Save on your property taxes with Nassau County’s trusted tax reduction experts. THE LEADER IN PROPERTY
Following an incident at basketball game between Bellmore-Merrick’s John F. Kennedy High School and Elmont Memorial High School last month, Elmont parents are expressing concern for the treatment of student athletes, accusing students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District of repeated racist behavior.
By JoRDAN VAlloNE & RENEE DeloRENZo of the Merrick Heralds
Parents in the Sewanhaka Central High School District are expressing concern for the treatment of student athletes, accusing students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District of repeated racist behavior against Black students from Elmont during sporting events.
The Elmont Parent Teacher Student Association recently hosted a meeting at Elmont Memorial High School — which is part of Sewanhaka schools — where it conducted a public forum to discuss the experience of students who were subject to racism from other students and parents during recent games.
Lynette Battle, a Sewanhaka board trustee and former PTSA president, took to the lectern and cited a long list of offenses, ranging from racial slurs to physical attacks, which occurred between 2019 and 2025. Among the incidents were white players calling Black players “monkeys,” taunting them by yelling “bananas,” making gorilla sounds, whispering racist comments during huddles, calling students the n-word and refusing to shake hands with Black players.
Amaya Haley, a Black student on Elmont High School’s girls’ basketball team said during a recent game against Bellmore-Merrick’s John F. Kennedy High School, she and a player on Kennedy were fighting for a loose ball. Haley controlled the ball, and her
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Town leaders and local officials are celebrating the move by President Donald Trump and the Federal Highway Administration to shut down New York City’s congestion pricing program.
During a Feb. 20 news conference at Sand Hill Road Park, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin called the decision a “massive win” for working-class commuters and Long Island as a whole.
“It’s a great victory for people just going to do their jobs,” Clavin said.
Tsouth of 60th Street in Manhattan — a 40 percent reduction from the original $15 fee. The plan had been paused in June after state officials raised concerns about its financial impact on commuters.
he governor’s decision to squander taxpayer dollars defending a failed congestion pricing scheme is both reckless and out of touch.
STEVE RHoADS
“We’re not talking about the titans of industry. We are talking about first responders, nurses, teachers, people who serve you coffee in the city, deliverymen and women. This is a great victory for them.”
State senator
The revised plan, approved by the MTA board on Nov. 18, took effect Jan. 5. In response, the Town of Hempstead filed a lawsuit against the MTA and the state in Nassau County Supreme Court on Nov. 21, arguing they bypassed public comment requirements. Backed by strong opposition from Long Island’s leaders, the plan’s opponents contended that the changes constituted a new law requiring further input.
In November, Gov. Kathy Hochul re-launched congestion pricing, slapping a $9 daily toll on passenger vehicles traveling
On Feb. 19, the Trump administration ordered a halt to the program, and gave New York until March 21 to put a stop to it, according to a report from the Associated Press. In addition, U.S. Transporta-
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Young scientists got a close-up look at the smallest components of life during a lesson on cell systems at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District. Sixth graders worked in small teams and used microscopes to view different kinds of cells.
Teacher Jim O’Brien said that students have been studying cell theory and learning about the different parts of plant and animal cells. Through the microscopes, they viewed the cells of leaves, grass and organisms in pond water.
“It brings it to life for them,” O’Brien said. “All of the sudden, it’s no longer just a picture in a book.”
He added that the process allowed students to assume the role of scientists in conducting an experiment, recording observations and discussing their findings with each other. The sixth graders worked on their microscope skills by learning how to focus on a specimen, switch objective lenses and create their own slides.
At Sanford H. Calhoun High School, the gymnasium hallway was decked out in purple for P.S. I Love You Day last month.
Students staffed tables that offered various activities and coping strategies.
“The journaling table had writing prompts to help understand how to use journaling as a coping strategy,” explained Assistant Principal Danielle Amato. “In addition, the physical education classes participated in yoga, and math, social studies and foreign language participated with various lessons.”
The school’s rock band serenaded students and staff as they entered the building as well.
Calhoun also kicked off a project for the “You Are Not Alone” movement with a mini mural display, created with students’ artwork. Utilizing funds donated by the school’s PTSA, “You Are Not Alone” is a global movement that offers a message of hope and aims to spark dialogue around mental health. Art teacher Jessica Conte, substitute teacher Arianna Partland and Assistant Principal Michael Hughes have spearheaded the effort with the school mural scheduled for a May completion date.
At Grand Avenue Middle School, the S.A.D.D. Club decorated the halls in purple. School psychologist Rachel Aguilar and math teacher Julia Motley arranged for a CARES Connect lesson during homeroom. For the activity, each student penned notes of positivity for a kindness wall.
At Merrick Avenue Middle School, the Wellness Center initiated a Kindness Hearts campaign during the month of February. “All students were encouraged to submit well-decorated hearts which contained positive messages,” explained Principal Katelyn Dunn. “During our most recent session, participants designed a kindness tree and decorated it with beautiful hearts.”
Over 1,400 hearts were submitted in total.
Additionally, Lauren Beinert and her special education classes spread the love ahead of P.S. I Love You Day by decorating every door throughout the building with a special message and purple hearts.
At John F. Kennedy High School, the Key Club, led by faculty advisor Jessica Chilton, created a Take What You Need Wall, where passersby peeled off a note for keeping.
Leadership students at Wellington C. Mepham High School sponsored a free breakfast for all students as they entered the building and handed out chocolate kisses. They also handwrote notes for faculty and staff members.
For the last 15 years, P.S. I Love You Day has been recognized across New
DiPalma of West Islip who experienced a family tragedy, she is dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. The mission of P.S. I Love You Day is to instill hope for those affected by mental illness, fostering a supportive environment and a community where everyone feels welcomed, loved and supported. It is celebrated on the second Friday of each February and recognized by wearing purple.
— Jordan Vallone
Ali, Blake, Jonathan and Ryan sold t-shirts for P.S. I Love You Day at
The Wellington C. Mepham High School cheerleading team had an exceptional 2024-25 season filled with milestones and triumphs. It was capped off with the squad clinching the Nassau County Class B championship on Feb. 16.
This is a historic achievement for Mepham, marking a major milestone in the program’s history.
“In October, the squad made an impressive appearance at the Nassau County Championship for Game Day, showcasing their skill and determination,” said Coach Ashely Yunker, who is also a special education teacher at Merrick Avenue Middle School.
At the competitive Universal Cheerleaders Association’s Nationals in Orlando, FL, they placed 25th out of 97 teams in the Small Division 2.
“These student athletes proved their strength among the best,” Yunker added.
The team is now gearing up for their next challenge as they head to Binghamton on March 8 for the New York State Championship, aiming for the state title.
— Jordan Vallone
The North Bellmore School District provides transportation for resident students in grades K-3 who live more than a half-mile from school, and for students in grades 4-6 who live more than one mile from school, up to a maximum distance of 15 miles. Transportation to a daycare provider within the district may be available under certain circumstances.
Families with questions should contact the business office/transportation department at (516) 992-3000 ext. 3017, before April 1, 2025.
The same transportation provisions apply to students living in the district who attend private or parochial schools. To be eligible for transportation to a private or parochial school, parents or guardians must register with the district and submit a written request by April 1 each year. This deadline allows the district to budget for transportation for the following school year.
A transportation application for NonPublic Schools is available on the district’s website at NorthBellmoreSchools. org. Requests should be sent to the Business Office & Transportation Department at Martin Ave., Bellmore, NY 11710.
— Jordan Vallone
tion Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the federal government had rescinded the plan’s approval, citing the Town of Hempstead’s lawsuit. In a termination letter, Duffy called congestion pricing “a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman noted his support for the federal government’s decision at a Feb. 19 news conference in Mineola. Blakeman recalled President Trump’s pledge to end congestion pricing at a rally last October.
“President Trump is fulfilling a promise that he made at Madison Square Garden during (his) campaign,” Blakeman said.
In a letter to Hochul from the federal transportation office, Duffy justified rescinding approval by citing the federal Value Pricing Pilot Program, an initiative established to explore the potential of various pricing strategies in reducing traffic congestion. Managed by the Federal Highway Administration, the program allows state and local governments to implement pilot projects that test the effectiveness of tolls and other pricing mechanisms in managing roadway usage and alleviating congestion.
Joining Clavin at the Feb. 20 news conference were Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena, and Town of Hempstead officials, including Council members Dennis Dunne Sr., Thomas Muscarella and Laura Ryder, and Town Clerk Kate Murray.
Sand Hill Road Park sits near the Southern State Parkway, a key route for thousands of commuters traveling to the city each day. Saladino expressed that reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability are important goals, yet the toll-
Luke Feeney/Herald
during a news conference on feb. 19, in mineola, nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman spoke in support of president donald trump’s efforts to halt the mta’s congestion pricing program.
ing program placed an “undue strain” on working families facing high costs. He thanked the neighboring towns for their leadership in the initiative.
“It is an important victory in this fight for our residents,” Saladino said. “We stand with our residents. We stand with our commuters.”
However, according to the MTA, congestion pricing would improve quality of life by reducing traffic and improving air quality in the city. In addition, the program was expected to bring in “billions of dollars in funding,” which the MTA stated could improve subways, buses and commuter railroads, on top of supporting around 23,000 jobs throughout the state.
In a Feb. 24 news release, the MTA reported that
tolls from the program generated $48.6 million in its first month, putting it on track to meet the agency’s $500 million annual projection, which would support $15 billion in debt financing for mass transit improvements.
“With an initial performance in line with projections, we can confidently move forward with projects that rely on funds from the Congestion Relief Zone,” MTA Chief Financial Officer Kevin Willens stated in the news release. “We look forward to seeing similar results in the coming months.”
In response to the Trump administration’s decision, the MTA filed a lawsuit in the Manhattan federal court, arguing that the administration lacks legal authority to do away with the program.
Hochul argued that regardless of anyone’s stance on congestion pricing, the decision is an attack on New York’s sovereignty as a state.
“New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years, and we sure as hell won’t start now,” she said at a Feb. 19 news conference at Grand Central Terminal.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined members of the Senate Republican Conference on Feb. 24 to criticize the lawsuit against the federal government’s decision to halt congestion pricing. The conference highlighted legislation that would fully repeal the program and commission an independent audit of the MTA.
“New Yorkers are tired of being Albany’s endless ATM,” said Rhoads, who represents the Fifth Senate District, covering Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow. “The governor’s decision to squander taxpayer dollars defending a failed congestion pricing scheme is both reckless and out of touch.”
Additional reporting by Jordan Vallone & Luke Feeney
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Long Island Futsal Academy’s Girls U18 Team captured the U.S. Futsal Federation Northeast Regional championship Feb. 17 in Atlantic City, defeating Arsenal Academy Saint-Loius from Quebec, Canada, 2-1 on a late goal by Amelia Fort.
The victory, which also featured a goal from Gracie Sanders and 11 saves from goalkeeper Brooke Delzatto, qualified the team for USFF Nationals in Las Vegas, adding to its growing list of accomplishments. It has also qualified for U.S. Youth Futsal Nationals in Kansas City after finishing runner-up in the Mid-Atlantic Regional.
Both national tournaments take place during the same week — beginning July 18 — but coach Chris Sanders said the decision which one to attend wasn’t difficult.
“The USFF Northeast Regional was the biggest tournament we’ve ever won, but the window is closing for this group of girls to compete in the USYF so we’re going to Kansas City,” he said.
LIFA, with approximately 100 members, is comprised of some of the most talented young players in the area, includ-
ing former Olympic Development Program soccer players, past club futsal and soccer teammates, and high school teammates including All-County honorees.
Merrick’s Izzy Rohr, Oceanside’s Sam Gemmo and Natalia Seminatore, Baldwin’s Vanessa Frangiadakis, Bellmore’s Alanna Schectman and Massapequa’s Kaia Mueller are part of the 11-deep U18 girls roster.
Futsal is a fast-paced, skill-focused variation of soccer played on a hard court primarily indoors with a smaller, low-bounce ball. It emphasizes quick decision-making, technical ability, and creativity — qualities that have helped many world-class soccer players develop their game. The sport originated in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani Gravier, a teacher in Uruguay, created a version of
indoor football for play in YMCAs. It’s 5-on-5, including goalkeepers, with unlimited substitutions permitted on the fly. The playing surface, with a minimum size of 82’ by 52’, is marked by lines; no walls or boards are used. There are two periods of 20 minutes with stoppages inside of two minutes each period.
Beyond the U18 team’s regional success, it has dominated locally as well. The girls have competed in a Long Island futsal league, winning the championship three straight seasons. In the last two years, they went undefeated, and this year, they took on an even greater challenge by moving up to a division where they compete against boys their age, continuing to prove their skill and resilience.
LIFA won four games over three days at the Atlantic City Convention Center, beginning with a 4-1 triumph Feb. 15 over defending USFF champion Safira Futsal Academy from Massachusetts. Fort scored twice and both Gracie Sanders and Delzatto scored into an empty net. Sanders had the game’s lone goal the next day in a win over Amiral de Jean de la Mennais 0 (La Prairie, Quebec) with four minutes remaining in regulation, while Sanders, Mueller, Frangiadakis and Rohr scored in a 4-1 semifinal win over Connecticut-based Hat City Futsal.
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
Turns out the third time was the charm for the Bellmore-Merrick high school hockey team.
Following a 15-1 regular season, the Bulldogs won all four playoff contests and their first New York Islanders High School Hockey League championship since 2016 after sweeping the best-ofthree final against Long Beach in midFebruary. The Marines had dealt Bellmore-Merrick its only loss on Dec. 9.
The Bulldogs were appearing in their third straight final after being swept in the previous two by Syosset and Bethpage. The victory also snapped coach Patrick Braglia’s five-game losing streak in that round.
“This is, obviously, a fantastic year,” he said. “This was the goal. A lot of these kids endured losing twice and so they really prepared themselves to win. It was something that we talked about, and it was our motto all year. We used the term ‘embrace hard’.”
Long Beach was poised to beat Bellmore-Merrick again after carrying a one-goal lead into the third period of the series opener on Feb. 10. But with two minutes left, Bulldog defenseman Liam
Barkaus pinched deep and collected a loose puck in the left corner before sliding a pass to leading scorer Nicholas Drogan, who fired in a shot from the slot to tie it.
“Systematic hockey,” Braglia said. “We forced a turnover. We forced them to play the puck where they should not play it. Liam was using his super-hockey IQ, reads the play, [and] finds Nick in the slot standing all by himself. I couldn’t draw it up any better.”
The Marines had a chance to win it with 25 seconds left in overtime, but
Bulldog goalie Joe Braglia poke-checked the puck away from Richard Behr Jr. to thwart the odd-man rush. Ten seconds later, Collin Roulston deflected a Marines clearing attempt to the right wall, where Lucas Lucchi gathered the puck. Roulston then skated towards the left post and deflected Lucchi’s shot for the game-winner: 3-2 Bulldogs.
“It was awesome,” Patrick Baglia said. “Joey makes a huge poke-check down at the other end [and] forces numbers for us coming in the opposite direction. Collin makes an unbelievable play
to knock down a clearing pass and then instead of just standing and waiting, he does what good hockey players do, goes to the net. He’s been huge for us all year.”
Two days later, Sean Keene scored two of Bellmore-Merrick’s five goals in the second period en route to an 8-2 win and the title.
Drogan was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after recording six goals and 11 points in the four games. His points were nearly half of the 23 he had during the regular season (15 goals, eight assists).
Roulston had five postseason goals and Jourdan Luskoff and Chase Goldman chipped in four apiece.
The Bulldogs advanced to the final with a 4-2 triumph against Manhasset/ Great Neck/Port Washington on the strength of four power-play goals, including two by Luskoff in a 2:33 span early in the second period. Roulston added a pair.
Bellmore-Merrick had a plus-54 scoring differential during the regular season (73-19) thanks to a defensive corps consisting of Barkaus, Evan Lenz, Brandon Richardson, Cole Zinman, Kyle Wilcha, Noah Carrasquillo, and Jaden Grillo. Joe Braglia won 11 games while posting a 1.35 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.
More than 700 people attended a live budget briefing with Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at Hofstra University that focused on the potentially harmful effects of the partisan budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of Representatives on Feb. 25.
Suozzi opened the March 1 briefing with a detailed PowerPoint, explaining that Congress has yet to pass a full budget for fiscal year 2025 and is currently relying on temporary “Continuing Resolutions,” the latest of which expires on March 14.
He emphasized that the reconciliation bill, which sets the federal government’s spending and revenue for the next decade, would create massive deficits by cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans while slashing critical programs.
“I support cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, but this bill will slash essential funding for hospitals, nursing homes, environmental projects, clean air and water initiatives, school lunches, and more,” Suozzi said in a news release after the event. “Let’s use a scalpel, not a chainsaw — pass a bipartisan budget and do it the right way.”
All Democratic members of Congress, including Suozzi and Gillen, voted against the bill, along with one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
“This briefing was a crucial opportunity for Long Islanders to learn more about the budget process and hear from
The possible impacts of the federal bill passed last month was discussed by Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi and several business and organization leaders at Hofstra University on March 1.
local experts on how the proposed budget would impact our communities,” Gillen said in the release. “This budget would rip thousands of people from their healthcare, gut programs that my constituents rely on, and raise costs for working families. I’ll always work across the aisle when it means delivering results for Long Island, but I won’t support a bill that’s bad for Nassau County.”
The event also featured speakers such as Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, the largest employer in the state, Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, Randi Shubin Dresner, CEO of Island Harvest,
and Stanfort Perry, CEO of AHRC Nassau. Each highlighted the potential damage the proposed budget cuts could do to their sectors.
“I’ve been through budget battles before, and they’re tough. But budgets are not just about numbers; they’re about people’s lives,” Dowling said in the release. “Decency must be part of the process. You can make tough decisions, but when you combine bad numbers with indecency and a lack of humanity, it makes everything worse.”
Tighe noted the environmental risks posed by the budget.
“The proposed cuts threaten the prog-
ress we’ve made in cleaning up our air and water and advancing affordable clean energy,” she said in the release. Clean air and water should not be partisan issues. All Americans deserve access to stable, homegrown energy that isn’t subject to the volatile cost of fossil fuels.”
Shubin Dresner expressed concern about the impact on food security programs.
“Island Harvest has $2 million in funding currently frozen, putting 17 critical programs at risk,” she said in the release. “You can’t solve a budget crisis by cutting support for the most vulnerable.”
Perry emphasized the dangers of proposed cuts to Medicaid services for people with disabilities.
“We cannot endure these cuts,” he said in the release. “When agencies like AHRC Nassau can’t provide the care people with disabilities need, they end up in hospitals or nursing homes. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s harming those who need help the most.”
“These issues matter to our community, and people are paying attention,” Suozzi stated in the release. “Over 700 Long Islanders came today to learn how Washington’s decisions affect their lives. I’m proud of my community, and I will continue to fight for the programs and services Long Island depends on.”
— Jeffrey Bessen
Learn
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his plans to run for a second four-year term at a campaign kickoff event on Feb. 24. His opponent will be County Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat.
Over the past three and a half years, Blakeman and his team have taken pride in protecting residents’ money by reversing tax hikes he said were implemented by the prior administration.
“We have an amazing team of very competent, caring people, and they’re smart and they have common sense,” Blakeman said.
Initiatives he has implemented include signing an executive order to ensure that Nassau does not become a sanctuary county, and doesn’t spend residents’ tax dollars on services for those coming to the U.S. illegally.
“We’re spending our resources, our money on Nassau County residents, on our parks, our highways, our schools, in the hiring of cops,” Blakeman said. “We’re not going to be the ones who take people in who haven’t been vetted. We see the criminal activity they’ve been engaged in, so it was the right decision to make.”
Blakeman has also banned the wearing of masks in public, except for those
Thomas L. Kearns
There was a celebratory mood at Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s re-election kickoff rally at American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa on Feb. 24.
who wear them for health or religious reasons. He said that this initiative was to cut down on crimes, including antisemitic crime.
Additionally, Blakeman signed an executive order to protect women and girls in sports by preventing biological males from competing on their teams and from being permitted in their lock-
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now. We’ve gotten back to the things our parents and our grandparents taught us, the values that have made this a great county and a great nation.”
North Hempstead Town Supervisor
Jennifer DeSena spoke about Blakeman’s unwavering support for her communities. “I have called him many times, and he has helped me without fail,” DeSena said. “When we had overwhelming floods hurting our neighbors in Manhasset, I called Bruce, and he and the Department of Public Works cleared the sump that gave our residents relief. When our Jewish brothers and sisters were scared after that Oct. 7 terrorist attack, I called Bruce, and he sent the police to protect them. Bruce loves Nassau County, and we are safer and better with him as Nassau County executive.”
er rooms.
Recalling his last campaign, he said that the one thing he wanted everyone to know was that he believed that when it comes to government, a new administration needed to return the county back to normalcy and common sense.
“And we did that,” he said. “We’ve gotten back to our American values
Koslow, who has served as a county legislator for a little over a year, is a lifelong Nassau resident. He said that he was looking to bringing the transparency, honesty and responsiveness he is known for to the county executive’s office.
“I may be relatively new to politics compared to lifelong politician Bruce Blakeman,” Koslow said, “but I know one thing for sure, which is that putting politics over public safety is a disgrace, and it should disqualify anyone from leading a county of over 1.3 million people.”
“Elder Law Estate Planning” is an area of law that combines features of both elder law (disability planning) and estate planning (death planning) and relates mostly to the needs of the middle class. Estate planning was formerly only for the wealthy, who wanted to shelter their assets from taxes and pass more on to their heirs. But today estate planning is also needed by the middle class who often have assets exceeding one million dollars, especially when you consider life insurance in the mix.
Estate planning with trusts became popular starting in 1991 when AARP published “A Consumer Report on Probate” concluding that probate should be avoided and trusts should be used to transfer assets to heirs without the expense and delay of probate, a court proceeding on death. Trusts are also widely used today to avoid guardianship proceedings on disability, protect privacy, and reduce the chance of a will contest in court.
As the population aged, life expectancies increased, and the cost of care skyrocketed, the field of elder law emerged in the late 1980’s to help people protect assets from the cost of long-term care by using Medicaid asset protection strategies.
We have been practicing “elder law estate planning” together for over thirty-five years to address these needs:
• Getting your assets to your heirs, with the least amount of court costs, taxes and legal fees possible.
• Keeping your assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren and protecting those assets from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.
• Protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care and qualifying you for government benefits to pay for your home care or facility care.
• Avoiding guardianship proceedings if you become disabled and probate court proceedings on death.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Roberto Chang, a modern street food restaurant with a Latin and Asian inspired menu, has officially opened for business on Merrick Road. Located next to the Governor’s Comedy Club, its seeking to establish itself as a staple in the area that offers a fun mix of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner — all cooked in a 100 percent seed oil free environment.
The store on Merrick Road in Bellmore is the flagship Roberto Chang location, and the first restaurant by businessman Paul Cicchetti. His hope is to turn it into a franchise designed for young ownership.
“I said to myself, “How do young people today get a chance to go into business?’” Cicchetti told the Herald. “It’s so expensive. So I came up with this concept here, and I’ve taken out a lot of the normal expenses to create this franchise for young entrepreneurs. First and foremost, this was a franchise designed with the ability for young people to get into business.”
Because of the healthier, oil-free cooking environment, Cicchetti said it eliminates some of the headaches that are associated with restaurant ownership.
“We don’t have a chef — we don’t have grease fryers,” he said. “We use technology, which is basically a hot air commercial fryer. What does that mean? Well, for the person who wants to buy this franchise, it’s simple. We could run these operations with two people.”
The restaurant’s namesake is derived from the real Roberto Chang, who was born in the Bronx to a Latin mother and an Asian father. Learning to cook from his family members, he blended flavors from both sides of his heritage. Eventually, the popularity of his food creations grew, and he became a local phenomenon.
On the menu, foodies can find everything from breakfast cuisine to dinner favorites. Grab an “everything bagel” wonton and a cup of gourmet coffee in the morning, and come back for an interesting mix of empanadas, artisan eggrolls, and even pizza for during lunch or dinner.
“If you’re driving down Merrick Road and you see a Burger King, you know exactly what they sell, but when you see a Roberto Chang, you may be confused — it says Latin and Asian modern street food,” he said. “We’re basically New York City-type street food, food that you can hold in your hand and walk down the street. You don’t need a knife; you don’t need a fork.”
Roberto Chang is also music-oriented. Video walls make for a fun and enjoyable experience, allowing guests to kick back and immerse themselves in both music and food.
Cicchetti explained that a lot of thought and care went into the development of Roberto Chang. Its slo-
gan, “Taste the Experience,” embodies a lot of what it cares about — a healthy and robust line up of food, and a cultural immersion into music.
“Everything was done in a very specific manner — in a very strategic way, that way it is always going to be consistent,” he said. “When we use our cooking technology, it really is revolutionary. And not because it’s just that good — it’s just healthier too.”
Roberto Chang officially opened on Jan. 6, and hosted a “Grand Opening” weekend on March 1 and 2, allowing those interested in learning about the cuisine to “taste the experience.” Cicchetti expressed excitement over its storefront on Merrick Road, and is hoping the surrounding businesses can contribute to foot traffic as Roberto Chang continues to expand and grow.
“One of my goals is to grow this and build it up,” he said. “It’s fun — it’s scary — and it’s rewarding. We just want to keep working hard to make people happy.”
Roberto Chang is at 2973 Merrick Road. To learn more about the restaurant, its menu with healthier alternatives to most cuisine, and opportunities in franchising, visit RobertoChang.com or call (516) 213-0099.
Located right next to the Governor’s Comedy Club, Roberto Chang is seeking to establish itself as a staple in the area that offers a mix of cuisine options.
From egg rolls to fries and everything in between, there’s something for everyone at Roberto Chang.
opponent hit her and pulled her hair, at which point Haley fought back.
Haley said she was immediately ejected from the game, but the player that attacked her was allowed back on the court and wasn’t told to get off until later in the game.
“It looked like I started it,” Haley said, “and the referees took no time to see what actually happened.”
Bellmore-Merrick schools, in a written statement shared with the Herald following the meeting, said: “The district does not tolerate racism, intolerance or discrimination of any type. We have extended our deepest apologies and held ourselves accountable for unfortunate behaviors that have occurred in the past with Elmont Memorial High School. As a district, we remain committed to promoting an environment that is respectful of all.”
In March of 2022, Sewanhaka parents called a meeting with Section VIII, a membership organization that oversees scholastic sports in Nassau County and collaborated on a plan to address the behavior. The plan included a list of action items, such as community workshops and suspensions for discriminatory behavior. However, Battle said this plan never came to fruition.
“It was a pretty good outline with promises made, but no delivery,” Battle said. “We’re in 2025, still looking for delivery, and it’s not okay.”
W— like Bellmore-Merrick — could bring in former players who have experienced racism firsthand, and suggested the implementation of more drastic measures, such as removing offending players and school districts from Elmont’s schedule, meaning Bellmore-Merrick’s high schools would no longer compete against Elmont.
Regina Agrusa, Sewanhaka’s superintendent of schools, said there should be a zero-tolerance policy for hate, but added she had no experience removing a school district from teams’ schedules.
On Feb. 28, following news reports by other Long Island outlets, Harrington addressed the Bellmore-Merrick community in a letter, which was shared with the Herald.
e have continued our efforts to foster discussion of these topics with our students and athletic staff.
Michael harrington Superintendent of schools
Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
That meeting was called on the heels of a December 2021 incident at Bellmore-Merrick’s Wellington C. Mepham High School, where a Mepham student spectator was accused of brandishing bananas in front of Black student-athletes from Elmont and saying, “Here, monkeys, come and get it,” during a girls’ junior varsity basketball game. The student was later disciplined for their behavior.
After the incident, Michael Harrington, Bellmore-Merrick’s superintendent of schools, promptly released a statement apologizing to the Elmont community.
At the Feb. 26 meeting in Elmont, Patrick Pizzarelli, executive director of Section VIII, said that not all of the incidents with Bellmore-Merrick students were determined to be a result of racism — which many Elmont parents disagreed with.
“I understand there’s been incidents with Bellmore-Merrick,” Pizzarelli said. “Unacceptable incidents. But to my knowledge, this last incident (at Kennedy) was an athletic incident.”
Jon Johnson, an Elmont parent, said true progress couldn’t be made with “only words,” and said school districts
Referencing what occurred at Mepham in 2021, Harrington said, “When these incidents occurred several years ago, they were immediately addressed with the students involved from our district, as well as with officials from the Sewanhaka Central High School District and Section VIII. The resulting productive dialogue with administrators and coaches reinforced our commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and sportsmanlike environment for all students.”
Harrington wrote that for the past two years, Bellmore-Merrick has hosted a Unity Summit in the fall, aimed at bringing together athletes and coaches across Nassau County’s high schools. The summit, chaired by Eric Caballero, the district’s director of physical education, athletics, driver education and health, is aimed at promoting positivity in sports, as well as emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship.
“This summit has served as a valuable platform for our athletes and coaches to engage in meaningful conversations with others from across the region, learn from one another and help to cultivate a culture of respect for all students,” he said.
Agrusa, in a written statement to the Herald on Monday, said the purpose of the discussion last week was to provide parents and staff with a safe space to speak about frustrations and pain felt by some student athletes during competitions.
“The district leadership is committed to ensuring that all student athletes feel safe and supported so that they can thrive and succeed,” she said. “The Sewanhaka Central High School District has and continues to work collaboratively with the Bellmore Merrick leadership — and discussions are continuing about how best to ensure that student athletes can compete in a safe and respectful place.”
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By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Shanell Parrish-Brown is an attorney, author, professor, consultant, speaker and thought leader.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Shanell Parrish-Brown: I’m a child of domestic violence. My father was incarcerated for the early years of my life and came home with many issues that affected our family structure. But he gave me a gift. He would force me to read high-level texts, and it created my love of vocabulary.
I’ve always been a writer. So in 2017, I wrote a novel called “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages.” I didn’t set out initially to write a novel I would publish. In fact, what I set out to do, at the encouragement of my therapist, was process some childhood experiences that this therapist thought I should be talking about in our sessions. Those are things that certainly shaped me, but I didn’t want to be defined in that way. So my writing changed that.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Parrish-Brown: I run a business where I publish literary work, and I provide programming and education consulting for all audiences. I’m a resilience builder. I teach a course at Fordham University about trauma and family violence, which features my novel as one of the reference materials.
My premise is that if we’re not interacting with our youth from a traumainformed place, we can recognize that kids who are acting out are likely responding to trauma. If we’re not interacting with children from that perspective, they get lost. Mental health challenges in children, like suicidal ideation, have only been exacerbated. We really should be addressing these issues on every single level.
get the press that it needs. I’m also running a business as an independent consultant, and working with government systems is difficult. But I keep going, and I stay in the work. I continue to put myself in spaces where I can meet people and share my work. I do calls with anyone who’s interested in hearing about the work I’m doing, even if they can’t hire me. It puts me in a place where I have opportunities to spread awareness.
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Parrish-Brown: Some of my proudest moments come out of my classroom. It’s every single time I leave a class, and a student comes up to me asking if they can hug me.
nated with them. We have more similarities as a human race, and trauma doesn’t have a Zip code.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
Parrish-Brown: We need more trauma awareness. It’s a prerequisite to action. What we don’t know, or don’t seek to know, gives people the ability to keep their heads in the sand.
One of my goals is to open a resilience institute. It’s really about validating the need for us as a society to be promenading and dialoging around resilience, and that’s what I want to capture.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Parrish-Brown: The biggest challenge in my work is access. We have to normalize awareness of trauma, because it’s an area that doesn’t really
One of my proudest moments came from a two-hour resilience workshop I did in South Bronx. It was a Spanishspeaking audience, and I don’t speak Spanish, so I had an interpreter. These parents had tears in their eyes after leaving the session. They were fully engaged and telling me what I said reso-
Why are we not teaching about trauma? Many of my students say I’m the first person to inform them about it. Talking about it helps people realize their own experience with trauma. I’ll have students pouring out themselves in their papers, and I can sit down and ask them if they’re seeing someone about it. That’s why I want a platform and the ability to raise awareness around this work.
To learn more about Shanell ParrishBrown’s work, visit her website, SPBrownWrites.com.
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Wagner: I’m Lauren Wagner, an arts advocate, nonprofit leader and champion for the creative sector. I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, where I work to ensure the arts are recognized, supported and celebrated as essential to our communities. With a background in arts administration and museum studies, I’m passionate about connecting the arts with education, economic growth and community development.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
keeps you going/inspires you?
Wagner: One of the biggest challenges has been fighting the perception that the arts are expendable. Time and again, I’ve seen arts funding slashed, despite the undeniable impact of the creative sector. What keeps me going is knowing that when we equip organizations with the right tools — data, advocacy and visibility — they can thrive. Seeing the arts make a real difference in communities, in schools and in people’s lives fuels my passion.
Wagner: I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the arts through advocacy, education and resources. I do this work because I believe the arts are not just about creativity — they’re about economic prosperity, community identity and shaping the future. The arts are often overlooked when funding decisions are made, and I’m committed to changing that narrative.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Wagner: Professionally, one of my proudest moments was leading Long Island’s first-ever economic impact study on the arts. Providing hard data that proves the arts are a powerful economic engine — and watching organizations use that data to secure funding — has been incredibly rewarding. Personally, my proudest moments are raising my two young sons and instilling in them a love for creativity and learning.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
are
Wagner: My advice? Advocate relentlessly. The arts need champions who won’t accept being sidelined. And never separate numbers from stories — data alone doesn’t inspire, and stories without facts don’t drive action.
There’s still so much work ahead. We need stronger arts education policies,
more equitable funding, and continued efforts to make the arts a priority in economic development. But I believe that with the right strategy, the right voices and the right advocacy, we can get there.
For more information, visit LongIslandArtsAlliance.org.
Last week Reworld™ celebrated several of Long Island’s sustainability leaders, educators, and community advocates as part of its ongoing efforts to empower community and environmental advocacy initiatives and to raise awareness of sustainability locally. The honors were presented during the recent Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld, held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event provided a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing sustainable policies, protecting natural resources, educating future generations, and implementing community-driven initiatives to improve the region’s environmental landscape. In addition to honoring established community programs, Reworld also awarded two local students with $2,500 in prizes for their inspirational efforts to enhance quality of life in the region and encourage sustainability for generations to come.
“Our work helps Long Island communities reduce environmental impact while creating new opportunities for sustainability,” said Dawn Harmon, Director, Long Island Market, Reworld.
“Through our Long Island facilities, we eliminate the need for additional landfill space and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are so proud to support those leading the way in sustainability on Long Island and beyond.”
Among those honored were Don X. Clavin, Jr., Hempstead Town Supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor, for their leadership in environmental policy. John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E., of IMEG, was recognized for his contributions as an environmental engineering leader. Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest was acknowledged for her efforts in sustainable community leadership. Organizations such as the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Seatuck Environmental Association, and Cornell
Cooperative Extension Nassau County were highlighted for their community impact in sustainability. Leaders like Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Robert Weltner of Operation SPLASH, and the Rotary Environmental Action Coalition of Huntington (REACH) were also celebrated for their dedication to environmental preservation.
Additionally, educators Jennifer Lasher and Lissette Pellegrino from Barnum Woods Elementary School were honored as environmental stewards in education. Stony Brook
University’s Esther Poon was honored along with two younger student honorees who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. Louisiana State University freshman and 11-year-old Joseph Petraro received the award for his dedication to a range of community empowerment programs through Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, such as Clean Wells for Humanity which addresses global water scarcity. Desiree Mohammadi, a student at South Woods Middle School who is 12 years old, was honored for developing Seeds of Hope, an initiative that donates thousands of seeds to be planted at community gardens across Long Island to combat food insecurity sustainably.
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld is committed to supporting those at the forefront of environmental progress. With four facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport, and Ronkonkoma, the company processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycling 60,000 tons of metals and generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes each year. Through its efforts, Reworld™ reduces the need for landfill expansion, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and helps local communities adopt sustainable waste solutions.
Beyond this event, Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with year-round programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal partners.Through educational initiatives, community cleanups, and environmental awareness campaigns, Reworld continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
For more information about Reworld and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www.reworldwaste.com.
To view more pictures please visit www. richnerlive.com.
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Nassau County Police Department unveiled a new wellness center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26. The center aims to support the mental health and well-being of law enforcement personnel and county employees by providing a place to relax, de-stress and connect with mental health resources.
Joining department members at police headquarters in Mineola for the ceremony were County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin, and county legislators John Ferretti and Thomas McKevitt.
The wellness center, according to Blakeman, will serve as a safe space in which law enforcement personnel and county employees can address mental health and wellness concerns. It connects members with resources such as the employee assistance program, peer support and police chaplains.
Blakeman acknowledged that while mental health struggles, particularly suicide, were once stigmatized, open discussions are now helping those in distress find the support and therapy they need.
“This center is going to focus on keeping everybody in law enforcement in Nassau County well and healthy,”
Charles Shaw/Herald
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman cut the ribbon, alongside law enforcement officials and local leaders, to mark the opening of the Nassau County Police Department’s new wellness center on Feb. 26.
Blakeman said. “And that’s what we want to do.”
The center will function as a resource hub where officers and county employees can seek guidance and support. While there will be no clinicians on-site, trained staff will be on hand to talk and connect members with wellness services. Ryder highlighted the
Presented by:
role of peer support, which offers immediate assistance to officers after traumatic incidents, such as the death of a child or a homicide scene.
“We always recognize the fallen,” Ryder said. “But there are a lot of people who get damaged along the way and don’t get recognized. Today we’re doing that.”
According to Ryder, the facility, a former museum, offers couches, massage chairs and televisions, and at atmosphere in which those feeling stressed can relax, have a cup of coffee and seek guidance.
Donnelly said it was a privilege to attend the center’s opening, and recognized its role in supporting those exposed to trauma. She noted its importance for law enforcement officers who must recount difficult experiences — and for assistant district attorneys who may need support after reviewing crime scene photos.
“The most important thing I believe we can do is care for those who care for us, and that’s the men and women of our Nassau County Police Department,” Donnelly said.
Detective Sgt. Michelle CliffordMarin will lead the center, a role that holds deep personal significance for her. Her brother, Nassau police officer Steven Clifford, died by suicide in 2017, at age 35, after serving in law enforcement for 12 years.
Clifford-Marin said that leading the project is an honor, and that it would be a privilege to help anyone who walks in to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul.
“We want everyone to be healthy,” she said, “and we want everyone to get the help they need, if they do need any help, to prevent additional tragedies like my brother.”
From the deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas comes a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet. Louisiana’s calling — here’s your chance to answer. Landreth’s unique spin on guitar playing has made him legendary. This Louisiana based Blues guitar wizard’s slide playing is distinctive and unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. He simultaneously plays slide and fingers the fret board producing a sound that is often said to resemble many instruments playing at once. His music encompasses Mississippi Delta blues, zydeco and Southern rock. He’s joined by The Iguanas, a fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades.
By Danielle Schwab
Bring the family to join in the good times when the Children’s Museum opens its doors to Carnival this weekend.
As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of each community it touches. Especially significant to Caribbean and Latin American cultures, it’s a vibrant cultural showcase of creativity and self-expression.
These themes are woven into every aspect of the museum’s festivities, with the support of New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, to make this occasion truly special.
“The holiday is a great entry point of learning for our community and for families. It’s so vibrant and colorful and just a happy event. So it’s fun to give opportunities for people to really celebrate,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president for programs and visitor experience, says.
Everyone can get moving to the sounds of drums with Samba and Salsa music guided by the dancers of the Brazilian Sama Novo troupe. Towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival
Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m. $79, $69, $59. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
headpieces or even get their faces painted in elaborate designs to stand out in the crowd as they make their rounds through the museum.
“Costumes are often deep-rooted in cultural themes but are also a symbol of freedom and liberation, they often can mimic animals,” Terzulli says.
Guests can also create flags to show their cultural pride and represent the many countries that celebrate Carnival.
Before the parade kicks off, everyone will have a chance to decorate themed floats and even meet some very special party guests.
“We’ll have our animal specialists showing certain animals that are part of our collection and show them how some of these animals are connected to certain float themes, typically in the Caribbean or in Latin America,” Terzulli adds.
life celebration.
• Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9
• Performances at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
True to Carnival’s festive spirit, a King and Queen will be crowned to lead the crowd with energy and flair. But don’t worry, there’s a role for everyone — both kids and adults — to involve everyone, according to Terzulli.
Colin Jost
Plus, a special performance from the fourth and fifth graders at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School will get feet jumping to the beat.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“It’s about communities really coming together and celebrating different talents and roles that they have.“ she says. “Families that can learn together have tremendous value when you come together to learn something new.”
Although the holiday is celebrated at various times during the year, hosting it in March provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing seasons.
“The students have created lessons in different dances that are involved like reggae and calypso, typical for Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation to generation learning is powerful. We want kids teaching other kids.”
“The students teaching other kids.”
Need some fuel after all that dancing? Delicious treats — both sweet and savory — will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets, marinades, tropical juices, and cocoa bread. And naturally, no Carnival would be complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Families can create wearable crafts such as beaded whistles and feathery
“In March, we’re still not quite in spring so it’s a great way to spend time with your family indoors in a very celebratory way,” Terzulli reminds everyone.
The event is part of a series of cultural festivals the museum is hosting to invite Long Island communities to learn and celebrate together.
“We want people to know about each other and celebrate all the great similarities and differences that make our cultures vibrant and alive here,” Terzulli says.
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! From Saturday Night Live to standup to his appearances in film, other TV ventures and even authoring a memoir, Jost is seemingly everywhere. He is currently in the middle of his 11th season as SNL’s “Weekend Update” co-anchor, and his 20th as an SNL writer. His accolades are many: five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and 15 Emmy nominations for his writing on “SNL.” Among other endeavors, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face” in 2020, His memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more.
Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m.
Photo on bottom: Be sure to create a parade-worthy headdress and design a whistle to toot some
$129.50, $119.50, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Til It Hurts” tour, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; also Saturday, March 16, 7 and 9:30 p.m. His allnew routine is refreshingly genuine and quick witted! A first-generation Italian-American from Westchester, Rodia’s comedy pulls from his razorsharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. He came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views.
Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. With the onset of quarantine, he made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “Road Rage Wednesday” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not). $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
In concert
Long Island Blues Society presents the Duke Robillard Trio and Long Island’s BFS Trio at My Father’s Place, Saturday, March 8, 8-10 p.m. Duke Robillard, the founder of Roomful of Blues, brings his band back to Long Island for an exceptional night of blues. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Stop by the 3rd Rail Bar and Grille in Bellmore, Wednesday, March 12, for a fun trivia night. Hang out with friends, enjoy some drinks, and put your thinking skills to the test. 216 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. For more, visit The3rdRailBarAndGrill.com.
Mepham High School hosts its most iconic event of the year, Wednesday, March 19. Support the annual Chop Your Locks for Charity event, 6-8 p.m. The fundraiser benefits the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports critical research in pediatric cancer funding. 2401 Camp Ave., Bellmore. For more on the event and how to donate, call (516) 992-1500.
Art Explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Mar. 8, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 4849337.
Mercy Hospital offers a peer-to-peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting.
All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, March 7,-10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, March 1213,10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella helps fix the Prince’s spaceship and show him her new hyper warp speed engine.
But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Pot of Gold 3x2 Mile Relay
Long Island Roadrunner Club holds its annual Pot of Gold mile relay event, Sunday, March 16, in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. The race kicks off at parking field 2 at 8:30 a.m. With multiple runners slated to participate on teams, this event is sure to be filled with a lot of St. Patrick’s Day luck and spirit. For more, visit EliteFeats.com.
Nassau BOCES GC Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at the campus in Levittown, Wednesday, March 12, 6-7:30 p.m. Nassau BOCES GC Tech prepares students for a future in the workforce by providing them with the skills, knowledge and professional qualities they will need to be successful in their chosen career fields.
The school boasts a new spa where aspiring estheticians learn skin care and massage techniques. There is also a newly revamped auto shop. Prospective students and families from Nassau County are invited to tour the GC Tech campus at 150 Abbey Lane, and to meet with expert teachers, counselors and administrators. Register for an open house at nassauboces. org/gctech or call the school for more information at (516) 604-4200.
Best of Broadway: ‘Looking Forward,
Adelphi University
Performing Arts students celebrate the music that shaped Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. The talented students bring to life the magic of Broadway with music from classic and contemporary musicals.
This edition includes selections from celebrated composers and lyricists, including Kander and Ebb, Alan Menken, Jason Robert Brown, and many more! This event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
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) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup 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. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, March 9,noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
March 6, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
New York State Law requires written transportation requests annually from parents or guardians of children (Grades K - 6) who are residents of the Merrick School District and attend non-public schools. The application must be filed by April 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year or within 30 days after residency is established. A separate application is required for each child. Transportation is provided only to those schools within a 15-mile radius of the child’s home. Transportation applications for the 2025-2026 school year are available at the Administrative Offices of the Merrick School District, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, NY 11566 or on the district website www.merrick.k12.ny.us under District/Transportation. Please contact Merrick Schools Transportation at (516) 992-7285 with any questions. Applications for students entering grades 7 through 12 can be found on the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD website or call (516) 992-1024. 151202
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Michael B. Kosowski a/k/a Michael B. Kosowki, Doreen E. Kosowski, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 15, 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 March 17, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 11 Roydon Drive West, North Merrick a/k/a Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 50, BLOCK: V-01, LOT: 22. Approximate amount of judgment $538,516.87 plus
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #005990/2016. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Maria Sideris, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-081476-F00 84162 151498
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff, AGAINST
CAROLA J. DILLON AKA CAROLA DILLON, et al.
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on September 17, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 1859 George Ct, Merrick, NY 11566. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 62, Block 190 and Lot 113. Approximate amount of judgment
$846,716.80 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #009654/2014. Judith Powell, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 151671
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee for LBCABANA Series IV Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Ronald Neugebauer, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 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 March 24, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 1753 Suffolk Drive, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 373 and Lot 5. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,082,270.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601525/2023.
Thomas Montiglio Jr., Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 211744-3 151723
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE
ELECTION OF THE NORTH MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters will be held by the Board of Trustees of the North Merrick Public Library (the “Library”), Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York on, March 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, for the purpose of discussing expenditures contained in the Library’s proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election of the qualified voters of the North Merrick Public School District, County of Nassau, State of New York, qualified to vote at School Meetings in said District will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in the Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., to vote
by voting machine upon the following items:
1. To adopt the annual budget of the Library for the fiscal year 2025-26 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.
2. Any other questions or propositions as to matters or expenditures or authority to levy taxes that may be presented for a vote under the Education Law.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at said Vote and Election to be conducted on April 9, 2025, one (1) member is to be elected to the Board of Trustees as follows:
1. To elect one (1) member of the Library Board of Trustees for a full term of five (5) years commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2030. The incumbent is Maeve Schulz whose term expires on June 30, 2025.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Library Board of Trustees shall be filed with the Clerk of the North Merrick School District (the “District”), Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY, not later than March 10, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A separate petition, duly signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district, as in accordance with law, and stating the residence of each signer, shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. Petitions for school board members shall describe the specific vacancy on the Board of Education for which the candidate is nominated; said description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the School District prepared thereof. The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of conducting a registration of all
qualified voters of the District pursuant to Education Law § 2014 at the Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to add any additional names to the Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. In person registration must be received by the Clerk of the District not later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of such budget or statement may be accessed on the Library’s website or obtained by any resident of the District upon request between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning March 19, 2025, except Sunday or holidays, at the Library Director’s office, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York and the Principal’s office in each of the following school buildings beginning March 19, 2025 during school hours: Camp Avenue School Harold D. Fayette School Old Mill School These documents will also be available on the following website: https://www.nmerrickli brary.org/ AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that absentee ballots and early mail ballots will be available for the Vote and Election. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail ballots may be received by the District Clerk no earlier than the 30th day before the election for which it is sought. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail ballots are available in the Office of the District Clerk, which is located at Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY. To have an absentee ballot or early mail ballot mailed to your home, an applicable completed and signed application must be in the District Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025. Application for an absentee ballot or
an early mail ballot may be made in person between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m on any school day and up until 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025. Absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk of the District not later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a list of persons to whom absentee ballots and early mail ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District commencing with the issuance of such ballots, as well as the list of registered voters, in the office of the Clerk of the District on each of the five days prior to the election, excluding Sunday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and on April 5, 2025 by appointment, and at the polling place on the day set for the election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that Military Voters who are not currently registered to vote may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by contacting the District Clerk at 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566 or by email jlong@nmerrick.org or fax sent to (516) 282-1822, to receive an application to register as a qualified voter of the District for said Vote and Election on April 9, 2025. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registration application by mail, by facsimile or e-mail. The application to register must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twentysixth day before the vote which is March 13, 2025. The register of voters prepared and filed in the District Clerk’s office shall include the names of all military voters who submit a valid military voter registration. A military voter means a qualified voter of New York State who is in actual military service and will, therefore, be absent from the District in which he or she is qualified to vote on the day of registration or election or is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election, or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of the military voter,
accompanying or being with such voter, if a qualified voter of New York State and a resident of the same school district as the military voter, or military personnel residing on a military base within a school district in New York State for a period of 30 days immediately preceding said Vote and Election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military Voters who are qualified voters of the District may obtain an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk at 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566 or by email jlong@nmerrick.org or fax sent to (516)282-1822. A military ballot application must be returned in person or by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth day before the vote which is March 14, 2025. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application for a military ballot by mail, by facsimile or email. Military ballots will be mailed or otherwise distributed no later than 25 days before said Vote and Election which is March 15, 2025. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls on April 9, 2025 and show a cancellation mark of the U.S postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the U.S. government or (2) by 5:00 P.M. on the date set for the Vote and Election and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereof, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before said Vote and Election. Irrespective of the preferred mode of transmission, the military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. A list of all persons to whom military ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the said Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (Prevailing Time), until the day of said Vote and Election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any propositions or questions to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District and filed in the office of the District Clerk on or before March 10, 2025, except for petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the vote and election. Petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the vote and election must be submitted sixty (60) days in advance of the vote and election. Any proposition may be rejected by the Trustees if the purpose of the proposition is not within the power of the voters, or if the proposition fails to include the necessary specific appropriation, where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING:
1.A person shall be a citizen of the United States.
2.Eighteen or more years of age.
3.A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more next preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote.
4.Must be registered to vote.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote on all propositions and the election of candidates on the Vote and Election held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, will be conducted by voting machine. All references to the timing, location, and manner of hearings, registration, and voting in the budget vote and election are subject to modification based on applicable legislation or direction by an entity with jurisdiction over the Library.
Dated: North Merrick, New York January 28, 2025 By Order of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NORTH MERRICK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
North Merrick, New York
Jacqueline Perez, Director 151639
LEGAL NOTICE
AVISO LEGAL
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA
PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DE DIRECTIVOS DE NORTH MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Directivos de North Merrick Public Library (la “Biblioteca”), Pueblo de Hempstead, Nassau County, New York el 26 de marzo de 2025, a las 19:00 horas en la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, con el propósito de discutir los gastos contenidos en el presupuesto propuesto de la Biblioteca para el año fiscal 2025-2026.
Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que dicha Votación y Elección del Presupuesto de los votantes calificados de North Merrick Public School District, Condado de Nassau, Estado de New York, calificados para votar en las Reuniones Escolares en dicho Distrito se llevarán a cabo el miércoles 9 de abril de 2025, en la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, entre las 10:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., para votar mediante máquina de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:
1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca para el año fiscal 2025-26 y autorizar que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.
2. Cualquier otra cuestión o proposición sobre asuntos o gastos o autoridad para imponer impuestos que puedan presentarse para votación de conformidad con la Ley de Educación.
POR FAVOR, TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que en dicha votación y elección que se llevará a cabo el 9 de abril de 2025, se elegirá a un (1) miembro de la Junta Directiva de la siguiente manera:
1. Elegir a un (1) miembro del Consejo Directivo de la Biblioteca por un período completo de cinco (5) años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025 y hasta el 30 de junio de 2030. La titular es Maeve Schulz, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de junio de 2025.
POR FAVOR, TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que
las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca se presentarán ante el Secretario de North Merrick School District (el “Distrito”), Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY, a más tardar el 10 de marzo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. Se requerirá una petición separada, debidamente firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del distrito, de conformidad con la ley, y que indique la residencia de cada firmante, para nominar a un candidato para cada cargo por separado. Las peticiones para miembros de la junta escolar deberán describir la vacante específica en la Junta de Educación para la cual se nomina al candidato; dicha descripción deberá incluir al menos la duración del mandato y el nombre del último titular, si lo hubiera. Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro del Distrito Escolar preparado para ello. La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de realizar un registro de todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Ley de Educación § 2014 en la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York el miércoles 2 de abril de 2025 entre las 4:00 p. m. y las 8:00 p. m. para agregar nombres adicionales al Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que él o ella tiene derecho a votar en esa elección para la cual se prepara el registro. El registro en persona debe ser recibido por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 4:00 p. m. del viernes 4 de abril de 2025.
Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que se puede acceder a una copia de dicho presupuesto o estado de cuenta en el sitio web de la Biblioteca o que cualquier residente
del Distrito puede obtenerlo mediante solicitud entre las 10:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. a partir del 19 de marzo de 2025, excepto los domingos o feriados, en la oficina del Director de la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York y la oficina del director en cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares a partir del 19 de marzo de 2025 durante el horario escolar:
Camp Avenue School
Harold D. Fayette School
Old Mill School Estos documentos también estarán disponibles en el siguiente sitio web: https://www.nmerrickli brary.org/ Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que las papeletas de voto en ausencia y las papeletas de voto anticipado por correo estarán disponibles para la votación y la elección. Las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia y papeletas de voto anticipado por correo pueden ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes del día 30 antes de la elección para la que se solicitan. Las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia y papeletas de voto anticipado por correo están disponibles en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, que se encuentra en Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY. Para que le envíen por correo a su casa una boleta de voto en ausencia o una boleta de voto anticipado, debe presentar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito una solicitud correspondiente, completa y firmada, a más tardar a las 4:00 p. m. del 2 de abril de 2025. La solicitud de una boleta de voto en ausencia o una boleta de voto anticipado se puede realizar en persona entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. de cualquier día escolar y hasta las 5:00 p. m. del 8 de abril de 2025. Las boletas de voto en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el miércoles 9 de abril de 2025. Y ADEMÁS SE
NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que una lista de personas a quienes
se emiten papeletas de voto en ausencia y papeletas de voto por correo anticipado estará disponible para inspección para los votantes calificados del Distrito a partir de la emisión de dichas papeletas, así como la lista de votantes registrados, en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a la elección, excepto el domingo, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. de lunes a viernes, y el 5 de abril de 2025 con cita previa, y en el lugar de votación el día establecido para la elección.
Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que actualmente no están registrados para votar pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito en 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566 o por email jlong@nmerrick.org o enviar por fax al (516) 282-1822, para recibir una solicitud para registrarse como votante calificado del Distrito para dicha Votación y Elección del 9 de abril de 2025. El Votante Militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, por fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud de registro debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del vigésimo sexto día antes de la votación, que es el 13 de marzo de 2025. El registro de votantes preparado y archivado en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito incluirá los nombres de todos los votantes militares que presenten un registro de votante militar válido. Un votante militar significa un votante calificado del estado de Nueva York que está en servicio militar y, por lo tanto, estará ausente del distrito en el que está calificado para votar el día de la inscripción o elección o es dado de baja del servicio militar dentro de los 30 días posteriores a una elección, o un cónyuge, padre, hijo o dependiente del votante militar, que acompaña o está con dicho votante, si es un votante calificado del estado de Nueva York y
residente del mismo distrito escolar que el votante militar, o personal militar que reside en una base militar dentro de un distrito escolar en el estado de Nueva York durante un período de 30 días inmediatamente anterior a dicha votación y elección.
Y ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito pueden obtener una solicitud para una boleta militar del Secretario del Distrito en 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566 o por email jlong@nmerrick.org o fax enviado al (516)282-1822. Una solicitud de boleta militar debe devolverse en persona o por correo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del vigésimo sexto día antes de la votación, que es el 14 de marzo de 2025. El votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud de boleta militar por correo, por fax o correo electrónico. Las boletas militares se enviarán por correo o se distribuirán de otra manera a más tardar 25 días antes de dicha votación y elección, que es el 15 de marzo de 2025. Las boletas militares deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito (1) antes del cierre de las urnas el 9 de abril de 2025 y mostrar una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los EE. UU. o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrar un respaldo fechado de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los EE. UU. o (2) antes de las 5:00 p.m. en la fecha fijada para la Votación y la Elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo de la misma, con una fecha que se determine que no es posterior al día anterior a dicha Votación y Elección. Independientemente del modo de transmisión preferido, la solicitud de boleta militar y la boleta militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido boletas militares estará disponible para inspección para los votantes calificados del
Distrito en dicha Oficina del Secretario del Distrito durante el horario de oficina regular, de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., (Hora Prevaleciente), hasta el día de dicha Votación y Elección. POR FAVOR, TENGA EN CUENTA MÁS que cualquier propuesta o pregunta que se coloque en las máquinas de votación se presentará por escrito mediante una petición suscrita por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito y presentada en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito el 10 de marzo de 2025 o antes, excepto las peticiones relacionadas con una proposición que se debe incluir en el aviso de votación y elección. Las peticiones relacionadas con una proposición que se debe incluir en el aviso de votación y elección deben presentarse sesenta (60) días antes de la votación y elección. Los Directivos pueden rechazar cualquier proposición si el propósito de la proposición no está dentro del poder de los votantes, o si la proposición no incluye la asignación específica necesaria, cuando la proposición requiere el gasto de dinero.
REQUISITOS PARA VOTAR:
1.Una persona será ciudadana de los Estados Unidos.
2.Dieciocho o más años de edad.
3.Un residente del Distrito por un período de treinta días o más inmediatamente anterior a la elección en la que ofrece votar. 4.Debe estar registrado para votar.
TENGA EN CUENTA, ADEMÁS, que la votación sobre todas las propuestas y la elección de candidatos en la votación y elección del miércoles 9 de abril de 2025 se realizarán mediante máquinas de votación. Todas las referencias a la fecha, el lugar y la forma de las audiencias, el registro y la votación en la votación y elección del presupuesto están sujetas a modificaciones según la legislación aplicable o la dirección de una entidad con jurisdicción sobre la Biblioteca.
Fecha: North Merrick, New York 28 de Enero de 2025 Por Orden de JUNTA DIRECTIVA NORTH MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
North Merrick, New York
Jacqueline Perez, Directora 151641
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC REMIC TRUST, SERIES 2009-9, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIO JOVELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on January 6, 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 April 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. 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 55, Block 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003996/2014. Cash will not be accepted. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151880
LEGAL NOTICE
BELLMORE-MERRICK
CENTRAL HIGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT
BELLMORE U.F.S.D.
MERRICK U.F.S.D.
NORTH BELLMORE
U.F.S.D.
NORTH MERRICK
U.F.S.D.
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU NOTICE TO BIDDERS: In accordance with provision of Section 103 of Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, the Boards of Education of the Bellmore and Merrick Transportation Consortium hereby
invites the submission of sealed bids from reputable and qualified vendors from the provision of labor and materials for the following contract: Bellmore-Merrick Transportation Consortium Software & Equipment Bid Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10:00 am. Specifications and Bid Forms may be obtained from the office of Tom Volpe, Director of Transportation, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Bids must be presented on the standard bid form in the manor designated therein and as required by the specifications. All bids must be enclosed in sealed envelopes which are clearly marked on the outside: Bid for: TRANSPRORTATION SOFTWARE AND EQUIPMENT. Bids shall remain firm for a period of forty-five (45) days following the date of the bid opening. The Boards of Education reserve the right to waive any informalities in or to reject any or all bids, or to accept that bid which, in the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Transportation Consortium’s judgement, is in the best interest of the School District. The Bord of Education further reserves the right to consider experience, service, and reputation in connection with the services to be rendered. In addition, the Boards of Education reserve the right to consider the financial responsibility and specific qualifications as set forth in the bid specifications, of the prospective bidder in its evaluation of the bids and award of the contracts.
By order: Board of Education
BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
BELLMORE U.F.S.D. MERRICK U.F.S.D.
NORTH BELLMORE
U.F.S.D.
NORTH MERRICK
U.F.S.D. 151996
Rose Girone with her granddaughter, Gina Bennicasa, and daughter, Reha Bennicasa, at her 113th birthday celebration on Jan. 13.
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a license, pending for beer, cider, liquor and wine has been applied for by the undersigned* to sell beer, cider, liquor and wine at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 57 Merrick Ave, Merrick, New York for on premises consumption.
*SUSHI KO LONG ISLAND INC. DBA SUSHI KO 151997
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 614816/2024 COUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2006 SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-FR4 Plaintiff, vs. STEVEN PAUL OLIVERI, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CARMINE R. OLIVERI; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CARMINE
R. OLIVERI, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife,
widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 2118 HOLLAND WAY, MERRICK, NY 11566
Section: 63, Block: 143, Lot: 34
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Rose Girone, the oldest known Holocaust survivor and the oldest resident of New York state, died on Feb. 24. She was 113.
Girone, who had resided in the Belair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Bellmore since she was 109, was born on Jan. 13, 1912 in Poland. She celebrated her 113th birthday just a few weeks ago — making her the fifth oldest person living in the United States and the 28th oldest in the world.
To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $600,075.00 and interest, recorded on April 04, 2006, in Liber M30304 at Page 849, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 2118 HOLLAND WAY, MERRICK, NY 11566. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured
by the Mortgage described above. NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
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If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: February 10th, 2025
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Her granddaughter, Gina Bennicasa, who lives in nearby Merrick, told the Herald that Girone’s secret to a long, healthy life was simple: Live every day with a purpose, have amazing children, and eat lots of dark chocolate.
During Girone’s early childhood, her family moved several times, finally settling in Vienna, Austria. In 1938, she married her first husband, Julius Mannheim, and they moved to Breslau, Germany, which is now Wroclaw, Poland — around the time Nazi aggression toward Jews became widespread.
By 1939, the family knew they had to flee Germany, and they ended up in China — the only country that was still accepting immigrants. Girone and her family, including her young daughter, Reha, arrived in Shanghai’s international settlement after a month-long boat trek.
As World War II raged on and the Japanese eventually occupied Shanghai, the Jewish community was forced into a ghetto within the city. Girone’s family lived in a small room, which was originally a bathroom. Food was scarce and rationed, and hot water had to be purchased from vendors on the street.
Girone, a proficient knitter, earned money in the ghetto through a small business she ran. By 1947, visas were arranged so the family could come to the United States. No one was allowed to bring more than $10 with them, Bennicasa explained, but Girone — who is affectionately referred to as “Oma” — had earned $80 through her knitting ventures.
“Oma knit buttons around the money and put them on a sweater,” Bennicasa explained. “She took her hard-earned money with her — nobody was going to tell her she couldn’t take more than $10.”
Arriving in New York with their visas, the family met Girone’s mother, grandmother, aunt and uncle, who were in Brooklyn. Girone divorced her first husband, who Bennicasa referred to as “Opa,” and married her second husband, Jack, in 1968.
Girone’s passion for knitting never wavered throughout her life, and she worked at various stores. She saved money until she was able to open two
shops with a partner — one in Rego Park, Queens, and the other in Forest Hills.
Eventually, she split from her business partner, and became the sole owner of Rose’s Knitting Studio, in a Forest Hills storefront on Austin Street. Her expertise in knitting made her a standout in the industry, and the shop remained successful for 40 years, until it was sold in 1980.
Even after the business closed, Girone would keep knitting — volunteering and teaching the art at libraries, and in other capacities — for many years to come.
Girone lived alone at her Beechhurst, Queens apartment until she was 103, when her family decided to get her an in-home aid. After she was injured in a fall at age 109, Girone was moved to Belair for rehabilitation services — very close to where her family members live in Merrick — and resided there until her death.
“She will always be my Oma, but she was truly ‘The People’s Oma,’” Bennicasa said. “What an amazing life she’s led — she’s a legend and a piece of history.”
Publishing a Facebook post in honor of Girone’s life was the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also known as the Claims Conference, an organization that represents the world’s Jewish population in negotiating for compensation and restitution for victims of Nazi persecution and their heirs.
In the post, Girone’s daughter, Reha, who is also a Holocaust survivor, said: “She was a strong lady, resilient. She made the best of terrible situations. She was very level headed, very commonsensical. There was nothing I couldn’t bring to her to help me solve — ever — from childhood on.”
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Q. We just got over a lot of repairs from a burst pipe under our kitchen sink. The pipes under the sink are back in the outside wall, with insulation around them, but I’m wondering why they said it was still a good idea to let the water drip, even run a little when it gets cold out. It seems wasteful, and I wasn’t sure why they told me that. Is it because they’re not confident in the repairs, or does everybody have to run their water in the winter when pipes could freeze?
A. The work was not repaired correctly and should be redone before it gets too late to get anybody to return to the “scene of the crime.”
Water freezes, and supplyline water that’s buried in outside walls and not kept warm will turn to ice.
Several years ago, a client, who had work done in the summer, called the following winter to say he had no running water in his bathroom sink. The sink was on an exterior wall, but the rationale the installers used for where they put the insulation was that a roof from below came up to meet the outside wall behind the sink. They told the owner that the roof protected the pipe because of how far the sink was set in from the walls below, set back the way it was designed. They cut open the back of the finished sink cabinet and exposed the pipe, telling the owner that he just needed to let the water trickle and keep the cabinet doors open all the time in the winter. I was called after they told the owner that was a bad design. He was very frustrated by the time we spoke, because the plumber and contractor had already returned several times and this was their final answer.
The simple solution, which worked for him and will work for you, is that supply pipes need to be to the warm side of insulation. I saw that the coldand hot-water supply pipes were completely enclosed with insulation. I removed the insulation from the warm side and only kept the full thickness of insulation on the cold side. The roof cavity behind the wall, in drawings that are called building sections, showed that the roof was to be insulated directly behind the wall to create a full barrier of insulation. Because there was now a gaping hole at the back of the cabinet, sloppily cut, I was able to peer in with a mirror and see that there was no insulation in the roof space where it met the wall behind the sinks. None. Once the water supply lines were moved into the cabinet, under the sink, by the plumber, who fortunately did stand behind their work and did return, there was never a problem again.
Locate pipes neatly in the back of the sink cabinet, to the warm side of a fully insulated wall and there should be no more problems. Good luck!
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spring training has begun. Another baseball season is on the way. The French-born cultural historian Jacques Barzun said that “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.”
That was certainly true for my generation. The golden age of baseball in New York, from 1947 to 1956, saw New York’s teams — the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants — win nine World Series and seven pennants among them during that 10-year span. The other 13 major league teams combined for one World Series and three pennants during those years. A subway series, with both World Series teams being from New York, became the expected norm. It was almost taken for granted. During the offseason months of mid-
Everybody has a wish list. I’d like to win the lottery, or take some exotic trip that’s on my bucket list. There are jobs that I would love to have, and there are jobs I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. The worst job I can imagine, the one I would dread having, is being in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the beginning of any Congress member’s career, there is the battle to get your party’s nomination, and then feeling the honor of being the party’s choice. You battle through the drudgery of a campaign and, if you’re lucky, you have the joy of being elected or re-elected. You celebrate with your friends and family, and then, on Jan. 1, you arrive in Washington, preparing for the challenge of being a member of the House.
In today’s Congress, being a majority member is anything but fun. You may have all kinds of ideas about how to help the people back home, but if
October through late February in those years, there would be hot stove league discussions of how our teams would do in the upcoming season, and arguments over whose players were better: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Duke Snider; Roy Campanella or Yogi Berra; Pee Wee Reese or Phil Rizzuto.
is a rivalry missed not just in the five boroughs, but on Long Island, with its plethora of Mets and Yankees fans.
W
Much of that interest lessened when the Dodgers and Giants were hijacked to California after the 1957 season. While there was a rebirth of excitement when the Mets arrived for the 1962 season, it has never been quite the same as during the glory years. Sure, the Mets had their World Series wins in 1969 and 1986, as did the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, and again during the Joe Torre years, at the turn of the century, and under Joe Girardi, in 2009, but except for the 2000 World Series — which the Yankees won — the Yankees and Mets have not faced one another in the World Series. That intraNew York rivalry has not been there. It
e Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken, believe this is our year.
All that could change with both teams now filled with superstars, led by Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who is accumulating home run titles and Most Valuable Player awards, and the Mets making their own run for superstar glory. This winter they hired Juan Soto, perhaps baseball’s most explosive hitter, away from the Yankees with a $750 million contract over the next 15 years.
The Mets already had Francisco Lindor, who finished second in the voting for National League MVP last season, and slugger Pete Alonso, who is second only to Judge in total home runs over the past six seasons, and is poised to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
Last year the Yankees won the American League pennant before falling short against the Dodgers in the World
Series. Before the season, there were low expectations for the Mets. Then, after playing mediocre baseball for most of the regular season, they had an unexpected late-season surge, and actually made it to the National League Championship Series, which they lost to the Dodgers.
This preseason, things are looking very different. Both teams are considered strong contenders to win their league championships. The debates over the teams’ players have already begun, but instead of Mantle vs. Snider or Mays, it’s Judge vs. Soto.
We Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken over the years, now genuinely believe this is our year to supplant the Yankees as New York’s No. 1 team and win it all in the World Series — and that New York’s baseball rivalry is back. Barring the unexpected, 2025 should be a season for metropolitan-area baseball fans to enjoy and remember.
Play ball!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
your wish list doesn’t coincide with the priorities of your party leader, you can forget about your plan. It’s hard enough being away from your family for weeks at a time, but being told to fall in line and follow party dictates, or else, is a bitter pill to swallow.
Let’s talk about the Washington scene as it currently exists. An unelected multi-billionaire named Elon Musk is ignoring the duly elected officials whose job it is to create the budgets that fund our federal agencies. The Constitution says that the Congress is a separate body from the Executive, but in this case an appointee of the Executive is calling all the shots.
Being a member of the House majority sounds great. Believe me, it’s not.
As a representative of scores or even hundreds of thousands of constituents, you’re the one they turn to when they have a federal problem. For example, a decorated military veteran comes seeking your help after being fired from a federal job he held for 10 years. You can hold his hand, but you can’t get him back his paycheck to feed his family and pay his mortgage.
As a well-informed public official, you follow the media to find out what
they know that you don’t know. The latest reports say that your party leadership has proposed making $800 billion in Medicaid cuts to help pay for a tax cut for the rich. Those cuts will decimate the safety net that your constituents rely on to survive, and will affect more than 90 million people nationwide. You can threaten to vote against the package, but there are more nightmares coming.
You may be able to join a handful of other members to get some changes made to the Medicaid cuts, but there are more crazy slashes being proposed. The far-right members have suggested that every person with a student loan pay an additional $200 per month. That mean-spirited idea would affect 45 million Americans. How do you stop that?
Do you remember the state-andlocal-tax proposal that hit suburban homeowners hard when it was included in President Trump’s 2017 budget? Despite his support for eliminating the SALT cap, there has been very little discussion about that benefit in recent weeks. You want a complete repeal of the cap, but it’s out of your hands.
As we enter the final stages of the budget debate, I can’t help recalling the story of the late Assemblyman Lou Wolfe, of upstate Plattsburgh. Wolfe was part of a narrow majority. He enjoyed both Democratic and Conservative Party support. He was asked to vote on a multi-billion-dollar social program. His party leaders promised him financial support in the general election, and assured him he would be “protected.” Came November, Lou lost because of his “bad” vote.
It’s possible that by the time you read this, all of the budget misgivings of the few conscience-driven members will be satisfied. All they have to do at that point is to go home and explain the mass layoffs, the tax cuts for the rich and the hidden program cuts that were buried in the spending plan they voted for. But remember, they had the promise from the leaders that they had nothing to worry about. Oh, the joy of being in the majority.
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.
the death of Hazel Dukes, at age 92, last weekend marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in civil rights leadership, with special significance for Long Island. While Dukes will be remembered nationally for her tenure as president of the NAACP from 1990 to 1992, and for her remarkable 48-year leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1977 until her death, her deep connections to Long Island communities deserve particular attention.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was a neighbor of Rosa Parks, Dukes moved to New York in 1955. She lived in Roslyn Heights for decades, building a life and career that influenced civil rights efforts across the state and the nation.
Named president of the NAACP’s Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn branch in 1969, Dukes quickly emerged as a powerful voice opposing housing discrimination on Long Island. She was instrumental in bringing landmark housing discrimination lawsuits that challenged the entrenched patterns of segregation in Nassau County’s suburbs. These legal actions targeted discriminatory practic-
es that kept minority families out of certain neighborhoods, even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 had made such discrimination illegal.
On Long Island, she worked for the federal Head Start program and became one of the first Black employees in the Nassau County attorney’s office. She also served with the county’s Economic Opportunity Commission, addressing poverty and inequality from within the system. She was the first Black vice chairwoman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, which gave her a platform to advocate for integrated housing throughout Nassau County. She also served on the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982.
Dukes’ own educational journey illustrates her belief in education as a path to opportunity. She studied at Nassau Community College before earning a degree in business administration from Adelphi University in Garden City in 1978. Her local educational experience strengthened her advocacy for quality education for all communities.
What makes Dukes’ Long Island connection so significant is that she addressed civil rights not as an abstract
To the Editor:
National Consumer Protection Week, observed through March 8, offers an important reminder for consumers to stay alert against fraudulent schemes that prey on our vulnerability. Recent guidance from PSEG Long Island has shed light on the alarming tactics employed by scammers, and we believe it is essential that our community take note of these warnings.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick unsuspecting customers. They frequently impersonate reputable companies, such as PSEG L.I., using advanced phone spoofing technology that displays familiar numbers on caller ID. In many cases, these fraudsters call with an urgent demand for immediate payment, falsely claiming that failure to comply will result in an immediate power shutoff. This tactic is designed to induce panic and force quick decisions without proper verification.
It is crucial for consumers to know that PSEG Long Island never requests payments through external web-based electronic services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. The only approved payment methods are those offered through our secure channels, such as My Account, the mobile app, or text messaging. Additionally, any request for a deposit in relation to priority meter installations is fraudulent, because we do not require a deposit for such services.
If anyone receives an unexpected call or email threatening an imminent power shutoff while demanding payment, it is imperative to pause, take a
concept, but rather as lived reality in suburban America. While much of the civil rights movement focused on urban centers or the South, she recognized that segregation and opportunity gaps were just as widespread — if sometimes less visible — in prosperous suburban communities like those across Long Island.
Her nearly five decades leading the NAACP’s New York State Conference allowed her to maintain consistent focus on issues affecting communities like ours. That persistence brought meaningful change to institutional practices and policies that had limited opportunities for minority residents.
As we look at Long Island today, we see both the progress Dukes helped achieve and the challenges we continue to face in creating truly equal opportunity. The diversity of our communities has increased, but disparities in housing, education and economic opportunity persist.
In the years ahead, let’s be sure to honor Dukes’ legacy by making Long Island — and the entire country — a place where discrimination is not tolerated, and where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity.
step back, and verify the authenticity of the communication. Instead of responding immediately, customers should contact PSEG Long Island using the phone number found on their billing statement, (800) 490-0025. This simple step can prevent a great deal of financial loss and stress.
As we have honored National Consumer Protection Week, we have urged
all community members to share this important information with friends, family and neighbors. Together, by remaining vigilant and verifying every unexpected request for payment, we can safeguard our community from falling victim to these scams. Staying informed and cautious not only protects our finances, but also strengthens community trust. Every
when violence and criminality threaten public safety, local governments must step up and do their part to keep their communities secure. As Nassau County executive, I believe that our recent partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is essential to combating dangerous threats to county residents.
Under our new program, 10 Nassau county detectives have been appointed for cross-designation and embedding with ICE. These officers will work hand in hand with our federal partners to target and pursue illegal migrants who are engaged in criminal activities in our neighborhoods. The county is also making jail cells available to ICE to detain these criminals for up to 72 hours, after which they will be relocated out of the county or deported.
My decision to implement this program is a necessary response to the serious public safety concerns we all face. Nassau County isn’t a sanctuary county,
but our residents have repeatedly been targeted by violent acts by illegal migrants.
There have been many examples in just the past couple of years. On Oct. 16, 2024, an illegal migrant from Honduras allegedly raped a 5-year-old girl, a Nassau County resident. Not even a month later, six illegal migrants from Chile and Venezuela burglarized a local jewelry store using saws and advanced technology. A county judge was forced to release five of the criminals because of bail reform, and they escaped accountability by fleeing the county.
ito wipe out the entire population of Long Island.
The crimes being committed by illegal migrants are completely unacceptable to me and my administration. We need to bring law and order to our streets, and our partnership with ICE is just one crucial step toward achieving that goal.
t will mirror similar ones nationwide that target terrorism, gang violence and illegal drugs.
Last February, an illegal migrant stole a pro-Israel flag from a porch in Hewlett and brutally assaulted the homeowner who confronted him.
In January 2023, eight illegal migrants who were part of a South American drug ring were arrested in connection with a string of burglaries and larcenies that targeted high-end homes and businesses across the county. Later that year, another illegal migrant was arrested on the North Shore for carrying three kilograms of pure fentanyl, which authorities say would be enough
action contributes to defeating these scams and preserving our service reliability.
PSEG LONG ISLANd
To the Editor:
Will Sheeline was absolutely correct in his column last week, “ d estroying Roosevelt’s legacy.” President Trump’s promised “golden age” is intended to re-create Mark Twain’s: golden for those having the gold, the gilt-edge securities, gold mines and gold $Trump crypto-coin.
Today’s golden children feel their glory has been stolen, and want it back, with interest, and with punishment for the thieves. But the demands go far beyond T.R.’s trust-busting and conservation crimes to include F d R’s New d eal “larceny.” Taft-Hartley, Social Security, and the rest of those alphabet agencies are being undone because they’re seen as obstacles to the promised land of corporate “free markets and personal responsibility,” as The Washington Post’s Jeff Bezos puts it.
Trump’s last-term hero was the genocidal, court-defying Andrew Jackson. This time it’s the empire-building colonialist William McKinley. This last is unfair to McKinley, but is how the ignorant Trump sees him.
BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre
Public safety has been, and always will be, one of my top priorities. I am proud to say that I have hired nearly 300 new police officers during my time in office. That effort has helped us maintain our standing as the safest county in the United States, an honor bestowed on us by U.S. News & World Report.
The county’s partnership with ICE will further bolster public safety by mirroring similar partnerships that are implemented nationwide to tackle issues like terrorism, gang violence and illegal drugs. In Nassau County’s case, I believe that working with federal officials to stop dangerous criminals is the best thing we can do to protect our streets.
I want to reassure our residents that this program will only target criminals
To the Editor:
How will we calculate the number of lives Elon Musk will take with his comical “chainsaw massacre”?
What will the death count be in the United States, and around the world, from the withholding of food, drinking water, medical supplies and treatment, vaccinations, and emergency services for natural and manmade disasters? From the removal of the guardians of public safety from food, drugs, diseases, fire, air pollution and workplace dangers?
From the debasement of services to our military veterans and the politicization of the military? From the disabling of the alliances and treaties that have kept a troubled world from World War III since 1945?
From the abatement of research in health, climate, defense, agriculture and countless other areas of vast public interest? From the defunding of early child care and education at every level, up through university and graduate studies — the very keys to hope and advancement that mitigate against social class ossifying into a caste system in which crime is the only outlet for deprivation?
Perhaps the cost will be incalculable, but it is the responsibility of our remaining nonMAGA media to report these casualties and not to relate what’s going on simply as a streamlining of government costs against the whining of a few disgruntled former sucklers at the public teat.
GENE J. MANN Bayville
who are illegal migrants. It is not designed to target law-abiding waiters, busboys, landscapers, service station workers and others who are not criminals, even if they may not be in the U.S. legally. Individuals will only be scrutinized if they are suspected of committing crimes that are separate and apart from their immigration status.
Cruel rumors have been spread about this program targeting and detaining immigrant children. I want to state emphatically that these are false and deceitful lies. Our partnership with ICE will not target children or include raids on schools, churches or communities. Victims and witnesses who report crimes or call 911 for emergency services will not be asked about their immigration status.
As we move forward, it is vital to acknowledge that Nassau County takes pride in its rich cultural diversity. Lawabiding residents should not be concerned about this program. Its primary goal is to safeguard our communities and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable and eliminated as threats. We are committed to a safe and secure county for all its residents, and this program is a critical step in that ongoing mission.
Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.
In the biographical notes accompanying U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen’s column, “Government must be efficient, coherent and transparent,” in
last week’s issue, the congresswoman was mistakenly identified as Laura Curran. The Herald regrets the error.
In 1993, Anita Rothenberg of Valley Stream was first admitted to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ER in Oceanside and treated for a heart attack at the age of 37. She recovered, raised a family and worked as a teacher on Long Island for the next 29 years. Then, in November of 2022, an angiogram showed three blocked arteries. She underwent triple bypass surgery a few days later at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan and completed her cardiac rehabilitation close to home at Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Mount Sinai South Nassau o ers comprehensive heart care for Long Islanders, and has received the following ratings and quality awards:
• Rated High Performing in heart attack and heart failure from U.S. News & World Report ® for 2024-2025
• Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention™
• Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™
• Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures
• Named among the top five percent in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures by Healthgrades
L ea r n mo r e a t mountsinai.org/southnassauheart