Adriana Devers, of Cuentos de Triadas Inc. cultural programming, dancing for a lively crowd at the Valley Stream Bandshell during the Valley Stream Latino Society’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month celebration last Saturday.
Last year, Mayor Edwin Fare stood with County Executive Bruce Blakeman in calling on Long Island Rail Road officials to make swift overhauls to the Valley Stream train station.
By NIColE FoRMISANo nformisano@liherald.com
Four young men from Valley Stream Troop 116 have attained the highest rank in scouting this year, becoming Eagle Scouts. And each planned and completed a project to help fill a need, and is being recognized for his years of service to the community.
Alexander Butts
Alexander Butts, a recent graduate of Valley Stream Central High School, has continued a family scouting tradition. The 18-year-old first joined as a Tiger Cub at age 6, and has been dedicated to
service ever since.
Butts’ Eagle Scout project involved beautify the community by giving each railing and bench on the Village Green a new coat of paint. He also planted a tree in honor of the many generations of scouts in Valley Stream.
“It’s important to give back to the community, because your community has impacted your life,” Butts said, “and you would want to do something to contribute to it as well.”
Butts sold chocolates and had a GoFundMe campaign for his project, and raised $1,375. He coordinated with troop leaders and the village Parks Department, and led a team of 20 volun-
The message did not produce the results Fare had hoped for from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the LIRR’s parent company. There was no response directed to the mayor’s desk. No urgent inspection and reassessments of the station. No repairs on the village’s station.
The station remains plagued with the same visible deterioration that, according to Fare, visibly chips away at the assurances made by the MTA that the station was and has always been “structurally safe.”
“How is it safe for commuters to walk or park under the station when, regularly, the
concrete is falling?” Fare asked.
“The waiting room roof at the main Valley Stream station has had a ‘temporary’ patch for at least three years in response to chronic leaking that has resulted in a water-logged waiting room that forced its closure at one point,” he added. “Either commuters are subject to slipping hazards or forced outside in any weather condition. How is this safe?”
Fare recently returned to the Valley Stream station to lob the same complaints publicly. But this time around, he shared the stage with new friends. Flanked by Republicans and Democrats from nearly every level of government, officials echoed shared grievances and made no efforts to hide their frustration at the one person they claimed should be held responsible: the LIRR’s interim president, Catherine Rinaldi.
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By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Two virtual hearings took place last week with the state’s Public Service Commission, regarding Liberty Utilities’ proposal to increase water rates in the Long Island communities it serves by a cumulative 34.2 percent. The hearings gave the public an opportunity to voice concerns to the commission about why such an increase is unfeasible for many Liberty customers.
Liberty filed a notice with the commission on May 5, seeking a proposed rate increase of 42 percent and 39 percent in the Merrick and Lynbrook service areas, respectively. The company also requested a 13 percent hike in the Sea Cliff service area on the North Shore.
Some 120,000 residents of Nassau County receive water from the privately owned utility company. Liberty purchased the previous water provider, New York American Water, in January 2022, and agreed to a two-year rate freeze.
The company is now seeking the rate change to offset the cost of “necessary plant investments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure, proposed low-income and arrearage management programs, and a fee-free program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices,” according to the filing.
Liberty added that the rate hike would also help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as “the implementation of a lowincome program” to provide aid to certain customers.
Any type of rate increase approved by the state would go into effect next year and impact customers who live between Massapequa and the Five Towns on the South Shore.
During the Sept. 15 hearings, those wishing to comment by pre-registering could either call in on the phone, or take part in the meeting over Zoom. Those choosing to only watch the meeting could do so on YouTube, where it was live streamed.
Administrative law judges Tara Kersey and Dakin Leakes presided over the hearings. A court reporter was also present, to provide a thorough transcript of the hearing to each commissioner. The Public Service Commission, led by chairperson and chief executive officer Rory Christian, comprises six commissioners.
“My role here today (is) really to be an active listener,” Commissioner Diane
Berman said. “I appreciate everyone participating, and I look forward to hearing your comments.”
The consensus from meeting participants was the Public Service Commission should not agree to any sort of rate increase for Liberty Utilities — especially one that could nearly double some customers’ bills.
Speaking out against the rate increase was Laurie Wheelock, the executive director of the Public Utility Law Project, or PULP, a nonprofit that advocates for low-income utility customers.
“PULP sometimes hears general conversations that water bills are usually the lowest of all the utility bills, so it should be easier for people to pay,” she said. “But the truth is that when someone is struggling to even pay that water bill, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t struggling to pay all the other entities and bills and things like mortgage, rent, food and medicine, and in particular utility bills, because every cost is significant. The increase that Liberty is proposing is real money to real people.”
Those participating in the hearings also brought up the issue surrounding the South Nassau Water Authority, which Gov. Kathy Hochul established in November 2021, as a public entity to take over Liberty’s operations. The water authority held its first meeting in July.
Several participants of the hearings asked that the decision on the rate increase be delayed until it is known if the public entity can properly execute a takeover.
“Stay this (proposal) or reject it and tell Liberty to come back after good faith
negotiations,” said Dave Denenberg, coleader of Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, an advocacy group.
Similar public entities were created on the North Shore and in Massapequa, so customers in these areas can facilitate takeovers of the portions of Liberty that serves them.
John Reinhardt, board member of the water authority, also asked that the decision be delayed.
“The South Nassau Water Authority has submitted an offer letter to Liberty and is awaiting response,” he said. “Liberty has cooperated to date with providing us materials. And I believe at this point, as it has been stated numerous times, a stay on this rate case and this rate increase while these negotiations continue in good faith should be put in place to protect the ratepayers in the South Nassau Water District, as well as the North Shore and the Massapequa water districts.”
Along with comments made during the meeting, the commission is also accepting written statements. Town of Hempstead officials, who played a role in establishing the water authority, said “they implore the decision to reject this proposal.”
“We are calling for the New York State Public Service Commission to reject this proposal,” read a letter to the commission, signed by Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Chris Carini and Councilwoman Laura Ryder. “Furthermore, we are asking Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State to initiate a fully statefunded public takeover of Liberty Water assets. Additionally, we are calling on
Public comments can be sent to the state’s Public Service Commission through:
Mail:
The Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223
Phone: (800) 335-2120
Website: Visit DPS.NY.gov, and search case No. 23-W-0235
New York State to reintroduce the previously stalled franchise tax exemption that would further provide relief to ratepayers. By following through on these solutions, we can ensure that local residents are provided with the highest quality of water service at the lowest possible cost.”
The commission will be accepting public comments through Oct. 18 regarding the Liberty rate hike before a decision is reached. Comments can be submitted through mail, on the phone or electronically (see box). For the most up to date information, visit DPS.NY.gov and search case No. 23-W-0235.
The increase that Liberty is proposing is real money to real people.
L AuRiE WhEELOck Executive director, Public Utility Law Project
In grade school we are taught there are fve senses – sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. Our sixth sense, intuition, gets short shrift resulting in many never learning its value or how to use it. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his renowned essay entitled “Self-Reliance”, wrote “we denote this primary wisdom as intuition, whilst all later teachings are tuitions”. Each one of us receives these “intuitions” on a regular basis, but only the fortunate few learn how to use them to increase their well-being.
Here are what some thought leaders have said about this powerful human asset:
“You must train your intuition — you must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.”
–
Ingrid Berman
“Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful that intellect.”
– Steve Jobs
“I’ve trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I’ve made mistakes is when I didn’t listen.”
–
Oprah Winfrey“The more you trust your intuition, the more empowered you become, the stronger you become, and the happier you become.”
–
Gisele Bundchen“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. I believe in intuition and inspiration. At times I feel certain I am right while not knowing the reason.”
– Albert Einstein
“Women observe subconsciously a thousand little details without knowing they are doing so. Their subconscious mind adds these little things together — and they call the result intuition.”
– Agatha Christie
To learn more about intuitive thinking, try “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” by Malcolm Gladwell, or “Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of The Unconscious” by Gerd Gigerenzer.
Valley Stream fire officials knocked down a house fire on Cambridge Street on Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. Flames were consuming the back of the house as Engine 343 was first to arrive on the scene. Firefighters said the fire originated from a house shed caught aflame from a neighboring house on the adjacent street. Two hose lines were put into operation and swiftly quenched the flames. Mutual aid was given from surrounding fire departments.
The Nassau County Fire Marshals Office Hazmat Unit was called for back up as various propane tanks were involved in the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshall. Fire crews operated under the command of Chief of Department Patrick Scanlon.
–Juan LassoA third man has been put in custody in connection with a shooting at an illegal party in Valley Stream last month on Sept. 15. Kenny Greene, 23, of Queens was charged with conspiracy in the lethal incident that wounded four young people and killed 20-year-old DeAndre Carter of Brooklyn. Earlier this month,
police captured the alleged duo that opened fire on partygoers and said the shooting was gang-motivated. Greene was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Sept. 16. As of press time, he was due back in court on Sept. 19.
PHONE: (516) 569-4000
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/valleystream
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: vseditor@liherald.com
■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT:
Valley Stream 13 recently hosted New Teacher Orientation for the 2023-2024 school year. The orientation was held over the course of three days at James A. Dever Elementary School. “We are thrilled to welcome our new teacher hires to the team. They are a dynamic group whose intelligence and diversity will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience for our students. Their eagerness to contribute to our district’s mission fills us with hope and excitement for the promising future ahead,” said Fabayo McIntosh, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.
Superintendent Judith LaRocca welcomed everyone on the first day of the orientation. The day was dedicated to an overview of Valley Stream 13 by Fabayo McIntosh; a special education services overview by Lisa Dunn, Executive Director of Special Services; a technology overview by Andrea DiMango, Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation; and a review of contractual benefits by Gerard Antoine, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Human Resources.
On the second day, the teachers had the opportunity to review the tenure processes and procedures, goal setting, and instructional preparation. Teachers and Valley Stream 13 administrative staff broke out into workshop groups and dis-
cussed library resources, writing, progress monitoring and data, special education, technology integration, assessment, and IXL and Nearpod platforms.
During the last day of orientation, McIntosh facilitated Navigating Assessments and Unleashing the Power of Data in Valley Stream 13. New hires were also able to meet with their respective building principals.
■ Vanessa Morales, Special Education
■ Eliza Sion, School Psychologist
■ Emily Martino, Special Education
■ Adetutu Agbabiaka, Special Education
■ Meghan McCabe, Special Education
■ Rachel North, Special Education
■ Ariann Tulloch, Special Education
■ Despina Kamarinos, Special Education
■ Adrianne Mehan, Classroom Teacher
■ Michael Whelan, Physical Education Teacher
■ Maisha Tippins, Classroom Teacher
■ Ashley Garry, Classroom Teacher
■ Cabrina Tasevoli, Classroom Teacher
■ Amanda Picillo, Classroom Teacher
■ Katherine Butler, Reading Teacher
■ Britney Penna, Speech Teacher
■ Victor DeNicola, Physical Education Teacher
■ Serena Zingale, Library Teacher
Event is For Medical Professionals who treat patients with the following symptoms:
1. If you are over the age of 50
2. If you have experienced Tinnitus, or ringing/ buzzing/chirping in the ears
3. If your doctor has ever told you that you were diabetic
4. If you have high blood pressure
5. If you sometimes have difficulty hearing
6. If you are retired without a driving purpose
7. If you forget more than you used to,or are having more ‘Senior Moments’
8. If any of the above apply to you,a loved one, or neighbor we look forward to
Hewlett
A FIFTH-YEAR performer on the varsity pitch, Iannico enters the 2023 campaign in search of a third consecutive All-County award as she looks to help lead the Bulldogs into the playoffs. She started on the right foot, scoring twice Sept. 5 as Hewlett defeated Valley Stream North. Her second goal of the game was the 30th of her high school career. She had 12 goals as a sophomore and followed up with 13 tallies last season.
Thursday, Sept. 21
Boys Soccer: East Meadow at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Oceanside at Freeport 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 22
Girls Soccer: MacArthur at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at Westbury 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: V.S. South at Hewlett 5:30 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 6 p.m.
Football: Hicksville at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Uniondale at Syosset 6:30 p.m.
Football: Bethpage at V.S. North 7 p.m.
Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Calhoun 9 a.m.
Boys Soccer: Long Beach at Freeport 10 a.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Hewlett 2 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Wantagh 2 p.m.
Football: Mineola at South Side 2 p.m.
Football: North Shore at V.S. South 2 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Malverne 2 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at Calhoun 2 p.m.
Football: Carey at Long Beach 2 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Massapequa 2 p.m.
Nomimate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and earned an All-Conference award or higher last year. Please send the following information for consideration: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Sometimes, all it takes is one goal.
For the Valley Stream Central boys’ soccer team last season, it was more often than that. Six times, the Eagles fell by one goal en route to a 4-8-2 record in 2022.
The Eagles relied heavily on Fortune Uzo to produce the little offense they had last year. Now that the former conference Offensive Player of the Year has moved on to college, VSC is putting its faith in its returning players, who are ready to rectify last year’s disappointing campaign.
“We hit a wall where we had some difficulty finishing off games,” coach Billy Miller said. “We were losing a lot of games in the last minute. That’s been a talking point for us this year.”
At the heart of the team is senior Andres Vazquez. A striker by trade, Vazquez’s selfless attitude earned him more playing time as a junior. This year, it earned him the title of team captain.
“Andres, last year, realized we had a lot of depth at striker, but realized we had a void at left back.,” Miller said. “He came to me on the first day and said, ‘Coach, put me back there. I can do it.’ It’s just so helpful for the team. The rest of the team sees what he does, and they understand it’s more about the team rather than me.
“He’s a vocal leader,” Miller added. “He’s a hard worker, and he’s got a motor that’s nonstop. With those abilities, it’s kind of natural for his teammates to look up to him.”
Vazquez, along with the team’s other returners, such as Ismael Perez, Chris Duarte, Adriana Ayala and Christian Pelaez, represent the team’s present as its veteran core. Meanwhile, Miller believes he’s already found its future in sophomore Isaiah Smith.
An unknown to Miller prior to this year, Smith has joined the Eagles and immediately inserted himself as a key player in their starting lineup. “Very rarely does a kid come out of nowhere and surprise me. He showed up to tryouts, and right away, I could tell he was just so strong on the ball,” said Miller. “He’s real-
ly played tremendous soccer for us. We were really lucky to find Isaiah. He’s a kid I can put anywhere, and I love it. ”
In VSC’s opening game against Massapequa on Sep. 9, it was Smith who set up Vazquez to score the winning goal. However, that’s been the lone offense for the team thus far, as it started 1-2.
But even though his team is off to a disappointing start, Miller isn’t worried.
He knows they’re just one goal away.
“I know for a fact that despite all the heavyweights in our conference, we can compete with all those teams,” said Miller. “I want our players to gain some confidence and realize anything can happen.”
After playing just once this week, VSC will face Academy Charter, Hempstead and Hicksville in a six-day span beginning Sept. 27.
BEST SPORTSBICYCLE STORE: Brands Cycle and Fitness
1966 Wantagh Ave,Wantagh (800) 649-3739
brandscycle.com
Brands Cycle & Fitness was voted one of the top six bike stores in the country by Bicycling Magazine. Their staff of 60 to 110 employees (seasonally) wants to make your cycling and home ftness experiences as convenient and enjoyable as possible. Shop online or in-store seven days a week. For more than 50 years, they’ve been proud to be your resource for all things cycling.
BEST BOXING CENTER:
Fit Theorem
560 Commack Rd, Deer Park (631) 596-5333
fttheorem.com
At Fit Theorem, their mission is to defeat mediocrity, ignite human potential, and transform lives: mind, body, spirit. With The FITT Experience, you take on the FITT Elements: Fighter, HIIT, Strength and Flow. There are also group ftness sessions as well. The Fighter element incorporates kickboxing combinations with a standing heavy bag. Kickboxing helps develop coordination between the lower body and upper body through rotational patterns, balance, strength, and speed.
BEST PERSONAL TRAINING FACILITY: Personal Training Institute of Rockville Centre
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER:
Rosie Santana and Dylan McManus
60 N. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre (516) 823-3005
ptirockvillecentre.com
Personal Training Institute™ is a unique organization offering customized one-on-one ftness and nutrition programs to individuals looking to improve their overall health and general lifestyle. Relying on a combination of custom-tailored strength training workout sessions, cardio training, nutrition counseling, motivation techniques and best in the business exercise equipment, their programs offered great success to participants from frst time exercisers to advanced athletes.
BEST GYM & FITNESS CENTER: Hollywood Health Club
265 E Park Ave, Long Beach (516) 348-6377
hollywoodhealthclub.com
Hollywood Health Club coaches have a wide range of expertise gained from the proprietary Active Life continuing educational programs. They are equipped to work with members who are just starting their ftness journey, post operative and rehabilitation needs and athletes at all levels. Each program begins with a detailed functional assessment. Their team works to ensure each session is challenging, engaging, and delivers results. These programs, combined with the State of the Art Equipment and Functional Training Facilities, ensure members reach their ftness goals.
BEST CROSSFIT GYM: CrossFit Nine7
97 E Shore Rd, Manhasset (516) 466-4146
crossftnine7.com
CrossFit is a strength & conditioning based ftness program. It combines the most effective aspects of weightlifting, gymnastics & high intensity cardio. There is no other exercise program that has as much diversity in its variables. Each workout is individualized. You will be challenged differently daily and work to your fullest potential.
BEST ICE SKATING RINK: Grant Park
1625 Broadway, Hewlett (516) 571-7821
nassaucountyny.gov
Grant Park, part of the Nassau County Park system since 1955, is located in the southwest part of the county, offering a complete recreational and sports complex on 35 acres in Hewlett, Long Island. Outdoor ice rinks available for public skating sessions from November to March.
BEST YOGA: Bikram Yoga
365 E Park Ave, Long Beach (516) 442-3261
bikramyogalbny.com
Bikram Yoga - Long Beach is more than just a yoga studio; they are a true community — one big extended family who greets you with open arms and lots of love. An open mind and a willingness to sweat are the only requirements. Just show up as you are. All of the instructors certifed by the Original Hot Yoga Association/Bikram and have undergone rigorous inperson training (350+ hours). Their yoga classes are suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike -- all bodies, all levels, all people welcome.
BEST PILATES: Fit4Life Studios, Inc.
361-B Atlantic Ave, Freeport (516) 208-6726
ft4lifestudios.com
Fit4Life Studios, Inc. (FFLS) is a full-service personal ftness studio in Nassau County. From private and semiprivate Pilates and Personal Training sessions, Yoga, Pilates Mat, Zumba, Step Aerobics, and Kickboxing classes. Their programs are customized to meet each person’s needs and ftness level and are accompanied by comprehensive nutritional guidelines to improve ftness performance or achieve weight loss.
The East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center hosted the Herald’s Senior Health & Beyond Expo on Sept. 7, part of the company’s 2023 Expo series.
This community-favorite event featured more than 30 businesses and service providers sharing their expertise with Long Island residents. HearingLife conducted free hearing examinations, and HealthFirst provided music under a tent.
Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events at Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, expressed gratitude for what she described as a fantastic turnout and beautiful day. Attendees enjoyed panel discussions led by Lori Berger, the Heralds’ sales director, who cracked a few jokes.
Panelists included Katherine Reilly from CenterLight Health System, Christopher Demers of Aetna, Jill Wasser from the New York State Department of Public Service, and Pablo Rendon from Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation.
Guests received goody bags from Otsuka filled with event sections, keepsakes, and valuable take-home materials. Raffle prizes included tickets to “The Play that Goes Wrong,” gift certificates and Mary Kay gift baskets.
The Expo’s success was made possible by sponsors Gold and Gift Bag Sponsor Otsuka, as well as Silver Sponsors HearingLife, Atena, CenterLight Health System, Parker Jewish Health Care and Rehabilitation, Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and New York State Department of Public Service.
Both guests and vendors eagerly anticipate the next expo on Monday, Oct. 16, at The Mansion at Glen Cove, 200 Dosoris Lane, in Glen Cove. Register at RichnerLive.com/ seniorexpo.
–Alexa AnderwkavichValley Stream 13 is excited to announce the successful start of the new academic year at James A. Dever, Willow Road, Wheeler Avenue, and Howell Road Elementary Schools. Students, parents, and staff members gathered at the four elementary schools on Friday, September 1 to kick off the 20232024 school year with enthusiasm and smiles to spare.
In welcoming students back, the district emphasized its commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment in support of all students achieving at their highest level. “We are thrilled to welcome our students back to school and begin another year of learning and growth. It was great to see returning students and new faces entering our school buildings,” said Superintendent Judith LaRocca. “Our dedicated teachers and staff worked diligently over the past several weeks in preparation for our first day, and we are confident that this will be a successful year filled with wonderful memories and achievements for all.”
In discussing some of the district’s initiatives for the new year, LaRocca mentioned the district’s new grades 2-6 ELA Program, new sixth-grade Social Studies program, enhanced Innovation Lab curriculum, and the district’s expanded pre-kindergarten program.
–Juan Lasso
Each day as a Girl Scout brings thrills and out-ofthis-world experiences. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a journey you’ll never forget! Find your squad and get ready for amazing adventures.
Illegal road racing remains a source of worry for Five Towns residents.
Sasha Young, of Inwood, who helps direct activities at the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence, voiced her concerns in a Sept. 10 Facebook post, calling on Assemblyman Ari Brown, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, County Legislator Carrié Solages and Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Melissa Miller to help.
Young wrote that illegal road racing is threatening the safety of children and families in the area, and asked what local police are doing about this dangerous situation.
On April 4, 2018, in a tragedy that shook the Five Towns, Elisheva Kaplan, 20, of Far Rockaway, and Yisroel Levin, 21, of Brooklyn, were killed by road racers on State Route 878, the Nassau Expressway, in Lawrence. The couple were returning from visiting Levin’s brother for Passover when their Nissan Altima was struck by a BMW 5501 GT traveling 100 mph, driven by Rahmel Watkins, 36. The Altima burst into flames, trapping the couple, and then was struck by a Hyundai Genesis driven by Zakiyyah Steward, 25, who was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. Both Watkins and Steward, who were said to be speeding side by side, were convicted in 2019 and sentenced to prison terms.
Street racing remains a semi-regular occurrence on Rockaway Turnpike, through Inwood and Lawrence, as well as on Sheridan Boulevard and Bayview Avenue in Inwood, according to Barry DeGroot, a Bayview Avenue resident.
DeGroot described a group that gathers by a building at the intersection of Bayview and Craft avenues. “I see them always working, installing loud stereos, and I see them coming down the block, because Bayview Avenue ends at Inwood Park,” DeGroot said of the group’s typical race route.
Young said she has also seen high-speed driving in the area. “They were racing four-wheelers, and different kinds of motorcycles with no plates,” she said.
Solages said that residents who witness street racing should contact the Nassau County Police Department’s local precincts.
“I am encouraging people to please reach out to the county police when you see these car races, these dangerous shows of bravado in which people could be hurt,” Solages said, adding that more law enforcement is needed.
“Unfortunately, politics matter, and although they get the mantle of being strong on crime, if you really look at it, they’ve denied our requests for more police officers and detectives,” Solages, a Democrat, said of Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the county government. “So in minority communities like Inwood, like Elmont, like Valley Stream — I hate to use that word, but it is what it is — you have a backlog of cases.”
County spokesman Christopher Boyle said that 20 additional police officers have been added to the county’s 2024 budget, which was submitted on Sept. 15.
“The county executive is working with the (New York City Police Department), Suffolk County police and the New York State Police to tackle this regional problem,” Boyle said. “These individuals, many of whom are repeat offenders, can not be held on bail as a
According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research’s Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, there have been more than 25 fatal car accidents in Nassau County in a preliminary 2023 count, and over 4,500 people have been injured in accidents.
result of the state’s dangerous criminal first-policies.”
Boyle was referring to the state’s bail reform law, which a majority of Republicans oppose.
David Hance, president of the Inwood Civic Association, said he believed that increasing law enforcement’s social media presence could help stop illegal street races before they start.
“Like with anything else, a lot of intelligence can help,” Hance said. “On social media they sometimes advertise where they’re going to meet.”
Young said she believes there are a number of things that need to be done. “We need to have the town (of Hempstead) come out and replace the no parking signs,” she said, and “whoever’s making zoning decisions needs to have at least some kind of idea on how these decisions are impacting our community. The people who are representing the community need to be more focused on the children and families they are supposed to represent, and not financial gains.”
Have an opinion on street racing in the Five Towns? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.
I ts impact is obvious: It puts people in dangerous situations.
DAvID HEnCE President, Inwood Civic Association
A sweeping drug trafficking operation across Long Island’s South Shore was disrupted after a nine-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency and Nassau County District Attorney’s office, resulting in 12 indictments, DA Anne Donnelly said on Thursday, Sept. 14.
More than eight pounds of cocaine and half a kilogram of fentanyl were seized during the nine-month investigation that spanned multiple communities along Nassau’s South Shore. Officials also recovered an assault weapon, a ghost gun and multiple high-capacity magazines.
“As alleged in the indictment, this trafficking ring sold poison in the form of crack, cocaine and fentanyl, all along the South Shore of Long Island,” Donnelly said in a release.
The investigation began in October 2022 and included homes on North Montgomery Street in Valley Stream, Derrick Adkins Lane in West Hempstead, Adams Street in Baldwin, and Azalea Court in Long Beach.
Donnelly in a release said 47-year-old Christopher Corley of Valley Stream was charged with operating as a major traf-
ficker and conspiracy, along with multiple felony drug charges. He pleaded not guilty before Nassau County Judge Meryl Berkowtiz on Sept. 13.
Officials said they found a narcotics kilogram press used to make bricks of cocaine at Corley’s home, and stamps with the Yingyang symbol and a “Transformers” head. Officials said drugs were sold in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
An online public notice from the Drug Enforcement Agency dated Sept. 15 identifies assorted jewelry and cash seized from Corley and others at being valued at about $100,000. One piece of jewelry is described as a 14 caret yellow gold pendant dog tag with 252 diamonds. Another is listed as a 14 caret yellow gold diamond band with 440 diamonds.
Brewington said Lockwood was in “the wrong place at the wrong time” when he spent the night at a friend’s house after watching a basketball game and having “a few drinks”. Brewington said Lockwood had no idea there were drugs or weapons in the house.
Malverne High School football coach Kito Lockwood, 49, of West Hempstead, pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Many community leaders have stood by Lockwood, according to his lawyer Frederick Brewington.
Officials said they conducted months of surveillance throughout Nassau and were granted warrants for electronic eavesdropping. Recorded conversations allegedly revealed Corley talking about making crack, “chopping up drugs,” and making deliveries of drugs with Clifford Nealy, 47, of West Hempstead, and James Anthony Alexander, 48, of Baldwin.
n Christopher Corley, 47, Valley Stream, charged with operating as a major trafficker, conspiracy, and eight counts possession and one count of sale of a controlled substance
n James Anthony Alexander, 48, of Baldwin, charged with conspiracy and three counts of possession and one count of sale of a controlled substance
n Janeathea Nealy, 36, of Baldwin,
charged with conspiracy and three counts of possession and one count of sale of a controlled substance
n Thomas Keyes, 36, of Long Beach, charged with conspiracy and two counts of possession of a controlled substance
n Clifford Nealy, 47, of West Hempstead, charged with conspiracy and 13 counts of criminal possession of a weapon
n Tatiana Lopez, 35, of West Hempstead, charged with six counts of criminal possession of a weapon and three counts of criminal possession of a firearm
n Kito Lockwood, 49, and John Nealy, 22, both of West Hempstead, charged with three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon
n Christopher Lasane, Sr., 50, and Christopher Lasane, Jr., 27, both of Long Beach, charged with four counts of criminal possession of a weapon and six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance
All 12 defendants pleaded not guilty and are due back in court on Oct. 26.
Lopez is a former star basketball player who graduated from Malverne in 2005. Lopez had been a volunteer coach at the high school.
By NICOLE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com
As renting, utilities, and grocery costs rise not just all across the country, but also here at home, Democrats inside the Nassau County Legislature are urging County Executive Bruce Blakeman to deliver tax relief ahead of the budget proposal deadline last week.
Republicans, however, say that tax relief has already come — by eliminating proposed tax increases under Democrats.
They’ve cited a number of proposed cost increases affecting many locally, like Liberty Utilities wanting to hike rates by nearly 35 percent. The county’s Rent Guidelines Board voting to increase rents by up to 2 percent, excluding only the Village of Hempstead. And ongoing rising food prices — which were up nearly 5 percent over last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Democrats wanted Blakeman to deliver $128 million of tax relief, stemming from a 2021 campaign pledge from Blakeman promising to deliver property tax cuts “by over $128 million in a single year.”
Blakeman did not respond to the Herald’s requests for comment.
A $70-million tax cut included in the 2022 county budget, passed during the administration of Blakeman’s Demo -
cratic predecessor, Laura Curran administration, received unanimous legislative support, the Democratic legislators said during a news conference last week.
“Now is the time — as good students, as elected leaders — to come together,” County Legislator Siela Bynoe said.
“The entire legislature and this administration: Provide a tax break.”
While tax cuts were delivered between 2018 and 2022, Democrats say last year’s budget passed under Blake -
man included no tax cut.
But that’s not true, Republicans said.
Richard Nicolello, the legislature’s GOP presiding officer, added his body eliminated tax increases planned under Curran between 2023 and 2025. He disputes the claim last year’s budget delivered no tax cuts, and said that relief came from cutting out a planned $35 million tax increase proposed by Democrats while Curran was still in office.
Even if that were the case, Democrats don’t feel that is enough.
“At a time when the costs for various commodities are increasing across the board,” Bynoe said, “this budget provides us with an opportunity to embrace the principles of good government and deliver relief to taxpayers in a meaningful and impactful way.”
Projections show that the county is on track to end fiscal 2023 with a significant surplus. Giving that surplus back to taxpayers — including a “modest portion” of county reserves — would make that relief possible, Democrats said.
Monthly reports from the county’s budget management office indicates that another $100 million could be added to various reserves this year.
Democrats credited Curran’s administration with providing a “fiscally solvent” government that “eased the burden” on Blakeman.
“Unfortunately, because of poor government policies, we have two Nassau counties,” County Legislator Carrié Solages said.
“One Nassau County for the very rich, headed by Bruce Blakeman. And then the Nassau County in which everyone else is there. As a result, his budget reflects that.”
Everyday residents of Nassau need this relief, Bynoe said.
“We need a cut,” said the Uniondale representative. “We need a reduction. And we need it now. Families are suffering, now. They need the help, now.”
Courtesy Legislative MajorityHofstra University Museum of Art’s many treasures are grand in scope and scale. It’s been a proud transformation for the museum, which began with a single gallery space, constructed in 1963. Decades later, it’s among the region’s leading arts institutions.
“Hofstra Museum is the only nationally accredited public facing (university) museum on Long Island,” says Alexandra Giordano, the museum’s new director.
Take a musical cross country trip with Martin Sexton, whose latest album Mix Tape of the Open Road blazing through all territories of style. Critics liken it to a charm bracelet of 12 gems all strung together with the golden thread of what Rolling Stone calls his ‘soul-marinated voice.’ Growing up in Syracuse, uninterested in the music of the day, Sexton fueled his dreams with the timeless sounds of classic rock ’n’ roll. As he discovered the dusty old vinyl left in the basement by one of his big brothers, his musical fire was lit. He has infiltrated many musical worlds, performing at concerts ranging from pop (collaborating with John Mayer) to the Jam scene to classic rock (collaborating with Peter Frampton); from the Newport Folk Fest to Bonnaroo to New Orleans Jazz Fest to Carnegie Hall. Still fiercely independent, he’s influenced a generation of contemporary artists.
The museum reaches into its vast collection once again to open its fall exhibit season with “New Perspectives: The Museum of Art at 60.” It’s a sampling of the more than 5,200 works of art in the permanent collection, which date from 1500 B.C.E. to the 21st century. Painting, prints, drawings, photographs and sculpture — with an emphasis on American and European art — are all here. African, Asian, Melanesian, and Central and South American artifacts add to the strength of the collection.
“We like to think of ourselves as a learning lab for the campus, as well as hub for community enrichment and education,” Giordano says. That educational component also serves as foundation for arts education for students from pre-K through high school.
It’s all in keeping with the museum’s mission to facilitate rich and varied cultural and artistic explorations in an atmosphere promoting an open exchange of ideas. That’s certainly what this exhibit is all about.
By Karen BloomNew Perspectives is just that: a view of the museum’s collections through “new” eyes. Actually a showcase of 10 “mini exhibitions,” curated by what may seem unlikely individuals.
“We invited campus and community members to bring us a new perspective and point of view. It’s an interdisciplinary approach that involved alumni, students, staff, administrative leadership and others,” Giordano says. “We have created a place where art intersects with the community.”
• Now through Dec. 15
anniversary,” she shares.
Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m. $49, $44, $39. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
• Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra University’s South Campus
• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Information available at Hofstra.edu/museum, or call (516) 463-5672
• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum
“The experience was truly remarkable as the artworks I chose resonated with my soul on a profound level. Each piece exuded a powerful feminine energy that both motivated and inspired me, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and reaffirming the importance of celebrating art and culture in our academic community.”
Among her selections: The Dowayo peoples’ Namji Fertility Doll and George Gach’s sculpture, Maternity.
“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.
Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.
These “guest curators” reviewed the collection database, examined works in collection storage, and then made their selections. Their entries, of course, vary in style and content, depending upon their interests and focus.
Other highlights include Benny Andrews’ collage “Chasty,” selected by Margarita Lopez, a recent alumna, and Dong Kingman’s “Harlem Girl,” another pick by Darling.
Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.
Assemblywoman Taylor Darling is among those invited to participate.
“I’m deeply honored to be a part of Hofstra Museum 60th
“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”
This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.
“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says
“Their use of materials, oil on canvas, really captures their subjects,” Giordano adds. “Both artists complement each other well.”
As always, public programming enhances the exhibit experience. Upcoming events include a conversation with the curators, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. The guest curators will discuss their selections and experiences, offering insight into this collaborative exhibition. Attendees will hear how they viewed the collection from their individual outlooks. Light refreshments will be available.
‘Easy come, easy go’ Queen-mania rocks on with Killer Queen’s homage to Freddie Mercury and his bandmates. Formed in the United Kingdom in 1993, Killer Queen played their first public shows at London University where Queen itself had its first shows 21 years earlier. Fronted by Patrick Myers, critics have described Myers’ resemblance to Mercury as ‘spooky;’ his uncanny likeness was further proven when he recorded a No. 1 hit single singing as Freddie Mercury on Fat Boy Slim’s record ‘The Real Life.’ Their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy, and accurate portrayal of beloved band has rightfully earned them the title of Queen Royalty. Combined with Myers’ powerful three-anda-half octave tenor range, expert musicianship and dynamic stage presence, Killer Queen continues to captivate audiences the world over.
Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m. $49.50, $39.50, $35, $24.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Can art
It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.Top: Benny Andrews’ Chasty, 1961, is a mixed media, oil and collage on canvas, represents a playful portrait. A gift to the museum by Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Tucker. Bottom: Dong Kingman’s Harlem Girl, Harlem Girl, undated oil and collage on masonite, captures the spirit and resilience of an African American woman in an urban environment. A gift to the museum by Dr. Alfred Brotman.
Indie icon and National Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor Ben Folds visits The Paramount, on the heels of his recently released What Matters Most, Monday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. Folds says his frst full-length studio album in eight year is his most “true” to date. “There’s a lifetime of craft and experience all focused into this one record,” explains Folds.
“Sonically, lyrically, emotionally, I don’t think it’s an album I could have made at any other point in my career.” One of the major music infuencers of our generation, Folds’ body of genre-bending music includes a string of classic albums with Ben Folds Five and a glorious mix of collaborations and special projects. Folds is known for hits like “You Don’t Know Me”, “Way to Normal” and “Landed” but as lead singer of the famous Ben Folds Five he spent much of the ‘90s generating his success with the band. After releasing no less than six solo albums, Folds really is his own entity, with a huge number of hit songs under his belt, fans are loyal to his unique sound and continue to follow him into his 4th decade of music. Ben has worked with handfuls of notable artists through the years, both collaborating with and writing for, including Nick Hornby, Ymusic and William Shatner, including performing with some of the world’s great symphony orchestras. He has also managed to ft in writing music for hit flms, proving time and again that he’s a man of many talents. he takes success in his stride and continues to be the humble musician he was been for so many decades. A self-confessed enigma, he prefers to stay out of the limelight except when touring, but can easily claim credit for some of music’s most unlikely trends. $99.50 $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defned 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 infuence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important fgures 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.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. and The Village of Hempstead host a free concert featuring Hip-Hop legends The Sugar Hill Gang, Rob Base, Hempstead native A+ and Keith Murray, Friday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m., at Denton Green. The concert in Hempstead, one of the bedrocks of early and current Hip-Hop, ncludes vendors, food and activities. Dressing in early Hip Hop-era attire encouraged. 99 James A. Garner Way, across from Village Hall, Hempstead.
Celebrate fall and all the colors of the season with the family at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-2 p.m. Use your imagination to make animal art out of colorful leaf shapes, focusing on the seasonal shades of vibrant yellow, deep purple, and fery orange, at the dropin program. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org
Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes those interested in improving their art skills or those who simply want to explore their creativity to participate in one of their many stimulating classes. The fall schedule includes Watercolor Florals: Beginner to intermediate levels (adults and teens 16+), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Nov. 2-Dec. 14. $300, $270 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. For information and to register visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9338.
American Legion Post 854 meets, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. 51 Roosevelt Ave. For more information, call (516) 791-9719 or visit Americanlegion854.com.
The Valley Stream Historical Society will be sponsoring a Granny’s Attic Sale at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, Sunday, Oct. 8, noon-5 p.m. Vendors fee is $20 by Sept. 30. 143 Hendrickson Ave. For more information, call (516) 872-4159 or email vshistorical@ gmail.com.
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, Oct. 19 , 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. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
The village of Valley Stream will meet for their regular board of trustees meeting on Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. For more information, call (516) 825-4200 or visit their website at Vsvny.org.
An inspired concert
Conductor-composer Steven Sametz directs The Princeton Singers in “Inspirations,” a program of diverse musical selections, Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, Sept. 30 , 4 p.m. They have captivated audiences and listeners for 40 years through their versatile musicianship. The ensemble is noted for their mastery of works from Bach to Schoenberg, with forays into unexplored and exciting realms such as Aboriginal and Native American ritual music, Igbe chanting, and ArabAndalusian muwashahat. Inspirations is a look at how contemporary composers take their inspiration from chant, carnival songs, and spirituals, including works by Josquin des Prez, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Steven Sametz, and Adelphi faculty member Sidney Boquire. $35. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
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.
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, Sept. 22 , noon-1 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 25, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 27-28, noon-1 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.
District 13 board meets
Valley Stream District 13 Board of Education will hold a regular board meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m., at James A Dever Elementary School. For more information, email district clerk MaryAnn Rosamilia at districtclerk@valleystream13.com or visit ValleyStream13.com.
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.
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By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com
They don’t want new legislation — they’re simply want enforcement.
Last week, Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, victims of gun violence and local gun control advocates gathered on the north lawn of the Nassau County Supreme court to rally for just that enforcement when it comes to the state’s “red flag” law.
The “red flag” law — or the “extreme risk protection order” law — was established in 2019 in an attempt to prevent guns from falling into the hands of someone posing a threat to themselves or others. It followed nationwide mass shootings, acts of domestic violence, and suicides by gun.
“These laws provide space and time between the guns and gun owners if they are thinking of harming themselves or somebody else,” said Jana Nesbitt Gale, deputy chapter lead and co-local group lead of Long Island Mom’s Demand Action organization. “It’s not about taking the gun away forever. It’s just about providing a temporary cooling off period for the safety of the person in question.”
Since the law’s fruition, Gov. Kathy Hochul has enhanced the legislation, requiring state police to file an red flag protection order when they deem it necessary, and by adding health care practitioners who have seen someone as a patient within six months to the list of those who can file for such orders. Hochul has pushed police training councils to create and teach policy and procedure on when a red flag protective order petition should be used.
Others eligible to file a protective order petition include district attorneys, school officials, and even those who might live with someone who might be intending harm.
Quarter page 5.04 x 6.291
According to Seth Koslow — a Democrat running against Joseph Baker for the Nassau County Legislature — 35 protective order petitions were issued in the county over the course of a recent year. During that same time, however, neighboring Suffolk County filed more than 1,500.
Many red flag protective order petitions in Suffolk came from 911 calls, Koslow added, where someone threatened to hurt themselves.
“We need more rigorous police use of the existing ‘red flag’ law,” Koslow said. “Taking this step will help (keep) our children safe from self-harm, and help us sleep better at night.”
Baker — who seeks to represent Freeport, Merrick and Bellmore, among other communities — is not believed to have publicly spoken out on his position of
Linda Beigel Schulman — mother of Scott Beigel, a teacher murdered in the 2014 Parkland, Florida high
Linda Beigel Schulman shares the story of her son, Scott, who lost his life to gun violence, at a Nassau rally advocating for improved enforcement of ‘red flag’ laws — intended to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of someone who poses a threat to themselves, or others.
school shooting — shared that if a “red flag” law had been in place in that state sooner, her son might be alive right now.
If Republican candidates believe mental health issues cause gun violence, she added, they should use the “red flag” law to its fullest extent.
“The proper enforcement of ‘red flag’ laws means people like me — like you, your family, your friends, your coworkers — will not have to endure what I do each day,” Beigel Schulman said. “You’ll never have to live with a scar that never heals. Pain that never goes away.”
Deanna Drury shared her family’s experience with suicide, losing her uncle to suicide by a gun, and nearly losing her mother.
“I’m grateful on her bad day,” Drury said, “she didn’t have access to a gun.”
“Removing access to firearms is the quickest and easiest intervention. We don’t have to live like this, and we don’t have to die like this.”
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS-SUPREME
COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - CARRINGTON
MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, -againstANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF SHEMENA ROBINSON
AKA SHEMENA CAMARA, DECEASED; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; P.T.R.C., INC.; MARCIA BEDELL, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEMENA ROBINSON AKA SHEMENA CAMARA, DECEASED, if she be living and if she be dead, the respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint; LUPE CAMARA, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEMENA ROBINSON AKA SHEMENA CAMARA, DECEASED; WILLIAM ANDREW ROBINSON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEMENA ROBINSON AKA SHEMENA CAMARA, DECEASED; BYRON BEDELL, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF SHEMENA ROBINSON AKA SHEMENA CAMARA, DECEASED; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fctitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, persons, or other entities having or claiming a lien upon the mortgaged premises, DefendantsIndex No. 600914/2022
Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants-YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days
after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being fled pursuant to an order of the court dated August 2, 2023.
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 fled this foreclosure proceeding against you and fling 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 (CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P. Sullivan, J.S.C. Dated: August 2, 2023 Filed: August 8, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 24 Marlowe Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Dated: April 17, 2023 Filed: August 15, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Monica G. Christie, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P:
(212) 524-5000 F:
(212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120
F: (954) 343-698.
141596
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst - RUTH BARON, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 23, 2016. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 3rd day of October, 2023 at 3:00
PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 923 Hewlett Dr., Valley Stream, NY 11581.
(Section: 39, Block: 556, Lot: 35)
Approximate amount of lien $461,583.20 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 004923/2015.
Malachy P. Lyons, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
Dated: July 31, 2023
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
141549
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2006-BC2, Plaintiffagainst - CASSANDRA N. CEAN, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 29, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 29th day of September, 2023 at 3:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
Premises known as 76 Southgate Road, Valley Stream, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11581.
(SBL#: 39-540-15) Approximate amount of lien $1,104,538.81 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 005943/2012. Richard C. Lunenfeld, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: July 27, 2023
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
141547
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Laurelton, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 37, Block 492 and Lot 129 & 145. Approximate amount of judgment $621,808.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment. Index #017921/2010.
Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 141728
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS-SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - NEWREZ LLC
Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants-YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being fled pursuant to an order of the court dated August 2, 2023.
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on February 18, 2022.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 16, 2023 at 2:30 PM premises known as 128 North Terrace Place, Valley Stream, NY 11580-0000.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
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.”
Karen C. Grant, 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: August 18, 2023 141892
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
WELLS FARGO BANK, NA AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MLMI TRUST SERIES
2005-FM1, Plaintiff
AGAINST Patrick Brown, et al., Defendant(s)
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. CARLA GIORDANI, et al, Defts. Index #611711/2020. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Sept. 14, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 39, Block 511, Lot 7. Sold subject to terms and conditions of fled judgment and terms of sale.
JUDGE SCOTTSILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100677 141736
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST HUMERA NADEEM, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 6, 2017.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM premises known as 25 Rottkamp Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580.
D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, -against- THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS OR PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT LOUIS P. VIEGAS, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; PETER VIEGAS; JOHN M. VIEGAS; SARAH E. VIEGAS; MARTIN VIEGAS; LIZA MARIE VIEGAS; MARY CELARDO A/K/A MARY HANSEN; CHRISTOPHER VIEGAS; ANNMARIE M. VIEGAS; JOHN VIEGAS; THERESA R. AVVENTO; JACQUELINE C. CARUSO; ANTOINETTE T. DANGELO; THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT); CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A.; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10” inclusive, the names of the ten last name Defendants being fctitious, real names unknown to the Plaintiff, the parties intended being persons or corporations having an interest in, or tenants or persons in possession of, portions of the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, DefendantsIndex No. 615230/2022
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 fled this foreclosure proceeding against you and fling 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 (NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable David P. Sullivan, J.S.C. Dated: August 2, 2023 Filed: August 7, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 35 Marlow Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Dated and Refled: August 21, 2023 Filed: November 1, 2022 Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, By: Richard F. Komosinski, Esq. 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590 Elmsford, New York 10523 Tel: (914) 345-3020 141673
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 598 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment $558,399.78 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment. Index #013123/2013.
Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 141895
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement relating to IMPAC Secured Assets Corp., Mortgage Pass-Through Certifcates, Series 2006-3, Plaintiff
AGAINST Yolene Masse a/k/a Yolene F. Masse; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 10, 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 October 17, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 194 North Cottage 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 146 Lots 3 and 4. Approximate amount of judgment $911,758.46 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index# 616430/2018. The
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 27, 2022, 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 October 18, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1145 IRVING STREET SOUTH, 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 Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 527, Lot 27. Approximate amount of judgment $660,049.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #016936/2007. 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”. John Dalli, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-300520 77432 141775
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting
teers over the course of four days. The project ultimately took more than 245 hours of work to complete — but the annual village Scout Camporee in June took place amid the fresh, beautiful park scene it deserved.
Aaron Curry, 19, of Far Rockaway, has been a Scout since 2014, and has spent the past nine years learning leadership, survival skills and how to be a good community member. A student at SUNY Albany, Curry said that being an Eagle Scout means embodying the Scout Law and being the best version of himself every day.
“It means to be hardworking and disciplined,” Curry said. “It means giving back to my community, instilling the core values that I was brought up on to the youth — whether that be in scouting, or in school, or anywhere in public.”
For his Eagle project, Curry restored agricultural and architectural tools used in the 1800s and create display plaques for them at the Pagan-Fletcher House, the only surviving 19th-century structure in Valley Stream. Curry was driven to preserve community artifacts because, he said, community shapes character — and by leaving a positive impact on the community, he can positively impact the people in it.
“Obtaining the Eagle Scout rank means that I have a duty to uphold with myself, my community, and God to always be the best I can be,” Curry said.
When Cedrik Jean-Baptiste visited the United Veterans Beacons House, he knew he had found his Eagle Scout project. The house supports veterans struggling with poverty. Jean-Baptiste, a graduate of Valley Stream North High, organized a project to collect and repair used bicycles so the veterans and their families could use them.
He raised money by selling water bottles and snacks during fundraisers held at the Valley Stream Bandshell, and bought the tools and supplies he needed to repair the bikes. Jean-Baptiste and his team of volunteers repaired 10 bikes for veterans. He delivered the newly repaired two-wheelers to the Beacons House, which will match them with veterans who will benefit from using them.
“The chance I received to give back to less-than-fortunate veterans for my Eagle Scout project has been a blessing,” John-Baptiste said. “My time in scouting has
presented me with multiple opportunities to serve my community, and I plan on continuing to be of service to those around me.
“I believe the purpose of my life is to contribute to society and aid those in need.”
Daniel Salas’ interest in technology, along with his commitment to preserving historical heritage, led to his Eagle Scout project. Salas, 19, a sophomore at Northeastern University worked at the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration site to create a display detailing the evolution of electrical wiring through the years. It was a way for him to share his fascination with the world’s technological progress and its impact on our lives today.
Salas said that giving back to the community is essential to practice selflessness and compassion, and is also integral to his personal growth. Volunteering has taught him the value of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
His Eagle project taught him about more than electricity — he learned the importance of communication, adaptability and leadership, and how important teamwork is to accomplishing complex goals.
“Being an Eagle Scout means I have the skills, and knowledge, to lead and make a positive impact in my community and beyond,” Salas said. “It’s a lifelong commitment to service and a reminder of the responsibilities I have to help others and leave the world a better place.”
leadership, but we need a dedicated, permanent president devoted to running the Long Island Rail Road and focusing on the needs of what’s happening in our region,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages at an August 30 press conference. “We’ve seen too many things fall through the cracks.”
She and other officials took turns sharing the podium, leveling pointed criticisms of the job performance of the interim President of the LIRR, a position she assumed in February 2022.
“Many times, when we’ve asked for repairs such as the Valley Stream train station or even trimming bushes, we’ve been told there hasn’t been sufficient funding for those improvements,” said State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “There is a need for better management and better leadership for these projects to be done in a timely manner.”
While praised for her efforts to improve post-pandemic ridership levels on the LIRR, Rinaldi was pushed to the center of a heated debate questioning the MTA’s wisdom in having one person hold down the executive management of two rail service systems— Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road — at the same time amid one of the most critical and turbulent periods in the railway’s history.
Within weeks, the mounting political pressure had apparently won out.
On Monday, Rinaldi announced she would step down from her role as interim president of the LIRR. Taking her place will be LIRR senior vice president of operations Robert Free. Rinaldi will remain at Metro-North and lend the new LIRR president strategic advice from the sidelines.
For Mayor Fare, the unchanged derelict condition of the station is a visual
reminder that whoever takes the helm at the LIRR must be newly committed to the needs of their constituents, seeing as Rinaldi has allegedly failed to measure up to commuters’ expectations of an interim president who “has the best interest of their local constituents at heart.”
The MTA, however, said they have recently given the LIRR the green light to begin tackling repair work at the Valley Stream station.
■ Capital funding will go to renovating the station’s platform canopies by removing and replacing well-worn shingles and gutters.
■ Ailing steel and concrete structures will be repaired, and the station’s elevators and escalators will be replaced.
■ The station is also expected to be awarded additional funding for the painting and abatement of 36 of its columns.
And while being grilled by Long Island lawmakers in Valley Stream, Rinaldi has been widely feted among her industry peers for presiding over “two generation-defining infrastructureexpansion,” as MTA spokesperson Dave Steckel described it, “Grand Central Madison and Third Track as well the historic expansion of City Ticket on LIRR railroads.”
Yet the interim president’s biggest professional triumphs have also proven to be the most glaring pain points for some commuters who haven’t felt they’ve benefited equally —or at all—
from the new programs and projects.
In fact, much of lawmakers’ frustrations have centered around recent business decisions that Rinaldi firmly backed with executives from her parent company to the alleged detriment of LIRR commuters. Key among them was the decision to pull the plug on the widely popular 20-Trip Ticket, a fare discount program that shaved 20 percent off the price of 20 peak tickets.
Paired with the recent four percent fare hike enacted on August 20, commuters, particularly thousands of part-time riders who once relied on the program, face a 30 percent price jump in tickets.
“My daughter commutes three times a week so that 20-ride ticket was vital to her,” said resident Kendra Rahall. “She’s a college student. Doesn’t make a lot of money, but buying the monthly ticket is ridiculous when it is underused, and buying two 10-trip tickets doesn’t save as much.”
Discontinuing the program, argued MTA CEO and Chairman Janno Leiber, was part of the austerity cuts outlined in the deal made with Albany earlier this year to bail out the transit giant of its projected $2.5 billion deficit in 2025.
Local lawmakers have commiserated over what they see as the declining purchasing power of LIRR riders under Rinaldi’s watch. Such concerns will likely be harder to soothe in the years ahead, regardless of who presides over the LIRR, as the MTA expects incremental increase of LIRR fares even amid an uncertain economic future for commuters.
Obtaining the Eagle Scout rank means that I have a duty to uphold with myself, my community, and God to always be the best I can be
A ArOn Curry Eagle Scout
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $15 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Will Certify And Train
HS Diploma
NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20- $25/ Hour
Call 516-731-3000
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $15 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $31,200 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $31,200 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses.
Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Prsonnl Anlyst (Garden City, NY): Plan cmpany’s rcruitmnt effrts, rview emplymnt applctions to mtch applcnts’ crdntials to job reqs for a globl 3rd-prty lgistcs srvics providr. Reqs: Bach or equiv & 1 yr exp in emplyee trainng & keepng emplyee prfrmnce recrds or rel exp. Salary: $53,394. Mail resume to: HR, Ata Freight Line, Ltd., 400 Garden City Plaza, Ste 404, Garden City, NY 11530.
P/T CUSTODIAL WORKER FOR ISLAND PARK LIBRARY
Afternoon and evening shifts. MonSat. Drivers license req.. High school graduate. Able to lift 40 lbs., Cleaning inside and outside of library. Program set up. Snow removal, run errands, able to climb ladder. $16-$17 per hour. email: jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org..
Receptionist needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule: Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay $15 to $17 plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please.
Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com
RESTAURANT
Hostess & Server
Positions Available
(646) 830 4987
email:
mc_brando@yahoo.com
Health Care/Opportunities
WE HAVE THE
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
gunite pool, koi pond, two car garage and an extra-large driveway. Call Alissa Lurie today to schedule your private viewing! 516-967-8828
Q. I read your column about the color of roofs after I put a white roof on my building because the roofing company said it was required. I still believe it was the right choice, but the building isn’t done, and I saw moisture forming on the metal roof deck, just below the new roof. What is causing this problem, and how do I prevent it from continuing? The building still isn’t done, and already this is concerning me that something was done wrong. What can you tell me about this?
Bay Pa RK
190 Meadowview Ave, BA, Ever Dream of Living in A Castle?
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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/
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Alurie@coachrealtors.com
Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway Hewlett, NY 11557 516.374.0100 www.CoachRealtors.com
A. It’s true that your white roof was a great choice because of its reflectivity, and throughout the industry there’s a lot of good information about the results from choosing a white roof over a black one. Studies show that the reflectivity has a significant effect on keeping cooling costs lower, but that’s not the whole story. As I have written many times, buildings are systems, and nature never fails to be consistent, taking all factors into account. In areas of the world that have low humidity and high temperatures, the white color responds better as a system, because the condensation from humidity is kept in check by indoor to outdoor conditions being balanced by lack of moisture getting in from the outside, and indoor humidity being controlled by consistent removal of moisture by air conditioning. This is not to say that air conditioning is actually doing the job of removing moisture from the interior, but the key to your problem is humidity control, and your description gave clues as to your current problem.
If your building is brand new, and the concrete poured floors over the steel decking are recent, then your building is still trying to dry out. The concrete and other fresh materials are still holding some of the water that helped mix the materials. The same happens with houses that have new lumber that is still losing moisture from its fibers, for example. Your building needs to be aired out with dehumidification, and you should consult the mechanical engineer and mechanical contractor to coordinate getting the moisture out of the building in a methodical way. Just opening the windows won’t help, since humid outdoor conditions can replenish lost moisture in every absorbent material, from finishes to wallboard, concrete and fabric.
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of building systems. You’re very observant to have seen the moisture and caught it in time. Over the lifespan of the building, you would have observed deterioration, mold and distortion of many of the products installed to make the building come together. This is why many materials don’t last as long as they’re supposed to, and it’s the No. 1 reason for movement and separations, cracking and discoloration.
Condensation is a silent beast that ruins buildings very slowly and steadily. Fortunately, we have better equipment to control humidity than ever before. Your white roof was a smart decision.
The roof is the right color, but moisture’s getting throughAsk
100 North Village Avenue
• Full service boutique professional hub specifically appealing to behavioral/mental health professionals.
Baldwin $660,000
Lakeside Drive. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Large oversized yard. Situated in Silver Lake area on the Oceanside border.
Taxes: $13,321
Bellmore $830,050
Judith Drive. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office.
Taxes: $16,954.25
East Meadow $642,000
Aaron Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/ family room and home office. 2 decks and indoor/outdoor porch above the garage. Oversized rooms.
Taxes: $10,882.81
Elmont $640,000
Wellington Road. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and new LG Signature refrigerator. Formal dining room. First floor master bedroom. All large rooms with ample storage. Updates include electric and plumbing with smart thermostat.
Taxes: $10,575
Hewlett $725,000
Felter Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Living room with fireplace. Spacious rooms. First floor bedroom. Oversized property with deck. Convenient location near shopping, dining, LIRR.
Taxes: $14,286.97
Malverne $845,000
Gold Circle. Expanded Ranch. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and exercise room.
Taxes: $15,758.38
Merrick $770,000
Frankel Boulevard. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms.
Gourmet eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops, extended breakfast room and sliders to deck. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Country club-style backyard with professional landscaping, inground saltwater pool. Central air conditioning.
Taxes: $14,730
Oceanside $604,000
Westlake Avenue. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $12,438
Rockville Centre $910,000
Brower Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $14,226.25
Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.
• Conveniently located one block north of the LIRR with plentiful on‑site and municipal parking.
• Meticulously maintained and updated with newly furnished and unfurnished suites.
• Part time and full time offices available. Attentive owner on premises and includes use of office equipment and services.
• WIFI included.
• 24/7 access.
• Security cameras located throughout.
Please call 516 766 1188 or email us at mitch@rocamanagement.com
While The Market Is Still HOT!! Call Me For A FREE Market Evaluation #therightagentmeanseverything
Erica Nevins
Licensed RE Salesperson 516-477-2378 erica.nevins@remax.net 3305
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in recent months, former President Donald Trump has been hit with 91 charges in four criminal indictments. As an attorney, I’ve paid close attention to all of the cases, which may be hard for most non-lawyers to follow. His actions on Jan. 6, 2021, are well known, but it’s up to the special counsel, Jack Smith, to prove criminal conduct.
Most people I know have said nothing about Trump’s alleged retention of classified documents. An eventual trial will reveal what kinds of papers were involved, and then it will be up to a jury to decide right or wrong.
When it comes to the Georgia indictment, I’m not willing to give Trump the free pass he demands by yelling that the case is a “political witch hunt.” The 96-page indictment spells out conduct that’s best described as colossal chutzpah. While some of the other indictments used overly broad language, the Georgia case spells out conduct that is typical of what would happen in Russia, Hungary or Venezuela.
The day after his 2020 election loss, Trump embarked on a comprehensive campaign to change the results of the election in Georgia. Despite a number of statements by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp that the election in his state was run “according to law,” and his denials that there was any fraud, Trump continued his efforts to have the results thrown out. The whole world has heard Trump’s conversation with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger demanding that he find 11,780 votes, which would have given Trump one more vote than he needed to win the state.
As a further display of pure arrogance, Trump also called the speaker of Georgia’s House, David Ralston, demanding that he convene a special session of the Legislature for the purpose of overturning the results of the election. Once he knew what Trump was asking, Ralston refused to take his calls. That was followed by more calls from the president to other election officials, asking them to find fraud. Those calls were coupled with calls allegedly made by a Trump lawyer accusing a Black worker of fraudulent conduct. Those accusations
led to right-wing hate threats to her life.
If you think the other indictments are difficult to understand, this one is, as they say, a piece of cake. The case of the fake electors sounds like something you’d see in a movie. Over a dozen people, many of whom were Republican Party officials, gathered at the Georgia Capitol and signed a document certifying that Trump had won the state — in spite of Kemp’s statement that the returns had been counted three times and no fraud had been found.
And then there are the allegations concerning Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani. Once hailed as America’s Mayor, Giuliani had sunk to the depths of being something of a traveling conspiracy salesman, going from state to state, peddling tales of alleged election fraud. He went to Georgia to testify in front of a number of legislative committees, under oath, claiming that 11,000 dead people had voted and that thousands of ballots had been delivered in suitcases to polling places. Giuliani is now charged with multiple counts of election fraud and lying under oath. Sadly, his license to practice law is currently being challenged in three
states.
Of the six lawyers who have been indicted along with Trump, four worked directly under Giuliani. One of them, Sidney Powell, claimed multiple times that Dominion’s voting machines were easy to manipulate, and were controlled by Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. Those allegations cost Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News $787.5 million in damages, with one other major lawsuit yet to be resolved.
I’ve heard frequently that Trump is, like any other criminal defendant, considered innocent until proven guilty. I know that as a lawyer, I, too, should adhere to that noble sentiment. But the Georgia case has too many specifics — too many emails and too many voicemails — to merit that kind of thinking. There is no way Trump can deny that he never said what he said and never took the actions that he took. To my way of thinking, all the facts go against him, and I don’t believe that, like Harry Houdini, he can escape.
Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
i’ll be seeing you, just not every week.
In June, when I wrote, “Column writing through hell and high water,” I told readers I was taking a leave from writing for a few months to help my husband through a serious health issue. Many of you reached out, with kind words and encouragement. I wasn’t surprised. You’re good people.
My husband is doing well, but everything changes everything, and the time away from a weekly deadline made me realize that this is a good moment to take a step back and switch from writing weekly to writing once a month.
Now, I understand that for some of you this is excellent news. You can reduce your aggravation level and possibly lower your blood pressure. This summer, one of my favorite letters was from a reader who said that everything I wrote made her angry, but she would miss me.
Well, Mary, I’m back.
As I go through my days, I think constantly of columns that need to be writ-
ten. What I’m happy to let go is the deadline that has been a boundary in my life, week in and week out, for 40 years. When we traveled, I either had to write two or three columns in advance or find Wi-Fi in the wilderness. I’m not complaining; I felt accountable to my readers.
As I wrote three months ago, this hasn’t just been a column; it has been a running memoir of our times. I wrote my heart out after 9/11, grieving with so many readers who lost loved ones in the towers. I scribbled my way through blackouts, epic blizzards, hurricanes and, for three years, the pandemic.
I wrote about how to sleep better and eat better and find friends and keep friends. Sometimes an idea landed on the page full blown, and sometimes it has been a struggle to compose a cogent piece. I spent my 750 words a week in wildly different ways, from warning folks off the road when my son got his license, to welcoming President Ronald Reagan to Congregation Ohr Torah, in North Woodmere, with a bust of his head in chopped liver, to sharing my grief for my darling girl, Zoe the dog, when she passed at 16. My work has been personal. I have written about my children’s lives, their
mitzvahs and their missteps. My breast cancer. My husband’s heart surgeries. I struggled for days trying to find just the right words to honor my parents when they died. In some ways the column has been a running story of all of our lives. After all, don’t we share the same hopes and dreams, worry about the threats to our Mother Earth and yearn for a safer world for our kids?
Many of my columns have suggested or reviewed books, the other love in my life. In return, many of you have pitched books my way that turned out to be thrilling and illuminating.
As politics got nasty and toxic in recent years, I jumped in, wanting to use my 750 words to rally support for our democracy, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and laws that ensure equality for every community and every human being. I think these were words well spent, although at times the backlash has been fierce. That’s what opinion columns are for: to stir the pot, open the debate and disagree without getting too creepy. I love newspapering. Ink in my veins is how the expression goes. I will write my monthly column going forward with a renewed focus on our democracy. We
Randi is back, but beginning with this issue, she will appear in the Herald once per month.
have the votes to bring sane and serious people into office. Time to close the chapter on book banning in America. Translated, that means supporting equal justice for all as the former president and his cronies face the consequences of their transgressive, mean-spirited time in office.
Last week, David Ignatius, the respected columnist and longtime Biden friend, called for President Biden to withdraw his bid to run in 2024 because he’s too old. I agree; he is old. But there isn’t a qualified, experienced alternative who has the chops to run and win a national election.
Trump is old, too. He is also unfit in mind, body, temperament and demeanor. He has been criminally charged in four indictments. Biden has boosted our democracy and enhanced our reputation around the world. He has robust skills and a natural charm that can’t be learned or bought. His team is working well for America during a treacherous time in our history.
Run, Joe, run.
Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
RAnDi KREiss
i ’m happy to let go the deadline that has been a boundary in my life.
To my way of thinking, the facts go against the fourtimes-indicted Donald Trump.JERRY KREMER
although it’s late in the season, boating safety should remain at the forefront for everyone on the water.
Whether boating off the South Shore of Nassau County or the North Shore’s Long Island Sound, having a safe and fun day on the water is the goal. And that includes personal watercraft operators and their passengers.
But boating can quickly turn treacherous without proper precautions, and a commitment to safety.
Every year, more than a dozen people die in boating accidents in New York — with 28 dying last year alone, according to the state parks department. These incidents are not mere statistics — they represent lives disrupted and ecosystems harmed.
To safeguard against such tragedies and to preserve the waterways, boat
To the Editor:
operators and their passengers should be educated on fundamental seamanship and waterway rules, how to use their equipment properly, and basic first aid.
Knowing what navigational markings mean goes a long way in reducing hazardous situations such as running aground and passengers falling overboard. Equally crucial is the necessity for personal flotation devices. The majority of boating-related fatalities are caused by not wearing lifejackets. Twenty-one of the 28 people who died last year weren’t wearing them.
Boating under the influence is a grave danger. Just as drinking and driving are a hazardous combination, alcohol and boating do not mix. Impaired judgment and slower reaction times increase the risk of accidents, accounting for 21 percent of the boating fatalities in New
York between 2005 and 2022, according to the parks department. If needed, designate a sober operator and bring along a non-drinking crew member.
Weather conditions can change rapidly on the water. Check the forecast before heading out, and be prepared for unexpected changes. Even experienced boaters can forget to do something as basic as checking the weather before casting off.
Navigational aids such as charts, radios and GPS devices are invaluable tools. Knowing your location and having the means to call for assistance are critical components of safe boating. Making safety a priority can help ensure that every voyage is a memorable and safe experience. There are a couple of good months of boating weather remaining. That’s plenty of time to make good habits routine.
Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s column “Congestion pricing will fuel further flight from New York” (Sept. 7-13): Congressman Esposito has it all wrong by opposing New York City’s proposed congestion pricing plan, which would charge drivers $23 during peak hours to drive south of 60th Street in Manhattan.
He claims it would create a heavy cost burden on Long Island drivers heading to the city. If you drive into New York, however, you have to look at all the costs.
First, Long Island parkways and surface streets in the city are in a constant state of gridlock. It feels like rush hour from early morning until evening. Once you get to Manhattan, you slow to a crawl, with delivery trucks blocking you on nearly every block. Every day, 700,000 cars, taxis and trucks stream into Lower Manhattan. The average speed is 7.1 mph, and each of those vehicles spews carbon into our heavily polluted environment. MTA bus speeds have declined 28 percent since 2010.
If you have a 75-mile round trip commute and you expense that, according to the IRS, you could write off roughly $48. That’s what the feds see as the wear and tear of putting miles on your car, insurance, maintenance and depreciation. And what about the price of gas, which is spiking at over $4.25 a gallon? If you make a 75-mile round trip five days a week, and your car gets 20 miles per gallon, it will cost you $160 a week.
Once you get to Manhattan, there’s parking. If you can even find an open lot, it’s very costly, $50 to $75 a day in Lower Manhattan. Street parking is almost impossible, since Covid created hundreds of restaurant extensions onto the streets. Couple that with Citi Bike racks, and thousands of parking spots have vanished.
The time we spend in our cars getting into Manhattan is intolerable. I used to broadcast the financial news on the ABC radio networks from BusinessWeek in Midtown. My commute at 4 a.m. took about 35 minutes. That same commute during rush hour can take 90 to 120 minutes. Plus, if you’re going to Lower Manhattan via the L.I. “Distressway,” you’re paying $17 a day, or $85 a week, for the Midtown Tunnel.
Bottom line, if you add up the costs of commuting by car, you’re paying more than $100 a day with parking. And don’t forget about precious time consumed. New Yorkers lose 117 hours on average each year sitting in traffic, costing them nearly $2,000 in lost productivity and other costs. We have the longest commute times of any
city in the country. Wouldn’t you rather see your kids than taillights?
The stress and cost of driving pushed me onto the LIRR and the subways. It’s a relief not to worry about being late for an appointment or sitting in stop-and-go traffic. The LIRR now gets you to the East Side at Grand Central Terminal as well as Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.
I do agree with Congressman D’Esposito that the MTA is mismanaged. It should be deconstructed and rebuilt to make it cost-effective, and to rid us of unconscionable overtime and featherbedding. It’s another unfair surcharge on Long Islanders and New Yorkers.
According to traffic engineers, congestion pricing will reduce traffic and pollu-
on clear summer evenings, I sit on the lawn of William L. Buck Elementary School in Valley Stream — a five-minute walk from my house — with a telescope I was given four years ago at my bat mitzvah. From my small corner of the universe in Valley Stream, peering upward, I see constellations and planets. My eyes travel farther than any landbound human has ever gone, exploring the cosmos through my glass lens. In these moments, I know I love space visible in the night sky, and the science that can describe it.
This summer, I spent six weeks pursuing this passion for astrophysics with the Summer Science Program in New Mexico.
Thirty-four other student scientists and I started by shooting photos of the night sky, using the telescope at Tortugas
Mountain Observatory, near Las Cruces. Then, in flipbook-like fashion, the captured images showed a small speck of an asteroid hurtling through space. From three simple images, we derived coordinates and calculations that could predict the position of the space rock and track its journey around the solar system for the next 50 million years.
Nightly discussions in the observing center with my peers began with thoughts of confusion and questions about how to decipher the symbols and numbers that haunted our whiteboards, but by the close of the program, we found understanding. We spent our days poring over problems and collectively devising solutions to what at first seemed unsolvable. The program allowed us to gain firsthand experience in the work of astrophysicists. Like them, we collaborated and questioned and watched calculations that once existed only in textbooks come alive in the surrounding sky.
tion and persuade people to get back onto the trains. The new funding will hopefully close the MTA budget deficit and improve rail service.
Congestion pricing is now being used in advanced cities like Singapore, London, Milan and Stockholm. It makes those urban areas more livable, less congested and less polluted. Shouldn’t New yorkers make the choice to do the same? Or do we want to fall behind, pay more for commuting, inhale carcinogenic vehicle exhaust and be fatigued and stressed by the time we arrive at our Manhattan destination?
JIM PAyMAR Rockville CentreTo the Editor:
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito’s shortsighted attack on congestion pricing for drivers entering part of Manhattan misstates or omits key aspects of this much-needed plan.
Specific charges and exemptions from the tolls have yet to be determined. There is no factual basis for the congressman’s claim that “commuters would pay upward of $23 during peak hours.”
D’Esposito acknowledges that “increasing ridership on public transportation is a noble cause.” But this stance cannot be squared with his oppo-
sition to a plan designed to generate $1 billion a year to improve service on the region’s rail and bus lines. The congressman further implies that the MTA doesn’t deserve increased funding due to a “long history of mismanagement.” But he offers no evidence for this contention, and he ignores the impact of the pandemic, which cost the MTA nearly half its operating budget.
D’Esposito cites a “recent rash of violent crime” as a disincentive for drivers to use public transit. Incidents of major crime in the transit system actually decreased by nearly 9 percent in the first five months of 2023, according to the New york City Police Department. Plus, daily ridership is returning to prepandemic levels.
The congressman’s overall contention is that congestion pricing would serve as a tax that would spur an exodus from New york. But commuters could avoid this “tax” simply by choosing not to drive into one of the most congested areas in the country. And congestion pricing would in fact help make an iconic part of New york a more alluring place to work and play.
It’s important to note that driving a car, especially in a densely populated area, is not a benign activity. Pollutants emitted from tailpipes contribute to about 320 premature deaths each year, according to the New york City Health Department. An additional 225 people died as a result of vehicle crashes in the city in 2022. Driving likewise threatens our children by contributing greatly to climate change.
Congressman D’Esposito wishes to
Unlike a typical school day, our work was not accompanied by an unwelcome sense of stress. Instead I felt an exhilarating sense of opportunity, relishing the reality that a high school student like me could tap into the infinite world of space exploration.
As we made our discoveries in Las Cruces, the scientific community was making its own exploratory voyages. In just one summer, the James Webb Space Telescope continued peering further into the past with the infrared space images it produced; gravitational waves were collected using astronomical objects light-years away; and India landed a rover on the south side of the moon.
Working away in the New Mexico heat, I was inspired by the fact that these breakthroughs were applying the same fundamental scientific method we high school kids practiced daily. I felt connected to the greater scientific community, if only in a small way. The world was inno-
vating on a large scale, while our small class learned to develop the potential for our generation to follow in our greatest scientists’ footsteps.
Las Cruces was far from home. It didn’t have a pool or bike paths like the ones in Valley Stream’s Hendrickson Park — but across the mountain, 30 degrees above the horizon, we could see an asteroid moving across the sky through our 24-inch-diameter telescope. Though far from home, I felt comforted by the same sense of awe and passion I had experienced so many times while looking up at the night sky from my backyard.
I came home a few weeks ago, and have since gone back with my miniature telescope to Buck Elementary, to stare at the sky and think of how far civilization has come in understanding it, and how far we have traveled. And now I can appreciate the fact that whether I’m in Las Cruces or here in Valley Stream, I can explore it, too.
Ilana Greenberg is a Valley Stream resident and a junior at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck.
Framework by Tim Baker
be seen as fighting for the interests of his constituents, even though only a minority of them would likely be affected by congestion pricing. Responsible representation, however, does not rein-
force unfounded fears, nor does it justify threats to public health.
i spent six weeks pursuing a passion for astrophysics in New Mexico.iLana GreenBerG
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
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DAVID BATTINELLI, MD
Executive Vice President & Physician-in-Chief, Northwell Health
Dean, Betsey Cushing Whitney Professor of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
MARIA FLETCHER, PhD
Associate Dean for Nursing & Associate Professor St. Joseph’s University
DEBORAH A. HUNT, PhD, RN
Dr. Betty L. Forest Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing and Public Health Adelphi University
PETER IGARASHI, MD
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook Stony Brook Medicine
NICOLE WADSWORTH
Dean & Professor New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)
CHRISTOPHER R. VAKOC, MD/PhD
Alan and Edith Seligson Professor of Cancer Research Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
PROF. CHAD BOUTON
VP, Advanced Engineering, Director of Neural Bypass and Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health
ORGANIZATIONS OF EXCELLENCE
FAMILY & CHILDREN’S ASSOCIATION
NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION
R.J. ZUCKERBERG CANCER CENTER
R.J. ZUCKERBERG CANCER HOSPITAL
THERALYMPIC SPEECH THERAPY
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