MacArthur High School student Aidan O’Hara with Principal Joseph Sheehan. O’Hara is one of many students with special needs in the school’s 5-Star program, in which they learn daily living and vocational skills to help prepare them for life after school.
At MacArthur High School in Levittown, teachers are working with special-needs students on critical life skills to give them every opportunity to succeed after they leave school.
The 5-Star program, named for Gen. Douglas MacArthur, teaches students with disabilities the skills they will need to function independently. Each star represents a goal of the program: academics, daily living skills, community experience, vocational training, and transition.
“Our goal is to try to give the students the business experience as much as possible,” special education teacher Desiree Mendoza said.
Mendoza remembers when the program was created in 2010, and there were a total of four students. Now, she said, there are 25 students in the program, in four classes. It has been rewarding for her to watch the program grow.
“It’s been nice just to see what we’re doing with the students, and what we’re able to do,” Mendoza said. “We’re constantly trying to reinvent things and come up with new ideas. It’s very rewarding.”
According to Stephanie Addona, the district’s special education chair, younger students in the entry-level class focus on functional academics, such as math and reading, and work on their daily living and pre-voca-
The Seaford School District’s $83.5 million budget for the upcoming year passed Tuesday, with voting held at Harbor and Manor schools.
Of the 1,522 voters, 1,022 said yes to the budget — which represents a 3.7 percent increase over the current spending plan, and includes a 2.3 percent tax levy increase — focuses on several key capital projects.
MeLiSSA
WHidden
These projects include district-wide security upgrades, restroom renovations, and improvements to the high school football field’s press box and sound system.
Voters also considered two propositions aimed at addressing long-term infrastructure needs.
Proposition 2, which proposed utilizing $4.5 million from the capital reserve for roof replacement and gymnasium ceiling upgrades at Seaford Middle School, passed with 1,118 votes in favor. The roof,
which is at least 60 years old, has had only temporary repairs over the years.
Proposition 3 sought to establish a new 10-year, $30 million capital reserve fund for future projects. These projects include roof and masonry repairs, and district-wide facility upgrades such as asphalt, sidewalks, fencing, restrooms, floors, ceilings, and heating systems.
This proposition also passed, with 1,027 votes in favor.
According to the district’s assistant superintendent for business and operations, Andrew Casale, passing both propositions could save the district and taxpayers some $7.9 million in interest by eliminating the necessity of borrowing money through a bond.
In addition to the budget and propositions, the election also saw Melissa Whidden win a seat on the Seaford education board against incumbent Andrea Parisi. Whidden received 732 votes, and Parisi earned 618 votes.
Whidden, 39, a longtime Seaford resident, aims to enhance open communication, ensure fair representation for all community members, and advance enrichment programs.
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, edi tions 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.
YOUR HE A RING IS E S SEN
HE A R T I A L
I A L
e will go above and beyond what you might expect om a typical healthcare appointment, working closely with you to find the best solutions for your hearing — all while making you feel comfortable and confident.
We will go above and beyond what you might from a typical healthcare appointment, working with you to find the best solutions for your hearing all while making you feel comfortable and con
We will go above and be ou might expect from a typical healthcare appointment, working closely with you to find the best solutions for your hearing — all while making you feel comfortable and confident.
We will go abov ond what you might e from a typical healthcare appointment, working closely with you to find the best solutions for y all while making you feel
Thomas
On May 11, the Seaford High School Class of 2026 hosted the second annual Community Craft, Garage Sale, and Flea Market Fundraiser at the Seaford Train Station.
The event drew a lively crowd with an assortment of crafts and unique items for sale, creating a bustling marketplace atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed not only the diverse selection of handmade goods and treasures but also live music performances by talented student musicians.
The fundraiser provided an opportunity for the community to support local students and enjoy a day of shopping and entertainment.
Students from Seaford High School gathered at the Seaford Train Station for the second annual Community Craft Fundraiser.
It’s an investment in our environment and our community.
DON CLAVIN Supervisor Town of HempsteadThe 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,
Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, Marshall Brown, Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Tom Muscarella and Frank Piccininni.
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
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads was joined by Assemblyman Michael Durso and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh on April 14 to congratulate Marcus Caniano of Boy Scout Troop 690 in Seaford for earning scouting’s highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout. Senator Rhoads said he praised Caniano’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of scouting, his leadership qualities, and his spirit of service to the community.
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
punished.
Councilman Christopher Carini and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray stopped by Seaford High School to congratulate the school’s top athletes. Students Katie Kofod, Myles Munro, Jessica Reiter, Jake Anzelone, Tim Navin, Daniella Stek, Amanda Williamsona, Jason Berthel, Skyler Secondino and Alexa Villeck were presented with Town of Hempstead citations for their accomplishments.
Open 7 days a week. All inventory included in the sales price. Rent $4000.00 per month, incl taxes with a 5 years option for a renewal. Its A Profitable Business. Store offers; Full Basement, Hooded Kitchen, Gas Cooking, walk in refrigerator, flat grill, deep fryer, foot traffic. Established BUSINESS in the heart of Massapequa shores close to the golf course, marina and the South Shore beaches with outdoor seating area. This Deli has been operational for the past 25 years established in different corporations.
Just reduced $239,000.
Courtesy office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
Courtesy Councilman Christopher Carini
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.
(Farmingdale State College) Thursday, May 23 Nassau
Saturday, May 25 Nassau
needed 2:30 p.m.
Nassau Class AAAA finals Game 3 if needed 5 p.m.
Nassau Class AA finals Game 3 if needed 7:30 p.m.
BOYS LACROSSE (Hofstra University)
Friday, May 24
Nassau Class B championship 5 p.m.
Nassau Class C championship 7:30 p.m.
The MacArthur flag football team’s first playoff game on May 15 against Valley Stream District swung on an unconventional defensive play that senior linebacker Hailey Metzger mastered this season.
Metzger, a standout soccer player in the fall, picked off a Valley Stream option pass with five minutes left in the first half and took it to the house for a touchdown to tie the score in the Conference I quarterfinals. The unorthodox pick-six was the second in a four game stretch for Metzger and proved to be the key turning point in an eventual 19-6 home victory that advanced third-seeded MacArthur into the semifinal round.
The dramatic play from Metzger helped momentarily keep MacArthur’s dream alive for a county title before the season ended a day later with a 14-6 loss at secondseeded Syosset. It also epitomized the sharp commitment of MacArthur’s new program in its second season under the leadership of head coach Steve Fazzolari, who has spent the last 18 years as defensive coordinator for the school’s varsity football team.
“Getting like the reps in practice really helps me get field vision for when I’m in the game,” said Metzger, who also intercepted an option pass for a touchdown in a 24-6 victory against Port Washington on May 6 and was named Conference I defensive player of the year. “This is such a new sport and I just started playing last year and I have to give credit to my coach because he is always yelling from the sidelines to watch the option.”
Following the Metzger interception touchdown, she hauled in a four-yard touchdown reception on offense from quarterback Sara Kealey. A conversion run from Kealey upped the lead to 13-6 at halftime.
Kealey connected again with Metzger in the second half for a nine-yard touchdown to give the Generals (13-3 overall) some insurance. The senior quarterback, who last year was a standout receiver with 677 receptions, switched positions this season and formed a lethal receiving tandem with Metzger, her varsity soccer teammate.
Senior Hailey Metzger had a momentum-changing pick six in MacArthur’s 19-6 quarterfinal playoff win over Valley Stream District.
“Me and Sara have always had a good connection on the field,” said Metzger, who finished the season with 56 catches for 718 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
“She has a great throw.”
Metzger and Kealey were both named to the All County team along with Meghan Wetzel, who hauled 13 touchdown receptions. Junior receiver Caitlin Barry received All County honorable mentions accolades while running back Sofia Maris and linebacker Ella Mancini were recognized with All-Conference awards.
The program has been growing in pop-
ularity since the Generals reached the county finals in the inaugural season last year with 34 players on varsity and another 40 on JV this spring, The deep roster includes number of top female athletes from the school’s soccer, volleyball basketball and cheerleading teams.
“I have all these great athletes from all different sports who just came together and brought their athleticism and just took to the sport,” Fazzolari said. “The drive that they’ve had has been nothing short of phenomenal and beyond impressive to me.”
4:21:36
County Legislator Michael Giangregorio recently spoke at the Elija Foundation’s Conference on ‘A Pathway To Adulthood Using Self-Direction: Transitioning To Independence’ in Mineola. He emphasized the need for inclusive housing options for individuals with diverse needs as they transition into adulthood.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for supporting individuals with Autism and other developmental differences as they navigate the transition to adulthood. Giangregorio’s remarks underscored the importance of collaboration between communities, parents, and government to ensure inclusive housing options are available.
Giangregorio, a father of a child with Autism, expressed his honor in addressing the conference attendees on such a crucial topic.
A Yonkers man was arrested for an alleged grand larceny in Levittown that occurred in March, according to Eight Squad police.
According to detectives, a homeowner performed a Google search for someone to fix cracks in his home’s foundation. The victim set up an appointment for the following day with Maichel Woods, a false name, claiming to work for Empire Foundation and Masonry in New York City. Woods, now known as Martin Ward, 27, was accused of collecting around $70,000 from the victim without performing the construction.
Martin Ward
The victim made multiple attempts
to contact Ward, but the only response received was to allegedly request an additional $36,000, which the victim did not provide. Ward was arrested on Tuesday, May 14.
Ward is charged with grand larceny and was arraigned on Wednesday, May 15 at First District Court in Hempstead.
Detectives request if anyone believes they may have been a victim of Ward to contact their local precinct or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
— Charles Shaw“Every person deserves a pathway to independence tailored to their unique journey,” Giangregorio said. “Parents should feel empowered to make informed decisions, not pressured into choices before they’re ready.”
During the conference, Trish Calandra was presented with the ‘Champion of Hope’ award, recognizing her advocacy efforts that have positively impacted lives in the Autism community.
Courtesy office of County Legislator Michael Giangregorio County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, left, presented a citation to Trish Calandra for her advocacy work in the Autism community during the Elija Foundation conference in Mineola.
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.
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 get killed in Vietnam from January to July of 1969. For us combat veterans, we know
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
tional skills at a mock apartment at the Levittown Memorial Education Center, located at Abbey Lane. The apartment contains a bed, a closet, a dresser and a kitchen, where students learn to cook, clean, fold clothes and do other everyday activities in a simulated living space.
In the second class, Addona explained, students spend more time in the community. They become familiar with local businesses, and practice going shopping. According to Mendoza, simple tasks at a supermarket, such as navigating aisles, finding products’ expiration dates, and even scoping out an open register can be challenging for students in the program.
“These are things that we take for granted,” she said. “There are things that we don’t even realize that we do that our students struggle with.”
ical Smoothie and Frozees, though Addona acknowledged that it can be challenging to find local businesses to take part. Fourteen of the 25 students work in the field each week.
“We really do need a lot of local businesses, and are so grateful for all the local businesses that have worked with us,” she said, “because that’s how many students we are managing out in the community in a week, so it’s a huge component of our program.”
The two highest-level classes are made up of students ages 18 to 22, who spend most of each day in the community, working either with a teacher or with job coaches at local businesses.
Desiree MenDoza Special education teacher, MacArthur
When they move into the working world, students apply the skills they have learned to take on tasks at internships, such as stocking items and cleaning tables. The program partners with businesses in Wantagh and Levittown, including TGI Fridays, Party City, Trop-
Students who are not ready to go out into the community can continue developing their vocational skill in a special lab called the Practical Assessment Exploration System, which provides a simulated hands-on work environment.
According to Addona, teachers in the program spend a great deal of time familiarizing themselves with each student’s individual needs, and personalizing the vocational program. This, she added, is a major reason why the pro-
gram has been so successful over the years.
“You start by figuring out where the need is for each kid, and it varies,” Mendoza said. “Every single student is different. Their needs are different, so that’s when you differentiate your instruction.”
“They have angels’ wings on their backs,” MacArthur Principal Joseph Sheehan said of the program’s teachers.
And without the collaboration
among teachers, assistants, one-to-one aides and support staff, Addona said, the program would not be able to accomplish all that it does for the students.
“We’re a family,” Mendoza said, “and the little things that we celebrate for our students — which might be so minuscule to anybody else — but the little accomplishments our students make are huge accomplishments that we make a big deal about.”
On April 27, the Seaford American Legion on Long Island hosted a vibrant contemporary dance event. Attendees enjoyed dancing to live music featuring guitars, drums, and bass on a spacious dance floor. The evening offered a dynamic mix of exciting tunes and slower numbers, catering to all dancing preferences. Alongside the lively entertainment, guests also indulged in a delicious buffet. The event successfully combined energetic performances with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable night for all who attended.
— Charles Shaw
Parliament Funkadelic
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.
U.S.
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.
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.
Chris Botti
Award-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti visits The Paramount, Sunday, June 2, 8 p.m. Botti has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. He has thoroughly established himself as one of the important, innovative figures of the contemporary music world. Coming to prominence with the 2001 recording of his Night Sessions CD, Botti gained a reputation as a versatile musician in both jazz and pop music for his ability to fuse both styles together. He’s been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades; he’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul
Lady
Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and others.
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.
theater
Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Wednesday through Friday, May 29-31, 10:15 a.m. and noon; also Saturday, June 1, 11:30 a..m. and 2 p.m. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.
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.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
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.
Simon, Barbra Streisand,
Gaga,
Old Westbury Gardens Director Maura Brush leads a 45-minute floral arranging class just for kids, Saturday, June 1, 10-10:45 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.
Dance the night away with Vinyl Revival, Wednesday, July 10, 8 p.m. at Seamans Neck Park. the band plays the best disco tunes from the ‘70s with just enough classic rock and pop hits to keep everyone on their feet. 2700 S.
Mobile office hours
Rep. Anthony D’Eposito and his staff will be at Seaford Public Library, Wednesday, May 29, 2-5:30 p.m. Obtain answers to questions about passports, Social Security, veterans issues, immigration, Medicare and IRS filings. No appointments required. 2234 Jackson Ave. Visit SeafordLibrary.org.
Join the JULIETS for Mahjongg and card games at Congregation Beth Tikvah, Thursdays, noon-4 p.m. Masks optional, proof of Covid-19 vaccination required for newcomers, $5. 3710 Woodbine Ave. Email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445 for info.
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.
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.
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.
Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 hosts Wantagh’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27. It kicks off at 10 a.m. from the corner of Beltagh and Wantagh avenues, then heads south on Wantagh Ave. to Park Ave. where it turns east and continues several blocks to the Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 building at 3484 Park Ave. (just past the Firehouse). With memorial ceremony when Wantagh Middle School’s 8th grade winner of the Post’s Memorial Day Essay Contest reads their essay. The school runs the contest for Wantagh American Legion Post 1273, but, the Post supplies the theme. This year’s theme is: “On Memorial Day we must remember…” Light refreshments will be served at the Post after the ceremony and festivities. All are invited.
The Wantagh Museum is hosting its third annual antique car show on Saturday, July 13. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature cars from the 1970s and older. Refreshments will be on sale and museum sites will be open. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, music and kids crafts from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance fee is $1 for adults 18 and older. 17 and younger are free. The Wantagh museum is located at 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. For any questions, email wantaghmuseum@gmail.com.
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.”
The county’s origin story was, in effect, an act of secession, according to historians. In 1898, when New York City annexed Queens County, its three eastern towns — Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay — pushed to split away,
drawing an invisible boundary between itself and the newly expanded city.
Thus, on Jan. 1, 1899, Nassau County was born with its suburban future firmly secured.
But for Alexandra Wolfe, chief executive of Preservations Long Island — a regional historic preservation nonprofit
— the county’s historical value predates its official inception.
“You can find historical material as far back as the 18th century in Nassau County,” she said. “Every movement in history left an imprint on Long Island. But you’re not often aware of it. It’s hidden away, privately owned, or built around.”
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 and of many other elected officials and public servants, and it’s going to be prominently displayed there,” Stanko said. “It’s a classic historic building, and it’s a true honor and privilege to be selected for this work.”
Tim Baker/Herald
LEGAL NOTICE
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court of The State of New York County of Nassau Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 618125/2023 PNC Bank, National Association Plaintiff, vs Walter Fung-A-Fat As Heir To The Estate Of JoAnne Fung-A-Fat, Unknown Heirs Of JoAnne Fung-A-Fat Aka Jo Anne Fung A Fat If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 2656 Ocean Avenue Seaford, NY 11783 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in
the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of JoAnne Fung-A-Fat AKA Jo Anne Fung A Fat Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Jeffrey A. Goodstein of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Tenth day of April, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated June 16, 2020, executed by JoAnne Fung-A-Fat AKA Jo Anne Fung A Fat (who died on August 15, 2021, a resident of the county of Nassau, State of New York) to secure the sum of $92,200.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 44391, Page 554 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on July 21, 2020; The property in question is described as follows: 2656 Ocean Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE
RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: April 16, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 80466 146433
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -against-
MICHAEL MARRON, 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 March 28, 2024, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL MARRON, 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 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2608 ISLAND CHANNEL ROAD, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 63-261-604 & 805. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 609978/2022. Jane P. Shrenkel, 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. 146645
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST V-D, Plaintiff, vs. DANA MURCH A/K/A DANA G. MURCH, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 12, 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 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2130 North Drive, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New
York, Section 57, Block 237 and Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment is $209,832.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604287/2019. 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.
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 190134-1 146623
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE SECURITIES BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiff - againstSUZANNE M. BRADY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 15, 2019. 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 6th day of June, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
Premises known as 3677 Smith Street, Wantagh, NY 11793.
(SBL#: 57-89-105)
Approximate amount of lien $614,197.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 010340/2015. John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840
New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: April 11, 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. 146589
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. MARIE-ALISA SALERNO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 22, 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 June 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1190 Allen Drive, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 457 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $524,976.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615550/2022. 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 & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146807
public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 4th day of June, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING
PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
HEWLETT
PROSPECT AVENUE (TH 185/24) West Side -NO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 111 feet south of the south curbline of Slocum Street, then south for a distance of 98 feet.
SEAFORD
MARILYN DRIVE (TH 172/24) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Seamans Neck Road, east for a distance of 40 feet.
MARILYN DRIVE (TH 172/24) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Seamans Neck Road, east for a distance of 30 feet.
UNIONDALE
ORCHARD PLACE (TH 176/24) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 214 feet east of the east curbline of Amsterdam Avenue, east for a distance of 32 feet.
ORCHARD PLACE (TH 176/24) South SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 270 feet east of the east curbline of Amsterdam Avenue, east for a distance of 15 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location: HEWLETT
PROSPECT AVENUE (TH 493/04) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 158 feet east of east curbline of SlocumStreet, then east for a distance of 48 feet.
(Adopted 1/11/05) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: May 21, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 146930
LEGAL NOTICE
-againstJOSEPH GRECO, 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 February 5, 2020, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH GRECO, 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 25, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3586 MARJORIE LANE, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 57-286-15. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612236/2017. Lisa S. Poczik, 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. 146947
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1,
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
SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
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basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Open layout. Den/family room and home office. First floor master bedroom. Updates include skylight. Security system. Taxes: $14,588.78
East Rockaway $660,000
Rhame Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor master bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Security system.
Taxes: $16,008.46
Elmont $705,000
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Taxes: $11,723
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Taxes: $26,542.42
Island Park $705,000
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Taxes: $9,741.41
Malverne $760,000
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Taxes: $13,526.16
Merrick $1,300,000
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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.
As 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.
Everyone agrees that there is a massive lack of bipartisanship in today’s political arena. Washington, D.C., is the poster child for warfare between Democrats and Republicans. Which is why my recent trip to Albany was a throwback to times gone by. I refer specifically to an event known as the Pilots Dinner. Every year, present and former members of the Assembly gather for the Pilots Dinner. Any member who has served in the Assembly for at least ten years is eligible to be a Pilot. This year’s event attracted over 100 people, with a mix of present and former members in one room.
While some members clustered in corners with their party allies, the vast majority of the crowd mingled with old friends and the new Pilots. Within minutes of my arrival, I was greeted with an enormous bear hug by former Nassau County Assemblyman George Madison. Madison is now an upstate retir-
ee, but he has a newfound appetite for politics, because his son-in-law is an Assembly member.
There’s no doubt that a gathering of any former colleagues is a sobering experience, because all of us change with the passage of time. Some members whom we recall were strong, vibrant personalities now show that time is not always kind to our bodies. But the past years of collegiality shone very brightly as I moved around the room.
Within a few minutes after I arrived, I spotted former Nassau Republican Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara. I got the anticipated warm hug as she spoke proudly about her two grown children. She asked me about my two younger daughters and my wife, Suzan, and there wasn’t a hint of partisanship. It was just a few moments of talking about times gone by.
nisced about great floor debates and past Assembly leaders such as Perry Duryea and Stanley Fink.
Then we were joined by former Republican Assemblyman Willis Stephens Jr. Will comes from a family with a long history of public service. His grandfather Mallory Stephens was chair of the Ways and Means Committee, as was his father, Willis Stephens, who’s now 99. I was also chair of the committee, and have a long history with the Stephens family.
A t the Pilots Dinner, recalling when there were no barriers to getting things done.
Before I could move on for some more hellos, I was tapped on the shoulder by former Republican Assembly Minority Leader Tom Reynolds, who’s now a Washington lobbyist. Tom served for 10 years in Congress, where he held a major leadership position. We remi-
Once the meet-and-greet portion of the dinner was over, the assembled members sat down for the formal program. Newly minted members of the Pilots were introduced, and both Republicans and Democrats were given warm receptions. Past and present party leaders made speeches, and there was a warm glow in the room. The younger members were given some history lessons about leaders of yesterday, and they learned that many things were accomplished by people they had never heard of.
One of the final highlights of the evening was the tribute to Speaker Pro Tem Jeffrion Aubry, who is retiring
after 31 years of service to his Queens community. Jeff, as we know him, offered a few barbs to both Democrats and Republicans, chiding them for some of their conduct during floor debates. One of his proudest accomplishments was his success in getting the home of the late Louis Armstrong turned into a public museum.
Perhaps most of this is of little or no interest to readers, given the absence of familiar names and the lack of a controversial subject. But the Pilots dinner sparked lots of conversation among the younger and newer attendees about a time gone by, when there were no barriers to getting things accomplished in government. It isn’t a fantasy to wish or hope for more bipartisanship in any government forum. Perhaps with the passage of time and the disappearance of the public figures who promote anger and hatred in government, we’ll get a new crop of people who will want to work together. At least, that is my wish.
Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
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.
