American flag, and all it represents, Friday June 14. The flag day celebration begins at 6 p.m. at Cathedral Post 1087. 233 Woodlawn Rd. in West Hempstead.
Celebrate and honor fallen veterans at the West Hempstead Community Support Association’s Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27. It begins at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel, at 876 Hempstead Ave., in West Hempstead, and ends at American Legion Post No. 1087.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, May 25, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Nassau County turned 125 earlier this year, and an eclectic grouping of politicians, artists and celebrities celebrated with the clinking of glasses at The Lannin catering hall at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
Last week’s party — hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — saw a packed room filled with dignitaries like Hempstead deputy town supervisor Dorothy Goosby and Valley Stream painter Mike Stanko, alongside celebrity guests like actor Vincent Pastore from “The Sopranos” television series, and singer Taylor Dayne.
“Nassau County was once known for agriculture, fishing, Gold Coast estates, and resort living,” Blakeman told attendees, during his toast. “Today, Nassau County is larger than 10 states in population. Our gross domestic product is larger than 146 nations in the United Nations. We are home to people of every race, every religion, every ethnic group, every lifestyle, and every ability. We are one of the healthiest — and thanks to our Nassau County Police Department, we are the safest.”
Tim Baker/Herald Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums took The Lannin hall by storm at Eisenhower Park in paying tribute to Nassau’s 125th anniversary. It was all part of an all-star gala last week hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
drawing an invisible boundary between itself and the newly expanded city.
— the county’s historical value predates its official inception.
It’s partly the reason why those like former Nassau County Historical Society president Natalie Naylor treated the milestone as less of a cause for celebration and more as an opportunity to underscore serious challenges in preserving the county’s much longer heritage.
“Nassau County once had a wonderful system of museums that, over the years, has deteriorated with less and less funding, staffing and expertise,” she said, pointing to the “county’s declining financial support and interest over the decades” as a main concern.
Naylor also mentioned that long-proposed projects like working with the county to bring back the Nassau County Historical Museum — formerly based in Eisenhower Park that shuttered in 1991 — have failed to get off the ground.
But the county still sought to make history a focal point of the celebration, commissioning Valley Stream artist Mike Stanko to create a rendering of the Theodore Roosevelt County Executive Building in his signature “pop-realist” style.
Stanko chose the subject matter for his painting after touring the building with Blakeman, who personally requested him for the occasion.
“It’s the office of the county executive
Mike Koppel, former chief of the Lakeview Fire Department, was sworn into office for another year as treasurer of the Fourth Battalion Fire District.
James Lang, former chief of the Malverne Fire Department, joined Koppel in being sworn in during the May 1 ceremony by John Hennig, former Nassau County fire commission chairman of the Rockville Centre Fire Department.
Joe Mihalich, former chief of the East Rockaway Fire Department, and Secretary Kevin Bien, former chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department, will also
be serving another year.
Mihalich was also as elected vicechairman of the Nassau County Fire Commission at their annual meeting on May 8 in Floral Park.
The Fourth Battalion Fire District composes of the East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, and Rockville Centre Fire Departments.
The fire district, which is the smallest district, is one of nine fire districts that make up the Nassau County Fire Commission.
Contributed by Steve Grogan
Cathedral Post 1087, in West Hempstead, strives to serve veterans and their families. Last month, the group was joined by nearly 100 people to raise money for a good cause. Their Bingo Night Fundraiser raised nearly $1,200 for the Nassau County American Legion Veterans Service Committee. The organization provides services to patients at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Northport. Those gathered enjoyed dinner, refreshments, and of course, bingo.
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSETBACKED RECEIVABLES LLC 2005-FR5 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-FR5, -againstBERNICE WALTER, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 20, 2008, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSETBACKED RECEIVABLES LLC 2005-FR5 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-FR5 is the Plaintiff and BERNICE WALTER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 3, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1090 PINEBROOK COURT, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 38-K-750.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 012241/2007. Jaime D. Ezratty, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 146484
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. GESNER SEJOUR, et al, Defts. Index #608202/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 24, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 35, Block 456, Lots 582-584. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. MARY ELLEN DIVONE, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #101312 146470
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 006775/2012. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 146817
comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee File # NY201800000539-1 146813
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstEDNA MCDONOUGH AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ROSE BEYNON, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 18, 2024, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and EDNA MCDONOUGH AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ROSE BEYNON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 20, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 179 FAIRLAWN AVENUE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 35-361-73. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WEST HEMPSTEAD, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff against FRANCISCO GOMEZ A/K/A FRANSISCO GOMEZ, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 26, 2023, 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 June 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 474 Roy Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552. Sec 35 Block 315 Lot 274, 275 and 276. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Munston, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $867,146.88 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 007639/2016.
During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR WAMU MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR13, Plaintiff, vs. ANTHONY A. SZOKE SR. A/K/A ANTHONY SZOKE, AND ANTHONY SZOKE, JR., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 5, 2016 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on August 2, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 523 Cedar Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at West Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 387 and Lot 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $420,902.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011112/2012. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Malachy Lyons, Jr., Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146803
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma
NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER F/T
Needed For Valley Stream
Digital/ Print Shop
Work Direct With Clients
Digital/ Copy Shop Exp. Preferred Bilingual (Spanish) A Plus Call 516-285-8526 Email Resume: lmninvoice@gmail.com
HANDYPERSON WANTED
Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MECHANIC NEEDED Auto Experience A Plus With Tools Must Be Reliable Will Train Right Person Minimum 40 Hours A Week Have Valid Drivers License Own Transportation Benefits Available Oceanside 516-764-2552 Fax Or E-mail Resume To: 516-678-9087 butchbpms@aol.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
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/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service. $16-$24/ Hr. Beach Club. 516-239-2150
RESTAURANT HELP: 4- 5 Days/ Week. Weekends A Must. Starting At $16/ Hr. Great Location. Must Have Transportation. Please call 516-835-2819
WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Serving The Community Over 20 Years Evon's Services 516-505-5510
ADMINISTRATOR AVAILABLE To Work For You FT/ PT Immediately. I'm Experienced. RVC Vicinity. Call 516-536-6994
SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out. Gertrude 347-444-0960
Rent
Industrial Property
ISLAND PARK / AUSTIN BOULEVARD 1000- 5000 Sq. Ft, Parking,1 Story, Driveins, Gas, Offices, Sprinklered, Near Railroad. Immediate. Price On Request.Tony 718-937-8100 Ext.101 CROSSTOWN REALTY
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Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor master bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Security system.
Taxes: $16,008.46
Elmont $705,000
Butler Boulevard. Split Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office and exercise room. Legal accessory apartment.
Taxes: $11,723
Hewlett Harbor $1,675,000
Hedge Lane. Split Level. 7 bathrooms, 4.5 bedrooms. Partial finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office, exercise room with sauna/steam room. Ensuite master bedroom. Security system. Private location at end of cul-de-sac.
Taxes: $26,542.42
Island Park $705,000
New York Avenue. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Many upgrades including wet bar and wood burning stove.
Taxes: $9,741.41
Malverne $760,000
Orbach Avenue. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. First floor bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $13,526.16
Merrick $1,300,000
Lake End. Road. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Lindenmere neighborhood. Finished walk-out basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and Bosch appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room with natural quarry brick fireplace. Home office. Large ensuite master bedroom with cathedral ceiling and walk-in closet. Highend finishes include picture frame moldings and hi-hats throughout. Front porch with bluestone walkway. Rear Trex deck. New HVAC system.
Taxes: $19,440
Q. We are wondering what to do about our projects. Our building department told us that we probably didn’t need a permit after all for our kitchen, because we are only moving one wall and changing the cabinets to a new layout, but with the sink in the same location. At the same time, we are making changes to our business, which we know needs a permit because we are changing a warehouse space to offices, also with a kitchen and new bathrooms. In that case, we are being asked to provide a complete estimate, but not from the contractor (whom we haven’t chosen yet) but from our architect. Does that sound right to you, that the architect, and not the contractor, should provide the estimate with a breakdown of line items anyway?
A. Being put in this position, you wonder if your architect gave you any good advice. At the same time, the architect is wondering why they are being thrown under the bus in front of their client, who now does not trust them. The conflicts created here are by a party to the equation that separates itself less and less from health, safety and welfare and enters into the realm of “divide and conquer.”
The change made for your kitchen includes removing a wall. Unless your building department wants to lessen their control over such matters, you absolutely need a building permit. I am wondering if you told them the full scope of what you were doing. If you wrongly communicated or interpreted that you could do wall configuration or structural changes to your home, and told your building department that you were only changing the kitchen cabinets, you have misinformed, and then been misinformed in return. They only understand what you tell them.
Most people are not too eager to tell the whole story because of the concern over the amount of work they will have to file for, with expensive plans, so they diminish the amount of work, which then creates the friction you described. Regulations make everyone uneasy and often unhappy. It does not sound right to me, for example, that your architect would need to do the full breakdown cost estimate for your project, because it sets everyone up to be at odds with one another before the construction even starts. When the architect provides one set of numbers, which the unknowing owner sees as the cost and then the contractor provides their estimate, if the two are far off from one another, the conflict begins.
Either the architect’s number is too low or too high. Too low makes the owner challenge the contractor, who from then on will have nothing to do with the architect. Too high and the architect is made to look foolish. Unless the architect gets their numbers from the contractor and all agree, the project has been set up for failure by a third party. In both cases, communication and acceptance of facts is necessary. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Recently I had the opportunity to take part in a forum on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms, hosted by Cornell University’s Institute of Politics and Global Affairs, which is directed by former U.S. Rep. Steve Israel. (Full disclosure: My daughter, Erin King Sweeney, works as an assistant to Israel at the institute.)
The event was held at upstate Hyde Park, the site of FDR’s birth, home, burial, library and museum, and it provided a perfect backdrop for the daylong series of discussions on the president who led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II.
As a history major and a political junkie who has read numerous books on FDR and his times, I found the forum interesting and rewarding. The most detailed and illuminating segment was the presentation by Andrew
Meier, author of the epic work “Morgenthau: Power, Privilege, and the Rise of an American Dynasty,” who focused on Henry Morgenthau, Roosevelt’s longtime friend and the U.S. Treasury secretary for almost 12 years.
What struck me the most while listening to Meier was a renewed realization of just how perilous those years were. The country’s fabric was being threatened internally by the corrosive economic and social dislocation of the Depression, and, of course, externally, our independence and freedom as a nation was imperiled by Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Tojo’s Imperial Japan. And in the years leading to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American people were committed to America First and strongly opposed to any involvement in foreign wars.
Would we and our leaders have the same stamina and unity of purpose today?
reality of the Holocaust, which he had to confront as the only Jewish member of FDR’s cabinet. Yet somehow, Morgenthau, Roosevelt and, most important, the American people came through all this, emerging with the world’s strongest economy and most powerful military, and the forces of Nazism and Japanese imperialism defeated and crushed.
because that was still not known to Japan and would damage our war effort in the Pacific, Dewey complied in the national interest. That contrasted sharply with what I saw in the war against terrorism, when secret agreements we had with countries were disclosed on newspapers’ front pages for political benefit, without regard to national harm.
pAs treasury secretary, Morgenthau had to deal simultaneously with severe budget, economic and banking crises as well as the Herculean two-front war effort against Germany and Japan. Hovering over all this was the horrific
This made me wonder whether America and our leaders would have that same stamina and unity of purpose today. And whether there would be the same level of patriotism, putting country before party. I remember reading that during the 1944 presidential campaign, Thomas Dewey, the Republican nominee, learned that the United States had broken the Japanese code prior to Pearl Harbor. This raised the question of whether FDR had been negligent or actually allowed the attack to happen (which Dewey believed).
Yet when Army Chief of Staff George Marshall asked Dewey not to disclose that we had broken the code,
My last impression from the FDR forum was how important it is for Americans to remember the past and the lessons to be learned from it. To realize that the world did not begin the day before yesterday or the day you were born. That crises do not lend themselves to the easy black-and-white solutions of social media. As the philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” America has had a difficult but proud history. A prouder history than any nation in the history of the world. A history we must do all we can to learn and never forget going forward.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
oll after poll shows that most Americans believe the United States is more divided than usual. With many contentious issues appearing to lack compromises, constructive policies can emerge, but zealots on either side must have no greater influence in the debate, and solutions must be based not on either side’s so-called “facts,” but rather on the truth. One such issue is the environment and climate. I have yet to meet anyone who wants polluted air or water. Everyone I know wants a clean environment, and supports a transition to green energy that supplants as much of fossil energy as possible. The overwhelming majority of people I speak to on the issue understand that investment in renewable energy is a must so that technology will continue to develop.
At the same time, that majority wants public policy on the transition to green energy to be smart, realistic and, most of all, not financially ruinous to their families. That shouldn’t sound radical, but to the zealots on either side of the issue, it’s an unacceptable posi-
tion. To the right, there is no such thing as climate change or, they say, “Climate is always changing.” To the left, climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and if we don’t act immediately, the world will end.
Let’s face it: Green energy has become for Democrats what Big Oil has been for Republicans. Both are booming and competing industrial sectors willing to accept the support of one political party over the other in the hope of gaining market share in the world of energy.
The transition to green sources must be smart, realistic and make financial sense.
The debate over climate change and resulting policy is not only a federal issue but a state-to-state battle as well. It stands to reason that New York, a heavily Democratic state, is at the forefront of devising and implementing climate policy. But is that policy smart, realistic and affordable?
In 2019, New York, under Democratic rule, passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, mandating that 70 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable resources by 2030, and that 100 percent of its electricity be emissions-free by 2040. The cost of the act was estimated at $295 billion, but recent data puts total expenses closer to $4.9 trillion.
Will the CLCPA’s goals be achieved, or is it just a political boondoggle? To
meet its targets, more than 111 gigawatts of generation capacity will be needed by 2040, and 95 gigawatts must be new generation. To put that in perspective, one gigawatt is enough to power roughly 750,000 homes, and today the state generates a total of roughly 41 gigawatts. We have added only 12.9 gigawatts of new generation since 1999, so it’s responsible to ask whether we can produce another 70 by 2040.
Not reaching that arbitrary, unrealistic benchmark wouldn’t be fatal, but the all-in, nothing-butrenewable-energy approach is dangerous.
The New York Independent System Operator has warned that fossil fuel-powered facilities that were at one time feeding the largest share of energy to the state grid are being taken offline faster than renewable sources can be added. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s decision to shut down Indian Point in 2021 is a perfect example.
For years, it was claimed that energy lost from shutting the nuclear plant down would be replaced by gains in renewable energy. The reality is far from that, with wind, solar and other renewable energy increasing by only 2.2 percent since the closure, with fossil electricity generated rising by 11 percent. Basically, we closed a reliable, carbon-
free plant so we can more heavily rely on a fossil fuel-driven electrical grid. Even if renewable energy completely replaced fossil-based fuels, are these systems reliable? What happens when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing? If New York eliminates all fossilfuel power plants and won’t consider nuclear, it will need an unrealistic amount of battery storage. To highlight this issue, the state Energy Research and Development Authority has estimated that in periods when wind and solar resources are low, as much as 2,400 gigawatt-hours of storage will be required, which is well beyond current capability.
Then there is the question of the cost of the green transition — not just to government, but also to customers. This question was never answered before CLCPA became law. Ratepayers will cover that cost with increased fees, taxes, and energy bills. The real-life ramifications are beginning to be noticed: Customers of National Grid, PSEG and Liberty Water have seen their bills increase.
Moving forward, New York can lead in environmental protection, but not at the expense of its residents’ financial stability. A comprehensive review of the flawed CLCPA, incorporating accurate cost estimates and reliability studies, is imperative to chart a viable and broader path toward a cleaner future.
Brian Curran represents the 21st Assembly District.
When we think about 125 years of Nassau County, we have to look back to when the newly expanded New York City enveloped Queens County into its new domain — well, not quite all of it.
The towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead were excluded from the plans to join the city — despite being part of Queens. The 55,000 people who lived in this part of Queens County were not happy, and they gathered at a Mineola hotel in late January 1898 to do something about it.
They decided it was time to create their own county — which they would call Nassau, for King William III, who reigned from the House of Nassau when this land was first settled, and whose house name was already used for some settlements on the island.
But convincing lawmakers in Albany wasn’t so easy.
The measure ultimately passed, however, and was signed into law by Gov. Frank Black on April 27, 1898, officially bringing Nassau County into existence as of Jan. 1, 1899.
Now, 125 years later, Nassau is New York’s fifth-largest county by population with nearly 1.4 million people — making it larger than both the Bronx and Staten Island — and the 29th largest in the nation.
Let’s make the most of this chance to learn from history
To the Editor:
Why do so many choose Nassau County to not only work in and visit, but also to call home? Especially with the bustling, never-sleeping New York City quite literally over the next hill?
That answer is simple: Big homes and big yards. Less noise and pollution. Quieter streets. Much lower crime rates. And superior schools — especially when it comes to public schools.
Where else can you jump in the ocean at Jones Beach, then head to Tanglewood Preserve, in Rockville Centre, to enjoy everything else nature has to offer, and finish your day exploring the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale?
Why just read about history when you can actually visit it? Like Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay — the home of Theodore Roosevelt, existing today pretty much the way it did when the 26th president lived there. There’s also Raynham Hall, also in Oyster Bay, which was a spy headquarters during the American Revolution.
The Rock Hall Museum, in Lawrence, brings Colonial times to life not just with the artifacts inside, but the 1767 mansion they are all housed in.
Even Eisenhower Park, in East Meadow, has made history. As the site of the former Meadow Brook Club, it hosted the first-ever national women’s golf tournament in 1895, won by Lucy Barnes — the wife of Charles S. Brown, who
As a history Ph.D. and a high school history and civics teacher, I was gratified to read Peter King’s column urging Americans to heed the lessons of history (“We should have learned more than we have from history,” May 9-15). Unfortunately, there is little that most Americans can do directly to help defend Israel and Ukraine from the evils that assault them, to reduce trade with China for the material goods we have no choice but to buy, or even to calm tempers on college campuses. But there’s one thing every American can easily do to help our politics, and that is vote this November, to preserve the norms essential to American democracy.
Before coming to power, Adolf Hitler made clear his intention to expel or exterminate Jews and create an Aryan Empire in Central Europe. Mussolini promised to use violence to cleanse Italian politics of leftists. Rodrigo Duterte campaigned in the Philippines on promises of summary mass executions of drug dealers. These men, and others like them, were brought to power by a combination of voters who were sadistic enough to want exactly what each one promised, and others who didn’t take their promises seriously, found the audacity titillating, or assumed that power itself would tame these leaders. But once in office, each leader set about doing precisely what he had promised. History’s lesson is that megalomaniacal politicians must be taken at their word.
Donald Trump repudiated the tradition of conceding power
would go on to found what is now the Brown Harris Stevens real estate company. The park also hosted the ninth PGA championship tourney in 1926, won by Walter Hagen — the “father of professional golf.”
There are also great places to shop, pretty much in every neighborhood. So many Nassau County businesses are family-owned. So many of them have been in families for generations. And you know it the moment you walk through their doors. The way you are greeted. The way you are served. It proves you don’t need to be a Roosevelt to be treated like royalty here.
But when it’s all said and done, Nassau County is all about all of us, the people. Our neighbors. Our doctors and nurses. Our school superintendents, principals and teachers. Our police officers. Our sanitation workers. Those who do good in public service. The men and women who volunteer — and put their own safety on the line — as firefighters and first responders.
“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in,” Teddy Roosevelt once said. And that’s true not just for the United States, but also in our neighborhoods. And all of us here in Nassau County have shone for the past 125 years, and we look forward to shining for the next 125, too.
peacefully, a cornerstone of democracy. After losing the 2020 election, he and his henchmen assembled cadres of fake electors, spread demented conspiracy theories to confuse the public, and had Michael Flynn put out feelers for a declaration of martial law. Since the failure of his Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt, Trump has campaigned on promises to turn the U.S. military against civilians, throw migrants into detention camps,
hijack Congress by withholding legitimately voted funds, and strip the independence of the judiciary in order to remove obstacles to these actions.
He has said he will countenance the tracking of women’s pregnancies by state governments and the invasion of NATO allies by Russia. It is beyond any well-informed person’s doubt that, in office, he will weaken the NATO alliance, give Vladimir
after months of contentious budget negotiations, the State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul recently agreed to a historic $237 billion state spending plan. The final budget compromise included the Legislature’s reversal of Hochul’s proposed funding cuts to education, as it instead allocated nearly $36 billion in public-school aid.
The state’s public-school funding model can best be described as a three-legged stool consisting of state aid, commercial taxes, and residential property tax revenue.
But even as New York makes historic investments in our schools with taxpayer dollars, many corporations and commercial properties are skipping out on their fair share of tax payments, leaving residents to pick up the hefty tab for education costs.
According to a 2023 report, public schools in the state lost at least $1.8 billion in revenue to corporate tax breaks, also known as tax “abatements,” in fiscal year 2021. Nassau County ranked among New York’s top 10 counties in total forgone school revenue, and recorded the second-highest number of approved corporate net tax exemptions.
DThe independent report, published by Good Jobs First, a pro-economic development research organization, found that a massive portion of corporate tax abatements occur when local industrial development agencies acquire properties and lease them to private companies in exchange for payments in lieu of taxes. Of course, these PILOTs are only a fraction of the corporate tax revenue that would help fully fund our education system.
to private companies, resulting in billions of dollars in lost commercial tax revenue for school districts across the state.
istricts are losing many millions of dollars to corporate tax breaks.
According to this analysis, the lost revenue for Nassau County public school districts included $3 million — or $1,031 per pupil — for the Mineola Union Free School District, $8.4 million — $1,668 per pupil — for the Westbury Union Free School District, and $12.6 million — $1,827 per pupil — in the Uniondale Union Free School District, the highest in Nassau County and the third-highest among public schools statewide.
PILOTs where tax revenue was intended for public school districts. The bill has gained significant support from labor organizations, teachers unions and good-government groups seeking to reform IDAs to better serve our schools. Fundamentally, the Good Jobs First report argues, IDAs should not have the power to waive commercial taxes that would otherwise benefit our schools. The report makes key policy recommendations toward this end, including expanding school and community representation on IDA boards, increasing transparency and accountability in reporting forgone tax revenues, and eliminating IDAs entirely.
Let’s recap: Industrial development agencies, which are essentially public entities, buy up properties and offer them tax-free, for pennies on the dollar,
Putin a green light to expand his conquests in Ukraine, and encourage leaders — from U.S. state and local officials to dictators around the globe — to copy his methods, including delegitimizing any election that does not favor him or his party.
History’s lesson is that if Trump wins, he will do all he says he will do, and likely worse. The next four years will consist of a struggle between Executive’s efforts to dismantle democracy’s guardrails, and other government branches’, federal and state, to preserve them. That’s why Americans should vote for Joe Biden this November, as well as for Democrats up and down the ballot, and only those Republicans who promise they will stand up, rather than acquiesce, to the installation of a Trumpist dictatorship in the United States.
ALEx DILLON CedarhurstTo the Editor:
I share Jerry Kremer’s unease with recent campus unrest (“The blemish of college demonstrations,” May 9-15), but I’m also uneasy with his conclusion that college administrators need “outside help” to prevent future “drama.” My dissent is reflected in Kremer’s comment about “publicity-minded government officials” like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Gov. Greg Abbott. Jeremy Suri’s two cents indicates the category of “offi-
cials” extends beyond government.
The solution is for all involved to return to their respective corners, to reset the bargain, including the media. It must be remembered that the hardfought-for principle of freedom of speech and its extension to the principle of academic freedom began as protections against government power to suppress. This is what is at issue. Academic freedom developed during the Enlightenment as societies, and governments, realized that valuable and beneficial knowledge emerge from organized study, the pursuit of knowledge.
Many did not accept this intellectual freedom as a good idea, not then and not now. This is what we see in the general MAGA disdain for science, disparagement of expertise, distrust of libraries. Lately these “officials” have been supported by university donors who want greater control over staffing, curriculum and knowledge, undermining the premise of academic freedom.
Some academics have taken their protected status for an enhanced right of free speech to engage publicly in promoting their work, which has drawn criticism as activism beyond the original remit. Some students, too, have exceeded their commission to become learned in the service of social improvement by attacking that very privilege.
The media is part of all this, and can constructively be more balanced. But the outside agitators, those various “officials” seeking greater influence, must withdraw. Then university administrators need to review, clarify, revise if necessary, the ground rules under which they function, their unique status and
The estimated $1.8 billion in lost school budget revenue could have been used for such essential investments as air conditioning in classrooms, athletic field renovations, wages for bus drivers, and teacher training for new technology.
Last year, the State Legislature introduced a bill that would prohibit IDAs from granting corporate tax breaks and
In Nassau County, residents pay among the nation’s highest property taxes, 60 percent of which are earmarked for our public schools. But if we are to achieve a fairer, more equitable education and tax system, we cannot continue to allow corporations to shortchange our school districts at the expense of hardworking families.
Karl A. Valere is chief of staff and senior policy adviser to Assemblyman Khaleel M. Anderson. He lives in Baldwin.
what they owe the greater society. They must assert their independence from outside interests.
Students, similarly, need reminding of concepts like noblesse oblige, of behavior that infringes on free speech, and how, especially for them, “civil discourse” should be considered a virtue. The responsible media can seek less
drama and superficial speculation, and greater substance, and point out those who seek accommodation over those who prefer discord.
A very conservative suggestion to promote a very liberal goal.
