Courtesy
Michael Katzen, a Jewish Hofstra student and e-board member of the university’s Student Voices for Palestine, addressing the crowd and shouting, ‘Free Palestine!” with his fist raised in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
College students around the country have organized anti-war protests calling for an end to American funding for and support of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza — which many students are describing as genocide.
The protests, which began at Columbia University in Manhattan, have sparked a nationwide movement on campuses, and have now hit home, with rallies taking place at both Hofstra and Adelphi universities in the past week.
Hofstra’s rally, on April 25, was organized by the university’s anthropology department chair, Timothy Daniels, with the help of student organizations like Jewish Voices for Peace and Student Voices for Palestine.
“It is our responsibility,” Hofstra student
Kat Santos when asked why she and others are protesting. “As people who live in a country that is directly contributing to this genocide, it is on us to speak up and give the Palestinian people a voice, and demand an end to our country’s funding and complacency of Israel’s war crimes.”
Besides calling for an end to government support of Israel, the students also demanded the full disclosure of all of the university’s financial links to companies connected to Israel’s government, and an end to all ties between the university and Israel. That includes calling for the cessation of the program Hofstra in Israel, which sends students on a month-long educational trip to Israel’s Ben-Gurion University.
“We are calling on Hofstra to disclose all
Food trucks finally arrived on the campus of Nassau Community College at the end of week after all the dining halls, including the campus Starbucks, abruptly shut down, with almost no warning to the student body.
Since their closing, students and faculty alike have demanded that the college restore the dining halls or come up with better solutions than offering food trucks, vending machines and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Following last week’s protests, the No Good Burger food truck started operating on April 24, and will continue to do so three days a week through May 22, college officials said. Another food truck, The Big Cheese, which serves halal food, appeared on campus for the first time early this week, and likewise plans to stick around until the end of the semester.
“We thank you for your patience as the college continues to explore new food options for the campus community,” a notice on the college’s website stated. But the current situation, according to students and faculty, is still unacceptable.
“It’s unconscionable,” said Faren Siminoff, president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers. She added that NCC leadership knew well in advance about the planned
departure of Compass Group, the food service provider who pulled out of its contract with the college early this month, and failed to develop a contingency plan to feed the college’s students. Siminoff likened the lackluster leadership of the school to being “the Nassau University Medical Center of higher education.”
Late last week, Siminoff, along with the teachers union, sent County Executive Bruce Blakeman a letter asking for an emergency allocation of county funds to be directed to NCC for “the sole purposes of restoring on-campus dining or implement(ing) a stopgap solution for the remainder of the semester.”
“Initially, administrators reported that the college’s oncampus dining vendor had decided to end its contract,” Siminoff wrote. “But we learned shortly thereafter that despite administrators knowing for months the vendor was planning to leave and knew in March there would be no food services by April, they made no plans for this eventuality, leaving the college a food desert.”
Siminoff stressed that time was of the essence, and added that the crisis was only the latest example of what she described as either incompetence or malfeasance by college leaders.
She also detailed how administrators had “disregarded a
Continued on PaGe 10
Hofstra Student Voices for PalestineNassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced this week that his administration plans to submit a reworked lease-transfer application to the County Planning Commission and the legislature in an effort to reapprove the transfer in an effort to secure a downstate casino license for Las Vegas Sands at the Nassau Hub, by the book this time.
Coming one year after the initial agreement giving Las Vegas Sands control of the Coliseum property, which the gaming company reportedly paid $241 million for, and nearly six months after the initial ruling from Judge Sakira Kapoor — who ruled the county violated both the state’s Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act when they approved the transfer without holding a proper public hearing or an environmental review.
The county, according to Judge Sakira Kapoor, described the manner in which the county transferred the lease to Sands as “an attempt to avoid public scrutiny,” and ruled in Hofstra’s favor, who brought the lawsuit against the county and Sands last year.
That ruling, which was upheld in February, also declares that the Las Vegas Sands group does not have a valid lease to operate the Nassau Coliseum and the land around it, effectively making the lease transfer void and forcing the county to start the process over if they want to go through with Sands plans for the hub.
“We are asking that the planning commission commit to a fair and transparent process,” Hofstra spokeswoman, Terry Coniglio, said at the time. “To this point, the planning commission’s hearing did not comply with the law, and we have been forced to ask the court to ensure that the public receives the information it deserves, and a fair opportunity to be heard on this important matter.”
Hofstra has been a loud critic of the casino plan since its inception, with the university’s legal maneuverings being viewed by some legal experts as a real potential threat to what has been widely considered one of the most viable and valuable downstate casino pitches available to the state.
Blakeman has also accused Hofstra and the university’s president, Susan Poser, of colluding with competing casino organization, Hard Rock Café Inc., in an effort to derail plans by Las Vegas Sands to redevelop the Nassau Coliseum, resulting in subpoenas and more legal drama for both Poser and the county executive.
Both Poser and Hard Rock deny Blakeman’s accusations.
But now, according to Blakeman, he has hope that by following the judges orders and reworking the county’s application, the lease transfer for the proposed $6 billion casino and resort
will still be approved and Sands will be awarded one of the three downstate casino licenses up for grabs by the state in time.
That means starting the process from scratch. The county must now hold public meetings and go through voting all over again. Blakeman’s office did not have information on when the process would officially start over.
However, Blakeman and Sands both have time to get this done, as the state Gaming Commission has announced last month that they are delaying the bidding for downstate casino licenses
and won’t be awarding them to applicants until the end of 2025 at the earliest — with Las Vegas Sands Chief Executive Officer, Robert Goldstein, calling the delays “confusing and disappointing.”
“In spite of delays and changing circumstances, we are fully committed to deal with Sands to bring a worldclass hotel, entertainment center, casino and spa to Nassau County,” said Blakeman.
“We are grateful for the extraordinary and diverse support our proposal continues to receive and look forward to working with all parties involved to
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, right, joined Las Vegas Sands president Rob Goldstein last April to announce a lease agreement has been signed between the county and the Sands, with plans to spend $6 billion redeveloping the Nassau Coliseum area. This lease was later ruled void by a state court, forcing the county and Sands to start the transfer process over again.
move this transformational development forward,” Sands said in a statement on Thursday. “We remain committed to being a collaborative partner and excellent neighbor to the organizations and residents of Nassau County.”
National Poetry Month, celebrated every April since 1996, has been a beacon of appreciation for the rich culture of American poetry, encouraging a love for reading and writing among people of all ages.
As the curtains draw on this monthlong celebration, the Uniondale public library took the opportunity that National Poetry Month presented to host a special open mic night on Thursday, April 25, dedicated to the art of poetry.
Hosted by Paula Curci, Long Island’s very own Poet Laureate — a poet who has been appointed by a government, organization, or institution to promote and raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry — the event saw a good turnout and saw both seasoned poets and newcomers performing for the first time on the same stage together.
Residents from elementary aged children to the community’s senior citizens were welcomed to the library and shared their words and poems among their neighbors, including award-winning published poets like Marsha M. Nelson and Gregory Singer, better known by his pseudonym, Rage Sinclaire.
The evening, according to those who performed, was not just about reciting poems — it was a platform for selfexpression, creativity, and connection. The poems flowed like melodies, weaving tales of life, love, loss, hope, and resilience. The audience, comprising avid poetry enthusiasts and curious newcomers, listened intently, moved by the power of words and the raw emotions conveyed through each person’s poetry.
—Brandon Cruz
Lisa Pisano suffered from heart failure and end-stage kidney diseases — conditions that required routine dialysis. Because of that, the 54-year-old New Jersey resident wasn’t a candidate for either a heart or kidney transplant, because doctors feared it just wouldn’t help her long-term.
But those same doctors refused to give up. And last week, NYU Langone Health completed its first transplant surgery to combine a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney.
NYU Langone Health — which operates a hospital in Mineola — completed the first transplant surgery to combine a mechanical heart pump and a geneedited pig kidney,
More than 100,000 people are currently awaiting a transplant across the country, with most specifically looking for a kidney. More than 800,000 people suffer from end-stage kidney disease in the United States alone, yet just 1-in-30 were fortunate enough to undergo a transplant last year, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.
With little to no options, Pisano considered xenotransplant — which depends on animal organs to replace human ones in people.
“When the opportunity first came to me, I was like, ‘I got to try it,’” Pisano
told reporters through a video conference from her intensive care unit room.
“So, when this opportunity came, I was going to take advantage of it.”
The effort involved approval from NYU Langone’s review board and Food and Drug Administration clearance through its expanded access program.
Also known as “compassionate use, “ the expanded access program is designed for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.
“There are opportunities for us to
learn a lot,” Robert Montgomery, NYU Langone’s surgery department chair told reporters last week. “But obviously, the intent here is to try to preserve and save that person’s life.”
It otherwise would have taken years for Pisano to find the right match for a human kidney transplant. Montgomery, with the help of the United Therapeutics Corp., matched an investigational gene-edited pig kidney with a thymus, which was available.
Two surgical teams conducted the
series of procedures over nine days. On April 4, Pisano received a mechanical heart pump — a device known as a left ventricular assist device. On April 12, she received a gene-edited pig kidney, and the pig’s thymus gland.
Montgomery performed the transplant itself, while Nader Moazami — a cardiothoracic surgery chief at NYU Grossman School of Medicine — along with Deane Smith, director of mechanical circulatory support, performed the mechanical heart pump surgery at the Kimmel Pavilion in Manhattan.
NYU Langone officials described the overall procedure as the first reported organ transplant in a person with a mechanical heart pump, and second known transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a human.
Pisano expressed feeling “fantastic” after the procedures.
“I’ve felt the best I’ve felt in a long time,” she said. “I can’t thank anyone enough for that. My family, the doctors, nurses, staff — everyone here.”
Although uncertain about how she will react over time, Pisano acknowledged the treatment may prove beneficial for someone else — if not for her.
“Worst-case scenario, if it doesn’t work, it might work for the next person,” Pisano said.
“At least somebody is going to benefit from it. If not me, then who? Somebody.”
Courtesy Joe Carrotta, NYU Langone Health
It’s that time of year again, when you can play a major role in helping those who are hungry by doing nothing more than putting some food out for collection.
It’s all part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive — a collaboration involving Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the U.S. Postal Service. It takes place on Saturday, May 11, when everyone is encouraged to leave food donations by their mailbox for their letter carrier to collect before their regular mail delivery.
As part of the nation’s largest singleday food collection campaign, all donations collected in Nassau and Suffolk counties will help Island Harvest provide much-needed food support to more than 300,000 people on Long Island who face hunger — including more than 90,000 children.
“Contributing to Stamp Out Hunger is simple,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and chief executive of Island Harvest, in a release. “Just leave non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail deliver. Your USPS letter carrier will do the rest to make sure it gets onto the tables of our Long Islander neighbors in need.”
Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk. It does not include food items in glass containers, as these are easy to break.
In addition, mail carriers will look for personal care items like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers. All donations will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities throughout Long Island.
Since its inception in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger has collected nearly 1.8 billion pounds of food in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Just here on Long Island, the demand for food has increased significantly since 2019 — with Island Harvest distributing 15 million pounds of food in 2022, up 42 percent from before the coronavirus pandemic.
All donations are tax-deductible since food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
To learn more about how you can help with this and other causes with Island Harvest, visit IslandHarvest.org.
Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner (Assembly Sponsor)
Communities throughout the Empire State appreciate your commitment to the free press and to democracy.
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Baldwin Senior Lacrosse
A FOUR-YEAR STARTING attackman and twoyear captain who has never missed a high school lacrosse game, Mahler has picked up where he left off last spring after earning AllCounty recognition. He led the Bruins with 65 goals and 17 assists, putting him among the county’s offensive stars. So far this season he has a team-high 39 goals through 10 games. He is also a Top 10 student at Baldwin and earned academic All-American honors.
Thursday, May 2
Baseball: V.S. South at Malverne 4:30 p.m.
Softball: East Rockaway at Lawrence 5 p.m.
Softball: West Hempstead at Elmont 5
Girls Flag Football: Bell-Merrick at Long Beach
Baseball: MacArthur at Mepham
Baseball: Carey at Calhoun
Baseball: Kennedy at South Side 5 p.m.
Baseball: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.
Baseball: East Meadow at Baldwin 5 p.m.
Baseball: Uniondale at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Lynbrook 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Elmont 5 p.m.
Friday, May 3
Softball: MacArthur at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Softball: Massapequa at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Hewlett 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Kennedy at Clarke 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Massapequa at South Side 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 4
Softball: MacArthur at Wantagh 9 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: East Meadow at MacArthur 11:30 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: V.S. District at Freeport 1 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
In a tightly contested race for the top spot in Nassau Conference VI softball, Uniondale finds itself second heading into this week’s action with an 8-2 record.
Coming off a disappointing five-win season last spring where they finished near the bottom of their conference, this season has been a massive step forward for the Knights, giving them confidence moving forward down the stretch and potentially into the playoffs.
Uniondale has already surpassed its 2023 win total with six more games remaining in the conference schedule.
“I’d say the season has already been a success,” coach Doug Modica said. “Based off of what we did last year I think that in itself is a success. Now just finishing at the top of our conference would be the ultimate success.”
Getting into the playoffs won’t be an easy feat for the Knights. To make the playoffs from Conference IV, a team must win 85 percent of its games and two losses or less has usually been the standard to get in according to Modica.
The bats for the Knights however, always give Uniondale a chance against anybody with their stellar display of power expected to show up every game.
Junior Jada Scott leads the team in home runs with six. Senior Mearah Gray and junior Niya Vassell each have two homers and help bolster the offense. Senior Jocelynn Enamorado has been responsible for every inning pitched so far and all eight wins in the circle.
One of the standouts has been Enamorado’s batter mate, senior Mia Bynum. “She’s been fantastic in the field, blocking the ball, tagging runners out at home,” Modica said. “She’s been a big surprise this year.”
Junior Brihanna Hall helps fill in whatever the coach needs in the outfield or the infield. “She has been a utility player, you put her anywhere in the field and she tends to excel. She’s also a fantastic base runner, very fast and [has] a lot of stolen bases,” Modica said.
Junior Emely Carranza also has her
versatility on full display whenever she steps on the field. She plays in any of the three outfield spots, as a catcher and is also a good hitter as well.
The Knights dropped their first game of the year to Malverne, 5-4, but then ripped off an eight-game winning streak. They are now looking to rebound off a loss to Hewlett April 25 in which they dropped a 35-23 shootout.
Uniondale entered this week trailing only Hewlett (9-2) in the conference stand-
ings with one game in hand. The Knights are hoping to rally towards the end of the year and catch the Bulldogs for the title. The teams meet this Friday at Uniondale at 5 p.m.
Once the playoffs start, Modica likes his chances against anybody.
“We can go hit for hit with any team that we faced so far,” he said. “Everyone on the team we can pretty much bank on getting a hit. That has been the biggest difference from this year to recent ones.”
College tuition is something that can loom over a student’s head long after she graduates. But she and others are getting a little help from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators, who earmarked an additional $56 million into the state’s Tuition Assistance Program.
More students applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form will have the opportunity to receive assistance through TAP. The program has been active since 1974, providing nearly $30 billion in financial aid to 6 million students in New York.
TAP is one of the largest need-based financial grants in the country. The program provided 234,000 students $662 million in TAP grants as recently as the 202223 academic year.
The minimum annual TAP award was increased from $500 to $1,000, capping out at just below $5,700. Income limit threshold qualifications were also increased for both dependent and independent students.
Those who may qualify include:
■ independent students with tax dependents,
■ students who qualified as an orphan, foster child or ward of the court any time since they were 13, and
■ dependent undergraduate students
York’s Tuition Assistance Program after the state allocated an additional $56 million to the program for the 2024-25 academic year.
with a household earning less than $125,000.
Independent students who are married without tax dependents who make less than $60,000 now qualify — up from $40,000 previously.
Independent students who are single without tax dependents who make less than $30,000 now qualify — up from $10,000 previously.
The TAP expansion was celebrated by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and members of the Elmont community out-
side of Elmont Memorial High School last week.
“It is indispensable for families who are struggling with the affordability crisis in which we exist today,” Assemblywoman Solages said, emphasizing the importance for students to receive “a quality education at a good price.”
The TAP expansion is meant to help students and families, especially when facing the hardships brought by inflation.
“Turning the TAP on is exactly what we needed to do,” Darling said, adding that students have come to her to say they needed to drop out of school because they couldn’t afford things like a MetroCard or Long Island Rail Road ticket, day care, or
even to put food on the table.
Quincy Velez, a senior at the Elmont school, said he “definitely needed” the help that TAP provides. He receives $2,000 in aid from the program, which helps a lot coming from a single-parent household where going to college isn’t always a viable option.
“Now I can look for a school that is my first choice instead of it not being my first choice because of money issues,” said Velez, who has dreams of someday becoming a pilot.
Such a dream could be expensive, said Lynette Battle — Velez’s mother, and president of the school’s parent teacher association. Aviation school can cost as much as $75,000 per year, if not more. Expanding TAP can really make a difference.
“The struggle is real, and this is a breath of fresh air,” Battle said. “And now, the opportunities are much greater.”
To receive TAP, students must be in good standing on a student loan under any state or federal education loan program, or on the repayment of any state award, among other conditions.
Applications are now open through June 2025.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Battle said. “I hope that every young person makes sure they fill out their FAFSA form, and makes sure they get everything done in a timely fashion, because now is the time.
“The TAP is turned on. Don’t wait until the TAP is off.”
Nicole Wagner/Herald
It was a pleasant evening of celebration for more than 40 of Long Island’s best attorneys last month, with nearly 300 in attendance.
They gathered at The Heritage Club at Bethpage for the Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island awards gala, hosted by Kristen Thorne, the multi-Emmy-winning investigative reporter for WABC7, and host of Hulu’s crime docuseries “Missing.”
Even better, a portion of ticket proceeds were earmarked for Nassau Suffolk Law Services, which provides legal aid to those who can’t afford it in civil cases.
“Tonight, we come together to acknowledge the vital role of legal professional in protecting the rights of Long Islanders,” said Amy Amato, RichnerLive’s executive director. “We commend their dedication to serving our community, and recognize their significant contributions — both professionally, and through charitable endeavors — enriching the lives of those on Long Island.”
Winners were chosen from attorneys who prioritize those in need — whether by their choice of clientele, partnering with charities, or doing work pro bono, without charging the client. They represent many disciplines of law, including worker’s compensation, immigration, family and elder law, medical malpractice and cannabis practice.
“I’m very honored to get this award,” said Kristi DiPaolo, a senior associate at Cona Elder Law. “I love what I do, so it’s really an honor to be recognized.”
The most valuable part of the work by Marc Saracino — a senior associate at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick — is providing guidance. He donates to CMM Cares, which supports family programs on Long Island.
“You’re helping a lot of people out in the legal community who don’t really know what they’re doing,” Saracino said. “To the extent that I can provide services to them and expedite their legal issues, I think that’s rewarding.”
Jennifer Mone, a general counsel for Hofstra University, also serves on the board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island.
Hofstra’s mission is to “educate and contribute to the academic education and knowledge of the world,” Mone said. “So, we’re educating students. My role is providing excellent legal services in support of that mission.”
Eduardo Villacorta, founder of Villacorta Law Group, says the most rewarding part of his work is keeping families together.
“We believe in the American dream, and our mission is to make the American dream a reality for immigrants,” he said. “The most rewarding thing I can give is granting their papers, and legalizing them.”
Jeffrey Kimmel, managing partner of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro — who also is an active member of Nassau Suffolk Law Services — says medical malpractice victims often face an uphill battle when facing large medical institutions.
“Unfortunately, most people who are victims of medical malpractice are from lower income communities that don’t have the best medical care,” he said. “And so they ended up being my clients, and more often than not, without my help, they wouldn’t really know what to do.”
Kelly Koster, a partner at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano says a reliable attorney is essential. Her firm — which specializes in worker compensation and Social Security disability — also represents women of domestic violence pro bono.
“To young women that are striving to be attorneys, never give up your passion,” Koster said. “Keep your eyes on the goal, and don’t set a time limit, because there’s a time and a place for everything. You can always achieve what you’ve put your mind towards.”
Hon. Gail Prudenti a partner at Burner Prudenti
Law returned to work as an attorney after her career as chief administrative judge. Her firm is involved with the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Hospital.
“I really think being an attorney is a vocation,” Prudenti said. “It’s not a job. And while it is a wonderful profession, you really have to be dedicated to being a problem solver. I think that sometimes, in this crazy world, we really need people who are thoughtful, who are kind, who are compassionate, and who are empathetic.”
Platinum sponsor for Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island was Villacorta Law Group. Centerpiece sponsor was Salenger Sack Kimmel & Bavaro.
Gold sponsors were Hofstra University and Mejias Milgrim Alavardo & Lindo.
Silver sponsors were Cona Elder Law, Meister Seelig & Fein, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, The Rizzuto Law Firm, Stefans Law Group, Nixon Peabody, Davidov Law Group, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Touro University’s Jacob D. Fuchesberg Law Center, Schroder & Strom, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, Goldstein & Bashner, Greenberg Traurig, Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, Nassau Community College Foundation, and Vishnick McGovern Milizio.
number of legitimate and serious concerns” brought to them by faculty and students, and that those who are on fixed budgets have had to leave campus in order to eat, and have been feeling the financial impact of the administration’s blunder.
“The administration had the gall to say that students ‘won’t starve’ on campus, and suggested that they simply made do with Uber, which is considerably more expensive than on-campus meals,” Siminoff wrote. “Administrators have shown that they are not only out of touch with the needs and challenges of our student body, but that they are totally insensitive to the crisis they helped create.” She called NCC’s implementation of food trucks “a band aid solution.”
“As County Executive, you have the authority to submit to the County legislature the names of new qualified individuals to serve on NCC’s Board of Trustees and the platform to publicly demand the resignation of the incumbent administrators,” Siminoff’s letter read. “We believe that both actions are necessary first steps toward restoring the public’s trust in NCC.”
Last June, county legislators approved a $185 million 2023-24 budget for NCC, keeping tuition stable for the second consecutive year and tapping into more than $15 million of reserve funding as well. State and county funding and tuition each normally account for about one-third of NCC’s annual operating budget, according to Jerry Kornbluth, NCC’s vice president of community and governmental relations.
In the past few years, however, the state has funded only about 20 percent of the budget, which has put additional pressure on tuition and county funding to bridge the gap.
NCC’s budget for next year is set to be
submitted to the legislature soon and voted on in June.
Blakeman did not respond to the Herald’s repeated requests for comment on whether the county would allocate any additional funding to NCC or intervene in the current situation.
Students gathered at last week’s protest to demand that NCC restore its dining halls. Students said that without the campus eateries as an option, some are forced to spend twice as much money off campus, or not eat at all during their academic day.
investments and linkages with Israeli companies and companies that are doing work in Israel, including the funding of research grants and university collaborations,” said Michael Katzen, a Jewish Hofstra student and an e-board member of Student Voices for Palestine. “We want those disclosed, and then we would like Hofstra to divest from those investments, because we feel it is an antithetical to a university that is supposedly committed to the learning, and to the betterment, of all students to be directly funding this war machine that has destroyed every university in Gaza.”
The protest, which, according to school officials remained peaceful, stirred up a small gathering of counterprotesters in support of Israel.
“Every Jewish student on this campus is absolutely sick to their stomachs,” said Aden Kosoi, a Hofstra freshman and supporter of Israel. “Even though it was a peaceful protest, everyone is on edge. Nobody feels safe. There are no words to describe how horrible I feel for other Jewish students.”
Adar Rubin, the director of mobilization for EndJewHatred — a grass-roots organization focused on “Jewish liberation from all forms of oppression and discrimination” — said that what is happening on campuses around the country
Students rallied outside Hofstra Hall on April 25, protesting Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, calling it ‘genocide’ and demanding that the United States end its funding of Israel, and that Hofstra cut all ties with the country.
is “horrifying,” and that universities like Hofstra must “enforce the rules to protect the civil rights of these traumatized Jewish students and their experience.”
Rubin added that he believed the National Guard should be called in to halt the protests.
Santos said, “There is nothing patriotic about stepping on free speech.”
But the right to free speech, Rubin said, does not protect hate speech, and he added that student-led chants and phras-
es, such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” are antisemitic, “calling for the eradication of Judaism from the area.”
Other students disagreed, saying that calling for an end to “apartheid” and “colonization” of the Palestinian people has nothing to do with hating Jews.
“We wanted to make sure that Jewish students knew that this was a space that welcomes them,” Santos said, “that they were safe and not going to be discrimi-
nated against because of who they are.”
According to Santos and Katzen, there were over 100 protesters at the rally, and a number of Jewish students supported the Palestinians and the anti-war movement.
But Rubin called Jewish students like Katzen who express pro-Palestinian views “Jewish in name only,” with Kosoi, who is also Jewish and a member of EndJewHatred, said that Katzen and others are “tokenizing their Jewishness — which Katzen said is clearly the real antisemitic rhetoric at play, and hypocritical coming from an organization dedicated to ending Jewish hate.
“They don’t want Jews to express themselves,” Katzen said.
“It’s an indication that they are not an organization that is actually dedicated to protecting Jewish voices, but rather dedicated to protecting the voices of those who are pro-Israel.
“I and thousands of other Jews are opposed to the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people and the destruction of their land,” he added. “They cannot dictate the entire narrative. They cannot use our shared heritage as means to justify a brutal genocide.”
“We do not represent all Jews,” Katzen said, “but at the same time, they also do not represent us, either, and the actions of Israel do not dictate what all Jews believe in.”
It was a big night of wins for your local paper and all of Herald Community Newspapers as the New York Press Association honored the best of the best this past weekend.
The Herald papers earned 18 statewide awards overall at the event in Saratoga Springs, including four first places.
Creative director Jeffrey Negrin earned two of them — one for a Salute to Israel special section honoring the country on its 75th anniversary that he did with deputy editor Jeffrey Bessen, and the other for best special section cover he did for a Your Health & Wellness special section focused on mental health.
“Good editorial design in a mix of visual metaphor, eye-catching imagery and strategic typography,” judges from the Tennessee Press Association said. “This cover expertly made all three elements with ease. The use of a stark gray background was such a great decision for keeping the colorful main image large and incharge.”
Daniel Offner, a senior editor who leads the Rockville Centre Herald, earned a first place in religion coverage for his stories centered not just on the issues plaguing the Diocese of Rockville Centre, but also how many churches adapted to life after the Covid-19 pandemic.
First place also was awarded to The Riverdale Press in the Bronx for best editorial page, honoring former editor Gary Larkin and executive editor Michael Hinman.
“The editorial section is diverse, eye-catching and well-balanced in design,” judges said. “Topics are relevant to readers, well-written, and provide a wide variety of topics of interest.”
The Riverdale Press also earned a second place for coverage of crime, police and courts given to Larkin, reporter Eric Harvey, and former reporter Stacy Driks. Harvey won a second place of his own for best feature story on civil rights attorney Clarence Jones, who hosted Martin Luther King Jr., in his Riverdale home back in the 1960s, just in time for him to write his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
The Riverdale Press also won second place for the Past President’s Award for Editorial Excellence — an award the paper has regularly placed in over the
years, including first-place wins in 2020 and 2021.
This year, the judges called The Press a “strong newspaper with rich and newsy content from front to back” with an “engaging editorial page and eye-catching front pages.”
The Nassau Herald in the Five Towns won second place for advertising excellence, with special kudos to its special sections, its dance workshop ad designs, and for its annual Christmas wrapping paper project.
The Nassau Herald also won second places for special sections/niche publications-newsprint for RichnerLive’s Top Lawyers section, as well as best multiadvertiser pages for its Halloween section.
The Nassau Herald won third place in editorials
written by Bessen, Hinman and former Malverne/ West Hempstead Herald editor Mark Nolan. The editorials focused on project-based learning, a call to replace special political elections with gubernatorial appointments, and calling out the Nassau County Bridge Authority.
“Variety of editorials concern topics in which most readers are interested (like) education, elections and transportation,” judges said. “All three presented clearly, and were well-written.”
Nolan also won third place for column writing for the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald.
Nolan’s column selection “covered a range of topics,” judges said, “and they were all smooth to read.” One that really grabbed the judges’ attention was on graduation rates, saying Nolan “explained the high number of graduates was misleading in a clear, simple way.”
Negrin won a third place of his own for best media kit and sales collateral, something the judges said should be a “model for media kits everywhere.”
“It’s truly humbling to receive acknowledgment from our peers in the newspaper community,” said Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner. “My heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners. Nevertheless, our ultimate gratification stems from ensuring our readers receive the best and most comprehensive community news every single week.”
“Such a great honor for the sales staff to win two awards for advertising excellence,” said Rhonda Glickman, the sales vice president at Herald Community Newspapers. “It takes a great team, including finance, art, production, circulation, the press room, and the marketing staff to bring home these awards. Congrats to our editorial team and creative director for all their awards.”
Honorable mentions went to sports editor Tony Bellissimo for sportswriter of the year, the Rockville Centre Herald for advertising excellence, former East Meadow Herald editor Mallory Wilson for her coverage of education, Larkin for feature story, and photo editor Tim Baker for feature photo in the Malverne/ West Hempstead Herald.
Overall, more than 140 newspapers submitted 2,530 entries in 65 categories, and nearly 380 awards were handed out.
The Long Island Ducks took the field for the 2024 Atlantic League baseball season opener April 25 with heavy hearts.
Bud Harrelson, the former Mets great who co-founded and coowned the Ducks, died Jan. 11 at 79 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He co-founded the Ducks franchise with Frank Boulton in 1998, and served as the league’s first president.
“Bud’s impact on Long Island will be felt through Ducks baseball for as long as we play,” Boulton says. “He was my partner in bringing professional baseball to Long Island following his outstanding playing career in MLB, and he made his mark on so many through his charitable giving, appearances and kindness. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, and he is missed greatly.”
The Ducks, who won their first game under new manager Lew Ford, are honoring Harrelson this season with a “3” patch on the front of their uniforms. Harrelson’s family was on hand for the opener, and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Ford became the seventh manager in Ducks history, succeeding Wally Backman. A member of the 1986 Mets World Series team, Backman joined the Ducks prior to the 2019 season, and finished his Ducks career with a record of 284-232 (.550). The team made the playoffs three times, and advanced to two Atlantic League Championship Series (2019, 2021), winning it all in 2019.
Ford has spent the past 13 seasons on Long Island, the past nine as a player/coach.
“I am honored and excited,” Ford says. “I look forward to working with our exceptional staff and players to bring home a championship to Long Island.”
Ford’s 13 years with the Ducks are more than any other player in franchise history, and his run as a player/coach is the longest tenure in franchise annals as well. He has the most hits in team history with 1,036, ranking him third all-time in the Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks players in batting average (.318, mininum of 1,000 at-bats), games played (877), runs batted in (511), runs scored (549), doubles (227) and total bases (1,541).
setting league singleseason records for hits (189) and games played (140) that season. In addition to his time with the Ducks, Ford spent parts of seven seasons at the Major League level, and in 519 big league games batted .268 with 35 home runs and 176 RBIs.
“Lew has been an outstanding representative of the Ducks organization over the past 15 years,” Boulton says. “He has earned this opportunity, and we are very excited to have him guiding our team on
Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks the field.” veteran
The most accomplished player Ford will pencil into the lineup is Major League veteran outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who signed April 4. He appeared in 1,182 MLB games, and won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He totaled 109 homers, 449 RBIs and 69 stolen bases over an 11-year career.
The latest edition of the short film showcase is back at the Madison Theatre. With a lineup of classics from Asbury’s past combined with current international festival winners — and in many cases, featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — audiences can get a look at these ‘smaller’ films that don’t often get a big screen showing. The fast-paced evening includes local spotlight selection ‘Across’ from Long Islandbased filmmaker Laura Sweeney It tells the dramatic story of three World War II widows on a road trip together to try and find healing, but instead wind up learning tough secrets. Another stand-out is the 2011 Academy Award nominee, ‘The Crush,’ a quirky drama about an 8-year-old boy and his infatuation with his teacher, from Irish director Michael Creagh. Author, comedy writer and former Friar’s Club archivist Barry Dougherty serves as guest host.
Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. $25. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org, or call (516) 323-4444.
The 47-year-old Central Islip resident played on the Ducks championship clubs in 2012, 2013 and 2019. He also helped lead the Flock to eight division titles and 11 postseason appearances as a player/coach. The outfielder was named the 2014 Atlantic League Player of the Year,
“Jackie is an exceptional talent with a wealth of experience in the game,” Ford says. “His resume speaks for itself. He’s excited to be here and we’re thrilled to have him.”
Bradley will patrol center field with speedy Nick Heath (42 steals) in left and Tyler Dearden in right. The infield features another former Major Leaguer, first baseman Frank Schwindel, who hit 22 in the bigs. Shortstop Ivan Castillo and third baseman Hector Gomez also have some MLB experience. Scott Kelly returns at second base, and Ford expects newcomer Rixon Wingrove to hit some dingers.
Behind the plate, Chance Sisco returns after belting 11 homers, including three in one game, with 33 RBIs in just 31
Bradley will patrol center field with speedy Nick Frank base, games.
“He’s a veteran catcher who calls a great game, and is a very productive hitter,” Ford says.
Stephen Woods Jr., who went 7-2 for the Ducks last season. There
Sisco will work with a starting pitching staff anchored by Stephen Woods Jr., who went 7-2 for the Ducks last season. There is also former MLB southpaw Wei-Yin Chen. A onetime teammate of Ford’s in Baltimore, Daniel Corcino, who spent the past two years with Lexington. And Chris Ellis, who got a taste of the Majors with 25 relief appearances.
“We have talented players and a great clubhouse,” Ford says.
Photos courtesy Long Island Ducksi
Photos (top): Catcher Chance Sisco had 33 RBIs in only 31 games last season.
(middle): Third baseman Hector Gomez is one of many Ducks with MLB experience.
(bottom): Long Island Ducks mascot ‘Quakerjack’ is a hit with fans of all ages.
Get a head start on beach season with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. We’re all eager for summertime to arrive, meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue on the Paramount stage again. Join in their ‘Ultimate Beach Party Tribute’ to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — have celebrated the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for more than a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast.
Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com.
The acclaimed dance company visits Long Island on its 2024 tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, May 10, 8 p.m. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company, co-founded by dance icon and international superstar Arthur Mitchell, has toured the world, engaged communities and introduced young minds and bodies to the power of dance. With all its renown, this boundary-breaking, dynamic organization has maintained Mitchell’s core belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, DTH presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.
The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all. The dynamic program and music by Michael Nyman; Balanchine’s “Pas de Dix, with music by Alexander Glazuno; “Take Me With You,” with choreography by Robert Bondara, featuring Radiohead music; “Return,” choreographed by Robert Garland, with James Brown and Aretha Franklin tunes. Tickets start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
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, Friday, May 3, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, May 7-10, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo 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.
May 2,
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstWILLIAM F. JONES, JR, 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 May 3, 2023, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and WILLIAM F. JONES, JR, 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 May 14, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 529 LIBERTY STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-137-317.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008792/2014. George Esernio, 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. 146103
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DITECH FINANCIAL LLC, -againstFREDERICK T. GLENN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 27, 2023, wherein DITECH FINANCIAL LLC is the Plaintiff and FREDERICK T. GLENN, 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 May 15, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 730 HEMPSTEAD
BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-135-252, 253 & 254.
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, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602891/2019. 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. 146101
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY ROUNDPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING CORPORATION, Plaintiff against MARIE BRIFIL A/K/A MARIE C. BRIFIL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 11, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 698 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 50 Block 120 Lot 119. All that lot or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $502,480.18 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 003074/2017. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit
and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee File # NY-13300040-16 146208
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021-GS1
Plaintiff, Against MARIE RAPHAEL, EDELINE L. SAUNDERS, ET AL Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/05/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/23/2024 at 4:00PM, premises known as 1076 Northgate Court Square, Uniondale, New York 11553, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Uniondale (Unincorporated Area), In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 55 Block 532 Lot 24
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $601,359.45 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 616200/2022 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Samantha L. Segal, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 3/5/2024 File Number: 38281 CA 146206
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION
MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-BNC1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-BNC1 Plaintiff, Against GEORGE WATSON; MARIA MONTALVO; ET AL
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/17/2019, 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 on 5/30/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 24 Commander Avenue, Hempstead, New York 11550, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village Of Hempstead, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 34 Block 527 Lot 0006
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $379,321.86 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-005434 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 3/28/2024 File Number: 14-310604 CA 146341
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2013-TT2, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. CALIPH GRAHAM A/K/A CALIPH A. GRAHAM, Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Default Judgment and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 15, 2019, 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 May 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1271 Walnut Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. 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 50, Block 54 and Lot 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $704,613.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 003006/2017. 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.
Charles Casolaro, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146335
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Bank of America National Association, as Trustee, successor by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee for Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-3, Plaintiff, -againstVirginia Yearby’s unknown heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devises, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant, who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the
complaint herein, Joseph Steeple, Sr., Heir to the Estate of Virginia Yearby, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, United States of America, John Doe (Refused Name), Defendants Index No.: 607294/2023
Filed: April 12, 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL
SUMMONS
Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $360,000.00 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of Nassau on June 25, 2007 in Liber M32034, Page 787 covering premises known as 709 Nostrand Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
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: Bay Shore, New York April 12, 2024 Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon LLP
/s/BY: Linda P. Manfredi
Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100
Our File No.: 01-072713F02 146275
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 22-2024
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held April 9th, 2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 22-2024, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 22-2024, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: April 9, 2024 Hempstead, New York
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 146464
AND LEGAL NOTICES…
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against DASWELL ANDERSON A/K/A DASWELL S. ANDERSON, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 18, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Premises known as 227 Warren Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 44 Block 38 Lot 100. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $640,112.60 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 604137/2020. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee File # YCHNY333 146482
Cablevision Lightpath, LLC seeks a Sr. System QA & Test Analyst to be responsible for testing tasks for complex or business-critical applications. Write test cases, create test plans, execute cases, and analyze results in accordance with established standards. Participate in design, planning, retrospective, and estimating exercises, and provide guidance to peers. Develop test scripts and test frameworks using the tools and technologies. Analyze multiple techniques and use-case scenarios and select appropriate approach. Identify defects, document critical application issues, and track them until resolution. #LI-DNI. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Technology or related discipline, and 5 years of experience with business requirement analysis or testing for software development. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience with generating/executing test scenarios that confirm business needs fulfilled in full stack applications and integrations; 5 years of experience with API technologies to test and verify services, such as Rest, SOAP, or RMI; 5 years of experience with functional and non-functional software product testing standards methodologies; 5 years of experience with full software development lifecycle, including all stages of design and implementation of custom applications and COTS solutions; 5 years of experience leading and facilitating business scenario discussions; 5 years of experience responding to internal client inquiries, categorizing and communicating risks, and resolving defects with peers and management; 5 years of experience with Agile methodologies for software development, particularly Scrum; 5 years of experience with Selenium, LoadRunner, TestNg, Cucumber, JAVA, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, J2EE, Eclipse, AccelQ, Jenkins, JSP, Unix, Oracle, GITLab, C, objectoriented analysis and design, SQL, SOAP, and Web Services. Full-time remote work permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $143,021.00 – $150,000.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://careers.lightpathfiber.com/jobs/, and enter Job Requisition ID 5242. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Cablevision Lightpath, LLC, Attn: Karen U. Miles, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY, USA 11714.
Construction Project Manager: Full-time, Ronkonkoma, NY. Manage all phases of construction projects incl. schedules, potential road blocks & mitigate/avoid roadblock impact on construction project schedule; Manage site activties w/ Engrs & Supervisors, resolve on-site issues & ontime project schedule; Work w/ & update Project Planner on progress of each project; Manage all procured materials and ensure on-time delivery; Work with Commercial Team on bidding potential new construction projects. Reqts:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering & 6 mnths exp.Salary: $82,014 per year 40 hrs work per week.Mail resume to Sharooz Rostami, President, R Brothers Inc., 702 Celis Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
PROJECT ENGNEER (BELLPORT, NY): Anlyze & coordnte blueprnts & drawngs of steel manufactrer & heavy constrction contractr & prvide engneerng advce for desgn, constrction & structre. Reqs: Bach in Civil Engneerng or rel & 3 yrs exp as Project Engneer, Civl Engneer or rel pstion. Salary: $120,000/yr. Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp, 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.
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
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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
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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
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER: Fulltime, Ronkonkoma, NY. Understand client needs/requirements & communicate quality standards with production teams in accordance w/ AISC standards; devise, improve & review new product specs & procedures and train staff in accordance w/ AISC standards; set raw materials reqts & monitor compliance per AISC standards; supervise inspectors, technicians & operate per AISC standards; oversee product dev’t procedures for any quality deviation per AISC standards; inspect & approve final output; keep accurate documentation & do statistical analysis; document client feedback, prep reports & assist ext’l auditors/ inspectors. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering & one year exp. Salary: $95,160 per year 40 hrs work per week. Mail resume to Lucky Damiao, President, SCE Detailing Group Inc.., 2165 5th Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.
RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150
Structural Engineer: Full-time, Valley Stream, NY. Investigate/study sites for current/upcoming procurements; Design calculations for pipe flows, bridges, & other structures; Review/comment on construction docs, incl. shop drwngs, for constructability & other issues; Prepare quantity takeoffs & construction cost estimates; Verify compliance w/ project specs/contract docs; Develop engineering solutions for constrctn plans/dsgns. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Civ/Strctrl Engineering. Salary: $65,853 per year 40 hrs work per week. Mail resume to Muhammad Amray, President, ZOFS Engineering PC, 2 Columbine Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581.
BQ. We are planning an addition and some interior changes, and read your column about taking out walls around our kitchen and dining room. My cousin is a contractor, and he has been making suggestions, some that are really good and some that I’m a little concerned about. At first he told me we could save a lot of money, and he knew many ways to do that. We are getting plans from his architect, who we’ve never met, and the cost is doubling. We’re wondering how to tell my cousin that we really need to back off or get other competitive prices. Have you any suggestions about what we should do? We don’t want to alienate or insult him, but we’ve tried to be honest about it, and are getting an uneasy feeling about where this is leading.
A. Over the 50-plus years I have been in the construction business, I have seen the result of this kind of relationship. Many were very successful, but mostly because clients were the controlling deciders, willing to take advice but able to recognize that it was their money that was making the project happen. This is the same advice once given to me that in construction, the customer should play by the golden rule. You may know the biblical golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” but there is also the other golden rule — that he, or she, with the gold rules. In other words, as long as you haven’t paid, until satisfied, you still have some control over the project. Once you pay for something or let something continue that should have been addressed, you accept the conditions.
I have also seen, many times, where a relative or friend took advantage of the relationship and either took money without doing the work, did inferior work to keep an unrealistic budget, or never did the work at all. One young man called me at the suggestion of his cousin to do a restaurant. I initially sat with the cousin contractor and future restaurateur to discuss details. Subsequently, the contractor stopped showing up for meetings, but we worked through the project, trusting the cousin to follow plans and decisions despite his absence.
You should always be meeting with the architect to discuss the design. After obtaining permits and getting started, there was no communication for several months. I called to confirm that building inspections were made, and the restaurant was open, only to learn the unreachable cousin started but then ran off with the first $30,000. The restaurant did finally open a year later, with another contractor.
So be communicative, get other pricing and feel satisfied. Remember, you are in control and should play by the golden rule. You need to be directly involved with planning, permits and decisions, and be honest with your cousin, even if just to keep things under your control. Lose control, lose money, and your cousin. Good luck!
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Iam an avid reader. For as long as I can remember, I’ve chased the feeling of escape I find in a book I enjoy. Good books make you smile. But great books? They make you think. And I like to think.
As a junior in high school, I read “The Great Gatsby” for the first time, and was instantly enthralled. I decided at 16 it was the best thing I’d ever read, and I’ve yet to be persuaded otherwise. Why it took me as long as it did to pick up another one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s works is beyond me. And it’s honestly a shame. I find, in the midst of my young adult years, that I finally understand why his words left an impression on me — but thanks to an entirely different book.
Let’s talk about “This Side of Paradise.”
It was Fitzgerald’s first novel, released in 1920, examining the life and morality of Amory Blaine, an attractive middleclass student. The story mostly details
Amory’s experiences in college at Princeton University and thereafter, exploring his relationships with friends, a Catholic priest, and several young women, who could only be thought of today as flappers — you know, fashionable ladies who flouted convention. Amory is arrogant, and certainly hard to like. Yet for some reason, I found myself enjoying his whimsical naivete when it comes to life.
The novel was an instant hit, becoming particularly popular among college students. Fitzgerald was just 23 at the time of its publication, the new face of “youth in revolt.”
Aromantic relationships that ended as quickly and poetically as they had begun.
It makes sense why some may not like “This Side of Paradise.” But I feel as though I completely understand Amory’s experiences. He loved to write. He loved to think. He wanted the best for himself, and he imagined a life that he felt was obtainable.
s a member of Gen Z, I know as well as anyone how the world views people my age.
It attracted criticism from so-called “social conservatives” because of the attention he brought to young people. Seen as immoral, undisciplined and self-indulgent, Fitzgerald’s generation sparked a wave of change — not only for young men, but certainly for young women.
While reveling in the wonders of his youth, Amory Blaine faced setbacks that changed the trajectory of his life. His parents died. His closest confidant, a monsignor, also died. And he had a handful of
T“Everything was hallowed by the haze of his own youth,” Fitzgerald writes of Amory, a simple yet powerful statement that affectively summarizes young adulthood.
Amory’s plight — and his enduring yearn to become someone that matters — is really what being young is all about, isn’t it?
As a 22-year-old — and a member of the infamous Gen Z — I know as well as anyone how the rest of the world views people my age.
We’re seen questionably — frowned upon, even. We think differently. Act differently. And want the best not only for ourselves, but also for the world around us. And when we watch things that we care about get stripped away, it’s hard not to feel angry.
We may swim against tides, but we
don’t act wiser than we are, because we can’t possibly know of things we’ve yet to experience.
In many ways, we’re just like Amory Blaine. You may not like what we have to say. You may question our morals and our actions, but I believe we live our lives with great intention.
“This Side of Paradise” isn’t Fitzgerald’s best work. It’s a great read, but as he got older and wiser, he produced better. He is regarded today as a great American novelist, but his debut was just a taste of what was to come.
“I know myself,” Amory cries at the end of the novel. “But that is all.”
Could there be any truer words?
People like me, people in my generation, are at the same point in our lives as Amory, or even perhaps Fitzgerald. We, too, are hallowed by the haze of our youth.
We aren’t asking you to agree with us, but rather to view us as you once viewed yourself.
We will become who we are meant to be, in time. And one day, we will find our side of paradise.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, East Meadow and Merrick Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.
he political similarities between former President Donald Trump and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman are now impossible to miss. Which is probably just what Blakeman intends.
In his efforts to become Long Island’s leading MAGA man, Blakeman has adopted Trump’s combative and divisive style of leadership. Neither politician tries to find common ground on which to build effective policies. Both have acted as though they have strong mandates for right-wing programs, even though Trump got 3 million fewer votes in 2016 than did Hillary Clinton, and despite Blakeman having bested Laura Curran in 2021 by about 2,000 votes out of more than a quartermillion ballots cast.
Instead of governing consensually, Blakeman and Trump strive to intensify a culture war that threatens to erupt into physical violence.
Like the head of the national Republican Party, the Nassau County executive manipulates and exaggerates voters’ legitimate concerns in order to create an us-vs.-them dynamic. They both use inflammatory language to depict adver-
saries as not merely misguided, but mentally ill.
Who, for example, refers to the migrant crisis as “insanity”? And who denounces “crazy” progressive policies? Both the former president and the current county leader.
There have been other echoes of extreme rhetoric. Trump in 2019 urged progressive female members of Congress to “go back” to countries “they originally came from.” Blakeman in January warned Kathy Hochul, New York’s first female governor, to “stay out of Long Island.”
Both strive to intensify a culture war that threatens to erupt into violence.
It’s easier, of course, to turn disagreements into confrontations than it is to work collegially toward compromises.
Blakeman has blamed “Albany Democrats” for an upsurge in crime in New York City and its suburbs. While horrifying assaults in the five boroughs have rightly stoked objections to bail reforms adopted by the State Legislature, it is misleading and irresponsible to suggest, as Blakeman has, that Nassau County had been experiencing a “crime epidemic” unleashed by Democratic-sponsored legislation. While rates of some crimes have indeed increased in the past three years, others have shown a decrease despite the easing of bail requirements. Rather than allaying unwarranted fears, Blakeman is heightening an
unfounded sense of public menace by forming a militia to be mobilized in cases of “emergency.” His move in March to recruit “provisional special deputy sheriffs” has drawn criticism from gun-control groups that say Nassau County should not be encouraging more of its residents to take up arms. This unrequested action also implies that Blakeman does not trust the county Police Department to protect the citizenry — despite his boast in a mass mailing earlier this year of having put 200 more cops on the streets.
Scapegoating is another tactic employed by demagogues such as Trump and Blakeman. It’s entirely reasonable to demand that the U.S. border be much more strictly enforced, but it’s not acceptable to refer to migrants as “animals,” a la Trump, or to denounce Hochul’s proposed spending of $2.4 billion for “illegal immigrants,” as Blakeman recently did in another of his countywide mailings. That money is intended to help house and feed the tens of thousands of migrants who have made their way mainly to New York City — not Nassau County — through no initiative on Hochul’s part.
Transgender Americans comprise another group susceptible to being stigmatized by pandering politicians. Blake-
man issued an executive order in February forbidding transgender females from taking part in competitive women’s or girls’ sports in county-owned athletic facilities. Again, there’s a reasonable basis for complaining that some former males have unfair physical advantages over many females. But when asked by a reporter how many transgender athletes have competed in his county, Blakeman said he didn’t know. The absence of any compelling reason to target a sexual minority has led opponents of this grandstanding stunt to call it “a solution in search of a problem.”
Blakeman, once more like Trump, aggravates grievances held by many voters as a way of diverting attention from his failure to fulfill promises on more substantive matters. In his 2021 campaign, Blakeman pledged to cut taxes “immediately” by $120 million. He did no such thing. Nor has he made good on a pledge to fix a “broken” assessment system.
Rather than plastering his name and face on taxpayer-financed mass mailings, Blakeman should help break the political fever that’s preventing Nassau County from becoming great again.
Kevin J. Kelley was a congressional staff member in the 1980s, and is a retired journalist and journalism professor who worked for newspapers in New York, Vermont and Kenya and taught at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He lives in Atlantic Beach.
Last month marked a pivotal moment for New York state — a moment that extended far beyond the numbers and legislative details of a state budget.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature delivered a beacon of hope for our communities by including in the state budget a groundbreaking initiative to support local news organizations in the form of a tax credit, modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.
At the heart of this legislation lies a profound acknowledgment: Local journalism is not just about reporting news; it’s about safeguarding the health of both our democracy and our communities.
State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor in the upper chamber, aptly captured the essence of this endeavor, emphasizing that “a thriving local news industry is vital to the health of our democracy.” With bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to our communities, the initiative underscores the fundamental role that local journalists play in keeping our
D’Esposito gets his marching orders from you know who
To the Editor:
democracy vibrant and informed.
What does this legislation mean for our neighborhoods and towns? It means that we, as a society, are recognizing the value of — and investing in — the storytellers who bring our communities together: the journalists who uncover local stories, amplify diverse voices, and hold leaders accountable.
The Empire State Local News Coalition, founded earlier this year, spearheaded this legislative achievement by organizing more than 200 local newspapers across the state. The coalition’s tireless efforts moved the Local Journalism Sustainability Act to the forefront of legislative priorities.
“It is really an astounding legislative accomplishment,” Hoylman-Sigal told members of the New York Press Association last weekend in a Zoom appearance. “After stalling for years, our Local Journalism Sustainability Act really didn’t catapult into a top legislative priority” until “the founding of the Empire State Local News Coalition. That coalition … mobilized hundreds of newspapers and a broad range of stakeholders from around the country.”
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito disingenuously claims in his latest column, “Migrants get more government support than veterans” (April 18-24), that the Senate Democrats’ proposed border bill merely codified the existing “open border” policies, despite the Associated Press reporting on Feb. 15 that “The Senate’s border proposal was one of the toughest bipartisan bills to emerge on the issue in decades.”
Significantly, the lead negotiator for the Senate Republicans was James Langford, of Oklahoma, who is known to be one of the most conservative members of the Senate.
The bill collapsed, however, when former President Donald Trump called for the Republicans in Congress to kill it, because he feared it would enhance President Biden’s chances of being re-elected.
It’s long past time for Congressman D’Esposito, and the rest of the Republicans, to stop following the marching orders of Donald Trump and do what’s best for their constituents instead of what’s best for Donald Trump.
ROBERT TOLLE Cedarhurst
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column “The heartbreaking death of an NYPD hero” (April 11-17): How mature of Don-
Zach Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition — and a director of Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Community Newspapers — expressed profound gratitude to the legislators who championed this cause. In addition to Hoylman-Sigal’s unwavering leadership, Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly sponsor Carrie Woerner all played pivotal roles in turning this vision into reality.
New York’s leadership on this issue sets a powerful example for the nation. Other states — blue, red or purple — now have a template to follow, as does the federal government, where the Community News and Small Business Support Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. While there is still work to be done in crafting the final regulations governing this tax credit, let’s celebrate this milestone. And let’s continue to champion the indispensable role of local journalism in shaping the future of our communities — and our nation.
the United States must secure our borders and reform our broken immigration system. This demands immediate action, not delay tactics for political convenience. American citizens are owed this much. Our immigration system’s shortcomings have been a longstanding issue, with decades of inaction due to a lack of political will on both sides.
The U.S. Constitution explicitly assigns Congress the responsibility and power to fix this problem, yet the 118th Congress has been notably ineffective, the least productive Congress since the Great Depression. This stagnation is largely attributed to the prevailing hyper-partisanship and an inclination toward political theatrics over substantive legislative work.
The behavior exhibited within the halls of Congress — ranging from per-
To the Editor:
sonal attacks and physical altercations among members, to successive attempts to oust the speaker of the House, to catcalls at the State of the Union Address — underscores a departure from the principles of civility in government. Sadly, many of our representatives have embraced chaos and dysfunction as a substitute for governance. And in the wake of this chaos, the effort to solve the migrant crisis and its unprecedented impact on New York has been sidelined.
the Senate’s promising bipartisan border deal was dismissed as ‘disastrous.’
Fixing our complex immigration system requires a balanced approach that secures our borders while extending compassion to law-abiding immigrants. Although challenging, a solution is within reach through diligent effort and bipartisan collaboration.
The Senate’s bipartisan border security deal was a promising development, which laid the groundwork for meaningful reform. The bill proposed new measures to secure the border, streamline the asylum process, and end the broad
The financial outpouring for Detective Diller was outstanding. But I hope Peter King, with his relationship with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, will support renaming Detective Diller’s street in Massapequa in his honor. This would be a lasting tribute to him and his family.
RICH MORICCO East Meadow
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column “Netanyahu is a supporter of one party: himself”: Kremer supports Sen. Chuck Schumer’s view that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more concerned about himself than about Israel. What Schumer has said has nothing to do with “Bibi’s” alleged corruption. What Schumer was really doing was attempting to placate the virulent antisemitism that has take root in the Democratic Party among radical Islamists. What is Netanyahu to do about Gaza?
Before the Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis, Israel took a hands-off
release of migrants into communities. This initiative was crafted by Democrats and Republicans, and garnered support across the political spectrum. It was supported by the National Border Patrol Council — the union representing the men and women who protect our border. Despite some imperfections, the deal represented a significant step forward, embodying the essence of compromise and cooperation that is foundational to American democracy. However, opposition from figures like Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who immediately criticized the bill as “disastrous” and who has held fast to a hyper-partisan position on immigration, exemplifies the obstacles to progress.
D’Esposito’s refusal to engage in any real attempt to move border solutions forward, coupled with his shocking recent praise of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for sending nearly 40,000 migrants to our state, highlight a disturbing trend of prioritizing partisan loyalty over constructive problem-solving.
The empty rhetoric and finger-pointing of elected officials like D’Esposito, characterized by a lack of commitment to real solutions, fail to serve the interests of Americans. In contrast, my approach in Congress will be to collaborate with all parties to achieve comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform. This includes enhancing border security by hiring more border patrolagents, deploying additional advanced “smart” technology and building strategic physical barriers. It also includes reforming the system to expedite the asylum and deportation processes and to provide clear paths to citizenship for hard-working, eligible people in search of better lives.
Performative politics and a refusal to engage with bipartisan solutions not only impede progress, but also betray the trust of the American people. The time for action is now, and it requires leaders willing to prioritize effective governance over partisan fealty and gamesmanship. Long Island, New York state and the entire nation deserve better.
Laura Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, is a Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District.
approach to Gaza. What did the people of Gaza do? They elected the terrorist group Hamas, which then used the aid that should have been used for the people of Gaza to build a huge underground system of tunnels — which some say is larger than the New York City transit system, in some places under hospitals (with human shields) — to acquire and store munitions and to use that system to launch attacks on Israel.
The massacre on Oct. 7 was the equivalent of 35,000 Americans being killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Do you think we would tolerate a foreign entity telling us what our response should be? Netanyahu is not the villain here. Hamas is. It has killed a number of hostages, and is holding others, including Americans. Israel’s rightful negotiating stance should be: the unconditional release of all hostages and the return of all bodies of the dead, or face total destruction. Israel has already demonstrated surgical restraint in dealing with the civilian population. Hamas was gutless because it targeted civilians and not the Israeli military.
Growing up in the late 1950s and early ’60s, we knew from our fathers of Hitler’s Holocaust. We knew what “Never again” meant. Yet here we are, 80 years later, and antisemitism has raised its ugly head, this time on American soil. For the radical Islamists there is no two-state solution. It has been offered time and again and refused. The first time was when Israel was created in 1947.
Former President Donald Trump is a strong supporter of Israel. He brokered the Abraham Accords. But for the radical Islamists, there is only one solution, the same as Hitler’s. They hate the Abraham Accords, because they don’t want peace. They can’t even tolerate a small Jewish state the size of New Jersey. As former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir said many years ago, there
will be peace only when the radicals love their children more than they hate the children of Jews.
Netanyahu does not threaten the existence of Israel; it is the mealymouthed apologists for Hamas in this country who are the threat to Israel.
Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only South Shore hospital to earn the rating of High Performing based on eight key measures:
• Reduced C-section delivery rates
• Low early elective delivery rates
• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates
• Increased routine VBAC rates
• Increased exclusive human milk feeding rates
• Low episiotomy rates
• Routine birthing-friendly practices
• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.