Alice Moreno/Herald Mohammed Arshad donated blood at the Masjid Hamza blood drive on Dec. 15, helping to combat seasonal declines in the supply of blood needed for life-saving medical procedures.
Masjid Hamza blood drive fights
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Inside an outdoor shed beside Masjid Hamza, a tight space usually reserved for prayer and storage, Nayyer Zubair sat at a foldable white table laden with syringes, sterile needles, and coiled tubing. He knew the value of the blood he was about to give.
“To start chemotherapy, my mother needed four bags of blood last year,” he said. “It’s personal for me.”
Blood is a vital fluid with near-constant demand from hospitals and emergency medical facilities. Yet experts note this is one of their hardest recruiting times due to a holiday season lull, which can create an unnerv-
ing situation for blood banks if supply needs go unmet.
“Donating blood is really not on the top of people’s list of things to do,” said Doreen Fiscina, manager of business development at New York Blood Center. “This is one of our most critical periods where we see our donations significantly decline between the holidays.”
The battle to keep blood banks full Zubair, who coordinated with the New York Blood Center to set up its blood drive at his hometown mosque, said more than two dozen of his fellow congregants gave blood. Stalked by the risk of shortages, Fiscina says
Public remains mixed on Sands casino proposal
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Las Vegas Sands resort and casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum was met with both resounding support and critical opposition at a public hearing at the Nassau County Legislature on Dec. 9.
Las Vegas Sands officially submitted the DEIS to the Legislature last month, after a unanimous vote by legislators confirming the document’s completion and availability for public review.
The DEIS outlines a range of investments — totaling more than $150 million — aimed at modernizing Uniondale’s infrastructure and revitalizing the hamlet and surrounding communities, according to a Sands news release. The projects include expanding the Meadowbrook Parkway to alleviate traffic congestion, enhancing the Uniondale water district to
improve its sustainability and upgrading energy infrastructure to meet growing demand. Beautification initiatives are also planned to improve the area’s public spaces, as part of Las Vegas Sands’ effort to enhance both aesthetics and quality of life for residents and visitors.
“We are grateful to the Nassau County Legislature for its thorough review of the completeness of our environmental impact statement,” Michael Levoff, the company’s senior vice president of strategy and public affairs, stated in the release. “This over 28,000-page document further demonstrates Sands’ commitment to comprehensively and holistically mitigate the potential impacts of our transformative project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum.”
At the contentious hearing, both supporters and detractors shared their opinions on the DEIS. Adrienne Esposito,
utive director of Citizens
HERALD SchoolS
James A. Dever creates lab ‘Balloon Cars’
Second-grade students at James A. Dever Elementary School put their knowledge of matter and motion to the test in a hands-on, exciting activity in the school’s Innovation Lab. Students designed, built, and tested their very own “Balloon Cars,” applying their science skills while channeling the spirit of innovation and creativity.
The lesson began with a reading of the book Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, which tells the story of Rosie, a young inventor who creates, tests, and refines her ideas to solve problems. Inspired by Rosie’s determination and inventive spirit, the students set to work designing their own vehicles, with the challenge of building a car powered by a balloon that could travel a straight line.
Throughout the project, students used everyday materials to
construct their cars, experimenting with different designs to find the one that would work best. As they worked through the trial-anderror process, the children embraced the inventor’s secret: “Keep at it and never give up!”
District officials said students thoroughly enjoyed the project, combining learning with fun as they tested their balloon cars and celebrated their successes. The activity not only strengthened their science knowledge but also encouraged them to think critically and approach problems with a creative mindset. This hands-on experience is part of a broader initiative to foster innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among students in all grade levels.
–Juan Lasso
James A. Dever Elementary School second-grade students with their balloon car project.
V.S. 24 classrooms get a modern revamp
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
On the surface, the new “redesign” classrooms at Valley Stream District 24 share all the same elements of the conventional classroom: desks, white boards, and books. But that’s where the similarities end.
One classroom is outfitted with a stationary bicycle, letting students cycle their pent-up energy away. Or they can unwind inside a reading nook, replete with a writeable magnetic whiteboard for lessons or brainstorming sessions. Other classrooms have tables that double as multi-touch interactive screens. Or have calming corners for students to take a moment to collect themselves.
These upgraded furniture spaces reflect a growing movement in education to modernize learning environments for a diverse, digitally savvy, and socially and emotionally aware generation.
And in the new era of education technology and innovation, Valley Stream District 24 aims to position itself as a model district. That is the idea behind the district’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Superintendent Unal Karakas said that the year 2030 will be the goalpost for the district to meet its “innovative transformation” districtwide. The effort, in a nutshell, is to create a “vibrant learning system” where educators can “empower learners to thrive as innovative, digitally literate, and emotionally intelligent individuals.”
Now the work begins to “refine” this broad picture idea and create action plans or “cornerstones” to move it forward.
The district has already hit the ground running with a professional development workshop led by Ray McNulty, President of the Successful Practices Network and former Vermont Commissioner of Education. The session brought together teachers and administrators to refine the district’s strategy for creating modern, forwardthinking classrooms that prepare students for the future.
Educators worked with McNulty to sharpen the district’s Vision 2030 statement, identify core priorities, and brainstorm innovative teaching strategies. Students will explore emerging fields like digital media and artificial intelligence tutoring.
The district is already piloting redesigned learning spaces, with one newly reimagined classroom in each school.
“This year, the focus is going to be getting feedback from our students in our ‘redesign’ classrooms and having our student council students visit the ‘redesign’ classrooms to experience what it’s like,” said Karakas. Once student input is fully gathered, the district will showcase the results of these pilot initiatives and invite feedback from parents and other educational stakeholders.
The innovative classroom model, Karakas noted, isn’t just about the latest tech or student gadget, it’s about creating flexible learning spaces that can be
Most of the furniture provided as part of the redesign is multi-purpose: behind this magnetic board is a wide nook reading chair used by students to read.
constantly reconfigured to meet both individual and collective student needs.
“Innovation today may look very different in three to five years,” said Karakas. “What we’re looking at as innovation is ways to create project-based and collaborative learning led by student choice and voice in the classroom. We want students to set themselves up for success in school and beyond.”
in more comfortable places. Behind the seat is a giant
white board for students to
Student Lincoln rides on the bicycle. The bicycle is a new addition, used by students to release extra energy.
Teacher Jennifer Albahae reads a passage with student Damarius. This reading nook is a part of the redesign classroom, encouraging students to read
magnetic
interact with.
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
William L. Buck Elementary School Principal Michael DeBlasio watches over Maryam and Allen, who are learning to count time.
Classroom aide Karen Motta Lopez helps her student Lucas with counting money.
EDITOR/REPORTER
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 jbessen@liherald.com
by
Emerson, who wrote a great deal about overcoming fear, said: “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment and the more experiments the better. What if they are a little coarse and you may get your coat soiled and torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.”
Author Jeffers’ book explains that until you fully understand that you, and no one else, create what goes on in your head, you will never be in control of your life. When you blame any outside force for any of your experiences of life, you are literally giving away your power thus creating pain, paralysis and depression. Always ask yourself what am I doing or not doing that is causing this to happen to me. You don’t have to condone the behavior of others, but simply not to allow it to be the source of your upset. Jeffers teaches how to overcome your biggest enemy — your “chatterbox” and replace it with a loving
&
Courtesy Valley Stream Fire Department Firefighters battled a massive blaze at a vacant four-story senior apartment complex near Elmont Road and Hempstead Turnpike on December 14.
Area firefighters battle blaze at apartment
At midnight on December 14, the Elmont Fire Department responded to reports of a building fire near Elmont Road and Hempstead Turnpike. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered heavy flames engulfing a four-story senior apartment complex.
internal friend. “It is reported that over 90% of what we worry of never happens,” says Jeffers. We create our own reality.
The author moves on to decision-making and the fear of making the wrong decision. Here, she explains how there are no “wrong” decisions. Your writer has often advised clients that it is better to make the “wrong” decision than none at all. You learn from mistakes -- you learn nothing from inaction. Learn and correct or, as Emerson said, “The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks.”
Jeffers writes that there is a lightness to positive people. They have learned not to take themselves so seriously and they are a joy to be around -- they are those who have learned to make lemonade out of lemons. As Emerson rightly said, “We seldom see anybody who is not uneasy and afraid to live.” By adopting the lessons in “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”, you too can become one of those seldom found people.
The building, which had been recently vacated due to structural integrity concerns, quickly became the scene of a multi-alarm fire. Crews from the Valley Stream Fire Department were among the first to assist, deploying Engine 341 and Tower Ladder 345. Fire departments across Nassau County soon joined the effort as the blaze escalated.
Due to the building’s compromised state, firefighters battled the blaze from the outside. Under the command of Valley Stream Chief of Department Anthony Capone, crews worked for five hours. During the effort, multiple parts of the structure collapsed. The Elmont Fire Department and other responding agencies worked well into the wee hours of the morning, extinguishing lingering pockets of fire. Further updates will follow as the situation develops.
Queens man arrested after BP robbery
A Queens man was arrested early Tuesday morning on Dec. 3 after allegedly robbing a BP gas station in Valley Stream.
Police say Devon Gomes, 40, entered the BP station at 85 N. Central Avenue just after midnight. He reportedly took items from the shelves and selected lottery tickets from behind the counter before placing his hand inside his sweatshirt, claiming he had a gun. Gomes then demanded cash from the register and the 21-year-old employee’s cell phone.
The employee complied, and Gomes attempted to flee the scene but was quickly found and arrested by police. No injuries were reported.
Gomes has been charged with robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, and possession of burglar’s tools. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead.
–Juan Lasso
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–Juan Lasso
Susan Jeffers — Part Two
HERALD SchoolS
Willow Road School PTA hosts blood drive
Willow Road Elementary School’s PTA hosted a successful blood drive recently, bringing together students, parents, teachers, and local community members in a unified effort to support local hospitals and patients in need of blood donations.
A special shout-out goes to the school’s “Little Doctors,” a dedicated group of young volunteers who played an instrumental role in making the evening a success. These students helped organize the event and provided muchneeded support to the donors, offering snacks, drinks, and heartfelt thank-you cards to every patient who donated. Their involvement was a beautiful example of compassion and community engagement, as they took on important roles in creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
District officials said the blood drive not only provided an opportunity to give back but also served as an educational experience for the students. Many of them learned about the importance of blood donations and the critical role they play in saving lives. The event offered a hands-on way for children to engage in important community service activities, reinforcing the values of civic involvement
–Juan Lasso
Willow’s ‘Little Doctors’ lent a valuable hand to blood donors during a recent drive at Willow Road.
HERALD SchoolS
Shaw students travel back to ancient Egypt
Sixth graders in Van Keuren’s class at Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 are currently immersed in their study of ancient Egypt.
On Dec. 12, students learned about the papyrus plant and how the Ancient Egyptians used it to create papyrus paper. As a culminating activity, students also crafted their own papyrus
Sixth graders in Van Keuren’s class at Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream District 30 are currently immersed in their study of ancient Egypt.
paper. When their papyrus paper fully dries, students will pretend to be ancient Egyptian scribes and write their names in hieroglyphics on the paper, which will be accompanied by the ancient Egyptian god or goddess that they choose to research.
–Juan Lasso
Photos courtesy Valley Stream District 30
Sixth graders learned about how ancient Egyptians fashioned paper out of papyrus plants.
HERALD SchoolS
V.S. 13 students shine at PEAK Festival
Valley Stream District 13’s fourth-grade students recently participated in the annual PEAK (Parents, Educators, and Kids) Music Festival at Freeport High School. The festival brought together young musicians from across Nassau County to celebrate music, creativity, and collaboration.
A total of 26 fourth-grade students from Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen participated this year, representing James A. Dever, Howell Road, Willow Road, and Wheeler Avenue schools. These talented students joined their peers from other districts to engage in dynamic music workshops, including the Ukulele Jam and Columbian Cumbia, where they explored new musical styles and instruments.
The event’s highlight was a vibrant concert, during which students and their parents performed together, showcasing everything they had learned throughout the day. It was a truly memorable experience for both students and families, who enjoyed learning new skills and building musical connections.
In addition to the student performances, Johanna Land, a Dever music teacher, had the honor of serving as the guest conductor for the PEAK Festival Chorus. Her leadership added an extra layer of excitement to the event, inspiring students to perform with passion and precision. The PEAK Festival provided an enriching experience for everyone involved, leaving students and parents with lasting memories.
–Juan Lasso
FAITH-BASED BREAKFAST
Join the Alzheimer’s Association, the Divine Health Ministry of Memorial Presbyterian Church and SoulJoy Wellness for a morning of self-care. We will explore how Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact our community and discuss healthy habits for your brain, body and soul. To register, call
visit alz.org/longisland or scant the QR code. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Courtesy Valley Stream District 13
James A. Dever Elementary School students at PEAK Festival play their hearts out.
Revitalizing a community tree lighting tradition
By RENEE DELORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
A decade ago, Garden City South Community League attendance was dwindling. After the death of their president, Pat Friedman, in 2018, the league began preparing for new leadership. That’s when Marge Kelly stepped into the presidency. The league asked to plant a tree at the front of the park, which became the centerpiece for revitalizing their tree lighting tradition.
Six years later, the tradition remains. The league held their annual Christmas tree lighting at Garden City South Park on Dec. 7. Festivities began at 6 p.m. and featured several performances, a DJ, a food drive run by VFW Post 2718, hot drinks and food, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause.
According to Kelly, a lot of work goes into a large event like this. “Everything you see is done by seven people,” she said. The league starts planning as early as April. While Kelly’s team only consists of a handful of league members, she does get help from the community. Local businesses donate food for the event, Kelly said, and there are park employees who help them decorate.
became a collaborative effort in the community. With dance performances from the Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio, multiple songs performed by Apollo theater winner Sogna Santana, a VFW Post 2718 food drive, and appearances by the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department, Toys for Tots, and Girl Scouts Troop 1045, the tree lighting has become an event made possible by local neighbors and friends.
Christine Hillaris, president of auxiliary to VFW Post 2718, said the community league has always supported their veterans. She said the league’s ability to draw in many visitors from all over the town helps their cause significantly.
“I like to see the big turnout in the community,” she said. “If it wasn’t for the community, none of these nonprofit organizations would be able to survive. The community league makes our veterans feel proud.”
While Kelly has done a lot of work restoring this community tradition, she said she would be stepping down from the community league in February. That makes this year’s tree lighting her last as president of the community league.
“It’s bittersweet,” Kelly said. “But I’m a little exhausted from it.”
The Garden City South Community League was the first civic association on Long Island, and they just celebrated their 95th anniversary this year. According to Kelly, Pat Friedman, who was president of the league for 40 years, led the fight to preserve Garden City South Park during her tenure.
“They originally wanted to make this park a strip mall,” Kelly said. “But Pat fought to make this a community park. And she won.”
However, Friedman died in 2018. By
that point, Kelly said, community meeting attendance was declining. That’s when Kelly decided to revitalize the tree lighting, and the league asked to have a tree planted in the front of the park. This is the tree they decorate each year and light up for the community. Since then, the event expanded and
Luckily, she said, the league will be in good hands after she steps down. Angela Romano will be taking over as president in early 2025.
“It’ll be up and going,” she said. “I expect it to be here for another 95 years!”
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
The Garden City South Community League Christmas tree lit up at the Garden City South Park on Dec. 7.
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos Marge Kelly, president of Garden City South Community League.
Mario and Courtney Lopez greet fans
By RENEE DELORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Park at UBS Arena kicked off its first Great American Family Christmas Festival on Nov. 22 in collaboration with Great American Media.
The event, which resumes again on Friday and continues through Dec. 22, featured ice-skating, photos with Santa, musical performances, games, food trucks, hot chocolate and other treats, a meet-and-greet with rescue animals from the North Shore Animal League, and an appearance by celebrity guests Mario and Courtney Lopez.
After releasing their first Christmas movie, “Once Upon a Christmas Wish,” in which they starred, on Dec. 7, Mario said that the festival was a great way to promote the film. “What better way to celebrate than to launch with my actual family?” he said.
The goal is to give people a Christmas experience that they wouldn’t normally get anywhere else.
BiLL
ABBOTT president and CEO, Great American Media
Mario, 51, and Courtney, 42, co-hosted the event, where they met some of their fans. “The goal is to give people a Christmas experience that they wouldn’t normally get anywhere else,” Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, said.
According to Abbott, tens of thousands of tickets had been sold for the festival, and it almost reached capacity on its opening weekend.
The Lopezes said they loved interacting with fans. “I think it’s very clever and cool the way they’ve kind of made it very inclusive and immersive with the people,” Mario said.
He has starred in many Christmas movies since 2009, and this is the first time his wife, who had smaller parts in some of them, has been in a leading role.
“I love the genre,” Mario said. “I love that it’s all about family coming together and positivity.”
Courtney said that celebrating the movie in New York is sentimental for the couple, who have been married since 2012. “We met in New York about 16 years ago,” she said. “So any time we get to come back here, especially this time of year, it makes it extra special.”
Abbott said that presenting the festival on Long Island adds to its distinctive character. “We want something that’s a signature Long Island event,” he said. “This area is very underrated in terms of heart and overall feeling of community. Long Island is a very special place and a very intimate place, even though it’s very big and has tons of people.”
Robert Marino, a festival attendee from Elmont, said his entire family enjoyed the event, and it was like nothing he has experienced before.
“I can’t think of many events like this on Long Island,” Marino said. “But this is right by my house. It’s set with this beautiful backdrop, so it’s hard to find all of that without getting run over by cars,” he laughed.
Two more festival-goers, Monique Tyler and Vanessa Joseph, of Brooklyn, said they had no idea what to expect, but were ecstatic when they saw the Lopezes.
“Seeing Mario here with his wife is so far my favorite part,” Joseph laughed.
Tyler agreed, and added how happy she was with the rest of the event as well. “I feel like it’s very unique,” she said. “I feel like I’m always struggling to find these kind of things.”
“It’s great that they made the effort to come out here and hang out,” Mario said. We’re getting positive reactions, so it makes it very special.”
Abbott said that he and his team had had a great
Mario and Courtney Lopez talked about their experience at the Great American Family Christmas Festival on Dec. 14.
time putting the event together and watching visitors enjoy themselves.
“It makes us very happy to see our viewers, to see people from the area, to see them interact with talent,” he said. “We just want to make people happy in the area and have this as a tradition.”
Marino said he was surprised at how much he was enjoying the experience. “It set a high bar for us to come back,” he said. In the future, he said, he would love to see the New York Islanders, for whom the arena is home ice, make appearances as well.
Abbott said that the Great American Media team plans on improving the experience next year. Because this is its first year, he said, they are still working out the kinks. The plan for next year is for the festival to be bigger and better.
Tickets for the festival’s remaining session can be purchased at UBSArena.com.
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos Guests gathered in the park’s courtyard, amid holiday decorations.
A Christmas tree at the center of The Park at UBS Arena.
A Christmas message from Pastor Carl Lubin
Fun Christmas facts: Jingle Bells was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. The song was written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and published under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh”. Two weeks before Christmas is the one of the most popular times for couples to break up according to data analyzed from Facebook posts and statuses. The basis for the popular Santa Claus is a Christian bishop who provided for the poor and sick, who later came to be called St. Nicholas. Church history buffs remember him for a feisty interaction at the Council of Nicea.
Those facts really don’t matter much to us, so I want focus on some truly important facts about Christ’s birth- facts that are biblical and have great meaning for us today. First, it was a Prophesied Birth. The Old Testament predicts a coming Messiah, an anointed one of God who will come to usher in an era where all people of earth will live together in harmony and righteousness. This idea is implied in the story of Creation. God
wanted us to live with Him in a paradise, so He created the Garden of Eden. Human sin changed everything resulting in a world filled with evil and suffering. The arrival of Jesus marked God’s plans to heal and restore. Christmas is about God making wrong things right and bringing hope. Maybe we each personally should take the time to make things right with God and with each other.
The second fact of Christmas is that it was a Miraculous Birth. Galatians 4:4 says, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…” Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” These verses teach the miracle that God decided one day to enter our human world as one of us God became a man. Jesus’ birth was no ordinary birth. Our God loved us enough that when He saw the course of history filled with greed, violence, and oppression, He quite literally wrote Himself into our story to save us.
May God bless our families and friends during this amazing Christmas season, and give us a happy New Year!
Concerns raised over environmental factors
paign for the Environment, said she had analyzed environmental impact statements for 40 years, and approved of how thorough Sands’ is.
“It was a very comprehensive and a very complete draft EIS,” Esposito said.
Referring to the proposed improvements, however, Esposito suggested that the document be “strengthened” with plans for how to handle water withdrawal and conservation, and solid waste. She also suggested the creation of a community advisory board “that looks at the metrics to see how they’re doing on energy and water and solid waste management.”
Many attendees expressed their support for the statement and for the casino project as a whole. Ryan Stanton, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, shared his appreciation for the DEIS and how Sands is going about the project.
“Long Islanders care about traffic, taxes and economic opportunity,” Stanton said. “When we make investments in infrastructure, it creates economic opportunity for the people behind it, reduces taxes for the people behind them, and when people have a reduced tax burden and money in their pockets, they can make good environmental and economic choices.”
On the other side, the Say No to the Casino Civic Association has been vocal in its longstanding opposition to the project, repeatedly making the argument that it will harm the community and environment in a variety of ways. The group claims in a news release that the extensive infrastructure changes needed for the casino would permanently alter the landscape and exacerbate traffic congestion. Members also expressed concerns about the environmental impact, highlighting the expected water consumption and carbon emissions in a news release that followed the DEIS submission.
Supporters and opponents of the Las Vegas Sands casino project filled the county legislative chamber on Dec. 9 for a public hearing on the project’s draft environmental impact statement.
Concerns about the local impacts of the casino project on surrounding towns, including Baldwin, Uniondale, Hempstead, Garden City and East Meadow, led the Garden City village board to file a lawsuit against Sands, asking the Nassau County Supreme Court to void the 42-year lease agreement for the Coliseum between the county and Sands because, the suit claims, lawmakers did not closely examine the potential impact a casino could have on the environment.
Steve Rolston of Baldwin is concerned about the local impact it may bring for his community, its students and homeowners.
“There is a ripple effect,” he said. “When you start to do the research, the National Association of Realtors says that it is a ripple effect if you’re very close to a casino — property values go down 10 to 12 percent. But even me, four miles away, the people are affected.”
Hofstra University also took legal action against the county for initially violating the Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) during the initial approval process for the Nassau Coliseum lease in March 2023. The case is now back in the hands of the Nassau County Supreme Court.
Karen Riordan, a member of the Say No association, said she believed the environmental impact statement “failed to take into account the full regional impact the casino project will have on saltwater intrusion on shore communities.” Riordan referenced a study released in August by the United States Geological Survey that indicates that Long Island’s only freshwater aquifer is in danger of saltwater intrusion, and that the language used in the DEIS to describe this potential problem is “too vague.”
Other association members also spoke at the hearing, including Steve Rolston, a member of the Sierra Club, who said that people’s concerns go beyond the environment.
“There are environmental reasons, plus economic and social reasons, that a casino is considered nothing more than legal fraud,” Rolston said.
The draft environmental impact statement is available for public review on the Legislature’s website, and a public comment period will extend until Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. Submissions can be sent via email to sandscomments@nassaucountyny.gov, or by mail to the Nassau County Clerk of the Legislature, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola, NY 11501.
Kelsie Radziski/Herald
STEPPING OUT
Merry eatings
‘Tis the season for a
By Karen Bloom
ost of us would agree that there’s almost nothing better than the aroma of fresh-baked goodies wafting through the house. Especially during holiday time. Nothing says “love” like fresh baked cookies and treats. So give the gift of homemade goodness, whether it’s a gift platter or by hosting family and friends for a cookie exchange. Everyone can get in on the act and share their creations all around.
Your gang will enjoy tasting these luscious creations in your makeshift holiday workshop.
Chocolate Mint Squares
Notes of crisp peppermint perfectly complement the flavors of coffee in this festive alternative to a brownie. Add some crushed peppermint to each cookie to create a beautiful and seasonal presentation.
Dough
• 1/3 cup baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chopped pecans, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil
Frosting
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar or glazing sugar
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or peppermint oil
• 2 tablespoons milk
Glaze
• 3 tablespoons baking chocolate or unsweetened chocolate
• 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9” x 9” pan.
To make the dough: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, salt and eggs.
Add the chocolate mixture, stirring to combine, then the flour, nuts and peppermint, mixing until well-blended.
Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the squares for 25 minutes. Remove them from the oven, and
‘Holiday Joy’
cool to room temperature. Remove them from the oven, and cool to room temperature. While cooling make the frosting and glaze.
To make the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter or margarine, peppermint and milk. Spread the frosting over the cooled squares in a thin layer.
To make the glaze: In a double boiler, or in a microwave, melt together the chocolate and butter or margarine. Drizzle this over the frosted squares, and sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candy. Refrigerate the squares until they’re well-chilled. To serve, cut into 1 1/2” squares.
Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies
You can’t spin these dreidels, but you sure can gobble them up. The versatile dough that can be customized to create chocolate or colored cookies.
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Dreidel-shaped cookie cutter
• Piping bag
• Blue frosting
Cookie dough
In a medium-size bowl, mix the flour and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, stir in the egg, then the corn syrup and vanilla extract. One third at a time, add the flour mixture until thoroughly mixed.
Pat the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll. If it is too firm, soften at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Roll one disk of dough between two pieces of waxed paper or
plastic wrap, 1/4 inch thick. Remove the top sheet and cut out the cookies with cookie cutters.
Using a metal spatula, transfer the shapes to baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies start to brown lightly around the edges. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to racks and cool completely before frosting and decorating. Makes 12 to 50 cookies, depending on their size.
For chocolate dough: After the last third of flour has been added to the dough, mix in 1 ounce melted, slightly cooled unsweetened chocolate. Use your hands to knead in the chocolate.
For colored dough: Divide the dough into portions and use a toothpick to add food coloring paste (available at party supply stores) to each one. Knead until the color is evenly distributed. For a flavor surprise, omit the vanilla extract and add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the yellow dough, mint extract to the green dough, and strawberry extract to the red dough.
How to prepare
Cut out the dreidels from the rolled-out dough and bake as directed (if you cant find a dreidel cookie cutter, make a pattern out of lightweight cardboard). When cooled, pipe one of the four classic dreidel symbols on each cookie (either gimel, shin, nun, or hay) with blue frosting.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 44 candy-coated chocolate pieces
• 88 semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
• 44 pretzels, broken into 1-inch pieces
Heat oven to 350° F.
Beat peanut butter, butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Add combined flour and baking soda; mix well.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets. Bake 7 to 9 min. or until cookies are just set.
Place 1 chocolate piece immediately in center of each cookie for a nose (press down slightly if cookies aren’t flat enough), 2 chocolate chips for eyes, and 2 pretzel pieces at top of cookie for antlers. Carefully remove cookies to wire rack; cool completely.
Beloved holiday tunes are combined with a musical cabaret in a joyous over-the-top spectacle that is the Madison Theatre’s holiday celebration. The cast of 48 performers enthusiastically share all the delights of the season in this show, now in its 11th year, created by Artistic Director Angelo Fraboni. The vibrant cast includes Broadway performers. and Molloy University’s pre-professional CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students “Holiday Joy” invites everyone to take a journey through the many worlds of the holidays — through song and dance — in the fast- paced spectacle. Timeless songs such as “We Need A Little Christmas” are brought to life in joyful arrangements, accompanied by a live band.
Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. ; Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or madisontheatreny. org.
Yellow Brick Joel
Relive the classic songs that define generations. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat,” “Funeral For A Friend,” “Miami 2017,” and “Captain Jack.” A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! Groove along to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship.
Friday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Chocolate Mint Squares Dreidel Hanukkah Cookies Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
THE Your Neighborhood
‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’
Keep those winter doldrums at bay with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. It may seem like we’ve got much too long to wait ‘til we’re back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Friday, Jan. 3 , 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — has been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively l mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer on a Friday night, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
Countdown to 12
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back its popular “Noon” Year’s Eve family party, Sunday, dec. 31, noon-4 p.m. This year’s event will be making an intergalactic leap with activities starting at 11 a.m., the addition of a third ball drop, plus spacethemed crafts, entertainment and a confetti-filled dance party. The day’s celebration starts and ends with Times Square-style ball drops (noon, 2 and 4 p.m.). In between the opening and closing ball drops, families will make themed crafts and enjoy the DJ-led dance party.
All activities are drop-in and run through 3:45 p.m. $20 adults and children, $18 seniors, members free. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm. org.
American Legion Post 854 meets
Valley Stream American Legion Post 854 holds their regular monthly meeting, Thursday, dec. 19 , 7 p.m. 51 Roosevelt Ave. For more information, call (516) 7919791 or visit AmericanLegion845. com.
Bird
walk
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, dec. 21, starting at 9 a.m. The group will meet in parking lot #3. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.
Grace Church Thrift Shop
Grace United Methodist Church’s thrift shop is open every Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Find a wide assortment of clothing, household items, jewelry, glassware, electronics, art and many other items. Come and enjoy the new Christmas Shop, which is loaded with beautiful ornaments, snow globes, Christmas mugs, glasses, cookie jars, collectors items and many other Christmas decorations at incredibly low prices. Come on in and enjoy the season! 21 S. Franklin Ave.
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.
Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Hanukkah Concert
Green Acres Mall celebrates the Festival of Lights with a Hanukkah concert, Saturday, Dec. 21, starting at 7 p.m., in the center court. With performance by Aryeh Kunstler. 2034 Green Acres Road, Sunrise Highway. For more information, visit ShopGreenAcres.com or call (516) 561-1157.
Photos with Santa Santa Claus visits Green Acres Mall now until Monday, Dec. 23, starting at 11 a.m., for photos, between Forever 21 and Journeys. Photo packages are available for purchase. Pre-booking your visit is recommended to help reduce wait time. For more information, visit ShopGreenAcres.com/ SantaPhotos or call (516) 5611157. ,2034 Green Acres Road, Sunrise Highway.
Having an event?
Holiday concert
Celebrate the season with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. The intergenerational orchestra of 60 L.I.-based musicians performs with the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir as special guests. The program, at Brookside School in North Merrick, includes “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Sing-A-Long,” “Greensleeves,” “Chanukah Festival Overture,” and much more.
Suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door (kids are free). 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York. Visit symphonicpopsli. org for more.
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.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Dec. 20, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.; 6: 15 p.m.; also Dec. 28-30. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.
The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.
Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!
Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME:
BETTER FURNITURE ONLINE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/06/2024.
NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:
BETTER FURNITURE ONLINE, LLC
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150000
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against CRAIG WALLACE A/K/A
CRAIG R. WALLACE, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 28, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 168 Hendrickson Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580. Sec 37 Block 509-04 a/k/a 50904 Lot 0154.0 a/k/a 154. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $438,597.58 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605027/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to
comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Paul Meli, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000686-1 150319
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST
Simran Kaur; et al.,
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 19, 2019 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 January 6, 2025 at 4:00PM, premises known as 51 Sobro Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 37 Block: 521 Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment $482,798.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 605425/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Leonard Symons, 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: October 24, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 150321
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL WOLKOW, ESQ., AS TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF MOHAMMAD ALFATIAN
A/K/A MOHAMMAD AL-
FATIAN A/K/A
MOHAMMED ALFATIAN
A/K/A MOHAMMED
IMAD ALFATIAN; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MOHAMMAD
ALFATIAN A/K/A
MOHAMMAD AL-FATIAN
A/K/A MOHAMMED
ALFATIAN A/K/A
MOHAMMED IMAD
ALFATIAN; ET AL.,
Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 25, 2024, 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 January 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 11 STATE STREET, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37, Block: 621, Lot: 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $776,961.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 014491/2013. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee.
For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
BRIAN J. DAVIS, Esq., Referee
Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 150335
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff against SHARIQ M. MAJEED, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered July 26, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 96 Brentwood Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 525 Lot 13. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon
erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $750,454.63 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 607408/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000810-1 150317
LEGAL NOTICE
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 620862/2023 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-7 Plaintiff, vs ANTHONY OLIVERI, CECELIA COLOSO SOLIVIO INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONNIE SOLIVIO, CANDICE SOLIVIO OLIVERI AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONNIE SOLIVIO, MANUELITO A SOLIVIO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONNIE SOLIVIO IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE
INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RONNIE SOLIVIO IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, JPMORGAN CHASER BANK, N.A., GERALD LOVE, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), NA JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s).
MORTGAGED PREMISES: 172 Roberta Street Valley Stream, NY 11580 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Manuelito A Solivio as Heir to the Estate of Ronnie Solivio, Unknown Heirs of Ronnie Solivio Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Christopher T. Mcgrath of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Nineteenth day of November, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Anthony Oliveri, Ronnie Solivio (who died on January 24, 2021, a resident of the county of Nassau, State of New York) and Cecelia Coloso Solivio dated the February 7, 2005, to secure the sum of $467,500.00 and recorded at Book 28499, Page 407 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on March 11, 2005. The mortgage was subsequently modified on September 6, 2010. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 6, 2012 and recorded on September 4, 2012, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 37655, Page 717. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 25, 2012 and recorded on September 4, 2012, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 37655, Page 719. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by Anthony Oliveri, Ronnie Solivio and Cecelia Coloso Solivio on November 5, 2015 and
recorded January 26, 2016 in Book 40974, Page 301 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk. The property in question is described as follows: 172 Roberta Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED:
November 22, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 83592 150242
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL J. CARR, ET AL., Defendant(s).
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstARTHUR J. TEICHBERG, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 22, 2018, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and ARTHUR J. TEICHBERG, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4 VALLEY LANE NORTH, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581; and the following tax map identification: 39-621-14. 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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 002388/2015. John M. McFaul, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150313
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11580 (516) 592-5105 NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 1, 2017 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline duly entered on January 21, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 637 Diane Place, Valley Stream a/k/a South Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 595 and Lot 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $177,240.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003666/2016. Lisa A. LeimbachGutman, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 211487-1 150307
Blood banks struggle amid holiday slump
Continued from page 1
these community drives prove immensely valuable for the blood bank system. Every donation counts.
“We have to ensure that we collect a minimum of 2,000 units of blood every day to ensure that our collections for the hospitals are at a safe level,” said Fiscina.
Spelled out in more concrete terms, that’s enough blood to fill about 250 standard soda bottles, with some blood types in higher demand than others. Demand, Fiscina noted, is especially high for Type O-negative blood, the universal donor, and platelets.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11580, until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on the 9th day of January 2025 at which time they will be opened and read and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for the purchase of:
LIGHTPOLES, FIXTURES, MAGNIFLOOD OR EQUAL
FOR THE INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM
The Bid Documents and Specifications are available to mail by calling the Office of the Village Clerk, in the Village Hall of said Village at 516-592-5106 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. excluding weekends or e-mail vsclrk5@vsvny.org.
All bids shall be submitted upon the forms provided therefor by the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream and shall exclude all Federal, State and local taxes. No Bid Bond is required.
All supplies are to be furnished in such quantities as may be needed by the Village of Valley Stream and prices shall remain in effect for 24 months from the date of acceptance of the bid. For questions on the bid specifications contact Tom McAleer, Community Economic Development Manager at tmcaleer@vsvny.org.
The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream reserves the right to reject any and all bids in the whole or in part and to waive any
informality of bids and to accept the bid and award the Contract to the lowest, responsible, formal Bidder deemed most favorable to the interest of the Village of Valley Stream therefor, pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
Dated: Valley Stream, New York December 19, 2024
JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 150570
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF MFRA TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. SEBASTIAN A. LEONARDI A/K/A SEBASTIAN LEONARDI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Albermarle Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block
607 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $545,528.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611066/2020.
Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 191501-3 150536
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2004-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ROLAND KATWAROO, CHANDRADAI KATWAROO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 24, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 21, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 86 Fletcher Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York,
Section 37, Block 169, Lot 5, 6, 7. Approximate amount of judgment $272,870.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002574/2016. 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”. William Boccio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-002896 83235 150528
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: DJSV Limited Liability Company LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 9/9/24. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 76 S Montgomery Street, Valley Stream, NY11580 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150556
Anxieties around the reality of blood collection are unlikely to fade anytime soon. Five years after COVID-19, the regional community blood bank has languished to restore donation rates to prepandemic levels. In the wake of this, Dr. Alexander Jose Indrikovs, a pathologist at Northwell Health and senior director of blood transfusion services, says its hospitals have learned to economize with the amount of blood they receive from NYBC.
“We have a program called patient blood management,” said Dr. Indrikovs. “We take care of the patient in a way to make sure that we only transfuse those who need a transfusion, and we give them what they need when they need it based on evidence-based practices.”
Blood donations are used in all manner of medical procedures in hospitals, noted Indrikovs from blood loss caused by traumatic accidents to organ transplants to chemotherapy treatments. “The purpose of consistent blood donations is to keep a healthy and robust inventory of blood components to be used in a split second when they’re needed in a hospital or ambulance,” he said.
Young, longtime donors wanted
Dependent as patients are on blood donors, experts worry long-time contributors are becoming a dwindling breed. The need for fresher blood, quite literally, continues to grow particularly against Long Island’s aging population.
Indrikovs used himself as an example. At 66, he has continued to donate blood at every opportunity, but as he gets along in years, there is an increasing
Basic requirements to donate blood
■ In good health
■ 17 years or older (16 with a parent or guardian’s written consent)
■ If you are 76 or older, New York Blood Center requires written consent from your doctor. Please bring a copy of the letter from your doctor to your donor appointment. This letter will remain on file with the New York Blood Center as your proof of eligibility to donate
■ Weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors aged 16 to 18 have additional height and weight restrictions.
■ Taking antibiotics for infection (except for acne). Accepted after taking the last dose, provided donor meets all other criteria
■ Symptom-free for at least 72 hours following cold or flu
■ Some medical conditions/ medications, recent tattoos, piercings, or travel may impact eligibility
risk of developing a disease or being put on certain medications that disqualify him from giving blood.
“That’s why we need to continue recruiting young people who are healthy, who are not taking medications that we have when we age,” he said. Zubair recruited his 14-year-old son Hamza Zubair, a South High School student, to volunteer at the Masjid Hamza blood drive to “show the importance of this kind of community service” and encourage the younger crowd to participate.
News brief
Project Thank a Cop helped 213 children
The Michael Geraldi-Ray Abear Holiday Shop with a Cop took over Matty’s Toy Stop in Hewlett for the fifth consecutive year to create holiday magic.
On Dec. 7, 213 children from all over Long Island and the city, who have lost a parent or loved one in the line of duty, shopped for $100 worth of toys and games accompanied by volunteers. They also shopped for $50 worth of toys for children at New York University Lan -
gone Mineola Child Life Department. Officers from 18 departments including Nassau County, New York Police Department, state troopers, FBI and local villages, participated.
Project Thank A Cop, a nonprofit run by Wantagh residents Andy and Maegan Fox, coordinated this event. Maegan and Andy’s crew and members of law enforcement devote so much effort to making the kids happy.”
Alice Moreno/Herald nayyer Zubair, the organizer of the blood drive, right, highlighted the critical need for younger people to get involved. from left. were volunteers Zain paracha and Hamza Zubair, both 14.
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 $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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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
EDITOR/REPORTER
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 jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES: Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS: Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@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 $16 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 $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
for
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Eldercare Offered
HomesHERALD
A Dream Home
TMaking an old home newer
Q. We looked at a home to buy, and saw that the stairs from the first to the second floor were leaning. We keep seeing this in homes that we’re interested in. Even though we will get a home inspection, can you tell us, more specifically, what causes this, and whether it’s a reason not to be interested in any particular house?
A. Leaning stairs are usually improperly supported. Because stairs go through an opening between floors, their weight must be supported all around the opening. Unfortunately, this leaning and sagging condition is not uncommon, especially in older homes that were built before there were building codes and official building inspections by trained individuals who had to sign off on the way a home was framed. Many homes were framed by carpenters who had knowledge of materials and how to join them to create beautiful homes, without necessarily being formally educated in the engineering, science and math required to predict, and thereby avoid, failure.
To the trained professional, the stair condition you describe is considered a failure, because the weight of the stairs and the surrounding structure were not resolved to keep everything aligned. The leaning staircase was predictable, but not avoided. In some modern cases, when inspectors aren’t called before the framing is covered in finishes such as wallboard or woodwork, an official inspection isn’t done, and many inspectors will rely on a letter from a licensed architect or engineer.
You should be made aware that this practice of asking for letters may not be of much assurance, because not seeing the conditions and still writing a letter can be a problem. Letters don’t hold up buildings, but the shifting of the task is meant to shift responsibility, and unless the licensed professional really examines the conditions fully, you may just go through a shifting of blame similar to the shifting stairs.
The remedy is to lift the stairs into position while remediating the structure. In some cases, a column at the lowest level was required and not installed; in others, the horizontal floor joists surrounding the stairwell weren’t the right size; and in other cases, the stair may have been framed and attached to the surrounding structure incorrectly. Many people never consider the impact of an adult transferring their weight, with gravity, to the next step, literally falling a step at a time, multiplying their mass plus gravity.
In one instance I investigated, an air conditioning installer “needed” to cut through the main beam just below the stair landing so that only the air duct was holding the stairs’ weight, which, by the time I arrived, had dropped 4 inches. The air duct was redirected and the beam had to be replaced, which turned out to be an involved procedure. If the house has plaster walls, the repair is more expensive and, in either case, the added framing may be costly. It might be a reason to keep looking. Good luck!
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opinions
Like many other devotees, I’ll miss ‘Blue Bloods’ dearly
Atelevision era has ended. Last Friday night’s “Blue Bloods” episode was the last. It has been canceled by CBS despite having consistently high ratings and, in my opinion, having been the best show on television during its 14-season run on the network. I don’t profess to be a media critic, but I am a lifelong New Yorker who appreciated the firstclass acting of a cast led by Tom Selleck, and the show’s proud espousal of support for the police and its advocacy of traditional family values.
“Blue Bloods” focuses on four generations of the Reagan family in New York law enforcement — the “Reagan family business.” Frank Reagan, played by Selleck, is the NYPD commissioner. His father, Henry, is a former commissioner. His sons, Danny, a detective, and Jamie,
in case you’re still counting, Election Day happened six weeks ago, and all of the post-mortems on both sides reached the same conclusion: The No. 1 issue for voters was the economy, and the Democrats failed to pay attention to that issue, even though James Carville has been telling his party that “It’s the economy, stupid,” since 1992.
As we approach a new year, nothing has changed. The voters voted their pocketbooks, and they will judge all national and state politicians by what they do to ease people’s financial tensions. Incoming President Donald Trump says he hasn’t forgotten about his promise to cut the price of basic necessities, and his legacy will be judged by the promises he will keep.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, has gotten the message, and will propose a 2025 budget that will be loaded with pro-
a sergeant, as well as Jamie’s wife, Janko, are all NYPD, and his daughter, Erin, is a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office. An older son, Joe, was killed in the line of duty. His son, Joe Hill, previously unknown to the family, recently appeared on the NYPD scene using his mother’s last name.
consequences, including being secondguessed by critics who have never had to confront professional killers, violent drug dealers or crazed madmen.
Was it canceled for resisting corporate pressure to be more ‘woke’?
Besides the expected emphasis on crime solving, “Blue Bloods” shows the realities of cops’ lives and the impact that those often harsh realities have on their families’ day-to-day lives. Unlike almost every other crime drama series, “Blue Bloods” never succumbed to political or corporate pressure to portray cops in a negative light, even at the height (or the depth) of the Defund the Police movement, which was all the rage in 2020.
Not that it shows cops to be perfect. Just human — people who are willing to put their lives on the line for all the rest of us. People who have to make lifechanging decisions and live with the
As a recent Newsday story pointed out, “Blue Bloods” has a particularly strong following on Long Island, where many police officers and their families and friends live, as well as the many thousands of commuters who regularly travel to the city for work or entertainment.
I admit to having a bias. My father was a member of the NYPD for more than three decades before he retired as a lieutenant. I also have friends who have been officers in the NYPD as well as the Nassau and Suffolk County police departments. It was most impactful to be able to closely observe police work during my 18 years on the House Homeland Security Committee.
I had the chance to meet the “Blue Bloods” cast during several visits to their studio in Brooklyn, where they filmed the Sunday-family-dinner scenes,
and other shooting locations on Long Island. All are outstanding people, especially Selleck; Donnie Wahlberg, who played Danny; and Will Estes, who played Jamie. So, too, is Steve Schirripa (Anthony Abetemarco), whom I’d met before, a great guy who’s as genuine as the investigator he plays on the show.
Believe me, I’m not a star-struck guy. Being in public life, I’ve met a number of famous people and celebrities who are jerks. The “Blue Bloods” guys are the real deal.
The unanswered question is why CBS canceled a show that had consistently positive ratings for so many seasons and such a loyal, supportive fan base. Was it because “Blue Bloods” resisted corporate pressure to be more progressive and ‘woke’? Were its traditional values, exemplified by support for the police, the family dinner and strong patriotism, too out of touch for some of its advertisers? No matter. “Blue Bloods” fans will always have the memories.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
At least Governor Hochul got the message
grams to help wage earners on many levels. Her first salvo into the coming year is an interesting one. She wants to give every family that makes less than $300,000 a check from the state for $500, and individuals who make less than $150,000 a onetime payment of $300.
Fiscal conservatives and budget hawks jumped on the plan with all kinds of criticism, but it will take more than a few barbs to kill Hochul’s one-shot anti-inflation proposal. Why is this plan being proposed, and where would the money come from?
when she announces her proposed budget in late January. Every one of the ideas in her plan will be aimed at saving people money.
s he’ll propose a 2025 budget loaded with programs to help wage earners.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the state collected a bonanza of tax revenue. Housebound voters purchased billions of dollars’ worth of necessities, and the state was the beneficiary. Those funds are sitting in some budget account, and if the governor doesn’t spend them first, the State Legislature surely will.
The rebate proposal is just one of many taxpayer benefits that Hochul will announce. There are numerous ways to reward consumers, and the governor can be the first one to offer them
Aside from the fact that Hochul is paying attention to the message of this year’s election, she is also keeping an eye on the political calendar. She will be seeking re-election in 2026, and now is as good a time as ever to make proposals that appeal to the average voter. The timing is important, because there are always a few ambitious Democrats who think they can do a better job, as well as some Republicans who are looking for promotions.
Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams has climbed on the tax-cutting bandwagon. He has proposed a modest cut for people on the lowest rung of the income ladder, but a check in the mail can be a much more potent gift for a voter in 2025.
Is a rebate check a new political idea? Some years back, when the state was running the Long Island Lighting Company, then Gov. George Pataki
approved a one-time payment for utility customers. It was an instant hit. Are there many ways to put money in voters’ wallets? From personal experience, I can think of a few. While serving as chair of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I Iearned a lot about sales taxes. New York’s tax laws cover thousands of day-to-day household items. Some of those taxes could be eliminated, and consumers would know very quickly why their expenses went down. The flip side of sales tax cuts is that they cost the state money, but if there’s money in the cupboard, why not spend it?
In the weeks ahead, New York voters will be romanced with one proposal after another. The trick for the governor is to be the first one to come up new ideas that the Legislature will have a hard time rejecting. It’s time for the state to start giving back, even if that comes in small pieces.
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.
Suffolk C.C. is shortchanging journalism
in a decision that has left many Long Island journalists and educators dismayed, Suffolk County Community College has chosen to eliminate its journalism major.
The move, characterized as a cost-cutting measure in response to declining enrollment and the purportedly dim career prospects of students who study journalism, is not only shortsighted, but runs counter to the college’s mission of preparing students to transfer to fouryear institutions where they can follow their chosen paths to future success.
For years, SCCC has prided itself on serving as a launching pad for students aiming to continue their education at schools such as Adelphi, Hofstra and Stony Brook universities — institutions with thriving journalism and communications programs. Suffolk’s own commercials proclaim how proud the school is to propel two-year students to fouryear schools.
Journalism is not only a viable academic path at these schools; it is also a critical discipline that is nothing less than the backbone of a functioning democracy. By shuttering the journalism major, SCCC sends a troubling message about the value it places on media literacy, civic engagement and students’ preparation for essential careers in public service, accountability and compelling storytelling.
The college’s decision is proving to be a controversial one, given that it came despite opposition from SCCC’s own faculty. In three separate votes, educators overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to discontinue the program. Such strong opposition suggests that those closest to
letters
Those excessive red-light-camera fines
To the Editor:
the educational process, who teach, mentor and advise students, understand the importance of maintaining a journalism program, even at a time when there couldn’t be more challenges for the profession.
The executive dean ultimately overrode those votes, citing enrollment declines and data from the New York State Department of Labor projecting limited growth in journalism jobs.
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, show a more robust industry despite the decline in the number and readership of newspapers. The SCCC decision fails to account for the evolving nature of journalism and its continued relevance in a mediasaturated world. The field is not disappearing; it is being transformed, and students deserve the opportunity to learn the skills needed to adapt to this new media landscape.
Content creation, social media management, podcasting, multimedia reporting and data journalism are just a few of the avenues now available to those with a foundation in journalism. Furthermore, the skills taught in a journalism program — writing, research, critical thinking and ethical reasoning — are transferable to a wide range of careers.
As it happens, the State University of New York has a system-wide community journalism program, the Institute for Local News, that provides students with real-world experience at local media outlets. Ironically, SCCC is the largest college by enrollment in the SUNY system. And we should note that its sister school, Nassau Community College, also offers journalism classes, but has no
If you haven’t heard, it seems a state appeals court has found that Nassau County has been adding illegal fees to red-light-camera tickets over the past 10 years — $100 on a $150 ticket. Ouch. I know — just like you, I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell ya. OK, not really.
But here’s the thing: Some of our dear legislators don’t wanna give back the money that was taken from us! Yeah, another shock.
I guess we’ll just see how that little bit of business plays out, but there is one more thing I’d like to bring up again. One of the biggest complaints about the redlight cams is the rear-end collisions they cause. Not being one to complain without offering a solution, I’d like to re-introduce my simple solution that would solve the problem immediately. Simple countdown clocks! There is absolutely no excuse why there shouldn’t be one hanging from every traffic light at a
journalism major.
The Herald Community Newspapers have for years invited journalism students from colleges across Long Island to work as interns, and the company is currently in partnership with Hofstra on a program in which students will join forces with Herald journalists on a series of stories, as well as with Stony Brook’s Working Newsroom, in which students will pitch and write stories. All of the stories will be published in the Heralds.
SCCC is targeting other programs and majors that fail to meet certain enrollment and job market criteria, and those decisions signal a troubling trend of prioritizing short-term metrics over longterm educational value. While budget constraints are an undeniable reality for most institutions, their decisions about academic programs should be guided by more than just numbers. They should reflect a commitment to the colleges’ missions and to the needs of their students.
If SCCC is truly committed to preparing students for transfer and future success, it must reconsider the elimination of its journalism major. A flourishing journalism program would not only support the college’s academic reputation, but also affirm its dedication to producing graduates who are informed, articulate and passionate about engaging with the world.
Bottom-line-focused decisions may balance budgets in the moment, but they risk undermining the broader purpose of education: to prepare students not only for jobs but also for meaningful, informed lives.
opinions Unwrapping a year of daily notes
iunwrapped the holiday gift I received from my son, Matthew, last year and found a new York Mets tear-off calendar for 2024. Six days a week (weekends were combined), there was either a question about Mets history or a fun fact.
Jan. 1: “In 2019, Pete alonzo blasted 53 home run, setting a record for an MLB rookie.”
Feb. 13: “Who was the first player in Mets history to steal home more than once in a single season?
Hubie Brooks, 1991.”
March 27: “In 2022, Francisco Lindor became the first shortstop in Mets history to hit at least 20 home runs in consecutive seasons.”
I don’t know why, but from new Year’s day through the following 12 months, I wrote notes on the back of each page I tore off.
Jan. 3: “Fast day @ work. Much to do. Zone meeting. Job interview. Freeport production. nYPa.”
Feb. 13: “Snow day. everyone home. Matt visited. Workers upstairs. Chocolate chip p–cakes/bacon dinner.
March 26: “@ office. Production nas-
sau early. Closed papers early.” early in the year, I debated whether to leave the calendar at home or bring it in to the office. I sided with keeping it on the desk in my man-cave-libraryoffice at home, in what used to be my son’s bedroom.
april 8: “on this date in 1954, future Mets catcher Gary Carter was born in Culver City, Ca.” (additional fun fact: Carter’s jersey number was 8.)
May 14: “In 1972, who did the Mets trade to the Giants in exchange for Willie Mays? rHP Charlie Williams (along with $50,000).”
oprevious day, or over the weekend. It’s been interesting to compare what I wrote in the first few months of the year with my notes later in the year. The Mets had a horrible start, but then, on oct. 9: “Mets win nLdS Series 3-1.”
n one side, a landmark in Mets history. On the other, my daughter’s birthday.
every morning this year, after getting dressed, I’ve put off going downstairs for breakfast for a few minutes, sat down and noted the highlights of the previous day.
april 1: “edited stories. Set up paper. Tuna for dinner. Two great hoops games. Mets 0-4/good job.
May 16: “Got sale docs signed/ mailed. C/U backyard. rangers clinched semi series.”
June 29/30: “Sat. — errands/clean up. relax/game nite/pizza. Sun. — a little work/relax. Pulled pork @ Les’s/dinner. Spoke with Stuart/plan.”
Writing these brief notes was a way to remember what had happened the
Letters
red-light-cam intersection. Problem solved. You’re welcome.
Fred GeFen Woodmere
More local memories of Jimmy Breslin
To the editor:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Peter King’s column “ remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in n ew York journalism” (dec. 5-11). It brought back so many memories. Breslin used to call my late husband, Marvin Bernstein, every Sunday night for the news about the nassau County Supreme Court. Marvin was the public information officer at the courthouse, and Jimmy kept him busy! Thanks for the column, Mr. King!
SandY BernSTeIn East Meadow
The Sands proposal: ‘right location, wrong project’
To the editor:
Las Vegas Sands’ proposal for an
integrated casino-resort in the n assau County Hub a very bad idea. r ight location, wrong project! a re the risks to our suburban lifestyle and environment worth the grossly exaggerated benefits projected? There were so many assumptions in the draft environment impact statement, and so much information omitted.
I am strongly opposed to the proposed project at the Hub. There are better alternatives that would benefit all n assau County residents, but the people we rely on to protect our interests and preserve our suburban way of life are looking for a quick fix. They will bankrupt your future in more ways than you could imagine.
Hard rock’s application to develop Citi Field has been approved by local community boards. Much better location, very accessible public transportation and a much better independent operator than Sands. That “Metropolitan Park,” if built, would compete with Sands and other downstate casinos for the same pool of gamblers and people seeking entertainment options. Somebody’s going to lose, and it will be the residents of n assau County.
anTHonY BranCaTo East Meadow
The thoughts trickle back as snapshot memories that I either want to cherish, like Sept. 25 — “White House Tavern dinner 30 yrs.” — or try to forget, like oct. 27: “Mr. G’s wake.”
July 19: “Mike Piazza was the first player in Mets history to have four different seasons with at least 30 home runs.”
Sept. 3: “on this date in 1978, who became the first Mets player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game? Lee Mazzilli. Time is fleeting, it is precious, and God is not making more of it. These are among the many, many things that have been written about time. Clearly, we should be making the most of it.
July 23: “office. Production mostly on time. nautilus for dinner.”
aug. 6: “office. Production — Lyn, nassau, Uniondale & South Shore record computer glitches/rain storm.
Sept. 14/15: “a little work/errands relaxed. Laundry — work relaxed. Wendy’s w/Liz. Chris out with the ladies.”
Snapshots of nearly 365 days of another year in a life. I wonder what other people’s notes would look like. oct. 4: “on this date in 1999, al Leiter threw a two-hit shutout to propel the Mets over the reds in a one-game playoff berth for the nL Wild Card berth.” dec. 3: “What ballpark was the first to allow fans to keep the foul balls that landed in the stands? Wrigley Field.”
Who knows what the next year will bring? I hope it’s more memories like these.
oct. 19/20: “Sat. — errands/watched college FB. B&B Fish and Clam tilapia/ onion rings. Sun. — read stories/laundry. Watched football. Houlihan’s for Liz’s 19th B-day! nov. 16/17: “Sat. — errands, dinner alan’s B-day, austin’s ale House. Sun. — open house. Football. Pasta/sauce/ bread dinner.” dec. 4: “office. asked to write op-ed to fill hole. Valley Stream 100 mtg. dinner w/Liz, buffalo chicken roll/ CParm.”
Time moves quickly, and while details of my daily life may not match the scale of the Mets’ landmark events, they hold deeper significance. My team — my family and friends — far outshines even my favorite baseball squad in importance.
Jeffrey Bessen is the deputy editor of Herald Community Newspapers, and a dedicated note taker.
Framework by Tim Baker
Rockville Centre Girl Scout Troop 864 at Dees’ annual Trees for Troops — Oceanside
JeFFreY Bessen
