Seaford Herald 03-07-2024

A day for Jeremy

A crowd gathered at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh on March 3 for a fundraiser to help support Seaford resident Jeremy Loud after a swimming pool accident left him in a motorized wheelchair. Story, more photos, Page 10.

Lions Club helps young mothers Members donates $1,300 to Mommas House

By CHARlES SHAW

cshaw@liherald.com

When there are people in need, the Lions Club doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.

To help provide young, struggling mothers with basic needs, members of Wantagh Lions paid a visit to Mommas House, in Levittown, on Feb. 21 to deliver a check for $1,300. According to the club, the money was for a new washer-dryer for the facility.

“We’re doing it to better the situation in the community, especially our communities, because we know there’s a need, and we try and fulfill as much as we can,” club President Jose Obregon

said.

The Lions serve the community through money donations, food collections, or providing aid to those who need it. The Wantagh club is part of Lions Club International, the world’s largest service club organization, with around 1.4 million members and more than 40,000 clubs.

According to Larry Lamendola, the Wantagh Lions’ first vice president, two of the organization’s mottos are “We serve” and “Where there’s a need, there’s a lion.”

“There was a need here,” Lamendola said of Mommas House.

For almost 40 years, Mommas House has pro-

Calls to ‘pump the brakes’ on bus mandate

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

A number of state electeds are calling on the governor to slow down her plans to make school buses electric by 2035 something they say could have a devastating impact on district finances.

TSome like state Sen. Steve Rhoads and state Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined Assemblyman John Mikulin and other officials handling fire and safety at schools at the Levittown Public School bus yard in Wantagh last week hoping they can convince Gov. Kathy Hochul to extend the deadline for that mandate deeper into the future to ensure it’s affordability for communities like those in Nassau County.

“There’s nothing magical about this New York state school bus mandate,” Rhoads said.

Citing the main character from the popular children’s television animated series “The

Magic School Bus,” Rhoads said “even Ms. Frizzle herself would agree that this burdensome mandate takes chances, makes mistakes, and gets messy.”

The state’s current budget mandates all school buses must have no environmental impact through emissions by 2035, with districts only allowed to purchase electric school buses by mid-2027.

The idea, according to Hochul, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050.

The state’s environmental conservation department blames the transportation sector overall as one of New York’s largest sources of emissions, which contributes to climate change impacts such as increased heat waves, sea level rise and flooding.

“Old school buses are putting children’s health at risk, spewing toxic fumes and pollutants into the air that are proven to have negative health impacts,” Hochul’s office said, in a statement. “After New York

Continued on page 11

Mike Monahan/Herald

Authors go digital at Seaford Harbor

As Seaford Harbor Elementary School second graders began work on their nonfiction books, they had no idea how fun the project would become. Students in Krista Clark’s class not only became better writers, they also emerged more technologically savvy by using Book Creator for their final products.

Clark explained that creating a nonfiction “All About” book is an annual project for students through writer’s workshop, but the digital component was a new twist. Any project involving technology is appeal-

ing to her students, she added.

Each young author selected a topic of personal interest and did research to become on an expert on it. Popular subjects included animals, food, hobbies, holidays and sports. Every book had to be four chapters, meaning students had to find four unique areas of their topics to write about. The books also had to include different text features such as photos with captions, diagrams with labels, headings and a fun facts page.

Following their hard work researching, writing, editing and revising, students went to work in Book Creator. Their finished books were then compiled in a digital class library, and Ms. Clark also put QR codes in the hallway so anyone passing by could read the books on their devices.

“It was a great way to showcase their hard work and the skills they learned from writing nonfiction,” Clark said. “It was also a fun way for them to learn about different subjects from their classmates.”

Courtesy Seaford school district

Seaford Harbor Elementary School second graders published their nonfiction ‘All About’ books digitally this year by using Book Creator.

Students mark a milestone with 100 days

Reaching 100 days of school was a district wide celebration in the Levittown School District as kindergartners in each building dressed the part as centenarians.

Counting to 100 days was just the start to an exciting year for the district’s youngest students, who looked back on what they have learned while looking ahead to what’s next. Equipped with walking canes and wearing grey-haired wigs and eyeglasses, students had a great time acting as 100-yearolds for the day. They also completed a variety of activities focused on finding 100 as a solution to mathematical problems.

Abbey Lane Elementary kindergartners were 100 days smarter on the 100th day of school.

Courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Dressed as 100-year-olds, students counted to 100 with various items.

At Northside Elementary School, kindergartners covered projects in 100 objects.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Northside students had a great time dressing as centenarians.

News briefs

Fire Department responds to car blaze

At around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a report of a car fire on the Wantagh Parkway north of Merrick Road in Wantagh.

Dispatcher Francis Nicpon said he received numerous calls of the incident. Third Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann was first to arrive at the site to confirm a fully engulfed car fire. Second Assistant Chief Bill Van Leer

arrived soon after and assumed command.

Firefighters from Engine 5, led by Lieutenant Al Conforti, arrived to extinguish the flames with assistance from engines 1 and 3. A safety officer and EMS captain were at the site, and the procedure was completed at around 25 minutes. No injuries were reported.

— Charles Shaw

by Joan Chittister

Your writer was grateful to find author Chittister’s book, subtitled “Growing Old Gracefully”, written by her at age seventy, the same age your writer turns this year.

Inevitably, we come to see things differently as we age. In “The Gift of Years” these changes in the “capstone years” as she calls them, present the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever. Cicero notes that old age is richer in reflection, force of character and judgement. The maturity and mellowing of character allows the older generation to provide a behavioral model for younger generations showing them the way to a fullness of life.

Seneca said these years abound with pleasure if we know how to use them. Free of obligations and deadlines, there is freshness in these years. Understanding, enjoyment and love of life all increase, allowing for deeper, richer and more important experiences. The world looks different — more to be treasured, explored and enjoyed.

A certain serenity sets in.

Chittister writes “But we are here to depart from this world as finished as we can possibly become. Old age is...exactly the time to grow in new ways [making] sense out of all the growing we have already done. It is the softening season when everything in us is meant to achieve its sweetest, richest, most unique self”.

Chittister calls it a damping-down time of life where anger, jealousy, envy, and pride subside to awaken another whole level of life.

“As Agatha Christie put it, we ‘bloom’ as we grow. New abilities emerge, new insights arise. New vision is possible.”

A certain urgency and intensity in living sets in as we become aware of the presence of time. With forty short chapters on subjects such as Regret, Joy, Possibility, Letting Go, Success, Wisdom, Time and Appreciation, “The Gift of Years” provides an indispensable guide to aging well.

State Senator Steve Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mother NY 14 are funning a professional clothing drive through the month of March.

Donate professional clothes for veterans

State Senator Steve Rhoads is teaming up with Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 to help young veterans in need of professional clothes. Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 is a local organization dedicated to supporting and honoring our military service members and their families.

From March 1 through April 1 Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 will be collecting professional clothes to support young veterans in New York looking to start their professional careers and dress for success. New or lightly used dress clothes will be accepted like dress shirts, dress pants, ties, suits, overcoats, sports jackets, blazers, dress socks, dress shoes, vests, and belts.

This initiative aims to not only provide these young veterans with the necessary attire to succeed in their job interviews and professional settings, but also to show our support and appreciation for their service to our country. Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these young veterans and help them transition into civilian life with confidence and success.

Rhoads encourages everyone to take a moment to clean out their closets and donate to this worthy cause, because every little bit helps in making a differ-

ence in the lives of our veterans.

“We are going to make it a March to remember our military heroes,” Rhoads said. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and it is our duty to support them in any way we can. This professional clothing drive is just one small way we can give back to those who have given so much.

“The drive will not only benefit the veterans, but it will also bring the community together to support our heroes as well as serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave service members and the importance of giving back to those who have defended our country.”

There will be five drop off locations within the 5th Senate District, including Seaford Public Library, 2234 Jackson Ave. No. 4, Seaford; Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Ave., Bellmore; Wantagh Public Library 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh; Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown; and Rhoads’ District Office, 4326 Merrick Road, First Floor, Massapequa.

For more information on the Professional Clothing Drive or any legislative matter, contact Rhoads’ office at (56) 8820630 or email rhoads@nysenate.gov.

— Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

Courtesy Wantagh Fire Department Firefighters from the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a car fire on Wantagh Parkway in Wantagh on Friday, March 1.

Lions Club donates to shelter for mothers

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vided a temporary shelter for young mothers who have nowhere else to go. The facility is a nonprofit that offers housing support services for them and their infant children. The residents, ages 18 to 24, stay for up to two years, and the facility works with them to find housing.

While in the program, the mothers help with chores and care for their children while they learn to become independent. Patricia Shea, Momma’s House’s associate director, says the organization “takes care of the hidden” on Long Island.

“In Nassau and Suffolk, you don’t see a lot of homeless people on the street, and certainly not mothers with babies,” Shea said, “but they’re sleeping on people’s couches, in cars, in very inappropriate housing, so you don’t see them, but there is that population on Long Island.”

According to Lamendola, Lions member Christopher Quinn brought Mommas House to the club’s attention, and members met with Shea to discuss what the facility needed. She said there was a need for a new washer-dryer, so the Lions voted to allocate money for a new one.

Shea said the money is a tremendous benefit to the home, because the few washer-dryers they had for the resi -

working. “It means a great deal to us,” Shea said of the Lions’ donation.

Mommas House, according to Shea, accommodates six families, each living in a suite where the mother and child each have a room. It has shared spaces including living and dining rooms, a daycare room and a kitchen. The facility

fundraisers. Shea says it costs around $2,500 each month to take care of one family, which covers rent, utilities, insurance, and staff costs.

Women in the program are offered workshops in which teachers and bankers teach life skills such as budgeting, and attorneys teach them about custody, parental rights, and child support. The

goal, according to Shea, is to help them become more employable, given the challenge of living in Nassau County.

“On Long Island we really don’t believe that we have this sadness and need” Shea said. “We look around and we see people living in houses with nice cars, and the schools are good and you think all is right with the world, but there is so much behind closed doors.”

One of the residents, 21-year-old Naseaiah Rogers, is training at Community Home Care, in Glen Cove, to become a personal care aid while taking care of her son, 1-year-old Hezekiah RogersCreary. Rogers and her son have been at Mommas House for two months. Before they arrived there, she said, she had lived in foster care for six years after leaving an abusive household.

Mommas House has been a blessing for Rogers and her son, she said, because it offers a support system for young mothers to help each other.

“If people could come here, they should,” she said. “It’s not the worst thing in the world. If you need help, don’t be scared to ask for help, because I was definitely scared to ask for help. But if I didn’t ask, I wouldn’t be here.”

Projects, pros honored at REAL Awards

Long Island’s most prolific real estate leaders highlighted at annual event

By Parker Schug

The diverse Long Island real estate scene includes industry experts from every niche specialty from construction and design, to insurance and sales. And the best of the best were honored last week as part of Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive’s third annual Real Estate Achievement and Leadership Awards, or REAL Awards.

“It’s a relatively small island, but a lot of things are happening,” said Chris Kelly, the marketing vice president at Tritec Real Estate Co.

Held at The Heritage Club at Bethpage, this year’s awards once again honored many leaders in the space who have been in the game for decades, as well as up-and-coming professionals — all with successful projects and happy clients to show for their work.

Antoinette Biordi, four-time Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter for News 12, handed out a number of awards split into nearly 30 categories that included Broker of the Year, Construction Group of the Year, and the top residential and commercial broker.

Sara Gore, real estate saleswoman and four-time Emmy Award-winning television host for “Open House” and “New York Live” on NBC, was a keynote speaker and recipient of the special “Trailblazer” award.

“I’ve been in this business for a long time,” Gore said. ”But now to be on the other side of things — and be on the real estate side and really feel like I’ve solidified my place, my stake in this industry — it feels really good to be a part of it.

“I’m so proud to be included within this group of professionals that are here tonight.”

Mel Pulatani and son Dan of MP Construction D — a general contracting company specializing in luxury residential and sophisticated commercial projects — were given the Father & Son Power Team special award.

“I mean it’s obviously an honor to be honored at this event,” Dan Pulatani said. “But I have to give all credit to my father. He’s the real reason we’re here. He’s the guy that makes the dream happen. I’m lucky and honored to be his partner every day.”

Eric Alexander, executive director of Vision Long Island, accepted the NotFor-Profit special award.

“The theme of our work is connecting to local communities,” Alexander said. “And that’s how real estate development is successful: When they work with local communities. It means a lot when a number of the other honorees, too, are connected to local communities. I’m in great company.”

Steven Krieger, chief executive of B2K Development, was selected as Power Developer of the Year.

“Hard work leads to luck,” Krieger said. “I’ve been so lucky to meet so many great people in this business.”

Beth Donner, founder of Melvillebased Beth Donner Design, was honored

with the Interior Designer of the Year special award. Christopher Robinson, president of R&M Engineering, accepted the engineering special award, while also celebrating 25 years in the business.

Elisabetta Coschignano, of the Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano law

firm, was among those honored in the commercial real estate category.

“I pride myself on being prepared in the Long Island real estate world, and especially as it relates to zoning and land use,” Coschignano said.

Connie Pinilla, principal agent for the

Connie Pinilla Team at Compass, received the brokers’ award in the residential category for her 21 practicing years.

“I love real estate,” Pinilla said. “It makes me feel on top of the world.”

Gold Sponsors of the event included B2K Development and Beth Donner Design.

Silver Sponsors were All State Abstract, Amazon, Anthony A. Nozzolillo Esq., Breslin Realty Development Corp., Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency, Brown Harris Stevens, Champion Elevators, Cronin & Cronin, Damianos Realty Group, Empire Electrical Corp., GC Advisory Group, Harris Beach PLLC, Long Island Board of Realtors, Men on the Move, Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Metropolitan Realty Associates, Mojo Stumer Associates, MP Construction D, PX4 Development, R&M Engineering, Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano, Signature Premier Properties, Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass, the Crest Group and Tritec.

The ballroom filled with guests ready for the ceremony to begin.

Mark Stumer of Mojo Stumer Associates.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Sara Gore, host of Open House NYC, was the keynote speaker for the evening.

Kelly Heck accepts on behalf of Tritec. Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island.

Beth Donner with her crystal award.

Christopher Robinson of R&M Engineering.

Joseph Farkas accepting his special award for Real Estate Investment/Development Company of the Year.

Kevin Leatherman of Leatherman Homes and president of LIBOR.

Steven Krieger of B2K Development

Honoree Connie Pinilla, right, at the REAL Awards photo booth.

Honorees Justin Breslin and Elisabetta Coschignano.

Honorees Marco Scarda, left, Daniel Scarda, Chuck Merritt and Cara Cronin at RichnerLive REAL Awards last week.

Father and son power duo Dan and Mel Pulatani.

Natasha Williams of LIBOR with her son.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos Julia Krispeal from Serhant.

Michael Puntillo of PX4 Development.

Jack Martins of Harris Beach PLLC.

Coming together for Jeremy’s recovery

Community members gathered at Mulcahy’s Pub in Wantagh on March 3 to support Seaford resident Jeremy Loud’s recovery journey following a pool accident four years ago that left him in a motorized wheelchair.

The event featured food, drinks, music, raffles, and a live auction, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on Loud’s family, who incur significant costs for his therapy sessions at Project Walk in New Jersey. Loud, and his wife, Jackie, said they have seen a tremendous amount of progress in his core strength since going to the facility, but the sessions are not covered by insurance.

The fundraiser was sponsored by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, which drew a large turnout from the community. Despite the slow progress of rehabilitation, Jeremy remains determined. The fundraiser, a testament to community solidarity, raised funds to ensure Jeremy’s continued access to vital therapy.

— Charles Shaw

Marisa Hubbard paints seven-yearold Luke’s face at the fundraiser for Jeremy at Mulcahy’s. The event provide food, drinks, and entertainment for people of all ages.

Crowds gathered at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh on Sunday, March 3 to help raise money for Jeremy Loud’s physical therapy.

John Theissen, founder of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, sponsored a fundraiser event on March 3 for Jeremy Loud, a Seaford resident who was left in a motorized wheelchair after a pool accident.

Jeremy Loud has been on a long, difficult recovery after a pool accident left him in a motorized wheelchair.

Mike Monahan/Herald photos

Auction winners Arty and Maryalice Caddigan with a signed Taylor Swift album. The event included raffle prizes and a live auction to help benefit Jeremy Loud.

Auction winner Zach Posporelis with his auction prize at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh.

Districts likely can’t meet mandate deadline

voters approved an Environmental Bond Act that allocated $500 million for zeroemission school buses, Gov. Hochul is working with communities across New York to allocate these funds and ensure they are fully utilized.”

But Rhoads says the mandate does not account for the logistical and financial challenges that school districts, bus companies and power companies will face in implementing the plan. A new, full-sized electric bus costs as much as $450,000 — triple the price of a conventional.

With some 45,000 school buses on the road in the state, Rhoads says the full conversion by 2035 would cost in the neighborhood of $20 billion.

The Levittown school district — with a fleet of 80 buses — is in the beginning stages of the mandate. Superintendent Todd Winch said it would cost the district as much as $32 million to replace their fleet, and will purchase its first electric bus this year.

“We don’t replace a whole fleet for maybe 20 years, but now they’re asking us to replace the whole fleet from 2027 to 2035,” Winch said. “Now you’re talking about a very short time period to replace the whole fleet, which would be very, very difficult.”

In addition, the Levittown bus yard would require 40 charging stations, each one costing between $30,000 and $50,000,

Winch added.

The state has offered to help, but Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the $500 million offered would only cover a little more than 1,200 buses. The rest would have to paid for by local taxpayers — and that’s not even including infrastructure and charging stations.

“Where’s the rest of that money coming from?” the state senator asked. “You, from the taxpayers, because that’s what the school districts will be forced to do to meet this mandate.”

But the current high costs associated with electric buses are expected to come

down over time, Hochul said. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced last September it believes the price of an electric school bus should be on-par with a gasoline-powered bus as early as 2027 thanks to advances in battery technology, more manufacturing, as well as lower fuel and maintenance expenses.

The state authority also is expected to provide planning and financial support to help cover the cost of clean buses, Hochul said, such as incentive programs and rebates of up to $2,000 for new electric vehicle purchases.

Bob Vecchio, the executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, said the switch to electric buses is “the grand-daddy of unfunded mandates” that he’s seen in his decades-long experience with school boards.

“If you are in negotiation with a transportation provider for a contract right now,” Vecchio said, “you’re going to be paying those escalated costs today for the promise of higher expenses tomorrow.”

Safety is also a concern, according to Nassau County chief fire marshal Michael Uttaro, who is concerned about the intensity of electric vehicle fires that have been depicted on social media.

“Allow us to work with professionals in the industry, the EV industry, and other infrastructure experts to find a way to control these fires and find a way to suppress these fires,” he said.

Rhoads calls Hochul’s mandate a rushed plan, adding there needs to be a measured and thoughtful approach that considers practical and financial concerns.

“We all want to see a greener future,” the state senator said. “There is no question about that. But we have to make sure that if our goal is providing affordable, safe, and reliable transportation to our students, we have to make sure we have a plan which gets us to that future, but still accomplishes that primary goal.”

Charles Shaw/Herald

State Sen. Steve rhoads, center, Sen. patricia Canzoneri-f itzpatrick and assemblyman John mikulin, second from right, joined fire and safety as well as school officials to call for delaying the statewide transition to electric school buses.

Fed Bank leader says Long Island is recovering

By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@liherald.com

We’ve heard a lot about the economy in the years coming out of the coronavirus pandemic — and those conversations will only get louder as we head into what is expected to be a rather contentious presidential election.

But when it comes to the economy on Long Island — at least for now, it’s rebounding. At least according to the man whose collection of gold in Manhattan far exceeds what’s found in Fort Knox.

John Williams, president and chief executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, paid the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale a visit last week, sharing the state of the economy with members of the Long Island Association. And there’s plenty to talk about.

“As business leaders, you all know all too well the impacts the pandemic had on our communities in our economy,” Williams said “In many way, Long Island’s economy mirrors New York City’s, and both were hit especially hard in 2020. In fact, much harder than what we saw in the rest of the country.”

Inflation was rampant, the job outlook was unstable, and the supply chain was struggling to regain its once super-efficient form.

But an important milestone was reached last year, Williams said: total employment numbers returned to what they were before the pandemic.

“Last year was also a turning point for the U.S. economy overall,” Williams said. “The economy grew far faster than anyone expected a year ago, boosted by increases in the labor force and productivity.”

The fact that the financial market has held for the past two years also is significant, Williams said, since that’s the longest stretch in five decades.

And although inflation continues to be a concern, at least as far as personal consumption expenditures go,

numbers are falling from the 40-year high experienced just a couple years ago to levels considered far more stable.

Williams visited with the LIA as part of an overall Long Island tour that included stops in Suffolk County as well as at Hofstra University. Although monetary policy itself is decided on Capitol Hill and the White House, the Reserve Bank of New York is where the nation’s monetary policy is implemented as part of the larger Fed.

Williams visited Long Island at a time when the economy here has stabilized, according to LIA president and chief executive Matthew Cohen.

“Our gross domestic product is $200 billion,” Cohen said. “About 45 percent of adults have a college degree — which is higher, actually, in both New York City, and the state as a whole. And, as a region, we have a low unem-

ployment rate.”

That’s pretty significant for a region that is larger than 15 states. Which is why it’s important businesses on Long Island work together, Cohen added, to lead the rest of the nation in the ongoing recovery.

“We need to work together — everyone in this room, everyone in our region — to create new good-paying jobs to support the growth of both legacy sectors and these emerging industries,” he said. It’s also important to “cultivate entrepreneurship so that the next Apple can be built here.”

Over the decades, Long Island and the country has proven to itself it can weather a number of storms. But the economy is ever-changing, Williams said, and the pandemic proved it’s important to strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure.

“It’s kind of a recognition of our limits to that resiliency,” Williams said. “Supply chains have become extremely complex.

“That’s one of the lessons — that when you have extreme movements in demand supply … things can crack in that system. People are recognizing that, in terms of businesses, of having more resiliency.”

Williams can’t make predictions of what the economy will bring, but can say the world we live in now is already different, and will continue changing as we move forward. Like the movement of more and more people to continue working from home, or maintaining hybrid work environments where they may only be in the office a couple times a week.

A potential solution?

“To do office space in the modern world, you have to invest a lot to make that office space attractive,” Williams said. “It’s just one of those kinds of evolutions that is jarring that we go through in cities like New York where things have changed, and we need to adjust to that. I’m confident we will be able to do that.”

State Sen. Kevin Thomas bows out of race

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

New York state Senator Kevin Thomas announced on Feb. 29, that he will be withdrawing his bid for U.S. Congress.

Thomas first announced his campaign for Congress in August, which would require he primary against five candidates seeking the Democratic ticket to run against U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito for the 4th Congressional district in November.

“Today I am suspending my campaign for Congress,” Thomas said in a press release. “I am extremely grateful to my campaign team, community leaders, clergy, labor and contributors for their time and for believing in this campaign for change. It’s been incredible meeting Long Islanders of all background and hearing wha tmakes their neighborhoods special. I’ve particularly enjoyed sharing ideas about how we can make our communities stronger, safer, and more prosperous for everyone.”

Thomas, a Levittown resident, first announced his Congressional campaign in August, with hopes of being the candidate Democrats turn to flip U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito from his congressional seat.

This would have also required that Thomas run against five candidates —

Laura Gillen, Dave Denenberg, Patricia Maher, Gian Jones and Lawrence Henry — in a primary on June 25.

Having dedicated the last 13 years of his life to public service, he said that he is proud of all that he has accomplished. He started his career in legal services, helping people pay off private student loans and credit card debt, when he decided to branch into politics.

Since then has served three terms as the state Senator in District 6, which currently encompasses Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Freeport, Uniondale, Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt, Westbury, West Hempstead, Garden City, Carle Place and a portion of Oceanside.

“I entered politics because I wanted to help people and I’ve been able to deliver for my constituents as the State Senator that represents half of the 4th Congressional District,” Thomas said in his statement. “With the Democratic Majority in the state legislature, we have been able to fully fund our schools, stop tuition hikes at SUNY, cap property taxes, raise the minimum wage, pass common sense gun safety legislation and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

During his tenure in office he has worked to help provide funding for local school districts, the Nassau University Medical Center, infrastructural repairs,

nine months

announced his bid in front of his parent’s home in Elmont last August.

small businesses, and the efforts to clean up the contamination related to the Northrop Grumman plume.

“Although I am no longer running for Congress, my service to the people of Long Island is far from over,” Thomas said. “I am eager to put to use my experience, know-how and ability to bring people to strengthen Nassau County for this generation and the next.”

A campaign spokesman said that Sen. Thomas will be leaving office at the end of his term and will not be seeking re-election. Two democratic candidates — Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe and Assemblywoman Taylor Darling — have already announced their bids for the state Senate seat and plan on running in a primary on June 25.

Nicole Wagner/Herald State Senator Kevin Thomas has suspended his campaign to challenge U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito after nearly

on the campaign trail. He first

STEPPING OUT

FOREVER A) ‘

By Karen Bloom

Laughing along with Joe Gatto

All roads lead back to Lynbrook it seems. Certainly for Joe Gatto.

He’s stepped away from his comfort zone — “The Impractical Jokers” — to the dismay of many folks. His loyal cadre of fans came to know him from the popular improvisational hidden camera show, which he hosted with his buddies Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, and Sal Vulcano, for nine seasons.

Fans were certainly disappointed when he moved on from Q, Murr and Sal in 2021 to focus on co-parenting his two kids, Milana and Remington (now 9 and 7).

But you needn’t fret. Gatto is doing just fine — as is “Jokers,” now in its 10th season.

Since leaving his pals to carry on “Jokers” without him, the jokes certainly continue as Gatto’s taken his energy — and his comedic talents — to the stand-up circuit.

His tour, “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy,” arrives Friday at The Paramount in Huntington. Minus his friends, fans get an hour of Gatto, as he riffs on life, his family, and probably even his dogs.

“I’m extremely proud of this hour of comedy I’ve put together, and am so excited to film it at the first theater I performed on this tour back in February 2023,” Gatto says. “It also happens to be one of my favorite theaters, too, which is nice since it’s in my ‘hometown’ of Long Island.”

Of course, there were some nerves involved in going solo.

“After my time with ‘Jokers,’ I needed to figure out the next step in my career,” Gatto reflects.

• Friday, March 8, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

• $59.75, $39.75, $29.75

• Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com

• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

“I needed to figure out different ways to make people laugh because that’s what I love to do. Stand-up presented itself as a way to do that. My agents and managers were like, ‘Why don’t you give stand-up a shot?’”

And so he did, on a winter’s evening in a small club in Appleton, Wisconsin, in January 2022, for a brief 35 minutes.

“I enjoyed it right from the get-go,” he says. “It quickly graduated into an hour show, and I moved up to theaters. Fans were coming out, and we’re having a great time. Telling stories of my life and thinking about different ways that I could express myself to get people to know me a bit better has been a really fun journey.”

Gatto readily admits it’s been a learning experience.

“It was a different format that I wasn’t necessarily versed in, so I was a little nervous,” he says. “The biggest thing for me was I had never performed live before. For 20 years, I was part of an ensemble, stand-up being its own art was a thing I needed to adapt to. I quickly took to it.

“The challenge of writing the hour, curating it, and thinking of what stories I want to tell and how to tell them and punch up the jokes, was fun to do.”

Everyone’s in on the fun right along with him.

“I’ve always been pretty open on ‘The Impractical Jokers,’”

talk about parenting, I’ve got lots of stories of my kids, also

he says. “I was always myself. I didn’t play a character, so when people watched it, they really to got to know the sense of me, my personality. Even a lot of my personal life was in that show as well. People who come to my show know me already from that. But here I get to tell different stories. I talk about parenting, I’ve got lots of stories of my kids, also the craziness of animal rescue with my dogs, growing up with my crazy Italian mother on Staten Island, and of course, my friends, the Jokers. There’s no shortage of stories.”

Janeane Garofalo

Oh yes, about those dogs. There are nine of them in the Gatto household, all older rescues.

“It’s like a pack mentality,” he says, laughing, insisting his four-legged companions “pretty much follow the house rules.”

Eventually the Gattos realized they couldn’t rescue every dog in need. Hence their nonprofit Gatto Pups & Friends, which facilitates adoptions for mainly senior and disabled dogs, opened in Glen Head in November 2022.

“We wanted to do it in our neighborhood,” he says. “We love being around here. We found a cool space for the storefront, right across the street from one of our favorite places for lunch. It just all aligned.”

Although firmly ensconced in Glen Head, the South Shore still calls out to him. Gatto frequently visits Lynbrook, where he lived between 2014 and 2017, and where his sister still resides.

His family ties bring him frequently back to visit.

“I love Lynbrook,” he says.“I had such a great experience there. There’s always something special about your first home.”

Plus, “Vincent’s is still one of my favorite pizzerias,” he adds.

You’ll even find him hanging out at Lynbrook’s Regal, taking in a movie with his niece and nephew.

“I go there all the time with them,” he shares. “They’re movie buffs like me, and that’s our go-to movie theater.”

In fact, a film may be in his future.

“I’m doing pretty good, enjoying my ride right now,” Gatto says. “But I’ve always wanted to write and direct film. That’s actually why I got into entertainment. So that’s what I’m focusing on now. That’s what’s left on the bucket list, along with always creating and thinking of new ways to make people smile.”

And as for his outing at The Paramount, it’s being filmed for a comedy special.

“I’ve been working to two years on the thing,” he says, “so I don’t it want it to just go away.”

And there’s always the possibility of another collaboration with his “Jokers” buddies. “I never un-united with them,” he says. “They’re still my friends. We’re just not ‘friends from work’ anymore. I love creating with those guys, so who knows what the future holds.”

The comedian-actress, who reigns as the queen of the alt-comedy scene, is eager to speak her mind when she visits here with her latest stand-up tour. Considered by many as an American institution since she first burst on the scene in 1992, the outspoken activist has plenty to say, in her own inimitable comedic style. Known for her incisive cynical sense of humor, the SNL alum has branched out into film and television, including ‘The Truth About Cats and Dogs,’ ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ and ‘Ratatouille,’ among her memorable roles. Garofalo’s informed opinions and unflinching honesty on topics ranging from everyday life to pop culture inspire laughs and strike a chord with audiences everywhere. Often a lightning rod for controversy, Garofalo finds a way to get her point across with her trademark sense of humor. Known and respected worldwide, Garofalo was also instrumental in the successful launching of the first liberal radio network, Air America Radio, where she hosted her own talk show, ‘The Majority Report.’

Friday, March 8, 8 p.m. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

‘Greatest Show On Earth’

The circus is back. The iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey spectacle returns after a hiatus, re-imagined as a 360-degree experience that brings fans into the action. Packed with explosive excitement, ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ begins and ends with a bang. Lauren Irving, Alex Stickels and Jan Damm join forces as Aria, Stix and Nick Nack, who serve as its soul, rhythm and funny bone. The trio, appearing as show guides, encounter never-before-seen stunts, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts along the way. An international cast of 75 performers take on a variety of enthralling circus acts, including new stunts like the Triangular Highwire, led by the Lopez Family, sixth-generation circus artists hailing from Mexico and Chile. There are also comic clowning, extreme sports, and acrobatic aerial feats — all enhanced with original music.

Friday through Sunday, March 8-10, times vary. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or Ringling. com. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont.

Courtesy Joe Gatto

Joe lives his life by a code of pastry and family, loving his wife, two children, cannolis — and his dogs.

Photo by Jonathan Thorpe

THE Your Neighborhood

March 16

JigJam

When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running through the wide open fields of Bluegrass and Americana, JigJam is born. This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the Irish invasion of Americana with a brand new band member from Glasgow injecting the magic of Scottish folk music. The lads bring their foot-stomping sound to the Landmark stage, for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these gents have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’. Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 string banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (mandolin and tenor banjo) in 2016. They’ve since added Glasgow native Danny Hunter (fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet. They’ve been hailed as “Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival,” with a sound that has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son. $38.14-$49.48. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Family theater

Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s stories, this clever adaptation puts the audience front and center, literally, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, March 8, 10:15 a.m. and noon, Sunday, March 10, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, March 13-14,10:15 a.m. and noon. Kids become cast members, singing dancing, and acting on stage alongside the professional cast.

One of our most interactive shows at LICM Theater, this production received rave reviews in its prior run. Going beyond the traditional telling of the Oz stories, “Journey to Oz” uses personal journal entries and historic newspaper headlines to bring the history of author L. Frank Baum and illustrator W.W. Denslow to life. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion take the audience with them on this lively, playful trip down the yellow brick road.

$10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Taste

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for another in its series of bird walks, at Massapequa Lake, Sunday, March 10, starting at 9 a.m. Massapequa Lake is at the south end of Massapequa Preserve, between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road.

Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet at the gazebo. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

AARP Tax Preparation

Wantagh Library hosts tax preparation sessions aimed at low to moderate income taxpayers with simple returns. IRS-Certified AARP Tax-Aide Foundation tax preparers will be available most Tuesdays, through April 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required. 3285 Park Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit WantaghLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200.

Peeps sushi competition

Kids in grades 6-12 can take part in a fun challenge, Tuesday, March 12, 6:307:30 p.m. Work in teams to create delicious Peepthemed sushi. Let’s see if you can make it through the competition without eating it! Registration is required. 3285 Park Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit WantaghLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200.

Game time

Join the JULIETS for Mahjongg and card games at Congregation Beth Tikvah, every Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Masks are optional, but proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for newcomers, as well as a contribution of $5 per person. 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh, For more information email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.

In concert

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Linda Ipanema and The Dixie Cats, Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m., at Seaford Public Library. Their concert, “It’s a Great Day for the Irish,” features beloved Irish classics. Registration required. 2234 Jackson Ave. Visit SeafordLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1334.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Wantagh Chamber of Commerce hosts its 4th annual Wantagh St. Patrick’s Parade, Sunday, March 17. The parade will step off at 2 p.m. from Wantagh High School, 3297 Beltagh Ave. This year’s grand marshal is John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit WantaghChamber. WildApricot.org.

Party through the decades

Dance to your favorite music from the 50’s to the present, at Temple B’Nai Torah for the Decade Dress-Up Dance Party fundraiser, Saturday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner, dessert, and beverages will be served $65 per person. Open to all adults, young and not so young, and attendees can dress in period clothing if they choose. 2700 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit TBTWantagh.org.

Having an event?

School budget workshops

Wantagh School District offers four community workshops on the 2024-2025 budget. All residents are invited to attend the forums, which will include budget presentations and opportunities for comments and questions. Three evening workshops are held, Monday, March 11; Monday, March 18; and Tuesday, April 2, all starting at 7 p.m. in the Wantagh High School cafeteria. A daytime workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at Wantagh Public Library. 3297 Beltagh Ave.

Weekly bingo

Bingo everyone! Temple B’nai Torah host fun-filled bingo sessions, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; every Thursday, 7:15 p.m.-10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments are available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit TBTWantagh.org or call (516) 221-2370.

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.

In concert

Icon and superstar Whitney Houston, has left a lasting legacy that is celebrated an exhilarating spectacle.

“Queen of the Night, A Musical Tribute to Whitney Houston,” Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m., at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. An exhilarating tribute to Houston’s remarkable musical repertoire, the electrifying production, which premiered on London’s West End, honors her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.

Named after the swaggering hard rock single from “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, the show celebrates 30 years of hits sung by the superstar, from “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “Saving All My Love for You” to “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All” and, of course, “I Will Always Love You.” With the accompaniment of a dynamic band, backing vocalists and dancers, “Queen of the Night” fully conveys the essence and persona of Houston in a captivating production has been described as “a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level.” NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com or call (516) 247-5200.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Sunday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Best of Broadway

Adelphi University Performing Arts students celebrate the music of Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 10, 4 p.m.

The theme of this season’s concert is a royal one, paying tribute to the kings, queens, “Aladdin,” “Camelot, “ “Six,” “Frozen,” “Anastasia,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella,” and more. $30, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH

MORTGAGE INVESTORS

TRUST, SERIES 2006-AF2, Plaintiff - against - PATTI SCIVOLETTI, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 21, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 14th day of March, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Seaford, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 2404

Mattituck Avenue, Seaford, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11783.

(SBL#: 65-83-394-397)

Approximate amount of lien $1,155,679.66 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 004107/2016.

Dominic A. Villoni, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: January 22, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of 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. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 144841

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230,

Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 3/13/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 171/24. - 172/24.

SEAFORD - Carly Mcloughlin, Maintain pool not permitted in front yard on Eve Dr. with less than required front yard setback; maintain pool deck with less than required front & side yard setbacks; Maintain shed with more than required side & rear yard setbacks & not permitted in the front yard on Day St., N/E cor. Eve Dr. & Day St., a/k/a 4041 Eve Dr. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Seaford within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

145250

LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 26th day of February, 2024, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the Town Law. An extract of the resolution is as follows:

THE SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT SHALL SELL A 2011 CHEVY PASSENGER

VAN NO LONGER

NECESSARY FOR THE DISTRICT’S USES AND PURPOSES VALUED AT MORE THAN TWENTY THOUSAND ($20,000.00)

DOLLARS, BUT LESS THAN TWENTY- FIVE THOUSAND ($25,000.00)

DOLLARS, SUBJECT TO MARKET FORCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS UNDER SECTION 176 SUBDIVISION 23 OF THE TOWN LAW.

The sale of said vehicle is subject to a permissive referendum as required under Section 176 subdivision 23 of the Town Law and in accordance with procedures for permissive referendums as described in the General Municipal Law.

Dated: February 26, 2024

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

ATTEST:

MICHAEL FORAN

Secretary 145260

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE is hereby given that the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT will receive separate & independent bids for the following categories: Contract No. 1 - General Construction and Related Work

For the Ramp and Boiler Replacement to the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT STATION #1 located at 3470 Park Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793.

A MANDATORY pre-bid conference walkthrough for potential Bidders and other interested parties will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Wantagh Fire District Station #1 located at 3470 Park Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793.

Separate & independent bids must be received on or before Wednesday, April 17th, 2024@ 12:00 PM by the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT at the DISTRICT OFFICES located at 2045 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793 at which time all bids received will publicly be opened and read aloud @ 12:00 PM in accordance with §103(2), of the General Municipal Law. No bids will be accepted thereafter.

Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained online as a download at www.revplans.com for a non-refundable fee of $100.00 (One Hundred Dollars) starting on Wednesday, March 20th 2024. All bids must be accompanied by either a) a certified check payable to the “Wantagh Fire District” in the amount of 5% of the bid price, orb) a bond with sufficient sureties to be approved by the “Wantagh Fire District” in the amount of 5% of the bid price. If the bid is accepted, the bidder will enter into a contract in accordance with the bid and will furnish a suitable security bond in the sum of the amount of the contract, conditioned for the faithful and prompt completion of the work specified in the contract. If the bidder neglects or refuses to execute the

contract and furnish the bonds, the deposit of 5% of the bid price shall be forfeited and retained by the Wantagh Fire District as liquidated damages or, in the case of a bid bond, the Wantagh Fire District shall enforce payment of the bond for its benefit.

Performance, Labor and Material payment bonds on the forms within the Specifications Book for the full amount of the contract are required and shall be included in the bid price.

Exclude from all bids New York State Sales Tax on materials or supplies purchased for this project.

Pursuant to §220 of the Labor Law, the contract will contain a provision that every mechanic, laborer and workman employed in or about the work contemplated by the contract shall be paid not less than the prevailing rate of wages and provided with not less than the prevailing supplement which are set forth in the Bidding Documents.

Bids are to be enclosed in a separate sealed envelope, which shall be clearly marked:

Wantagh Fire District Station #1 3470 Park Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793

Contract No. 1 - General Construction and Related Work.

The Wantagh Fire District reserves the right to waive any informalities in, to accept or reject any or all bids, to award the contract to other than the lowest bidder or to advertise anew if in the judgment of the Wantagh Fire District it is in their best interests to do so. No bidder shall withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof.

By Order of The Board of Fire Commissioners

Brendan J. Narell

Superintendent 145202

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL

CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHELLE CLEMENTE, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 31, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 11, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3680 Naomi Street, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and

Division Avenue High School student accepted to West Point

Division Avenue

High School in the Levittown School District is proud to announce that senior Alex Gao has been accepted to attend West Point Academy.

The application for West Point is rigorous, involving multiple tests, essays and interviews, as well as a required sponsorship from a United States congressmember. Of the roughly 14,000 applications received nationwide, only about 4,000 are accepted to the school. Alex first considered joining West Point at the end of his junior year, when he attended a weeklong summer program and received educational experience at West Point.

Alex is the class vice president, a role which gave him many opportunities to develop leadership and character. Additionally, Alex is a leader in the marching band, a member of the track team, a Peer Leader and has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. During the past summer, Alex has interned with a

being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 062 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $374,509.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600708/2023. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523,

Attorneys for Plaintiff 145292

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST CHARLES MUSARRA; JOHN A. MUSARRA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 22, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2419 CEDAR STREET, SEAFORD, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or

humanitarian group in Bangladesh, where he further dedicated himself to serving others.

“My goal is to be the best version of myself that I can be, and to lead others with confidence in the future,” Alex said.

parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 269, Lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment $84,863.30

Courtesy Levittown public schools

Division Avenue High School senior Alex Gao was accepted to West Point Academy.

Part

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

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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

Making an old home newer

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Q. We are suing our contractor and need some advice. A year ago, we finished our second-floor addon and first-floor kitchen and rear family room remodel by opening up walls to join them. Everything seemed fine until it rained the first time. The windows began to leak at the bottom, and then around the tops and sides. Our new sliding glass door did the same. The basement flooded, and we are not in a flood area. Then the air-conditioning company said somebody disconnected the ducts, and when we opened the ceilings, more water poured down. The house is now filled with mold, which we clean with bleach where we can get to it, but we couldn’t move out and have two small children under age 4.

Although we have many questions and hired an attorney, we’re wondering whether we should hire an architect to go over all the problems and identify them, with remedies, or hire one of the contractors who said they could fix the problems, or wait until the lawsuit is finished to make it possible for a jury to see the damage. The job architect, whom we never met, has now had their license revoked for the next two years, but we wouldn’t go to them, anyway.

A. Ugh! This is more common than you would think. It starts with not having the architect working for you and instead working for the contractor. I can guess that the contractor was contacted first, and you hired them to get their architect and provide plans. That was your first mistake.

Ask The Architect

Next, people are lazy, expecting that anyone they hire knows all the best techniques to build and knows all the rules, codes and laws. That was mistake number two. Even though you hire people, you should have gone over critical details, especially about waterproofing and structural techniques on the plans, to make sure that the building owner looks for those steps to be carried out. You, the building owner, I always say, are the “eyes and ears” on the job, since the architect often isn’t there at critical times, when waterproofing membranes and materials are joined.

Mistake number three was not doing a water test with a garden hose when the finish siding, windows roofing, etc., had been applied. Simulating rain by pointing a hose skyward so that the water cascades down — not a direct fire-hose hit — tells you right away if something is failing.

You’re going to need a licensed expert — an architect or an engineer — to work with your attorney. Document everything with videos during simulated or storm events to show the water coming in and whatever other failures, such as leaking and disconnected air ducts, and hire people who can do the job correctly as soon as you can. You need to have a healthy home for your family, and a lawsuit could take years while you possibly get sick from the mold and the chlorine you’re breathing. Good luck!

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Why I joined the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus

Growing up in Island Park, I was always acutely aware of how lucky I was to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, bountiful waterways and stunning coastlines. Preserving Nassau County’s coastal environs has been a main priority of my tenure in public office, and I am proud to represent so many community partners who share in that goal. Indeed, the pristine nature of our South Shore was recently threatened by a largescale offshore wind turbine project proposed by Equinor, but thanks to unified community opposition, this dubious plan appears to have stalled — for now.

The growing national push to advance offshore wind energy has clearly reached Long Island, and while Equinor’s plan was defeated due to the corporation’s failure to properly liaise with local stakeholders, there will certainly be other developers attempting their own offshore wind projects mov-

ing forward.

Now more than ever, it is vital that our communities make their voices heard on any projects that would impact our coastline, which is why I am proud to announce that I have been made a co-chair of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus. This bipartisan panel provides members of Congress from across the country a forum to discuss the growing utilization of offshore wind energy, compare notes on offshore wind projects being advanced, and strategize on how best to approach future development questions. What’s more, my leadership role in the caucus also provides neighbors in the 4th District with an enhanced voice when the panel communicates with turbine developers — ensuring that the thoughts, concerns and opinions of South Shore residents are made known.

We’ve seen interest from other developers seeking to take Equinor’s place.

residents of the Long Beach barrier island, Island Park, Oceanside and beyond during the development of its Empire Wind 2 offshore wind turbine plan. This lack of engagement justifiably led to distrust among community members, and fueled the successful grass-roots campaign to quash the project.

Like my neighbors along the South Shore, over the course of several meetings, Equinor representatives failed to provide me with adequate information on the long-term environmental impacts of the project or outline a proper plan to support the communities that would have hosted facets of Empire Wind 2 — which is why I fought to stop the project from moving forward.

ment, residents’ wishes are respected, and local communities’ bests interests are advanced. If a company can articulate a vision for an offshore wind energy project that safeguards our environment, incorporates robust stakeholder feedback into the development process, benefits the community, and creates good union jobs, I believe it is beneficial for the public to hear them out and approach the plan with an open mind. I intend to utilize my position on the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus to hold corporate developers accountable by demanding full transparency on any proposed projects that come before the community.

Those residents have recently seen firsthand the difficulties that stem from a corporate entity outright ignoring the concerns of community stakeholders when developing a large-scale project. Indeed, Equinor failed to engage with

Now that Equinor appears to have realized the error of its ways and pulled back from its offshore wind plan, we have seen growing interest from several other developers seeking to take Equinor’s place. As the selection process plays out and companies vie for a chance to develop offshore wind energy in Nassau County, it is vital that stakeholders have a say in project advance-

I will continue to utilize all the tools at my disposal to advocate for the best interests of South Shore neighbors and ensure that our communities are not negatively impacted by overdevelopment. My position as co-chair of the bipartisan caucus will give our community a stronger voice in that arena, and ensure that any proposed plans include real benefits for the South Shore. Long gone are the days when developers like Equinor thought they could simply muscle their way past community opposition. We won’t allow it.

Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

For Democrats, Suozzi’s victory is nothing to brag about

Democrats were understandably elated when former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi won the special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional District on Feb. 13, but they shouldn’t be popping any champagne. In truth, Suozzi’s victory over the Republicans’ candidate, Mazi Melesa Pilip, was a lot closer than it should have been.

Suozzi won just under 54 percent of the vote.

Doesn’t that seem a little low? After all, he’s a former mayor of Glen Cove, a former Nassau County executive, and a former three-term representative of the district in Congress. Pilip, meanwhile, is a sophomore county legislator.

An alarming sign for me is the money spent by each campaign for each vote. Suozzi spent $2.36 million and won roughly 91,300 votes, meaning he spent almost $26 per vote. In comparison, Pilip spent just $714,000 and won roughly 78,200 votes, or just over $9 per vote.

That means that Pilip needed on average one-third the cash to bring her vot-

ers out to the polls. That indicates to me that Pilip’s voters were more excited and zealous. Suozzi, on the other hand, had to fight to bring Democrats out.

If Pilip and Suozzi had had the same fundraising numbers, and the cash-pervote numbers held, Pilip would have garnered over three times her vote total. Even if we halved Suozzi’s advantage (to make the comparison a bit more realistic), Pilip still might have won, with over 58.5 percent of the vote, if she’d spent as much money as Suozzi.

HSo, Democrats, is this your grand victory?

Aside from that lingering question, Suozzi ran a good campaign. He attacked Pilip where he needed to and worked hard in just the couple of months that he had, barnstorming through the district. He held a large event in my native Westbury, which I appreciate. The difficult fight he had, and the difficult fight many Nassau Democrats have, was beyond his control.

e spent nearly three times as much campaign money as Pilip for each vote.

To top it off, state Democrats are going to get another chance to draw district lines this year, meaning that Suozzi is almost certainly going to be redistricted into a safer, more heavily Democratic district. Why sink millions into an election that you most likely would have won more easily in nine months?

I read the election results this way: A Democratic political veteran with high name recognition and a 3-to-1 fundraising advantage won an election with the second-worst margin he’s won his House seat with, against a neophyte opponent no one had ever heard of, whom he probably would have more easily defeated in nine months.

For one thing, the political landscape on Long Island is shifting against Democrats. For years in Nassau County, the number of new voters registering as Democrats outpaced those registering as Republicans, but that is changing. In the towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay and the City of Glen Cove, which account for most of the population of the 3rd District, voter registration data for the past year confirms that the ratio of Democrats to Republicans is shrinking.

Area Democrats have also been suffering from guilt by association. The Nassau GOP has successfully associated local Democrats with their more leftleaning colleagues in New York City. The Long Islanders are branded with

negative labels like “radical” and “socialist,” or worse, “radical socialist.”

Finally, local Democrats continue to be hammered on bail reform, affordable housing and crime. These attacks are nonsense, but they stick because there is no apparatus in place to respond. None of this is Suozzi’s fault. Rather, the problem lies squarely with the Nassau and state Democratic committees, which have poor fundraising operations, abysmal organizing capacity, and virtually nonexistent communication with voters.

The party is failing to recruit new members, and cannot adequately defend its candidates, let alone go on the offensive. The state Democratic Party continues to fail candidates like Suozzi and the voters that make their existence possible.

That’s why I don’t consider Suozzi’s victory any kind of Democratic renaissance. His hard-fought win doesn’t portend more party wins in Nassau, because a successful two-month campaign can’t fix a state Democratic Party that has lost almost every position of power on Long Island in the past eight years.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chronicle and the Anton Media Group.

HeraLd editoriaL Support Local Journalism Sustainability Act a

s objective and independent news writers and editors, we have an imperative to cover the issues most important to you, the people of our community.

Every day, our team of reporters is on the ground questioning elected officials, telling the stories of community changemakers, and uncovering truths that some would rather keep hidden.

But amid industry challenges, it is no longer unfathomable to picture a future when New York state is completely without local newspapers and other local news outlets.

According to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, 2.5 newspapers now close each week in the United States. More than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country since 2004, and New York has been particularly hard hit.

In 2004, New York boasted 501 newspapers. Today there are only 260. In 2022 alone, 30 newspapers closed across the state.

A quarter of New York’s counties are news deserts — down to their last newspaper. Orleans County recently became the first in the state to have none. These closures have also resulted in thousands of lost journalism and newsroom-supporting jobs.

Local news matters. Studies show that when a community loses its source of local news, it experiences decreased voter turnout and civic engagement. Increased municipal borrowing costs that lead to higher taxes. And decreased transparency among government and business officials, leading to increased waste, fraud and abuse.

As newspapers shutter, communities become more polarized, leaving us stuck in a never-ending doom loop where we lose sight of our shared values. During this era of intense national partisanship,

Letters

Let these elected officials know that we need to save local news

■ Contact Gov. Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390

■ Contact State Sen. Steve Rhoads: (516) 882-0630

■ Contact Assemblyman David McDonough: (516) 409-2070

■ Contact Assemblyman John Mikulin: (516) 228-4960

Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition. Support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com.

local news offers a path forward.

The time to act is now. That is why the Seaford Herald has joined more than 150 other New York local newspapers to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition.

Comprising both print and online local newspapers, this coalition is advocating for sound public policy that ensures the important work of local news organizations can continue in our state. Through our independent journalism, we aim to serve, inform, uplift and protect New York residents.

Our coalition cares deeply about our local communities as well as the future of New York’s free press. However, market forces are making it nearly impossible for us to survive. So, together, we are sounding the alarm bell for our leaders in Albany to hear.

At the heart of our advocacy is the

Bruce Blakeman bans trans athletes

To the Editor:

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s recent signing of an executive order banning transgender girls from playing sports in county facilities was a disingenuous performance to ingratiate himself with the cruel anti-LGBTQ movement. These kinds of orders and bans do more harm than good, setting a dangerous tone that can send the message that hateful acts against the LGBTQ community are justified. Nex Benedict, the non-binary 16-year-old from Oklahoma who died last month after an altercation in a high school girls’ bathroom, comes to mind.

Sadly, by targeting transgender young people, Blakeman chose to use his executive power to sacrifice a very vulnerable group, already struggling for acceptance and facing far greater rates of depression and suicide than their peers, for his own political gain. Instead of doing something to help the transgender community in Nassau

Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

Sponsored by State Sen. Brad HoylmanSigal and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner — with the bipartisan support of 55 co-sponsors — this bill provides tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of local journalists. News organizations are incentivized to actually add jobs, returning reporters to many of the state’s newsrooms, which are becoming increasingly desolate.

Importantly, the bill is also contentneutral, meaning that any legitimate local news outlet — left, right or in between — can benefit from it. The objectivity of the bill’s eligibility requirements means the legislation cannot be weaponized to penalize news organizations that are critical of government officials.

As New York loses talented journalists, lawmakers must act to ensure the industry is allowed not only to survive, but also to thrive. Only local news outlets — with boots-on-the-ground journalists — can deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being.

Imagine no stories about the village or town board meeting, or the school budget debate. No pictures of your granddaughter’s first soccer goal. No obituary of your friendly (and eccentric) neighbor. No investigative reporting to hold public officials to account. And no trusted institution to rally the community around a family in need.

We need your help to save local news in New York. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers need to hear from you about why our newspaper matters and why this bill is important to you.

If you would like to help, reach out to Gov. Kathy Hochul and your local state representatives to let them know you stand with local news.

Hochul’s budget fails people with disabilities

when I was elected to the Nassau County Legislature last fall, I pledged to make it my mission to champion the rights of people with disabilities on the local, state and federal levels to the best of my ability.

mICHaeL GIaNGreGorIo

I am deeply troubled by the recent state budget proposal put forth by Gov. Kathy Hochul. In the intricate web of state budgets, the allocation of resources becomes a powerful reflection of values and priorities. Hochul’s proposal, however, raises significant concerns about equity and fair distribution of resources, particularly when it comes to direct support professionals, or DSPs, in volunteer agencies and the 853 schools statewide catering to students with disabilities.

The commitment to supporting those with disabilities is a cornerstone of any just and compassionate society. DSPs in volunteer agencies are the unsung heroes of our communities, and play a crucial role in ensuring the

swell-being of those with disabilities, providing essential care and support. Their work is demanding, often emotionally as well as physically, yet the proposed state spending plan allocates only a 1.5 percent cost-ofliving increase for those working in volunteer agencies, whose hourly wage is $18. This fraction of the budget hardly reflects the true value of their contributions to the well-being of our society.

State-employed DSPs, who enjoy higher salaries, state benefits and a retirement plan, are being favored with more substantial rate increases compared with their counterparts in volunteer agencies. This lopsided allocation not only undervalues the critical work done by DSPs in volunteer organizations, but also jeopardizes the quality of care provided to those who need it the most.

sage about the state’s commitment to its most vulnerable citizens and educational institutions. The question that arises is whether the state is neglecting its own citizens, particularly those with disabilities, in favor of other causes.

he is sending a disconcerting message to our most vulnerable citizens.

Furthermore, the budget proposal fails to address the longstanding issue of underfunding for 853 schools that cater to students with disabilities. These schools, already grappling with resource shortages, have never received a fair share of entitlements. The lack of resources hampers their ability to provide quality education and support to students who need it the most. The perpetuation of this educational inequality raises serious concerns about the state’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

torical injustice, further exacerbating the struggles faced by students with disabilities and the schools that serve them.

It is dismaying to see the neglect of essential workers and marginalized schools while significant funds are allocated elsewhere. As engaged citizens, we must question and challenge these disparities. We have a responsibility to hold our elected officials accountable, and to urge them to reconsider budgetary allocations to ensure that resources are distributed equitably among all deserving sectors of our society.

Coupled with preferential treatment for state DSP employees and a substantial $2.4 billion allocated for migrants, which encompasses short-term shelter services, health care, emergency housing centers, and legal assistance, Hochul is sending a disconcerting mes-

Letters

County, he decided to put them at further risk. Blakeman claims that “boys” are bullying their way onto girls’ teams, but he’s the real bully here.

KArIN JOHNSON RVC Pride Rockville Centre

It was obvious why Republicans chose Pilip

To the Editor:

I read the Herald’s coverage of the special election between Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip. You didn’t mention that Pilip was a registered Democrat when she ran against Suozzi. She didn’t change her party affiliation until a few days ago.

right from the beginning, Pilip didn’t want to take many questions from the press, and showed she didn’t know very much about the issues. The republicans had her run because she was pretty, black, and Jewish, with an interesting background.

MYrON MArINBACH Lynbrook

Immigrants make our economy stronger

To the Editor:

It’s time to cut through the noise and

Despite the challenges these schools face in providing specialized programs and services, they continue to be shortchanged by a system that should prioritize the educational needs of all its students. Hochul’s budget proposal missed a golden opportunity to rectify this his-

tell the truth about immigration: Our economy and community is stronger because of it. Some leaders would have us think it’s a zero-sum game when our country takes in immigrants, but that’s not true at all.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the U.S. economy will grow by an extra $7 trillion over the next 10 years thanks to immigrants!

But we don’t have to wait for the future to see how they are strengthening the economy. In 2021, immigrants paid $524.7 billion in taxes. That’s money that helps fuel our nation’s schools, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs. Immigrants help support our communities as consumers and taxpayers.

Don’t believe it? Even former President Donald Trump’s appointed Federal reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, recognized the massive contributions immigrants make in an interview on “60 Minutes,” saying, “A big part of the story of the labor market coming back into better balance is immigration returning to levels that were more typical of the pre-pandemic era.”

So let’s give credit where credit is due, stop the anti-immigrant rhetoric and end the zero-sum mindset. Immigration truly is essential for our economic growth and our communities’ prosperity.

JOSEPH M. VArON

Long Island chapter, Bend the Arc West Hempstead

A budget is not merely a financial document. It reflects our collective values and priorities. Hochul’s budget proposal necessitates a critical examination of the state’s commitment to equity and fairness. Let’s stand together in advocating for a spending plan that reflects the principles of justice and compassion, one that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, from direct support professionals and students in underfunded schools to migrants seeking refuge within our borders. Only through such collective action can we build a society that truly values and uplifts all its members.

Michael Giangregorio represents Nassau County’s 12th Legislative District.

Framework by April Ruff