Judah Guerrero Bowman, 7, celebrated 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Lakeview in support of efforts to desegregate the Malverne school district.
Budgets pass in Malverne and West Hempstead
By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com
The West Hempstead school budget passed on Tuesday night, with 1,510 people in favor and 1,098 voting against it.
The budget totaled roughly $79.9 million, and included a 2.31 percent tax levy increase.
Incumbent Karen Brohm, president of the Board of Education, was re-elected to her seat. She received 1,871 votes. Byars Cole, who first served on the board in 2017, was also reelected to another term, receiving 1,819 votes.
Taking Burt Blass’s seat on the West Hempstead board is Jeanine Gallina, who received 1,508 votes against fellow newcomer Alan Skorski, who had 1,009 votes.
The Malverne school budget also passed, with 481 votes in favor and 148 opposed.
The budget totals roughly $73.9 million, with a tax levy increase of 2.44 percent.
Proposition Number 2 also
passed, approving the district’s use of $1.35 million from the capital reserve fund. At no additional cost to taxpayers, the funds will be used to cover expenses for several projects, including the MHS multi-field scoreboard, Davison Avenue and Maurice W. Downing playground upgrades, MHS window replacements, and districtwide Promethean board replacements and door upgrades.
Kathleen Nolan-Kasal, vice president of the Malverne school board, was re-elected, receiving 358 votes. Incumbent Nicole Henderson will also serve another term on the board. She received 392 votes against newcomer Kellie Ramsey’s 225.
“I am truly honored and humbled to have been re-elected to the Malverne school board,” Nolan-Kasal said. “ Thank you to everyone who came out to vote and made their voice heard, not only in support of my continued service, but also in passing the budget.”
By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com
The echoes of history resounded through the streets of Lakeview last Sunday, as more than 300 community members gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark march through the neighborhood in 1965.
Led by the Pride of Malverne marching band, the crowd made its way down Pinebrook Avenue, banners high and spirits lifted, in a powerful display of unity and remembrance, toward Malverne High School.
The march was organized by the Lakeview branch of the NAACP to honor Dr. King’s visit on May 12, 1965, when he led demonstrators from Rockville Centre to what was then the Woodfield Road School and is now the Lakeview Public Library, in support of desegregating the Malverne school district.
“There’s been a lot that’s happened in 60 years,” Frederick Brewington, a prominent civil rights attorney and Lakeview native, said. Brewington, who was a boy when King marched through his neighborhood, clearly recalled the day. “When I got home from ContinueD on paGe 3
Christine Rivera/Herald
Teaching scam awareness for local seniors
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Over 80 senior community members came together at Echo Park in West Hempstead to learn how to avoid phone, text, email and other scams. The amount of scams has increased in recent years. The FBI reported that in 2024 over $16 billion was lost in online scams and other cybercrimes, with people of the age of 60 suffering from the largest amount of losses.
“I wish we didn’t have to hold these programs,” said Kate Murray, clerk for the Town of Hempstead, which helped put together the May 12 event. “But as long as people continue thieving, we will continue these programs.”
“Everytime we think we get ahead of these scammers, they leapfrog ahead of us,” said Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, who sponsored the seminar. “So here I am, working with Officer Messmer, to give you tools to have in your toolbox to protect yourself from scams.”
Police Officer Eugene Messmer, with the Nassau County Police Department Community Affairs, presented on scam safety, what steps to take if you think you’re being scammed, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.
“With these scams, the people that are doing it are very professional, trying to catch people off guard, so stop from taking immediate action,” Messmer said.
Messmer promotes using the SCAM acronym when you think you might be getting scammed. Stop from taking immediate action, Check the person is who they claim to be, Alert authorities by reporting the scam, and Mention the scam to friends and family.
He reminds attendees the federal government or the IRS won’t contact them over text or phone, they com-
municate with letters. So avoid any other form of contact. Don’t click on any text or email links claiming you need to pay a toll fee, or any other form of payment. Also, if someone posing as the federal government asks you to provide payment via wire transfer or gift cards, they are scammers.
Messmer advised avoiding phone calls from unknown numbers — you can call someone back if
they leave a voice message. Don’t publish or provide strangers with personal information that could be used to hack your accounts.
If someone calls you claiming to be your bank, call the customer service number on your bank’s website or visit a physical location to verify any information before taking action.
Messmer advised attendees to ask scammers questions to see if the story they’ve shared is the truth, don’t pay for a “free” prize or any other fees, and to protect your medical and financial details. He detailed some common scams, including phone calls/emails asking for bail, sweepstakes scams, bloated check scams, phishing scams, investment scams, charity fraud, homeowner scams, health insurance scams, jury duty scams and IRS payment scams.
He also provided guidance on how to be safe in your home, on the street, while shopping, using your phone, responding to mail, and how to stay aware of con artists.
Messmer also discussed identity theft with attendees, which is the illegal use of someone’s personal information. Identity theft is hard to recognize, but people can stay alert for warning signs. To prevent identity theft he suggest people regularly check their credit reports, freeze their credit when there’s suspicious activity, use strong unique passwords and sign up for notifications when your account is accessed.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam or identity theft, or have been contacted by a scammer, call the IRS 1-800-366-4484, the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-382-4356 or the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office 516-571-3505.
“We’re all in this together as a community,” Messmer said. “Share what you learn with your friends, family and the people around you.”
Madison Gusler/Herald
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray joined over 80 residents to learn about scam awareness at Echo Park on May 12.
Community honors King’s local legacy
school, I broke into the front window of my house so I could get to my bicycle and make it to the Woodfield Road School on time,” he recounted. “When I got there, Dr. King came through, and put his hand on my head.”
“The purpose of today’s march is to commemorate Dr. King’s commitment to equality,” Doris HicksNewkirk, president of the Lakeview NAACP branch, said. “This is a reminder to our community that 60 years ago, Dr. King came here because he knew our school district was divided. He believed our students deserved equality.”
Standing at the entrance of the library property — where King stood 60 years ago — organizers unveiled a new memorial plaque, marking the celebration and honoring the building as a symbol of peace, unity and progress in the community.
“We march today to say thank you, acknowledging that a change has taken place, but we have not completed the vision of Dr. King 60 years ago,” HicksNewkirk added. “We still have work to do. Together we stand. Together we will achieve this vision.”
Community leaders and elected officials lent their voices to the cause and celebrated the district’s ongoing efforts aimed at inclusion.
“Three communities have come together to commemorate the work that many community leaders have put forth to make sure that our school districts, our children, are receiving the best,” Lisa Ortiz, cofounder of the Lakeview Civic Association, said. “The best that our state can offer, the best that our teachers can offer, the school district, and the best that we as a community deserve.”
Jessica Douglas, director of African American Affairs for Gov. Kathy Hochul, reflected on King’s legacy. “It’s a pleasure to be here in this community learning about the history of Martin Luther King,” Douglas said. “Because of what he did, there are more people that look like me in government.”
The Rev. William Thomas, of St. John’s Baptist Church, in Lakeview shared his experiences, having been born in Birmingham, Alabama. “Much of what you read about, I lived,” Thomas told the crowd, quoting King’s enduring words: “‘If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But whatever you do, go forward.’ We must continue to move forward.”
For many, the march was both a moment of gratitude and a call to action. “We are living in the midst of
State Sen. Siela Bynoe noted the Lakeview community has inspired her to work hard for her constituents.
trying times,” the Rev. Tristan Salley, chairman of the NAACP’s special committee that organized the march, said. “We have an administration that is currently attacking the moral fabric of this society. But as we come together, let’s remember that what we do is not for us, but for generations yet unborn — to leave them a better world than what we have found.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen acknowledged the historical gravity of the day. “He envisioned equality, justice, and dignity for every human being,” she said of King. “And he saw a future where America’s young people would rise with courage, conviction and purpose to work for a better world. I urge every student here, and every one of us, to continue using your voice, to never underestimate the power that it holds to make history.”
Gillen also awarded Certificates of Congressional
Recognition to the Lakeview NAACP and the Civic Association.
Lorna Lewis, superintendent of the Malverne Union Free School District, shared her personal connection to the legacy. “As a woman who is beyond 60, I really appreciate the fact that all of this work was done while I was alive, and that Malverne has been so pivotal in all of this,” Lewis said.
The march highlighted the progress Malverne has made, but also the work that must continue to be done. “So much can happen in such a short amount of time, but at the same time, so much time has passed and not a lot has been done,” Stuart Oates, adviser to the Lakeview NAACP Youth Council, said. “There’s still a lot of work to do, and I feel, as we mark 60 years, it reminds us of that.
michael and malia nembhard walked in the march with the Lakeview naaCp Youth Council.
Christine Rivera/Herald photos u.S. rep. Laura gillen, center right, with the rev. William thomas, left; Lisa ortiz, of the Lakeview Civic association; doris Hicks-newkirk, president of the naaCp Lakeview branch; malverne schools superintendent Lorna Lewis; and the rev. tristan Salley at the end of the march.
frederick Brewington recalled his experience meeting King at the Woodfield road School in 1965.
Rams celebrate culture at international luncheon
West Hempstead school district’s English as a second language students gathered for an international luncheon on May 9 to celebrate the progress they made during the school year.
Capital Gains Tax Tips
cost “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes is what you paid for the stock or the real estate. For real estate, the basis gets raised by the amount of any capital improvements you make to the property. When you sell your primary residence you may exclude the first $500,000 of gain if you’re a couple or $250,000 if you’re single. The $500,000 exclusion for a couple gets extended for a sale occurring up to two years after a spouse dies.
For gifts you receive of appreciated stock or real estate during the donor’s lifetime, no capital gains tax is payable. However, the donee receives the donor’s basis. It is generally considered better to wait, if possible, and pass the gift to the donee at death, due to the “stepped-up basis”. The basis of any inherited property is “steppedup” to date of death value. If the property is sold within six months of the date of death, then the sale price is deemed to be the date of death value.
If the property is going to be held for
some time it is helpful to get date of death values to establish the new basis. For real estate, this means getting an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser (not a real estate broker!). For stocks, you simply ask the company holding the stocks to provide this information.
When a spouse dies with jointly held property, there is a half of a step-up — the deceased spouse’s half gets stepped-up to date of death value, while the surviving spouse has the original basis. However, for a primary residence the capital gains tax exclusions discussed above continue to apply. With combined Federal and New York capital gains taxes reaching about 30%, it is essential to look at holding onto appreciated property until death (especially if you have taken depreciation on the property which can lower your basis to zero). One should also look carefully at the estate plan to see if property should be transferred to a surviving spouse, or their trust if any, to get another step-up on the second death.
The event brought together students from 7th through 12th grade in the secondary school’s gymnasium. The students were tasked with bringing in native dishes to create a buffet.
The varied cuisine featured traditional foods from several geographic regions, including Armenia, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, the U.S. and Venezuela.
Along with enjoying a variety of ethnic foods, some students engaged with teachers and staff to discuss their accomplishments.
–Madison Gusler
During the West Hempstead Secondary School’s international luncheon, English as a new language students enjoyed meals from various countries.
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Courtesy West Hempstead school district
Staff members Lisa McCarthy, left, Lili Ferguson-Barakat, Katie DiGregorio, Madeline Valencia, Nicholas DiBenedetto, and Candice Walker helped organize a buffet for ENL students on May 9.
NYCLU challenges ICE pact in Nassau
By AVA DELA PENA
Special to the Herald
Third in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.
Susan Gottehrer first became interested in the New York Civil Liberties Union as a teenager. When she read about injustices in local newspapers, “It was like, ‘NYCLU to the rescue,’” recalled the now 61-year-old.
As director of the Hempstead-based Nassau County office of the NYCLU, Gottehrer said she finds it more pressing than ever to “come to the rescue,” especially when it comes to immigrant rights.
There’s a fear right now, and nobody should ever have to live like that
SuSAN GoTTEhrEr Director, Nassau County office, NYCLU
“The lack of humanity in the way that we approach immigrant communities is disgusting,” she said. “I come from a family affected by the Holocaust. I understand the concept of ‘othering.’”
In March, County Execu-
tive Bruce Blakeman announced that Nassau County police would partner with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, making it “the first county in America to have a fully comprehensive agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program.”
Blakeman has said that county detectives would only cooperate with ICE in arresting known criminal suspects, but Gottehrer sees the program as one that will not only negatively affect the immigrant community, but also deteriorate Long Islanders’ relationship with law enforcement.
“When the public cannot trust the police — meaning the immigrant communities — then that makes all of Nassau County less safe,” she noted.
Speaking about on the rising concern in Long Island’s immigrant community, particularly the undocumented community, Gottehrer said she has seen the worry that many feel heading to work, sending their children to school or just leaving their homes.
“There’s fear right now, and nobody should ever have to live like that,” she said.
She said she doubted that any immigrant living in such fear would seek the help of law enforcement. “You can bet (many) are not going be reporting crimes,” she said. “If they themselves need help from law enforcement, then they’re not going to trust it, and that creates a situation where no one is safe.
“The police can say all they want, ‘We’re not going to ask for your status,’” she added, “but when they make a 287(g) agreement, why would anyone trust them?”
To oppose Blakeman’s pledge to work with ICE, the NYCLU is advocating for the New York For All Act. According to the NYCLU, the legislation would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies “from colluding with ICE, disclosing sensitive information and diverting personnel or other resources to further federal immigration enforcement.”
According to State Senate Bill 2235, the legislation, if enacted, would:
■ Prohibit and regulate the discovery and disclosure of immigration status.
■ Prohibit police officers, peace officers, school resource officers, probation agencies, state entities, state employees and municipal corporations from questioning individuals about their citizenship or immigration status.
■ Regulate the disclosure of informa-
tion relating to immigration status.
The Assembly version of the measure is Bill A3506.
In January, the bill was referred to the Senate and Assembly Codes committees, where it has sat since. The measure must pass through committee before it can be brought to the full Legislature for debate and a potential vote. Finally, Gov. Kathy Hochul must sign it.
Regardless of whether New York for All were to pass, Gottehrer pointed out that immigration falls under civil, not criminal, law, and local police thus should not be involved in immigration enforcement. “ICE is going do its job. There’s nothing we can do about that,” she said. “But federal jurisdiction is over immigration. Local jurisdiction is over criminal law.”
Though the NYCLU has sought to pass the New York for All Act since 2018,
About the 287(g) program
The 287(g) program authorizes ICE to oversee and delegate state and local law enforcement to perform specific functions of immigration officers under three models:
■ The jail enforcement model, used to identify undocumented immigrants with criminal charges.
■ The task force model, which allows law enforcement to perform immigration duties.
■ The warrant service officer model, which permits law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on undocumented immigrants.
Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
this year the organization is trying harder than ever to convince elected leaders how “unsafe” 287(g) agreements are. On March 20, multiple activist groups, including the NYCLU, joined more than 50 demonstrators in Hauppauge to rally in support of the act.
In the meantime, the NYCLU is concerned with educating immigrants about their rights. The organization has held a number of “Know Your Rights” workshops to inform immigrants on how to tell the difference between administrative and judicial warrants and how to identify different law enforcement agencies.
“At Know Your Rights workshops, we teach immigrants what a judicial warrant looks like,” Gottehrer said. “An administrative warrant is really just a document that ICE has issued. It’s not backed by the constitutionality of due process or a judge.
“Immigrants have the right to say, ‘That is not a judicial warrant. Leave me alone.’”
“If you’re new to the country or if there’s a language barrier, you may not know the different levels of government,” she said.
The NYCLU is also conducting trainings in immigrant communities to identify different law enforcement officers, not only so they can protect themselves, but also so they can alert the organization to any potential ICE activity in Nassau. According to Gottehrer, the NYCLU has been mapping reported activity across Long Island while working within a coalition of other activist organizations.
Ultimately, she said, she wants to ensure through her work with the NYCLU that no one lives in fear. “There’s a lot of misinformation and demonization going on,” she said. “It’s historically where our nation has gone to over and over again: to demonize people from ‘the outside.’”
Courtesy Susan Gottehrer
Susan Gottehrer directs the Hempstead-based Nassau County office of the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is working to support undocumented immigrants as they navigate the Trump administration’s deportation push.
Area H.S. seniors are sworn into military
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Thirty-five high school seniors from Nassau County showed their patriotism last week by pledging to serve in the United States military.
The enlistees, from high schools in Baldwin, Freeport, Valley Stream, Wantagh and beyond, are in the final steps of enlisting in the armed forces.
“Only about 23 percent of high school seniors could actually go into the military, and only 1 percent actually do — these kids are the top 1 percent,” said Andrea Nordquist, chair of Our Community Salutes of Nassau County. The organization held a celebration to support the military enlistees and their families at the Nassau County Training and Intelligence Center on May 13.
“They’re very under-recognized,” Nordquist said of high school students who commit to military service. “They don’t get the accolades that they should get, and so this ceremony helps to honor them, and we’re also the first ones to say ‘Thank you for your service.’”
Nordquist is also the president of Blue Star Mothers of America’s Nassau County chapter, a supportive network of families with members in the military. Her son, Gregory, is a senior master sergeant in the Air National Guard.
“I watched him grow up, I watched him mature,” she said. “For kids nowa-
Thirty-five high school students from across Nassau County swore the oath of enlistment at the Nassau County Training and Intelligence Center on May 13.
days, not only does it help them mature, it gives them direction.
“It will give them G.I. bills — they can go to college for free,” Nordquist added. “It just opens up their whole world, and they can discover what they’re talented at, and get training.”
Edward Kenneweg, a U.S. Navy commander and executive officer, specializes in talent acquisition. During the cere-
mony, he called all Naval enlistees to receive their honors.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to really give appreciation and thanks to those high school seniors that made the big decision to raise their right hand and serve in the military,” he said. Kenneweg and other military personnel were on hand to express their gratitude to the new recruits.
“My job is to support the recruits and ensure they have the right tools and resources to be successful in their jobs, and overcome barriers and obstacles to reach their long- and short-term goals,” he said.
Nahmare Gilson, a student from Malvern High School, was one of the enlistees honored at the event. He chose to join the military as a career path.
“I realized that college might not have been a decision that I wanted to do,” he said. “My grandfather was in the Army, so I just wanted to join the military to see where that could take me.”
Gilson said he looked forward to “meeting new people in new places,” and challenging himself.
Greg Walpole, of Long Beach High School, enlisted to uphold a family tradition and to prepare for his long-term future. “I’m enlisting because of my family’s footsteps,” he said. “My uncle was in and my cousin’s in right now. I’m going in so it’ll pay for my college and all the benefits that it’s going to give to me.”
Walpole said he looked forward to “learning a new field, getting into school and working hard.”
All of the enlistees received a challenge coin, a copy of the Constitution, and took a ceremonial oath of enlistment after performances from the Coast Guard Band and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Malverne Little League starts new season
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Despite the rain, Malverne Little League hosted their opening day ceremony on April 5 at Harris Field. The ceremony began with an introduction of all the teams in the league, which includes nearly 400 children from local communities according to Pat Rudden, Little League president.
“We’re looking forward to a great season, building up our fields and making it better for the kids,” said Rudden. “We’re putting a lot of time and effort into it, and we truly appreciate everyone’s support.”
Much of the improvements seen at Harris Field are due to the hard work of the US Navy Construction Battalion, who volunteered their time to improve the baseball field last season. “They came down and helped us do some field projects,” said Commander Anthony Huskisson, vice president of the MLL. “So they got some training out of it in preparation for their requirements, and in return they helped us redo the field, put the fencing up and do construction work.”
The League received a $20,000 grant for minor repairs from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, a foundation with the New York Mets. “We’re gonna put that into building up our fields and making everything better,” Rudden said.
The Andrew Macdonald scholarship was awarded to two players in the league, covering their costs for the season. Andrew Macdonald is a Lynbrook native who passed away seven years ago due to cancer and was heavily involved with the league.
Pat Rudden, President of Malverne Little League, left, with Joyce and Scott McDonald as they awarded the Andrew Macdonald scholarship to 12-year-old, River Goddard.
“I wanted to do something in his memory and he loved Little League,” said Joyce Macdonald. “He played here as a child, he taught our children to play here in Malverne.” Macdonald and her son Scott awarded the scholarship during the ceremony.
They also joined Mayor Tim Sullivan and the Village’s Board of Trustee’s in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2025 Little League season. A full day of baseball was planned for opening day but the games were cancelled due to the weather.
The Malverne Little League teams prepared to play their first game on a rainy opening day.
Christine Rivera/Herald photos
NCC faculty to sue over promotion delays
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The faculty union at Nassau Community College announced on May 14 that it would take legal action against the college administration for refusing to submit faculty tenure and promotion recommendations to the board of trustees, a move the union claims violates the current collective bargaining agreement.
At a news conference in the County Legislature building in Mineola, Acting NCC Federation of Teachers President David Stern accused the college’s leadership of disregarding established rules and breaching contractual obligations.
“NCC thinks the rules no longer apply to them,” Stern said. “They think they can say one thing and do another. That ends now.”
More than 15 faculty members were recommended for tenure and promotion by committees composed of faculty and administrators in February and March. Stern said the union’s legal counsel had sent a letter to the college administration earlier that day, demanding that the college follow through on the recommendations made by those committees. He called the administration’s failure to advance the recommendations to the board “unprecedented.”
“The issue is simple,” Stern said. “A committee of faculty, including an administrator, recommended tenure and promotions to a number of hardworking, dedicated professors who have labored here for years. NCC not only violated the terms of our contract, it demonstrates an arrogance and disrespect that we have long endured.”
Stern singled out Chief Administrative Officer Maria Conzatti, accusing her of refusing to meet with union representatives or bring the recommendations to
the board of trustees.
“The arrogance begins with Maria Conzatti … who has refused to meet with us, let alone address the concerns in good faith,” Stern said. “She has refused to present these committee recommendations to the board of trustees.”
In response, Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC, defended the administration’s stance. He told the Herald in a previous interview that promotions, sabbaticals, and tenure decisions “don’t take effect until the fall of 2025 —
under the new contract,” adding that discussions about the next agreement must begin before such actions can move forward.
In an interview on Friday, Kornbluth reiterated those comments, explaining that Conzatti had presented recommendations for sabbaticals at a board of trustees meeting the previous day. He added that promotions and tenure recommendations would be addressed in June.
Kornbluth explained that the delay in promotions and tenure appointments is due to an ongoing investigation into “potential irregularities on the promotion process,” but he did not elaborate.
But Stern argued that the current contract remains in effect until Aug. 31, and that the administration is obligated to act on recommendations that have already been vetted through the formal committee process.
“That’s absolutely incorrect,” Kornbluth said of Stern’s argument. “This has nothing to do with the contract. This is all about trying to make Maria Conzatti and the administration look bad.”
Suzanne Kaebnick, an English professor and the union secretary, said the administration’s inaction directly affects students. “The cuts, and their refusal to forward the recommendations for tenure and promotion, hurt our students,” Kaebnick said. “In the nursing department, we have classes that have been unstaffed all semester.”
She added, “To not support our full-time faculty … is to say that we’re not invested in this college. That’s not fair to Nassau.”
“Faculty members are hired either temporary or probationary,” Kornbluth said. “They’re fully aware of it, and it’s part of the collective bargaining agreement. After Academic Affairs evaluates the courses and enrollment, there is a good possibility that someone who is terminated on this contract could be re-upped in the fall.”
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
David Stern, acting president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, spoke at a news conference in Mineola on May 14, announcing legal action against the college.
The Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra celebrated their 75th anniversary with a “World Cruise of Music” concert.
Symphony orchestra honors diamond jubilee
The Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra celebrated their 75th anniversary with a “World Cruise of Music” concert, on May 8 at West Hempstead High School.
Founded in 1950, the orchestra is not only a part of Long Island’s cultural history, but is one of the oldest community musical ensembles in the metropolitan area.
Maestro Louis Panacciulli conducted the orchestra and the concert featured the vocal stylings of four-time Grammy Award-winning tenor John Easterlin, to commemorate the ensemble’s diamond jubilee anniversary.
“John and I developed a pro gram of music from different parts of the world, and I thought we’d call it ‘a world cruise of music,’ where John will sing in seven numbers,” Panacciulli said.
The pieces varied from operettas to grand opera to American musical theater
“It’s a nice way to celebrate and encourage not only the Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra in their 75th anniversary,” Easterlin added, “but to encourage the arts at a time when it’s needed now more than ever.”
–Melissa Berman
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Tenor soloist John Easterlin sang in seven of the numbers during the “World Cruise of Music” concert.
The orchestra performed 11 pieces varying from operettas to grand opera to American musical theater at West Hempstead High School.
Maestro Louis Panacciulli conducted the 52-member orchestra, on May 8.
Angela Luftig, 1st Violin, left, Kaye Suchmann, 1st Violin, Cathy Somma, 1st Violin and Lisa Uckardes, concertmaster were all smiles before their performance.
Experts: Trump cuts threaten drinking water
Loca leaders agree that federal delays of toxic chemical bans put Long Island communities at risk
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Nassau County’s water is under threat — and local leaders are sounding the alarm.
Last Friday, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined County Legislators Olena Nicks and Scott Davis at the Hempstead Public Library, where they stood with environmental and health leaders to denounce recent environmental rollbacks by the Trump administration.
At the heart of the concern is trichloroethylene, or TCE, a toxic chemical once widely used as an industrial solvent. It is known to seep from factories and landfills into the groundwater — the very source of Long Island’s drinking supply. The state warns that TCE, despite its sweet, fruity odor, is a potent carcinogen.
“The decisions being made aren’t based on science — they’re made to protect special interests and polluters,” Solages said, referring to delays on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency in banning harmful chemicals, and her widely shared social media post on the deregulation of a group of chemicals known as PFAS.
The administration’s proposal would slash the EPA’s budget from $9.1 billion to $4.2 billion, a cut of more than 50 percent.
Solages, a lifelong Long Islander, pointed out the Island’s growing vul-
nerability to climate change: rising seas, saltwater intrusion and increasingly toxic groundwater. But she also warned of a different kind of crisis — one she called a “man-made disaster” brought on by federal inaction.
Joseph Stallone, campaign manager of the New York League of Conservation Voters, agreed. “The EPA used to be a bipartisan watchdog,” he said. “We need Congress to fully fund the EPA and reject these dangerous rollbacks.”
Jessica Varghese, a registered nurse with over 23 years of experience and an associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, drove the message home. “Long Island has the most contaminated water in New York,” he said simply.
Hempstead wells have tested positive for one of the four dioxanes that are known to cause cancer, along with traces of “forever chemicals” — a term that applies in almost a literal sense, because they contain strong bonds that persist for decades. Varghese cited serious health risks including kidney damage, liver disease, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
“Long Island deserves better,” she said. “The Trump administration’s sweeping regulatory rollbacks pose a serious threat to public health.”
Solages concluded with a warning: “This isn’t about America’s health,” she said. “It’s about profit. And we won’t be silent.”
Tim Baker/Herald Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, far left, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Legislator Olena Nicks, Joseph Stallone and Jessica Varghese at Hempstead Public Library, where they spoke about environmental rollbacks.
STEPPING OUT
Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force
Airmen and women execute daring maneuvers in a thrilling display of the might of the Air Force’s premier fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Gaze up at the sky
Photo courtesy Chris Thomas/Warbird Thunder
Warbird Thunder’s World War II-era planes blast overhead on the wings of history.
High-flying stunts always amaze at Jones Beach air show
By Karen Bloom
The unofficial start of summer is here — and it’s coming in with a roar. Memorial Day weekend has arrived, bringing with it all the familiar traditions we love: heartfelt ceremonies, parades, sizzling barbecues, and, of course, that muchanticipated pilgrimage to Jones Beach for the thrill of the FourLeaf Air Show. Set against the sparkling Atlantic, this high-flying spectacle returns Saturday and Sunday, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds once again leading the charge in a breathtaking display of speed, precision and patriotism. Showtime begins at 10 a.m. — don’t forget your sunscreen and camera.
The distinguished squadron, back for their 10th headlining appearance, is joined by other elite military pilots. This year’s spectacle includes the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, United States Navy F-35C Demo Team, United State Navy Rhino Demo Team, United States Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), 106th Rescue Wing NY Air National Guard, also the 105th Airlift Wing unit of the New York Air National Guard.
This show — with its new name as a result of the rebranding of sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union as FourLeaf — is an especially patriotic salute to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army (which got its start as the Continental Army), the Navy and Marines, along with the 110th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard. A tribute also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
“We are thrilled to welcome the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as this year’s headliners and look forward to an amazing show by all our performers,” says George Gorman, regional director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “Every year more and more people come to our show. It has become a great tradition for Long Island to honor our military and veterans and kick off the summer at Jones Beach.”
With the anticipated cooperation of the weather, the military and civilian pilots soar — and boom — overhead.
• May 24-25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $10 vehicle use fee
• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
• For up-to-date information, visit fourleafairshow.com.
The boardwalk also gets in on the action as service branches are on hand to provide visitors with opportunities to interact, including virtual reality simulations and fitness challenges. Everyone will want to check out the booths lining the boardwalk as well, to pick up a souvenir or a snack.
The Thunderbirds, “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon — the Air Force’s multi-role fighter jet. The elite military pilots proudly showcase the capabilities of highly versatile, 19,700-pound aircraft, which can travel at speeds up to 1,500 mph. The supersonic aircraft is known for its agility, speed and ability to perform various roles, including air superiority, air-to-ground combat and intercepting enemy aircraft.
Grace meets power in this mix of six F-16 Falcons demonstrating formation flying and solo routines. Flying only a few feet apart from wingtip to wingtip, the crowd gets a glimpse of the superb skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess as they push the limits of their aircraft.
The civilian teams always elicite ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as well. Performers include the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Aarron Deliu, current reigning Air Masters Cup Series champion and current Sky Grand Prix Champion; Warbird Thunder, featuring the North American SNJ Texan, a former World War II Navy advanced training aircraft; also returning are the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams and Long Island’s own David Windmiller.
Warbird Thunder may be familiar to those who watched when the GEICO Skytypers used to grace the sky over Jones Beach. Warbird’s Lead Pilot Chris “CT” Thomas, with his partner, Wingman Mike “Buick” Eberhardt, was with the Skytypers team for many years before heading out on their own. Their meticulously restored World War II-era SNJ planes were used as an advanced trainer by the U.S. Navy and Marines to train “The Greatest Generation” during World War II and the Korean War.
“We’re flying a piece of history,” Thomas proudly explains.“They’ve got quite a military heritage.”
Warbird Thunder’s 12-minute performance is highlighted by what Thomas describes as “big smoke and big noise.” From as low as 100 feet near the surface to 2,000 feet in the air, his two-plane formation will be looping and rolling. You’ll watch formation loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls, and Cuban Eights; the planes also separate bringing more excitement with opposing aerobatics before rejoining for the final maneuvers in their fast-paced segment.
“These are big planes with a big physical presence,” he says. “It’s always an exciting show.”
Be sure to listen for that signature “bark” — actually the tips of the propeller reaching the speed of sound.
Jon Lovitz
Comedy legend Jon Lovitz brings his signature wit and unforgettable characters to the stage for a night of nonstop laughs. Best known for his Emmy-nominated run on SNL and roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Wedding Singer,” Lovitz has been a comedy staple for over 30 years. He got his start in high school productions. After pursuing acting studies, he decided to concentrate solely on comedy, taking classes then accepted into the famed improv group The Groundlings’s main company. In March 1985 The Groundlings appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Jon premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous.” SNL and numerous offers came along; Jon was on his way, working nonstop since. Along with his comedy, he’s well known for his distinctive voice that’s served him well in his varied TV and film career. Jon’s humor is unique, attributable to his quirky personality — and he always entertains.
Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Unlock the secrets of Westbury House
For years, visitors to Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House have wandered its elegant first floor, admiring the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Many have paused at a certain corridor door, wondering what lay beyond. Now, that mystery is unveiled. Join a 60-minute guided tour, “Secrets of the Service Wing,” and step into the hidden world that powered the Phipps family’s opulent lifestyle. This unique experience peels back the curtain on the tireless work and logistics that kept this grand home running smoothly. Explore the heart of domestic operations — from the orderly butler’s pantry and the silver cleaning room, down the 17 steps to the bustling kitchen, scullery and wine storage room. Space is limited; don’t miss your chance to step through the door and into history.
Sunday, May 25, 3-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. Tickets and information available at oldwestburygardens.org or (516) 333-0048.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY
On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.
•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
MAY
24
Maritime Mastermind
Long Island Children’s Museum celebrates National Maritime Day by inviting families to create their own floating boats. Put your boat to the test in the museum’s water tub to see if it sinks or floats! This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep. For ages 3 and up. Free with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: noon-2 p.m.
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Fleet Week
MAY
25
Stop by Eisenhower Park on Memorial Day Weekend for an epic time, featuring closeup encounters with military vehicles and a meet-andgreet with service members.
•Where: Eisenhower Park Field 2 and 5
•Time: 10-2 p.m., with a parade at 1:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 572-0201
MAY
26
Memorial Day Freedom 5K
Join in the Memorial Day Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk, a tribute to veterans and first responders. Funds are donated to veteran and first responder organizations and Crossroads farm.
•Where: Connolly Station, 280 Hempstead Ave., Malverne
•Time: 8 a.m.
•Contact: elitefeats.com
JUNE
Asi Wind’s ‘More Than Magic’
After his sold-out run Off-Broadway, “Inner Circle,” and his London’s West End six-month long run, “Incredibly Human,” Asi Wind returns to the U.S. with a new show, featuring his greatest magic hits. Those familiar with Wind’s performances know to expect jaw-dropping feats of magic, inexplicable mind-reading and an utterly captivating night out. Wind was crowned the 2022 Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts, an award previously given to David Copperfield and Penn & Teller. Moreover, his appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us has become one of the most viral performances in the show’s history, with over 16 million views on YouTube. Wind’s recent Off-Broadway show, Inner Circle, was a critically acclaimed, sold-out success, described as “Gobsmacking. Mystifying. Spectacular.” (The Wall Street Journal). Asi now presents his favorite magic from his dazzling lifelong repertoire. His performances are not just mind-blowing; they inspire us to recognize the magic that lies within each of us. This visually stunning performance showcases Asi’s artistic talents while exploring the human spirit. Wind constantly blurs the line between what’s possible and impossible. It’s a theatrical experience that defies expectations and will leave you marveling at human creativity and connection. Wind believes that true magic can only happen if you bring people together and make them feel like they are a part of the show. Asi’s goal is not deceive people but to make them care and experience and magic. “More Than Magic” is a profound reminder that we all possess some magic within us. Tickets are $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50.
Memorial Day Parade
West Hempstead Community
Support Association hosts their annual Memorial Day Parade. Line the streets and show your support for all those that gave all to protect our freedom.
•Where: Woodlawn Road, beginning at St. Thomas Chapel, ending at American Legion Post #1087
•Time: 10 a.m.
Memorial Day Parade
Malverne’s annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at the Gazebo on Church Street. This year’s route will take marchers through the Westwood section of the village.
•Where: Beginning at the Gazebo, the parade will go through Westwood.
•Time: 10 a.m.
‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’
The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ MAY 27
classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: Also May 28-29, times vary
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
MAY
29
Malverne Cinema Kickoff Meeting
The community is planning for the Malverne Cinema and Arts Center to return. Learn more at a kickoff event. Suggested donation is $20.
•Where: Connolly Station, 280 Hempstead Ave., Malverne.
•Time: 7-9 p.m.
•Contact: Register at malvernecinema.org
West Hempstead STEAM Night
The West Hempstead School community is invited to a district-wide STEAM Night at West Hempstead Secondary School.
Art Explorations Converse, collaborate and create at Nassau County Museum of Art. Kids and their adult partners can talk about and make art together. Enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Noon-3 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
Contrast In Colors
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
•Where: 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead
•Time: 6 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Lakeview Public Library invites all to Open Mic Night. Sing a song, share a poem, anything you wish. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third places.
•Where: 1120 Woodfield Road, Lakeview
•Time: 6 p.m.
•Contact: lakeviewlibrary.org
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week families will explore Crystallized Creations. Experiment to see what happens when participants add salt to their works of art.
$4 with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Visit Old Westbury Gardens for an evening of rich harmonies and expressive tones when Poetica Musica presents a captivating program of chamber music and vocal works. The program includes music by Beethoven, Grieg, Loeillet and Ravel, performed cellist Eugene Moye, violinist Erik Wyrick, pianist Yasmin Alami, and mezzo-soprano Eleanor Valkenburg. Highlights include Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 “Archduke”, Jean-Baptiste Loeillet de Gant’s Trio Sonata in B minor, Grieg’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45, and Ravel’s Cinq Mélodies Populaires Grecques. Beethoven’s iconic Archduke Trio, composed in 1811 and dedicated to his friend and patron Archduke Rudolf of Austria, remains a cornerstone of the piano trio repertoire and is performed worldwide. This marks the first time Poetica Musica performs this celebrated trio at Old Westbury Gardens. With pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m. and a reception following the performance. $30, general admission, $25 members, seniors (62+) and students.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 8-10:30 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or (516) 333-0048
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar 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 kbloom@ liherald.com.
Aidan Warshavsky/Herald
West Hempstead resident celebrates survival
By AidAn WArshAvsky Correspondent
On Sept. 28 West Hempstead resident Nestor Montalvo woke up with what he described as a “really bad han gover.” The 61-year-old retired NYPD officer was experiencing numbness on his right side, as well as blurred vision. With the quick thinking of his wife, Maritza, Montalvo was taken to Cat holic Hea lth’s Mer cy Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Justin Cor reira, a member of Nassau County Department’s Emergency Ambulance Bureau delivered Montalvo to the hospital. Upon examination, doctors recognized tha t he was end uring an immense stroke, with just a 15 percent chance of surviving, acc ording to Dr. Karthikeyan Arcot.
Mo ntalvo had a blo ckage in the art ery, whi ch sup plies the bra in ste m. He was administered Ten ecteplase, a pow erful clo t-busting dru g, and was imm ediately tra nsferred to Cat holic Hea lth’s St. Fra ncis Hos pital & Hea rt Center in Roslyn.
For mon ths, Mon talvo que stioned whet her he’d be abl e to han dle sim ple tasks, such as breathing and eating. “I was dis couraged, I cou ldn’t mov e, I couldn’t eat, it was hard for me to talk,” he said. “I was really afraid of dying.” Dur ing inp atient the rapy, Mon talvo und erwent swa llowing the rapy, thr ee separate swallowing pro cedures, and countless trials of independent breathing. He also braved vital electrical stimulation the rapy, whi ch hel ped him regain swallowing control and muscular fun ction. Dur ing thi s tim e, Mon talvo required a tracheotomy and PEG tube to support proper nut rition and ens ure
adequate airflow.
During a May 15 reu nion wit h the Cat holic Hea lth Mer cy Hos pital sta ff who saved his life, Montalvo gave thanks to the staff, his wife and his daughter, Marissa Flaherty. “They kept encouraging and encouraging me,” he said. “I got to stop being a baby and I got to push.”
Maritza highlighted his progress and the hig hs-and-lows of the jou rney. “Every milestone that he made was cel ebrated,” she sai d. “To see him get fro m that poi nt to thi s poi nt has bee n tou gh, but als o ear th shattering. Ver y, very rewarding.”
Fla herty pra ised her fat her’s spi rit and his quest against the 15 percent odds set before him “He wouldn’t accept that wou ld pot entially be his fat e, and he’s incredible for that,” she said. “I think he proved a lot of people wrong. He wont stop.”
The Montalvo’s praised Mercy Hospital’s Colleen O’Rourke, Stephanie Luciano and Ail een Fai rchild des cribing the trio as ‘angels’ and highlighting the inspiration they delivered. “They were the core of kee ping me to get bet ter,” sai d Mon talvo. “Wi thout the m, I don’t think I would have fought as hard.”
“He never gave up, we knew he could do it,” said Fairchild. “Between his family support, his motivation, and the wonderful team that we have upstairs, everyone is a part of the story.” O’Rourke and Luc iano add ed tha t Mon talvo was “in credibly mot ivated” and not ed his achievements as special.
The event held at the Rockville Centre hospital was par t of Stroke Awareness Mon th, an effort to rai se more awa reness and highlight individuals in their journeys to recovery.
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Nestor Montalvo of West Hempstead reunites with the Mercy Hospital nursing staff and physical therapy team that helped him recover after severe stroke.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SNAPPIE HANDYMAN LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 02/25/25. 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:Steve Nappie 1050 Jackson Ave Franklin Square NY 11010
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 152942
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. HEMPSTEAD LLC d/b/a HEMPSTEAD 126, LLC, Plaintiff -againstRIVIERA DINER LTD, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 27, 2025 and entered on April 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction “Rain or Shine” on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the North side of the Hempstead Turnpike, distant 121.57 feet (deed) 121.06 (Actual) Westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the North side of Hempstead Turnpike with the West side of the Greenway South; being a plot 71.78 feet by 92.59 feet by 70 feet by 108.39 feet. Section: 33 Block: 251 Lot(s): 3, 4, and 5
Said premises known as 564 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552
Approximate amount of lien $2,949,166.85 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 616007/2022.
OSCAR A. PRIETO, ESQ., Referee KRISS & FEUERSTEIN LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff
360 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10017
{* WEST HEMP1*} 153180
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGEIT SECURITIES CORP. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstCHERYL LOVELACE, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 27, 2025, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGEIT
SECURITIES CORP. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and CHERYL LOVELACE, 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 June 11, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 447 CHAMPLAIN AVENUE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 35-459-660, 661 & 662.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617657/2022. Harold F. Damm, 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. 153370
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2020-GS5, Plaintiff -againstMICHELE C. REED, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 24, 2025 and entered on April 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Erie Road, distant 333.57 feet northerly as measured along the westerly side of Erie Road from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Erie Road with the northerly side of Champlain Avenue; RUNNING THENCE North West, 97.58 feet; THENCE North East, 66.20 feet; THENCE South East, 87.55 feet; THENCE South West, 22.54 feet; THENCE South West, 44.91 feet.
Section: 35 Block: 597 Lot: 55
Said premises known as 256 ERIE ROAD, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552
Approximate amount of lien $640,216.88 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 617177/2022.
DAVID I. ROSENBERG, ESQ., Referee
Kosterich & Skeete, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 707 Westchester Ave, Suite 302, White Plains, NY 10604
{* MALVERNE H*} 153330
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU SANTANDER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST JONATHAN ANGULO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 19, 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 June 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 146 Malverne Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Malverne, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35 Block 22 Lot 4. Approximate amount of judgment $709,732.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603397/2023. Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-001470 85446 153489
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff AGAINST Amalia Per, Jose Balarezo, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 7, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 106 Park Boulevard, Malverne, NY 11565. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Malverne, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 38, Block: 005, Lot(s): 295, 296, 471.
Approximate amount of judgment $598,703.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
News brief
Upcoming Memorial Day Celebrations
Malverne and West Hempstead will host parades to celebrate Memorial Day on May 26. The parades begin at 10 a.m.
The West Hempstead Memorial Day Parade begins at St. Thomas Chapel on Hempstead Ave., near Halls Pond. Then continue down Hempstead Ave. to Woodlawn Rd., ending at the American Legion Hall Cathedral Post. There will then be a short ceremony to honor all those who fought for the country.
“The West Hempstead Community Support Association is proud to sponsor the annual Memorial Day Parade,” said
Maureen Greenberg-Mahoney, WHCSA president. “Please come out and support all the organizations marching.”
Malverne’s Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., after the Freedom 5K Run. Participants will line up at the Gazebo in Reese Park at 9:30 a.m. The parade will be follow the long route through Westwood.
There will be a ceremony at 11:15 at the Gazebo. Then hot dogs and lemonade will be served in the adjacent parking lot.
–Madison Gusler
Public Notices
#613194/2022. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800 ) 280-2832.
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-096574-F00 85371 153485
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following Inc. Village of Malverne public hearings and meetings have been rescheduled and / or cancelled:
The June 2025 Board of Trustees Special Use public hearing is rescheduled to Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:15 pm.
The June 2025 Board of Architectural & Site Plan Review public hearing is rescheduled to Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
The July 2025 Monthly Board Meeting is cancelled.
The August 2025 Board of Architectural & Site Plan Review public hearing is cancelled. The September 2025 Board of Zoning Appeals public hearing is rescheduled to Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
The October 2025 Monthly Board Meeting is rescheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm. BY ORDER OF THE MALVERNE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Inc. Village of Malverne Jill Valli, Village Clerk
Dated: May 16, 2025 153643
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 May 13, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 31-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 31-2025, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: May 13, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 153628
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 05/28/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED
STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
249/25. WEST HEMPSTEAD - St. Thomas the Apostle R. C. Church, Amusement Rides (Special Event) duration June 19, 2025 - June 22, 2025 with tents., S/E cor. Westminster Rd. & Argyle Rd., a/k/a Church Parking Lot. 250/25. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Ara Torosian, Renewal of grant to maintain 2family dwelling., N/s Ivy St., 269.48’ E/o Maplewood St., a/k/a 256 Ivy St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 153622
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE OF CIM TRUST 2022-R2, Plaintiff, vs. THOMAS D. BARRA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Other Relief duly entered on April 23, 2025, 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 June 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 11 Michel Court, Malverne, NY 11565. 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 Malverne, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 57, Block 20 and Lot 531. The approximate amount of judgment is $563,094.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #620250/2023. Chester H. Greenspan, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230451-1 153639
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Q. We started doing work to our home and are just finishing, and the painter suggested that a wall could be taken down to open up the rooms. He says he can do this himself because it’s not a support wall. We’ve looked into it, thinking about an island in the kitchen and matching the floor or replacing it. The painter said we might need an architect, but since the work is interior, it won’t need a permit. We’re wondering what we should do, because we know you’ll say we need a permit, but the painter says we can get one after the work is done, and he can start right away so he can finish the work and avoid interruptions. Do you think this is a good idea?
A. The permit, as a piece of paper or a process of reviewing the work, isn’t the point. As you read this, hundreds of projects around you are underway with no permits. Most of them will either never be found out or are of such small consequence that when an issue comes up, it will be ignored.
Usually, I only learn about problems when either a buyer or a lending bank wants something put on record. I receive frantic calls asking if plans can be made quickly and a permit obtained before the closing in a week. Anyone who tells you the permit process is quick is trying to sell you something.
But remember, the permit document isn’t really the important thing. The permit is a symbol representing a more important issue — safety. Safety not only includes your well-being against doing something dangerous; it also means preventing health risks and the potential of losing a large sum of money if something goes wrong.
Removing a non-structural wall is a little misleading. The wall may not be supporting anything, but it has weight that you want to replace with another load. In general, people rarely look at any kind of building as a system of puzzle pieces, all fitting together in a specific way.
As an example of what can happen, I once got a call from someone who had that wall removed and added an island. The wall load was removed from the beams below, which was a good thing because those beams were now carrying less of a load. Then an island was installed, a four-foot-wide model with a beautiful quartz countertop, a sink and a sixburner stove. The homeowner also wanted an open display for restaurant-sized canned peeled tomatoes, ready for use with one of their famous recipes.
The island load was calculated after the finished flooring began to distort and come loose and sagged 4 inches, when I was called to figure out what was going wrong. The island weighed at least six times the load of the wall, and the beam below was buckling. The floor bounced and the wine glasses in a nearby cabinet clinked together every time someone walked by.
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over time, I asked my campus communities to think about what it means to be an ethical person, and our roles and obligations as members of society. Could we remain silent when we knew of social and economic injustice? Could we be indifferent in the face of unethical behavior and discrimination in the public square?
Such thoughts were inspired again by news reports of bullying in politics, schoolyards, public hearings and international relations.
These are difficult times. Relations between groups are strained. I would hope that even in times like these, families, clergy, teachers and leaders would prepare children and inspire others with the basic values of civility, courtesy, sincerity and respect. Our sense of community needs it. Our national values — freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, democracy itself — will wither without it.
I think, as citizens, we must employ an “ethical eye” to observe and chal-
Lopinions A recipe for respect in society
lenge societal patterns that test our sense of what is fair and just. This takes courage as well as compassion. It is our obligation to address injustices wherever they occur in a consistent manner, not with one lens for a friend and another for a foe. We must believe in tolerance, accepting that another can be right without my being wrong.
CCompassion is a key component in how we relate to others. Many texts on leadership emphasize empathy, i.e., feeling the pain of others. This is better than simple sympathy, feeling sorry for others, but does not lead to necessary action. Compassion is an act of service, not just a feeling about others.
others. The most effective leaders know this. Saying “Thank you” or “You’re welcome” is not difficult. Being kind is even good for our health.
Respect is denied through acts of antisemitism, racism and other forms of prejudice. One result is fear. Therefore, it is understandable that those who have been subjected to bias personally or historically want respect and peaceful relations. Indeed, I assume that everyone wants respect as a simple fact of his or her being.
alls for greater ‘civility’ are really calls for compassion and respect.
We often hear calls for greater “civility.” These calls frequently are in response to acts of aggression and other forms of humiliating behavior. Cries for civility are really calls for compassion and respect, to stop using fear or denigrating language as weapons. Such tactics by corporate and political leaders are especially troubling for the messages they send and the models of behavior they represent.
What we want is for people to be considerate, friendly, and even generous to
We should teach in our schools and houses of worship, and especially in our homes, that others should be respected, even if they are different from us. But there is a difference between respect for humanity at large, respect for ethnic, national, religious, racial and other groups in general, and respect for any one person.
Respect should be offered freely. An individual’s actions should no more reflect poorly on an entire group than a group’s actions should reflect poorly on any individual.
However, individual respect, once lost, can be regained only through effort: by expressing remorse and trying to help others. Respect is lost when someone acts in a callous manner, by
disregarding others, by belittling the place and relevance of others. When someone “demands” respect and does so in a manner that itself is disrespectful, he or she not only misses the point but also demeans the issue.
A school or college is a precious place. It is where truth, in whatever form, may be pursued without hindrance. It is where freedom of speech must be protected to the utmost. It is a place where diversity — of background, ethnicity, nationality, religion, physical ability or gender — should be respected. It is also a place where civil discourse and respect for one another is essential if a full and honest exchange of views is to be assured.
Without common courtesy, ears are closed. When ears are closed, there can be no mutual respect. We must learn to listen and disagree without being disagreeable. Those who shout the loudest for respect often do the least to gain it. No one should be the other if our education has succeeded. We are one species, with each member seeking to find a unity connecting head, heart and hands — i.e. compassion — which is an act of respect.
Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).
Skip the gamble, wear the sunscreen
ike everyone else, I’ve welcomed the shift to warmer weather this month. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and more people are spending time outdoors. I don’t have to tell you why — just look up. The sun is back, high in the sky, and with it comes a timely reminder: Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but also one of the most preventable. It affects people of all skin tones and the most likely cause is overexposure to ultraviolet light, or more simply put, the sun. The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma, while less common, is the most aggressive, and often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its early metastatic spread. My dad has battled skin cancer multiple times. He’s vigilant about checking his skin for unusual moles, freckles and sunspots, and late last year he noticed a new growth on his shoulder blade. A dermatologist quickly took a biopsy, and the
results confirmed melanoma. Surgery was scheduled to promptly remove the mole and a wide margin of surrounding skin, leaving a six-inch, cross-sectional scar across his back. His medical team is confident that the cancer was caught in time and removed in totality.
YAs we head outside and soak up the sun, I can’t think of a better time to share my dad’s story. With his naturally fair skin, he’s especially cautious. He wears baseball caps to shield his face, opts for long-sleeved sun shirts designed to block harmful UV rays, and rarely skips sunscreen on any exposed skin — especially in warmer weather. There’s growing misinformation about sunscreen, with one of the most persistent myths professing that the product — or more specifically, the chemicals in it — can cause cancer, too. This concern was amplified when certain sunscreens were recalled after they were found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen. While the contamination was a manufacturing issue and not an ingredient in sunscreen formulas, the damage was done. Despite repeated assurances from medical experts that sunscreen is overwhelmingly safe and effective, a
ou shouldn’t need persuading, but if you do, I’ll let you talk to my dad.
wave of online misinformation has fueled an “anti-sunscreen” movement — putting more people at risk just as we enter peak sun exposure season. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month — a time when national and local organizations step up their efforts to educate the public about prevention. One such group is the Long Island-based Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign, named in memory of Colette, who died from the disease. Each year, the campaign partners with Nassau County, gathering at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in early May to deliver a simple but vital message: The safest way to enjoy summer is to protect your skin.
Despite the critics, there is no medical evidence that suggests sunscreen causes cancer. Evidence overwhelmingly informs the public that sun, and artificial forms of UV light such as tanning beds, are the most common culprits. Many different types of sunblock are available — including chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin, and physical blocker sunscreens, or “mineral sunscreens,” which act as a barrier on the skin’s surface.
I think it’s important that people make medical decisions they feel are best for them, and use products that they feel safest using. But the truth is if people consistently skip sun protection, they are two to three times more likely to develop skin cancer over their lifetime, compared with those who use sunscreen regularly. Opting to avoid using sunblock out of fear of the chemicals it contains is not only ignorant, but also dangerous.
I’m not a medical professional, just someone who’s watched my dad undergo a number of procedures to remove cancer. If you’re hesitant about chemical sunscreens, I get it — there are plenty of “cleaner” options out there. I use one myself. What matters most is using something, because doing nothing is the real risk.
Women get mammograms to detect breast cancer. Adults over 45 get colonoscopies to catch colon cancer early. So why skip one of the simplest, most accessible tools we have to prevent skin cancer before it starts?
There’s no need to gamble with your health when we have everything we need to make conscious decisions, ones that are far more likely to help you — rather than hurt you — in the long run.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
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HERALD
Memorial Day: so much more than a day of rest
as the last Monday in May approaches, many Americans look forward to Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer — a three-day weekend filled with barbecues, beach trips, travel and clearance sales.
But while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying time with loved ones, we must not allow convenience and celebration to overshadow the solemn significance of the holiday. Memorial Day isn’t just a day off. It is a day of remembrance — a national moment of pause to honor the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives in service to our country.
Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, Memorial Day — originally known as Decoration Day — was born of collective mourning. Families and communities across a fractured nation placed flowers on soldiers’ graves, uniting in grief and reverence. The federal holiday was established in 1971. Over time, the holiday expanded to commemorate all American military personnel who have died in service. It is not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors all who have served, living and deceased. Memorial Day is specifi-
cally for the fallen.
Yet in our modern era, its meaning often gets lost amid the grilling, the chilling and the discount ads. It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of an extra day off or the first beach trip of the season. But convenience should not breed complacency. Memorial Day deserves more than a casual nod — it demands deliberate remembrance.
Why does that matter? Because freedom isn’t free, and it never has been. The rights we exercise daily — to speak, to vote, to gather, to live safely — were defended by those who never came home.
Behind every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, and in others across the nation, lies a story of courage, sacrifice and love of country. Behind every folded flag handed to a grieving family is a reminder that someone paid the ultimate price.
To ignore that reality — to reduce Memorial Day to little more than a festive long weekend — is to forget a fundamental part of our national identity. In honoring the fallen, we not only show respect for their sacrifice, but we reinforce the values they died protecting: duty, service, unity, and democratic freedom.
So what can we do differently?
Start small. Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, when Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute in silence. Visit a local veterans’ cemetery or memorial. Attend a parade or ceremony in your town. Talk to children and young people about why the day matters. Share a story of a fallen service member. Fly the American flag at half-staff.
Better yet, turn remembrance into action. Donate to an organization that supports Gold Star families or wounded veterans. Write to an elected official in support of improved services for military families. Volunteer for a group that helps transitioning service members reintegrate into civilian life. Service should not end at the battlefield, and gratitude should not last only one day.
On Memorial Day, we’re not asked to stop living or celebrating. We are asked to remember why we can. We are asked to be present — not just at the picnic table, but in thought and in spirit, connecting with the sacrifices that afforded us this life of liberty.
Let this Memorial Day be more than an extended weekend. Let it be a day of purpose. A day of honor. A day to remember. people are that they peoprotection, they to lifetime, sunscreen sunblock contains is dangerous. just undergo canchemical plenty of one is the detect colonosSo accescanyour we need that rather the Com-
Horse named Journalism showed what’s possible
He was five lengths back, bumped and bruised, as he fought through a crowded pack in the Preakness Stakes, one of horse racing’s biggest events. But Journalism didn’t fold, even when he looked to be down and out. He found daylight in the final turn, charged down the stretch, and stormed past the leaders to win in spectacular fashion.
It was gritty. It was powerful. And it was symbolic.
Because while Journalism the horse crossed the finish line in triumph, journalism the profession is reeling — and falling further behind every day.
In New York, dozens of local newspapers have shuttered over the past year, even in some of the wealthiest commu-
Peter King goes way too easy on Elon Musk
To the Editor:
Not once, but twice, in his column “We must restore Musk’s cuts of the 9/11 health
nities. Trusted reporters have vanished from towns and villages across the state. There’s no one left to sit through school board meetings, follow the money at town halls, or tell the human stories that hold communities together.
The decline isn’t distant. It’s here. It’s happening now. And yet there is still a clear lane for journalism organizations to triumph — if we fight for it.
Last year, New York passed a first-inthe-nation tax credit to support truly local journalism. That policy, now in effect, offers a lifeline to communitybased newspapers. It was made possible by the Empire State Local News Coalition, a nonpartisan alliance of more than 200 local newspapers in New York — including the Herald — that are com-
letters
fund” last week, Peter King made excuses for Elon Musk’s inexcusable, reckless and immoral cuts: 1) “. . . to undo the damage, intentional or not . . . by Elon Musk’s chainsaw cuts”; and 2) “. . . Elon Musk’s misplaced cuts . . . probably made unknowingly . . .”
A reality check, and some honesty, please, about the cruel and harmful effects of
mitted to keeping local reporting alive.
To turn that legislative victory into a lasting comeback, the Empire State Local News Coalition needs support — from readers, businesses, neighbors and anyone who cares about truth, transparency and community camaraderie.
Because while four legs carried Journalism to victory, it’s the Fourth Estate that carries our democracy — and right now, it’s running out of steam.
If you appreciate the work we do covering your schools, government, family, friends and more, then please donate to the Empire State Local News Coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com/support. With your help, journalism — the one that informs, uplifts and protects — can make a dramatic comeback, too.
DOGE’s very aware and deliberate actions negatively affecting the American people, totally backed up by this administration and Project 2025.
I will never understand why a spade can’t be called a spade when it comes to Donald Trump. As I recall from Mr. King’s columns, he was a good Catholic Brooklyn kid. Well, so
opinions
GOP cuts to Medicaid will impact all of Long Island
House republicans advanced their plan last week to cut $715 billion in Medicaid funding over the next decade. Medicaid provides essential medical services to millions of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans across our country, including 170,000 of my constituents in new york’s 4th Congressional District. These reductions will surely hurt recipients, but it is important to note that the impact of this budget cutback will stretch far beyond just these groups.
The warnings are already plentiful, and dire. These sweeping cuts have prompted alarm from health policy
experts, economists and medical groups, such as the american Hospital association, who all indicated that republicans’ proposed changes to Medicaid will touch all new yorkers, including those with private insurance. all americans can expect increased costs for private payers and reduced services at hospitals and other health care providers. It is critical that long Islanders understand the impact this legislation could have on all our families, friends and neighbors.
tDowling.
Mr. Dowling made clear that a sudden spike in uninsured patients resulting from Medicaid cuts is likely to force hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities to cut back services, reduce medical staff or even close their doors. When hospitals and other health providers cut back their services or close, it affects all of us, regardless of our health care coverage.
he sweeping cuts have prompted alarm from health policy experts and economists.
To ensure that constituents understand some of the impacts of the GoP budget being advanced in Congress, I hosted a budget briefing with my nassau County colleague, Congressman Tom suozzi. The briefing included factual testimony from nonpartisan presenters including northwell Health Ceo Michael
In fact, policy experts at the John Hopkins University of Public Health have forecast that premiums will rise for all americans as hospitals are forced to pass the cost of keeping their doors open to consumers. I have spoken with a number of other long Island health providers, including stony Brook Medicine and the Healthcare association of new york,
Letters
was I, and I am thankful every day that I never lost the strength to call out nonsense when needed, no matter who is involved.
JosIe MarIno Lynbrook
The government, as is, won’t restore Musk’s cuts
To the editor:
Peter King’s demand that “this insanity must end” is too narrow, and made of the wrong people. “We” cannot “restore” anything until the elections next year.
Those who can have bigger bills to fry. “We” empowered MaGa to cut undefined waste, fraud and abuse,
which is what they did, and put it all into their current budget. Mr. King’s complaint about the 9/11 fund’s being “seriously threatened” by “misplaced cuts” applies to all items in that bill, and the only way to restore anything begins with dismantling that ugly construction. Fortunately, as of today, that seems possible if 2026 restores sanity to our federal government.
BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre
Time to address decadesold immigration problem
To the editor: I take issue with Murad awahdeh
and Melanie Creps’s opinion piece in the May 8-14 issue, “Cooperating with ICe will not make us safer.” as a son of a legal immigrant, I counted at least 10 mentions of the word “immigrant,” but without the word “illegal” preceding it. Was this an attempt to slant the piece in one direction?
In all my years, I have never seen an outreach toward our own homeless, veterans, mentally ill and addicted like I saw toward people who were allowed to enter our country through the open borders of the previous administration.
I would like nothing more than to see Congress come up with a bipartisan package to make legal immigration more enticing and vetted. What we have now is not only a strain on local budgets, but also the exploitation of these
who also underscored how these cuts would raise health care costs for all patients in our region. not only will new yorkers’ health care costs balloon, but the proposed Medicaid cuts are also likely to increase our tax burden. a brief from the nonpartisan health policy organization KFF concluded that these cuts will cause massive state budget shortfalls, prompting tax increases while downsizing funding to education, infrastructure and other local priorities. long Islanders already pay some of the highest taxes in the country. We cannot afford another tax increase. as your congresswoman, I am committed to fighting against these dangerous attempts to attack long Islanders’ health care. We must work to protect and strengthen access to health care, not make it more expensive and less accessible.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
people working for substandard wages and the subsequent strain on social services. allowing self-deportation with the opportunity to come back legally would be the best approach for everybody. With all these companies willing to invest in plants to keep jobs here, and the present shortage of people in the trades, there will be more than enough jobs to be filled, with opportunities for american citizens first, and then legalized immigrants to follow. It would be a win-win for everybody, and also for the Trump administration, by finally addressing a decades-old problem that has never been dealt with properly.
Framework by Tim Baker
At Long Island’s largest car show — Town Park Point Lookout
Tony GIaMeTTa Oceanside
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Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
