Charles Shaw/Herald
Roxi, a 4-year-old English mastiff, was abandoned on the westbound Southern State Parkway on July 1. Town of Hempstead officials said they were looking for a permanent home for the dog, and law enforcement was looking for whoever left her on the side of the highway.
At Wantagh animal shelter, Clavin and Donnelly pledge prosecution for abandonment of dog on Southern State
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
She was left alone, tied to a light pole on the westbound Southern State Parkway, near Exit 21, in Uniondale.
All she had was a water bowl, and a note that read, “This is Roxi. A trained American Bullmastiff. She is four years old. She has been fed and given a flea bath, she may still have issues with them. See that she gets good care.”
Roxi, later more accurately identified as an English mastiff, was abandoned on the parkway on the morning of July 1. State troopers retrieved her after responding to a call reporting a dog tied to a pole at around 5:30 a.m. They dropped her off at the Town
of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, where she was examined by veterinarians who found her to be hungry and underweight, but otherwise in good health.
“She’s nervous, but she’s very sweet,” Ashley Behrens, the acting director of the shelter, said. “Obviously it’s traumatic what she went through, so nervousness is to be expected.”
Now Roxi is looking for a home, and law enforcement officers are looking for whoever left her on the side of the road.
“We’re going to find a home for this dog and, working with our Nassau D.A., we’re going to find these culprits and hold them accountable,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said at a July 3 news conference outside the
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Students who graduated from Seaford High School last month are more prepared to enter the next chapter of their lives, thanks to a course that has taught them valuable life skills.
The course, called Beyond Seaford High School, teaches students a variety of tasks that would give them a leg up as they enter adulthood. Through this program, students are learning how to prepare for a job interview, manage a business, and how to live on their own.
Wrealized that students who had earned advanced Regents diplomas were not quite ready to enter the job market or take on certain responsibilities, such as speaking publicly or budgeting money, he added.
e basically put together a curriculum that attempts to help (students) with whatever
paths they are going to go into.
MiCHAEl WiMMER
“We basically put together a curriculum that attempts to help (students) with whatever paths they are going to go into,” Michael Wimmer, one of the course instructors, said. Wimmer created the course four years ago, when students were returning to the classroom after the pandemic. He
Co-instructor, Beyond Seaford High School
“You hear horror stories about kids getting their first credit card and running up debt and not realizing that is going to impact your ability to buy a house,” Wimmer said.
Wimmer, who teaches the course with co-instructor Christine Caserta, said Beyond Seaford High School runs the full school year on alternating days and is split into two classes. Students who sign up for the course in ninth or 10th grade start in Beyond 1, where they learn important life skills such as public speaking, budgeting and cooking. Beyond 2 builds upon the previous class, applying the skills learned to help prepare them for college or job
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shelter.
Joining Clavin were county District Attorney Anne Donnelly and State Police Capt. Timothy Gleason. Donnelly said that her office and investigators were working with State Police to help find the person who abandoned Roxi, adding that anyone who recognized her should contact the State Police or the D.A.’s office.
The charges, according to Donnelly, could include abandoning an animal, a misdemeanor, or aggravated cruelty, a felony.
“Where we are able, we will prosecute them aggressively,” she said.
Dog abandonment is not uncommon, Donnelly noted, but what happened to Roxi was especially dangerous, because the Southern State is one of the most heavily traveled, and treacherous, highways on Long Island.
“It is no place to abandon a 4-year-old puppy,” Donnelly said. “It is unacceptable, and leaving a note with well wishes just doesn’t cut it. There is no excuse for dumping a dog on the side of a major highway.”
Wsaid, “if a person is unable to care for a dog, there are better ways of handling such a situation.”
Donnelly explained that dog owners who cannot continue to care for their pets should take them to an animal shelter or a veterinarian’s office, which will help find them a new home.
“Any of those options are better than tying a defenseless creature to a pole on a roadway where cars are going 60 miles an hour past it,” she said.
e’re going to find a home for this dog and, working with our Nassau D.A., we’re going to find these culprits and hold them accountable.
Don Clavin Town of Hempstead supervisor
Gleason said that if Roxi had broken away from her leash, she would have put herself and motorists on the parkway in harm’s way. He added that people can fall on hard times, leaving them unable to afford to care for a pet, but abandoning an animal beside a highway is neither acceptable nor a safe option.
“While it appears that the owner may have had good intentions,” Gleason
Donnelly added that Long Island is now experiencing the hottest weather of the year, when pets should not be left outside for extended periods, or in hot cars. A few minutes in a hot vehicle in extreme high temperatures, she said, can be deadly for an animal.
“Leaving an animal to bake in the sun is nothing short of cruel,” Donnelly said.
While Roxi’s situation was heart-wrenching, Clavin said he had seen good come from the incident. The town had received over 50 phone calls, locally and from as far away as California and Washington, from people looking to adopt or find a home for her.
“With the tragedy of what’s happened, you do see the goodness of people,” Clavin said. “You see the goodness of people who want to find a loving home for this animal.”
The investigation was continuing at press time, and anyone with information was encouraged to call the State Police, at (631) 756-3300. Gleason said that callers could remain anonymous.
It was a day to celebrate our nation’s freedom as attendees gathered to witness a patriotic parade.
Wantagh’s annual Independence Day Parade took place on July 4, beginning on Park Avenue and proceeding north on Wantagh Avenue. Attendees dressed in red, white and blue to cheer on the parade as it concluded at Wantagh Elementary School.
Residents watched as children waved American flags and local organizations marched along the route. Highlights included creative floats, notably one with Lady
Liberty waving to the crowd. Judges stationed at the Wantagh Museum evaluated the participants. After the parade, a ceremony was held at Wantagh Elementary School where awards were presented, and Evelyn Caputo was crowned as Miss Wantagh 2024
The evening concluded with fireworks displays throughout the community, including Wantagh Park and Jones Beach State Park, providing a festive end to the day’s events.
— Charles Shaw
In honor of the Fourth of July, Nassau County once again illuminated the sky with bursts of color over the lake behind the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre for its annual “Celebrate America” firework display on July 3, hosted by TD Bank and Fireworks By Grucci.
The event kicked off with performances by The Allmost Brothers Band, an Allman Brothers tribute band, and Chicken Head Rocks, a cover band that plays a wide range of songs from rock, blues, and soul.
Following the performance, the fireworks commenced.
Fireworks got their start in America, after President John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, First Lady Abagail Adams, that America’s independence should be celebrated with fireworks. To this day, we continue to honor our
founding fathers the same way we did centuries ago, carrying on a tradition that always makes for a fun and exciting day.
This year’s “Celebrate America” display was made possible by Fireworks by Grucci. This company, known as “America’s First Family of Fireworks,” got its start in Southern Italy in 1850. The family immigrated to Elmont, New York, in 1870, to share their masterful pyrotechnic artistry with the United States. Their fireworks have since then been used at several presidential inaugurations and Olympic Games, among countless other notable events.
The show concluded with a special drone and laser light display, wrapping up a wonderful evening of entertainment for Independence Day.
— Jack Schwed
By Charles Shaw, Parker Schug & Brendan Carpenter
Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.
Artificial intelligence is changing the education system in almost every way, but what about students who are trying to use it to get an unfair advantage, or to skip work that would otherwise help them learn?
In these uncertain times, school districts throughout Nassau County are looking for answers to prevent AI’s overreach in the classroom. In the Wantagh School District, an Artificial Intelligence Committee, composed of administrators, principals, directors and teachers, was formed last year to initially focus on understanding AI, but developed into discussing how it can be used responsibly.
Carol-Ann Winans, a committee member and the district’s executive director of curriculum and instruction, said that it is focused on making sure students aren’t relying on AI technology to think for them, while at the same time using it as a tool to enhance the way they learn.
knowledge is key in preventing overreach. James Widmer, the school’s deputy superintendent and chief operating officer, said that several staff groups have been given training on how AI operates and the range of tools that are available.
“Generative AI has the potential to enhance teaching, learning and operations greatly,” Widmer wrote in a statement. “At Nassau BOCES, we have been closely monitoring its evolution and adding uses as it makes sense.”
“Our goal,” he added, “is to implement generative AI solutions that enhance our ability to support our component school districts, fostering environments where every student can maximize their potential.”
“I would want to help the students use this tool to further their learning,” Winans said, “and not turn it into something that becomes a shortcut.”
When AI tools such as ChatGPT, began making headlines, Winans saw it as a way to help organize data and find original sources of information, but discussions in the committee opened her eyes to the challenges it could pose in the area of writing. Concerns that students might no longer value the understanding of writing structure, vocabulary and thought because of AI prompted the committee to craft instructions for the students.
At first, some teachers were hesitant to discuss AI, according to Winans, but the committee realized that it was unavoidable, because colleges, such as Stony Brook University, are creating policies on how students can use it appropriately in classrooms.
“If I’m preparing my child for an essay, if they’re going to be able to use AI tools in college and I’m not allowing them to use it in high school, am I truly preparing them for the world that they’re going in?” she said.
According to Winans, educators must have clear instructions on when AI can be used in completing assignments. “We do need to provide explicit instructions to the students,” she said, “so that they know their expectations.”
At Nassau BOCES, in Garden City,
Kenneth Kroog, assistant director for special education at Nassau BOCES, said in a statement that AI’s purpose there is still evolving. “We are exploring the possibility of acquiring an AI tool to assist teachers with lesson planning, differentiating instruction, and personalizing learning content and goals,” Kroog said.
The Wantagh committee, Winans said, is now in the process of crafting a policy for students next year, which will address the appropriate use of AI tools.
Dependence on technology, instead of a student’s thinking, and protection of intellectual property are two of the committee’s biggest concerns, she said, adding that most AI generators, such as ChatGPT, are not compliant with state education law, and therefore are not allowed in classrooms. But there is little to stop students from accessing AI tools elsewhere.
“We just can’t ignore that the students may or may not be using these tools at home,” Winans said.
According to the State Education Department, ChatGPT does not comply with Education Law 2-D, which requires schools that use technology tools that will have access to students’ personal information, such as their names, they must have a data-protection agreement, which ChatGPT is unwilling to do with any school, according to the department. So the department does not recommend students’ use of it in schools.
Compliance also requires that information such as the names of students’ parents or other family members, home addresses, Social Security numbers, student numbers and biometric records be kept private.
“There are a host of issues in ChatGPT’s terms of service that would not allow New York students to use the
product, including the ability to use student data for advertising purposes,” the education department said in a statement.
Additionally, ChatGPT’s terms of service state that users must be at least 13, and have parental consent if they are under 18. Thus, at minimum, the state department says that schools cannot use the product without written parental consent and knowledge.
“Generative AI products have been created with schools, and privacy, in mind,” the department statement added. “Schools should only use those products — and only after entering into a data protection agreement with the vendor.”
At BOCES, privacy is monitored, Widmer said. “We are also keenly aware of data privacy, and are ensuring that any tools we use are in compliance with state and federal laws,” he said.
Jennifer Gallagher, superintendent of Long Beach Public Schools, said ChatGPT is blocked in the schools.
“There are some legal privacy issues with the platform that make it difficult for schools to allow students to access it,” Gallagher said.
Newer software, called Magic School AI, was made specifically for educators to use, and is utilized by over 3,000 districts and schools worldwide. Another recent launched is MagicStudent, in the hope of building students’ AI literacy
and bringing responsible AI use to schools. Canva also has compliant AI software.
“Because ChatGPT is not (education law) compliant, many districts do not have access to (it) during the school day,” Long Beach’s director of literacy, Dr. Lorraine Radice, said. “There are other platforms like Magic School, and Canva has an artificial intelligence component that I introduced to teachers this year in the fall, that is compliant. So one of the hurdles that educators, and especially those folks in the technology department, (have) is to make sure that we can use some of these tools in our schools, and to protect the privacy of students and adults that work in the district.”
Using AI as a tool, and not as a shortcut Winans said that ideas have been bounced around the Wantagh committee to assess how students can approach AI, which value original thought, protection of students’ intellectual property, and the need to maximize opportunities and improve learning in an ever-changing technological world. She added that the district acknowledges that AI presents both challenges and opportunities.
“If you tell a child not to do something, they’re probably going to do it anyway,” Winans said, “so how can we
maximize the opportunity to use this new technology to improve the learning process?”
At an East Meadow School District meeting last November, Jim Mendonis, the district’s director of social studies and 21st century learning, gave a presentation on AI in Education, which discussed how it works and how its misuse can be prevented in classrooms.
Mendonis spoke of activities in the class that help teachers see their students’ thinking process, such as discussions, debates, collaborative work and other activities that do not require plugging into a device or writing a paper.
He added that writing is still critical for education, but students need to know how to write responsibly, without relying on AI in the wrong way. AI, according to Mendonis, is changing day to day, and we don’t know what jobs will exist in the future, when students graduate, making it essential to inform students and teachers about responsible AI use.
“Progress has become so quick that we would be doing our students a disservice if we didn’t include this somehow,” Mendonis said.
For appropriate use, Winans suggested using generative AI as a tool for research, such as finding articles to cite or suggestions on how to write effectively. When it comes to identifying whether a paper was written by AI or a human, Winans said that it’s diffi-
cult, but there are ways to tell.
“Teachers know their students,” she said. “Teachers know their writing styles. Teachers know how they speak in class. It’s amazing how well teachers get to know their children.”
At Lawrence High School, in Cedarhurst, both ChatGPT and MagicSchool are used by students and teachers, Principal Jennifer Lagnado-Papp wrote in an email.
Teachers at LHS look for specific words and consistency in writing style, to prevent overreach of AI in students’ work and to promote integrity.
“It is obvious when something was written by ChatGPT without further editing,” Lagnado-Papp wrote. “There are certain words that ChatGPT uses regularly, such as ‘underscores,’ ‘firstly,’ ‘secondly,’ ‘thirdly.’ These formulaic constructions are not typically used by high school students.”
Lagnado-Papp acknowledged that at times it is hard to detect AI, but Lawrence High teachers try to push students to produce unique, personal work.
“We want our students to recognize that AI is not a panacea, and they will need to think for themselves in their future endeavors,” she wrote.
As for the future of AI, Winans said she didn’t know where it was going, but added that students will ultimately dictate how the tool will be used. The situation is similar to when Wikipedia became popular, she said,
■ In public K-12 classrooms, 25 percent of teachers believe AI is doing more harm than good.
■ High school teachers view AI most negatively — unlike many middle school and elementary teachers.
■ Over 66 percent of American teens know of ChatGPT.
■ Nineteen percent of U.S. teens use ChatGPT for school work.
Pew Research Center, 2023 survey of the American Teacher Panel and KnowledgePanel teens
and everyone was nervous about where information was coming from. While Wikipedia presents a quick resource for information, Winans said, students still have to be able to seek out original sources.
“I think that there’s always a hesitation when a new technology moves forward,” she said. “And I think that there’s always a balance.”
The balancing factor, Winans said, is the importance of original thought, and students’ ability to produce something on their own.
“There’s also something exciting,” she said, “about having a tool that might further a student’s ability to explore something and get new ideas.”
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Standing in front of a Floral Park home and alongside Nassau County officials on July 3, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin announced a joint petition against the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of residents living near airports who constantly contend with the noise of low-flying planes and air pollution.
With both Kennedy and LaGuardia airports abutting residential neighborhoods, the air traffic has been a longstanding headache for homeowners.
The Towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead and county officials have filed a petition urging the FAA to study and explore alternative air routes. If the agency doesn’t respond to the petition within 90 days, the group, led by Clavin and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, plans to file suit against it.
“Every 90 seconds, we get the pleasure of having planes flying anywhere from 3,000 to 2,000 feet over our heads,” Clavin said. “The FAA has taken the towns of North Hempstead and Hempstead for granted. Over a million residents are suffering the burden of constant flights coming over the area.”
The problem, according to Clavin and DeSena, is not just noise, but also the significant health risks posed by constant air traffic. Clavin detailed how
low-flying planes contribute to increased levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide in the air in communities near the airports.
He also cited studies showing a 50 percent increase in flights since 2017, and pointed out that the FAA has not conducted the necessary environmental reviews mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act.
County officials retained legal counsel to draft a petition to the FAA, demanding compliance with existing regulations and a thorough environ -
mental review. Melville attorney Nick Rigano is spearheading the legal effort.
In a statement in response to the news conference, the FAA said, “Addressing this concern requires collaboration among the FAA, air carriers, airports, aircraft manufacturers, research universities, local communities and elected officials. If a community is concerned about aircraft noise, the best course of action is to contact their local aviation community roundtable or airport operator. The FAA can then work with airport operators to deter-
mine if the aircraft noise can be mitigated through changes in air traffic procedures.”
At the gathering, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito highlighted his legislative efforts to address the issue, including co-sponsoring bills aimed at mitigating air traffic noise and pollution.
“The FAA has been ignoring community concerns for far too long,” D’Esposito said. “We are working on legislative solutions, but the FAA has been non-responsive on the federal level as well. We need change, and we need it now.”
Floral Park resident Don Monroe, whose home was the site of the news conference, noted one way in which the noise of air traffic regularly impacts his life. “Sometimes I have to stop mid-conversation because the planes are so loud,” Monroe said.
While the issue is far from a new one, the officials’ message is clear: The time for patience has passed. With the TSA estimating over 315,000 noise complaints from residents of Hempstead and North Hempstead who live beneath JFK’s Flight Path 22 this year alone, those residents and officials are more than ready to demand immediate action.
“People expect this when they live in an area where they are near an airport, but not to this extent,” Clavin said. “The FAA must follow the rules and regulations. Enough is enough.”
interviews, whichever path they choose to take.
For the public speaking unit, students begin by giving a one-minute speech to the class about what they’re interested in, which then builds to longer speeches to inform or entertain. According to Wimmer, students learn to maintain eye contact and how to address an audience.
The pandemic affected the learning for the students enrolled in this year’s course, Wimmer said, and units such as public speaking could help to fill the gap created when students switched to remote learning in 2020.
“There was a change in socialization,” Wimmer said. “There was a change in the way that they interacted with both inside and outside of school, and we could try to address some of those things and bring them along.”
Caserta noted that most students have never taken a bus, so a public transportation lesson was incorporated. Students in this unit learn to get where they need to go, based on the time they need to get there. Wimmer added that students have already applied these skills for travel, such as sophomore Joseph DeMaria, who took the bus to grocery stores and boarded a train to see an Islanders game.
“I figured out the times for the trains and everything,” Joseph said, “so obvi-
Students at Seaford High School are learning valuable life skills in a course that teaches social skills and business management. Course co-instructor Christine Caserta, left, with sophomores Jonathan Saboni and Joseph demaria, and co-instructor michael Wimmer.
ously this class helped me.”
One unit that has become a favorite for students in the Beyond 1 class is where they work in groups to create a fictional food truck, Wimmer said. Students develop their own business model, financial plan, craft a menu, and build a food truck using shoeboxes. Caserta helps students cook one item, like bacon burgers or empanadas, from the fictional menu in the life skills suite, a classroom that provides cooking equipment. The project concludes with students presenting their food truck concepts and cooked dishes to a panel of judges. In Beyond 2, students learn more
about creating and running a business, and Joseph, with sophomore Jonathan Saboni, came up with the idea to sell customizable wooden key chains. Wimmer said the two students figured out how much it cost to make them and then involved their classmates, who helped take orders, designed the key chains and kept records by filling out spreadsheets.
Wimmer said students would then sell the key chains to faculty, friends, families or anyone interested in owning one. Customers would fill out a form about what they want on the keychain, and students would craft them using an engraving machine in the school’s tech
room.
“We’ve now created a small business where they’re able to have people come up during their free periods and buy the key chains,” Wimmer said.
In the first two days of taking orders, students raised almost $500 in key-chain sales. Proceeds from the key chains, Wimmer said, would be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an idea that Jonathan and Joseph came up with.
Wimmer said it’s been exciting to see the program’s goals manifest into projects such as these.
“It really makes you feel like you got something done today,” Wimmer said. “You accomplished something, and you can see students growing.”
Caserta said topics students learn in class change each year, shifting based off the needs of the students and what they’re interested in.
“We always open the class with, ‘If there’s something you want to learn, that your parents do, and you want to do it or you want to learn how to do it, we’re here,’” Caserta said.
Caserta said it has been a fulfilling experience to see how well students can achieve goals that are not necessarily academic.
“We get to see kids be successful, that necessarily maybe other people don’t get to see,” Caserta said, “and I think that’s the best part about all of this.”
The Seaford Public Library’s seventh annual Adult Summer Reading Program kicked off in style on June 28.
The event, held in the library’s side parking lot, drew a lively crowd with face painting for kids, ice cream, a bounce house, and outdoor games. The reading program, according to the library, was created to encourage adults some to use their library card during the hot summer days, whether they prefer reading by pool or at the beach.
The festivities began in the morning, welcoming adults 18 and over to join the summer reading fun. Attendees received a bag of goodies and summer reading instructions upon registration. The event also featured exciting raffle prizes for those who signed up.
Participants can review as many books as they want each week, with each review entering them into weekly and grand prize drawings. Prizes include local business gift certificates, a Fitbit Versa 2 for the runner-up, and an iPad for the grand prize winner. The program runs until August 17, with prize announcements on August 19.
Weekly raffles will be given out every Friday. For more information, visit seafordlibrary.org.
By Danielle Schwab
Step right up, step right up! The Empire State Fair has returned with jaw-dropping rides, games and shows — welcoming all to enjoy some thrills at Nassau Coliseum. The summertime staple once again takes over the arena grounds, now through July 14.
As always, there’s plenty to see and do. Where else can you find farm animals, “pirate” acrobatics, a giant Ferris Wheel, and a transforming robot — all in one place?
This year, the swashbuckling, “Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean Thrill Show” takes to the tightrope in a fearless display of aerial highwire feats.
Alex Murcia, who’s involved with the acrobatic act as both a performer and owner of his family’s Sensational Murcia Productions, says the show, free with admission, is not to be missed.
“We took our strongest circus and thrill acts — the highwire tightrope walking and the Wheel of Death — and we created a pirate-themed production. So there’s sword fighting, good characters, bad characters, and they’re searching for the treasure map.”
You may even spot a mermaid. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a pirate thrill show without a hint of danger.
“All of that’s happening 25 feet in the air on a quarter-inch cable,” he adds.
The Murcia family goes back 10 generations of performers. This show is a tribute to their Colombian heritage.
“My father is from Colombia. It’s where they have the specialty act of high-wire tightrope walking performance,” Murcia says.
• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
• Now through July 14, 5-11 p.m. weekdays; noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• $10 (free for kids under 36” tall with paying adult); unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36” and taller) are $40 Friday - Sunday.
• Ride tickets are also available at the carnival for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride (rides take 2 or more tickets each)
• More information available at EmpireStateFair.com
The many tricks are sure to elicit an enthusiastic response from fairgoers.
“The performers balance on chairs while on the high wire. They’ll stand up on the chair. People are like ‘wow, I can’t stand on a chair on the ground, and these guys are doing it up on the tightrope’,” he says.
Visitors can move from the high seas to high-tech with another Murcia family “wonder”: the Big Bee transforming robot car.
“It’s built to be like a life-size Camaro, but inside, instead of having seats, it has a system of hydraulics and different motors that make it lift and open up,” explains Murcia.
“The car goes up and down and transforms from what looks like a regular Camaro to a big, giant robot, Big Bee.”
The kids will want to stop by the Cowtown USA petting zoo run by the Sandlofer family. Here
everyone can pet and feed animals that helped shape America, including some that are unexpected.
“We have a domedary camel, Henry. Few people know that camels played an important part in our history. They were part of building the Transcontinental Railroad going through the deserts where horses couldn’t go,” says Sadie Sandlofer, who helps run the family business.
Other animals to see include a Scottish Highlander cow, oxen, baby goats, and sheep. Families can even simulate “milking a cow” as part of the experience.
The carousel of activities also includes the Anastasini Circus, which has been entertaining audiences since 1877, along with a test of wits at the interactive Kidbucks Game Show. To end the day, fireworks light up the night sky on Saturdays.
And of course, the rides and delicious foods — staples of the fair experience — beckon.
“There’s so many attractions that if you went to go see these shows, you would pay more in (individual) admission than you do at the fair to see all of them. So I would say check the website, check the schedule, and obviously don’t miss the shows, because once you’re inside all those shows are free with admission. Take advantage of that,” reminds Murcia.
Grab your tickets, eat some funnel cake and catch the summer breeze. A day of adventure awaits.
Lights, camera, action. Bellmore rolls out the red carpet once again for the Long Island International Film Expo, now in its 27th year. LIIFE is proud to feature over 120 films, including 19 world premieres. From short to feature-length, moviegoers can partake of a diverse group of independent films. Special screenings of note include “Child Machine,” a fun sci–fi comedy; the thriller “Lady Of The Lake” about native Ronkonkoma’s Maria Capp, starring Seth Gilliam (“The Walking Dead”), Nia Sioux and Emery Kelly. Also enjoy Super Mega Trivia Slam trivia and the documentary on former New York State Assembleyman and longtime Long Beach resident Harvey Weisenberg, entitled “Harvey: The Voice for The Voiceless.”
Now through Sunday, July 14. Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. Tickets and information available at LongIslandFilm.com.
Step into a time warp back to the glittering era of Studio 54 with The Disco Nights. Immerse yourself in a nostalgic celebration of the disco age. From the Bee Gees, to Gloria Gaynor, to Donna Summer, Chic, and so much more, it’s Saturday Night Fever all over again! Led by the Billboard-charting superstar JJ Sansaverino on guitar, The Disco Nights boast a lineup of top-tier musicians straight from the heart of New York City’s music scene. Every note is meticulously crafted to deliver the authentic sound of disco’s greatest hits. The band is joined by vocalists Alessandra Guercio, Jerome Bell and Adam Bastien of “American Idol” and “The Voice” fame. Dress to impress in your finest disco attire —think flared pants, crop tops, mini dresses, crystals, sequins, and psychedelic colors as the Paramount stage transforms into a glittering disco haven.
Photos courtesy Empire State Fair
From circus spectacle to daring side show acts and everyone’s favorite rides, plus new enticements, plenty of summer amusements are in store at the latest edition of the Empire State Fair.
Friday, July 12, 8 p.m. $45, $35, $30, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Mike DelGuidice is forever known for his connection to Billy Joel. One of Long Island’s most celebrated singer/songwriters continues his “residency” on the t Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, 8 p.m. Mike DelGuidice and his band always give it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his band, in a rousing concert that highlights the Piano Man’s decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice has become one of the area’s most celebrated performers, balancing his schedule between doing his own thing and touring with Joel all over the world.
DelGuidice, as with Joel, grew up mastering several instruments including bass guitar, guitar, piano, and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after chart-topping hit, along with his own tunes in a high energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser. He is the author of two albums “My Street” and “Miller Place” numerous single releases, which are currently under consideration for film soundtracks. And his tune “Ordinary Guy” is the theme song for the Kevin James sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait.” DelGuidice is always moving and grooving, with plenty of projects ahead. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 15, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed. Kids are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme: Silly Monsters! Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Moviegoers can screen varied films at this year’s 27th Annual Long Island International Film Expo, through Sunday, July 14, at Bellmore Movies & Showplace. Over 120 independent films will be shown. The film block will include 19 world premieres, dozens of New York and Long Island premieres, and 23 films shot locally. 222 Pettit Ave. Visit LongIslandFilm.com for more information.
Visit the Summer Vendor Fair, hosted by The Brotherhood of Temple B’Nai Torah, Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Browse among handcrafted items, handmade jewelry, women’s apparel, local merchants, antiques and collectibles and more. Free admission. 2900 Jerusalem Avenue in Wantagh. For more information, please contact Ben at bencernese@gmail.com or (516) 322-8130.
Seaford Historical Society Museum invites families to “Creatures of the Bay,” a hands-on experience with ocal sea creatures, Saturday, July 20, noon. 3890 Waverly Ave.
The Wantagh school district will host the inaugural Wantagh Warrior 9/11 Memorial 5k on Sunday, Sept. 22. The event will take place on the high school track at 9:30 a.m. Children can participate in a kids 400m dash at 8:30 a.m. Wantagh high school is located at 3297 Beltagh Ave in Wantagh. For race, volunteer, donation and sponsorship opportunities, visit tinyurl.com/ WW911Run.
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens and listen to some stirring sounds, with Old Westbury Gardens’ artist-in-residence Cross Island, Sunday, July 14, 3-4 p.m.
Clarinetist Joseph Rutkowski, cellist Suzanne Mueller, and pianist Elinor Abrams Zayas open the annual summer series at The Barn.
The program comprises duets and trios spanning centuries and styles, seamlessly blending beloved favorites and intriguing discoveries. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Wantagh Museum hosts its third annual antique car show, Saturday, July 13. The event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., features cars from the 1970s and older. Refreshments will be on sale and museum sites will be open. With a 50/50 raffle, music and kids crafts from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance fee is $1 for adults 18 and older. 17 and younger are free. The Wantagh museum is located at 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. For any questions, email wantaghmuseum@gmail. com.
Visit Eisenhower Park’s Field #1 for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, July 17, noon-2 p.m. Relax and enjoy the styling of vocalist-dancer Louis Del Prete, known as the “ultimate entertainer.” Bring seating. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Temple B’nai Torah hosts a fun-filled bingo session, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-1p.m., and every Thursday, 7:15 -10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 2212370.
To welcome in Shabbat, members of the Congregation Beth Tikvah Band will perform at three Friday night singalongs. All are welcome to join Congregation Beth Tikvah for a musical Shabbat experience, July 26 and Aug. 23, 6-6:45 p.m., at Jones Beach Field 6. These free services follow traditional Jewish Shabbat rituals and are open to anyone who calls Long Island their home.
Park on the west side of the comfort station and meet members of Congregation Beth Tikvah on the boardwalk. Bring seating. There is no parking fee after 4 p.m. 1 Ocean Pkwy., in Wantagh. For more information, call the office at (516) 785-2445.
Enjoy Mah Jongg and Canasta, every Thursday, noon to 4 p.m., at Congregation Beth Tikvah, $5 contribution, no outside food, as snacks and drinks will be supplied. Bring your games and cards, lessons available. 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. For more information, email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.
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.
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 will span 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. It opens July 20 and is on view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Participate in the tastiest race of the summer, The Watermelon 5k, at Eisenhower Park Field 2, on Sunday, July 14, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Enjoy snacks and drinks at the end of the race courtesy of All Round Foods and Waterloo Sparkling Water. Tickets cost $30 to participate. Proceeds benefit the Never Stop Running Foundation. Call (516) 5313323 for more information.
Adopt your “fur-ever” friend this summer. There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during the ”summer of love” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Now through Sept. 1, all pet adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. There is a $10 license fee for dogs. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cats before stepping foot in the shelter online at HempsteadNY.gov/179/Animal-Shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page at Hempstead Town Animal Shelter. For more information, contact (516) 785-5220.
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Raindate Sunday, July 14 AT BARASCH FIELD, ROCKVILLE CENTRE on Chester Road and South Park Avenue
South Shore Symphony at 7:45PM - Featuring Grucci Fireworks at 9:15 PM
Admission is FREE and open to the everyone - Bring chairs, blankets, food and family.
SOUTH SHORE SYMPHONY at 7:45 PM Featuring GRUCCI FIREWORKS at 9:15 PM
Admission is free and open to everyone
A catalytic converter was stolen from a car parked on Connecticut Avenue in Massapequa Park on Mar. 1.
Reports of a man stealing three cases of beer at Rite Aid on Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore was reported on June 24.
Christina Rubenstein, 55, of Levittown, was ar-
rested for shoplifting at Target at Broadway Mall in Hicksville on June 24.
Daniel Trager, 42, of Wantagh, was arrested for shoplifting at CVS on Seamans Neck Road in Seaford on June 26.
Matthew Pejor, 49, of Seaford, was arrested for shoplifting at Target on Corporate Drive in Westbury on June 26.
Christina Rubenstein, 55, of Levittown, was arrested for shoplifting at Target at Broadway Mall in
Hicksville on June 24.
Daniel Trager, 42, of Wantagh, was arrested for shoplifting at CVS on Seamans Neck Road in Seaford on June 26.
Matthew Pejor, 49, of Seaford, was arrested for shoplifting at Target on Corporate Drive in Westbury on June 26.
A car’s driver side mirror was damaged on Cedar Street in Seaford on June 20.
A man was arrested on July 4 for causing a fire in Levittown, according to police.
At around 9 a.m. that day, detectives said officers responded to a residence on Red Maple Drive North for reports of a fire. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Karamjit Singh, 33, of Levittown, allegedly supplied an 11-year-old with fireworks and instructed the child to ignite it.
The firework malfunctioned, causing a detached shed within the yard to ignite and engulf in flames. The fire spread to Singh’s home and a neighbor’s residence. The Wantagh Fire Department responded and extinguished the fires.
Singh’s residence housed a tenant on the second floor who was displaced as a result of the damages. Both houses were damaged, but police say there were no injuries reported.
Singh was arrested, and the 11-yearold was released to a family member. County fire marshals were at the location to investigate.
Singh is charged with arson, reckless endangerment, unlawfully selling fireworks to a person under 18, unlawfully possessing use or explode fireworks, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned on July 5 at First District Court in Hempstead.
— Charles Shaw
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Clean Finish, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 3/8/24. 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: P.O. Box 7827 Wantagh, NY 11793 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 147370
LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County. JOVIA FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION F/K/A NASSAU EDUCATORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, -againstROBERT RIGGS A/K/A
ROBERT V. RIGGS, IF LIVING AND IF DECEASED, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS ATLAW OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT RIGGS A/K/A
ROBERT V. RIGGS; MICHELLE KOHN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT RIGGS A/K/A
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
MID-ISLAND MORTGAGE CORP. Plaintiff, Against KERYN L. HING AVERY
A/K/A KERYN L. HINGAVERY A/K/A KERYN
HING AVERY A/K/A
KERYN HING A/K/A
KERYN AVERY A/K/A
KERYN HING-AVERY;
GREGORY AVERY A/K/A
GREGORY L. AVERY; ET
AL Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/02/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 7/25/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 15 Hamlet Road, Levittown, New York 11756, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the At Levittown, Near Hicksville, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 46 Block 387 Lot 39
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $345,000.93 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 618413/2022 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Jonathan Christian Juliano, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 6/3/2024 File Number: 22-301437 CA 147511
ROBERT V. RIGGS; EAB MORTGAGE COMPANY, INC.; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein; Defendants Index No. 618350/2023 Mortgaged Premises: 12 Rock Lane Levittown, NY 11756 Section: 51 Block: 156 Lot(s): 7 TO THE ABOVE NAMED
DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $250,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on March 2, 2018 in Book M 42710, Page 89, Instrument Number 2018-19907, covering the premises known as 12 Rock Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. 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. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 147496
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LBCABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL K. CARBONE, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 8, 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 July 30, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3388 Maplewood Drive South a/k/a 3388 Maplewood Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 57, Block 219 and Lot 11.
Approximate amount of judgment is $820,538.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614238/2022. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 221849-1 147649
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CITIBANK, N.A. AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2016-3, Plaintiff AGAINST ANDRE HUNTER, TERRI HUNTER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 12, 2019, 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 July 25, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1360 OAKFIELD AVENUE, WANTAGH, NY 11793. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at North Bellmore, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 56, Block 477, Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $670,771.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002557/2017. 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”. Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-006604 81056 147615
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee for Fremont Home Loan Trust 2005-E, MortgageBacked Certificates, Series 2005-E, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Eve Frank; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 13, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 6, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4 West Park Drive, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the
12-year-old Brian Portnoy, from Wantagh, won first place in the one-mile kids race during the Bellmore Striders Independence Day 4 mile Run/Walk on July 4.
buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 47 Block 71 Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment $1,300,211.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 000158/2014. 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.”
Michele Bencivinni, 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: June 21, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 147782
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 45-2024
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held June 18th,
2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 45-2024, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 45-2024, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: June 18, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 147890
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-12, Plaintiff, vs. JOHN MURPHY, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 11, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 28-75 LAWRENCE DRIVE,
WANTAGH, NY 11793. 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: 51, Block: 295, Lot: 29. Approximate amount of judgment is $725,521.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 014271/2011. 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.
WILLIAM J. BIRNEY, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147911
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR OCWEN LOAN ACQUISITION TRUST 2023-HB1, Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES PAUL ROMANO, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE ROMANO, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 16, 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 August 6, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 4 Patricia Court, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 310 and Lot 40. Approximate amount of judgment is $478,059.61 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603268/2020. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147905
CSC Holdings, LLC seeks a Lead Software Developer to design and manage settop box (STB) main software stack in various languages including HTML, Javascript, CSS, Bash and Python. Collaborate with other leads and architects to manage and design software integration in the STB stack. Develop video front-end components such as UI and Middleware. Design STB diagnostic tools and implement methods for troubleshooting. Provide technical and professional guidance to more junior team members. #LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field, and 5 years of experience with software development, including analyzing user requirements and defining functional specifications. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience with converting business requirements into functional and application system design documents; 5 years of experience participating in effective design, development and testing phases of project implementation; 5 years of experience with Java technologies; 5 years of experience with HTML 5 technologies, including CSS and JavaScript; 5 years of experience with Bash or Python; 5 years of experience developing with Linux; 5 years of experience working with backend and embedded systems; 2 years of experience in ADB, web debugging, and GCC debugging; and 2 years of experience with set-top box development. Part-time telecommuting may be permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $169,229.00 – $179,229.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com, and enter Job Requisition ID 6144. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Altice USA, Attn: Erin M. Berry, One Court Square West, Long Island City, NY, USA 11101. Altice USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Altice USA, Inc. collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRAcompliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000
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 mhinman@liherald.com
FULL TIME - PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE Garden City Childcare Center Immediate Start $16-$22 per hour Call 516-572-7614
HANDYPERSON WANTED
Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211
The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2024-25 school year.
We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516)379-4245.
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
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
PERSONNEL CLERK/ ACCOUN T CLERK ASSISTANT. $20-$23 per hour. 17 hours per week. Monday and Tuesdays 9:30-3:30. (remaining shift TBD w/ candidate) Occasional Saturday may be required depending upon payroll schedule Duties include Payroll, Benefits Administration, assisting Account Clerk. Necessary skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, strong math skills. Email resume to jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Enjoy the fresh salt air in this magnificent home right on the oceanfront. Amazing views of the Atlantic abound from private decks on all 3 levels, including one right off the primary suite, one on the main level and one right at beach level. The primary suite features a fireplace and a brand new bathroom with radiant heat flooring, and there are 4
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Place Your Ad in the Herald Help Wanted Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.
Kirkman Avenue. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Spacious home conveniently located in the heart of Elmont. Ideally situated on 50x118 lot, perfect for multi-generational living.
Taxes: $10,639
Hewlett $999,999
Raymond Place. Antique/Historical. 7 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.
Taxes: $25,754.73
Long Beach $888,000
Taft Avenue. 2 Story. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Large living room with vaulted ceiling, 2 skylights and fireplace. Attic for storage. Legal 2 family. Side yard with additional backyard. Covered front porch and back terrace.
Taxes: $14,658.97
Merrick $1,465,000
Northridge Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Walk out basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with waterfall island with second sink and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom.
Oceanside $720,000
Foxhurst Road. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Custom eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Ensuite master bedroom walk-in closet. First floor bedroom. Updates include new roof and windows, central air conditioning. Large property. Convenient location near shopping, restaurants and Silver Lake Park.
Taxes: $15,390.59
Rockville Centre $830,000
Driscoll Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Taxes: $13,931.71
Valley Stream $650,000
Decker Street. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. New kitchen. 60x100 lot. Convenient location in heart of Valley Stream close to all amenities and park. Taxes: $10,787.24
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E. End. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom. Guest quarters. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Taxes: $20,131.29
Q. I read your column all the time and am aware that you always recommend getting permits, but I realize that nobody around me has one for any of the things you mention, and I want to put in a low deck, just two steps off the ground. It seems like a lot of extra expense to have plans and pay for a permit, especially because my neighbors have a two-story deck, a hot tub and a pool and no permits. I’m weighing this out because I wonder if a building inspector will notice everyone else’s work and catch them. I don’t want to be the one they all suspect of being the tattletale. What advice can you give?
A. Yes, by law, we are obligated to do any work in the prescribed legal manner, which, as licensed professionals, includes informing people that they are required to follow building codes, zoning restrictions and general law. Anything else would be aiding someone in the commission of a crime. It would be like asking your attorney to advise you in the planning of a bank robbery, even though that is probably an extreme example. It is still a crime, too.
Your proposed deck seems simple enough, but may be full of problems if not built to code, including not putting in the right depth footings, the correct connections or the correct structure. I once had a situation with an examiner who insisted that the main support beam — sitting on the ground, no less — didn’t pass the test of calculations as a main beam. (Yes, they actually check the strength of beams, in some cases by doing their own calculations.) The owner was appalled that the beam, sitting right on the ground, wouldn’t pass. The examiner explained that the beam has to be supportive on its own, in case the ground washes out from underneath.
I know that you just want to hire someone you assume knows all the rules, but I can tell you that I spend 50 percent of my time trying to undo or rethink how to solve a bad decision by someone who guessed that what they were doing would be all right. This usually happens when no plans were done by a professional, and there was no review, and the owner is desperate to get through a process either because they got caught or have a sale pending, awaiting this problem to be solved.
Check to see if your jurisdiction is one that lets you draw the plans yourself, because the deck is so close to the ground and under the 3-foot limit that requires a professional. As for the inspector, I can only recommend that you follow the procedures. The inspector has to follow their best judgment. Many have told me they generally only respond to complaints, and that they often don’t issue violations unless the problem is really obvious, and not one where they’re thought to be peeking over fences. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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iconfess that once you’re in your 80s, you suffer from a variety of ills, major and minor. I’m lucky that the major ones are under control and that I am happily dealing only with a few minor ones, such as an arthritic knee. It’s that knee that triggers this discussion about knees, and fantasies.
A few weeks ago, I crossed paths with an old friend from my Long Beach days. He noticed me limping down a nearby flight of stairs and asked about my health. I told him that I was dealing with the pain of arthritis in the knee, and was undergoing some treatment. I thought that was the end of the discussion until two weeks later, when I met a friend who happens to be in the same business as my old Long Beach buddy.
The first words out of his mouth were, “I heard you were in a wheelchair because of some knee issue.” I assured
him that the rumor was just that, but for that instant I felt sorry for President Biden, who on a daily basis is dealing with these types of gross exaggerations. In my case, my ailments will in no way interfere with my political career, because it is long gone. But poor Biden must deal with this stuff and it isn’t funny.
In the course of one week — well before last week’s debate with Donald Trump — Biden had to face multiple false claims about his sanity, made by a political underground that thrives on destroying reputations to help Trump.
JBy now, the much-heralded first presidential debate will have taken place, so I am in no position to have handicapped that event to determine who came off the worst. I leave that decision to the political pundits.
oe Biden has had to face multiple false claims about his sanity. And Trump?
During his trip to Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Biden, surrounded by European officials, left the group to greet some paratroopers, and the opposition cropped his photo and claims he wandered off in some type of lost moment.
In another photo of the president that got the attention of the opposition, he stood in a crowd swaying to music, and because he didn’t sway, he must have be caught in some type of moment.
Which leads me to the case of Trump. In recent weeks he has made more than his share of missteps, but somehow his acolytes can see no wrong. He can rant endlessly about washing machines, electric submarines and sharks and it attracts no criticism from his supporters. He recalls beating President Barack Obama in the 2016 election and his defenders claim it’s just Donald being Donald.
He recently spoke about getting migrants to take part in a “migrant league of fighters,” and suggested that the champion might beat the champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His remarks do bring back memories of his involvement in the World Wrestling Federation, which became World Wresting Entertainment, but that’s just more word salad from the
master word chef.
Trump’s repeated call for Biden to take the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which Trump claims he “aced,” are totally off base, because, according to Dr. Daniela Lamas of Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, it isn’t an aptitude test, but rather a screening test for dementia or other cognitive decline. Picking out a whale a dog or a cow doesn’t reflect genius.
There are countless other examples of the gotchas that the candidates can roll out to cut the legs off of their opponents. Some observers claim that Trump’s missteps far outweigh and outnumber Biden’s. To his credit, Biden has not taken on the strange Trump antics, leaving that to the media police.
We still have months to go before Nov. 5, so for now, don’t swallow everything you see on the political scene. In the words of the great President Ronald Reagan, “Trust, but verify.”
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.
This story is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty and the woefully inexperienced. That’s because I’m related to all the players and, in fact, am a character in the story myself.
Please don’t judge.
As you may know, since you were probably a teenager yourself at some point, there comes a time, after your last Big Wheel, after driver’s ed and before your brain matures, when you want to drive. You burn with the desire to hit the road.
RAnDi KREiss
In our family, it has been a tradition to help the younger generation get their first cars. Our son got our old Oldsmobile when he was 17, which he drove without incident — except for the very first day, when he got out at a railroad crossing to check a tire and forgot to put the car in park. He got lucky.
Next, we gave our daughter our aging powder-blue Chevy Nova, but she refused to drive the “Mom car” any-
where she might be seen. The shame of it was too much.
They grew up. They got smart. They had kids of their own.
Some weeks ago, as one of the grandkids approached their time to hit the road, a related party, not to be named, gifted said child with a fancy-shmancy automobile so that they “would be safe” on the road, you know, surrounded by tons of metal. First day out, the kid stopped at a light and another driver slammed into them, totaling the car, but thankfully causing no injuries. It was a traumatic launch to a driving career.
out to find where the kid was stuck, realized the problem, and explained: Cars of a certain vintage had hand brakes that had to be released. Brake was released. Car moved. Problem solved.
W hat we learned: Don’t get your emergency driving tips from Instagram.
Said teen now had no car, and needed to get to school and sports and such. So we stepped up and gave the kid our 15-year-old Honda sedan — not very cool, not fancy, but a helpful gift for which the teen was grateful.
We drove our two cars to our son’s home, turned the Honda over to the grandchild and watched as they drove off for the inaugural ride. A half hour later they called to say the car was stuck, making groaning noises and lights were blinking. My husband drove
That night, second time out with the Honda, the grandkid, who was sleeping at a friend’s house, called home at 2 a.m. and told their dad the teens at the sleepover had decided to go out for pizza at midnight. Again, the car was dead. Had the teen left the lights on? We’ll never know.
But teen and friends, ever resourceful, looked up what to do on Instagram, and read that you can push a car down the road and it will start. Somehow, in the magical world of automotive miracles, the engine will just engage.
But that wasn’t what happened. Because it can’t happen with an automatic transmission. They pushed the car down the road and it didn’t start, but it did take off like a rocket and crashing into another car that belonged to one of the other kids’ parents.
Major damage.
Full confessions and remorse all
around. We realized we had some responsibility for not giving the grandkid a lesson in how to drive an old car with no automatic anything. Contrition abounded, and financial arrangements were made for kids to pay for damages from their jobs. For the next decade. Remarkably, none of the adults stroked out.
Next day, still visiting our son, I had no car to drive to the market, so he gave me the key to his new fancy-shmancy automobile. I opened the door and slid behind the wheel, and that’s where my outing ended. The seat and mirrors started adjusting themselves, and I had no idea where to stick the key, how to turn on the car, or what the humming noise was telling me. I couldn’t even find the A.C. This car was so space-age that, for me, it was functionally undrivable.
Is there something to learn from this? Not much, I guess, except that no one, young or old, should get behind the wheel of an automobile unless they know how to start, stop, turn on the lights, and put it in park. Also, if the car is older than 10, mind the handbrake. And never, ever get your emergency driving tips from Instagram.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
With summer in full swing, Long Islanders are enjoying warm, sunny weather and creating memories with barbecues, lazy afternoons by the pool and gatherings of family and friends.
Summer weather, however, also brings an increased risk of fires. Whether it’s a backyard grill or a campfire, fire hazards are more prevalent at this time of year, which is why it’s critical to be aware of fire safety practices.
Barbecuing is one of the most popular summertime activities, but grilling outdoors can pose risks if not done properly. Use common sense and fire up propane, charcoal or wood pellet grills outside only — and resist the urge to do so in a garage, even with the garage door open — to avoid any possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Grilling should be done a safe distance from your home, deck railings or any overhanging tree branches, and you should maintain a three-foot safe zone around the grill to keep kids and pets safe.
Make sure your grill is on a level, stable surface to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep a close eye on what’s cooking, especially when there are children or pets nearby. After the meal, when using charcoal,
We need to realize what we’ve got, or it’ll be gone
To the Editor:
This year, patriotism plays a larger role than ever before in my life. The events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the radical Supreme Court made me realize how fragile our democracy really is. Funny, but just like life. You take relationships for granted. You don’t realize how good you have it until they’re gone. Same thing with our constitutional democratic republic.
The Greatest Generation understood that. Thousands went to Normandy to fight for democracy abroad. In contrast, we sound like spoiled brats who don’t appreciate the freedoms our ancestors fought and died for. Some want a dictator in office, a “unified Reich,” as a Trump video suggested. I fear, as does the entire world, that we may no longer be that “city on a hill.” That unpatriotic Americans either do not understand what is at stake, or want the authoritarian regime that Donald Trump promises to rule. Now, substantial immunity and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 would give a president free reign to destroy the American experiment.
I want my grandchildren to grow up with the same freedoms my parents came to this
once the coals have cooled, put them in a metal can with a lid.
It’s important to clean your grill to prevent a buildup of grease, which can lead to flare-ups and larger grease fires. In case of a grease fire, don’t attempt to put it out with water. The best method is to cover the flame with a metal lid to eliminate the oxygen that fuels it. If a lid isn’t handy, two other alternatives you can reach for to help douse a grease fire are baking soda and salt.
Fireworks are a quintessential part of summertime fun, but they are also extremely dangerous — and illegal in the hands of private citizens. They are also one of the leading causes of summer fires and injuries, as many of us read and heard last weekend, as we do after every Fourth of July. Instead of putting yourself, your family or your friends at risk, attend a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
Fire pits are another summertime tradition. In your backyard, proper fire safety practices are essential. Check for local regulations on the legality of fire pits, and obtain a permit if you risk violating them.
Keep the fire in a fire pit small and manageable, and clear the area around
it of anything flammable, including leaves, dry grass and extra firewood. Never leave a fire unattended, and before you go inside for the night, make sure the fire is completely extinguished by pouring water or sand on it and stirring the ashes until they are cold to the touch.
Check the weather forecast the day you’re planning to use a fire pit, and if there’s any mention of wind, wait for another night. Flying embers can endanger other parts of your property, to say nothing of your house, or your neighbors’ homes.
Finally, summer heat can also increase the risk of fires in your home. Test your smoke alarms, and replace their batteries if needed. Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and in good working order. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with air conditioners, fans and other seasonal appliances, and don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture. Outside, trim trees and shrubs regularly, and dispose of yard waste properly.
Common-sense precautions will go a long way when it comes to preventing fires and ensuring that your summer activities will be memorable for all the right reasons. Be safe this season.
country for. They appreciated the rule of law, the right to vote, the Constitution and all the freedoms that came along with it. Love of country matters now. Patriotism matters. They say fascism will come draped in an upside-down American flag and carrying a cross. I hope that most Americans still
believe in decency and democracy. I hope we celebrated our love of this country on July Fourth, and never take it for granted again!
on June 25, my classmates and I became the latest class of graduates from the Nassau County Police Department Foundation’s Civilian Police Academy — a program I encourage all Nassau residents to enroll in.
Although I have been involved with many aspects of the criminal justice system during my legal career as a Queens County assistant district attorney and as a private practitioner, the academy was an eye-opening and enlightening experience that I believe would give any Nassau resident vital insights into the daily activities of our law enforcement professionals.
Starting on March 7 and continuing every Thursday evening from 7 to 10 p.m., we delved into key aspects of criminal procedure and penal law as well as the department’s policies governing the use of force. Guest speakers from various units presented to our class of civilian students, giving us first-hand insights into the operations of the Detectives Squad, the Bomb Squad, the K-9, horseback mounted and aviation units and more; demonstrations included the
landing and takeoff of a police helicopter and a simulated high-speed chase in a Nassau police car.
The Civilian Police Academy was a pared-down version of the extensive training that our Nassau County Police Department professionals receive. It gives participants insights into the decisions officers make and what they go through on a daily basis. This experience further elevated my tremendous respect for our law enforcement professionals and appreciation for the department’s commitment to training and professionalism.
tBlakeman administration’s proposal was reckless, misguided and unlawful. As I completed the Civilian Academy, I grew even more steadfast that the provisional special deputy sheriff program — also known as the “militia” — is a recipe for disaster.
he county’s proposal to mobilize ‘provisional sheriffs’ was reckless.
Moreover, my experience in the Civilian Police Academy, as a county legislator, provided me with a unique perspective that I can apply to critical law enforcement and public safety policy decisions. It was a tremendous experience, personally and professionally.
Earlier this spring, the administration of County Executive Bruce Blakeman solicited applications for “provisional sheriffs.” As a predicate to applying, each of these citizens required a valid pistol permit. Provisional sheriffs could be mobilized to guard public spaces, utilities and infrastructure during vaguely defined “states of emergency.”
From its inception, I believed that the
To the Editor:
Reading Laura Gillen’s pro-abortion op-ed, “I’m running to fight for women’s freedoms” (June 27-July 3), I’m struck by the question of why we use such euphemisms when it comes to abortion. “Women’s freedoms,” “Reproductive health care,” “bodily autonomy.” Is it possible that, deep down, we know how unspeakably wrong abortion is, and we use these slogans to ease our consciences, or to convince ourselves that it is noble?
When a woman wants to have a child, she celebrates the life growing within her from the moment she gets her first positive test. Our daughter told us she was pregnant by showing us an ultrasound image taken just weeks into her pregnancy. She was so excited about this new life. What changes if the child is unwanted? Is it no longer a life just because it is unwanted? Is it not still a developing human child?
We are constantly lectured by the left to “follow the science,” but that argument seems to disappear when it comes to abortion. Other than conception,
there is nothing that happens during the pregnancy that is anything other than a matter of development. Of course a baby is not “viable” at 10 or 12 weeks gestation, but a newborn infant is not viable, either. They both need considerable development before they are selfsufficient to any degree.
Women have all the “freedom” in the world — before another life comes into play. Where else in our society do we allow one person to take the life of another with impunity? If that’s “freedom” or “autonomy,” we should have none of it.
What bothers me most about abortion is that we would not treat our pets that badly. Surely we spay and neuter our pets, but if there was a clinic where vets were cutting open those poor unfortunate dogs and cats that found themselves in the midst of unwanted pregnancies and destroying the litters, there would be a public outcry against such a place. That vet would find him or herself in jail before they could blink an eye.
Why do we not do that for our children?
PhILIP PRESTAMO Pastor, Cornerstone Church Freeport
I respect the fact that several of the participants in Blakeman’s program may be retired law enforcement professionals and members of our armed forces, and I thank them for their prior service. Nevertheless, the 30-day training crash course that these civilians received is woefully insufficient to get anyone prepared to act in any law enforcement capacity. It becomes more troublesome when you consider that NCPD officers receive seven months of intense basic training before being permitted to function as police officers.
By comparison, my classmates in the Civilian Police Academy and I completed 14 weeks of instruction by the NCPD. Logically, wouldn’t we be better trained than other civilians who received only 30 days of training? For some reason the Blakeman administration believes that provisional sheriffs need a mere 30 days of vaguely defined training before being activated in potentially chaotic, emergency situations.
I have always believed that only police officers should be doing police work. If what I learned in a 14-week police course does not qualify me to act in a law enforcement professional’s capacity, why should these provisional sheriffs be given authority to insert themselves, and their firearms, into emergency situations? These are situations in which residents are already stressed, confused and seeking clarity.
Nassau County doesn’t need this. Nassau County doesn’t want this. We have more than 2,600 well-trained officers already at the ready, not to mention state, village and city police departments that can provide mutual aid. We also have the National Guard, FEMA and other agencies that are far better equipped to assist than a handful of provisional special deputy sheriffs.
There is plenty to do in Nassau — we should be devoting our attention to addressing real issues like fixing our broken assessment system, investing in our aging infrastructure, getting lifesaving opioid settlement funds onto the front lines of the addiction crisis, and saving Nassau University Medical Center and Nassau Community College. This “militia” is yet another example of wasted time, resources and energy by the Blakeman administration, which focuses on finding solutions to problems that don’t exist.
Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
