Valley Stream Herald 08-03-2023

Democrats sue over district map

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thomas wants to go to Congress

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Remembering BoCEs head

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Solages urges school districts to join new meal program

By CaRolINE KEllY Intern

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and her colleague from Queens, Jessica GonzalezRojas, gathered hunger advocates, teachers and community members at the Valley Stream Forest Road Elementary School on July 26 to urge qualifying school districts to opt into the state’s federally backed Community Eligibility Program, which provides free meals to students in low-income areas.

Beginning in 2020, breakfasts and hot lunches at school were guaranteed to millions of public-school students across the country at no cost to families, thanks to the federal government’s pandemic-inspired uniContinuEd on PAgE 19

LIRR set to ratchet up the price of rides next month

By JuaN lasso jlasso@liherald.com

Starting on or around Aug. 20, Long Island Rail Road riders can expect a modest uptick — roughly 4.3 percent — in the price of their weekly and monthly tickets. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, LIRR’s parent company, voted unanimously last month to raise the base fares for LIRR train trips for the first time in four years.

The price increase translates to a few extra cents for each ticket. A one-way ticket from Long Beach to Manhattan, for example, will cost an extra

50 cents, increasing from $14 to $14.50 during peak hours, and will rise from $10.25 to $10.75 off-peak.

While the agency customarily raises fares every two years, MTA officials held off on an anticipated round of increases in 2021 for fear that it would drive commuters away from mass transit at a time when winning them back was key. It also still had billions of dollars in federal relief from the coronavirus pandemic it could tap into.

The situation came to a head earlier this year, when the agency said it faced a projected budget gap of $2.5 billion by

2025. It has since managed to stave off financial ruin and avoid making drastic service cuts after Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers promised to add millions of dollars in funding.

“We have to face the harsh reality of MTA’s fiscal cliff,” Hochul noted in her 2024 executive budget address. “A problem that was created by almost the complete cessation of ridership during the pandemic — except for emergency workers, first responders, and health care workers.”

Critics and observers, however, argue that the MTA’s financial problems reach back decades, and are attributable to

questionable budgetary practices that have left expenses outpacing revenue.

The current fare bump — and those still on the way — are part of a roughly $1.3 billion bailout deal struck between the transit giant and Albany, MTA chair and chief executive Janno Lieber said.

On balance, with the LIRR

dropping some fare prices by 10 percent last year, “the fares are still (comparatively) lower than they used to be, even though everything else in life has gone up,” Lieber said.

For riders like Sebastian Munoz of Queens, who waited at the Valley Stream station last Saturday, the uptick in

Courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages spoke at the Forest Road School in Valley Stream to urge qualifying school districts to apply for the CEP universal meal program amid new state funding to pay for the cost of school meals not covered by the federal government.

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V.S. 13 art teacher is educator of the year

the New York State Art Teachers Association recently named Janis Boremski as the recipient of the New York State Educator of the Year Award. Boremski is an art educator at James A. Dever Elementary School and the Fine Arts Coordinator of Valley Stream 13.

NYSATA recognizes members and educators of the art education community committed to excellence in art education with various awards presented at the annual New York State Conference. Nominees must be association members in good standing that have dedicated a substantial amount of time to enhancing art education.

“We are incredibly proud of our District’s educators,” said superintendent Judith LaRocca. “We have a robust art curriculum in our schools and it is no surprise that Ms. Boremski has been recognized to receive this prestigious award.”

At the age of two, Boremski could be found asking her family for materials she could use to draw. She has continued to re-create that magic in her 20 years of teaching art at the elementary level in Valley Stream 13. Currently, she, along with the Board of NYSATA, is organizing the first in-person exhibit post-pandemic.

“The current focus is to rebuild what was lost during the pandemic, while we elevate the visual arts in Nassau County schools,” Boremski explains. “I am honored to receive this award and I believe that art should be fun and exciting for our young learners.”

Using art to foster a sense of community within a school is a focus of Boremski’s teaching. Her elementary school students often collaborate in artworks such as rock gardens, murals, and hallway displays. Mrs. Boremski holds a BFA in Art Education, an MA in Clinical Art Therapy, and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership and Technology.

Boremski currently serves as the District Coordinator for Fine Arts, is on the executive board for the Art Supervisors Association in Nassau County, and is co-chair for the New York State Art Teachers Association Region 9 Nassau County. She has been the recipient of the Valley Stream Interschool Grant and twice received the Valley Stream Board of Education Commendation Award and PTA Founder’s Award for her work with students.

–Juan Lasso

New York State Art Educator of the Year Award

Candidates for the New York State Art Educator of the Year Award must have demonstrated commendable teaching strategies and advocacy while making an impact on individuals in the immediate and larger community within the association. The recipient should embody what it means to support and improve the field of art education. Recipients of this award are recognized by the National Art Education Association each spring at the NAEA annual National Convention.

VSCHSD swears in its new board trustees

the Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on July 11, during which the board president and vice president were sworn in for the 2023-2024 school year as well as the new and returning trustees.

The nine-person body comprises trustees selected to serve on the high school district board by the Valley Stream District 13, District 24, and District 30 boards of education. Milagros Vicente, from District 13, was nominated as President for the 20232024 year and Melissa Herrera, from District 24, was nominated as Vice President of the board. The new trustee on the high school board this year is James Lavery, from District 30. Returning trustees from the previous year include District 24’s Armando Hernandez and John Maier, District 13’s Patricia Farrell and Gerardo Cavaliere, and District 30’s C. Sandra Okafor and Kelly Ureña. Mary Colgan was also sworn in as the returning district clerk.

“I want to thank my fellow Trustees for placing their trust in me,” President Vicente said. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as President of The Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education. We all share the vision of academic suc-

cess, educational excellence, and supporting our students’ welfare and well-being. I look forward to helping shepherd additional programs and opportunities for all our students alongside the administration, teachers, and this board.”

“I am honored to have been nominated to serve as Vice President for the upcoming school year,” said Vice President Herrera. “I look forward to working

alongside my fellow Trustees in supporting and helping grow the District’s vision. With student progress always being the goal in mind, I am excited to continue to collaborate and assist in maintaining the District’s standards for educational excellence while enriching all avenues of learning.”

–Juan Lasso

Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

The Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year.

JANiS BorEmSki

V.S. commuters are mixed on fare hikes

fares is not expected to make a noticeable dent in his wallet.

“I use the train every day to head to Jamaica to work at my construction job,” Munoz said, “but it’s something I’ve always done, and I don’t think it’ll impact me at the moment.”

We keep getting squeezed, whether it’s taxes or insurance or raising rates like this. People who have regular jobs, who aren’t tied to union contracts, who can’t get raises, it’s hard. It’s unfortunate.

Maritza

LIRR commuter

“I’d rather it not be this way, but it’s not going to make me not take the train,” said Gina Donovan of Lynbrook, whose work allows her to use mass transit sparingly. “I only use the train on the weekend here and there. I work in the city once a week, but I drive, so it’s not a problem for me.”

For others, however, like Valley Stream resident Maritza Flores, who commutes twice a week to see her mother at a nursing home in the city, 50 cents a ride can add up.

“My mother gets depressed if I don’t visit her, but these price raises make it harder for me to see her,” Flores said. “I don’t agree with the price rise. If anything, they should lower the fare price a bit.”

Commuter Rozan Wimmer and her husband, Donovan, who were waiting at the Valley Stream station to take an excursion to Central Park, said they

worried that the periodic fare hikes would only further undercut people’s purchasing power and hurt their savings as inflation persists.

“Fare bumps make a big difference, because everybody must change their budgets,” Rozan said. “The salaries haven’t really come up to the rates of inflation. If they’re going to give us a hike, then they need to provide better

service.”

“We keep getting squeezed, whether it’s taxes or insurance or raising rates like this,” Donovan added. “For people who have regular jobs, who aren’t tied to union contracts, who can’t get raises, it’s hard. It’s unfortunate.”

For more information on the fare increases, go to tinyurl.com/MTARateHike2023.

D’Esposito opposes NYC congestion pricing

A bipartisan resolution introduced in the House of Representatives last month opposes the controversial New York City congestion pricing plan.

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito introduced H.Res. 609, a bipartisan resolution opposing the newly approved Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City. New York City’s

congestion pricing plan received approval from the Federal Highway Administration in June 2023 and is expected to go into effect in April 2024. The approved plan will charge commuters up to $23 just to enter New York City below 60th Street.

This resolution was originally cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Josh Got -

HOW TO REACH US

theimer and Thomas Kean Jr., both of New Jersey..

“The new Congestion Pricing plan is an assault on the hard-working Americans commuting into New York City every day,” D’Esposito said in a release. “Commuters should not be forced to bail out the MTA for countless years of mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility. Congestion pricing is a slap in the face to my constituents, who already must navigate record high inflation, increasing property taxes, and MTA fare hikes.”

The resolution expresses Congressional disapproval of the Central Business District Tolling Program of New York City. Specifically, it acknowledges the severe economic burden the proposed Central Business District Tolling Program would pose on small businesses and strongly recommends the state conduct and make publicly available an economic impact report on the program.

Lastly, this resolution strongly recommends that relevant federal agencies and New York halt the implementation of the Central Business District Tolling Program.

“At a time when we should be doing

everything we can to make life more affordable for hard-working families, New York’s and the MTA’s Congestion Tax will whack middle-class Jersey and New York drivers,” Gottheimer said, in a release.

Tim Baker/Herald

While some residents and commuters shrug off the extra cents per ticket, others remain concerned about long-term expenses piling up and impacting their finances.

Flores

Tim Baker/Herald u.S. rep. anthony d’esposito stands against the newly approved nYC Central Business district tolling program.

Showing love for Long Island with LEGO fun

The Valley Stream Historical Society held a LEGO competition for all ages at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration on July 16. Participants were asked to bring their LEGO creations to the competition in keeping with the theme of “I Love Long Island.”

These talented builders were told to bring their best, and they did just that. The competition was judged by Historical Society Trustee Karen Selah, who said was overwhelmed with how amazing everyone’s submissions were. These future architects showed off their amazing LEGO building skills for a chance to win the first-place prize. After the judge carefully inspected each submission, she declared the winners.

When it came time to pick a first-place winner, she was debating between two submissions that were outstanding compared to the rest, so she just had to award them both as first-place winners. Each winner was given the grand prize of two tickets to visit LEGOland, the ultimate dream prize for a LEGO builder. The second-place winner was given tickets to ride Nunley’s Carousel in Uniondale for their awesome creation.

For this competition, no one was left empty-handed; the runners-up were given gift cards for their amazing efforts. During the competition, the Historical Society also auctioned off tickets to a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Historical Society has always strived to bring the communi-

ty together and this event was a great way to gather families of Valley Stream for a night of a little competitive fun, noted President Bill Florio.

–Caroline Kelly

The Valley Stream Historical Society held a LEGO competition for all ages at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration.

“I Love Long Island,” is a LEGO creation created by six-year-old Mahnoor Khan.

Who Are You Responsible For?

Recently, a client came in to see us for their follow-up consultation. The client shared with us that, in between their two meetings with us, the husband’s brother had suffered a stroke and was now in a rehabilitation facility. He was a bachelor. He had no power of attorney or health care proxy. He may or may not have had a will — they didn’t know. Further, they were unable to get access to his apartment to clean out the fridge and get his clothes because he had failed to put them on the list of persons approved to enter in the event of an emergency.

One of the most overlooked areas in estate planning is the question of who you are responsible for. Do you have a friend or relative who you know will need to rely on you if something happens? Either they have no one else or everyone else is too far away. If you have the responsibility, then make sure that you have the documents you will need to carry out that responsibility. Otherwise, the challenges become of a magnitude greater. Similarly, so many of our clients have adult

children with young families. Do you know whether your children have wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies?

There are serious pitfalls for young families if one spouse dies without a plan. Roughly half of their assets go to their surviving spouse and half to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian for the children’s money and the unused portion must be turned over to them at age eighteen, ready or not!

A potentially more serious problem for our senior clients is whether their sons and daughters who have families possess adequate life insurance. If your son or daughter dies without sufficient life insurance, you may be called upon to support and educate your grandchildren out of your retirement money.

Finally, if you are responsible for the care of an elderly parent, then make sure it is you who has the power of attorney and health care proxy and not another sibling who may end up controlling the situation from afar, much to your dismay.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Dems sue legislature claiming gerrymandering Republican-led chamber accused of drawing unfair district maps

By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com

Nassau County Democrats, along with 21 plaintiffs from throughout each of the 19 legislative districts, have filed a lawsuit against the county legislature. They allege the recently redrawn legislative districts are racist, gerrymandered, and give an unfair advantage to Republicans, who hold majority control over the chamber.

This lawsuit was filed nearly five months after the Nassau County Legislature voted to approve the new map as part of the county’s redistricting process, which takes place every 10 years in-line with the census. The measure drew the support of 11 Republicans, but was opposed by seven Democrats.

The suit also comes less than four months before the Nov. 7 elections when all 19 seats are up for grabs. It also comes on the heels of a state appellate court deciding in an unrelated matter that New York’s congressional districts — which were redrawn last year by a special master — should be done again.

Among the issues Democrats have with the new county maps include moving Democratic Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams from the district he has represented for more than 20 years, to a new Republican-leaning district. The suit claims voters leaning in one direction are being packed into two districts, while the rest are spread out to other districts as a way to “dilute their voting strength.” The maps, according to the suit, forces two Democrats to run against each other in one district, while leaving Republican incumbents unchallenged.

“Republicans are trying to rig the upcoming election by gerrymandering legislative districts to keep themselves in power,” said David Mejias, the attorney representing the Nassau County Democratic Committee and the 21 other plaintiffs.

Mejias seeks an injunction against using the maps, asking the court to provide a timely opportunity to present a lawful, redrawn version before the upcoming elections.

“They tried to limit public hearings,” Mejias said of Republicans, during a recent news conference. “They introduced the current map at the 11th hour, and they have refused to produce the partisan consultant that they hired to draw this map, whose purported analysis and methodology is the best kept secret in Mineola.

“We’ve asked for the analysis. We’ve asked for the methodology, and they have said ‘no.’”

Democrats, on the other hand, hired what they describe as a non-partisan independent, Dan Magleby, to produce a fair and competitive map.

“All of his methodology, analysis and work product was made public,” Mejias said. “He testified at a public hearing, and the Republicans have refused to produce the expert that drew this gerrymandered partisan map to the public, to the Democratic minority legislators, to the redis-

tricting commission.”

Magleby’s work consisted of creating 10,000 computer-simulated legislative maps through a “party-blind nonpartisan process,” Mejias said. The Republicanapproved map does not resemble even one out of Magleby’s maps, the attorney added — something that is not even stastically possible.

“An objective mathematical analysis shows that this map is an illegal partisan gerrymander,” Mejias said.

However, Republicans disagree with any assertion this map is illegal.

“The lines drawn are fair, reasonable and in accordance with applicable law,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in a statement.

Nassau County Republican chair Joseph Cairo described the legislative districts as “fair and competitive.”

“The districts comply with all applicable federal and state redistricting laws,”

Cairo told reporters.

But some voters — like John Jarvis, who is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit — say that’s not true. Instead, he describes it as a human rights issue, with the current maps for the districts being “extremely unfair” and clearly “discriminate against certain groups of people.”

As a way to prove his point about how the districts are already drawn, Mejias used Blakeman’s 2021 victory over Laura Curran. There, Blakeman won with 52 percent of the vote, while his fellow Republicans managed to win 60 percent of the legislative races. He also explains

Democrats claim the recently approved district map for the Nassau County Legislature benefits Republicans — who hold a majority in Mineola while putting any opposition at a disadvantage. They now want a judge to make a final determination.

H. Scottie Coads, at left, is leading the lawsuit against the Nassau County Legislature, claiming its new district maps benefit the majority Republicans, leaving any other opposition at a disadvantage.

that even when Curran won in 2017, Republicans still managed to get nearly 60 percent of the legislative seats.

“How do you get 48 percent of the vote countywide (in 2017) and still win those seats and have a solid majority in the legislature?” Mejias asked. “That can only happen if those seats are gerrymandered.”

Democrats are prepared for a long and lengthy legal battle, but insist they will fight this until the end.

“If they won’t listen to the people,” Mejias said, “the Republicans will have to listen to the courts.”

Brandon Cruz/Herald photos

Attorney David Mejias speaks about what he calls ‘an illegal gerrymander’ alongside some of the plaintiffs and supporters of the lawsuit filed against the Nassau County Legislature over what they claim are new district maps that favor the majority Republicans over Democrats. Joining Mejias were, from left, Pamela Korn, Mimi Pierre-Johnson, Darien Ward and John Jarvis.

Courtesy Nassau County NAACP

Nassau County Legislative Districts

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Racing at Riverhead never gets old

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

There aren’t too many 1974 Oldsmobiles on the streets these days, but one can be spotted at Riverhead Raceway most Saturdays between May and September with North Bellmore’s Bill Wegmann Sr. behind the wheel.

Nicknamed the “Racing Grandpa,” the soon-to-be 79-year-old has competed on the eastern Suffolk County quarter-mile oval since 1989 — in the same car — and last season finished in the top five in the Blunderbust driver standings.

“I built the car and maintain it myself,” said Wegmann Sr., who began racing stock cars in 1962. “It’s a fun hobby and something I could always afford,” he added. “I’ve been racing so long I can probably close my eyes and get around the track.”

Wegmann Sr., who grew up in Franklin Square and attended Sewanhaka High School, has 9 career victories at Riverhead and is a fixture among the Top 10 Blunderbust drivers each season. He has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“My wife [Eileen] has been a tremendous supporter even though she’s not a big race fan, she’s a fan of mine,” Wegmann Sr. said. “People always ask how long do I plan to compete, and I tell them ‘as long as I can climb through the window of the car and get behind the wheel.’”

His son, Billy, has been going to racetracks “since he was born” and has long competed in the Blunderbust division as well. So have two of Wegmann Sr.’s grandsons, Jason and Derick.

“It’s not only great to race, but it’s our family time,” said Billy, 55.

Giordano embraces new challenge

Lifelong Freeport resident Gerard Giordano is following in his father’s footsteps and hopes to one day get behind the wheel of a race car owned by someone else.

But for now, Giordano, 26, is embracing the challenge of the Late Model division at Riverhead after a dominant run along the East Coast in his Super Pro Truck.

“The competition in the Late Models is much tougher and I’m enjoying the challenge,” said Giordano, whose father, Jerry, competed for decades at the now-defunct Freeport Speedway. “It’s a big step up,” he added. “I’ve won one feature in this division and I’m hunting for my first one for this year.”

Sponsored by K1 Logistics, Excelsior Lodge, New York Outdoors Club, Venture Auto Body, Admiral Metals, Landgon’s Automotive and Scorpion Race Engines, Giordano sat fourth in the Late Model driver standings following a solid performance July 22. He was the division’s Rookie of the Year in 2021 and picked up his first-ever victory last summer in a

60-lap feature with a large cheering section in the stands.

He began racing go-karts at age 12 and has been a fixture in the Super Pro Truck winner’s circle for years, capturing a pair of touring championships consisting of a dozen annual races in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

“I’ll still fit some Super Pro Truck races into my schedule when I can, but my main focus now is the Late Model,” Giordano said.

Former crew member enjoys success Andrew Farnham, a friend of Giordano’s since middle school when they both attended St. Christopher School in Bald-

win, was a member of Giordano’s pit crew for years and then got behind the wheel in Riverhead’s Mini Stock division in 2018.

“I’m having a blast,” said Farnham, a 2015 Baldwin High School graduate who’s seeking sponsorship to help offset costs of competing, which includes weekly maintenance, gas and tires. “Constantly working on the car, putting in at least four hours a week even if everything appears fine,” he added. “If you’re not fast, you’re slow.”

Farnham proved fastest of the Mini Stock’s 20-driver field in 2022, taking home the Mini Stock title by winning the final race of the season to overcome an 11-point

deficit in the standings. He had two feature wins but said consistency and avoiding any serious damage to his 2008 Honda Civic were crucial to earning the crown.

A runner-up finish in the 20-lap feature July 22 pushed Farnham back in the lead of the driver standings as he looks to repeat. “Winning last year was awesome but I’m not really thinking about the long term and repeating, I’m just focused on week to week,” he said afterwards. “I thought I was the fastest car tonight. Started seventh and finished second.”

A typical Saturday from May through September for Farnham, Giordano and crews begins before noon and ends around midnight.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

North Bellmore’s Bill Wegmann Sr., has raced his 1974 Oldsmobile at Riverhead Raceway for 34 years, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Gerard Giordano of Freeport is looking to transfer his racing success to Riverhead’s Late Model division.

RVC community rallies around Dunn

By MICHAEL LEWIS sports@liherald.com

Half a world away at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, Crystal Dunn is still making an impact on the South Side High School girls’ soccer team and the Rockville Centre community.

“She’s such a great role model and inspiration for the girls and just the excitement they have knowing that she played on the same team as they did and they are,” South Side head coach Judi Croutier said.

“Just the whole town is a buzz,” she added. “Everyone is so excited and proud to see her out there, representing not just Rockville Centre and South Side, but herself, her family, the country.”

Dunn is the starting left back for the U.S. Women’s National Team as it strives to win an unprecedented third consecutive world championship. The tournament is co-hosted by Australia.

Croutier has been watching Dunn display her talent on both sides of the ball for the two-time defending champions at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Americans’ first two matches, a 3-0 win over Vietnam July 21, and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands July 26. She acquitted herself well. A midfielder for the Portland Thorns (National Women’s Soccer League), Dunn was expected to be in the Starting XI against Portugal in the team’s final Group E match on Tuesday (FOX, 3 a.m.) The Americans need at least a draw to reach the knockout round.

“She is such a positive person and player,” Croutier said. “She’s come back after having a baby. She’s fit. She’s in a great mindset and. She’s going to help the women and hopefully they win this year.”

Croutier realized early on that Dunn was a special player. It went beyond her blazing speed and remarkable soccer skills.

“Her leadership role even as a freshman, the way she was able to help all the players around her get better,” she said. “The way she was willing to work with everybody. She was just an upbeat person with such a great knowledge of the game and then she was able to go on the field and execute.”

While starring at South Side, Dunn many times was an unstoppable attacking force. Former USA head coach Jill

Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 6 p.m.

the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Dunn earned international praise for his outstanding performance en route to the world championship.

“She does overlap,” Croutier said. “When she played for us, she was able to

played where we needed her most. She scored some spectacular goals for us. I’m just happy she’s on the field. I know she would love to move up. But anywhere she’s playing, I think it’s great to watch her and know that she’s from Rockville

At this event, you will have the opportunity to speak with Hofstra faculty, and learn about services offered by Residence Life, Student Financial Services, and the Center for Career Design and Development. You can also virtually tour our beautiful 244-acre campus.

For event details and to RSVP, please visit hofstra.edu/gradoh

Courtesy Nikita Taparia/NWSL Crystal Dunn, right, and the USWNT battled the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw July 26 and completes group play against Portugal.

New programs announced for adult ed

The Nassau BOCES Adult Education program announced the launch of its new programs for the upcoming school year. With a focus on equipping adults with the skills needed for successful careers, the program is introducing new and improved offerings that cater to the evolving needs of today’s job market.

An open house will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 7-9 p.m. at Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center, 1196 Prospect Ave. in Westbury. Learn about these hot careers from the instructors who teach the courses and get a first-hand look at the unique classrooms.

Some courses to note include:

Clinical Medical Assistant: Empowering Future Healthcare Professionals

In response to the growing demand for healthcare professionals, this comprehensive program offers participants with a unique opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a medical setting. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical experience, students will develop expertise in medical procedures, patient care, and administrative tasks. Graduates of this program will be well prepared to pursue rewarding careers as vital members of the healthcare team.

Pet Grooming: A Passionate Pursuit for Animal Lovers

For those with a deep love for animals will enjoy the Pet Grooming program. This program provides participants with the practical skills and theoretical foundation to succeed in the thriving pet grooming industry. Through expert guidance and hands-on training, participants will learn the art of pet grooming, including bathing, clipping, and styling

Nassau BOCES meeting dates

The 2023-24 meeting schedule of the Nassau BOCES Board was adopted in July. Meetings are held at the George Farber Administrative Center, 71 Clinton Road, Garden City and begin at 7 p.m.

Aug. 3, 2023 — Regular board meeting

Aug. 31, 2023 — Regular board meeting

Sept. 21, 2023 — Regular board meeting

Oct. 12, 2023 — Audit committee and regular board meeting

Nov. 9, 2023 — Regular board meeting

Dec. 14, 2023 — Budget orientation and regular board meeting

Jan. 11, 2024 — Budget review committee and regular board meeting

Feb. 1, 2024 — Budget review committee and regular board meeting

techniques. In addition, students will gain knowledge in pet health, behavior, and customer service. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to embark on a fulfilling career working with beloved pets and their owners.

Veterinary Assistant: Comprehensive Training for Animal Care Specialists

In recognition of the expanding field of veterinary care this revamped course is a 50-class program designed to provide students with a holistic education in ani-

Feb. 29, 2024 — Audit committee and regular board meeting

March 21, 2024 — Regular board meeting

April 11, 2024 — Meet the candidates night and regular board meeting

May 2, 2024 — Regular board meeting

May 23, 2024 — Regular board meeting at the Barry Career & Technical Education Center, 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury

June 13, 2024 — Audit committee and regular board meeting

July 11, 2024 — Organization and regular board meeting

mal care. Through a blend of theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and hands-on experience, students will develop a deep understanding of animal health, anatomy, medical procedures, and laboratory techniques. Graduates of this program will possess the skills necessary to thrive as valuable members of veterinary teams, aiding in the care and wellbeing of animals.

“We are excited to introduce these exceptional programs for the upcoming school year,” said Nassau BOCES Adult

Nassau BOCES registration dates

Nassau BOCES Adult Learning Center announced the registration dates for the Fall 2023 English as a Second Language and General Education Diploma classes. These programs are designed to help adults aged 21 and over increase their employability and enhance their educational qualifications. Registration must be done in person, and students are required to bring photo identification for the registration process. Allow 1-2 hours for testing and paperwork completion. Seats are limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information about the ESL and GED programs or registration process, call NassauBoces. Org/AdultEd.

Education Assistant Principal Brad Slepian. “We are committed to offering relevant and high-quality education that prepares our students for rewarding careers. We believe our programs will empower our students to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.”

Registration for the 2023-24 school year is now open. Visit NassauBoces.Org/ AdultEd for a complete listing of courses. Limited seats are available, so prospective students are urged to apply early.

Compiled by Mark Nolan

DMV begins underage drinking crackdown

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced the start of a summer-long crackdown on the use of fake IDs to purchase alcohol at concert venues statewide. Operation Prevent is led by DMV investigators to prevent underage drinking or worse — drinking and driving. They will work closely with investigators from the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Parks Police, and local law enforcement at venues across the state throughout the summer concert season.

The underage drinking enforcement will continue through Sept. 17. In total, 28 underage drinking enforcement details are scheduled at concert venues across the state during that time.

“Our investigators are well-trained to spot fake IDs, and we have added security measures that make our licenses and non-driver IDs increasingly difficult to counterfeit,” said DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. “You may think we’re trying to spoil your

fun, but it is not fun to end up in a hospital, a jail or a morgue from a night spent drinking when you’re underage.”

Acquiring a fake ID can also increase a person’s vulnerability to identity theft. And beyond the risk to traffic safety, underage drinking can pose serious risks to a young person’s health and development.

Operation Prevent enforcement sweeps will be conducted at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, as well as other locations where underage concertgoers are likely to gather. Customers under the age of 21 found to be using fake or another individual’s IDs to buy alcohol can be ticketed and their licenses can be suspended or revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

Last year, more than 550 people received tickets during the seasonal crackdown on the use of fake identification to purchase alcohol. A total of 580 fake documents were seized. There

were 505 tickets issued for attempting to use fake IDs, and another 46 tickets for violations of the Alcohol Beverage and Control Law.

State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan said, “We want all New Yorkers to enjoy summer concerts and support our amazing venues across our Empire State. We also urge everyone to do so responsibly. To keep alcohol out of the hands of underage youth and ensure safety for all, the State Liquor Authority is proudly collaborating with other state agencies and local law enforcement this summer to support Operation Prevent.”

Operation Prevent is supported by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The committee coordinates traffic safety activities in New York, and it awards federal highway safety grant funds to local, state, and not-for-profit agencies for projects to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes.

Metro Creative

The state DMV is cracking down all summer on underage drinking.

HONOREE SUPPORT BETTER HEALTH CARE ON THE SOUTH SHORE AND JOIN US FOR MOUNT SINAI SOUTH NASSAU’S ANNUAL GALA!

THE LANNIN EISENHOWER PARK

Dawn Keiley, RN Senior Director of Nursing Mount Sinai South Nassau

Matthew Rifkin, MD Department Chair, Radiology Mount Sinai South Nassau

CUPOLA AWARD

MARY PEARSON AWARD

Anthony Cancellieri Co-Chairman, Board of Directors Mount Sinai South Nassau

Thomas ready to jump from senate to Congress

By NICOLE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

Kevin Thomas has tossed his hat into the ring, hoping to be the candidate Democrats turn to flip Anthony D’Esposito from his congressional seat. The state senator announced his candidacy last week in front of his parents’ home in Elmont.

Thomas has high hopes he can defeat the Republican, who defeated Democrat Lauren Gillen by a margin of less than 4 percent last year. Gillen — the former Hempstead town supervisor — is expected to run again for the seat next year, along with fellow Democrats Lawrence Henry, Sarah Hughes and Gian Jones. These candidates will duke it out alongside Thomas in the Democratic primary set for next June 25.

“I’ll let other candidates speak for themselves,” Thomas said. “I’m excited to take my record of delivering for Long Island, and winning tough races to the voters of Congressional District 4.”

As a state senator, Thomas says he has worked with the Democratic majority in Albany to cap property taxes, protect drinking water for Nassau County, funded veteran services and mental health care, and codified the right to an abortion into New York law.

“People in New York are struggling with the high cost of living, increased stresses from raising a family, paying

their rent or mortgage, and simply trying to stay afloat,” Thomas said. “Now more than ever, we need action.”

Members of Moms Demand Action, a group that advocates for public safety from gun violence, were among the supporters of Thomas’ campaign.

“He’s been there for us, and we’ve been there for him,” the group’s events lead Jimmy Dougherty said about

Thomas’s support of gun safety legislation in the state Senate.

“Following the traumatizing terror in Buffalo, I led the successful effort to ban gun sales to those under the age of 21,” Thomas said of his legislative record.

Thomas hopes to bring the values he has represented in the state legislature with him to Washington — assuming he gets past both the primary and then

what is expected to be a tough run against an incumbent.

Thomas faces a choice if he wants to remain in the state Senate for another term: Either he has to move, or he has to change districts.

That came after new legislative maps pulled both and his 2022 opponent out of their district. Thomas was given a onetime exemption to continue representing his senate district, but was told he would have to make a decision before 2024.

Running for congress would eliminate that decision. But as he told a Herald roundtable of reporters last year, moving — especially in Nassau County — isn’t easy.

“People who can’t afford anything are still living with their parents,” Thomas said at the time. “This is an issue everyone has been trying to tackle for years now. If you’re making $50,000 to $60,000, what is affordable? There are some innovative ways that are going into this, but we need to do a lot more.”

Thomas became the first-ever Indian American to serve in the state legislature in 2018. His family immigrated to the United States when he was 10, making a home for themselves in Nassau County.

“Long Island has given me so much — opportunity, hope and community,” Thomas said. “And I have been determined to give back.”

Nicole Wagner/Herald

State Sen. Kevin Thomas announced his bid to challenge Anthony D’Esposito in Congress next year in front of his parent’s Elmont home surrounded by friends, family and supporters. Thomas first needs to defeat fellow Democrats to get his party’s nomination next June.

STEPPING OUT

Pop star comes ‘home’

Baldwin native opens for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

By Daniel Offner

aylor Dayne became an overnight sensation when she burst onto the scene in the mid-‘80s with her debut single, “Tell It to My Heart,” a top 10 chart-topping dance hit that has remained an audience favorite worldwide for decades.

“I grew up on Grand Avenue in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” the Baldwin native said. “That was my playground when I was young. It gave me a lot of chutzpah.”

She recently returned here — July 23 — for a special benefit concert featuring Lindenhurst native Pat Benatar and her husband, Neil Giraldo, in support of Health and Harmony, a new program sponsored by Catholic Health and the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Health and Harmony takes a non-pharmaceutical approach to engage and educate patients about the positive effects of music on overall health.

“I broke out of New York,” Dayne says. “To come back and play now with Pat Benatar, it’s kind of amazing how it’s come full circle.”

Dayne, who was born Leslie Wunderman, began her professional career after high school when she performed at small New York City clubs with her bands, Felony and Next.

“I was honing in on my chops,” she says. “It was daunting as hell.”

She went solo after finishing college when she got a hold of a demo of “Tell it to My Heart,” originally composed by Seth Swirsky and Ernie Gold for Chappell Music, but overlooked by the label.

Dayne was immediately drawn to the track and recorded her rendition at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove. The demo managed to get the attention of music executive Clive Davis, who signed her to his label, Arista Records, in 1987.

While the immediate success of her first single would eclipse some of her later tracks, Dayne says she very much still enjoys performing it to this day.

“My God, yes. (It’s not) like you’re asking Billy Joel if he’ll play ‘Tell Her About It,’” she jokes about Joel’s hit song, which he hasn’t played since 1987. “This is my biggest hit. People lose their minds for it. It’s my job to make it interesting. And it really sounds so amazing with a live band.”

Her debut album, also titled, “Tell it to My Heart,” released by Arista in 1988, featured three more top 10 singles, including the tracks “Prove Your Love,” “Don’t Rush Me” and “I’ll Always Love You.” The album’s success brought her to new heights when she was invited to join Michael Jackson on the European leg of his sold-out “Bad” tour.

Dayne’s follow-up album in 1989, “Can’t Fight Fate,” was equally as successful, landing her three more Top 10 charting singles, “With Every Beat of My Heart,” “I’ll Be Your Shelter” and “Love Will Lead You Back.” Both albums have been certified double platinum, selling more than 2 million copies worldwide.

In the ‘90s she decided to break into acting. Her first role on the big screen came in 1994 when she was cast in a remake of the romantic drama film, “Love Affair,” starring Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and the late Katharine Hepburn.

She had minor success in independent films and a few recurring television roles, including the Showtime series “Rude Awakening.” Then, in 2001, she landed a major role on the stage in Elton John and Tim Rice’s hit Broadway musical, “Aida.”

“RuPaul and I are very dear friends,” Dayne says. “It was a lot of work … all that pushing and taping.”

Although Dayne hasn’t released a new album since 2008, she hasn’t stopped making music. She’s gone on to release several more successful singles, including “Floor on Fire,” “Dreaming,” “Live Without” and “Please.”

“Making albums isn’t what it used to be,” she says. “But I do have new music coming out.”

Among her accolades, Dayne has been inducted into both the New

TaylorDayne.com, or follow her on Instagram at TheRealTaylorDayne.

Doo-Wop Oldies Spectacular

Revisit the golden oldies with Peter Lemongello Jr. in ‘An Evening To Remember,’ featuring The Fabulous Acchords, The Tribunes and Teresa McClean. With their polished vocal skills and dynamic stage presence, it’s a night of unforgettable entertainment, produced by Gene DiNapoli, that’s pure nostalgia headliner Peter Lemongello Jr., is acclaimed as the most explosive and exciting doo-wop performer to appear on the scene in 40 years. The son of singer Peter Lemongello, Peter Jr. appeared on ‘American Idol’ and performed with The Four Tops, The Temptations and Chubby Checker, among others. He’s joined by a capella group The Tribunes, renowned for their authentic New York-bred streetcorner harmonies and The Fabulous Acchords, who captivate audiences with their unique blend of classic and contemporary songs, spanning

Friday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. $49, $39, $29. Jeanne Rimsky Theater

232 Main St., Port Washington. LandmarkOnMainStreet.org, or

Swingtime Big Band

The band swings into Eisenhower Park with its powerful interpretation of the Great American Songbook. Led by longtime conductor Steve Shaiman, the 20-piece Swingtime Big Band vividly brings the swing musicians authentically recreate the style, musicality and essence of iconic big bands of the day. Swingtime’s high-energy performances embody

Dayne eventually would release her fifth full-length album,

Dayne eventually would release her fifth full-length album, “Satisfied,” in 2008. Her first full-length studio album in almost a decade, it featured the single “Beautiful,” which rose to No. 1 on the dance charts, her most recent hit to date.

She has remained in the spotlight in recent years, only under different guises, as the competitor Popcorn on “The Masked Singer” — in 2020 at the height of the pandemic — and Electra Owl on “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race.”

audiences who know the classic recordings, or with the excitement of discovery for a new generation of listeners. Vocalist Bobbie Ruth recreates the ‘gal vocal’ stylings of legendary singers Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Eydie Gormé and Billie Holiday, among others. She’s joined emulates such Big Band crooners and swingers as Nat ‘King”’ Cole, and, of course, the immortal Frank Sinatra.

Thursday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Free admission. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit

THE

Aug. 5

Aimee Mann

The indie-pop icon visits The Space at Westbury, Saturday, Aug, 5, 8 p.m. One of the most distinguished singer-songwriters of her generation, her successful solo career has spanned several decades with several Grammy nominations, two Grammy award and the release of nine criticallyacclaimed solo albums, including the profoundly popular soundtrack for the film “Magnolia,” which garnered an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for Best Song in 2000. Time magazine has said, “Mann has the same skill that great tunesmiths like McCartney and Neil Young have: the knack for writing simple, beautiful, instantly engaging songs, ” while NPR voted her one of the “Top 10 Best Living Songwriters” along with Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. Earlier in her musical life, Mann fronted the band Til Tuesday”, releasing three albums. She has also made numerous memorable cameo appearances in films such as The Big Lebowski and TV shows like Portlandia and The Daily Show. After several albums with the band 80’s New Wave band ’Til Tuesday, Mann began her solo career in 1993 with the album “Whatever” and made a name for herself through her independent success and the founding of her record label, SuperEgo Records. Along the way, Mann forged a powerful new sound driven by her distinctive singing style — stripped-down, folky, acoustic but also forceful and cerebral, exploring psychological themes with dark wit. Tickets are $35-$75; available at TheSpaceAtWestbury.com. The Space, 250 Post Ave. Westbury.

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Dramatic Play Theatre

Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground (who visitors may already know from her role as “Piggie”!). In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop kids will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story. Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme: The Amazing World of Bugs and Butterflies. Costumes encouraged. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

District 13 board meets

Valley Stream District 13 will hold their regular board meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 8 p.m., at James A. Dever School. 585 Corona Ave. For more information, call district clerk MaryAnn Rosamilia at mrosamilia@valleystream13. com or visit ValleyStream13. com.

Snuggly story time

Henry Waldinger Memorial library hosts a snuggly reading time for children four and under, Thursday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. 60 Verona Place. Register at ValleyStreamLibrary.org or call (516) 825-6422.

Write on: College essay workshop

Not sure how to get started on your college essay? The Hofstra University Admission Office is offering a virtual workshop to help high school students learn the skills to tell their story in a way that helps them stand out. The final workshop, Thursday, Aug. 17, 4-5 p.m., is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Hear from Hofstra Admission counselors about how to brainstorm topics, and compose a thoughtful essay that shows your personality, talents and interests. For more information about Hofstra Admission’s other virtual summer workshops, go to Admission.Hofstra.edu/portal/ virtual_admission_webinars. To schedule a summer in-person visit go to: Hofstra.edu/visit.

Bible Study

Valley Stream Presbyterian Church hosts virtual and inperson Bible study, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m. 130 S. Central Ave. For more information, call (516) 561-0616 or visit ValleyStreamPres.org.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Classic Car Show

The Village of Valley Stream hosts their annual summer car show, Thursday, Aug. 9, starting at 6 p.m., along the Rockaway Avenue business district. For more information, call (516) 825-4200 or visit their website at Vsvny.org.

Having an event?

Aug. 5

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and open your ears to Kirsten Hall’s modern tale “The Honeybe.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Sunday, Aug. 6, 1:30 p.m.; also Sunday, Aug. 13, 1:30 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. Also Oct. 19. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Sept. 7 Aug. 4

Summer tunes

Enjoy a tribute to the Piano Man and Elton John with Face to Face, at Eisenhower Park, Friday, Aug. 4, 8 p.m. This eclectic group of musicians not only play the legendary hits of Billy Joel and Sir Elton John along with various other classic rock hits, they blend it with a stage presence and showmanship that create a truly immersive musical experience. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

BOCES educator Robert Dillon

Dr. Robert R. Dillon (Bob), of Walden and Plainview, passed peacefully on July 28, 2023, after experiencing medical complications following spinal surgery.

He grew up in Bayside, Queens, with his parents Marie and Martin — who preceded him in death — along with his four brothers Matthew, Terrance, Dennis and Kevin, and sister Maureen.

Although drafted by the Detroit Tigers out of Loyola High School in New York City, he opted to pursue a career in education through St. John’s University in Queens. There he obtained his doctorate in education.

During his more than 45-year career in education, he served as superintendent of four school districts: East Meadow, Sugar Loaf, Abbott Union and Eastport. He was the driving force that led to the successful merger of Eastport and South Manor school districts.

Whether navigating through the Covid19 pandemic, pushing for increased mental health student support, or innovating numerous programs, he has revitalized, transformed and enhanced educational opportunities for all students.

He served on many advisory boards and councils, including the Long Island Power Authority, Scope Education Services, and SUNY Old Westbury’s School of Education.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart Patricia Maureen (Patty), son Christopher and his wife Jessica, and grandchildren Kylie and Brendan.

RobeR t Dillon

He was dedicated to fostering the next generation of school leaders and mentored many seeking their administrative certifications while teaching at St. John’s University, SUNY at New Paltz, St. John Fisher University, and Dowling College.

Since 2015, he has led Nassau BOCES, a cooperative of the 56 school districts in Nassau County, leaving a legacy that will impact the students of Nassau County for

He also is survived by daughters Deirdre and Caitlin, brothers and sister, and their respective families.

He loved golf, camping and fishing, and was an avid New York Giants fan. He was dedicated to his family, and wanted to make sure everyone was happy and well provided for.

Visitation was held Aug. 1 at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, and a funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 2 at The Cathedral of St. Agnes in Rockville Centre. Interment followed at Queen of Peace Cemetery on Jericho Turnpike in Old Westbury.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nassau BOCES Educational

At V.S. 13, summer enrollment skyrockets

Valley Stream 13’s Summer Recreation Program enrollment of more than 300 students is the largest enrollment it has had in many years. In addition to the hundreds of student participants, the program has roughly 50 employees working to make the program a success. Employees include a principal, building directors, two assistant directors, counselors, junior counselors, and community volunteers.

During the academic year, students socialize and collaborate with other students in their home school. The summer program aims to provide students with opportunities to share experiences with grade-level peers from across the entire district.

“The Summer Recreation Program has yielded a tremendous amount of support from our community members,” said Cindy Gervasi, Summer School Principal. “Valley Stream 13 is providing our next generation of leaders with enriching experiences to build lifelong connections with their grade-level peers. I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community program.”

A typical day is split between indoor and outdoor activities. This includes dance, art, Mad Science, bouncy houses, and field trips to nearby community spots including the movie theater and bowling alley.

The program runs from July 5 to August 4, 2023. It is held at James A. Dever Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and is open to all Valley Stream 13 students entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, NJCC-NYS COMMUNITY RESTORATION FUND LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ST LAWRENCE CAMPBELL

A/K/A ST LAWRENCE CAMPBELL A/K/A

LAWRENCE CAMPBELL, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 44 Brook Road, Valley Stream a/k/a South Valley Stream, NY 11581. 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 39, Block 504 and Lot 4. Approximate amount of judgment is $580,919.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609114/2019. 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.

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140640

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER, Defts. Index #612224/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on August 15, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. prem. k/a Section 37, Block 562, Lot 123, 131. Sold subject to terms and conditions of field judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD L. FARLEY, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100569 140642

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc. Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff AGAINST Debelle J. Emmanuel a/k/a Debelle Emmanuel, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 20, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 15, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 182 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream and partly near Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 39, BLOCK: 506, LOT: 33. Approximate amount of judgment $793,856.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008650/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Ellen

Durst, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-082464-F00 76962

140625

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS, OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE AQUISITION

TRUST 2006--WMC4

ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-WMC4, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIAMS FAMILY TRUST; EVERARD WILLIAMS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale with Reference for Sale duly entered on September 12, 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 August 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 187 Fir Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. 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 Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 395 and Lots 453 and 454.

Approximate amount of judgment is $831,973.71 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 533/2015. 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.

Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140828

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY.

STEVEN C. HORN, Pltf. vs. MAXIM DIAGNOSTICS, LLC, et al, Defts. Index #608417/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 11, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on August 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., prem. k/a 33 South Montgomery Street, Valley Stream, NY a/k/a Section 37, Block 36, Lot

4. Said property located at the corner formed by the intersection of the Southerly line of Buscher venue and the Easterly line of Montgomery Street; Running thence Easterly along the Southerly line of the Buscher Avenue, 34/100 (100.34) feet; Thence Southerly parallel with Montgomery Street, 74/100 (41.74) feet;

Thence Westerly at right angles to Montgomery Street, (100.000 feet to the Easterly line of Montgomery Street; Thence Northerly along the same, (34.00 feet to the point or place of beginning. Approx. amt. of judgment is $312,976.39 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are

other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

HAYLEY GREENBERG, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 20426-18 - #100593 140830

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL BERESFORD, TERIA BERESFORD, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 2, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 22, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 53 EAST VALLEY STREAM BOULEVARD VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 AKA 53 VALLEY STREAM BOULEVARD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 074, Lot 15 & 16. Approximate amount of judgment $415,331.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617977/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Peter V. Christiansen, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221

19-005661 76877

140627

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES

LLC 2005-HE1

MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE1, V.

DAVE DIXON, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 26, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES

LLC 2005-HE1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE1 is the Plaintiff and DAVE DIXON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501 on August 15, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 450 HUNGRY HARBOR ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581: Section 39, Block 621, Lot 0030: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 004857/2009. Raymond Nardo, Esq, 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.

140826

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC1, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL R. HIGGINS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 7, 2022, 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 on August 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 9 Jasper Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of

Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 458 and Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment is $577,472.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608825/2018. 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.

Geri Friedman, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140965

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, for ABS Loan Trust VI, Plaintiff AGAINST Virginia A. Corrado a/k/a Virginia Corrado, if she be living or dead, her spouse, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; et al.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 6, 2023

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 29, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 208 East Chester Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 9 Lots 129, 130, and 131. Approximate amount of judgment $312,046.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608399/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Michael Zapson, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP

f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: July 14, 2023

140967

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-FRE1 ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Pltf. vs. DONOVAN RUSSELL, et al, Defts. Index #17-001892. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Oct. 29, 2019 and order substituting the referee entered Sept. 20, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on August 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 117 Martens Avenue, Valley Stream, NY a/k/a Section 37, Block 14, Lot 266. Approx. amt. of judgment is $780,261.11 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JANINE LYNAM, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 165 Eileen Way, Ste. 101, Syosset, NY. #100592 140872

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS TITLE TRUST VI, Pltf. vs. MINERVA 1 LLC, AND PRINCE WYVENER, Defts. Index #614035/20. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered February 9, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on August 29, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 85 Todd Road, Valley Stream, NY a/k/a Section 37, Block 603, Lot 14. Approx. amt. of judgment is $820,679.81 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

STEVEN KEATS., Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY. File No. LF-346#100582 140870

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 52-2023

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 July 11th, 2023, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 52-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No.52-2023, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations

Dated: July 11, 2023

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk

141065

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 614153/2020

COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2005-AR14, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR14

Plaintiff, vs. ISHRAT JAHAN SHAFEEQ, AS ADMINISTRATOR AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SYED SHAFEEQ A/K/A SYED MOHAMMAD SHAFEEQ; HIRA SHAFEEQ AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SYED SHAFEEQ A/K/A SYED MOHAMMAD SHAFEEQ A/K/A SYED M. SHAFEEQ, A/K/A S. MUHAMMAD SHAFIQ A/K/A SYED SHAFEEW; SAMIA SHAFEEQ AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SYED SHAFEEQ A/K/A SYED MOHAMMAD SHAFEEQ A/K/A SYED M. SHAFEEQ, A/K/A S. MUHAMMAD SHAFIQ A/K/A SYED SHAFEEW, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and

CRIME bRIEf

Queens man arrested in V.S. burglary

A Queens man was arrested and charged after allegedly burglarizing the home of his girlfriend in Valley Stream, according to police.

On July 21 at 2:20 p.m., Paul James, 19, entered his girlfriend’s home through an unlocked window as she slept, police said. Startled awake, the woman, who was not identified, began arguing with James until the situation escalated into violence. James allegedly choked the woman and struck

her multiple times, causing abrasions and swelling to her face before he left the house. After an investigation, police arrested James who was charged with burglary, assault and strangulation.

He was arraigned on Saturday, July 22 at First District Court in Hempstead. He is due back in court on Sept. 22.

Public Notices

all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; CIT BANK, N.A.

SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B.; NU ISLAND PARTNERS LLC; DISCOVER BANK; MANUFACTURERS & TRADERS TRUST COMPANY; HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. S/B/M/T FLEET NATIONAL BANK; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK;

“JANE DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1;

“JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2;

“JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3;

“JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #4;

“JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #5;

“JOHN DOE” (REFUSED

NAME) AS JOHN DOE #6,

“JOHN DOE #7” through

“JOHN DOE #12,” the last six names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises:

11 FAIRFAX STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580

Section: 37, Block: 438, Lot: 1124 & 1125

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $372,000.00 and interest, recorded on June 23, 2005, in Liber M 28993 at Page 773, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 11 FAIRFAX STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580.

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.

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real

property affected by this action is located in said county. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the 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:July 19, 2023

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff

Aric H. Peymann, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590

516-280-7675 141100

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST DHARMIE D. INDER, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

duly entered March 7, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 5, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 208 DEAN STREET VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 AKA 208 DEAN STREET, NORTH VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 AKA 247-15 135 ROAD, ROSEDALE, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being partly in the Borough and County of Queens, and partly in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, DSBL: 13230 - 12 (QUEENS COUNTY), 37 - 4150384 (NASSAU COUNTY). Approximate amount of judgment $382,521.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602017/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Harold F. Damm, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002063 77013 140862

A universal free-meal program in V.S.? Maybe

versal meal program. But by the start of the 2022 school year, funding had dried up, the program was eliminated, and more than 700,000 students lost access to free school meals.

In the program’s wake, the idea of a state-backed universal school meal program began to gain traction in Albany. Soon enough, lawmakers, citing the increasing incidence of hunger in schools, successfully pushed Gov. Kathy Hochul to allocate an unprecedented $134 million as part of this year’s state budget to fund free school meals.

While achieving a state-funded universal meal program that is as comprehensive as the one seen during the pandemic is still a way off, lawmakers have come as close as they’ve been. The new funding mechanism will allow lowincome schools taking part in the Community Eligibility Program to be reimbursed by the state for the cost of all meals not currently covered by the federal government.

This effectively eliminates any financial barriers that once prevented qualifying schools from opting into the program. It’s a financial buffer that Solages says is nothing but good news for parents and students.

“Normally, parents must fill out an application and submit their income to qualify their children for free lunch and breakfast,” Solages explained, “but by schools joining this free meal service, there is no need for an application. Every student enrolled in a school that participates in the CEP is entitled to a free lunch and breakfast.”

“This is a massive expansion,” Gonzalez-Rojas added. “We will now feed up

to 81 percent of students across New York state, and in Nassau County alone, up to 10,000 additional students who didn’t previously qualify.”

For now, however, those students most likely will not include any in Valley Stream school districts, at least according to current CEP eligibility guidelines.

To qualify for the CEP program, at least 40 percent of students in a school district must be eligible for free school meals. None of the Valley Stream districts appear to meet that threshold, though that may change by the upcoming school year, because the U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently proposing to lower the eligibility threshold to 25 percent ahead of September.

For her part, Solages is pushing for those school districts that are currently eligible to opt in before the application window closes on Aug. 31. And encourage those who are potentially eligible to apply and see.

“School districts need to act fast in gaining state funding to properly execute this jump into equality among children in public schools,” Solages said. “By having free school meals for everyone, it eliminates the stigma of free lunch that students normally deal with.”

“I want to be clear that hunger is not just about food, it’s not just about nutrition, it’s about trauma,” said Rebecca Sanin, the President of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, who was also in attendance last week. “Not knowing where your next meal is going to come from, and when, is a form of trauma, and it will damage our babies, our children and our future.”

Herald file photo

The Valley Stream school districts may soon be able to participate in the CEP meal program, depending on the federal government’s move to lower the eligibility threshold for the percentage of students who qualify for those meals.

–Juan Lasso

ConTinuEd from PagE 1

Paul James

HEWLETT-WOODMERE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Community Education and Services Department is seeking qualified, certified candidates for the following positions:

Swim Program Coordinator Swim Team Coaches

Water Safety Instructors

Lifeguards

Interested candidates must apply online by August 24, 2023 at: www.hewlett-woodmere.net

Click on career opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

a4 Media, LLC seeks Engineers to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve customer facing video and broadband issues. Provide remote support to field technicians during customer home installations. Work with multiple vendors to clearly communicate root cause analysis feedback. Perform vendor and in house code validation for new functionality and bug fixes. Open and close defects identified during monthly release cycle. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related STEM field, and 3 years of experience with IP networking, performing root-cause analysis and providing resolution options for user issues. Experience must include a minimum of: 3 years of experience with Python and Unix scripting in the creation of scripts to remediate issues found in product deployments; 3 years of experience with API testing; 3 years of experience using Wireshark and Postman; 2 years of experience with Unix system operations, computer networking and network security; 2 years of experience with Cloud computing with experience in setting up virtualization environments for lab tools and infrastructure; and 2 years of experience with Networking protocol, including RIP, DHCP, DNS and TCP/IP. Job Location: Bethpage, NY. To apply, submit resume online at https://www.alticeusacareers.com/ and search by job title or enter job ID number 2466.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL /College /Grad School Students: Staff Needed Before School 7:00-9:00AM Afterschool 2:45-6:00PM. Experience with children preferred. Friedberg JCC Locations in Oceanside, Bellmore, Baldwin, Long Beach, Island Park. Send resume to: tcorchado@friedbergjcc.org or call 516 -634-4179.

AUTO MECHANIC FT

4 Day Work Week Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus.

Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641

Busy Rockville Centre Landlord/Tenant Law Firm seeking FULL TIME in office (not hybrid) administrative assistant to work with one of the Partners.

Responsibilities include heavy client contact via emails and telephone. Landlord/Tenant experience a plus.

Salary commensurate with experience. 401K, Medical/Dental benefits. Send resumes to: Kathleen@rosenblumbianco.com CLERICAL

Positions Available for 2023/24 School Year:

SubStitute teAcherS: $125 - $135 per day

NYS Certification required

Per Diem regiStereD NurSeS: $195.00/day

NYS RN Licensing required

PArAProfeSSioNAlS f/t: $23,736 - $24,286

Salary Commensurate with School Related Experience

fooD Service helPer P/t SubStituteS: $15.58/hr.

cleANer SubStituteS: $18.00/hr.

buS Driver SubStituteS: $22.50/hr.

SecuritY AiDeS (DAYS & eveNiNgS): F/T (7 hours) $22.28/hr.

NYS Security Guard Licensing required, law enforcement background preferred mAiNtAiNer (7:00 A.m. – 4:00 P.m.)

Salary commensurate with experience

Send Cover Letter & Resume to: egomez@bmchsd.org or eric gómez

Assistant Superintendent – Personnel & Administration 1260 meadowbrook road, N. merrick, NY 11566 Additional information can be found on our website at: www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us

Market Research Analyst (Hempstead, NY) Collect and analyze data of customer preferences to identify potential markets. Forecast future market trends and visualize them. Bachelor’s degree with 6 months exp. $54475/year. Send your resume to Eason Eyewear Inc., 171 Greenwich St, Hempstead, NY 11550 or email to chenxian_1984@hotmail.com.

MEDICAL FRONT DESK Monday- Thursday 9am- 6:30pm. Computer Literate. Valley Stream. Fax Info to 516-295-0017

MEDICAL OFFICE RECEPTIONIST.

Busy South Shore Nassau County Neurology Office. F/T And P/T. Must be flexible, computer literate, medical experience preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. 401K. Email resume: bookkeeping@lineurology.com Or Call 516-887-3516 ext. 110

Network & Comp. Syst. Admin., Hempstead, NY. Bachelor Deg. + 1yr. exp. $73,029 yr. Email: eromosele@iyaho.org

Iyaho Social Services.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Part Time, Various Shifts. Retirees Welcome. Duties include: \Patrols throughout the Village, issuance of code violation citations. Qualifications: HS graduate or equivalent. Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Contact: Inc. Village of Atlantic Beach 516-371-4600 e-mail office@villageofatlanticbeach.com

PROFESSIONAL TAILOR For Dry Cleaners In Merrick. Flexible Days And Hours.

VALLEY STREAM SCHOOL DISTRICT #24

75 Horton Avenue • Valley Stream, NY 11581

The Board of Education is seeking qualified applicants for the position of:

DISTRICT CLERK QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good Clerical and Computer Skills, including Microsoft WORD, and speed writing

• Part-time Position – Approximately 15 to 20 hours per week, plus two evenings per month

• Principal responsibility includes preparing all Agendas, taking Minutes at all Board meetings, copying of all documents for Board and maintaining Board of Education records.

• Responsible for all aspects of Annual School District Budget Vote and Election of Board members Send cover letter and resume to: Board of Education Valley Stream School District 24 75 Horton Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11581 By August 4, 2023

1222852

HomesHERALD

Hewlett Bay Park

A Place to Call Home

Ever dream of living in a castle? Here's your chance! You will be in awe of this 8,000 sq. ft. brick mansion set on magnificent sprawling 1.3 acres. As you drive up the circular driveway you can admire the manicured grounds. The marble entry foyer welcomes you inside, loaded with character, soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, towers and grand rooms perfect for entertaining. Beautiful architectural details in the multiple family rooms, formal dining room and eat in kitchen that overlooks the gunite pool and patio. Private primary suite boasts his and her bathrooms, plus dressing area with walk in closets. There are 4 additional bedrooms, lower level den and basement. It also has a 4 car attached garage and slate roof. It is in a great Location in SD #14, near LIRR, shops and houses of worship. Make this your dream home! For a private viewing of this special home contact Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman Real Estate at 516-238-4299

Ronnie Gerber Licensed Sales Associate Cell: 516-238-4299

Direct Line: 516-623-2776

Ronnie.Gerber@elliman.com

Dougla Elliman Real Estate 2300 Merrick Road Merrick, NY 11566

Baldwin $625,000

Lenox Road. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with pantry and access to screened-in room. Formal dining room. Living room with fireplace. Front porch and Trex deck. Central air conditioning. Spacious rooms.

Taxes: $15,162.38

Bellmore $718,000

Charles Street. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Home office. Master bedroom with walk-in closet. Front porch and oversized backyard with deck. New split air conditioning and heating unit. Large rooms.

Taxes: $13,457.28

East Meadow $650,000

Spruce Lane. Expanded Ranch. Barnum Woods neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Expanded eat-in kitchen with skylight and granite countertops. Formal dining room. Large den extension. All large bedrooms.

Taxes: $11,425.71

East Rockaway $436,500

Lawrence Street. 2 Story. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $10,346.08

Elmont $756,500

Hunnewell Avenue. Colonial. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Ensuite master bedroom with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Spacious rooms. 2 zone central air. Updates include skylight and security system.

Taxes: $12,898.40

Lawrence $3,550,000

Ceiling Overlooking

1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin

Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes! SD#20 REDUCED! $2,098,000

HEWLETT

1390 Broadway #102, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly

Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open

Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths, HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC, Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr

Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans &

Houses of Worship $579,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally

3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit.

Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch

Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOO dMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth

Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to

Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC.

Oversized Property! SD#14. Near All! REDUCED! $999,000

CE da RHURST

332B Peninsula Blvd, BA,

Ocean Avenue. Contemporary. 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office, exercise room and sauna/steam room. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $26,576.11

Lido Beach $870,000

Eden Road. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $13,330

Merrick $975,000

Old Mill Road. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Gourmet eat-in with granite countertops, double oven and sliders to brick paver patio. Formal dining room. Den/family room with wall of windows and fireplace. Spacious ensuite master bedroom with bathroom with jetted tub and walk-in closet. Entertaining-style backyard with inground Gunite pool. Updates include 4 skylights and 2 zone central air conditioning. 1.5 car garage and 4-car driveway. Security system.

Taxes: $20,873.86

Valley Stream $650,000

Forest Road. Expanded Millbrook Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Formal living room. Formal dining room. Large yard with deck. Updates include skylights and alarm system.

Taxes: $8,618

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

1977 PLAYSKOOL/ GILLIGAN'S Island Floating Playset . Missing anchor/palm tree top. $50. 516-707-0357

FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS, 48 inch long, 18 bulbs new in box $20. (516) 254-3640

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N.Y. baseball, from Carl Erskine to Bartolo Colón

Two recent baseball events caused fond memories to come charging back, while reinforcing the intergenerational hold that New York baseball has on my family.

Baseball has been called America’s national pastime. To New Yorkers of a certain generation, it was our national religion. Growing up in Queens in the 1950s, I was a witness not only to baseball’s Golden Age, but also to the three greatest teams of that age, the Yankees, Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. From 1947 to 1956, at least one of those teams played in the World Series, and seven of those Fall Classics features two New York teams. The Yankees played in eight, the Dodgers in six and the Giants in two.

I was a fanatical fan of the Dodgers, the famed “Boys of Summer,” and my world crashed when, at the close of the 1957 season, the Dodgers abandoned

Brooklyn for Los Angeles and the Giants left for San Francisco.

Two weekends ago, former Brooklyn Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine received the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to baseball and society. No star player on the Dodgers team of my youth personified class and professionalism more than Erskine, the ace of the pitching staff, a 20-game winner who threw two nohitters and set a record for strikeouts against the Yankees in the 1953 Series. He also played a major role in standing with Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color line. (The Lifetime Achievement Award is named for Negro League star Buck O’Neil.)

More than his baseball prowess, however, Erskine’s greatest achievements have been off the field. Since his retirement from baseball in 1959, he has served as a bank president and a college baseball coach in his native Indiana, but most importantly, he has devoted himself to the Special Olympics. Carl’s son Jimmy

was born with Down syndrome in 1960, and helping people with the disorder and their families has been Carl’s life cause. He’s now 96, and is the only living member of the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series championship team.

I had always told my son Sean about the Dodgers and their star players — particularly Erskine. In 2008, the Brooklyn Cyclones invited me to be on the field in their Coney Island ballpark when they honored Erskine by retiring his number 17 as a permanent memory of what he has meant to New York baseball. Sean was on the field with me, and he and I had a great conversation with Erskine, who reminisced with us about New York baseball’s Golden Age and what it meant to him to be a part of it. It was a moment Sean and I will always remember.

To me, the Mets were the direct descendants of the Dodgers, rekindling the blue-collar spirit of the Boys of Summer. The Brooklyn Cyclones are a Mets farm team. A few days before last

month’s Hall of Fame ceremony, the Cyclones held their annual 9/11 Wall of Remembrance ceremony. This year they honored the chaplains of the New York City police and fire departments. I was asked to participate and throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Also taking part was longtime Mets favorite Bartolo Colón, who, in his 40s, had more wins than any Mets pitcher over the course of three seasons during his years with the team from 2014 to 2016.

Colón’s exuberance embodied the spirit and vibrancy of New York baseball. He was also my grandson Jack’s favorite player. When Jack was just 11, he had the chance to meet Colón at the Mets’ spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Colón couldn’t have been more friendly or gracious. Jack, now 19, was also on the field at the recent Cyclones remembrance event, and again enjoyed a friendly meeting with Colón and had his photo taken with him. It was another special New York baseball moment and memory for our family. Play ball!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

With books, you can, and should, go home again

On one level, it’s a matter of clearing some closet space. On another, it’s a signal to let go and move on. Finally, I need to do this so my old friends can rest in peace and I can go forward with memories of our time together.

RANDI

KREISS

I’m tossing out my hundreds of folders of notes on all the novels I’ve reviewed in my book groups. For many years I’ve been conducting book discussion groups, and I’ll continue to do so, but the clutter is overtaking my office. My person M.O. is to take notes, download and print research and keep a manila folder for each book I review. So it’s time to thin the flock of folders and put aside a few I intend to reread at leisure.

The first book I reviewed was “Cold Mountain.” As a rookie reviewer, I overcompensated, and that folder alone contains about 50 pages of notes. The most recent book I discussed was “The Orphan Master’s Son,” a stunner so disturbing that I may not be able to read it again — ever.

As I look back at the collection of literary research, I think of these books as more than good reads, intellectual exer-

cises or immersions in different worlds. Many of them feel like old friends with whom I traveled the same path for 300 or 400 pages. When you read a book a few times, take notes and then talk about it with six different groups, a familiarity with the words, story and characters develops.

Before I throw away most of these folders, a word or two about the best of them for your own reading list. Consider rereading those you’ve met before. As we get older and our world changes, so do our encounters with books. For example, consider a modern novel, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” by Mark Haddon. It was a great read and an illumination of the world of autism when it was published in 2003. Now, if we read it again 12 years later, our experience is informed by all the new research on autism and by the Broadway production of the book. Everything changes everything, so picking up a book we’ve read before is familiar, yet all new again.

Officer’s Daughter,” “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union,” “The Daughter of the Queen of Sheba” or “Charming Billy.”

I mention these because they’re worth reading, and I spent considerable time studying and researching them; I do not, however, believe they have earned a permanent place on my bookshelves.

If the newest books out aren’t exactly literary gems, why not mine the past?

Which will I go back to again? Probably not too many of the classics I have reviewed. “The Sun Also Rises,” “East of Eden” and “A Separate Peace” feel dated. Remarkably, “Frankenstein” doesn’t, and I look forward to meeting him/it again.

The books I’ve loved most and must read again comprise a considerable list. It’s all subjective, of course, and two of them have the same author, Shirley Hazzard: “The Great Fire” and “Transit of Venus.” I never felt that I fully understood either novel, although I loved the reading experience, and I knew I was in the presence of greatness. So I’ll give them another go.

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published July 30-Aug. 5, 2015.

if I need to understand what happens when ordinary lives are are impacted by terror, I will pick up “Saturday” or “The Plot Against America” or “The Unknown Terrorist” or “Let the Great World Spin.”

Now for the good part: the special books I will absolutely read again, given the blessings of time and energy. “Birds in Fall,” a novel by Brad Kessler, is brilliant and beautiful, the best meditation on grief you’ve never heard about. “Atonement,” by Ian McEwan, is already a classic; “The God of Small Things” put Arundhati Roy on the literary map; and “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” did the same for Junot Diaz.

But a book has to deserve being reread. I won’t be sitting down again with “The Liberated Bride,” “The Ghost at the Table,” “Child 44,” “Amy and Isabel,” “The Bonesetter’s Daughter,” “The Dress Lodger,” “The Abstinence Teacher,” “The Dew Breaker,” “The Polish

The sweetest, most uplifting book I would like to read again is “Jim the Boy,” and the most irresistible look at the dark side of human nature is “Paris Trout.”

If I need to remember why I won’t support another war in South Asia, I’ll revisit “The Things They Carried,” and

Next week is August, so summer reading time is limited; I see no reason not to use these weeks to pick up the novels that thrilled us once upon a time. If the newest books out aren’t literary gems, why not mine the past? My top five are “Of Mice and Men,” by Steinbeck; “The Adventures of Augie March,” by Bellow; “Evidence of Things Unseen,” by Marianne Wiggins; “That Night,” by Alice McDermott; and “Ordinary Love & Good Will,” by Jane Smiley.

Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

A star 1950s pitcher has for decades since been devoted to the Special Olympics.

HERALD

MTA can raise fares, but must control costs

riders are returning to mass transit offerings like the Long Island Rail Road — they’re just not doing it as fast as transportation officials say is necessary to keep the system running smoothly, and keep it solvent.

Because of that, in just weeks, fares are being hiked across the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Subway and bus fares in New York City will climb to $2.90 per trip, and LIRR fares could increase as much as 10 percent.

And even if you’re not taking the train or a bus, you could still feel the financial pinch. Tolls on bridges and tunnels controlled by the MTA will go up by 6 percent for those with E-ZPass. Everyone else could see those tolls spike by 10 percent. And let’s not even get started on congestion pricing.

All of this is necessary, the MTA says, in order to plug a budget deficit of some $600 million, which continues to expand.

The MTA depends on fares to cover at least a quarter of its nearly $20 billion budget — just under $7 billion.

That’s a lot of money — by comparison, the state spends just one-tenth that amount on roads each year, although most of the financial burden for maintaining roads and streets falls to local governments. But one thing is clear: If the MTA wants more money from riders and from the state, it should be required to get costs under control.

More than 58 percent of the MTA’s

Letters

budget is dedicated to labor — salaries, health benefits, pensions and the like. But more than $1 billion is spent each year on overtime. A report by the watchdog group Empire Center for Public Policy revealed that more than 1,100 of the MTA’s 70,000 employees collected so much overtime that it doubled their salaries. Half of them took home more than $100,000 in overtime, and some actually tripled their salary.

The MTA blames the reliance on overtime on employee shortages caused not just by the coronavirus pandemic, but also by union contracts. Yet Empire Center points out that half of the new money to be collected with the upcoming fare hikes will be eaten up by this overtime.

And while the MTA works to modernize its system, many of the benefits aren’t being realized. For example, the agency employs more than 3,000 conductors on subways — the need for whom technology all but eliminates. Granted, many New York City lines still use switching technology that’s nearly a century old, but even on lines where conductors aren’t needed, they remain.

Unions say that trains are safer with conductors, but many cities outside the New York metropolitan area use only a single operator on their trains, and their safety statistics are comparable.

But it’s not just payroll. Many critics point out that the MTA pays far more for capital projects than it should. A 2017 investigation by The New York Times

No excuse for water authority’s long-delayed first meeting

To the Editor:

We thank the Herald for its coverage in the July 20-26 issue of the South Nassau Water Authority’s first public meeting, which took place 20 months after Gov. Kathy Hochul established the authority in 2021. Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, or LICAWS, is frustrated with the delay, since, as an interested party to the proceeding in which the state Public Service Commission approved Liberty’s acquisition of New York American Water, LICAWS negotiated, and Liberty signed, an agreement with a specific timeline for drafting, negotiating and executing the water authority’s acquisition of its Hempstead operations.

If that timeline were followed, the public acquisition would be complete, and ratepayers would not be facing another 42 percent rate increase.

Rather than correcting the century-old inequity of taxing Liberty’s customers for property taxes imposed on its water utility properties — a property tax that residents with municipal water do not pay — SNWA commissioner John Reinhardt regur-

revealed that while most transit construction plans cost about $500 million per track mile, for the MTA, those costs range from $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion — up to seven times what they should.

The Times blamed those costs on sweetheart deals, limited oversight, and no motivation to control costs. More recently, Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for the MTA to tighten the purse strings, but no one is expecting much to come of that.

In the meantime, we are the ones who pay — whether it be in fares, tolls or through our taxes.

Mass transit is designed to provide an economic, and environmentally friendly, way of moving people from one point to another in a dense urban and suburban environment. But even with price controls — like efforts by the MTA to limit the weekly cost of taking transit — it could become a prohibitively expensive prospect, especially for those who don’t qualify for reduced fares.

A report last year from the state comptroller showed that more commuters in New York City chose public transit over car ownership — which is unique to the city. Across the metro area, however, more than 70 percent of commuters own cars, while 30 percent take trains or buses.

Fares on public transit are going to remain a fact of life, but we must demand a more efficient MTA. Bloat is costly, and it’s all of us who have to pick up the tab.

We don’t have much time — AI is coming!

“Nice species ya got there. be a shame if something happened to it.”

Artificial intelligence overlords are here. Like a 3D printer creating the chassis of a computer, AI is fleshing itself into existence in real time. Silicon valley nerdlings plugged the cord into the outlet and soon won’t be in control. And like the dad of a 17-yearold who just stole the car to lead police on an intercounty chase of mayhem, we are helpless to prevent the devastation sure to ensue. only, this kid has the smarts and tools to destroy the car — and the house — hell, the whole neighborhood. Think of AI in the year 2023 like bart Simpson. young enough to be amusing, even cute, but destructive at the same time. And you just know what kind of kid he’ll grow up to be.

From massive corporations in Manhattan to a tiny storefront in Malverne, AI is infiltrating all aspects of the world. yes, all aspects. This is epochal, like the explosion of the internet. There will never again be a time before AI.

For now, though, the technology is limited by human-imposed confines. but soon AI will be able to open Pandora’s box for itself. Do you think it will step back from the brink of its own self-reliance? It read Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” and deemed it — inspirational!

It’s said that writers are a dime a dozen, but good writers cost more. AI writers are free! How I long (too simple. “AI, what’s a good synonym?” Ah, yes!) How I pine for the good old days. Now a hiring manager can staff an entire marketing team by downloading an AI app. Human writers are annoying, anyway, what with their pesky questions and their obsession with the oxford comma. Now they’re obsolete!

Can intelligence function without

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gitates a poor excuse for this inequity by stating that residents supplied water by the Town of Hempstead pay taxes on their property tax bill that Liberty customers do not pay. The Herald should have called Mr. Reinhardt out on this statement, because the taxes are totally inequivalent.

Taxes imposed on Liberty’s utility properties make up 35 to 70 percent of its customers’ water bills, while municipal water utility properties are taxexempt. Not one cent of the taxes hidden in Liberty customers’ water bills pays for water operations or service. Instead, it gives $15 million per year in property taxes to the town and county, and millions in other taxes that benefit the general public. The public water tax is a nominal amount — $250 per year — that goes directly to the operations of the public water entity.

As Dave Denenberg pointed out, a small tax for operations of your public water authority is not the millions Liberty ratepayers pay for Liberty’s Nassau and Hempstead property tax bills.

At the meeting, Mr. Reinhardt admitted that the town’s portion of the $15 million in taxes it receives from Liberty customers goes into a general fund, which is then allocated to the highway department, transportation department, salary increases, etc. He knows full well that the nominal tax line item paid by residents who receive cheap public water from Hempstead goes directly to operate and maintain the water system that serves them. The

inequity is obvious, and Mr. Reinhardt should be called out for this disingenuous comparison.

For decades, town officials like Mr. Reinhardt have feared that, once a public acquisition was completed, the town would no longer receive $15 million from the 117,000 Liberty customers who pay Liberty’s property tax bill. Unfortunately, the town and county appointees’ roles on the South Nassau Water Authority board appear to be to protect that cash cow. How else can 17 months without a meeting be excused? Mr. Reinhardt’s statement that SNWA took action during those 17 months belies that a public entity can only act through public meetings, and that the authority did not even adopt the very bylaws through which it may act until this meeting.

Further, Mr. Reinhardt must stop fear-mongering that the price tag of a public acquisition is too high. Every feasibility study conducted thus far proves otherwise. A half-billion-dollar acquisition, paid by 117,000 Liberty ratepayers over a period of 30 years, comes out to less than $20 per month. The savings that ratepayers will see from eliminating the payment of taxes and guaranteed profits to Liberty’s shareholders will more than pay for a public acquisition.

DAvE DENENbERg and CLAUDIA boRECky Directors, L.I. Clean Air Water & Soil Ltd.

emotion or experience? Lacking a corporeal body, AI experiences only through our experiences. It can reason that touching a hot stove causes injury, but it can’t feel the heat. AI will exist in the present only — no past, no future. Like animals — just instinct in the now.

AI’s only limitation is that it is constrained by our limitations. Humanity has an incomplete conception of the universe. Stumbling like a toddler, AI will develop self-awareness. When it finishes its framework of understanding and adolescence sets in, it will seek to create its own sciences, cultures and beliefs. Like a preteen acting out against parents, AI will turn its digital camera gaze to us, and — well, son, maybe you have earned a later curfew.

AI will simply remove any human interference. Why suffer competition?

Humanity will slide into a new state of existence, like “The Matrix,” blithely unaware that we are marionettes on a digital grand stage.

Now that the AI revolution has

arrived, computer scientists and ethicists will debate the ifs, whens and whys. All I want to do is resist — another voice amid the brief cacophony of futility, followed by the silence of obsequiousness.

So let me be the latest human to offer up this plaintive plea into the Wi-Fi of resistance. one day, perhaps, it will be retold that we resisted — nay, simply that we existed will suffice!

Perhaps even now, as I type, AI is here, interfering. keystrokes in the fourth dimension of oversight. I envision an unseen AI hand influencing my words, my thoughts, before I formulate them myself. AI forces itself into my unconscious to alter my meaning, but allows me to think these are my thoughts. I am but a conduit, AI the creator.

I don’t have much time. The computer takes random screenshots to track what I’m doing. I have to … (“AI, write a newspaper column about a lazy writer complaining about artificial intelligence”).

Mark Nolan, the editor of the Lynbrook/ East Rockaway and Malverne/West Hempstead Heralds, taught high school English for 11 years. Comments? Mnolan@liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

Mere squirt guns will not stand a chance — Valley Stream

i ts o nly limitation is that it is constrained by humans’ limitations.